Although art comes in many forms, one of the most active and compelling is known as performance dance. Making the decision to follow a career in this type of dancing is bold, because it is more than just a job. It is a way of life. However, it is a career move that can also be very rewarding. Students who are serious about dance usually stay in this field for the rest of their lives, but may switch to different areas of the job if situations change. The following areas are those where students who were at first dancers were able to enter.
Dancers
Dancers are the performers and do the work for shows. They may or may not be involved in creative process of the steps, moves and ideas of the production. Many dancers become teachers or choreographers while still involved in dance. There are several top-rated schools of theatre and dance scattered throughout the nation that offer a feel into the dimension of dance as a future career and many other areas that blend.
Artistic Director
The principal function of the artistic director is to set the artistic direction and vision for the dance company. The artistic director and choreographer are actually one and the same and whose job it is to teach dancers movement, dance moves and create styles.
Technical Careers in Dance
Entire crews of technicians work behind the scenes to make a great show. The production manager coordinates many aspects of the theatrical side such as lights, set, and sound while the stage manager calls the lighting and sound cues during the show and communicates between the performers. Stage hands and lighting experts have tight schedules, realizing the importance of how little time is left between scene and shows.
Administrative Careers in Theater
A wonderful way to reach the community for fundraisers, special events and in general getting them involved and to help in performances gaining merit and public relations and grants is through theatre arts. Many dancers will put on a show for all to see what they are capable of as a form of advertisement and are happy to do it.
Documentary Careers
Dance notators are those who videotape or take pictures of the dancers while they are performing and these are then used in documentaries, publications and for promotions of the dance troop. There are two main types of dance notation and they are Benesh and Laban. Of course another career choice is to become a critic, who is a dancer’s nightmare. If present in an audience, they are then ready to voice their opinion about the performance in general or specific dancers. The best critics are those who are or used to be dancers. That experience allows them to recognize the emotions, moves and mistakes made by performers on opening night.
If your dream career has been to dance and you have done what you love there are other branches of dancing such as being an instructor, which many dancers do, to stay in the business. This can be quite rewarding to see and help young children pursue their dream, should that be the case.