Dancer and Choreographer

• Bachelor of Dance Performance

Ask a professional dancer when they first showed promise as a dancer, and many will tell you that they always danced in front of the television or radio. 'Mum would always remind me that I often wanted to dance for visitors, so I guess it was a sign,' says a professional dancer who has danced and sang in her fair share of Australian dance productions.

Not quite the career you are looking for? Please try the related course profiles below:

Artistic and Creative

Set Builders, Props Makers, Scenic Artists,  Lighting, Sound, Staging, Vision Technicians,  Stage Managers,  Theatrical Costume Maker (Costumier),  Designers for Theatre, Performance and Events,  Graphic and Multimedia Designer,  Photographer,  Event Coordinator,  Baker and Pastry Chef,  Make-up Artist,  Film, Stage, TV and Radio Director,  Jeweller and Gem Cutter,  Dancer and Choreographer,  Musician,  Computer Animator,  Sound Engineer / Sound Technician,  Author/ Book Editor,  Landscape Gardener,  Artist,  Beauty Therapist,  Florist,  Actor,  Copywriter,  Aromatherapist,  Interior Decorator,  Painters and Decorator,  Signwriter,  Hairdresser,  Webmaster/ Website Administrator,  Marketing and Advertising Specialists

Currently 23% of those employed in the industry have Bachelor degrees, 20% have Certificate III or IV, 11% have Advanced Diploma's or Diploma's and 7% have Postgraduate Degree's. While 33% of the industry have no post-school qualifications it is highly recommended that further study be undertaken to remain competitive in the industry. To become a professional dancer, its necessary to complete some form of recognised training.

TAFE SA offers the following courses to help you find employment in this occupation: Bachelor of Dance Performance and Advanced Diploma of Arts (Acting).

Still Unsure? Then enrol in a short course also offered through TAFE SA such as Introduction to Acting. For further information about these and related courses go to the TAFE SA website http://www.tafe.sa.edu.au.

The University of South Australia offers a Bachelor of Media Arts (Performing Arts) degree.

Other possible career paths for dancers include theatre management, costume and wardrobe design/making, theatre production or dance teaching.

Some dancers are employed full time with companies such as the Australian Ballet Company, and contemporary dance companies. Many work on a freelance basis. They may find work in local productions and shows and often register with a local modelling or acting agency which may sometimes be looking for dancers. Although labour market forecasts indicate strong employment growth for dancers, industry sources stress that occupational numbers are small and only a small percentage of aspiring dancers secure employment in this highly competitive occupation. They also recommend that professional dancers be classically trained. If your heart is really set on working in this occupation and if you're prepared to travel interstate or overseas, your prospects may be brighter.

Cultural and Recreational Services

To be updated.

Whether we were watching people such as Brittney, Astaire, Baryshnikov or a graceful ballet dance troupe, we've all been moved by breathtaking dance performances in our lives. Professional dancers, true performers at heart, leave audiences spell-bound with their fluid, well-timed and graceful routines. Dancers entertain us with the numerous styles of dance in which they are proficient. However, they typically focus on and perfect one style, either ballet, ballroom dancing, jazz, tap or modern dance.

Step into a dance studio where professional dancers train, and you'll soon realise how much effort a life in this career requires. Remember when you were last captivated by a seemingly effortless dance production? Countless hours of rehearsal would have gone into the performance. Its equally important that dancers do plenty of training to maintain their strength and stamina. To avoid injury and to maintain health, they must understand how the body works and know which foods keep their stamina levels high.

Some dancers may be employed on a full time basis by a dance company. Like all other people who go to work every morning, these dancers go to the studio at the start of each day and practice. Those who aren't employed full time, maintain their fitness and practise dance movements while getting themselves ready for auditions for that big upcoming role. Dancers may be managed by an agent, otherwise dancers look for work themselves. High levels of competition make this an occupation in which having contacts in the industry is just as important as displaying good dancing form.

The Creative Vision behind Dance Dancers take their cues from a choreographer. Often former dancers, choreographers are like writers. Just as a writer tells a story or expresses an idea using words, a choreographer translates stories, ideas and moods into various dance movements and sequences for dancers. They also choose the dancers they consider most suitable to interpret their work. In addition, choreographers select the music, the sound effects or spoken narrative that is to accompany their dance routines. The dancers themselves may contribute to the choreographic process, sharing their thoughts on how a dance step or sequence could be improved. In small dance companies, choreographers may also be responsible for designing a set and costumes. Choreographers attend rehearsals, and they communicate with a production's technical crew, such as the artistic director and set designer. Their work is very intense, and they work long and irregular hours. People who want to work in this occupation need to have an interest in different musical styles and great communication skills to assist others to interpret their dance movements. Some dancers decide to focus on choreographic work and teaching, according to former dancer, who has also danced in Cinderella and other productions, choreographed Peter and The Wolf.

For further information, contact:

Ausdance (SA)
GPO Box 1810 Adelaide SA 5001
Ph: (08) 8212 0825
Fax: (08) 8212 0830
Email: sa@ausdance.org.au
Internet Address: http://www.ausdance.org.au

Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (SA/NT)
First Floor 241 Pirie St Adelaide SA 5000
Ph: (08) 8223 6055
Fax: (08) 8223 7176
Email: sa@alliance.org.au
Internet Address: http://www.alliance.org.au

The starting salary for dancers is about $38,000- $45,000 per year. Full time dancers employed by Ballet Companies or a contemporary dance company can earn above this average.

For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au