Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using physical effort and endurance safely and effectively over time.
Developing original ideas, approaches, designs, or solutions.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Dancer or Choreographer Most dancers begin
Education
and Training Education and training requirements for dancers and choreographers vary. A formal educational credential isn’t always required for dancers. Choreographers typically need at least a high school diploma to enter the occupation. However, some employers may require or prefer that prospective dancers or choreographers have a bachelor’s degree in dance or a related performing arts field. Many dancers begin training when they are young and continue to learn throughout their careers. They may receive instruction in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop. Students often take dance classes after school or through summer programs, such as those offered at dance studios or professional dance companies. It usually takes years of practice to develop the skills needed to become a successful dancer. Aspiring dancers may benefit from participating in recitals, dance productions, or other performance opportunities that allow them to practice and refine their techniques in front of an audience. Many choreographers begin learning while training as dancers. They also may take classes on choreography and creative movement to improve their skills. Some choreographers work as dance teachers. Teaching dance in a college, high school, or elementary school may require a college degree. Some dance studios prefer instructors who have a degree; however, they may accept previous work experience in lieu of a degree. Work Experience in a Related Occupation Choreographers typically begin their careers as dancers. While working as dancers, they expand their knowledge of different types of dance and learn how to choreograph routines. Advancement Some dancers take on more responsibility by pursuing leadership roles. For example, they might be promoted to dance captain and lead rehearsals or work with less experienced dancers when the choreographer is not present. Some dancers become choreographers or dance teachers. Dancers and choreographers also may become theater, film, or television producers and directors.
Training
at a young age. Entry requirements for dancers and choreographers vary. Dancers typically need formal training, and they develop their skills through years of practice. Choreographers usually need at least a high school diploma and experience as a dancer. Some employers may require or prefer that candidates have a bachelor’s degree.
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Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Overall employment of dancers and choreographers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 2,200 openings for dancers and choreographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Employment growth in these relatively small occupations is closely tied to the demand for performing arts. Social media, which allows dancers and choreographers to reach a larger and more diverse audience, is expected to generate some interest in dance performances. New jobs may be concentrated in specific markets, such as cities with strong arts culture, or with certain employers, such as private dance studios. However, funding constraints may offset demand for these workers. Dancers and Choreographers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Entertainers and performers, sports and related workers 4% Choreographers 3% Total, all occupations 3% Dancers and choreographers 2% Dancers 2% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Dancers and Choreographers Do
Dancers and choreographers use dance performances to express ideas and stories. There are many types of dance, such as ballet, tango, modern dance, tap, and jazz.
Duties
Dancers typically do the following:
- Audition for a part in a show or for a job within a dance company
- Learn complex dance movements
- Rehearse several hours each day to prepare for their performance
- Study new and emerging types of dance
- Work closely with instructors, choreographers, or other dancers to interpret or modify their routines
- Attend promotional events, such as photography sessions, for the production in which they are appearing
Dancers spend years learning dances and perfecting their skills. They usually perform as part of a group and know a variety of dance styles, including ballet, tap, and modern dance. In addition to traditional performances in front of a live audience, many perform on TV, in videos on the Internet, and in music videos, in which they also may sing or act. Many dancers perform in shows at casinos, in theme parks, and on cruise ships.
Choreographers typically do the following:
- Put together moves in a sequence to create new dances or interpretations of existing dances
- Choose the music that will accompany a dance routine
- Audition dancers for a role in a show or within a dance company
- Assist with costume design, lighting, and other artistic aspects of a show
- Teach complex dance movements
- Study new and emerging types of dance to design creative dance routines
- Help with the administrative duties of a dance company, such as budgeting
Choreographers create original dances and develop new interpretations of existing dances. They work in dance schools, theaters, dance companies, and movie studios. During rehearsals, they typically demonstrate dance moves to instruct dancers in the proper technique. Some choreographers work with performers who are not trained dancers. For example, the complex martial arts scenes performed by actors in movies may be arranged by choreographers who specialize in martial arts.
Some dancers and choreographers hold other jobs. For example, they may work as dance teachers, fitness instructors, or in other arts, entertainment, and recreation roles.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Choreographers held about 4,700 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of choreographers were as follows:
| Self-employed workers | 40% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 29 |
| Performing arts companies | 23 |
| Promoters of performing arts, sports, and similar events | 3 |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 1 |
Dancers held about 13,800 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of dancers were as follows:
| Self-employed workers | 41% |
| Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries | 33 |
| Drinking places (alcoholic beverages) | 16 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 5 |
| Other amusement and recreation industries | 3 |
Working as a dancer is often physically demanding. Travel may be required for some workers.
Work Schedules
Part-time work is common for dancers and choreographers. Work schedules may vary and include early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Athleticism. Successful dancers must have excellent balance, physical strength, and physical dexterity so that they can move their bodies without falling or losing their sense of rhythm. Creativity. Dancers express ideas through movement. Choreographers also must have artistic ability and innovative ideas to create new and interesting dance routines. Leadership skills. Choreographers need to direct dancers to perform the routines that they have created. Persistence. Dancers commit to years of intense practice. They need to be able to accept rejection after auditions and to continue to practice for future performances. Choreographers must keep studying and creating new routines. Physical stamina. Dancers are often physically active for long periods and must be able to rehearse for many hours without getting tired. Teamwork. Dancers must be able to work together to be successful, because most dance routines involve groups or pairs.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about dancers and choreographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.