Do What You Love: Find a Career as a Ballroom Dancer

If your love of dancing extends beyond a weekend hobby, perhaps a career as a dancer is your calling. Hundreds of thousands of men and women earn a living on the dance floor doing what they love. Why not join them and turn your passion into a career?

How to Start a Career as a Dancer

Unlike many lucrative careers, working as a dancer does not require formal training or a degree, although many professional dancers choose to advance their skills through training programs. If you are an adult 18 or older and have the moves, a career as a dancer could be closer than you think.

Attending a dance school or obtaining private dance instruction can help further your skills and advance your career as a professional dancer.  Dance training can be strenuous, and overwhelming at times. If you possess the right determination, stamina, and discipline required to work as a professional dancer, overcoming these hurdles seems less challenging.

Dancers need ongoing dance instruction throughout their careers. There is always a new dance step or move they want to learn and must continually move their body to stay flexible. Dance instruction helps accomplish both feats.

Finding a Position as a Dancer

After you’ve perfected your dance skills, finding a position as a dancer is the next step in your journey. The type of dance you perform may impact the availability of jobs. 

The most popular styles of ballroom dance include:

• Waltz

• Cha-Cha

• Tango

• Foxtrot

Ballroom dances are performed with a partner, although you don’t necessarily need anyone attached to your hip to land a job as a ballroom dancer.  You do, however, need information that can direct you toward the career of your dreams, and we are here to provide that information.

As you prepare to venture into professional dance, create a portfolio and a resume. Include recommendation letters, photos, and videos of your work inside the portfolio, and keep it on hand, readily available to show off to potential employers.

Dancers need many different items to perform their best. These items are used both on and off the dance floor. Ensure you have the following items readily available as you begin your dance career:

• Ballroom shoes from ballroomshoes.com. We recommend purchasing multiple pairs of shoes so that you always have options based on your attire, occasion, type of performance, etc.

• Elegant dresses and tailored suits serve as costumes for professional ballroom dancers.  Ensure you have several costumes available so you are ready for any choreography.

• Accessories enhance your costume and shoes and can help your attire stand out. Recommended accessories include necklaces, gloves, hair accessories, and undergarments needed for the performance.

• Hair and makeup items for men and women boost confidence on the dance floor and in front of others.

• Dance bag to hold your shoes, costume, accessories, etc.

• Personal care supplies can reduce some of the strain your body feels after a performance or stealthy practice session. Choose personal care items based on your needs. Items you may want to consider include massage aids, athletic tape, topical pain relievers, Epsom salt, ice packs, and nutritional supplements.

Of these items, shoes rank as one of the most important. Don’t rush to buy your ballroom dance shoes. As one of the most important pieces of your attire, dance shoes impact your performance and should be selected based on style, comfort, and features.  

Ballroom dance shoes feature specialized characteristics that allow dancers to move elegantly across the floor. Never settle for traditional shoes as a balloon dancer. This can hinder your performance.

Shop for ballroom shoes at specially selected retailers to ensure you can execute moves flawlessly on the dance floor.

When you’re well-prepared, it is time to start your job search.

Start locally in your career search. Many establishments hire ballroom dancers, including:

• Dance studios

• Theaters

• Schools

There are many other opportunities to find work as a ballroom dancer. Leave your options open and never hesitate to make an inquiry regarding dance jobs at companies and organizations that appeal to you.

Some dancers open their own studios or entertainment centers. Many do well. According to the BLS, approximately 21% of all dancers are self-employed.

Another option is working as a digital creator. In 2024, digital creators earn lucrative incomes doing what they love on sites like YouTube and Facebook. Your page can reflect anything interesting related to dance, whether you provide instruction, support, or other forms of entertainment.

How Much Can Professional Ballroom Dancers Earn?

Ballroom dancers earn an average income of $29.59 per hour, averaging  $69k per year, according to ZipRecruiter.  Some ballroom dancers make well over $49 per hour. Your actual salary may be higher or lower than the listed amounts, depending on the position, area you live/work, and other factors. 

As you gain more experience and expertise as a professional dancer, expect additional opportunities to grow and earn a higher income to come your way.

Reasons to Choose a Career as a Professional Ballroom Dancer

A career as a professional ballroom dancer offers unique benefits appreciated by any passionate dancer. It’s far more fulfilling than clocking into a 9 to 5 you hate, as you have an opportunity to earn a living doing what you love. Work suddenly feels less like work and much more meaningful. 

Other potential benefits include:

• Maintain physical health and well-being

• Endless self-express and creativity 

• Improved flexibility and strength

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Live a happier, healthier life

• Opportunities to travel

• Experience new cities, states, countries, and cultures

• Competitions, recognition, and accolades

• Meet new people 

• Connect with your community

• Inspire and motivate others

• Earn a good income

The Last Word

A career as a professional ballroom dancer is unlike any other job in the world. Every day brings new excitement and joy and allows you to grow as a person. If you want a career that allows you to follow your heart and embrace what you love, start your search for a job as a ballroom dancer today.