Professional Dance Company Member Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of performing arts, the spotlight on professional dance company members has never been more captivating.

Artistry evolves, and with each performance, the demand for skilled dancers who can interpret, bring to life, and protect the integrity of our choreography heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a professional dance company member?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring dancer seeking to understand the core of this role,
• A director outlining the perfect ensemble member,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of a professional dance company,

You’re in the perfect place.

Today, we present a customizable professional dance company member job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or performing arts career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Professional Dance Company Member Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Dance Company Members perform a variety of tasks related to dance performances and rehearsals.

Their work involves physical conditioning, artistic creativity, and discipline.

Members of a professional dance company have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Attend and actively participate in regular dance rehearsals and training sessions
• Learn and memorize complex dance routines in various dance styles
• Perform dance routines in front of live audiences at various venues and events
• Collaborate with choreographers, directors, and other dancers to execute choreographed performances
• Maintain a high level of physical fitness and flexibility to perform demanding dance routines
• Participate in costume fittings and makeup sessions prior to performances
• Take care of costumes and props, ensuring they are kept in good condition
• Participate in promotional activities, such as photo shoots, interviews, and public appearances
• Continuously work on improving dance skills and techniques
• Follow strict dietary and wellness routines to maintain optimal physical health
• Help in choreographing dance routines when required
• Provide input and creative ideas for new dance routines and performances

 

Professional Dance Company Member Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a talented and dedicated dancer to join our company.

The successful candidate must demonstrate excellent physical conditioning, a strong understanding of rhythm and tempo, a creative mind, and an exceptional ability to express themselves through movement.

As a Professional Dance Company Member, you are expected to attend rehearsals and dance classes, collaborate with choreographers to develop routines, and deliver stellar performances during productions.

 

Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in dance rehearsals and performances.
• Collaborate with the choreographer to learn and interpret dance routines.
• Maintain a high level of physical conditioning and technical dance skills.
• Participate in dance classes and workshops to hone your skills.
• Contribute creative ideas for dance routines and performances.
• Provide feedback to the choreographer and other dancers to improve the performance.
• Adhere to the company’s rules and regulations.
• Represent the dance company at public events, when required.

 

Qualifications

• Formal training and proven experience as a professional dancer.
• Knowledge of various dance styles and techniques.
• Excellent physical fitness, agility, and flexibility.
• Strong interpretative and expressive skills.
• Ability to receive and implement feedback.
• Teamwork and good communication skills.
• Commitment to maintaining a high level of professionalism.
• Degree in Dance or related field is a plus.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Travel opportunities for performances
• Access to dance classes and workshops

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Dance Company Member
• Work Environment: Dance studio and stage for performances. Extensive travel may be required for performances and tours.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dance Company Director or Choreographer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Varies depending on experience and role.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if tour-based)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, headshot, and a dance reel or video showcasing your dance abilities to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professional Dance Company Member Do?

Professional Dance Company Members, also known as Company Dancers, are employed by professional dance companies that perform various types of dance, including ballet, modern, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and more.

These dancers spend most of their time in rehearsals learning and perfecting choreography for performances.

Rehearsals can be long and physically demanding, requiring dancers to have high levels of strength, endurance, and flexibility.

A significant part of their job is to perform on stage in front of an audience.

This can involve touring nationally and internationally with the company to perform in different venues.

Company Dancers are also responsible for maintaining their physical condition and skills outside of rehearsals.

This can involve taking dance classes, strength and conditioning workouts, and other forms of cross-training.

They are often required to participate in promotional activities for the dance company, such as photo shoots, interviews, and public appearances.

Some dancers may also be involved in community outreach initiatives, teaching dance classes, and workshops.

In addition, Company Dancers may collaborate with choreographers to create new works, contributing their own creativity and interpretation to the piece.

Even though dance is a highly competitive field, Company Dancers need to work closely with their fellow dancers, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

 

Professional Dance Company Member Qualifications and Skills

As a professional dance company member, you need a unique combination of technical skills, physical conditioning, and creative talent.

These include:

• Technical proficiency in one or more dance genres (ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, etc.) and a solid understanding of dance techniques and principles.
• Physical stamina and endurance to perform rigorous dance routines, rehearsals, and shows.
• Expressiveness and ability to convey emotions and tell stories through movement and body language.
• Excellent timing and rhythm to synchronize movements with music and other dancers.
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with choreographers, other dancers, and production staff.
• Discipline and dedication to participate in regular training, rehearsals, and physical conditioning.
• Willingness to travel and adapt to different performance environments and schedules.
• Ability to accept and implement constructive criticism to improve performance and technique.
• Flexibility and agility to execute complex dance movements, routines, and lifts.

 

Professional Dance Company Member Experience Requirements

Dance Company Members are often required to have several years of rigorous and formal dance training.

This typically includes intensive ballet training, although experience in jazz, contemporary, and modern dance may also be necessary for certain companies.

Most professional dancers begin training at a young age, often in their early childhood.

By their teens, they may attend specialized dance schools or programs to further refine their skills.

Aspiring professional dancers often gain experience by participating in school or community performances, dance competitions, and dance festivals.

They might also gain experience through summer dance programs or workshops led by professional dance companies or choreographers.

Entry-level professional dancers may have 1 to 2 years of professional performance experience, often through part-time roles or internships with dance companies or theatrical productions.

Dancers with more than 3 years of professional dance experience often have developed their technique, artistry, and performance skills in previous roles as a company apprentice or corps de ballet member.

Those with more than 5 years of professional dance experience may have taken on soloist roles or leading roles in productions, showcasing their ability to handle more complex choreography and character interpretation.

They may also have some teaching or choreographic experience, preparing them for leadership roles within a dance company.

 

Professional Dance Company Member Education and Training Requirements

Aspiring Professional Dance Company Members typically start their training from a young age, often in their early childhood.

They usually receive formal training in dance schools or studios, where they are trained in a variety of dance styles, including but not limited to ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz and more.

Many professional dancers have a high school diploma, though not all professional dance companies require this.

Some dancers also pursue post-secondary education at a college, university, or conservatory, studying a dance-related field such as dance performance, choreography, or dance education.

It is common for aspiring Professional Dance Company Members to attend summer training programs or dance workshops to gain intensive training and exposure.

Membership in a dance company often requires passing an audition.

The criteria for auditions vary by company, but generally, dancers must demonstrate exceptional skill, flexibility, creativity, and the ability to quickly learn and execute choreography.

In addition to their formal training, professional dancers need to maintain a high level of physical fitness and endurance.

They often engage in regular physical conditioning, including strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises.

Continued education and training is important even after becoming a professional dancer.

Many dancers attend workshops, master classes, and other training opportunities to refine their skills and stay up-to-date with current dance trends.

While not a requirement, some dancers choose to become certified in dance, yoga, pilates, or fitness instruction to enhance their career opportunities and income potential.

They may also pursue a master’s degree in dance or a related field to gain a deeper understanding of the art form and potentially open doors to teaching or choreography roles.

 

Professional Dance Company Member Salary Expectations

A Professional Dance Company Member typically earns an average salary of $34,219 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly based on experience, the prestige of the company, location, and the number of performances they participate in each year.

 

Professional Dance Company Member Job Description FAQs

What skills does a professional dancer need?

Professional dancers should possess exceptional skills in various dance styles and techniques.

They should have physical strength, stamina, flexibility, and rhythm.

In addition, they need to have excellent memorization skills for remembering complex dance routines.

Good communication and interpersonal skills are also important for interacting with other dancers, choreographers, and the audience.

 

Do professional dancers need a degree?

While a degree is not a requirement to become a professional dancer, many dancers do attend dance schools or universities to refine their skills and techniques.

Degrees in dance or performing arts can be beneficial.

However, the most critical factor for dancers is their ability to perform and their dedication to the art form.

 

What should you look for in a dancer’s resume?

A dancer’s resume should include their training, performance experience, and any specialized skills like choreography or teaching.

Look for performances with reputable dance companies or shows.

Dancers may also list styles they are proficient in, like ballet, contemporary, hip hop, or jazz.

Certifications, awards, or recognition in the field are also worth noting.

 

What qualities make a good professional dancer?

A good professional dancer is disciplined and dedicated, spending countless hours practicing and perfecting their routines.

They should have creativity and expressiveness to interpret and convey the message of the dance.

Professional dancers also need resilience, as the field is highly competitive and physically demanding.

Adaptability is important too, as they need to quickly learn new routines and styles.

 

What is the career progression for a professional dancer?

Professional dancers often begin their careers in a dance company, performing in various shows and productions.

With experience, they may progress to solo roles or become dance captains, leading and coaching other dancers in the troupe.

Some dancers transition to choreography, creating their own dance pieces or entire productions.

Others may move into teaching, either in dance schools or by opening their own studios.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a closer look at what it truly means to be a member of a professional dance company.

And guess what?

It’s not just about mastering dance routines.

It’s about creating art in motion, one step at a time.

With our comprehensive professional dance company member job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why stop there?

Stride further with our job description generator. It’s your leap towards precision-crafted listings or perfecting your performance resume.

Remember:

Every dance step contributes to the grand performance.

Let’s create that masterpiece. Together.