After investing so much time and money into your child’s dance career, you might be wondering what comes next, especially if they aren’t considering a professional performing career. With the countless hours spent on classes, competitions, and performances, it’s natural to question whether it was all worth it. Rest assured, the lessons learned during their dance training will extend far beyond the stage, serving them well throughout college, their careers, and adult lives. Skills such as work ethic, discipline, creativity, resilience perseverance, dedication, time management, sacrifice, as well a deep understanding of movement are invaluable and open up a wide array of career opportunities.
Personally, I received a merit scholarship to study at the University of South Carolina based solely on my dance talent, not academic performance. Many parents aren’t aware that college scholarships are available for dancers. Even if a dancer chooses not to major in dance, they have the option to minor in it, or perform on a dance team or as a majorette. I chose to pursue a performing career after college, then transitioned to teaching dance and yoga in a private studio setting and a public elementary school. Along the way, I also obtained certifications in yoga and group fitness. This skills I learned growing up as a dance student allowed me to find success both on the stage and off the stage.
Below, you will find a list of 15 career choices for dancers, showcasing how they can apply the skills they’ve gained through years of training beyond the stage. In addition to these options, dancers may also pursue advanced degrees in dance, enabling them to teach at the university level or continue research in the field.
Top 15 Career Choices for Dancers Off the Stage
1. Dance Teacher/Instructor
Sharing your passion and expertise as a dance teacher or instructor is one of the most fulfilling ways to continue your journey. You can teach various styles in dance studios, public/private/charter schools, or community centers, nurturing the next generation of dancers.
2. Choreographer
As a choreographer, you can use your creativity to design and arrange dance sequences for performances, music videos, theater productions, and events. This role allows you to bring your artistic vision to life and collaborate with other talented performers.
3. Dance Therapist
Combining dance with therapy, dance therapists help individuals improve their physical, emotional, and mental well-being through movement. This career is perfect for those who want to make a difference in people’s lives using the healing power of dance.
4. Dance Studio Owner/Manager
For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, owning or managing a dance studio can be a fulfilling career. You can create a supportive environment for aspiring dancers and have a direct impact on their development and growth.
5. Orthopedist
With specialized training, dancers can become orthopedists, focusing on the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal issues, particularly those affecting dancers and athletes. Your insider knowledge of the demands on a dancer’s body can provide unique insights in this field.
6. Physical Therapist
Dancers can become physical therapists, using their knowledge of body mechanics and rehabilitation techniques to help patients recover from injuries and improve mobility. This career allows you to apply your understanding of movement to help others.
7. Occupational Therapist
Dancers can also pursue a career in occupational therapy, helping individuals develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills through therapeutic activities. This role combines creativity with compassion and practical skills.
8. Arts Administrator
Working behind the scenes, arts administrators manage arts organizations, coordinate events, and handle administrative tasks, ensuring the smooth operation of dance companies and cultural institutions. This career is ideal for those who love organization and supporting the arts.
9. Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer
Leveraging their knowledge of movement and body mechanics, dancers can become fitness instructors or personal trainers, promoting health and wellness. You can design workout programs that incorporate elements of dance, making fitness fun and engaging.
10. Dance Critic/Writer
Dancers with a flair for writing can become dance critics or writers, reviewing performances, conducting interviews, and contributing to dance publications and blogs. This role allows you to share your insights and passion for dance with a broader audience.
11. Costume Designer
Utilizing their understanding of movement and performance needs, dancers can design costumes that enhance the visual appeal and functionality of dance productions. This career blends creativity with practicality, ensuring that performers look and feel their best on stage.
12. Dance Photographer/Videographer
Capturing the beauty of dance through photography or videography allows dancers to combine their artistic eye with technical skills. You can create stunning visual records of performances and rehearsals, preserving the art of dance for posterity.
13. Dance Company Manager
Managing the operations of a dance company, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating with artists, allows dancers to ensure the smooth functioning and success of a dance troupe. This role requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
14. Stage Manager
Overseeing the technical aspects of dance productions, stage managers coordinate rehearsals, manage backstage operations, and ensure that performances run smoothly. This career is perfect for those who thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
15. Dance Notation Specialist
Dancers with a keen eye for detail can specialize in recording dance movements using notation systems, preserving choreography for future reference and study. This role is essential for maintaining the integrity of dance works over time.
Embrace Your Potential Beyond the Stage
Exploring these career choices opens up a world of possibilities, allowing dancers to continue contributing to the dance community and beyond. Whether transitioning from performing or looking to expand their horizons, these roles offer fulfilling and impactful opportunities. The skills and passion they bring as dancers are valuable assets in any field they choose to pursue.
Remember, the dedication and discipline instilled through dance training pave the way for success in any career path. Embrace the journey and watch as the lessons learned on the dance floor translate into achievements and fulfillment in all areas of life.
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Searching for the perfect studio to train at? Check out this article to help you decide the best fit: How to Choose the Right Dance Studio: Competition Dance vs. Classical Training.
Happy dancing, and here’s to a successful and inspiring career, both on and off the stage!
Bye for Now!
Taylor
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