The Ultimate Guide to Pursuing a Career in Dance
How to Be a Professional Dancer
Do you love dancing and dream of making it your career? Do you want to perform on stage, in movies, or on TV? Do you want to express yourself through movement and art? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be interested in becoming a professional dancer.
How to Be a Professional Dancer
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Introduction
What is a professional dancer?
A professional dancer is someone who dances for a living. They are trained and skilled in one or more styles of dance, such as ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, or tap. They perform in various settings, such as theaters, studios, festivals, concerts, or clubs. They may work as soloists, in groups, or as part of a larger ensemble. They may also choreograph their own routines or follow the instructions of a director or a choreographer.
Why become a professional dancer?
Becoming a professional dancer can be rewarding and fulfilling for many reasons. Some of them are:
You get to do what you love and share it with others.
You get to express yourself creatively and emotionally.
You get to challenge yourself physically and mentally.
You get to travel and meet new people.
You get to learn new skills and grow as an artist.
How to start your journey as a professional dancer?
Becoming a professional dancer is not easy. It takes passion, dedication, hard work, and talent. It also requires planning, preparation, and perseverance. Here are some steps you can take to start your journey as a professional dancer:
Body
Choose your dance style and genre
The first step is to decide what kind of dance you want to pursue professionally. There are many styles and genres of dance, each with its own history, culture, rules, and techniques. Some of the most popular ones are:
Ballet
Ballet is a classical form of dance that originated in France in the 17th century. It is characterized by grace, elegance, precision, and discipline. It involves performing specific movements and poses on the tips of the toes (pointe), accompanied by music. Ballet dancers wear tight-fitting costumes, such as leotards, tutus, tights, and ballet shoes.
Contemporary
Contemporary is a modern form of dance that emerged in the 20th century. It is influenced by various styles of dance, such as ballet, jazz, hip hop, and ethnic dances. It is characterized by freedom, creativity, experimentation, and expression. It involves performing fluid, dynamic, and unpredictable movements, often in response to the music, the environment, or the emotions. Contemporary dancers wear loose-fitting or casual clothes, such as leggings, t-shirts, or dresses.
Hip hop
Hip hop is a street form of dance that originated in the United States in the 1970s. It is influenced by various cultures, such as African, Latin, and Asian. It is characterized by energy, attitude, rhythm, and style. It involves performing fast, sharp, and syncopated movements, often with elements of improvisation and interaction. Hip hop dancers wear urban or sporty clothes, such as jeans, hoodies, sneakers, or caps.
Jazz
Jazz is a popular form of dance that originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is influenced by various genres of music, such as blues, swing, rock, and pop. It is characterized by fun, flair, and flexibility. It involves performing lively, expressive, and varied movements, often with elements of kicks, leaps, turns, and spins. Jazz dancers wear colorful or flashy clothes, such as skirts, tops, shorts, or boots.
Tap
Tap is a musical form of dance that originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It is influenced by various styles of dance, such as Irish, African, and English. It is characterized by sound, rhythm, and coordination. It involves performing intricate footwork and patterns on a hard surface (tap), creating percussive sounds with the metal plates attached to the shoes (taps). Tap dancers wear comfortable or formal clothes, such as pants, shirts, dresses, or suits.
These are just some examples of dance styles and genres. You can choose one or more of them based on your preference, interest, ability, and goal. You can also explore other styles and genres that are not mentioned here.
Train hard and regularly
The second step is to train hard and regularly in your chosen dance style and genre. Training is essential for improving your skills and technique as a dancer. It also helps you develop your physical fitness and mental toughness. Here are some ways you can train as a professional dancer:
Take classes from reputable teachers and schools
Taking classes from reputable teachers and schools can help you learn the fundamentals and advanced aspects of your dance style and genre. They can also provide you with feedback and guidance on how to improve your performance. You can find classes online or offline that suit your level, schedule, budget, and location.
Practice on your own or with a partner
Practicing on your own or with a partner can help you reinforce what you learned in class and work on your weaknesses and strengths as a dancer. It can also help you develop your own style and personality as a dancer. You can practice at home or in a studio that has enough space and equipment for your dance style and genre.
Join a dance company or troupe
Joining a dance company or troupe can help you gain experience and exposure as a professional dancer. It can also help you network with other dancers and professionals in the industry. You can join a dance company or troupe that matches your dance style and genre and offers opportunities for performances and competitions.
Develop your skills and technique
The third step is to develop your skills and technique as a professional dancer. Skills and technique are the foundation of your performance as a dancer. They also determine your level of competence and confidence as a dancer. Here are some ways you can develop your skills and technique as a professional dancer:
Learn from feedback and criticism
Learning from feedback and criticism can help you identify your areas of improvement and growth as a dancer. It can also help you overcome your challenges and mistakes as a dancer. You can seek feedback and criticism from your teachers, peers, mentors, judges, audiences, or yourself.
Watch and study other dancers
Watching and studying other dancers can help you learn new skills and techniques from them. It can also help you appreciate different styles and genres of dance. You can watch and study other dancers live or online that inspire you or challenge you as a dancer.
Work on your flexibility, strength, and stamina
Master the basics and learn new moves
Mastering the basics and learning new moves can help you improve your technical skills as a dancer. It can also help you expand your repertoire and versatility as a dancer. You can master the basics by practicing them regularly and correcting your errors; and learn new moves by trying different combinations and variations.
Build your portfolio and network
The fourth step is to build your portfolio and network as a professional dancer. Portfolio and network are the tools that can help you showcase your work and connect with opportunities as a dancer. They can also help you establish your reputation and credibility as a dancer. Here are some ways you can build your portfolio and network as a professional dancer:
Perform in shows, competitions, and events
Performing in shows, competitions, and events can help you display your skills and talent as a dancer. It can also help you gain exposure and recognition as a dancer. You can perform in shows, competitions, and events that are relevant to your dance style and genre and offer rewards or benefits for your career.
Create a demo reel and a resume
Creating a demo reel and a resume can help you document your achievements and experience as a dancer. It can also help you market yourself and apply for jobs as a dancer. You can create a demo reel that showcases your best performances in different styles and genres of dance; and a resume that highlights your education, training, awards, and references as a dancer.
Connect with other dancers, choreographers, and agents
Connecting with other dancers, choreographers, and agents can help you learn from their expertise and advice as professionals. It can also help you find opportunities and collaborations as a dancer. You can connect with other dancers, choreographers, and agents through social media, online platforms, or personal contacts.
Use social media and online platforms to showcase your work
Using social media and online platforms to showcase your work can help you reach a wider audience and potential clients as a dancer. It can also help you create your own brand and identity as a dancer. You can use social media and online platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook to share your videos, photos, or stories as a dancer.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
To sum up, becoming a professional dancer is a rewarding but challenging career path. It requires passion, dedication, hard work, and talent. It also requires planning, preparation, and perseverance. To become a professional dancer, you need to:
Choose your dance style and genre.
Train hard and regularly.
Develop your skills and technique.
Build your portfolio and network.
Call to action for aspiring professional dancers
If you are an aspiring professional dancer, don't let anything stop you from pursuing your dream. Follow these steps and tips to start your journey as a professional dancer. Remember that it is not an easy journey, but it is worth it. You have the potential to become a great dancer if you believe in yourself and work hard for it. So go ahead and dance your way to success!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about becoming a professional dancer:
How long does it take to become a professional dancer?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on various factors such as your age, level of skill, style of dance, genre of dance, goals, opportunities, etc. However, generally speaking, it takes several years of training and experience to become a professional dancer.
How much do professional dancers earn?
The income of professional dancers varies depending on their location, type of work, level of experience, reputation, etc. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for dancers was $18.68 per hour or $38,890 per year in 2020.
What are the benefits of being a professional dancer?
Some of the benefits of being a professional dancer are:
You get to do what you love and share it with others.
You get to express yourself creatively and emotionally.
You get to challenge yourself physically and mentally.
You get to travel and meet new people.
You get to learn new skills and grow as an artist.
What are the challenges of being a professional dancer?
Some of the challenges of being a professional dancer are:
You have to deal with competition and rejection.
You have to cope with stress and pressure.
You have to face injuries and health issues.
You have to balance your personal and professional life.
You have to adapt to changing trends and demands.
What are some tips for aspiring professional dancers?
Some of the tips for aspiring professional dancers are:
Be passionate and dedicated to your craft.
Be open-minded and willing to learn from others.
Be flexible and versatile in your style and genre.
Be confident and positive in your attitude and performance.
Be proactive and persistent in your pursuit of opportunities.
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