How to Become Professional Dancer South Africa

Professional dancer. A person trained and skilled with qualifications in a specific form of dance or variety of dancing employed in a professional capacity to perform in variety of settings.

Below are steps to Become Professional Dancer South Africa

Professional dancers are passionate, determined and persistent toward achieving their goals. Here are some steps to help you transition to professional dancing:

Receive extensive training

You don’t need any qualifications or a degree to become a professional dancer, but training is an important factor. Professional dancers begin their training at the age of five and start auditioning for permanent work at 18. The training helps with the development of muscle strength and techniques needed to turn talent into a profession.

. Consider getting a bachelor’s degree

It isn’t mandatory to have a degree to become a professional dancer, but majoring in dance can give you exposure to different dance genres.

You also have the option of concentrating on a specific dance. A variety of universities and colleges offer majors in dance through the fine arts or theater departments. In a dance major, you learn about:

Choreography: You learn performance skills through various dancing techniques and ways of expressing yourself through choreography.

Production: As a student, you learn about the processes of backstage production. This can include sound operation, how to run a light board, costumes, lighting design and stage management.

Gain experience

If you want to increase your chances of getting hired as a professional dancer, you should consider relocating to a city where entertainment thrives. However, take time to research art communities in your area where you can volunteer to dance. You can also gain experience by:

Taking classes: Participating in dance classes helps you build your craft, stay physically healthy and gain more experience.

Dance classes also increase your chances of getting booked during auditions because the director or choreographer may be familiar with your work or have experience working with you.

Skills for a professional dancer in South Africa

Apart from being talented, you need to possess skills that can help you have a successful career.

These skills are:

Creativity: You need to have interesting, innovative ways to express your ideas through dancing.

Physical strength: You need to have excellent mobility and strength to move your body without losing your balance or falling and have the ability to work for extended periods.
Interpersonal skills: You must have the ability to interact with others effectively because you will work with many people.

What qualifications do you need to be a professional dancer in South Africa?

You’ll usually need a degree or diploma in professional dance or musical theatre. These take 2 to 3 years to complete and are offered by dance schools, performing arts schools and universities. Academic qualifications may not be essential if you show enough talent at audition.

Is it hard to become a professional dancer?

There’s no way around it: Becoming a professional dancer is hard. Whether you dream of becoming a hip hop dancer in commercials and music videos, a principal in a ballet company, or a backup dancer on tour, making it as a dancer is no cakewalk.

Can I become a professional dancer at 30?

You can become a good dancer at any age, if you train smart and a lot. Just go to dance classes four times a week. Just add some stretching and Pilates. Also just add a couple of strength training classes to make sure your body looks even better.

Is it worth being a dancer?

The truth is that for so many dancers, their love of dancing and passion for the art overrides all of the drawbacks. So even though things can be outrageously challenging and competitive and painful, both physically and emotionally, dance is so emotionally fulfilling that it can absolutely all be worth it.

Is dancer a good career?

Various job opportunities present for dancers and choreographers: “The avenues through dance are aplenty. Whether it is becoming a performer in films, shows or musicals, or teaching in academies or schools, there are various strong career opportunities,” says Shiamak Davar. Teaching in schools or corporate.

How do professional dancers make money?

Commercial dancers are paid as independent contractors by the producing organization of a project. If you have an agent, the agent gets 10% – 20%. And when it comes to set up, having an agent generally assures that you’re getting paid what you’re worth because agents work on your behalf for that.

How can I earn money by dancing?

Here are 7 ways to earn extra money as a dancer.

Write Dance Articles.

Perform/Choreograph for Special Events.

Teach Privates Lessons or Classes.

Sell Your Own Merchandise Online.

Become an Affiliate Seller.

Monetize Your Social Media Account.

Freelance Other Services.

Where can a dancer work?

Dancers work in dance schools, theaters, performing companies, TV or movie studios, at casinos, on cruise ships, and at theme parks. When on tour, dancers have long workdays, rehearsing most of the day and performing at night. Self-employment, and part-time dance work is common.