Dancer
USEFUL LINKS
https://www.equity.org.uk/home/
https://www.onedanceuk.org/resources/a-guide-to-careers-in-dance
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/become-dancer-4892/
https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-a-professional-dancer
https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/news/2022/11/how-do-i-become-a-professional-dancer/
JOB PROFILES
There are various different styles of dance but a lot of dancer will have the same daily roles and responsibilities. These include rehearse routines, prepare for and go to auditions, take part in dance classes and maintain your fitness, perform in front of a live audience or to a camera, promote yourself as a performer and much more.
HOW TO BECOME A DANCEr
Training to become a dancer often starts from a very young age, particularly for classical ballet, but many other dancers start training in their teens or even when they're at university.
It's vital to have a high level of training and ability in at least one form of dance, for example:
classical ballet
modern stage dance
contemporary dance
street dance
African or Asian dance.
The main routes to get into this role are :
A university course- there are many different degrees you could undertake in many different areas.
A college course- there is no set entry route to become a dancer but it may be useful to do a relevant subject.
Applying directly- if you have a background in this area you could apply directly.
Volunteering- dancing is very competitive and you'll need to develop your skills by getting as much dancing experience as possible.
examples of local dance companies
UNIVERSITY OPTIONS
You'll need a high level of dance training and experience. You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate award to develop your skills.The main degree to undertake would be a dance degree and by completing this at a dance school.
A number of universities offer dance courses or degrees with an element of dance. For details, see the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Check the content of courses before applying to make sure the ones you choose to apply for meet your career needs.
Postgraduate or vocational study isn't essential, but it could help to further your career once you have gained a few years' experience in the industry.
Look for university courses on ucas.com.
For more information : https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/courses/search/undergraduate/dance
Conservatoires
What's the difference between conservatoires and universities?
Creativity lies at the heart of conservatoires, which are usually a lot smaller than universities. They teach fewer subjects and primarily focus on practical training and performance. In comparison, universities are large institutions that cover a range of subjects, focusing on academic study.
You could look at applying to a conservatoire in this field.
Areas include :
acting
applied theatre
dance (ballet, choreography, contemporary, dance science)
directing
filmmaking
music (classical, film, jazz, folk, musical direction, popular music, production, technology, vocal performance)
musical theatre
production arts and design
professional performance
songwriting
stage management.
Personal Statement Help
https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/personal-statement-advice-dance
https://universitycompare.com/personal-statement-examples/drama/statement-3
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/university/personal-statements/dance/
https://www.uncsa.edu/admissions/how-to-write-an-artistic-statement/dance-artistic-statement-example.aspx
examples of Top universities to study dance
For all courses search www.ucas.com / https://www.whatuni.com/degree-courses/search?subject=dance&location=england
employers
Typical employers include:
performing dance companies, including ballet, contemporary, street, Asian and African companies
clubs, cabarets and cruise ships, either in the UK or abroad
musical theatre, either in London's West End or on tour
community dance organisations.
It's common to combine performance with a range of other roles within the dance industry. Typical employers in the broader industry include:
private dance schools, who employ qualified dance teachers to teach a range of dance techniques at various levels, for social and recreational as well as vocational purposes
schools, further education colleges and higher education institutions (for those with relevant teaching qualifications)
local authorities, who sometimes employ people to promote dance throughout the authority - dancers will usually work on a peripatetic basis in schools across the area
the four Arts Councils and national and regional dance development bodies, who may employ dance officers.
Dancers sometimes set up their own companies, perhaps obtaining funding from one of the four Arts Councils:
Look for job vacancies at:
The Stage - musical theatre, commercial dance and sometimes ballet.
You'll need to take a creative and proactive approach to job seeking by networking and establishing contacts, as well as fostering links made through previous work, and attending classes and courses.
You may also need an agent to promote you and your work. Do your research and make sure you target agents that meet your career aspirations. Use networking opportunities to speak to agents or to send a targeted email submission, invitation to showcases, showreels, etc.