Dance Call or Lecture Hall: Which Stage Will You Step Onto?

So, you want to be a professional dancer? Good news — there’s no single path to success! Whether you start young or later in life, pursue college, or jump straight into auditions, many opportunities exist for those willing to put in the work. If you're debating between heading to college or going straight into the dance industry, here are some things you need to consider.

Is Starting Young Essential to Become a Professional Dancer?

Not necessarily! While starting young provides more time to train, dancers who begin in their teens or even adulthood can still make it—as long as they have passion and commit to the necessary hours of training. Broadening your idea of a professional dance career can reveal many unexpected opportunities, it’s important to look for auditions that fit your abilities and strengths.

Job Options for Professional Dancers

A career in dance extends far beyond ballet companies. Here are just some of the performance-based jobs available:

• Cruise ship dancer
• Theme Park performer
• Touring shows
• Musical theatre dancer (regional theatres, touring companies, union theatres, etc.)
• Review or cabaret dancer
• Music video or concert tour dancer (known as a commercial dancer)
• Professional sports team dance crew
• TV, film, and commercial background dancer
• Dance company member (ballet, contemporary, modern, hip-hop, etc.)
• Gig dancer for private events, conventions, or production companies

After High School: College vs. Straight to Auditions

You don’t need a college degree to become a professional dancer. Some dancers start working right out of high school, while others pursue a degree in dance or a non-dance field before diving into their careers. Here are things to consider when choosing the path that’s right for you:

Straight into the Industry:

• Start auditioning! Audition as much as you can, focus on jobs that suit you but if you have an opportunity to go to an audition take it – You never know what job might be the one. As a professional dancer, your primary job is auditioning.
• Don’t be discouraged or take it personally when you get cut! You never know what a casting team is looking for… It may be a ‘no’ this time, but if you audition well and the casting director sees you multiple times, they might remember you for a role better suited to your skills and reach out.
• Continue your training with workshops, masterclasses, and intensives while freelancing as a dancer.
• Find a “survival job” that’s within the dance/performance world so you can network and meet others in the industry, possibly leading to future job opportunities.
• Build your dance wardrobe with professional-quality gear from Linden’s Dancewear to ensure you're performance-ready.

College Path:

• Gain structured training and networking opportunities through a dance program.
• Earn a degree that could support future career shifts (such as choreography, teaching, or arts administration).
• Use college resources like studios, videography equipment, and guest workshops to build your resume and reel.
• Stay prepared with durable dancewear from Linden’s Dancewear to make the most of your training.

Preparing for a Dance Career in High School

Whichever path you take there are many things you can do to prepare for a professional dance career while you’re still in high school!

Try Different Things: Use this time in your training to experience different styles and techniques, you never know what you might fall in love with. Try a tap class, join the choir, take an acro class, try different things and broaden your horizon. You might not end up as a professional tapper, but having experience in a variety of styles is desirable on a resume and will give you “Special Skills” that will make you stand out at your next audition.

Research: Think about what you would enjoy doing in the future and research it. Be open to other paths as you explore, you never know what opportunities might appear. A less well-known career path may present itself while you’re investigating and be your perfect fit!

If Ballet is Your Goal: Audition for as many summer intensives and pre-professional programs as possible. Most ballet companies prefer younger dancers and have strict audition age limits for trainee positions (usually around 17-21).

If You’re Exploring Other Dance Careers: Use summer break to attend intensives that work on your desired focus, train in different styles, or audition for a theme park or theatre gig to get real-world experience.

If You’re a Senior: Decide whether college or going directly to auditioning and industry work is best for you. Consider audition opportunities, financial aid options, backup career interests, your learning style, and long-term goals when making this decision.

Launching Your Dance Career in College

For Dance Majors:

• Take advantage of college resources like free studio space, performance opportunities, and networking.
• Film your dancing and create a professional reel while you have access to studio space and recording equipment.
• Audition for professional summer jobs to build experience and your resume before graduation.

For Non-Dance Majors:

• Stay in shape by taking college dance classes, joining a dance club, going to the gym, or training at a local studio.
• Look for evening or weekend dance auditions and gigs that fit your schedule.
• Consider online college programs if you want to pursue a dance career while finishing a degree in another field.

How Much Do Professional Dancers Make?

Salaries vary widely based on the job and location. Dancers can earn anywhere from $15-$20/hour on the lower end, while higher-paying gigs (such as tours or well-established companies) can pay over $200 per day. Many dancers supplement their income with teaching, choreography, or side jobs.

Transitioning to Dance from Another Career

If you’re switching careers into dance, prioritize consistent technical dance training, consider joining a gym to build your athleticism and endurance, create a strong audition reel, and audition as much as possible. Consider keeping part-time work to provide financial stability while building your dance resume.

Final Thoughts

There’s no “right” way to become a professional dancer. Whether you train intensively in college, go straight into auditions, or start later in life, success comes down to dedication, persistence, adaptability, and a little luck. The key is to keep learning, keep moving, be friendly and respectful to those you meet on the way, and seize opportunities as they come! Make sure you have high-quality dancewear and gear from Linden’s Dancewear to support you on your journey.

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