How do I become a professional dancer
Get qualified to work as a professional dancer with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Professional Dancer.
Common questions
In Australia, a full time Professional Dancer generally earns $1,250 per week ($65,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
This industry has seen stable employment growth in recent years. There are currently 1,000 people working as a Professional Dancer in Australia, compared to 1,100 five years ago. Professional Dancers generally find work in larger cities where productions are based.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Courses.com.au Team
A Certificate II in Dance is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as a Professional Dancer. This course covers basic dance techniques, artistic expression skills, safe dance practices and physical fitness. You’ll be able to focus on a particular style of dance including ballet, tap, street, contemporary or Aboriginal and cultural dance.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
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15th September 2022All professional dancer courses
- CUA51520 & CUA60120 Dual Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) & Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
- CUA51520 Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
- CUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
- CUAWHS411 Apply movement and behavioural principles to conditioning
Professional Dancer careers
A Professional Dancer performs solo or group routines for a live audience or for recorded productions. You might come up with your own choreography or follow a set routine. Professional Dancers spend time rehearsing a performance on their own or as part of a larger group. You may specialise in a particular style of dance such as tap, contemporary or Indigenous performance.
Professional Dancers should be passionate about their craft and willing to put in long hours of practice and rehearsal. It’s important that you are a highly skilled dancer and can follow various types of choreography. Professional Dancers should be physically fit and able to work as part of a team. You may have to work irregular hours including nights and weekends.
