Overview of Dance

Dance is the creative expression of movement, often accompanied by music, and is enjoyed by people around the world. It can involve intricate movements of the body, improvisation, and performance, as well as choreography for specific routines. In the professional field, professional dancers may work in many different performing art disciplines, and compete in competitions and shows. To learn the technical skill of dance, students often participate in classes, workshops, or performances.

Career Opportunities associated with Dance

Professional dancers often work as freelance performers, or in companies and organizations around the world. The field is comprised of a variety of diverse specializations, such as modern, ballet, jazz, ethnic, theater, and tap. Some dancers may join a touring dance troupe, while others might work in the music video industry, or in a Broadway show. There are also opportunities to work in film, television, and commercials, or as choreographers and dance instructors. Those wishing to pursue an independent career in dance may start their own companies, manage other dancers, and teach classes.

Internship/Co-Op Opportunities related to Dance

Many dance schools and programs offer internships for students to gain practical experience. Internships may involve attending dance classes and rehearsals, observing professional dancers, and choreographing routines. In some cases, interns may gain hands-on experience in a variety of dance styles, such as tango, hip-hop, and more. Dance organizations may also look for interns to attend performances, or manage marketing and public relations projects.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Dance

Many dance-related degree and certificate programs offer tracks and concentrations. Depending on the specialization, courses may be offered in the history of dance, teaching methods, and the physiology and anatomy of dancer health. Those pursuing certain tracks may be required to take classes in choreography, performance, and music theory. Other focus areas include improvisation, video production, world dance, and more.

How Dance Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Studying dance at the undergraduate level prepares students for real-world careers in the field. Many universities and programs allow students to gain practical experience through internships and performances, while classroom learning helps them to understand the history and theory of the discipline. Dance also prepares students to pursue further education in the form of advanced degrees in arts and entertainment, dance research, and performance.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Dance

Artificial intelligence is having a major impact on the field of dance. AI systems are now used to create intricate choreography, create virtual reality and augmented reality sets, and enhance the experiences of both performers and audiences. AI systems can also generate choreography that utilizes data from motion capture, improving accuracy and precision of movement.

The Career Outlook for Dance

The popularity of dance shows and performances opportunities in the industry look strong. Dance instructors continue to benefit from growing interest in recreational dance as a physical activity, while those in the choreography and commercial performance markets are well positioned to capitalize on the ongoing success of digital entertainment, virtual reality, and augmented reality.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Dance:

Texas State University, Salary: $34,080

Hofstra University, Salary: $30,958

Texas Woman’s University, Salary: $29,494

Arizona State University Campus Immersion, Salary: $29,454

University of South Carolina-Columbia, Salary: $28,533

Goucher College, Salary: $27,484

The Juilliard School, Salary: $27,194

Fordham University, Salary: $26,996

University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Salary: $26,567

University of Iowa, Salary: $26,423

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Dance.