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Professional Dancer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
Interest in handling to lift dancers and use props; to practise and rehearse dance routines under direction or instruction to achieve desired interpretation and presentation
Interest in synthesizing information to co-ordinate body movements and facial expressions in synchronization with musical accompaniment; may choreograph own performances
Interest in diverting and entertaining audiences through dance performances; and in training and exercising to maintain the required levels of ability and fitness
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Most dance disciplines have a modern and a classical (traditional) side. Professional dance disciplines in Canada include:
Most dancers in professional dance companies work in classical or contemporary ballet, modern dance or jazz. However, there also are professional ballroom and country and western dance duos, and a limited number of professional tap, folk and ethnic dance companies.
Dancers spend long hours in rehearsals, training and practice. They may lift over 20 kilograms (for example, a fellow dancer). To avoid injury, dancers must:
Dancers need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy using their bodies to express ideas, practising and rehearsing the same movements repeatedly, and entertaining others. Many dancers feel they are driven to dance because it is how they best express themselves.
Proper training by accredited instructors and schools is essential. Dancing requires tremendous passion and dedication plus years of continuous training, practice and hard work.
Dance is a highly competitive field. Of all the students who train as dancers, very few become professional dancers. In ballet, students should be on the professional track by their early teens. Dancers need to find their own niche but also be versatile. They must understand their body's capabilities and short comings (for example, some dancers just do not have the bodily form and abilities for ballet), and find the type of dance most suited to their skills and abilities.
To maintain a professional performing career, dancers must:
It is important for dancers to have a broad knowledge and appreciation of the arts including music, visual art and architecture as well as the history of dance. Many dancers can sing, play musical instruments and act. A working knowledge of lighting and costume design is an asset for communicating with lighting technicians, costume designers, and other production technicians.
There are numerous dance training methods recognized in Canada and advanced training is offered by a variety of private dance schools (for example, Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and Canada's National Ballet School).
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
The School of Aberta Ballet offers summer programs for dancers ranging from beginner to professional levels.
Before enrolling in any program, aspiring dancers are strongly advised to discuss their career plans with experienced professional dancers and representatives of professional organizations in the field.
Versatility is key to a dancer's success. After completing their training, dance professionals must continue working with a variety of dance teachers and choreographers. This provides exposure to different interpretations, movements and styles of dance.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Dancers need good training and a well rounded education to find work in the dance field.
As a rule, dancers' careers are relatively short lived. Most professional dancers retire from performing in their late thirties. With appropriate training, experience and certification, they may become:
Dance teachers need to remain in good health. Many dance teachers continue to instruct students into their late sixties or even seventies.
In Alberta, 91% of people employed as dancers work in the Educational Services (PDF) industry.
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Many dancers work in other occupations to supplement their incomes.
Some professional dancers are represented in Canada by the Canadian Actor's Equity Association, although this is not a requirement. The association sets minimum salary levels that are recognized by professional dance companies. (As of October 1, 2017, the minimum wage in Alberta is $13.60 per hour for most jobs. For more information, see Alberta Employment Standards.)
According to the 2017 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Dancers occupational group earned on average from $21.91 to $39.09 an hour. The overall average was $32.21 an hour. For more information, see the Dancers wage profile.
Alberta Dance Alliance website: www.abdancealliance.ab.ca
Canadian Actors' Equity Association website: www.caea.com
Cultural Human Resources Council website: www.culturalhrc.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Jun 01, 2009. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.