Introduction
When people think about ballet, they often picture dancers performing on stage. But behind every successful dance company, there’s a team making sure the performances, rehearsals, and programs happen smoothly. As a Program Coordinator at Ballethnic Dance Company, I get to be part of that process, helping dancers access training, performance opportunities, and community outreach programs.
I recently had the chance to present at Career Day at a local school, where I talked to students about arts administration and the many career paths available in the performing arts. A lot of them were surprised to learn that you don’t have to be a performer to have a fulfilling career in dance. If you love organizing, planning events, and working with creative people, there are plenty of ways to be involved in the arts.
Here’s a look at my experience at Career Day, what I shared with students, and why events like this are important.
Why Career Day Matters
Career Day is an opportunity for students to hear directly from professionals in different fields and start thinking about what they might want to do in the future. For many students, this is their first time learning about careers outside of the usual ones like doctors, lawyers, and teachers.
For those of us working in the arts, Career Day is especially valuable because it gives us a chance to introduce students to career options they may not have considered. A lot of people assume that if you love dance, your only option is to be a professional performer. But the reality is, there are many jobs that support the arts, from program coordinators and production managers to arts educators and nonprofit directors.
This is why funding and support for arts programs are so important. Without arts education in schools, students may never be exposed to these opportunities. If you’re interested in why arts funding matters and how it impacts future generations, check out this article on advocating for the future of the arts.
A Look Inside My Career Day Presentation
When I arrived at the school for Career Day, I wanted to make sure my presentation was interactive and engaging. Instead of just talking about my job, I brought along:
✅ A laptop playing clips of Ballethnic performances
✅ Brochures about our training programs and performances
✅ Ballet shoes and materials to give students a hands-on look at the art form
✅ Flyers for upcoming community events and auditions
Talking to Students About My Job
A lot of students had never heard of a Program Coordinator, so I started by explaining my role. At Ballethnic, I help manage rehearsals, coordinate schedules, plan events, and make sure everything behind the scenes is running smoothly. I also work with our education programs, helping young dancers access training and performance opportunities.
I asked the students a few questions to get them thinking:
- “Do you like organizing events?”
- “Are you interested in working in the arts, but not necessarily as a performer?”
- “Did you know there are careers in dance that don’t involve being on stage?”
It was exciting to see their reactions when they realized they could combine their interests in business, planning, or marketing with their love for the arts.
The Importance of Dance in Schools
One of the things I highlighted during my presentation was the value of dance education in schools. Not every student will become a professional dancer, but dance teaches important life skills like discipline, teamwork, and creativity.
Unfortunately, many schools don’t have access to dance programs, which is why organizations like Ballethnic work to bring dance into the community. If you’re interested in how dance education can make a difference, check out this article on why we need dance in schools.
Career Paths in the Arts
After my presentation, several students asked me how they could get involved in the arts, even if they weren’t dancers. I shared a few career paths that combine creativity with organization and business skills:
- Arts Administration – Managing programs, events, and funding for arts organizations.
- Event Planning – Organizing performances, fundraisers, and community arts events.
- Marketing and Social Media for Arts Organizations – Helping dance companies connect with audiences.
- Dance Education – Teaching dance in schools or community programs.
- Production and Stage Management – Overseeing performances and making sure shows run smoothly.
If you want to learn more about dance-related careers beyond performing, check out this list of career choices for dancers off the stage.
Final Thoughts
Career Day was a great reminder of why I love working in the arts. It gave me a chance to introduce students to opportunities they might not have known existed and to show them that dance isn’t just about performing—it’s about storytelling, education, and community impact.
For anyone who’s passionate about the arts but doesn’t see themselves on stage, there are so many ways to be involved. Whether it’s managing programs, organizing events, or teaching the next generation, careers in the arts are just as rewarding and impactful as those in other industries.
Happy Dancing!
Taylor B
