SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Dancers

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Ballerina
  • Ballet Company Member
  • Ballet Dancer
  • Ballet Soloist
  • Belly Dancer
  • Company Dancer
  • Dancer
  • Latin Dancer
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What do Dancers do?

Dancers are artists who express emotions and tell stories through the art of movement. They perform in a variety of styles, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and folk, among others. Dancers use their bodies to convey music and emotion, requiring a unique blend of physical skill, creativity, and discipline. Careers in dancing may involve performing in theaters, films, music videos, or competitive dance showcases. Many dancers also engage in community outreach, teaching workshops or classes to inspire the next generation. A dancer's career can also include choreography, where they create and direct dance pieces, or pursuing paths in dance education, research, or critique. Successful dancers often dedicate numerous hours to perfecting their art, maintaining physical fitness, and building versatility across dance styles.

What the work actually is

  • Study and practice dance moves required in roles.
  • Harmonize body movements to rhythm of musical accompaniment.
  • Train, exercise, and attend dance classes to maintain high levels of technical proficiency, physical ability, and physical fitness.
  • Coordinate dancing with that of partners or dance ensembles.
  • Develop self-understanding of physical capabilities and limitations, and choose dance styles accordingly.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Abilities

  • Gross Body Coordination The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
  • Extent Flexibility The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  • Dynamic Strength The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
  • Stamina The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
  • Trunk Strength The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

Knowledge

  • Fine Arts Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Less than high school diploma
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

A normal week

  • Performing General Physical Activities
  • Getting Information
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  • Thinking Creatively

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Web page creation and editing software Facebook · LinkedIn · Social media sites
  • Video creation and editing software Apple Final Cut Pro · YouTube
  • Graphics or photo imaging software Adobe Photoshop · Choreography software
  • Filesystem software Samba
  • Electronic mail software Microsoft Outlook

Tools

  • Womens athletic footwear Pointe shoes · Women's ballet flats · Women's social dance shoes
  • Mens athletic footwear Men's ballet flats · Men's ballroom dancing shoes · Men's social dance shoes
  • Notebook computers Laptop computers
  • Exercise balls Balance balls
  • Balance equipment Dance barres

Who it suits

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

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Questions people ask

How much do Dancers earn in South Africa?

Dancers salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Dancers do?

Study and practice dance moves required in roles, Harmonize body movements to rhythm of musical accompaniment and Train, exercise, and attend dance classes to maintain high levels of technical proficiency, physical ability, and physical fitness.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.