Dancer | Career Planet

OFO No: 265301

Other names for Dancer:

Ballet Dancer
Contemporary or Modern Dancer
Striptease Artist

What is a Dancer?

A Dancer is a person who chooses to dance for living.

Some specialise, for example:

performing full length dance routines (like a ballet)
background dancing in variety concerts or rock concerts
competition dancing (like ballroom and Latin American)
corporate events (example: at product launches etc)
teaching (for a dance school or in their own studio)

There are many varied dance disciplines:

Ballet
Tap and Jazz
Modern and Freestyle
Crump and Hip Hop
Spanish and Belly Dancing
Ethnic or African Dancing
Ballroom and Latin American, to name just a few

Some Dancers may specialise in one discipline, like ballet, while other Dancers may specialise in two or more forms of dance.

A ‘dance competition’ television show worth watching is: So You Think You Can Dance!

What does a Dancer do?

attends dance classes, training and exercising to maintain proficiency and physical fitness
studies and practices dance roles for specific performances
learns to express storylines through body movements
works with choreographers to perfect dance steps
works with dance partners and working as a team
attends costume fittings and make-up sessions
auditions for roles
keepis up to date with dance trends and innovation

Are you … ?

passionate about dance?
willing to practice for long hours?
dedicated?
a person with a good musical ear?
rhythmical?
fit and healthy?
agile and toned?

How do I become a Dancer?

Most Dancers start their career training while still at school or as an extra-mural activity after school. During this period, the student-Dancer practices their steps and routines, at one level. They may then enter Dancing Eisteddfods (dancing competitions) to pass their level and move onto a higher one.

It takes years and years of practice and dedication to become a really good Dancer.

Choosing dance as a career is a decision that must come from the heart. It’s not necessary a money-making career but rather a career that will make you happy. In some cases, if you become a Dancer in an international show or a Dancer for a rock star – you may make a lot of money.

Because this career is extremely energetic, physical and at times gruelling on the body, Dancers seem to ‘retire’ from performing when they are in their 30’s. However, most Dancers remain working in the field of dance – moving over to becoming a choreographer, teacher or musical theatre director etc.

There are many dance schools in South Africa. Depending on what kind of Dancer you want to become – your choice of institution will depend on this decision.

PATH 1

National Certificate in Dance N2

National Certificate in Dance N3

PATH 2

Diploma in Dance

Tshwane University of Technology
University of Cape Town UCT
University of Kwazulu Natal

PATH 3

Bachelor of Technology in Dance (BTech)

Tshwane University of Technology

PATH 4

Bachelor of Dance

University of Cape Town

TRAINING:

CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.