Career outlook for dancer
Average UK salary
£39,520
Currently employed in Scotland
Information is unavailable
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would use movement to interpret music, tell stories and express emotion. You’d dance for live audiences or in recorded performances for television, film or music videos.
You’d use your talent, rhythm and timing combined with years of training to give the best performance to entertain the audience.
In most cases you would follow a choreographer's steps, although you might also improvise movements.
You would usually specialise in one form of dance, such as:
- Classical ballet
- Contemporary dance
- Modern stage dance, which includes jazz and tap, and could include singing and acting in musical theatre.
- African or Asian dance
- Street dance
Performing would only be a small part of your work. You’d need to rehearse, and attend dance classes to keep fit and maintain your skills.
You’d also need to prepare for, and go to, auditions. You’d spend time promoting yourself and finding the next job.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
6%
Part-time
30%
Self employed
64%
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- Persevering
- Resilience
- Cooperating
- Listening
- Creative
- Attention to detail
- Self esteem
- Taking initiative
- Self awareness
- Taking responsibility
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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Qualifications
An important part of the selection process is an audition.
Many dancers study dance at college or university.
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires an audition and relevant qualifications.
Useful subjects
- English (required by some courses)
- Maths
- Physical education
Helpful to have
Many dancers start at an early age and undertake graded examinations through dance classes.