Dancers

What the job really is

Perform dances. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for video recording.

At a glance

• Sector: Arts, Design & Media
• O*NET-SOC code: 27-2031
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Study and practice dance moves required in roles.
• Harmonize body movements to rhythm of musical accompaniment.
• Train, exercise, and attend dance classes to maintain high levels of technical proficiency, physical ability, and physical fitness.
• Coordinate dancing with that of partners or dance ensembles.
• Develop self-understanding of physical capabilities and limitations, and choose dance styles accordingly.
• Perform classical, modern, or acrobatic dances in productions, expressing stories, rhythm, and sound with their bodies.
• Collaborate with choreographers to refine or modify dance steps.
• Audition for dance roles or for membership in dance companies.
• Attend costume fittings, photography sessions, and makeup calls associated with dance performances.
• Monitor the field of dance to remain aware of current trends and innovations.
• Prepare pointe shoes, by sewing or other means, for use in rehearsals and performance.
• Perform in productions, singing or acting in addition to dancing, if required.

Tools and technology

Adobe Photoshop, Facebook, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Apple Final Cut Pro, Balance balls, Choreography software, Dance barres, Exercise bands, Laptop computers, LinkedIn, Men's Latin dance shoes

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Choreographers
• Musicians and Singers
• Actors
• Music Directors and Composers
• Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
• Talent Directors
• Self-Enrichment Teachers
• Athletes and Sports Competitors

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Dancers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.