FACTSHEET PRODUCED BY CREATIVE AND CULTURAL SKILLS AND EQUITY
Dancers - Theatre and Live Work
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 Theatre, Film, and Television. Theatre work is geared to a wide variety of audiences, and Dancers must be able to adapt to their differing requirements. When working on stage, Dancers need to demonstrate their mastery of the physical aspects of their craft; the audience see all their expressions and movements, there are no second takes, as there are in film or television work. Dancers must also be aware that different audiences may react differently to the same scene, and they must be able to adapt their performance according to the audience reaction, while staying true to their character and to the script. 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.
The work
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. When working in the theatre, Dancers must be able to learn steps and styles quickly, and to retain the energy of the piece, while repeating the same scene many times over, sometimes over a period of many weeks or months. They need to keep their performance fresh and believable for each new audience. They may have to learn new steps or routines quickly, to accommodate cast changes, clean ups or re-blocks. 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.
Dancers 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 or Director. They need to remember their exact positions and movements on stage at any given time during the performance, to ensure that the production runs smoothly. If they are involved in a touring production, this may involve additional rehearsals at each new venue. They must be aware that others contribute to the process, e.g., those working in the Costume and Design teams, etc., but that the ultimate responsibility for their performance lies with the Dancers themselves. Dancers must arrive at the theatre at least an hour before each performance for warm-up exercises, and often work six days a week, with two performances on certain days. This requires stamina and resilience, and the ability to commit to, sometimes lengthy, contracts.
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. They should be able to learn new steps at very short notice, to accommodate text changes and cuts. They should also know their fellow Dancers' steps, so that they can respond to them accurately and appropriately. They must be aware of the professional etiquette and traditions of working Theatre. Dancers need some acting ability, and for musical productions singing skills may also be required. They must be infinitely adaptable, as they may find themselves portraying different characters within the same production. 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 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, and cables; where body mikes are positioned for best performance, particularly during very physical dance routines; different lighting techniques; and the requirements of different sets.
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.
Where to go for more information
CC Skills is the Sector Skills Council for the Creative and Cultural Industries. For information about training and professional qualifications, visit the website www.ccskills.org.uk T. 020 7089 5866
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 Theatre and other Live Performance. T: 020 7379 6000. www.equity.org.uk
Dance UK - cover the independent dance sector. They provide information and publications, and arrange networking opportunities, forums for debate, and conferences. T: 020 7228 4990 www.danceuk.org
Council for Dance Education & Training - provides information about courses throughout the UK. T: 020 7247 4030 www.cdet.org.uk
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