How do I become a contemporary dancer?
Diploma of Musical Theatre
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Related occupations
Performer
A Performer entertains audiences through singing, acting, dancing, or playing instruments, often requiring talent, rehearsal, and flexibility.
Dance Teacher Assistant
A Dance Teacher Assistant aids in teaching dance to students, refining skills, learning choreography, and providing support, requiring fitness and passion for dance.
Ballet Dancer
A Ballet Dancer performs in productions, rehearsing extensively, auditioning for roles, and collaborating with teams while maintaining fitness.
Jazz Dancer
A Jazz Dancer performs in musical theatre, memorising choreography and routines, often rehearsing extensively and auditioning for roles.
Tap Dancer
Tap Dancers perform choreographed routines, often in ensembles, requiring dedication, fitness, and attendance at auditions and rehearsals.
Dance Teacher
A Dance Teacher instructs students in dance techniques, prepares them for performances, and provides feedback, requiring skill, passion, and patience.
Choreographer
A Choreographer creates dance routines for performances, communicates effectively with dancers, and may specialise in various dance styles.
Professional Dancer
A Professional Dancer performs solo or group routines, creates or follows choreography, rehearses extensively, and works irregular hours.
Entertainer
An Entertainer engages audiences through performances like music and dance, preparing shows, promoting their work, and collaborating with others.
Common questions
How much does a Contemporary Dancer earn?
In Australia, a full time Contemporary Dancer generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Contemporary Dancer?
Contemporary Dancers have enjoyed stable job growth in Australia in recent years. There are a small number of people in this industry though with 1,000 people currently in this job role. Contemporary Dancers generally find work in larger cities where productions are based.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Contemporary Dancer?
A Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) is a great qualification if you want a career as a Contemporary Dancer. You could also consider a Certificate III or IV in Dance or a Diploma of Musical Theatre. You could also enrol in an Advanced Diploma of Art (Musical Theatre and Commercial Dance), a Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events (Acting) or a Diploma of Professional Dance Performance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.