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Written by Mumtaj Khan
Jan 31, 2026

Dance as a Career: How to Become a Successful Dancer

Dancer or more accurately a Professional Dancer is a performing artist who executes specific kinds of dancing in different occasions as the stage show to entertain people in the name of appreciation and other financial rewards as would be the case in any other normal profession.

Despite all the exceptions, although dancing has always been an old age practice in history of mankind as a profession, it has never been receiving the due respect it is today. Indeed, at one point in time, this complex.art was seen as a low form of profession and regarded by the aristocrat of the society.

A dancer was considered to be a lowly entertainer in the social gathering of the people of the so-called high gentry. However, as time went by and the interest and awareness of its rich tradition spread among the masses, it has overtime been accorded the required respect as a profession. 

The traditional dancers and many folks of the recent past are as much respected as other professions in the society. And this is not merely with the classical or folk dancer but instead an honour and honour and respect is being bestowed upon the dancers of any type be it western or bale or any kind of dancers.

Dance styles that are common in specific regions of the world exist and the dance styles rely on the antique dance schooling. Regarding Indian dance forms they are different in states and regions across the nation as much as various forms of classical dances - Bharatnatyam of Tamil Nadu, Kuchipindi of Andhra Pradesh, Odissi of Orissa, Kathak, Kathakali and Manipuri. The distinctive feature of the Indian classical dances is that they contain all the devotional material. Among all these types of dancing, it is thought that Bharat Natyam is the oldest and the purists Indian classical dance.

In order to pursue career as a Dancer in any of the dance forms, the informal training must begin as early as at the age of 5 to 6 years. When the individual attains the age of 14 -15 years and finishes his/her basic education i.e. 10 th or 12 th he/she has the option of going under professional training in the field of his/her choice to sharpen his talent as well as his expertise of past years.

Eligibility of a professional dancer

Educational Qualification

There is no particular educational achievement to become a dancer, but basic qualification of 10+2 is regarded as good in having professional courses in this discipline.

Age Limits

There is no age restriction to be a dancer.

Dancer Required Skills

  • In order to be a professional dancer the aspiring candidates must have appropriate knowledge about the dance forms and issues associated with it to be mastered in the most efficient way.
  • Since dance requires a significant amount of physical and mental effort, the most demanded skill to work in a way that is attractive is physical fitness, stamina, Mental Strenght and perseverance.
  • The other necessary skill that one must have to become a professional dancer is Dedication, Motivation and Discipline.
  • A dancer might have to interact with many individuals working in the team/she should possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Dancer can use creativity and resilience to inject uniqueness in his/her art of dancing.
  • Self-belief and Confidence is also required to perform in front of any audience.
  • A professional dancer today might be called upon to perform not just live but also in a programme in the electronic media hence he/she should be able to adapt to the various disciplines of TV, film and theatre to mention a few.

How to become a Dancer?

To be a Professional dancer one must go through the following:

Step 1 :The next thing to do after completing 12 classes with Dance or Music as one of the major subjects and learning the basics of different dance forms through informal means which one could pursue different certificate and diploma courses that are provided by dance schools across the country. Some of the most notable institutes that offer courses in Dance are the Kathak Kendra in Delhi, the Kalakshetra in Chennai, Bharatiya Kala Kendra in Delhi and so on. Bachelors of Performing arts is also an option in some of the best Indian universities.

Nonetheless, certain esteemed colleges having few seats can conduct aptitude test prior to admission into their colleges.

Duration of various courses:

  • The certificate course is a one-year course.
  • Baccalaureate courses last three years.
  • Diploma and Post Graduate course is of two years.

Step 2 : Once his /her graduation in the corresponding field is completed then can join some organization to receive some on job experience such as Kala Kendras, Academies, TV channels, Dance troupes etc. Self-employment through holding of private classes or establishing an institution is also a possibility in lots.

Job description of a Professional Dancer

  • The dancers are expected to have their body movements and face impressions to perform at different events in a beautiful, artistic and expressive way as the most common and expected job to entertain the audience.
  • Their job description as the dancers also incorporates the aspect of marketing music owing to their significant participation in most music videos.
  • Dancers are also expected to carry their own creative ideas to convert one type of dance to another by introducing a new type of moves and expressions of face.
  • Another role of dancers is to teach dance classes, to be a choreographer or community workshop leader.

Career Prospects of Professional Dancers

A beautiful appearance, facial expression, ability to interpret roles and appearance on the stage, performing artist/ Professional dancers can join some stage troops or can also be recruited by some TV channels as a performer. Dancing artists are also able to organize their own companies and make money through requests. Another choice they make is to begin schools and spend time to teach.

Professional Dancer Salary

Professional Dancer can get anywhere near Rs.5,000 to Rs.10,000  per performance to start with and with a little experience and honing his/her dancing skills, one can get as high as Rs.1,00,000 and even more than that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone with passion for dance can become a dancer, regardless of age, provided they are willing to train consistently.
Flexibility, rhythm, coordination, stamina, creativity, and strong discipline are essential skills.
Formal education is not mandatory, but professional dance training or certification is highly beneficial.
Classical, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, ballet, folk, Bollywood, and freestyle are popular career options.
It typically takes 3–6 years of regular practice and training, depending on dedication and style.
Stage performer, dance teacher, choreographer, backup dancer, reality show artist, or dance content creator.