From ancient times to the present, dancers have expressed ideas, stories, and rhythm with their bodies. They use a variety of dance forms that allow free movement and self-expression, including classical ballet, modern dance, and culturally specific dance styles. Many dancers combine performance work with teaching or choreography.
Dancers perform in a variety of settings, including opera, musical theater, and other musical productions, and may present folk, ethnic, tap, jazz, and other popular kinds of dance. They also perform in television, movies, music videos, and commercials, in which they also may sing and act. Dancers most often perform as part of a group, although a few top artists perform solo.
Dancers work with choreographers, who create original dances and develop new interpretations of existing dances. Because few dance routines are written down, choreographers instruct performers at rehearsals to achieve the desired effect. In addition, choreographers usually are involved in auditioning performers.
Work environment. Dance is strenuous. Many dancers stop performing by their late thirties because of the physical demands on the body. However, some continue to work in the field as choreographers, dance teachers and coaches, or artistic directors. Others move into administrative positions, such as company managers. A few celebrated dancers, however, continue performing most of their lives.
Daily rehearsals require very long hours. Many dance companies tour for part of the year to supplement a limited performance schedule at home. Dancers who perform in musical productions and other family entertainment spend much of their time on the road; others work in nightclubs or on cruise ships. Most dance performances are in the evening, whereas rehearsals and practice take place during the day. As a result, dancers often work very long and late hours. Generally, dancers and choreographers work in modern and temperature-controlled facilities; however, some studios may be older and less comfortable.
| 1. | Train, exercise, and attend dance classes to maintain high levels of technical proficiency, physical ability, and physical fitness. |
| 2. | Study and practice dance moves required in roles. |
| 3. | Harmonize body movements to rhythm of musical accompaniment. |
| 4. | Perform classical, modern, or acrobatic dances in productions, expressing stories, rhythm, and sound with their bodies. |
| 5. | Collaborate with choreographers in order to refine or modify dance steps. |
| 6. | Coordinate dancing with that of partners or dance ensembles. |
| 7. | Attend costume fittings, photography sessions, and makeup calls associated with dance performances. |
| 8. | Audition for dance roles or for membership in dance companies. |
| 9. | Develop self-understanding of physical capabilities and limitations, and choose dance styles accordingly. |
| 10. | Monitor the field of dance to remain aware of current trends and innovations. |
| 11. | Teach dance students. |
| 12. | Devise and choreograph dance for self or others. |
| 13. | Perform in productions, singing or acting in addition to dancing, if required. |
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