Arts, Design, Media & Sports
Dancers
Also called: Ballerina, Ballet Company Member, Ballet Dancer, Ballet Soloist
US median pay
—
not published
Job growth 2025–35
+2.2%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
1,600
13,800 employed
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Perform dances. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for video recording.
What they do day to day
- Study and practice dance moves required in roles.
- Harmonize body movements to rhythm of musical accompaniment.
- Train, exercise, and attend dance classes to maintain high levels of technical proficiency, physical ability, and physical fitness.
- Coordinate dancing with that of partners or dance ensembles.
- Develop self-understanding of physical capabilities and limitations, and choose dance styles accordingly.
- Perform classical, modern, or acrobatic dances in productions, expressing stories, rhythm, and sound with their bodies.
- Collaborate with choreographers to refine or modify dance steps.
- Audition for dance roles or for membership in dance companies.
- Attend costume fittings, photography sessions, and makeup calls associated with dance performances.
- Monitor the field of dance to remain aware of current trends and innovations.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Coordination3.0/5
- Time Management2.9/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.9/5
- Service Orientation2.8/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.6/5
- Persuasion2.5/5
- Instructing2.5/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.5/5
Knowledge
- Fine Arts4.5/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.9/5
- Mathematics2.6/5
- Transportation2.5/5
- Sales and Marketing2.5/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): No formal educational credential.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma45%
- Less than high school34%
- Post-secondary certificate14%
Who this job suits
Mostly Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.