Dance is an Art in which body movements, generally based on music piece are used as a form of expression. Dancing is a form of Performing Arts. These arts are those which utilise the artist's own body, face and presence as a medium of expression. Dancing Career in India is very much a plausible career. There were times when dance in India was mostly restricted to classical dances. It wasn’t even considered a proper career nor was it appreciated. Western influence and mushrooming growth of entertainment industry has opened avenues for careers in dance. Today, Dancing courses in India cater not just to classical forms, they also offer western dances forms and or any other dance form which is in trend. Dance is also being incorporated in fitness, example dance aerobics, dance therapy etc.

But it is one thing to know the prospects and another to pursue it. It is only when you step into a dance career that you come to know that somethings can be learned from experience only. However, passionate dancers are willing to take a head on approach. Dance training or education in India is provided by various dance schools in India. Dance course curriculum includes history, evolution, dance forms, characteristic features various dance forms, covering all aspects of dance as a performing art. Dancing requires more of practical approach than theory which only provides knowledge and not practice. A dancing professional is mostly referred as a Dancer or Dance Artiste and sometimes even as Choreographers.

Some of its specialized fields are -

  • Artistic Direction
  • Assistant Training
  • Choreography
  • Dance Performance
  • Instruction

Dance Course in India: Content

The study of these fields includes all or few of these –

  • Classical Techniques
  • Dance Composition
  • Dance History
  • Movement Analysis.
  • Practical and Written Assessments
  • Workshops

Objectives

  • Symbiosis of creativity by means of other art forms which are applicable in recreation and profit making ventures
  • To research our origins and reaching out to the unsaid or unthought-of, with a language that is universal.
  • Development of dance as a means communication

Dance Course: Basic Requirements

Formal education is secondary for any zealous dancer because it is time-consuming and can be boring. Nevertheless, it is of no harm to receive general education including music, literature, history and other visual arts. These are useful in the understanding of dramatic episodes, ideas, and feelings. To achieve education candidates should have completed +2 or equivalent examination in any stream. For post graduate level courses graduation in the subject is compulsory. Courses offered in this area are bachelor courses, certificate courses, diploma courses and post graduate level courses. Training in this field is available at a number of schools and institutes all over India. Some are dance specific others are general.

Few prominent Dance schools in India

Personal attributes

Inborn talent is the number one requisite. Passion and constant hunger to lean and improve are the other topmost attributes one should have to become a successful dancer. One should be healthy and have or develop stamina because dancing requires regular dance rehearsals to stay in rhythm and shape. Other attributes include versatility, grace, expressive facial, stage presence, creativity etc.

Job Perspectives

Dancing is a competitive field and there is abundance of talent. That is why, only the exceptional and uniquely talented individuals become successful and recognised faces in the entertainment industry. Not everyone makes it big as a dancer or performer but there are a horde of opportunities, courtesy - the affordability and accessibly of satellite TV. Some dancers with good looks and or good communication and presentational skills, are also invited to host dance shows on or off set. Some even get modelling assignments and acting comes easy to them as dance itself teaches emoting. But mostly, they give stage performances, featured in music videos, appear in commercials and other various settings where their skills are required. Many free lancer dancers hold private classes or start a small group or school. Dancing jobs also include folk, ethnic and other well-known dance styles. Classical dancers also get a chance to perform at cultural events in foreign countries and they also participate in dance competitions. A few artists perform by themselves others perform as part of a group. Some also find employment in nightclubs or on cruise ships. There are many others who become promoters and start their own productions. One can also pursue dancing as a part time job.

Remuneration – Earning in the field of Dance are varied, just like acting it is your name, fame and experience which demands a price. While, a Professional Dancer can acquire Rs.10,000 to Rs.15,000 per show or per performance, an experienced one can charge as get as high as Rs.1,00,000 and even more than that. Choreographers may charge the equivalent amount for one song sequence.

Employment Areas
  • Musical Productions
  • Opera
  • Musical Theatre
  • Television Shows
  • Talent Shows
  • Movie Production Houses
  • Music Videos Production Houses
  • Advertisement Industry
  • Dance Schools
  • Kala Kendras or Cultural Centres
  • Academies
  • Performing Dance Troupes 
  • Workshops
Dance Job Types
  • Artistic Director
  • Choreographer
  • Rehearsal Director
  • Dance or Dancing Assistant
  • Dance Teacher
  • Dance Therapist
  • Researcher
  • Dance Critic
  • Production Manager
  • Brand Ambassador
  • Show Hosts
  • Stage Performers