A career as a dancer in the UK involves performing in a variety of settings, such as theatres, on television, in music videos, or at live events. Dancers may specialise in different styles, including ballet, contemporary, street, or ballroom. The work can be physically demanding, requiring dedication to daily practice, rehearsals, and performances. Dancers often work as part of a company or as freelancers, and may also teach dance or take on choreography work alongside performing. Success in this field relies on talent, strong physical fitness, resilience, and the ability to work well in a team. Many dancers also need to travel regularly for performances or auditions, both within the UK and internationally.
Professional dancers in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £30,000 a year, though this can vary widely depending on experience and the type of work.
There are approximately 30,000 professional dancers and choreographers working in the UK, according to recent industry estimates.
Most dancers work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially when performing.
A performer who specialises in classical ballet, often working with ballet companies or in theatre productions.
A dancer who performs in music videos, television shows, adverts, and live concerts, often with a focus on popular music styles.
A professional who teaches different styles of dance to students of various ages and abilities, either in schools or private dance studios.
Join a local dance school or community centre to take classes in different dance styles.
Starting young is helpful, but people of all ages can begin dancing. Try out various styles such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, or hip hop to see which you enjoy most. Consistent practice helps you develop good technique and flexibility.
Participate in performances, competitions, or local showcases to build confidence and stage experience.
Performing in front of an audience not only improves your dance skills but also helps you manage nerves and learn how to express yourself on stage. Look for opportunities at school, in the community, or through your dance school.
Take dance as a GCSE, A-level, or BTEC subject, or consider a full-time dance college.
Formal qualifications in dance help you gain deeper knowledge of dance theory, anatomy, and choreography. Many colleges and conservatoires offer specialist dance courses that prepare you for a professional career.
Learn from professional dancers and choreographers through workshops and masterclasses.
Workshops provide an opportunity to be inspired by experts in the field, learn new styles, and network with other aspiring dancers. National and regional dance organisations often host these events.
Apply for auditions with dance companies, theatres, cruise ships, or music videos.
Keep an eye on casting calls online and through dance networks. Auditioning regularly increases your chances of landing roles and gaining professional experience.
Create a showreel and CV showcasing your skills and experience, and connect with other professionals.
A portfolio including video footage, photos, and a list of performances is important for applying to jobs and auditions. Attend industry events and use social media to make connections in the dance world.
Choreographers design and direct dance routines and performances, working with dancers to bring creative visions to life.
Dance teachers instruct students of all ages in various dance styles, working in schools, private studios, or community centres.
Musical theatre performers combine acting, singing, and dancing skills to appear in stage productions and musicals.
Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.
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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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