A dancer is a professional who uses movement and physical expression to entertain, tell stories, or communicate ideas and emotions. Dancers may perform in theatre productions, television, film, music videos, or live shows, and can specialise in styles such as ballet, contemporary, hip hop, or ballroom. The job requires dedication, physical fitness, creativity, and the ability to learn and remember choreography. Training often begins at a young age and can involve attending dance schools, colleges, or conservatoires. In addition to performing, many dancers also teach or choreograph to supplement their income. The career can be physically demanding, and professional dancers must maintain their fitness and take care to avoid injuries.
Professional dancers in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £50,000 per year, depending on experience, employer, and type of dance.
There are approximately 30,000 people employed in dance-related roles across the UK, according to One Dance UK.
Many dancers work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, with rehearsals and performances often taking place outside of standard office times.
Performs classical ballet routines in theatres, dance companies, or schools, often working as part of an ensemble or as a soloist.
Specialises in contemporary dance styles, expressing ideas or stories through modern movement and choreography.
Performs dance routines as part of stage musicals, combining dance with acting and singing in theatre productions.
Join dance classes in one or more styles to build your technique and find your passion.
Start by exploring local dance schools, community centres, or youth programmes. Try different dance genres to discover which style you enjoy most, such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, or street dance. Consistent practice and feedback from qualified teachers are essential for skill development.
Dedicate time each week to practise and improve your dance abilities.
Set a routine for practising both in class and at home. Use online tutorials or videos to supplement your learning. Focus on building strength, flexibility, and musicality. Joining group rehearsals or performance teams can also accelerate your progress.
Gain stage experience by auditioning for school productions, local theatre, or dance competitions.
Taking part in performances helps you build confidence and learn stage presence. Look for opportunities in youth dance companies, talent shows, or amateur theatre groups. Performing in front of an audience is valuable for your growth as a dancer.
Choose dance as a GCSE, A-level, or BTEC subject, or attend a specialist performing arts school.
Taking dance as an academic subject provides you with a solid foundation in technique, theory, and performance. Specialist schools offer intensive training alongside academic studies, which can be beneficial if you are committed to a professional dance career.
Apply to a professional dance college or conservatoire after school.
Well-known UK institutions include the Royal Ballet School, Trinity Laban Conservatoire, and Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Auditions are competitive and usually require a strong technical background and passion for dance. These courses provide advanced training, performance opportunities, and industry connections.
Create a professional CV and video showreel showcasing your skills and experience.
Your CV should include your dance training, styles, performances, and any awards or qualifications. A showreel is a short video highlighting your dancing in different styles and settings. Make sure it is well-edited and represents your strengths.
Look for auditions and consider signing with a dance agent.
Stay updated on audition opportunities through industry websites, social media, and dance networks. Agents can help you find work and negotiate contracts, especially in commercial, musical theatre, or cruise ship entertainment. Networking with other dancers and choreographers is also important.
Keep learning, training, and expanding your repertoire throughout your career.
Attend workshops, masterclasses, or short courses to keep your skills current and adapt to new trends. Many dancers also learn to teach, choreograph, or move into related careers such as arts management or fitness instruction. Staying fit and injury-free is crucial for a long-lasting dance career.
Choreographers design and direct dance routines and performances, working closely with dancers to bring creative visions to life.
Dance teachers work in schools, colleges, or private studios, instructing students in various dance styles and techniques.
Musical theatre performers combine acting, singing, and dancing skills to perform in stage musicals and productions.
Although we could not find any related apprenticeships, there may be some that are availiable. Please visit the Find an apprenticeship service to find out more.
You can get into this job through:
You'll usually need a degree or diploma in professional dance or musical theatre. These take 2 to 3 years to complete and are offered by dance schools, performing arts schools and universities.
Academic qualifications may not be essential if you show enough talent at audition.
You could get a Dance and Drama Award to help with fees and living costs.
You'll usually need:
There is no set entry route to become a dancer but it may be useful to do a relevant subject like:
For entry to some courses at level 3 and above you may need to attend an audition.
You'll usually need:
Dancing is very competitive and you'll need to develop your skills by getting as much dancing experience as possible.
You could do this through:
This can also help you to build a network of contacts in the dance profession. This will be useful when looking to get experience or a job.
You can apply directly to become a dancer, if you have a high level of training and ability in at least one form of dance.
Most professional dancers start taking dance classes from a young age. You can take graded exams from awarding bodies like:
Classical ballet dancers start training very young, usually at 10 or 11 years old. It's possible to make a career in contemporary dance if you start at a later age, if you're prepared to work hard and put in a lot of training.
The amount of hours you work as a dancer will vary depending on your job. It can range from a few sessions a week to over 40, including rehearsals, if you're working on a show.
You could join One Dance UK and Equity for professional development and to make industry contacts.
You can find out more about becoming a dancer from:
You can also get more details about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.
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