What can I do with this degree?
DANCE
AREAS
PERFORMANCE AND CHOREOGRAPHY
Ballet
Modern
Jazz
Tap
Theater Dance
Culturally-Specific Dance
EMPLOYERS
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
STRATEGIES
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.
AREAS
EDUCATION
Formalized Instruction
Recreational Instruction
EMPLOYERS
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
STRATEGIES
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.
AREAS
ADMINISTRATION
Arts Management
Company Management
Artistic Direction
Promotion
Tour Management
Facilities Management
Event Planning
Booking
Public Relations
EMPLOYERS
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
STRATEGIES
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.
AREAS
DANCE/MOVEMENT THERAPY
Dance therapists work with individuals, couples, families or groups using both verbal counseling techniques and movement interventions.
EMPLOYERS
Schools and special education settings
Nursing homes
Rehabilitation facilities
Psychiatric and medical hospitals
Community mental health agencies
Wellness centers
Alternative health centers
Private practice
STRATEGIES
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.
AREAS
MEDIA
Dance Writing
Dance Criticism
Dance History
EMPLOYERS
Newspapers
Magazines
Websites
Book publishers
STRATEGIES
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.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Because of keen competition in the field, dancers and choreographers often go through periods of unemployment. Develop other skills that qualify you for alternative work when between dance jobs.
Dance is a physically demanding profession; many dancers stop performing in their late thirties and transition to other related fields.
Perseverance, self-discipline, and patience are important traits to cultivate along with physical stamina and creative abilities.
Learn how to deal with rejection and criticism as these can be common when auditioning for jobs.
Join a relevant union or guild to be eligible for work assignments.
Some students may pursue the Master of Fine Arts in Dance to further their careers in performance or choreography. Others will earn a Master of Arts to pursue careers in dance history, dance critique, or arts management. The bachelor's degree can also serve as preparation for a variety of other graduate programs including law and business.
Students pursuing a degree in dance may choose to work outside the field of performing arts. Many career areas, such as sales and management, are open to people from nearly any discipline if they have developed transferable skills and sought relevant experience.
Some niche areas exist within the dance industry such as dance notation and reconstruction which is typically done by freelancers or dance professors.
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2009) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer