Dancer/Choreographer

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Work Tasks

• Use body movements to express an idea, a story, or rhythm and sound
• Do ballet, tap, folk, ethnic, jazz, modern, or other types of dances
• Make up new dances and teach them to others
• Perform alone or with other dancers on stages, in classrooms, or in TV and movie studios
• Work for dance and theater companies, movie and TV companies, either alone or with others
• Use costumes, make-up, stage sets, props, lighting and sound equipment, scripts, teaching books, and musical scores

Salary, Size & Growth

• $43,500 average per year ($21.00 per hour)
• A small occupation (23,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.6% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: Training in classical dance styles at a ballet or other type of dance school, usually starting at an early age
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year or master's degree in dance, theater, or fine arts
• Skills/Courses: Courses include training in a ballet or other type of dance company.
• Certification/Licensing: Dancers who teach in public schools must be certified.