Dance As A Career: Eligibility, Jobs, & Best Courses in 2023
- Diksha Chhabra
- Updated Date: September 22, 2023
From time immemorial, dance has always been part of Indian celebrations. Be it wedding or award ceremonies, the event cannot be completed without the shaking of a leg.
Dancing is an intrinsic part of Indian culture. There are many well-known classical and folk dances. These dance forms are typical to certain parts of the country and have taken on the hue and texture of that region.
The two main divisions of dance are classical and folk forms. There are dance forms typical to certain parts of the country and these dance forms are based on ancient dance discipline. Among the most popular classical styles of dance seen on stage are Bharatnatyam of Tamil Nadu, Odissi of Orissa, Kathakali of Kerala, Kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh, Kathak of Lucknow and Jaipur and Manipuri of Manipur. There are several other forms of dances that fall into the category of semi-classical, folk, drama and performing arts contributing to the panorama of dance in India.
Training in Dance can be started from very early age – five or six. Careers in this field can be that of a performer, teacher and choreographer. If you aspire for a career in dance, you should have an inborn talent which can be sharpened with training and guidance. There is no specific age to learn dancing. All you need is the will power to master the art. Check now about Acting Career Guidance.
How To Become A Dancer In India
Dance is a physically and mentally demanding art form that requires years of training and practice to master. However, the rewards of becoming a dancer can be immense, including the opportunity to perform on stage, travel the world, and connect with others through the shared language of dance.
If you are interested in becoming a dancer, there are a few key steps you can take to achieve your dream:
- Discover your passion. What type of dance are you most drawn to? What are your strengths and weaknesses as a dancer? Once you know what you’re passionate about, you can start to focus your training.
- Get training. There are many different ways to get training as a dancer. You can take classes at a dance studio, a performing arts school, or even online. You can also get training from a private dance instructor.
- Practice regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become as a dancer. Make sure to practice regularly and to challenge yourself.
- Get involved in the dance community. There are many ways to get involved in the dance community. You can attend dance performances, participate in dance competitions, or even volunteer at a dance studio. Getting involved in the dance community will help you to meet other dancers, learn from other dancers, and get exposure to different types of dance.
- Audition for professional opportunities. Once you have trained and practiced, you can start to audition for professional opportunities. There are many different types of professional opportunities available to dancer career, such as performing in dance companies, theater productions, including career in music as well.
Here are some additional tips on how to be a dancer:
- Be patient. It takes time and dedication to become a professional dancer. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep practicing and working hard, and you will eventually achieve your goals.
- Be persistent. There will be times when you want to give up. But if you’re truly passionate about dance, you will find a way to keep going.
- Be open to new experiences. The dance world is constantly evolving. Be open to new styles of dance and new ways of thinking about dance.
So, If you’re passionate about dance and want to learn how to become dancer, there are these few things you need to do to achieve it.
Dancing Eligibility Criteria
Duration of courses: while certificate course is of one year, Bachelor courses are of three years and Diploma and Post Graduate level courses are of 2 years.
Personal attributes: Main skills needed for this creative profession are versatility, sense of rhythm, grace, stage presence in addition to an expressive facial and body language and physical stamina.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely satisfactory as one gets to do what one is in love with
- Outflow of creative energy
- Fame and name once you are established
Cons
- Long practice hours and work schedule
- It is not a 9-5 job
- You cannot expect regular shows and performances
- Regular dancing can have health hazards as well
Perks
You cannot expect good perks at the beginning of your career. If you work as an assistant then the pay could be something between Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 per month. Once you have a name, the sky is the limit. In between you can always do shows on stage and on the television.Â
Dancing Career Roles
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, there’s a dance career options out there for you. In this list, we’ll explore all the different types of dance careers that are available, from performing to teaching to creating:
Choreography:Â Choreography means dance compositions, the grouping of dancers and establishing the sequence of dances. For this specific role, dancers with exceptional creative powers with skill to interpret music in terms of dancing are needed. Choreographers work in films, on stage, for television and video music shows. Future prospects are very bright for choreographer as more and more stage and TV shows are being organized these days.
Teaching:Â This field requires an aptitude for teaching, initiative and patience. A Dance Teacher must have thorough knowledge of practical and theoretical aspects of dance. Dancers who take up teaching as a profession can find jobs in schools, colleges, universities, dance institutes.
Performing:Â A performing artist must have attractive appearance, facial expression, skill to interpret roles and most importantly stage presence. They must also have to be in tune with the interest of the general public. Numerous avenues are open for performing artists. Besides forming their own troupes they can take time out for coaching too.
Importance Of Dance As A Career
Dance is a versatile art form that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. It is also a growing field with many different career opportunities.
Here are some of the importance of dance as career:
- It is a great way to express yourself. Dance is a form of self-expression that allows you to communicate your thoughts and feelings through movement. It can be a very therapeutic and rewarding experience.
- It is a great way to stay fit. Dance is a great form of exercise that can help you to improve your cardiovascular health, flexibility, and strength. It can also help you to lose weight and tone your muscles.
- It is a great way to meet new people. Dance is a social activity that can help you to meet new people and make friends. It can also be a great way to build relationships and network with other dancers.
- It can lead to a rewarding career. There are many different career paths available in dance, such as professional dancer, dance teacher, choreographer, and dance therapist. If you are passionate about dance and are willing to work hard, you can have a very rewarding career in this field.
Aspect Of Dance As A Career In India
There are many aspects of dance as a career. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Technical skill:Â Dancers need to have a high level of technical skill in order to perform at a professional level. This includes having strong technique in a variety of dance styles, as well as the ability to learn new choreography quickly.
- Creativity:Â Dancers need to be creative in order to come up with new and exciting dance moves. They also need to be able to interpret the choreographer’s vision for a dance.
- Physical fitness:Â Dance is a physically demanding activity, so dancers need to be in excellent physical condition. This includes having strong muscles, good flexibility, and endurance.
- Mental toughness:Â Dance can be a challenging and demanding career, so dancers need to be mentally tough. They need to be able to handle stress and setbacks, and they need to be able to stay motivated even when things are tough.
- Communication skills:Â Dancers need to be able to communicate effectively with their choreographers, directors, and other dancers. This includes being able to take direction, give feedback, and work as part of a team.
- Business acumen:Â Dancers who want to have a successful career need to have some business acumen. This includes understanding how to market themselves, negotiate contracts, and manage their finances.
Career In Dance After 10th
here are some career paths you can take in dance after 10th grade, with corresponding images:
- Dancer: You can pursue a career as a professional dancer by performing in theater productions, dance companies, cruise ships, music videos, and commercials. You may also teach dance classes or choreograph dances. Dancers typically have a strong foundation in dance technique and are able to perform a variety of dance styles. They may also have experience with acting career, singing, and modeling career.
- Dance teacher:Â You can teach dance classes to students of all ages and abilities. You may work in schools, dance studios, or even online. Dance teachers typically have a strong foundation in dance technique and are able to teach a variety of dance styles. They may also have experience with child development and teaching methods.
- Choreographer:Â You can create dances for a variety of purposes, including theater productions, music videos, and commercials. You may also work as independent contractors or as part of a dance company. Choreographers typically have a strong foundation in dance technique and are able to create original dances that are both creative and technically sound.
- Dance therapist:Â You can use dance as a form of therapy to help people with physical, emotional, and mental health issues. You may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. Dance therapists typically have a strong foundation in dance technique and are also trained in psychology and counseling.
- Dance writer:Â You can write about dance for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other publications. You may also work as critics or as journalists. Dance writers typically have a strong foundation in dance technique and are also familiar with the history and culture of dance.
No matter what career path you choose, it is important to have a strong foundation in dance technique. You can get this by taking dance classes at a studio, a performing arts school, or even online. You should also be prepared to work hard and be dedicated to your craft.
Career In Dance After 12th
There are many different paths you can pursue in dance career in India. Here are a few of the most popular options if you consider dance as a career after 12th grade:
- Professional dancer:Â This is the most obvious career path for dancers. If you have the talent and drive, you can audition for professional dance companies or work as a freelance dancer.
- Dance teacher:Â This is another great option for dancers who love to share their passion with others. You can teach dance classes at a studio, school, or even online.
- Choreographer:Â Choreographers create the dances that dancers perform. If you have a creative vision and a good understanding of dance technique, you can work as a choreographer for dance companies, theater productions, or even music videos.
- Dance therapist:Â Dance therapists use dance to help people with physical, emotional, and mental health issues. If you are interested in helping others and using dance as a form of therapy, this could be a great career path for you.
- Dance writer:Â Dance writers write about dance for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other publications. If you have a passion for writing and a love of dance, this could be a great way to combine your two interests.
Dance Courses After 12th
Here are some diploma in dance after 12th that you may consider:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance: This is a four-year degree program that provides students with a comprehensive education in dance. Students typically take classes in ballet, modern dance, jazz, and other dance styles. They may also take classes in dance history, theory, and choreography.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance: This is a four-year degree program that focuses on the liberal arts. Students typically take classes in dance, but they also take classes in other subjects such as history, literature, and philosophy. This program is a good option for students who want to combine their love of dance with a broader education.
- Diploma in Dance: This is a two-year program that provides students with a basic education in dance. Students typically take classes in ballet, modern dance, jazz, and other dance styles. They may also take classes in dance history and theory.
- Certificate in Dance: This is a one-year program that provides students with an introduction to dance. Students typically take classes in ballet, modern dance, jazz, and other dance styles. They may also take classes in dance history and theory.
These are just a few of the many dance courses that are available after 12th. The best course for you will depend on your individual interests and goals.
Dance Certificate Courses
- Terence Lewis Dance Academy offers a Diploma in Dance Foundation Course (DDFC) that covers ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and kathak.
- The Danceworx offers a Certificate Course in Indian Classical Dance that covers kathak, bharatanatyam, and kuchipudi.
- Nalanda Nitya Kala Mahavidyalaya offers a Certificate Course in Bharatanatyam that covers the basic and advanced levels of the dance form.
- Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication offers a Certificate Course in Mohiniyattam that covers the history, theory, and practice of the dance form.
- Shantiniketan Kala Bhavan offers a Certificate Course in Rabindra Sangeet and Dance that covers the basics of both art forms.
Dancing Job Prospects
Lots of dancers are employed by academies, kala kendras, Doordarshan, Dance troupes, All India Radio and teaching institutions engaged in imparting dance education. Also opportunities to drama artists are offered by professional theatrical and opera companies and semi-theatrical institutions like AIR, TV studios, movie studios, films division, song and drama divisions and many more. Nowadays quite a few corporate houses and private institutions sponsor performances of musicians and dancers to promote their products. One can always take up self-employment in the form of holding private classes or starting a dance training institution.
Many schools appoint dance teachers on a full-time basis to manage cultural activities and train children for inter-school competitions, etc.
Where to study
There are not many organized courses of training. The notable ones are available at Sangeet Akademi, Delhi for choreography and ballet direction while the Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography, Bangalore, offers a 3 year degree in choreography.
The other important institutes are:
- Saraswati Music College,
(Affiliated to Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad)
A-1/226, safdarjung enclave, New Delhi-110029
Ph: 26105611, 26167922
Fax: 26194545
Email:Â [email protected]
Website: www.saraswatimusiccollege.org
- Bhatkhande Collegeo of Hindustani Music
Kaiserbagh,
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Karnataka Sangeetha Nrithya Akademi
14/3, Cenara Finance Corporation Complex,
Nrupathunga Road,
Bangalore 560 002, Karnataka
- West Bengal State Music Academy
36, Prince Anwar Shah Road,
Calcutta 700 033,
Phone-4731851
- Kala Academy Campal
Panaji,
Goa 403 001,
Phone – 44293, 43280, 43288, 43289.
- “Abhinaya Institute of Dance”
Radha Mohan, Mohan,A-3/16,
Avillon Green Fileds,
Mahakali Caves Road,
Andheri E, Mumbai 400093,
Ph: (022) – 8347460,
- “Arunodaya Kala Niketan”
Sandhya & Suvarna M N,
10, Kalanilayam, Cheddanagar,
Chembur,
Mumbai 400089,
- “Ashwini Kala Kendra”
Kunal B. Tate,1/5 Ashwini,
9-B Palimala Road,
(Palihill) Bandra (West), Mumbai 400050,
Ph: (022) – 6403543
Fax: (022) – 6456728
- “Bharata Natya Kalalaya”
Prema Nagasundaram,6, Sukh Niwas,
Mahul Road Chembur, Mumbai 400071,
Ph: (022) – 5226250 / 5228663
- “Darsana Dance Academy”
Ramani G V, Ganesh Bhavan, 276,
Telang Road,
Mumbai 400019
- “Gyan Ashram Inst. of Performing Arts”
Barboza Svd, Gyan Ashram,
Mahakali Road,
Andheri E, Mumbai 400093,
Ph: (022) – 8325046
Fax: (022) – 8325046
- “EVAM”
C/o The Company Theatre,
Atul Kumar, F2 (G.F), Silver Anklet,
Yari Road,
Versova, Andheri W, Mumbai 400061,
Ph: (022) – 6345253
Fax: (022) – 6324342
- Indian People’s Theatre Association (Maharashtra State Committee)
Ghia Mansion,
Ist Floor 86, Sutarchawl,
Mumbai 400 002
Maharashtra
- Abhinay”, Jayalakshmi Eshwar
45, Rajouri Apts, Opp. G O I Press,
Mayapuri,
New Delhi 110064,
Ph: (011) – 25135608 / 25139816
Fax: (011) – 25440977
- “Bharatha Natya Niketan”
Vani Rajmohan,
31/3989, Regharpur,
Karol Bagh,
New Delhi 110005
Ph: (011) – 25714892
- “Bhoomika Creative Dance Center”
Narendra Sharma,53,
Bharati Artists Colony, Vikas Marg,
New Delhi 110092
Ph: (011) – 22242716
- “Centre for Indian Classical Dances”
Sonal Mansingh,
C-304 Defence Colony,
New Delhi 110024
Ph: (011) – 24623350
Fax: (011) – 24642379
- Delhi Ballet Group
16/27Â W.E.A.,
Karol Bagh,
New Delhi – 110006
- “Delhi Tamil Sangam”
Tamil Sangam Marg,
Sector 5, R K Puram,
New Delhi 110022
Ph: (011) – 26174217
- Delhi Music Society (Incorporating the Delhi School of Music)
8, Nyaya Marg,
Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi 110 021
- “Gandharva Maha Vidyalaya”
Leela Samson, 212,
Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg,
New Delhi 110002,
Ph: 9011) – 23238784 / 23233791
- “Ganesh Natyalaya”, Saroja Vaidyanathan
C-16, Institution Area,
Behind Qutab Hotel,
New Delhi 110016,
Ph: (011) – 26862995,
Fax: +91-(0)-11-26567397,
Website: http://artindia.net
- Institute of Music, Dance & Dramatics
V-13Â Rajouri Garden,
New Delhi
FAQS
A dancer is a performer who uses the art of dance to express themselves and communicate with others. Dance is a form of physical expression that uses the body to create movement, rhythm, and emotion. Dancers use their bodies to tell stories, convey ideas, and explore different emotions.
Yes, dancing can be a career. There are many different career paths available in dance, such as professional dancer, dance teacher, choreographer, and dance therapist. If you are passionate about dance and are willing to work hard, you can have a very rewarding career in this field.
- Receive extensive training
- Consider getting a bachelor’s degree
- Gain experience
- Learn about union jobs
- Find a talent agent
- Build your resume
- Attend auditions
- Remain healthy
Dance can be a rewarding career. There are many different career paths you can pursue in dance, including professional dancer, dance teacher, choreographer, dance therapist, and dance writer.
No matter what career path you choose, it is important to have a strong foundation in dance technique. You can get this by taking dance classes at a studio, a performing arts school, or even online. You should also be prepared to work hard and be dedicated to your craft.
While dance as a profession can also be seen as a theatrical form of art where there is an elaborate choreography followed by planning on multiple levels such as costume design, stage design, the scenery, and many others to create a production. Therefore, to make a career in dancing, you can learn a particular form and master in it.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
You can pursue a career as a professional dancer, choreographer, or dance instructor. There are numerous promising opportunities available for those passionate about dancing and performing arts and can explore incredible careers in the entertainment industry and education sector.
There are a few ways to find a nearby dance academy. You can:
- Search online. There are many websites that list dance studios in your area. You can search by location, type of dance, or age group.
- Ask your friends or family. If you know someone who dances, ask them if they know of any good studios in your area.
- Check with your local community center. Many community centers offer dance classes.
- Look for flyers or posters. Dance studios often post flyers or posters in local businesses.
| Job Title | 2017 Income from Dance | Years of Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Studio owner and choreographer | $325,000 | 20 |
| Professional ballet dancer, ballet teacher, Pilates instructor | $28,000 | 11 |
| Coryphee | $21,350 | 10 |
| Admin manager/dancer/choreographer | $10,000 | 5 |
Here are some of the challenges which explain dance as a career is a tough choice:
- It is a competitive field. There are many talented dancers who are vying for the same opportunities. This can make it difficult to break into the field and to find a steady job.
- It can be physically demanding. Dance can be a very physically demanding activity. This can lead to injuries, fatigue, and stress.
- It can be emotionally demanding. Dance can be a very emotionally demanding activity. This can lead to anxiety, stress, and self-doubt.
Article Updates:
21/07/2023: General Update
21/07/2023: Interlinking
21/07/2023: FAQS Update
21/07/2023: Infographic Update
