When I Grow Up: Dance Careers Beyond the Stage

Do you ever wonder about life after dance? Whether you’ve been dancing for two years or two decades, the time will come when you have to—or choose to—hang up your shoes. But don’t stress! There are plenty of ways to stay in the industry you love. Check out this huge list of careers that keep you connected to dance. You might just find your next passion.

BEHIND THE SCENES

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Stage Manager

Stage managers coordinate everything that goes into a production, from lighting cues to backstage calls.

Get hired:
Many theater schools offer programs in stage management. Get additional experience in a local theater or as an assistant stage manager.

Average pay:
$78,000/year

Stagehand

At performances, stagehands open and close the curtain; lay the marley floor; move sets, scenery and props; hoist scrims and adjust lighting.

Get hired:
Many stagehands start out as carpenters or electricians. To get your foot in the door, call the local union and put your name on a list for big outdoor concerts that will be happening in your area, since these shows often need up to 300 stagehands at a time.

Average pay:
$1,200–$1,600/week per show

Casting Director

Casting directors go through submissions and auditions to find dancers a choreographer and/or director might like.

Get hired:
Casting directors are either self-employed or part of a casting agency. Intern at a casting agency to see firsthand how it all works.

Average pay
: $73,000/year

Agent

Most dancers rely on agents to book their auditions and find them jobs. Agents negotiate contracts, make travel arrangements, secure rehearsal times and look out for their clients.

Get hired:
In addition to having a degree in business, communications or public relations, it helps to know people in the industry, be a strong negotiator and have a good eye for talent.

Average pay:
10 percent commission fee for each job booked, though agents who work for an agency might get a base salary + commission, versus an individual agent who gets paid per job.

Personal Assistant
to a Dance Celebrity

Personal assistants have to be everything: calendars, organizers, travel agents, food gofers and confidantes. They usually have to be available all hours of the day.

Get hired:
You must be organized, attentive and responsible. Network and get to know the people who are close to the stars. Try to get a personal recommendation—avoid the “I’m your  number 1 fan” approach.

Average pay:
$35,000/year

Broadway Producer

Producers run the business side of a production by raising money and marketing the show to get it off the ground.

Get hired:
It isn’t what you know—it’s who you know. It helps to have knowledge of theater practices. Use your contacts to get on board as an associate producer, or sign up as an intern to learn the ropes.

Average pay:
$92,000/year

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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Physical Therapist

These medical professionals help heal, maintain and care for dancers and their bodies. They often work at a clinic or on site at a school, company or theater.

Get hired:
Most physical therapy programs require a bachelor’s degree. To practice as a PT, you must complete an accredited PT education program to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, and pass the PT state license exam.

Average pay:
$85,000/year

Dietician

Registered dieticians (RD) educate dancers by helping them establish healthy eating habits.

Get hired:
You need a bachelor’s degree to be accepted into an accredited dietetic internship program. Typical programs take six to 12 months to complete; adding a master’s degree to the internship will take two to three years. You must then pass the national board examination to be certified. Many dance schools incorporate nutrition into their curriculum, and companies often hire a dietician to speak with dancers.

Average pay:
$51,000–$62,000/year

Personal Trainer

Many dancers rely on personal trainers to strengthen, tone and stretch the muscles that are hard to target in a dance studio. Personal trainers often teach Pilates, yoga, Gyrotonic, weight training and/or stamina-building exercises to address their clients’ needs.

Get hired:
Go through an accredited program to get certified in your fitness field of choice. Most gyms and clients will love that you’re a dancer turned personal trainer!

Average pay:
$26,000/year. Some fitness experts average $34/hour, or $50/hour for a personal trainer. The trainer then usually gives a percentage of the client’s pay to the studio or club unless he/she works independently.

Performance Psychologist

Licensed performance psychologists provide coaching for dancers who struggle with performance anxiety, injuries and other stress-related issues. They offer exercises and techniques to help dancers get through some of their toughest moments.

Get hired:
A master’s degree in sport or performance psychology and the completion of a psychology doctoral program are required.

Average pay:
$88,000/year

CREATION STATIONS

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Lighting Designer

Lighting designers work with choreographers, directors and set designers to create lighting for each scene. (Lighting technicians are stagehands who change lights, operate the board and run the spotlight.)

Get hired:
You don’t need certifications to be a lighting designer, but you do need experience in the field. Volunteer with a local theater production or go to theater school, take classes in lighting design and get involved with school productions. Many lighting designers start out as theater electricians before trying their hand at design.

Average pay:
$47,000/year

Set Designer

Set designers collaborate with choreographers, directors, stage managers and lighting designers to help create the look of a show.

Get hired:
Many set designers have a degree in architecture or interior design. Start as a designer’s assistant, or work as a prop maker to get hands-on training.

Average pay:
$54,000/year

Music Editor

Music editors create tracks for dance pieces. They use computer software to cut and paste sections of a song, adjust the volume, make tempo changes and smooth out transitions.

Get hired:
Offer your services for free to gain experience and get your name out. If you know someone who edits music, ask to be an assistant or intern so you can learn the technique. It helps to be tech savvy since most editing is done on a computer or mixing board.

Average pay:
$38,000–$68,000/year

Costume Designer/Seamstress

Costume designers determine what the dancers will wear, and seamstresses help with construction and fittings.

Get hired:
Most costume designers have a fashion or costume design degree. You must have excellent sewing skills and an understanding of how materials fit and move on a dancer. Submit samples of your designs to choreographers whose work might match your style. To find a seamstress position, try contacting a dance school or company’s costume department to see if they need sewers or assistants.

Average pay:
$29,000–$64,000/year

Dance Photographer

Dance photographers take pictures in the studio, backstage and during rehearsals and performances.

Get hired:
Photography classes are helpful. You can also assist other photographers and watch their techniques. It helps to know the style of dance you’re watching so you understand what to capture. Once you gain experience, apply for jobs emphasizing your dance experience.

Average pay:
$25,000/year

Hair and Makeup Artist

Hair and makeup artists paint, pin and style dancers so they look fantastic for a show

or photo shoot. They might also create special effects by gluing on artificial pieces and prosthetics.

Get hired:
It’s not necessary to have a license, but it helps to study makeup or cosmetology. To get your foot in the door, offer to substitute or be on-call at an amateur production. You can also get experience at student theaters, in charity fashion shows or by working with established makeup artists and photographers.

Average pay:
$29,000–$67,000/year

Freelance Choreographer

Freelance choreographers are commissioned by individual artists as well as companies with big budgets.

Get hired:
Choreographers typically specialize in a particular style of dance. Market yourself to find people who might fund your next project. Ask dancers to “workshop” and find space to experiment. If you have the dancers’ permission, tape the end result and use it as a marketing tool.

Average pay:
$45,000/year. Small companies usually pay $3,000–$10,000 per commission. Major companies pay anywhere from $12,500–$30,000 based on your experience.

OFFICE WORK

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Company Publicist

Dance company publicists are responsible for promoting the company and its dancers. They shape the group’s image by writing press releases, helping with media campaigns and

coordinating media interviews.

Get hired:
You need a degree in communications, public relations, business or marketing.

Average pay:
$62,000/year

Development, Marketing or Administrative Assistant

Working on the administrative side of a dance-related nonprofit or dance company means you’re helping to sustain and promote the organization. You’ll fundraise, brainstorm and develop marketing campaigns, or assist with anything the directors might need. You may also be responsible for managing the company’s social media accounts.

Get hired:
A degree in marketing or communications is helpful. Find job opportunities on company websites or via word of mouth.

Average pay:
$32,000–$45,000/year

EDUCATORS

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Dance Writer or Editor

There are many ways to write about dance: You can start your own blog, write a book about your favorite dance topic or work for a fantastic magazine like DS! Editors do a lot of writing, but they also plan and edit material that will be published.

Get hired:
It helps to have taken college courses in journalism or English. If you want to work for a certain publication, get familiar with its style. Then submit writing samples, offer to blog for the website or apply for an internship.

Average pay:
$30,000–$70,000/year

Competition Judge

A judge sits through every number at a competition or convention and offers constructive comments and scores, as well as special awards.

Get hired:
You must have teaching and performance experience and knowledge of different styles of dance. You should be able to analyze, compare and rank each individual or group and provide helpful comments. Judges are often hired by word of mouth, so talk to dancers, teachers and friends to see who’s hiring and if you can get a personal recommendation. Contact the company you’re interested in to get a sense of their preferred application and hiring process.

Average Pay:
$25/hour

Critic

Dance critics are accredited journalists with dance expertise. They are educated observers who watch performances and then write reviews to evaluate what they see.

Get hired:
Dance critics need to have an extensive knowledge of dance and know how to craft a well-written review. It helps to have a degree in English or journalism. Start your own blog and review some performances, then submit your work to publications and offer to cover shows free of charge. Most major newspapers hire a dance critic as part of their arts coverage, and there are numerous online sites dedicated to dance that are looking for fresh voices.

Average pay:
$41,000/year

Dance Historian or Archivist

Dance historians research the artform and write about their findings. They often teach courses as part of a school’s dance curriculum. Dance historians collaborate with archivists, who maintain and categorize historical materials.

Get hired:
You should have a master’s degree or higher in dance history. Try to get your work published and apply for a faculty position at a college or university. Or work as a freelance writer and apply for grants to pursue research projects.

Average pay:
$29,000–$94,000/year

Studio Owner

Dance studio owners run every aspect of the school. They develop their own curriculum, schedule classes, teach, address student and parent concerns and often put together student productions throughout the year. As business owners, they are also responsible for financial matters such as insurance, tuition, taxes and salaries.

Get hired:
You should have a good business sense and be willing to learn as you go. You need financial backing or money to rent/buy a space and open a studio. Drum up business wherever you can: Do outreach at local schools, give demonstrations at the mall, call up local Girl Scout troops and talk to family and friends about getting their children involved.

Average pay:
$67,000/year

Dance Teacher

Dance teachers train and coach students in all types of dance. In addition to planning classes, dance teachers must be aware of health and safety issues to prevent injuries. They are often required to choreograph for student performances.

Get hired:
Be proficient in the style you want to teach. Some of the best teachers never danced professionally, but they know exactly what certain choreography should look like and they can express their ideas well. Take master classes and teacher workshops to learn and get fresh ideas. Prepare lesson plans in advance so that if you guest teach or apply for a position, you’ll know exactly what you want to do. To get experience, check with local dance schools, health clubs or community colleges to see if they need a dance teacher.

Average pay:
$28,000/year or up to $75/class

Convention Teacher

Convention teachers go “on tour” as part of a team of well-qualified teachers, giving classes in large studios or hotel ballrooms to hundreds of students at a time. In addition to teaching in their style of expertise, they often teach choreography and evaluate students for potential scholarships.

Get hired:
You need to have a name in the industry or know people who can give a personal recommendation. Conventions tend to hire dancers and teachers who are well-known to ensure that they get a big turnout in each city.

Average pay:
$38,000/year

Dramaturg

Dramaturgs are typically the first set of outside eyes on a new piece. They offer feedback, conduct research and help build and define the work by asking questions about the choreographer’s intent.

Get hired:
Be knowledgeable about the style of dance you plan to watch and understand its historical and cultural context. While some people have a master’s degree in dramaturgy, others simply relate well to choreographers and are able help their processes. Start by working with student choreographers in a college dance department. Talk to other dramaturgs about how they find work, and try to build an artistic relationship with a choreographer you like.

Average pay:
$500–$8,000 per project

Documentary Filmmaker

Documentary filmmakers make movies that tell true stories. Dance companies might hire a documentary filmmaker to follow a new work from its first

rehearsal to its opening night. Individuals might commission a film for historical purposes or to help promote a dancer or event.

Get hired:
You should gain a thorough knowledge of filmmaking and editing. Take classes at a film school or find a mentor in the film industry to learn about the craft. Use your contacts in the dance world to find a project, or search for a financial backer and pitch an idea that’s close to your heart. Submit your finished documentary to a local film festival.

Average pay:
$49,000/year