Professional Ballroom Dance

Those who want to break into the professional ballroom dance world must usually work hard to get there.

Professional Ballroom Dancing

Because ballroom dancing is a competitive world, dancers who want to make the move into the professional arena should be willing to compete, work hard and diversity their skill sets.

Most dancers begin dancing as children, and start competing soon after they begin dancing. Because dancers can be competitive for many years, many dancers don’t consider becoming professionals until they are much older.

But once they decide, there are many things they can do to attain a professional credential.

First, most of those who are considered professionals in the world of ballroom dance usually have some solid titles under their belt. They might be able to claim an “under 18 Latin champion” title or an “American-style Waltz” champion title. Having these titles under the belt ensure others that the dancer is qualified, accomplished and well trained.

That’s not to say that someone without titles can’t become a professional. Many professional dancers, in fact, have no official titles behind their names but have worked hard, honed their skills and made good contacts.

What do we mean when we say “professional” dancer? The world of professional ballroom dance extends beyond the competitive ballrooms. A professional refers to a dancer who:

• Dances for pay, as in on television or in movies (as a background ballroom dancer during a period movie, for example)
• Owns a dance studio and trains other dancers
• Instructs other dancers
• Provides instruction and direction to directors, casting officials and the like in movies and television

Although most dancers will come from the world of competitive dance, not all will. For most, how they get from amateur dancer to professional isn’t a straight line.

Some professionals have little experience and training in dance, but the business acumen to create a profession for themselves in dance. Of course, a little dance experience and skill is important, but these dancers might not have the official titles and trophies to prove worth.

So how might a dancer become a professional?

• He or she might take classes and be very good. At some point, the dancer might request a class of their own and their professional career will be born.
• The dancer might compete for years in national and international competitions, biding time until they have enough titles they can claim to make them employable or desirable as a professional dancer.
• The dancer might know people in the movie or television industry and when a need arises for dance training, or background dancers, they’ll get the call.

Like many other things in life, there is no straight line. If you think you might like to take your dance training and go professional, here are some tips:

• Don’t assume that you should have a “dancer’s body” – many ballroom dancers don’t. Ballroom, in fact, is one of the most forgiving in terms of body expectations.
• Work hard in your training. While it’s not a requirement that you be a champion, you should have solid skills, so make sure you take that training seriously.
• Make good contacts in the dance industry. While you might not be the most accomplished dancer, you can develop your own style that, if you know the right people, can turn into professional opportunities for you.
• Be an understanding and patient teacher, even before you are given your own classes. You can develop your teaching skills before you are given your own classes and students by helping students in your own classes who are having trouble with a step or movement.