Dancers are performers who entertain audiences by dancing by themselves, with a partner, or as a group

They may work in dance companies, opera companies or as freelance artists (for themselves), for example on television, in musicals and comedies, on special projects or for video clips.

There are many different styles of dance such as classical, modern, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, folk, jazz, break, ballroom and tap. Dancers may perform a number of styles or they may specialise in one particular dance.

Dancers may perform the following tasks:

• learn and rehearse dance steps from teachers of dance

• make up their own interpretation of a role

• train daily to keep fit, flexible, and help reduce the risk of injury when rehearsing or performing

• perform the instructed styles of dance as a group

• go to auditions and rehearsals

• sing or act as part of a performance

• add their own ideas and steps to a performance

• create and teach their own dance steps

• apply make-up for a performance.
  

Dancers may specialise as: Choreographers Create their own dances and dance programs and suggest how the dancer should perform them. Dance Teachers May teach a particular style of dance in private dance studios, or they may own and run their own dancing schools. Dancers with the right qualifications can teach in secondary schools or tertiary institutions. Dance Therapists Are trained to teach dance as therapy. Dance programs are used for a wide range of people, including the elderly, children, adults with special needs and individuals with specific movement disabilities. To become a professional dancer you need to complete some form of training. To enter dance courses you usually need to be physically fit, motivated, persistent, dedicated and talented. You will also need to attend an interview and/or audition.