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A Professional Dancer performs solo or group routines for a live audience or for recorded productions. You might come up with your own choreography or follow a set routine. Professional Dancers spend time rehearsing a performance on their own or as part of a larger group. You may specialise in a particular style of dance such as tap, contemporary or Indigenous performance.
Professional Dancers should be passionate about their craft and willing to put in long hours of practice and rehearsal. It’s important that you are a highly skilled dancer and can follow various types of choreography. Professional Dancers should be physically fit and able to work as part of a team. You may have to work irregular hours including nights and weekends.
There are 4 courses available for people who want to become a Professional Dancer.
Possible job outcomes:
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance) nurtures dance artists who are both physically adept and culturally insightful. This course offers specialist education in contemporary dance practices, dance science and somatics, critical dance studies, choreography, and performance. It prepares students to meet the technical, kinaesthetic, and creative demands of a dance career. Students will develop a strong foundation in contemporary dance techniques and gain experience across various genres, equipping them with a diverse skill set for the professional dance world. .
Average duration: 3 years.
The Bachelor of Arts (Performing Arts) focuses on the intersection of performance, innovation, community engagement, and technology. It emphasizes the transformative role of the performing arts in society. Students hone their physical and creative abilities through hands-on learning, exploring historical and theoretical aspects while collaborating with digital technologies and other art forms. Core skills like acting, dance, dramaturgy, and choreography are cultivated, along with techniques for collaborative and site-specific performances..
The CUA51520 Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) will help you refine your dance partnering and performance techniques, as well as develop the skills you need to join a professional dance school. You’ll need to audition to enrol in this nationally recognised qualification. During your studies you’ll learn the principles of anatomy and how they impact your dancing performance, you’ll also be developing your own exercise and fitness program, preparing for performances in competitive environments, and refining your preferred dance style (ballet, pointe work, street dance, contemporary). There is also scope to gain skills in performance acting, hair and makeup, choreography, writing and documentation. Enquire now for entry requirements, professional dance competencies, and upcoming enrolment dates..
Average duration: 12 months.
If you dream of becoming a professional dancer the CUA20120 Certificate II in Dance is a course to get you started. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you basic dance techniques while developing your artistic expression. Your studies begin with an introduction to safe dance practices and the physical fitness required for dance performance. You’ll also gain a good appreciation for the creative arts industry in Australia and have the opportunity to prepare for a live performance. The course has scope to study ballet, tap, street, Aboriginal and cultural dance, contemporary, and many more dance, styles. Enquire now for the the list of study units, dance competencies, and upcoming enrolment dates..
Average duration: 24 months.
In Australia, a full time Professional Dancer generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
This industry has seen stable employment growth in recent years. There are currently 1,000 people working as a Professional Dancer in Australia, compared to 1,100 five years ago. Professional Dancers generally find work in larger cities where productions are based.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
A Certificate II in Dance is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as a Professional Dancer. This course covers basic dance techniques, artistic expression skills, safe dance practices and physical fitness. You’ll be able to focus on a particular style of dance including ballet, tap, street, contemporary or Aboriginal and cultural dance.
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Here are some potential career pathways within dancing. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Dancing
Dance Teacher Assistant
$850 weekly pay
Performer
Ballet Dancer
$960 weekly pay
Choreographer
$1,050 weekly pay
Contemporary Dancer
Dance Teacher
Jazz Dancer
Professional Dancer
Tap Dancer
Learn more about Professional Dancer courses in your area.