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From Studio to Stage: Exploring Career Paths After Dance Training

From Studio to Stage: Exploring Career Paths After Dance Training
From Studio to Stage: Exploring Career Paths After Dance Training

A dance career is a calling. It involves a huge amount of dedication, training and constant knockbacks that can easily put people off pursuing their dreams, but, if you do set your sights on a dance career, it can be incredibly rewarding.

In this blog, we’ll look at possible career options available after professional dance training.

Professional Dancer

For most students, the ultimate goal is to perform on stage. Whether that’s in musical theatre, ballet, or commercial dance, being a professional dancer gets you in front of an audience.

If you want to become a professional dancer, an Italia Conti dance course equips you with the technical skill and performance ability you need to succeed. We train versatile dancers in a broad range of styles, ensuring our students graduate with the adaptability to work across a variety of genres.

Choreographer

Learning to dance is one thing, but being able to create stories through movement, and coach other dancers to do the same, is a completely different skill.

After professional dance training, choreography is an exciting career path. Whether that’s in theatre, television, film or live events, choreographers innovate and inspire audiences through the medium of movement.

Dance Teacher

Many dancers find their passion in training the next generation of dancers.

Becoming a dance instructor or teacher lets you pass on your knowledge and skills to other passionate creatives. As a dance teacher, you can work in local studios and schools or lead advanced classes for professionals.

Italia Conti’s dance courses prepare you for life as a dance teacher. Our focus on understanding the mechanics of the body, along with creative expression, ensures graduates can teach with authority and passion.

FAQs

How can I turn my dancing into a career?

If you’ve not yet started on the professional dance career path, here’s how to begin:

  • Get qualified with a degree or diploma in professional dance/musical theatre
  • Begin auditioning to land roles
  • Network and use social media to find out about jobs and casting calls
  • Consider hiring an agent who will be able to help you meet contacts/book auditions
  • Keep your online presence (social media) updated with latest performances, awards and involvements

Can you make a living from being a dancer?

You can absolutely make a living from being a professional dancer.

Whilst the industry is competitive, there are plenty of career options out there that will pay a good salary. Whilst you’re still finding your feet in the industry, you can also look for backstage jobs to help pay the bills. Working backstage will also give you more experience in the theatre and it can help you network.

How can my dance experience transfer to other careers?

A degree in dancing involves a range of transferable skills that apply to a variety of industries. Employers will look favourably on skills like dedication, presentation and communication.

If you’re thinking about life after your dance career, the DCD charity helps dancers transition to new careers. They offer services like educational advice, career coaching and emotional counselling, along with retraining grants and networking events.

  • “I have just graduated from Liverpool Theatre School with a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre. I wanted to do the BA Hons (Top Up) in Professional Arts Practice course to further develop my skills for the industry. It is the perfect balance between academic writing and creativity. I already have seen improvements, both in my academic and performing work, and I now really value the ability to critically reflect on past experiences in order to improve my current skills.”

    - Sarah Collinge – Musical Theatre Performer Current Student, Class of July 2024
  • “I have found that my first term at Italia Conti has been better than I could’ve imagined. I am working with driven, passionate, likeminded people within all different realms of the performing arts industry. I find that the course is very tailored to each individual and the content is broad enough to apply to everyone but specific enough to challenge each person within their abilities. I find the course to be a place where I can collaborate and interact with people who I’d never had met otherwise. I only look forward to what the next few months of the course bring and feel more motivated than ever.”

    - Kate Drummond – Actor Current Student, Class of July 2024
  • Current Student, Class of July 2024
    “The course is allowing me to reflect on my past practice, current position, and future endeavours. I really enjoy how flexible the course is, with regards to being able to tailor my studies to my own practice, enabling me to maximise the benefits of this on my future career. I expect my professional development to be impacted exponentially and I am excited to continue!”

    - Amy-Jo Sumner – Musical Theatre Performer
  • “Italia Conti’s BA Top up course was the one for me! Creating a business in under 9 months has been a massive accomplishment! The course really helps shape your future, enables you to meet professional contacts to support your research, and gives you lots of time to understand the area of the industry you want to specialise in.”

    - Rachel Ward – Performing Arts Tutor Graduate, BA Top up Class of Sept 2022
  • I’m a professional dancer but have taught only ballet. These classes are EXACTLY what I was looking for to show some basics of contemp for my students !! Absolutely love every single Video

    - @ginamusaelyan2307 – Italia Conti Virtual
  • I’ve watched a lot of your videos and I love every single one that she teaches. THANK YOU. Gorgeous movement.

    - @debbied3464 – Italia Conti Virtual
  • Amazing class, one of the best I’ve ever done. So easy to follow, thank you!

    - @yellowbeachgirl – Italia Conti Virtual
  • I’m a dancer in LA and can’t keep up with my peers on how often they take dance classes. This channel has been so helpful for me to keep up my training. Thank you for sharing this with the world. I feel like we are all dancing together even though we are all doing this at different times and in different spaces. 🖤

    - @SarahPaceSings – Italia Conti Virtual
  • Best ballet teacher on the internet Great explanation, enthusiasm and commentary throughout the exercise!

    - @annajones6805 – Italia Conti Virtual