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A Contemporary Dancer takes on roles in musical and stage productions, film and television projects or other performances for an audience. You might be part of a larger dance ensemble, dance with a partner or you may have a solo performance role. Contemporary Dancers follow choreographed routines and spend a large part of their time rehearsing on their own or with fellow dancers.
Contemporary Dancers need to be highly talented to embark on a professional career. You’ll need to attend a lot of auditions and be flexible with your performance roles. Contemporary Dancers work irregular hours and need to keep themselves fit and healthy. It’s important that you can collaborate with other dancers and choreographers and work well in a team setting.
There are 6 courses available for people who want to become a Contemporary Dancer. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
If you’re interested in indigenous dance and culture you could become a professional dancer with the 11052NAT Diploma of Professional Dance Performance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to choreograph and apply modern dance techniques (including ballet) into contemporary indigenous dance repertoire. The course covers: physical theatre skills, dance fitness, ballet expertise, dance performance skills, cultural dance protocols, and more. Enquire now for entry requirements, indigenous dance competencies, and training providers in your area who deliver this qualification..
Average duration: 12 months.
Take your love of live theatre, acting, and dance to a professional level with the CUA50220 Diploma of Musical Theatre. This nationally recognised qualification improves your technique in jazz and contemporary dance, singing and vocals, acting, hair and makeup. The course also covers performance fitness, strength, and nutrition. Enquire now for the full list of study units and enrolment availability..
The CUA51520 Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) will help you refine your dance partnering and performance techniques, as well as develop the skills you need to join a professional dance school. You’ll need to audition to enrol in this nationally recognised qualification. During your studies you’ll learn the principles of anatomy and how they impact your dancing performance, you’ll also be developing your own exercise and fitness program, preparing for performances in competitive environments, and refining your preferred dance style (ballet, pointe work, street dance, contemporary). There is also scope to gain skills in performance acting, hair and makeup, choreography, writing and documentation. Enquire now for entry requirements, professional dance competencies, and upcoming enrolment dates..
The CUA40120 Certificate IV In Dance is for experienced dancers who want hone their performance skills or become dance teachers and choreographers. Over 12-18 months of study you’ll be building your physical condition and confidence as an artist, while working alongside a dance teacher in your preferred genre (jazz, street dance, ballet, tap, cultural dance and other contemporary styles). Enquire now for the list entry requirements and enrolment opportunities near you..
Get started in community arts and theatre with the CUA30220 Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events. This nationally recognised qualification is great for both performers and production crew. Your studies begin with an introduction to the creative arts industry and career planning sessions. You’ll also gain essential skills in workplace safety, communication, and diversity. The course also has scope to learn: acrobatics, acting techniques, Aboriginal culture, costume design, booking administration, dance techniques (street, cultural, contemporary, tap), musical performance, and much more. Enquire now for the full list of study units, elective availabilities, and upcoming enrolment dates..
Average duration: 6 months.
In Australia, a full time Contemporary Dancer generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 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.
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
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.
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Here are some potential career pathways within dancing. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Dancing
Dance Teacher Assistant
$850 weekly pay
Performer
Ballet Dancer
$960 weekly pay
Choreographer
$1,050 weekly pay
Contemporary Dancer
Dance Teacher
Jazz Dancer
Professional Dancer
Tap Dancer
Learn more about Contemporary Dancer courses in your area.