Dance Major Careers

Area

Employer

Information/Strategies

Performance and Choreography

• Performing arts companies:
  • Dance
  • Theatre
  • Opera
  • Touring
• Broadway
• Off broadway
• Television and motion picture industries and studios:
  • Television shows
  • Commercials
  • Movies
  • Music videos
• Amusement and recreation venues:
  • Theme parks
  • Cruise ships
  • Resorts
  • Casinos
  • Restaurants
  • Sporting events
• Self-employed/freelance work

• Begin formal training in classical dance and later move towards a particular style.
• Join campus and community organizations dedicated to dance.
• Prepare for professional auditions by participating in dance competitions and enrolling in summer training programs and workshops.
• Rehearse on a regular basis to stay in top form.
• Maintain good health and physical stamina.
• Obtain formal training in vocal performance and drama.
• Develop a broad understanding of music, literature, history, and other arts to help interpret ideas and feelings in dance.
• Although completing a college degree is not essential for a career as a professional dancer, it is necessary for many other dance related occupations.
• Opportunities are limited for full time work. Many dancers hold other jobs.
• Understand that dancers may work long and late hours since many rehearsals and productions are in the evenings.
• Prepare to relocate to areas with higher concentrations of art and dance related employers such as New York City, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
• For choreography positions, consider the following:
  • Seek formal training and experience in dancing first.
  • Serve as choreographer for local dance schools and camps and for student performances on campus.
  • Accumulate years of dance experience to build a professional reputation.
  • Develop expertise in music, costuming, and staging.

Education

• K-12 schools, public and private
• Colleges and universities
• Private dance studios and schools
• Conservatories
• Performing arts camps
• Community agencies
• Adult education and continuing education programs
• Physical fitness centers

• Acquire a teaching certificate for public school teaching. Learn about requirements by state.
• Earn a graduate degree to teach in higher education and many conservatories. Specialize in an area such as ballet, modern, jazz, etc.
• Develop strong communication skills and teaching ability through coursework and campus activities.
• Gain experience working with children through volunteer or part-time work.
• Become proficient in many styles and forms of dance.

Administration

• Cultural organizations and arts councils
• Theaters and arts venues
• Dance companies
• Dance studios and academies
• Musical theater production companies
• Dance festivals
• National Endowment for the Arts

• Pursue education in arts management, business, or non-profit management.
• Join organizations that plan and host campus cultural attractions and entertainment events.
• Develop administrative, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Participate in internships and/or volunteer activities to gain related experience.
• Learn how to write grants and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Dance/Movement Therapy

• Schools and special education settings
• Nursing homes
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Psychiatric and medical hospitals
• Community mental health agencies
• Wellness centers
• Alternative health centers
• Private practice

• Take courses in psychology, social work, education, or child and family studies along with developing a broad education in dance.
• A master’s degree in dance/movement therapy, counseling, or psychology and a clinical internship in dance therapy are required. After completion, you hold the Dance Therapist Registered (DTR) designation.
• Learn to work well with many types of people and develop excellent communication skills.
• Volunteer in a rehabilitation setting.
• Join the American Dance Therapy Association.

Media

• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Websites
• Book publishers

• Develop excellent grammar and writing skills along with knowledge of the history and culture of dance.
• Write for campus or local newspapers. Create a portfolio of writing samples, especially those that have been published.
• Seek opportunities for recognition and networking through writing contests and freelance writing submissions.
• Learn HTML and other computer programs to prepare for online work. This area of journalism is growing while print is declining.
• Become comfortable working in a deadline-oriented atmosphere.