Dancer - How to become a Dancer

Dancer or better said a Professional Dancer is an artists who performs specific dance forms on varius occassion in the form of 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 but 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.

Dancer was thought be just petty entertainer in the social gathering of the people of 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 folk 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, Kuchupudi 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 Dancer in any of the dance form, 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.

Eligibility to become a Professional Dancer

1. 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.

2. Age

No age bar is there to become a dancer.

How to become a Dancer?

To be a Professional dancer one has to follow the below given steps:

Step 1

After passing plus two 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.

However some reputed institutes with limited seats may take an aptitude test before granting admission in their institutions.

Duration of various courses:

1. Certificate course is of one year.
2. Bachelor courses is of three years.
3. 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 also many opportunities for self-employment in the form of holding private classes or starting an institution.

Professional Dancers Career Prospects

Performing artist/ Professional dancers with 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. Besides Performing artists can 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 any where near Rs.10,000 to Rs.15,000 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.