Dancers
What is a Dancer?
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.
Tasks
- 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.
Technology Skills
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Web page creation and editing software
- Social media sites
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Video creation and editing software
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- YouTube
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Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Photoshop
- Choreography software
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Filesystem software
- Samba
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Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools Used
- Womens athletic footwear
- Mens athletic footwear
- Notebook computers
- Exercise balls
- Balance equipment
Knowledge
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Fine Arts
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
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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.
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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Gross Body Coordination
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
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Extent Flexibility
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
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Dynamic Strength
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
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Stamina
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
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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.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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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)
Work Activities
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Detailed Work Activities
- Repair textiles or apparel.
- Sew clothing or other articles.
- Practice athletic or artistic skills.
- Perform dances.
- Entertain public with comedic or dramatic performances.
Work Interests
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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.
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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.
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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.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.