FACTSHEET PRODUCED BY SKILLSET AND EQUITY
Dancer
Dancers interpret Choreographers' steps in order to bring a story to life. As Actors interpret words to formulate verbal sentences, so Dancers interpret steps to formulate physical sentences. Most Dancers are expected to be able to work across all the disciplines of Live Performance, Film, and Television. Dancers are selected, or cast, by the Choreographer, Producer, Director, or Casting Director. Increasingly, Dancers must also be able to sing for roles in musical productions.
What is the job?
Dancers must be able to work in a variety of styles, including: jazz, tap, ballet, modern, ballroom, Flamenco, country, Spanish etc. The larger their vocabulary of styles, the likelier they are to find work. They work closely with Choreographers, and with another Dancer, or Dancers, to realise the Producers' or Directors' vision. For any movements between dances, they must also be able to work closely with the Director, sometimes in collaboration with the Choreographer. As working days on film or TV sets may involve very long hours, Dancers must effectively manage their physical and mental energy levels. They must be able to learn steps and styles quickly, and to retain the energy of the piece, while sometimes repeating the same scene many times over, for re-takes, and while scenes are shot from different angles. Dance is very much a collaborative process, and everyone must work to ensure that the overall performance is effective, rather than concentrating solely on their own performance - effective team work is essential. They must be able to contribute ideas and suggestions to improve their own performance, in a creative and collaborative way, whilst also being able to take direction, notes and constructive criticism from the Choreographer, and from other members of the Directing team. They need to remember their exact positions and movements at any given time during the performance, to assist with continuity. They should also be able to continually hit their marks on set, without looking down to locate them. They must be aware that others contribute to the process, e.g., those working in the Make Up, Costume, and Design teams, and that they may be serviced by a host of others in terms of transport, catering, etc., but that the ultimate responsibility for their performance lies with the Dancers themselves.
Typical career routes
Dancers may eventually progress to become Dance Captains (who are responsible for ensuring the continuity of the dance, but who have no creative input into its design) in theatrical productions; subsequently become Assistant Choreographers, and ultimately Choreographers. However, very few Dancers aspire to be Choreographers, and as their working lives as Dancers are relatively short they may diversify into the academic study of dance, or lecturing, or teaching ballet, tap, Pilates, etc., or they may become personal trainers, or change professions altogether.
Essential knowledge and skills
Dancers should know how to prepare for and perform at auditions, and casting sessions. As there may be very little or no time for rehearsals before the shoot commences, they must be able to perform new routines immediately and convincingly. They should know their fellow Dancers' steps, so that they can respond to them accurately and appropriately. They should be able to learn new steps, or even completely new routines, at very short notice, to accommodate script changes and cuts, different camera angles, or changes of location, or to work more effectively with other performers or artists. They must be aware of the professional etiquette and traditions of working on film and television sets and locations, and be aware of the importance of interacting at appropriate times, and with the relevant people, so that they do not affect the smooth running of the shoot. Dancers need some acting ability, particularly when working closely with actors, as they may be involved in close up shots on screen. For some productions, singing skills may also be required. They must be infinitely adaptable, as they may find themselves portraying many different characters over a short period of time. They need to convince the audience that they are believable in all their roles. They must be uninhibited, in order to temporarily assume other identities, and also to be made up, dressed, positioned and directed by others. Dancers also need to be aware of how their performance may be affected by: the types and positions of microphones, cameras and cables; different lighting techniques; and the requirements of different sets and locations. Key Skills include:
- A thorough knowledge of dance
- Visual and creative abilities
- Perseverance and stamina
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Self motivation
- Team working skills
- Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures
Training and qualifications
Dancers usually start their training at a very early age, taking ballet or tap classes, or in some cases they may initially train as gymnasts and diversify into dance. Dance courses are available at specialist schools and colleges such as Bird College of Performing Arts, the Arts Educational Schools, Laine Theatre Arts, Performers College, The Royal Ballet School, etc., which cater for young people from 10 years of age. Full time training may be undertaken from age 16, leading to various dance qualifications which cover all styles from ballet to ballroom. As the work is physically demanding, Dancers must maintain their stamina and fitness levels by attending regular dance or fitness classes throughout their careers. They should also continually research and learn new dance styles, in order to expand their repertoires.
Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film. For more information, please log onto the Skillset website.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. For information about training, links to the Skillset network of training partners, and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database, visit the website www.skillset.org. Skillset Careers is the UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit the website www.skillset.org/careers.
Equity is the trade union representing artists across the whole spectrum of arts and entertainment, and offers representation, specialist knowledge and advice for its members and student members on work in Film, Television, Radio, and other Live Performance. T: 020 7379 6000. www.equity.org.uk.
Dance UK T: 020 7228 4990 www.danceuk.org
Council for Dance Education & Training www.cdet.org.uk
BBC www.bbc.co.uk offers a wealth of information about careers and training in the media. BBC Talent runs talent spotting schemes www.bbc.co.uk/talent
The Stage newspaper is the entertainment trade weekly. Recruitment advertisements, useful links, and 'how to guides', such as finding an agent or drama school, are on its website www.thestage.co.uk
Contacts is published annually by The Spotlight, and provides details of all aspects of the entertainment industry. www.spotlight.com