What Can You Do With a Dance Degree? (10 Career Options)

A dance degree offers the opportunity to merge passion with profession, allowing individuals to pursue careers that tap into their creative talents while also offering a range of opportunities in teaching, choreographing, performing, producing, and managing. The versatility of a dance degree equips students with not only performance skills but also an understanding of the artistic, business, and health-related facets of the dance world. Whether you're interested in performing on stage, teaching the next generation of dancers, working in therapy, or engaging with the administrative side of arts organizations, a degree in dance provides a solid foundation for various career paths. Here, we will explore the diverse career options available to those who choose to pursue a career in dance.

1. Dancer

The most traditional and well-known career path for dance graduates is to become a dancer. Professional dancers perform in a variety of settings, including ballet companies, modern dance ensembles, musical theater productions, and television shows. They may work with renowned choreographers to bring specific dance pieces to life, often requiring them to learn and master various dance styles such as contemporary, hip-hop, ballet, jazz, or even cultural and folk dance forms. Dance companies, theaters, and touring productions offer significant opportunities for dancers, though the industry is highly competitive.

Dancers are also required to maintain a high level of fitness, flexibility, and endurance, as the physical demands of dance are rigorous. They practice extensively and often engage in cross-training activities to sustain their bodies. Additionally, dancers may be involved in rehearsals and performances, which require dedication, discipline, and the ability to collaborate with fellow dancers, choreographers, and directors. A dancer's career may take them around the world as they perform in front of diverse audiences or work in various film and media productions.

2. Dance Therapist

Another important career path within the dance field is that of a dance therapist. Dance therapy, also known as movement therapy, uses the expressive and physical aspects of dance to help individuals improve their emotional, mental, and physical health. Dance therapists work with individuals or groups facing challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, and developmental disorders. Through carefully designed movement exercises, dance therapists aim to improve a patient's body awareness, increase emotional expression, and foster a sense of connection to oneself and others.

To become a dance therapist, one typically needs additional training in psychology or therapy alongside a dance degree. Dance therapy is increasingly being integrated into healthcare and educational settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and private practices. This career path combines the therapeutic benefits of dance with a deep understanding of human movement and emotions, creating a rewarding profession for those interested in helping others heal through creative expression.

3. Artistic Director

An artistic director is a key leadership role in a dance company or institution, responsible for overseeing the artistic vision and direction of the organization. Artistic directors work closely with choreographers, dancers, and other staff to create compelling performances and ensure that the company’s overall artistic goals align with its mission. They may also be involved in selecting pieces for performances, working on collaborations with other artists or organizations, and fostering relationships with donors, sponsors, and audiences.

An artistic director typically has significant experience as a dancer or choreographer, and a deep understanding of both the creative and managerial aspects of running a dance company. This role often involves decision-making on matters such as the type of repertoire to present, recruitment of new dancers, and cultivating the artistic and financial sustainability of the company. This position requires strong leadership skills, artistic vision, and a comprehensive understanding of dance as an art form.

4. Arts Management

For those who enjoy the business side of the arts, arts management is an excellent career option. Arts managers are responsible for overseeing the administration and business operations of arts organizations, including dance companies, theaters, and festivals. They handle tasks such as marketing, fundraising, event planning, budgeting, and audience development, ensuring the smooth running of operations while supporting the organization’s artistic goals.

In the dance world, arts management professionals are critical to ensuring that dance companies thrive financially, while also providing support to the artists who perform and create. They may work closely with artists, board members, and patrons to secure funding for productions, coordinate logistics for performances, and build a brand that resonates with audiences. An arts management career allows you to combine your organizational and leadership skills with a passion for the arts, providing a meaningful role behind the scenes.

5. Ballet Mistress

A ballet mistress or ballet master plays a vital role in ballet companies, often serving as the person responsible for rehearsals and maintaining the artistic integrity of the company's performances. They assist choreographers in preparing ballet productions by coaching dancers, ensuring they execute choreography with precision and expression. Ballet mistresses often have extensive experience as professional dancers, giving them the knowledge and expertise to teach, guide, and correct the dancers' movements.

This role is essential in maintaining the high standards of ballet companies, and ballet mistresses are often involved in mentoring younger dancers and assisting in the staging of productions. They may also work with choreographers to interpret and adjust choreography, ensuring that it aligns with the vision for the performance. The ballet mistress is central to ensuring that dancers are physically and artistically ready for the stage.

6. Dance Notator

A dance notator is a specialized professional who uses notation systems to record and preserve choreographic works. Dance notation involves creating written or symbolic representations of dance movements, which can be used to document a choreography for future performances, educational purposes, or historical records. The Labanotation and Benesh Movement Notation are two widely used systems in the dance world for this purpose.

Dance notators play an important role in ensuring that choreographies are accurately passed down through generations, enabling future dancers to learn and perform works as they were originally intended. This role requires a deep understanding of both dance and the technicalities of notation systems. Dance notators may work with choreographers, universities, or archives to record the creative process and preserve the art form.

7. Choreographer

The role of a choreographer is one of the most creative and central to the dance world. Choreographers are responsible for creating original dance routines and performances. They design the movements, sequences, and staging of the work, and often collaborate with composers, costume designers, and set designers to bring their vision to life. Choreographers can work in a variety of genres, from ballet and modern dance to musical theater and commercial dance.

Choreographers can be freelance, working with various companies, or they may be employed by a specific dance company or organization. A successful choreographer has a deep understanding of movement, music, and storytelling, and is able to inspire and lead dancers through the process of bringing a piece to the stage. In addition to being highly creative, choreographers also need to have strong communication and leadership skills to guide their dancers through rehearsals and help them realize the vision for a performance.

8. Community Dance Worker

Community dance workers engage with people of all ages and backgrounds in various community settings, using dance as a tool for social engagement, personal expression, and community building. This role involves creating and delivering dance programs that are accessible to a wide range of participants, from children and the elderly to individuals with disabilities. Community dance workers often collaborate with schools, community centers, health organizations, and cultural institutions to deliver dance workshops, classes, and performances.

Community dance work is an excellent career option for those who are passionate about using dance to foster inclusivity, build confidence, and create a sense of belonging. It allows dance professionals to make a direct impact in their communities while promoting physical health, creativity, and social connection.

9. Composer/Musician

A composer/musician who specializes in creating music for dance is an integral part of the creative process in many dance productions. Music plays a critical role in enhancing the emotional and thematic elements of a dance piece, and composers work closely with choreographers to create original scores that complement the movements and storytelling. They may compose music for ballet, contemporary dance, or other forms of performance, and they often collaborate with live musicians or electronic music production to achieve the desired effect.

Composers with a background in dance can contribute to both the creative and technical aspects of dance performances. They are responsible for crafting the musical landscape that supports the choreography and may also perform live during performances, providing a dynamic relationship between the dancers and the music.

10. Dance Instructor

Finally, a career as a dance instructor offers the opportunity to teach and inspire the next generation of dancers. Dance instructors work in a variety of settings, including dance schools, community centers, and private studios. They teach dance technique, choreography, and performance skills, often specializing in specific dance styles such as ballet, jazz, hip-hop, or contemporary dance.

Teaching dance requires not only expertise in the chosen dance styles but also patience, communication, and the ability to motivate and inspire students. Dance instructors may work with students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced dancers, and often play an important role in helping students prepare for competitions, auditions, and performances. For those with a passion for teaching and sharing their love of dance, this can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path.

Conclusion

A dance degree opens up a diverse array of career opportunities, each offering a unique way to combine a passion for movement with professional development. Whether you aspire to be a performer, teacher, choreographer, or a key figure behind the scenes in arts management or dance therapy, the possibilities are endless. The dance world is one that celebrates creativity, dedication, and expression, and pursuing a career in this field can be both personally and professionally rewarding. Whether you are drawn to the stage, the classroom, or the administration of arts organizations, a degree in dance can provide the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in a dynamic and vibrant industry.