Dancer

The term dancer covers a range of different styles of dancing, including: classical ballet, modern, ethnic, folk, jazz, contemporary, belly-dancing, country and western, dramatic dance, Spanish, tap, aerobic, mime, nightclub and ballroom. For as long as can be remembered, dancers have conveyed a concept or message to an audience and have expressed stories, rhythm, ideas and sound with their bodies. Those who dream of a dancing career rarely think about the reality of the self-discipline required and the rigorous and arduous lessons and rehearsals that require many hours including weekends and holidays.


Professional dancers are subjected to prolonged, irregular and taxing working schedules that require physical and mental stamina. They participate in regular training sessions, rehearsals and performances. Dancing is a strenuous career and its demand for physical perfection requires constant attention to diet, fitness and health.

The choreographer creates new dance works and should have a comprehensive knowledge of all the relevant aspects of dance in order to translate his ideas into dance compositions.

The choreologist notates new dance works and reads written notation scores: in this way he assists the dance master who is responsible for the teaching and rehearsing of dance repertoire.

Dance teachers are involved with the instruction and scientific training of children and students in basic dance techniques and for dance examinations.

The dance historian teaches and researches the history of dance and provides an academic and philosophic perspective on the cultural development of this art.


Personal Requirements

  • dedicated to dance
  • perseverance
  • physical stamina and good feet
  • flexible, agile and graceful
  • sense of rhythm
  • feeling for music and creative ability
  • able to work as part of a dance team


Employment

  • performing arts councils
  • television and theatres
  • general entertainment industries
  • dance schools, as a teacher
  • work on a freelance basis
  • self-employment, with own dance studio
There is a higher demand for talented male dancers as the number of female dancers generally exceeds the number of jobs available.


Getting Started

  • take dancing lessons and pass as many dancing examinations as possible
  • attend and watch dance rehearsals and dance performances whenever possible
  • make an appointment to speak to a dancer about this type of career


Programmes

Boston City Campus and Business College does not offer a programme that leads directly to this occupation. Please take a look at the related occupations below to see whether any of these appeal to you. Alternately, please send an email to taryn@boston.co.za and a Student Advisor will call you back.


Related Occupations


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