How To Become A Dancer In Australia: A Complete Guide

Do you possess strong artistic sense and creative expression skills? Then, a career as a dancer could be perfect for you.

Dancers in Australia are talented artists who specialise in a particular dance style or perform using a range of styles and forms to entertain audiences. They are proficient in creating dance compositions and performing in various settings and on several occasions.

To become a dancer in Australia, you must exhibit a high level of dancing and artistic skills. Furthermore, you should be skilled in popular Australian dance styles, including classical ballet, modern, and exotic dance.

This blog introduces you to the dancer's responsibilities. It covers career opportunities, salary, and what to expect when pursuing a dance profession in Australia.

1. What Is Dance?

Dance is a language of expression where the body is a medium through which the dancer communicates with the music and the space surrounding them. It is an art form that incorporates technology, photography, architecture, dancing, and painting.

2. Who Is A Dancer?

Dancers are professionals who exhibit excellent athletic abilities, physical fitness, flexibility, and intense musicality. They are highly skilled in flawlessly executing classical and contemporary dance styles.

A dancer skilfully combines artistic expression with body movements to convey the message most beautifully. They know the most popular dance forms, which include classical ballet, hip hop, folk, Latin, modern dance, jazz, ballroom, Caribbean, and tango.

3. Why Should You Choose To Become A Dancer In Australia?

If you have a passion for dance and love expressing yourself creatively, you should become a dancer. Still not convinced? 

Read on for many more reasons why you should turn your passion into a career:

• When you do what you are passionate about, then it brings an immense amount of fulfilment and job satisfaction. 

• When people love your performance in any Live/recorded concert, it gives a beautiful sense of achievement and accomplishment.

• You develop harmonious relationships and lifelong friendships when you perform in a team. 

• Another important reason to become a dancer is your worldwide recognition from your community.

• The profession gives a continuous flow of work and ample opportunities for advancement. 

• You enjoy a lot of independence to try out ideas, form your dance and create your dance style with little or nil supervision.

• You get to work with like-minded people passionate and motivated about dancing. Supportive management and training supervisors are the other key career benefits.

4. What Are The Duties Of A Dancer?

If you have found the above reasons convincing, and want to pursue this career, then you should learn about the job profile.

Here are the key roles and responsibilities of a dancer in Australia:

• Attend dance auditions

• Practice dance steps under the direction of a choreographer

• Train daily to enhance technical standards, physical fitness, and flexibility, to lessen the chances of injury caused while dancing

• Perform different dance styles as needed by the company, choreographer, or the project

• Act or sing as part of a dance performance for audience entertainment,

• Choreograph dance routines

• Travel between different entertainment locations.

• Compose ballet compositions and other different dance routines.

• Undergo dance training to prepare for a variety of dance shows

5. What Skills Do You Need To Be A Dancer In Australia?

There are only certain things that you can achieve through learning, as some are born with particular abilities that others don't have.

Suppose you are gifted with a passion for dance and have the inborn natural talent and skills needed to become a dancer. In that case, you can embark on this exciting career.

• Discipline, commitment, and perseverance 

• Good technical skills to learn, remember and execute complex choreographed sequences and routines. 

• Capable of designing dance sequences to prepare for any event etc. 

• Good technical and expressive skills.

• Willing to travel to distinct locations to organise and conduct dance shows and events.

• Good team player and people skills are necessary as dancers work for several businesses at tourist resorts, and on television, they should show.

• You need great mental strength and physical stamina. That's why exercise and training are essential. A dancer should put immense effort into building and maintaining optimum fitness, flexibility, and a well-proportioned physique.

6. Qualifications To Become A Dancer In Australia

A person should have a natural inclination and ability to dance to become a dancer in Australia.

Though there are no formal dance teacher qualifications in Australia, completing Vocational Educational Training in dance is beneficial to gain a basic understanding of dancing.

A dancer needs to have a good knowledge of the following subjects:

• Fine Arts: to compose, produce and execute works of visual arts, dance, music, sculpture, and drama.

• Communications and Media: should know about the production of media, communication, and broadcasting of written, verbal, and visual media.

• Sociology and Anthropology: understand group behaviour, societal trends, influences, ethnicity, human migrations, cultures and history, and origins.

• English Language: understand the meaning of words, grammar, and composition.

To become a qualified professional dancer in Australia, you must complete a degree in arts, creative arts, fine arts, and applied dance in dance or any related field.

Aspiring dancers should complete a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with English as a prerequisite to taking these courses.

Some institutions require candidates to give a dance audition to assess their skills before enrolling them into a training program.

7. How To Become A Dancer In Australia?

The profession of a dancer requires several years of hard work and training. You don't need any definite academic dance prerequisite to become a dancer in Australia.

However, you must undergo strenuous training at a dance school to learn and master body positions, moves, and fundamental dance techniques.

Learning begins in childhood. Start learning dance lessons when you are a child. Not just will it help build a solid foundation, but it will also enable dancers to develop the desired level of balance, musicality, and coordination.

The standard pathway to becoming a professional-level dancer is to complete a dance qualification at a dance training academy/ dance school under the supervision of a trained dance coach.

Dance schools prepare a student for auditions and introduce them to cast dancers and choreographers to get work in television, theatre shows, or musical shows.

Please scroll down to find a list of reputable dance training schools in Australia and the courses they offer to domestic and international students.

8. Relevant Certifications To Become A Qualified Dancer In Australia

In Australia, dance education has developed to a great extent. Several universities and professional dance academies/teachers offer courses in Arts, dance education, and related fields to students worldwide.

Considering the immense competition in the field, it has become necessary for aspiring dancers to become qualified and keep progressing in their dancing skills. Here is a state-wise categorisation of certifications and courses to help you learn how to become a dancer without experience.

Melbourne

Graduate Certificate of Creative Arts - Deakin University

The course helps students develop practical skills that prepare them for career growth while exploring modern approaches to creativity.

Master of Creative Arts - Deakin University

This postgraduate course helps students specialise in all aspects of dancing and realise their maximum potential as creators. The course helps students build an impressive portfolio and transferable skills to maximise their chances of securing a creative job in the industry.

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Music Theatre - The University of Melbourne

The bachelor's course provides rigorous studio-based training to produce professional and industry-ready performers with an excellent ability for individual expression.

The program offers personalised practical training in the three critical disciplines of music theatre– singing, dancing, and acting. 

The skills and knowledge students gain during the course help develop and hone their technical and artistic abilities.

Bachelor of Arts / Master of International Relations - Deakin University

The Bachelor / Master of International Relations course aims to produce graduates with high degrees in experimental and theoretical analysis.

The master's component lets you explore global governance, contemporary international politics, IR theory, security, strategy, and the United Nations.

Multipurpose degrees prepare you for international employment opportunities.

Master of Fine Arts (By Research) - The University of Melbourne

The course offers opportunities for capable candidates to build research abilities and gain proficiency in practice, and a sound understanding of modern artistic practice, culture, and arts.

Queensland (QLD)

Bachelor of Theatre - CQUniversity Australia

The course helps develop technical knowledge and skills needed in acting, dancing, and singing for professional-level music theatre and the arts fields. They will learn the implementation of character and style by the demands of choreography and text.

Students learn to work collaboratively and contribute to musical theatre productions to pave the road for professional networks and prospective employees within the theatre industry.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance Performance) - Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

This is ideal for those searching for an artistic and challenging dance course. The course is designed mainly for aspiring dance professionals who want to learn how to become dance teachers. 

The course enables the candidate to build core techniques in modern dance in various genres.

Certificate IV In Dance Teaching And Management - Dynamite Studios Academy

This is a highly sought course among aspiring dancers worldwide. It aims to develop professional skills in lesson planning, first aid, business operations, program development, and a wide array of elective subjects. 

The program improves the employability and future career opportunities of a student.

Victoria (VIC)

Bachelor of Performing Arts - Federation University Australia

Is there any introductory level course that can teach how to become a dancer for beginners? Whether you possess dance knowledge, this exciting program offers training to build the necessary skills.

It has an elaborate curriculum that comprises acting, voice, body movement, singing, dance, theatre-making, creativity, fitness, and awareness.

The knowledge and skills you gain as a result of the course will assist you in making a sustainable career as a modern dance performer.

Bachelor of Arts (Creative Arts) (Honours) - Federation University Australia

This course enables students to select their preferred discipline within Performing/Visual Arts. A practice-driven thesis comprising theoretical inquiry and creative work, the program prepares a student for research in the field of their interest.

New South Wales (NSW)

Creative Arts Course - NSW Government

The course trains a candidate in several aspects of the creative arts industry. It prepares for various job opportunities in theatre, opera, stage, film, music theatre, streaming platforms, cabaret, screen, comedy, multi-media, and evolving creative industries.

Western Australia (WA)

Bachelor of Arts (Dance) - Edith Cowan University ECU

It is a challenging modern dance-focused course that encompasses regular performance, classroom practice, and rigorous training.

The course brings up the creative skills of a student. It develops a strong base for the dance performer, independent practitioner, and choreographer.

It also offers valuable and in-depth insight into dance. It refines the communication abilities, research abilities, and critical thinking of a student.

South Australia (SA)

Dancer and Choreographer Course - TAFE SA

You can study this course through studio-based sessions and public performances. 

Students work alongside prominent industry professionals. These include theatre directors, screen actors, music composers, music theatre performers, musical directors, and choreographers to amplify strengths and widen your artist's toolkit.

Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance) - Flinders University

The course is in association with Flinders University and TAFE SA. The industry-focussed program discovers practical and theoretical dance elements and provides exclusive access to companies and professional dance artists.

Classes cover traditional and modern dance forms, coupled with anatomy, acting, kinesiology, music composition, and production. The government provides subsidies to South Australian residents.

Australian Dance Institute (For All States and Territories in Australia)

This official training organisation offers nationally accredited certifications and courses in holistic dance education.

The course aims to develop a student's social, emotional, academic, and ethical skills essential for a successful dancer or dance teaching career.

Certificate III In Assistant Dance Teaching - Australian College Of Dance

Do you want to know how to become a dance teacher? Then Australian College Of Dance offers certification courses to suitably qualified candidates to prepare them for the dance teacher roles.

This is an ideal entry-level qualification for those passionate about dancing and who love teaching people. 

The dance teaching course comprises instructing students about dance performance, composition, appreciation, and safety in dance.

9. Working Conditions For A Dancer In Australia

• The job is physically demanding that involves long rehearsals and performance hours.

• A professional dancer dance as a soloist, as part of a ballet company, in the rehearsal for the stage production. 

• Their workplaces include shows, concerts, festivals, entertainment programs at hotels/holiday resorts/nightclubs, television programs, advertisements, music videos, and theme parks.

• Working venues and hours are varied and highly flexible. 

• Based on the show/events requirements, a dancer may need to travel within the country or overseas. This means staying away from home for long periods and travelling from one venue to another.

10. Employment Opportunities For A Dancer In Australia

According to the Job Outlook website, the Dance Industry is in high demand in Australia. It is a moderate growth sector that offers varied career prospects for highly skilled dancers and choreographers in the future.

As per the employment data, around 42% of dancers are employed full-time in Australia.

• The total working hours for a full-time dance is 46 hours.

• The average weekly pay of a dancer in Australia is $1,366. 

• Of the total employed population of Australian dancers, 69% are female. 

• The average age of a dancer professional in this industry is 27 years. 

The most common employers in Australia who hire dancers are:

• The state ballet companies

• Contemporary dance firms

• Independent choreographers

• Holiday entertainment companies

• Television studios 

• Musicals and a few opera companies

There is intense competition for performance-based work in the country. Proficient dancers may progress to other related areas such as teaching, theatre management, PR, arts administration, technical backstage work, music production, costume designing, dance therapy, and more.

Some dancers even decide to open their dance school where they put their years of hard-earned knowledge and skills to teach students of all age groups and advertise dance culture.

11. What Specialisations Are Available For A Dancer In Australia?

Following are the areas that experienced dancers can choose to specialise in and improve their employment prospects.

Dance Teacher

You can become a dance teacher to teach in a private dance studio, in tertiary institutions, or secondary schools. A dance teacher can even set up his dance school and teach students.

Dance Therapist

A dance therapist undergoes training to use dance as therapy to treat a wide range of people. A therapist helps older adults, adults, and children overcome movement disabilities.

Choreographer

This professional creates dance programs and original dance moves. He also advises how a dancer should understand and perform them.

Dancer

A dancer is proficient in a variety of dance forms to entertain audiences. They dance solo, in a group, or with a partner.

12. FAQ's On Becoming A Dancer In Australia

How To Become The Best Dancer In Class?

Want to know how to be the best dancer in your class and impress your fellow students and teachers? Here are four easy steps to accomplish your objective.

Step 1: Decide the dance style that you enjoy the most. Choose from any of the below-mentioned dance styles.

• Ballet

• Tap

• Swing

• Lyrical

• Contemporary

• Jazz

• Hip hop

• Break-dance

• Acro

• Pointe

• Belly dancing

Step 2: Find professional guidance to become a dancer at 13.

Some of the learning resources could be:

• Music videos

• Take dancing lessons

• Read dancing instructions on the internet or in books

• Refer to YouTube tutorials

• Locate a competent dance tutor

• Get dance tips from friends and professionals

It may take time to learn and master dance steps. Staying consistent, dedicated, and committed to your goal will reap phenomenal results in the future.

Step 3: Experiment with different dance steps moving on other body parts. You can practice the steps at home or any rented dance studio. Keep your body loose and relaxed while performing the moves. Be as graceful as you can.

Step 4: Once you develop basic dancing skills, you can enrol in a dance school or sign up for local dance classes. It will help you refine your skills and qualify as a professional dancer.

How To Become A Dancer at Home?

Can you become a good dancer from the comfort of your home? Yes. Follow these simple tips to learn dance at home easily.

• Watch dance videos on YouTube and memorise the steps. Now play the song again and practice the steps that you have learned. It would be better to do it in front of a mirror to make the moves precise and graceful.

• After you learn to dance to one song, repeat the same step to learn your other favourite songs. Keep learning and practising in your free time without spending any bucks.

• Do Yoga and a combination of basic drills and exercises to gain flexibility and improve your dance form. These exercises will strengthen your core and body parts that engage during the exercise. Doing consistently also improves muscle memory and mental and physical stamina.

• Do strength training and stretching.

You need a strong, healthy, and flexible body to become a good dancer. Performing a variety of stretches and weight training will make your core stronger. Including crunches and planks improve balance, coordination, control, and strength of your body.

What Careers Involve Dance?

Your inner drive to succeed doesn't stop with dance. There are plenty of ways to extend your dancing career and stay active in your field. The following lucrative career opportunities qualities will help you continue living your dance passion and lead a happy life.

• A dance teacher

• Choreograph

• A yoga or Pilates trainer

• A dance photographer

• A dance medicine specialist

How To Become A Dancer at A Club?

Are you looking to make money out of your passion? Why not try becoming a "go-go dancer" who performs dances in nightclubs, festivals, and concerts? Here is a go-to guide to learning how to dance and presenting yourself strikingly as a go-go dancer.

• Check the club's age and personal requirements before applying for a job. Most nightclubs in Australia require you to be a minimum of 18 or 21 years old to work as a go-go dancer. You also need good physical stamina and shape to look beautiful while dancing for hours.

• If you do not have a dance background, then learn to dance in high-heeled boots so that prolonged dancing doesn't tire you.

• Networking is essential to get a job fast in nightclubs and venues that hire go-go dancers. Join dance teams, register on job portals, etc., to stay updated about auditions or job openings in local nightclubs.

• Most employers who run a nightclub require the applicant to give an audition before they can hire. Choosing the right outfit for an audition is essential. It has to be trendy and tasteful such as miniskirts, bikini tops, knee-high boots, shorts, etc. 

• Complement your wear with a perfect hair-do and makeup. Dance confidently and gracefully. Even if it doesn't click the first time, keep applying, giving auditions, and honing your skills. You are close to getting your first break.

Useful Links to Explore:

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia
• What to Study in Australia?