Dancer or better said a Professional Dancer is an artist who performs specific dance forms on various occasions in the form of the stage show to entertain the public for the sake of appreciation and other monetary gains as in any other conventional profession.
Although dancing has been an old age tradition in the history of mankind as a profession it never got the respect it deserves, barring a few exceptions. In fact, there was a time when this intricate art was considered as a lowly profession and looked down upon by the high gentry of the society.
A dancer was thought to be a petty entertainer in the social gathering of the people of the so-called high gentry. But with the passing of time and spreading of interest and knowledge of its rich tradition among the masses, it has slowly gained the due respect as a profession.
Many folks and traditional dancers of the recent past are as much respected as any other profession in the society. And this is not only with the classical or folk dancer rather due respect and recognition is being imparted to dancers of any kind may it be western or bale or any other form.
There are dance forms typical to certain parts of the world and these dance forms are based on ancient dance discipline. As far as Indian dance forms are concerned, they vary from state to state and from region to region throughout the country like various classical forms - Bharatnatyam of Tamil Nadu, Kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh, Odissi of Orissa, Kathak, Kathakali and Manipuri. The uniqueness of Indian classical dances is that they are all devotional in content. Of all these dance forms, Bharat Natyam is believed to be the oldest and the purest Indian classical dance.
To have a career as a Dancer in any of the dance forms, the informal training should start as early as in the age of 5 to 6 years. By the time a person reaches the age of 14 -15 years and completes his/her basic education i.e. 10th or 12th he/she can join professional training in the field of his/her choice to polish his talent as well as his expertise of previous years.
Professional Dancer Eligibility
Educational Qualification
Though no specific educational qualification is required to be a dancer yet basic qualification of 10+2 is considered as good to have professional courses in this filed.
Age Limits
No age bar is there to become a dancer.
Dancer Required Skills
- To become a professional dancer the aspiring candidates should have proper knowledge of the dance forms and its related issues so that it can be mastered in most efficient manner.
- As dance involves a lot of physical and mental work, physical fitness, stamina, Mental Strenght and perseverance are the most required skill to perform in an attractive manner.
- Dedication, Motivation and Discipline are the other required skill to become a professional dancer.
- A dancer may have to communicate with a lot of people working in the group/she must have good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Creativity and resilience can help a dancer to bring uniqueness his/her art of dancing.
- Confidence and Self-belief are also must to perform before any kind of audience.
- Nowadays a professional dancer may have to perform not only live but also for programmes in electronic media thus he/she must have the adaptability to the different disciplines of TV, film and theatre to name a few.
How to become a Dancer?
To become a Professional dancer one has to follow the given steps:
Step 1
After passing 12 class with Dance or Music as one of the main subjects and acquiring basic knowledge of various dance forms by informal ways one may go for various certificate and diploma courses offered by dance schools throughout the country. The Kathak Kendra in Delhi, the Kalakshetra in Chennai, Bharatiya Kala Kendra in Delhi are some of the prominent institutes conducting courses in Dance. One can also go for a Bachelor's degree in Performing arts from some of the leading universities of India.
However, some reputed institutes with limited seats may take an aptitude test before granting admission to their institutions.
Duration of various courses:
- The certificate course is of one year.
- Bachelor courses are for three years.
- Diploma and Post Graduate level courses are of two years.
Step 2
After completion of his/her graduation in the relevant filed one can join some organization to get some on job experience like Kala Kendras, Academies, TV channels, Dance troupes etc. There are many opportunities also for self-employment in the form of holding private classes or starting an institution.
Professional Dancer Job Description
- Most common and expected job of the dancers is to perform at various occasion using their bodies moves and face impressions in a beautiful, artistic and expressive manner for the entertainment of the audience.
- The job description of dancers also includes promoting music by playing a major role in many music videos.
- Dancers are also supposed to bring their own creative ideas to transform one dance form into another by bringing a different kind of dance moves and facial impressions.
- Dancers job also includes teaching dance classes, working as a choreographer or leading community workshops.
Professional Dancers Career Prospects
Performing artist/ Professional dancers with an attractive appearance, facial expression, an ability to interpret roles and stage presence can join some stage troops or may also join some TV channels as a performer. Performing artists can also form their own troupes and earn by giving performances on demand. They also have the option of starting schools and devote time for teaching.
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.
