Careers in Dance

Championing Dance for All Young People

A Guide to Careers in Dance www.yde.org.uk

1 www.yde.org.uk

Contents

Introduction 02

Transferable Skills 03

A Performer’s Life 04

Teaching 05

Support Professionals 09

Breaking the Mould 10

Keeping Healthy 11

Training 12

Funding 14

Career Progression Routes 21

Case Studies

•Dancer 32

•DanceFilmArtist 33

•DanceandArtsPublicist 34

•IndependentDanceScientist,ResearcherandLecturer 35

•LightingDesignerandProductionManager 36

•ProjectManager 37

Links 38

Glossary 43

YDE Contact Details 48

2 www.yde.org.ukwww.yde.org.uk

A Lifelong Career

So,you’vedecidedthatyouwantacareerindance.Beundernoillusionsthatyouhaveselected one of the toughest career paths possible – but also one of the most rewarding. This guide aims to help you understand what a wide-ranging dance career might mean – and it’s not necessarily what you think.

Young dancers who dream of a career that is their passion often forget that the dance professionisn’tjustsomethingthattakesplaceon a stage or in a rehearsal room. Careers in dance can take place in all kinds of settings –hospitalsandartcentres,backstage,inschoolsandcommunitycentresandeveninoffices.Infact,youmayliketoknowthatoftheestimated30,000peopleemployedinthedancesector,only2,500areperformers!22,500go into teaching careers and the remaining 5,000areemployedinavarietyof‘support’careerssuchasmanagement,therapyandnotation.(See‘MappingDance’bySusanneBurns,publishedbyPalatinein2007).

Many of those entering the dance sector will starttheircareersasperformersandthenmoveinto other areas as they mature or wish to broadentheirskills.Otherswilldiscoverduringthe course of their training that there are non-performance areas that interest them and theymaywishtousetheirtrainingtodevelopabilitiesinproducingandprojectmanagement,technical production or initiating a portfolio career–whereanindividualwithanumberofskills,perhapsinperforming,teachingandmanaging combines these strengths and becomes a highly employable and flexible dance artist.

The one thing that unites all these wildly different strands in the sector is the commitment and dedication they all generate. Whilst a performer’s career,likeafootballer’s,canbebrief,acareer,orvocation,inthedance‘industry’canlastyourentire working life. Use your skills wisely and you canenjoyalife-longcareer.


Inreality,onlyatinypercentageofyoungpeoplewho train as dancers succeed as performers or choreographers.However,thehugevarietyofskillsandtechniquestheyhavegainedthroughtheir training will equip them for a multitude of otherrolesthatcanbejustasfulfillingas,orperhapsmorethan,aperformingcareer.

Onceyouhavedevelopedkeyskillssuchasdiscipline,motivation,creativityandteamworkyourdancecraftcanbeappliedcreatively in many ways. It can spill into words onto a page,besnappedinastunningphotograph or passed onto others through the sharing and teaching of skills. There are numerous opportunities for people who want a career in the dance industry and many of these will requiredifferentskills,pickedupinavariety of situations and contexts.

Whetheryouchoosetobecomeateacher,costumedesigner,dancetherapistoracompanymanager,alloftheserolesrequire an understanding of dance in its many forms andallofthemhaveanessentialcontributionto make to the dance world.

Transferable Skills

Wehope,throughreadingthis,youwillthinkbroadlyaboutthevarietyofpossibilitiesthatlieahead if you are thinking of making dance your vocation.Thisresourceincludesalistofusefulcontacts and web links for you to do further research as well as a Glossary of useful terms butfirst,takealookatjustsomeofthecareersdance can offer...


Asadancer,youmayneedtocontinuetoteach dance or do other types of work to make aliving.ManydancejobsarebasedinLondon,but there are also opportunities to work for regionaldanceorganisationsandcompanies,touring productions and to work abroad. Youcouldworkfull-timeforadancecompany,although you are usually more likely to work asafreelanceronshort,fixed-termcontracts.You will often find work through networking and making contacts in the industry and some choreographers choose to form their own dance company.

To be a professional dancer you need to be highlytrained,creativeandatthepeakofphysical fitness.

Thiswillalmostcertainlymeanalengthytraining,probablyfromaveryyoungage,butmanydancers start in their teens and some don’t start their training until after 16 or when they areatuniversity.

If you decide to follow the performing or choreography route you need to be aware that competition for work is fierce and success dependsontalent,experience,contacts,determinationandthemostelusivefactor of all – luck.

A Performer’s Life


Teaching in Private Dance SchoolsNormallyself-employed,teachersintheprivatesector often hold qualifications from a number of Dance Awarding Bodies. These offer a range of examinations for children and young people as well as teacher training programmes leading to teaching qualifications. The Council for DanceEducation&Training(CDET)hasapprovedtheregistrationschemesoffourDance Awarding Bodies and teachers registered with those awarding bodies may be listed in the CDET’s UK Directory of registered Dance Teachers. Prospectuses can be obtained for vocationaltrainingcourseswhichleadtoteaching qualifications but these schemes only qualifyindividualstoteachintheprivatesector.

Teaching in State SchoolsIf you wish to teach in state schools you must holdqualifiedteacherstatus(QTS),usuallythroughtakingaBachelorofEducationdegree,a BA with QTS or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education(PGCE).TheUniversitiesofBrighton,Bedfordshire,ExeterandtheRoyalAcademy ofDanceofferaPGCEinDance.LiverpoolHopeUniversityoffersaPGCEinPerforming Arts and PGCEs in Physical Education normally also include Dance. For further information and details of courses see the Graduate TeacherTrainingRegistry(GTR),theTraining andDevelopmentAgencyforSchools(TDA) orUniversitiesandCollegesAdmissions Service(UCAS).

Many dancers see their teaching work as a way oftoppinguptheirincome,othershowever,gainahugeamountofcreativefulfillmentfromguiding students.

There are many ways to become a dance teacher – some people go on to teach followingasuccessfulcareerasaperformer,othersseeteachingastheirprimaryvocationand wish to train specifically as a teacher from the outset. For those focused on teaching as a vocationthereareanumberofdifferentpathsto take:

Teaching


students,actingaspersonaltutorandsupporting students with problems as well as supervisingpracticalwork,workplacementsoreducationalvisits.

ThreenewqualificationshavebeenavailablefromSeptember2007.ThefirstistheLevel3 or 4 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector. This is a short introductory course which you will need to do before you can qualify as an associate or full teacher.

Teaching in Further EducationFurtherEducation(FE)teachersteachstudentsovertheageof16,workinavarietyoflearningenvironmentssuchascollegesorcommunitycentres,andmayteachfull-time,part-timeorday-release courses. It is possible to teach or lecture in further or higher education colleges without a degree in dance but you would need to hold an appropriate teaching/learning certificate. To become a FE teacher in England youneedarelevantacademicorprofessionalqualification,orexperienceinthesubjectyouwant to teach and teaching qualifications recognisedbyLifelongLearningUK(LLUK).

TheworkofaFEteachertypicallyinvolvesplanninglessons,usingavarietyofteachingmethods,suchasseminarsandtutorials,settingandmarkingassignmentsandexams,assessingstudents’progress,developingcoursematerials,record-keepingandadministrativetasks,attendingmeetingsandprofessionaldevelopmentcourses,interviewingprospective


To complete a teaching qualification whilst workingasateacher,youshouldbeexperiencedinthesubjectyouintendtoteach,findanemployer willing to support you in working towards qualifications and complete a teaching qualification within a set time. When you are qualified you will need to keep your skills and knowledge up to date through recorded continuingprofessionaldevelopment(CPD).

QualifyingasaFEteacherdoesnotgiveyouqualifiedteacherstatus(QTS)toteachinschools. For further information and details of qualificationsandtrainingproviderscontactLifelongLearningUK(LLUK)on02079365798 orvisittheirwebsite.

TheLevel3or4CertificateinTeachingintheLifelong Learning Sector will qualify you as an associate teacher. To qualify as a full teacher youwillneedtheLevel5DiplomainTeachinginthe Lifelong Learning Sector which will also lead toQTLSstatus(QualifiedTeacher,LearningandSkills).TheLevel5Diplomaisroughlyequivalentto a PGCE/Cert Ed in Further Education.

Manyuniversitiesandcollegeswillcarryonusingthesetitlesforthenewqualifications,althoughthey will reference these qualifications against theLevel5Diploma.


sector. You will find two or three BA courses that specialise in Community Dance (see the UCAS websitefordetails),andthereisapostgraduatecourse in Community Dance at Laban which offers a Professional Diploma in Community Dance Studies.

Whilstqualificationsarenotnecessary,beawarethatbystudyingdanceatauniversityyouwillbepart of an education framework that enables youtoachieveanationallyrecognisedqualification. This can be beneficial as a measureofachievementforyourself,asafoundation for your future professional development,andasaqualityassuranceforfuture employers. For a more detailed information sheet about teaching in the community dance sector please go to the Foundation for Community Dance’s website.

Teaching in the Community Dance SectorIf you are interested in teaching in a less formal orqualificationbasedenvironment,suchaswithyouthdancegroups,elderlypeopleincarehomesoryoungoffenders,youmightlikeyourdance training to incorporate the study of community dance. There is no prescribed route toacareerincommunitydance,andmanyartists currently working in the community dance sectorhavenotnecessarilyhadaccesstospecialisededucationatundergraduatelevelbuthavefoundtheirownpathway.

It is most likely that you will study Community Danceatauniversity,asvocationalschoolstend to cater for those students wishing to pursueacareerasaperformer,choreographeror dance teacher in the commercial and privatesectors.Mostundergraduatedancecourseswillinvolvethestudyofcommunitydance in some form or another and a great dealofwhatyoustudywillprovideausefulcontextual and skills base for working in the


Support Professions

There are a host of other roles within the dance industry without which there would be no performing arts scene.

Performanceshavetobecommissioned,producedandbooked,projectshavetobesetupanddocumented,dancersneedspecialiststohelpthemtotakecareoftheirhealthandbodies,fundinghastobefoundandperformanceshavetobelit,scoredanddressed.

There are many support areas in the industry that are relied upon to keep the wheels in motion.Somepeople,whoarenotboundforalife teaching or performing go into these areas aftercollegeoruniversityandothersmaytakeon some of these roles to support a performing or teaching career.

Everyone,however,ispassionateaboutdancewhetherit’shelpingotherstotakepart,ensuringa production runs smoothly or generating new and exciting work for audiences.


One thing almost all of the careers mentioned herehaveincommonisthattheydonotfollowparticularpathways–everyone’srouteintotheirdance career is a story in itself.

Entrepreneurshipisavitalqualityinasectorwheremanycreatetheirownjobsandaninterest in another artform can often lead to new,excitingprojectsandcollaborationswithartists and funders outside of the dance world. Crossartformwork,suchasblendingcircus, music or digital technology disciplines with danceareareasthataredevelopingand are of growing interest to audiences. So if you havenewandexcitingideasandthinkyou cancreateaprojectofyourown,don’tbeafraidtohaveago!

Breaking the Mould


Keeping Healthy

One thing all performers and teachers of dance need to place at the heart of their training, is the knowledge that a good dancer needs a healthy body.

Whetherperformingorteaching,yourbodyiswhatpaysthebills–soyouneedtolookafterit! Itisvitaladancerorteacherisawareofhealthierdancepracticeincludinginjuryprevention,healthyeatingandimprovingtheirgeneralunderstanding of a whole range of factors that can impact on dancers’ health and performance.

Dance UK runs a Healthier Dancer Programme (HDP)topromotethephysicalandpsychological health of dancers. This includes adviceandinformationonhealth,fitnessandinjurypreventionfordancersatthestartoftheirprofessional training and throughout their careers,aprogrammeofworkshopsandconferences and publishing periodicals such as Dance UK News and the Journal of Dance Medicine and Science.


There are many Higher Education institutions offering dance courses or courses with dance elements. For further information on the institutionsandcoursecontent,pleaserefer to the publication Directory of UK Dance QualificationsandCareers,availablefrom theNationalResourceCentreforDance,UniversityofSurrey,Guildford,SurreyGU27XH, Tel:01483689316orE-mail:[email protected]

There are numerous other courses within Higher Education both at under-graduate and post-graduatelevel.ContactUCASforalistingof all dance courses in the UK.

Onethingalldancersneedisahighquality,accredited training whether they are to go on to performorteach.So,howdoyougetthere?

A really good place to start your research is The Council for Dance Education and Training (CDET).Thisisthenationalstandardsbodyoftheprofessional dance industry. It seeks to establish and maintain high standards of education and trainingatanationallevelandwithinaninternational context. The courses offered by CDET’saccreditedschoolsvarywidelyinstyle,contentandaimsandtheycoverthedisciplinesofclassicalballet,musicaltheatreandcontemporary dance. It’s wise to obtain prospectuses for more than one course and to ensure that the course aims and graduate destinations match your requirements. Most courses are three years in length. Find out more on the CDET’s website.

Training


Inordertoincreaseyouremployability,youmaywishtogainfurthertrainingandqualifications,particularly in other types of dance. Some dancers decide to gain dance-related skills by takingfurthertrainingindanceperformance,orby obtaining a qualification in an area related toperformance,suchascommunitytheatrework,choreography,scenography,notation,orarts administration.

FurtherdetailsareavailablefromtheCDET,whileDance UK is a good source of information on trainingopportunitiesandnetworkingeventsinthe independent sector.

Some dancers also do further training to work in complementary therapies or to take fitness classessuchasyoga,pilatesandtheAlexanderTechnique. These open up opportunities for self-employment. It can also be useful to gain IT andprojectmanagementskills,notonlyfortemporary work but also for work in dance administrationanddevelopment.

Don’tforgetwhenplanningyourfuture,thatauditionsandinterviewswillbeheldateachinstitutionduringtheSpring,anditisimportanttohavecontactedthecourseadministratorswellinadvance,usuallyintheAutumn,inordertoensurethatyouaregivenanauditionorinterviewdate.ChecktheUCASwebsiteformore information.

Trainingcontinuesthroughoutadancecareer,witheventhemostexperiencedpractitionersattending daily classes and courses to update skills or to re-train for another area of the dance profession.


Learning to manage your money is an essential skillyouwilldiscoverwhilststudying.Rememberthat the cost of higher education extends far beyondtuitionfeesandaccommodation!Youwillneedtopayfortravel,insuranceandcourserequirements(e.g.books)aswellasbillsandleisureactivities.

Onceyou’vefoundtherightcourse,it’simportantto start thinking about how you will finance your studiesasyou’llneedtocoverthecostsofbothcoursefeesandlivingexpensesonatightbudget.

Finding the funds to study on dance courses can be a long and difficult process with a great deal of competition. A year long course at a CDETaccreditedvocationaltrainingschoolforexamplecancostupto£12,000.Whilstthereareseveralfundingschemesavailable,moreoften than not students are responsible for the fullcostoffeesandmayneedtosecureprivatefundingvialoans,scholarshipsandtrusts.Wehavehighlightedsomeofthemainfundingsources for you.

Funding


Studentscanreceivehelpfromthegovernmentthrough a student loan scheme that does not charge commercial rates of interest (but increases inlinewithinflation).Universitiesandcollegescanchargeupto£3,225(2009/10)peryear for their courses and you are entitled to borrow anythingupto£6,928(2009/10)depending onvariousfactors.

Student Finance England and The Student Loans Company(SCL)arenowresponsibleforadvisingand processing applications for student loans. Most general enquiries can be answered by the Student Finance England student helpline on 08453005090andcomprehensiveinformationisontheDirectgovwebsiteandtheSLCwebsite.You will start paying back your loan once you havegraduatedandareearningmorethan£15,000ayear.

Higher Education FundingStudentsstudyingforadegree,diplomaorcertificateawardedbyauniversityareeligibleformandatory,HigherEducationawardswhichcurrentlycoverthegreaterpartoftuitionfees.LikeanyUK(orEU)studententeringHigherEducation,studentsmaybeeligibletoapplyforhelp with their student fee contribution (which is upto£3,225for2009/10)andhaveaccessto aStudentLoanforfees.Howeverifyouhavereceivedgovernmentfundingforapreviouscourse it is unlikely you will be eligible.


Grants & AwardsBursariesDidyouknowthat65%ofyoungpeopledon’trealisethatmanyuniversitiesandcolleges offerbursariestooffsetthecostoftuitionfees?This lack of awareness means that many bursaries,rangingfrom£300to£3000ayear,go unclaimed.

A bursary is non-repayable financial support fromauniversityorcollegethatisgranted tostudentspayingfulltuitionfeesandreceivinga full maintenance grant (although some pay bursariestothoseonpartialgrants).Theminimumbursaryavailablefromuniversitiesaskingforthemaximumtuitionfeesis£319andtheaveragegivenisaround£800peryear.Anyinstitutioncharging more than £3000 per year in fees must providebursariestostudents.TheDirectgovwebsitehasalistofthosecollegesanduniversitiesthat offer bursaries and their conditions.

Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) For students wishing to train in classical ballet theDepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamilies(DCSF)fundstheMusicandDanceScheme(MDS)whichprovidesforchildrenandyoungpeoplebetweentheagesof8and18toreceiveanacademiceducationalongside thebestspecialistballettrainingavailable.

At present four dance schools (Arts Educational SchoolTring,ElmhurstSchoolforDance,TheHammondSchool,ChesterandtheRoyalBalletSchool)offerMDSplacestostudentsat11.Inaddition,thegovernmentprovidesnationalgrants for exceptionally talented children allowing them to gain access to specialist dancetraininginCentresforAdvancedTraining(CAT).CATsofferhighquality,non-residentialtraining. Contact the DCSF’s Music and Dance Schemeformoreinformationon01325391150orvisittheirwebsite.


Da DA Awards – Music and Dance SchemeTheDanceandDramaAwards(DaDA)wereintroducedbythegovernmenttoincreaseaccesstovocationaldance,musicaltheatre,drama and stage management training. They providereducedfeesforfull-timevocationaldance and drama students but are only availabletothosestudyingforthefollowingqualifications – the National Diploma in ProfessionalDance,theNationalDiplomainProfessional Musical Theatre and the National Certificate in Professional Classical Ballet. The qualifications are all awarded by Trinity College London(TCL)andareonlyavailableatoneofthe22providersTCLvalidates.

ScholarshipsScholarshipsaregrantsgiventostudentsbyinstitutions or another sponsoring body such as aworkplace.Scholarshipstendtobegiventostudentsbasedonacademicachievementorexceptional talent.

Eachvocationalschooldeterminestherecipientsof scholarships through its own audition process and thiswillvaryfromschooltoschool.Thecollegesanduniversitiesoperateadifferentsystemthatisinlinewith the rest of the Higher Education system.


Thecontributionfor2009-2010issetat£1,275.Studentswhocannotafford£1,275orwhoneedfurtherfinancialassistanceforlivingandlearningcosts may be eligible for additional funding from a means-tested FE fund. Please note that students following HE dance courses do not qualify for Da DAs. For further information on Dance and Drama Awards go to the Directgovwebsite.

GrantsIn2008theGovernmentsubstantiallyincreasedthe number of students entitled to non-repayable maintenancegrants.Ifyouqualify,youcouldreceiveupto£2,906dependingonyourhousehold income and other factors. See the Directgovwebsiteformoredetails.

A limited number of Da DAs are awarded each year and they are allocated by the 22 schools to students showing most potential at audition. Students intending to apply for an award should contactavocationalschooldirectlytoenquireifithasfundedDaDAplacesavailable. The 22 schools will make an award to a student regardless of his/her income but where students arejudgedtobeequallytalentedtheirfinancialcircumstances will be taken into consideration.

To be eligible for an award a student must be an EU national at the start of the course and havebeenresidentintheEUforatleast3yearsbefore the course begins. Students who are offeredAwardswillhavetomakeacontributionto their fees.


Barclays,TheCo-operativeBankandTheRoyalBank of Scotland. The LSC pays the interest on your loan while you’re learning and for up to one monthafteryou’vestoppedtraining.Youthenrepaytheloantothebankoveranagreedperiod at a fixed rate of interest. Your PCDL can beusedtopayformorethanjustcoursefees.

Thethreeareasitcancoverare: •coursefees–80percentofyourcourse fees,or100percentifyouhavebeenout of work for three months or more at the time of application •othercoursecosts–including,books, equipment,tools,childcare,travelexpenses and any costs associated with disability •livingexpenses–food,ordinaryclothingor footwear,householdfuel,rent,housing costs,counciltaxandwatercharges

Professional and Career Development LoansAProfessionalandCareerDevelopmentLoan(PCDL)isabankloandesignedtohelpyoupayforwork-relatedlearning.Youdon’thavetostartpaying your loan back until at least one month after you stop training. A PCDL can help you gaintheexperience,trainingandqualificationsyouneedtoimproveyourjobskillsorevenlaunch a new career.

Youcanuseittofundavarietyofvocational(work-related)courseswithawiderangeoforganisations and can take one out whether you areemployed,self-employedorunemployed.PCDLsareavailablethroughanarrangementbetweentheLearningandSkillsCouncil(LSC)and one of three banks.

You may borrow anything between £300 and £10,000tohelpyoufunduptotwoyearsoflearning (or up to three years if the course includesoneyearofrelevantpracticalworkexperience)andyoucangetPCDLsthrough


Charitable DonationsSomepeoplereceivecharitabledonationstosupport their years in training and education but they must first do a lot of ground work sourcing and writing to appropriate charities. TheAssociationofCharitableFoundations(ACF)website has information and support about grant making trusts and foundations in the UK although it does not make grants itself.

Many trusts donate funds to particular causes or issues that are close to their own hearts or interests. Go to the ACF website for more information.


Career Progression Routes

The following pages contain information about therangeofcareersinthedanceindustry,some broad explanations of what these roles involveandthetrainingyoumightneedtoachieveyourprofessionalgoals.Itmaybethatyou follow these routes after a performance careeroryoumaydecidetheorganisational,academic,technicalorprogrammingsideofdance interests you more.

Click on the job title below for more information about specific careers

ChoreographerCommunity Dance PractitionerCostume/Set DesignerDance Performer Dance/Arts OfficerDance Education Specialist Dance Film MakerDanceMovementTherapistDance JournalistDance Lecturer or Academic ResearcherDance PhotographerDanceProjectCoordinatororAdministratorDance ProducerDance Teacher Lighting Designer/Technical Production Management Specialist Notation/ChoreologyPilates InstructorPress and Public Relations SpecialistYoga InstructorYouth Worker


ChoreographerA good dance training is essential to any choreographer. Many choreographers start out as performers in professional companies and gain experience touring and in rehearsal with the company and its artistic director.

Many students set up companies of their own withtheircontemporarieswhentheyleaveuniversityorcollegeasanintroductiontotheindustry. At the beginning of a choreographic career it’s useful to find a mentor or someone that you admire in the dance world e.g. a teacher or local performer. Ask them to watch your dance work while you’re making it and makethemostoftheiradvice.Ifyou’recreatingorperformingdance,getan‘outsideeye’byusing a body double to dance as you watch or videoit.Videoyourfinaldanceworkinperformance to use as your show reel. Always see as much work as possible to increase your knowledgeandawarenessofstyles,developmentandcurrentdancepractice.

Experienced freelance choreographers can list themselvesforworkonDanceUK’sChoreographers’ Directory.

Community Dance PractitionerThis includes working in the community as a workshopleaderorteacher.Sometimes,dancedisciplines that are not part of a Dance Awarding Body syllabus are taught in community contextssuchascontemporarydance,streetdanceforms,choreographyandcreativemovement.

Community Dance Practitioners work in avarietyofsettingssuchasyouthcentres, oldpeoples’homes,arts,communityandleisure centres.

Manyschoolanddanceclubsusevisitingartistswiththein-depthknowledge,professionalexperienceandpracticalskillstodeliverhighquality dance successfully. Dance artists workinginthisparticularareawillhaveskills andexperiencethathavebeenaccreditedinoneormorewayssuchasadegreeindance,vocationaltrainingatadanceschool, a specialised Dance in the Community course orregistrationwithaprivatedanceteachingassociation such as the Royal Academy of Dance,ImperialSocietyofTeachersofDanceor the British Ballet Organisation.


Dance PerformerClick here to read a Case Study To succeed as a dancer you need to be creative,fit,agoodperformerandsingleminded!Extensivetrainingandqualificationsarerequiredfromauniversity,danceorperformingartsschool.Inaddition,seeifyoucanundertakeworkexperiencewithacompany,ateacherordance administrator and see what their day-to-dayactivitiesinvolve.Manydancerscombineperforming with other related work such as teachingorworkingonprojectsinschools and colleges.

Make the most of local opportunities or holiday programmes,joinayouthdancecompany ordanceschoolorevensetupyourowncompany. For information contact your local danceagency,councilorartsboard.DancejobsmaybeadvertisedinTheStagenewspaperand on the websites of local and regional dance organisations.

Costume/Set DesignerYou may be able to become a costume designerwithoutadegree,byworkingyourwayupthroughcraftorassistantjobsincostumedepartments.Tosucceed,youwillneedalotofexperience,goodcontactsandanexcellentportfolio of work.

Therearenosetentryrequirements,butmostcostumedesignershaveaHigherNationalDiploma(HND),degreeorpostgraduatequalificationinarelevantsubjectsuchascostumedesign,fashion,theatre,design,artanddesignorperformingarts(production).Seethe UCAS website to find art and design foundationcoursesallovertheUK.

It’s important you find practical work experience and build a good portfolio of your work. You can gainrelevantexperiencethroughstudentandamateurtheatreandfilmproductions,workingasacostume‘daily’(temporarycasualhelpersonTVorfilmsets),casualwardrobeworkintheatres or working for a theatrical costume hire company.

Take a look at the Conference of Drama Schools website for a downloadable PDF guide to careers backstage.


Dance Film MakerClick here to read a Case Study Dancefilmismovementbasedworkthatiscreated to exist in its own right and most people making dance film are using digital technology. Dancefilmorvideoisbecomingincreasinglypopularandoftenfusesdancewithnew,innovativedevelopmentsinfilmandvideoart.If you are interested in pursuing dance film as a career you need to consider how you will developyourpractice,seeasmuchinterestingworkaspossible,thinkaboutwhereyoucanexhibityourfilmorvideoandaboutappropriateorganisationsandeventstoapproach.Funding is difficult so you need to make sure you getplentyofadvicefromorgansiationssuchas‘Lux’inLondonoragenciesthatspecialiseindanceforthecamerasuchas‘Capture’orSouth East Dance.

Dance/Arts OfficerDance or Arts Officers work for funding bodies of Local Authorities.

Most Arts Officers at local authorities or in Arts Council offices are graduates in arts or arts relatedcoursesandsomemayhavebeendancersthemselves.Theirmainroleisinstrategicplanning,grantgivingandmonitoringdanceactivityintheirareaorregion.

Severalyearsexperiencewithinanartsorganisation or company would be essential andsomepeoplemayhaveMAsinartsmanagement – though this is not a necessity and plenty of experience would equate to an MA.

Dance Education SpecialistDance companies and organisations need people who know about dance as well as educationandculturalpolicyinordertoprovidean educational aspect to their work.

Thiswillgivetheirprogrammeprominencein the communities in which they work and help developfutureaudiencesfortheirworkaswellas help supplement performance fees.

Education work led by a company alongside aperformanceoften‘addsvalue’toanexperience and enables companies to build relationshipswithvenuesandcommunities.


Dancefilmmakersmusthavealoveofdanceandfilminequalparts,maintainastrongknowledgeofartistsandcompanieswork,buildup a portfolio and practical skills and techniques – perhaps in weekend courses or summer schools led at arts cinemas or agencies.

Dance Movement TherapistTherapistsneedtohaveastrongsenseofempathy,becreative,fitandinterestedinpsychologyandmovement.

Dancemovementtherapistsmusthaveapostgraduate qualification recognised by the AssociationofDanceMovementTherapists(ADMTUK)andaminimumoftwoyearsexperienceofatleastonedanceormovementform.GoldsmithsandRoehamptonUniversitiesofferqualificationsinthisfield.Subjectsstudiedincludeanatomy,psychology,psycho-therapyandmovementobservation.

Dancetherapistsworkinavarietyofsettingsincludinghospitals,psychiatricandrehabilitationunitsandschoolsandusedanceandmovementtohelppeoplewithawiderangeofemotional,social,psychologicalandphysicaldifficulties.

Therapistsworkwithindividualsandgroupstohelpimprovetheirself-esteem,developcommunicationskillsanddevelopstrategiestomanagetheirlives.Theyworkwithavarietyofconditions such as autism and eating and emotional disorders. Part-time or session work is common and many DMTs are self-employed or freelance.

Maturity and the ability to communicate through movementisessentialandtheminimumagefor entering DMT training is 23 years. Contact the ADMTUK for further information.

Dance JournalistJournalism is mostly learnt and “fine-tuned” on thejob,althoughtherearespecificskillstolearn,suchasshorthandforspeechreporting,whichcanbetaughtonindustryapprovedjournalismcourses.

VisittheNationalCouncilForTheTrainingofJournalism’s website for more information.

Dance Lecturer or Academic ResearcherClick here to read a Case Study Ifyouareinterestedindancehistory,aesthetics,research and the more academic side of dance you may want to consider HE lecturing andfurtheracademicresearch.Ifyoudo,you should consider postgraduate courses at universitiesatMAandPhDlevels.SeeUCASformore details.


Dance PhotographerManydancephotographershaveadegreeinphotographyorartandwillhavespentyearstaking photographs and practicing their trade. A dance photographer will usually work on a freelancebasis,andyouwillfindmanywillworkasgeneralphotographersalso(weddingsetc)to top up their income.

Photographsareveryvaluabletodancecompanies as a source of documentation and also for marketing and PR. As a dance photographeryouwillneedtobecreativebutalso work to a brief set out by your client.

Workingasadancephotographercaninvolvealotoftravelling,longhoursandlatenights, so you will need to be patient and practical with both good organisational and communication skills.

Dance Projects Coordinator or AdministratorEverydancecompany,organisation,venueorfunding body needs someone to run it and there is a growing demand for administrators whoareknowledgeableindance,administration or management. Usually such peoplewillholdadegreeinarelevantsubjectsuchasdance,dramaorperformingartsandthey need to be flexible learners as they will oftenmanageavarietyoftasksfrommarketing,projectandbudgetmanagement,tocopywriting,eventmanagementandfundraising.Thisisacompetitivefieldandit’soften necessary to get some good work experience under your belt before applying for jobs.Danceartistswilloftenholdsuchapositionto boost their performance income.

Dance ProducerA dance producer will normally hold a degree in Dance,Drama,orArtsAdministrationandhavehadplentyofrelevantworkexperience–maybeas a performer or administrator. Dance producersoftenhaveaveryvariedschedulethatrequiresthemtobegoodallrounders,whichmeansthatnotwodaysarethesame!

Successfuldanceproducerswillhaveagoodknowledgeofperformingarts,keepabreastofchanges in the sector and be aware of new workbeingmade.Aswellashavingcreativeflair,producersneedagoodbusinessmind–theyneedtobeextremelyorganised,agoodplanner,go-gettersandhavestrongcommunication skills. Getting new productions off the ground requires lots of hard work and a strong sense of entrepreneurship.


Dance TeacherYouwillneedextensiveknowledgeofyoursubjectandtheabilitytoexplainit,motivateandcreateenthusiasm.Initiativeandleadershipskillsarevital,asistheabilitytorelatetoavarietyofpeople.Youwillneedtobecreative,interestedinfurtheringotherpeople’sdevelopment, havetheabilitytoexpressyourselfclearly, thecreativitytodesigninterestingactivities,excellent planning skills and patience.

Thosewhowanttoteachinprivatedanceschoolsusually take the graded examinations of one or more of the Dance Awarding Bodies which finally lead to teaching qualifications. Applicants for teachingpostsinallmaintained(state)anddirectgrant schools must hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS),whichisawardedbytheDepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamilies(DCSF).FEteachersteachAandAS-Level,BTECsandHNDsandneedarelevantacademicorprofessionalqualification,orexperienceinthesubjecttaughtaswellasateaching qualification recognised by Lifelong LearningUK(LLUK).

As a dance teacher in a primary or secondary schooloracollegeyoucanjointheNationalDanceTeachersAssociation(NDTA),whichprovidesin-servicetraining,continuingprofessionaldevelopment,networkingopportunities and teaching resources. If you are interested in making the arts more accessible to people with disabilities you could become involvedinleadingorassistinginworkshopsrunby Shape UK or regional disability organisations.

Youcandothisasafreelanceoravolunteer,dependingonexperience.VisittheShapeUKwebsite for details.

Youwillfindteachingvacanciesadvertisedinthelocalandnationalpress,andinspecialistsupplements such as the Education Guardian or the Times Educational Supplement.

Lighting Designer/Technical ProductionClick here to read a Case Study You could work in technical production after taking a technical theatre course which includes units on lighting design and practice. Courses include BTEC National Certificate or Diplomas inPerformingArts(Technical),BTECinHigherNationalCertificate/Diploma(HNC/HND)inPerformingArts(Production)andthereareaccredited drama school diplomas in technical theatre (see the National Council for Drama Trainingwebsite)anddegreesinlightingdesign,lighting technology or technical theatre. Checkwithcollegesoruniversitiesforexactentry requirements.


Asever,thesecoursesdonotguaranteeentry.Youmuststillgetrelevantworkexperienceandemployers may still prefer you to be a fully-qualifiedelectrician.Youcangainrelevantexperience from working as casual show staff in theatres. Contact theatres directly to ask about anyavailableopportunitiesvolunteeringonstudent theatre or amateur theatre productions and concerts. Take a look at the Conference for Drama Schools website for a downloadable PDF guide to careers backstage.

Management SpecialistClick here to read a Case Study Aprofessionalmanagerofdanceartists,companies,buildingsorprojectsoftenworkswithmorethanoneprojectatanygiventimeand would typically manage a flexible portfolio ofactivitieswithinthedanceprofession.Theseprofessionals often come from a performing or administration background and would holdarelevantdegree.Itisbecomingmorecommonplace for administrators and managers to hold a BA or MA in Arts Administration or Management and many colleges and universitiesnowoffersuchcoursessuchasBirkbeck,SouthBankUniversity,AngliaRuskin and De Montfort.

Notation/ChoreologyNotatorsprovidechoreographersanddancerswitha‘choreographicscore’byrecordingdances on paper in ways that can be understood by others. There are two existing methodsofrecordingmovement:Labanotationand Benesh Notation. You can take a course in Benesh Notation at the Royal Academy of Dance and at the Labanotation Institute at the UniversityofSurrey.LabanrunsaSpecialistDiploma in Dance Notating.


Pilates InstructorPilatesdevelopsbodyawareness–improvingand changing postural and alignment habits andincreasingflexibilityandeaseofmovement.The basics are based upon a thorough understanding of the human anatomy and teachers use this information to create a personalised exercise programme for their clients.

Osteopaths,physiotherapistsandGPsallrecommend Pilates as one of the safest forms of exercise – beneficial for general fitness and bodyawareness,pregnancy,injurypreventionandrehabilitationwork.Itcanalsoimprovetechnique for athletes and dancers. Pilates helps studentsincreasestrength,flexibilityandstability,improvetheircoordination,releasestressandimproveposture.

Press and Public Relations Specialist Click here to read a Case Study Danceagencies,companies,organisationsandindividualsallneedtocommunicateandpromotetheirworktothepublic.Tothisend,workingwiththepressandmedia(newspapers,magazines,webplatforms,TV,Radioandinternetchannelsandnetworks)isvitaltomakesurethatinformationonperformances,events,newworkanddevelopmentsarecommunicatedtothewidest possible audience.

PR specialists build relationships with people workinginthemediaindustries,cultivatinginterestthroughinvitingthemtoevents,regularlycommunicatingwiththemaboutdevelopmentsthroughpressupdatesandreleases,andprovidingwrittencopyandimagesfordifferentmedia.Theyneedtoknowtheirsubjectwellandbeabletocommunicateitclearlyandcreativelytothevariousmediasothatinformationontheirclients and their work is widely known.

Teachertraineeapplicantsshouldhaveapreviousbackgroundinexerciseand/ormovementandhavecompletedaminimum of25Pilatessessions,inastudio,priortostartingtheir training. Final acceptance will be based ontheirbackground,theirownphysicalityandphysicalknowledgeoftheexercises,andaninterviewtodeterminetheircommitmentto,andpassionfor,thework.

Thetrainingperiodis18to24monthsand a minimum of 1200 hours is required before taking the Pilates Foundation UK Exam.


Thepathwaysintothisworkareasvariedasthepeopleinvolved.Agoodknowledgebaseofdance and industry contacts within dance and themediaarevital.Knowinghowtocreateanattention grabbing headline and communicate informationtocreatean‘angle’thatthepressaremorelikelytorespondto,alongwithaskilledeye for the right images for press articles are all PRrequirements.Youmustalsobeacreativethinkerandbeabletocomeupwithnovelwaysof communicating information.

Yoga InstructorYogateachersinstructonpositions,controlledbreathing and meditation. They teach either as aformofexercise,toincreasephysicalfitnessand flexibility or as a therapy to control ill-health. There are many styles of yoga including Ashtanga,ViniyogaandIyengarwhichvaryinphysical intensity and complexity.

Yoga teachers must be trained and experiencedinyogapractice,haveahighstandardofphysicalfitness,bepatient,caringandinterestedinpeople,beabletomotivateindividualsandgroups,havegoodverbalcommunication skills and be aware of the risks exercisingcaninvolve.

To become a teacher you will need to complete a yoga teaching qualification. By gaining membership of the Register of Exercise Professionals(REPs)youwillbeabletoshowemployers and clients that you meet fitness industry standards of good practice.

You can find out more about REPs and recognisedcoursesandqualificationsbyvisitingthe REPs website. Currently REPs only recognise BritishWheelofYoga(BWY)qualifications.BWYisthenationalgoverningbodyforyogaandyoucan do their courses throughout the UK.

SkillsActivehasdetailsofadditionalrecognisedcourses and qualifications. The BWY Yoga Teacher’sDiplomacoversanatomyandphysiology,stressandrelaxation,yogaphilosophy,healthandsafetyandpracticalaspects of teaching yoga postures.

There is a growing demand for yoga teachers insportsandleisurecentres,healthclubsandcommunity centres. Employers include local authorities,privatehealthclubsandcorporateorganisations. You can broaden your practice to include teaching yoga to children,inprisons,forpregnancyand teaching meditation.


Youth WorkerYouthworkersprovideenjoyable,educationalandchallengingactivitiestohelpyoungpeopleimprovetheirconfidence,developnewskillsandcopewithissuesthataffecttheirlives. Theymainlyworkwithpeopleaged13to19.

Therolevariesanddependsonneed,butmayincludeorganisingsports,arts,dramaanddanceactivities,mentoringyoungpeople,supporting groups such as young carers or those atriskofoffending,developingandrunningprojectsthattackleissueslikehealth,bullyingorcrime,managingvolunteers,keepingrecords,controllingbudgets,fundraisingandnetworkingwithotherprofessionalssuchassocialworkers,teachers,probationofficersandthepolice.

Professional youth workers need a youth and communityworkqualificationvalidatedbytheNationalYouthAgency(NYA).Validatedqualificationscanbefoundationdegrees,diplomasofhighereducation(DipHE),degreesorpostgraduate diplomas. You may be accepted without traditional academic qualifications if you haverelevantworkexperienceandthepotentialto succeed on the course.

You could start as a youth support worker without any qualifications by taking work-based qualificationsinyouthsupportwork,andgoontocompleteprofessionaltrainingpart-time,orby distance-learning.

SeetheNYAwebsiteforalistofvalidatedprofessional youth work courses and information on youth support worker qualifications.


In2008Iwasdelightedtogainrecognition formywork,winning‘BestMaleDancer’at theCriticsCircleAwards,thefirsttimeacontemporarydancerhadwon.IalsojoinedRambert Dance Company. We really work hard but ensure we support each other and try to sneaksomefuninwheneverwecan–Ilove thecompanyatmosphere!

Myadvicetoanyyoungpersonwouldbetobehonest with yourself. Look at what you can do wellandenjoyit.Lookatwhatisdifficultforyouand work on it. Dance technique is there not to hinder but to help you find a clarity and ease in your body so that your performing can be generous,relaxedandenjoyable!”

“IbegandancingatfiveinacreativemovementgroupandfoundthatIreallyenjoyedmakingmyownmovesandjumpingaroundtothemusic!IgraduatedtomylocaldanceschoolandatelevenbecameaRoyalBallet Junior Associate. After two years of monthlytrainingtripstoLondon,Iwasofferedaweek’s summer school. The training was hard andIfoundthecompetitivenatureoftheballetclassesdifficult,sowhenofferedthechanceofa full time place I decided not to go. My parents weresupportiveandIcontinuednormalschooling,takingmydancelessonsontheside.

After my G.C.S.E.’s I auditioned for full time training but was turned down by all the classical schools,whichwastough.Iwasofferedplacesby the Rambert and London Contemporary DanceSchools(LCDS)butasIwasunabletogainascholarshiptopayfortheLCDSfees,Iopted to train at Rambert which was free but cameasabitofashock,havingneverdoneany contemporary dance. Faced with a whole newtechniqueIresolvedtousewhatIcould

alreadydo,staycalmandworkonwhatIcouldn’t. This attitude has stood me well throughout my career.

In the third year of Rambert I was offered an apprenticeshipatScottishDanceTheatre,whichwasabrilliantexperience.Imadenewfriends,learned how to work with different choreographersanddevelopedmyteachingwhichhassinceprovedinvaluable.Afterthreeyears,IreturnedtoLondontoworkwithRichardAlston Dance Company where I remained for six years.IlovedRichard’sapproachtochoreography and the interest he showed in his dancers – his work demands the clarity of classical ballet with the flow and grounded-ness ofmoderndance:notatalleasy!

Case StudyJonathan Goddard Dancer


Ifyouwantedtodoasimilarjobyouneedtobeverycommitted,Ispend90%ofmyweekworking,soyoumustbelievein,andbededicatedto,yourwork.ItrytonetworkwhereIcanandIhavebuiltagoodreputationbydoinganexcellentjobatalltimes.Ithastaken,andstilltakes,alotofhardworkbutitisworthit.Try to get some hands-on experience to developyourideas;Ididlotsofworkforfreewhen I was learning. If you put in the hard work it’s definitely possible.”

Case StudyMichelle Kettle Freelance Dance Film Artist

“IfirststartedIrishdancingaged13,wasalwaysinterestedinperformanceandloveddrama atschool,butwasneveroffereddance.IonlydiscoveredcontemporarydanceatA-level. IstudiedforA-LevelPerformingArts,GCSEDance and then took a degree in Dance at ChesterUniversity.

AtuniversityIdiscovereddanceforcameraandIlovedit!Ispenthoursinthelibrary,watchingdance made for the camera and soon purchasedaverycheapcamcorderandstarted to experiment with ideas. I opted to take modules in Dance for Screen that enabled me tolearnanddiscoverthiswasthepathIwantedtogodown,ratherthanperformance.Istudieda Post Graduate Diploma in Dance for Screen at London Contemporary Dance School followed byanMAinthesamesubject.

Iamnowself-employed,combiningmypassionforteachingalongsidemylovefordancefilm-making,somyday-to-daylifevariesmassively.Myjobinvolvesworkingwithanumberofmajordancecompaniestocreatetheir promotional and educational films as well asdocumentaries,soIspendalotoftimeplanningashoot,editingandmeetingwithchoreographers or company directors. I need to beverypatientandcreativeandhavearealloveforwhatIdo.IalsoteachdancethreedaysaweeksoIamaverybusypersonbutextremelyluckytohaveajobthatIlove.


Whatwedoisveryspecialistandyouneedawide range of skills to do it. Go to see lots of performance,danceyourself,readandexperienceawiderangeofmedia,gettoknowpeopleandkeeptheircontactdetails,learntowritewell,learnhowtorunyourownbusiness,askforhelp,lookformentors,doworkexperience,promoteyourfriends’showsforfree,speakotherlanguages,keephealthy,keepsmiling.

WhatIdonowismyperfectjobandIamcontinually challenged and inspired by it.”

“I studied ballet throughout my childhood and alwayswantedtoworkinacreative,inventiveenvironment.

Iworkedformyfather’sadvertisingconsultancyfor a couple of years before beginning a BA honors degree in Dance at Laban and continued working for him in the holidays. After finishing my degree and a fourth year running Laban’s youth companyandteachingdance,Ijoinedafringedance company and a pop group. At the same time I was temping in the press office at Channel 4televisionandlatergotafull-timejobasPressOfficeratanenvironmentalagency.BythattimeIwasabout27anddecidedthatImostenjoyedthe role of publicist and that I didn’t want to continue as a performer.

In1987Isetupwithafriendasindependentdancepublicists.Iwentsoloin1990andsincethenhaveworkedhardtoincreasemyknowledgeandskills,doingbusinesscoursesand arts marketing courses and seeing as much dance,artandtheatreasIcould.Istudieda

part-time MA in European Cultural Policy and AdministrationatWarwickUniversity.

Since1996Ihaveworkedwithfellowdanceandarts publicist Sue Lancashire and together we makeaverystrongteam.Althoughwehaverunmanymarketingcampaignsforclients,wenowfocus on press and media campaigns. Our clientsincludedancecompanies,performancecompanies,artspromotersandartsfestivals.

In2009weareworkingwithShobanaJeyasinghDanceCompany,HofeshShechterCompany,andtheCityofLondonFestival,amongothers.Oncewearetakenonbyaclient,wemeetthemtofindouttheiraimsandobjectivesandalldetailsoftheireventsandwerespondtothiswith a strategic and timetabled press campaign,focusingourenergiesonachievingthe right results for them.

Case StudyMartha Oakes Dance and Arts Publicist


Iwouldadviseyoungpeopleconsideringacareerindancetograbeveryopportunitytobuild their skills and experience. Follow your dream,haveconfidenceinwhatyoucandoandenjoythejourney.”

“Istarteddancingat7,doingballet,modernandtap and then studied dance at GCSE and A Level.Iwasexposedtosomewonderfulopportunitiesandbecameawareofthevarietyof work options that dance has to offer. It was a reallyinspiringtime!IdidaBA(Hons)inDanceinSocietyattheUniversityofSurreyandwasluckyenough to get a year-long work placement with The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet EducationDepartments,workingalongsideleadingdancersandeducatorstodeliverworkshops. Upon graduating I wanted to brush up on my technical dance skills so did a one year programme at London Contemporary Dance School. The combination of academic study with intensivephysicaldancetrainingreallypreparedmefortheworkplaceasIhadawidevarietyofskills to draw upon.

Ihavecombinedaperformanceandteachingcareerforthelast15years.Combiningmyskillsinaportfoliocareerinformseachareaofmywork,allowing me to stay connected to the artform anddevelopingmyexperiencesasanartist.

Ihaveworkedasafreelanceartistformanyorganisations and encounter a wide range of people,whichiswhatIreallyenjoyaboutmyjob.In2002IwasappointedasSeniorDanceArtist at Norfolk Dance. The financial security of a paidjobwasverywelcomeanditallowedmethetimeandspacetohonemypractice,insteadofrunningfromjobtojobtryingtomakeenoughmoneytolive!Myexplorationoftheworking body became a key focus in my artistic journey;Iwantedtoknowmore,sodidanMScin Dance Science at Laban. This has allowed me to change direction with my career and opened many doors to new opportunities. I now lectureinhighereducation,workwithprofessionaldancerstodeveloptheirfitness,present my research at conferences and teach dance health at the DanceEast Academy (aCentreforAdvancedTraining).

Case StudyElsa Bradley Independent Dance Scientist, Researcher and Lecturer


“Myloveoftheatreandallthingstheatricalstartedearlyinlife,dancingballet,tapandmodernfromagefive.

Atcollege,Iworkedwithatrulyinspiringdramateacher and subsequently did a tour of America with a modern piece of theatre. It was then I decided that I wanted to direct contemporary plays using all theatrical and multi-media possibilities. I also wanted a formal qualification and Laban was the only place where it was possible to obtain a degree in this area and get mydancingbackuptoscratch!AtLabanImajoredinLightingDesign,SoundandVideobecause I thought it would be useful to know about the backstage side of theatre if I was to be a competent director.

AftermydegreeIstayedon,becamealecturerandsetupthedramacourseatLaban,whichledtomyteachingmovementforactorsat the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and LADA. IwasalsoteachinglightingatLaban,lightingmanyofthestudentshowsaswellasvisitingcompanies.

During this period Emilyn Claid asked me to light and tour for Extemporary Dance. I became their lighting designer and production manager and mylifebecameawhirloftouring,workingwithmanydancecompanies,operacompanies,bands,fashionshows,dramashows,mime,circusandawholehostofotherthings!!!

Ialsodiversified,becomingresponsibleforallthe sound and lighting for shows at Broadgate arena and as Production Manager for many festivalsattheSouthBankCentre.Duringthistime I went to some fantastic countries and met some amazing people.

Case StudyBillDeverson Lighting Designer and Production Manager

Hardwork,longandunsocialhours,sheerdeterminationandacompleteloveforwhat Ido,hasbuiltmethiscareer.Theabilitytotranslateaestheticvisionsintopracticalnuts and bolts realisations led me from my initial path but set me off on another course where the benefits,challengesandtherangeofpeopleandartformsthatIhaveexperiencedfaroutweighthenegativesides.

ThedayIstopcaringaboutwhatIdo,isthedayI will stop…”


Ifyouareinterestedinproducingevents,orworkingwithcompaniesorvenueshere’smyadvice:seeasmuchdanceaspossible,themore you see the more you understand what youlike,volunteerforanorganisationandneverunderestimatetheimportanceofvolunteering–notonlydoesitgiveyoucontactsandexperiencebutitcouldalsoleadtoajobandfinally create opportunities for yourself. If there is somethingyouwouldliketodowhynottryto?There are lots of opportunities out there to help youdevelopyourskills.CheckouttheCommunity Dance Leaders Award or YDE’s Stride!programme.”

“Ihavealwaysdanced,butIwasat6thformwhenIseriouslythoughtIcoulddoit;Ihadareallyinspiringteacherthathelpedmebelieve I could. I did a Dance in Society Degree at SurreyUniversity,includingayearinindustryworking for Motionhouse and Green Candle. That really changed my future in dance becauseIactuallysawhowcompaniesexist,howtheymakework,fundit,touritandengagewith their communities.

After graduating I was offered a placement in the education department at Sadler’s Wells. Thiswas1998andthebrandnewtheatrewasabouttoopen.Iwasinvolvedinalltheeducationand outreach set up for the re-opening. At this time I was also dancing in a small company and teaching freelance.

Since1998myjobshaveincludeddanceeducation posts at Sadler’s Wells and The Cholmondeleys,freelancedancer,animateurand consultant and Director of Education at Rambert.In2007IwasawardedtheDCMSDance Fellowship on the Clore Leadership Programmeandsetupmyownbusiness,Dance360.

Since2004IhavebeenProjectManageronBreakin’Convention,theInternationalFestivalofHip Hop dance theatre based at Sadler’s Wells. MyjobisprobablythebestintheworldandwhenIleftSadler’sWellsin2004,Ikeptthisrole,doing it as a freelancer in my spare time. I made a lot of sacrifices in terms of how hard I hadtoworktostayinvolvedwithit,butitwassomethingIneverquestioned.Tobepartofthetotal transformation of Sadler’s Wells each year is suchabuzz.ItravelthecountryandindeedtheworldtoprogrammethefestivalandIamconstantly learning new things. I can honestly sayIgotoworkhappyeveryday!

Case StudyKate Scanlan Project Manager for Breakin’ Convention


British Wheel of Yoga The largest yoga organisation in the country. They offer a range of courses to enable their members to learn more about yoga including a foundationcourse,teachertrainingandpost-training modules.www.bwy.org.uk 01529306851

CCentres for Advanced Training (CATs)Anationalnetworkoforganisationsthatprovidehigh-quality training to exceptional dancers that are funded by the DCSF Music and Dance Scheme.www.dcsf.gov.uk/mds/cats

Conference of Drama Schools (CDS) CDSexistsinordertostrengthenthevoiceofthememberschools,the22memberschoolsoffercoursesinActing,MusicalTheatre,DirectingandTechnical Theatre training.www.drama.ac.uk

AArticle 19.co.uk Sometimescontroversial,alwaysenlightening– a website dedicated to dance news and gossip!www.article19.co.uk

Arts Council England (ACE)ACEdevelopsandpromotestheartsacrossEngland. There are links to all the regional and national dance agencies on the Links page of the Dance section on the ACE website.www.artscouncil.org.uk 08453006200

The Association of Charitable FoundationsA membership association for grant-making charities in the UK.www.acf.org.uk

The Association for Dance Movement Therapy (ADMTUK) Dedicated to further communication amongst dancemovementtherapists,students&practitionerswww.admt.org.uk

BBBC Blast Blastinspiresandsupports13to19yearoldstogetcreative.www.bbc.co.uk/blast

British Ballet Organisation (BBO) An established dance examining society offering teacher training and examinations in classicalballet,tap,modernandjazz.www.bbo.org.uk 02087481241

Links Herearejustsomeoftheorganisationsthatmaybeabletoofferyouhelp,adviceandinformation:

http://www.bwy.org.uk

http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/mds/cats

www.drama.ac.uk

http://www.article19.co.uk

http://www.artscouncil.org.uk

http://www.acf.org.uk

http://www.admt.org.uk

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blast

http://www.bbo.org.uk


DirectgovACentralGovernmentwebsitewithinformationonallpublicservicesincludingeducationandlearning,youngpeople,employmentandhealth.www.direct.gov.uk

FFoundation for Community Dance The Foundation for Community Dance is a UK-widecharity,establishedtosupportthedevelopmentofcommunitydance.www.communitydance.org.uk 01162533453

Conservatoire for Dance & Drama A consortium of Higher Education Institutions in theUK,trainingartistsindance,dramaandcircus arts.www.cdd.ac.uk 02073875101

Council for Dance Education and Training (CDET) The Council for Dance Education and Training is the national standards body of the professional dance industry.www.cdet.org.uk 02072405703

DDance UK DanceUKadvocatesandlobbiestopromotethe importance and needs of dance.www.danceuk.org 02077130730

Dancers’ Career Development Dancers’CareerDevelopmentofferseducationaladvice,careercoaching,emotionalcounselling,CVandinterviewguidance,grantsforretraining,businessstart-upgrants,andon-goingsupportforprofessionaldancers whose performing careers are drawing to a close.www.thedcd.org.uk 02074046141

DCSF Music and Dance SchemeTheDepartmentforChildren,SchoolsandFamilies’MusicandDanceschemegivesexceptionally talented children access to the best specialist music and dance training availablealongsideagoodacademiceducation.www.dcsf.gov.uk/mds

http://www.direct.gov.uk

http://www.communitydance.org.uk

http://www.cdd.ac.uk

http://www.cdet.org.uk

http://www.danceuk.org

http://www.thedcd.org.uk

http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/mds


LLearndirect Agoodsourceforcareersadviceandproviderof training courses.www.learndirect-advice.co.uk

Learning and Skills Council The LSC is responsible for planning and funding highqualityeducationandtrainingforeveryoneinEnglandotherthanthoseinuniversities.www.lsc.gov.uk08450194170

Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) Lifelong Learning UK is the Sector Skills Council responsiblefortheprofessionaldevelopmentofall those working in community learning and development,furthereducation,highereducation,libraries,archivesandinformationservicesandwork-basedlearning.www.lifelonglearninguk.org 02079365798

GGraduate Teacher Training RegistryAnadmissionsservicethatprocessesover50,000applicationseachyearforfull-timeandpart-time postgraduate teacher training courses atmostuniversitiesandhighereducationcollegesinEngland,WalesandScotland.www.gttr.ac.uk 01242 222444

IImperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) An established dance examinations board that coversClassicalBallet,ClassicalGreekDance,NationalDance,ModernTheatre,TapDance,SouthAsianDance,ModernBallroom,LatinAmerican,Sequence,Disco/Freestyle/Rock‘n’Roll and Club Dance.www.istd.org 02073771577

International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) Providesawiderangeofexaminationservices,training,guidanceandsupportfordanceteachers.Examinationscoverabroadspectrumofdancegenresincludingtap,ballet,tango,musicaltheatre,salsa,jiveandmodernjazz.www.idta.co.uk 01273685652

http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk

http://www.lsc.gov.uk

http://www.lifelonglearninguk.org

http://www.gttr.ac.uk

http://www.istd.org

http://www.idta.co.uk


NNational Council for Drama Training (NCDT) Information&adviceontraining.www.ncdt.co.uk 02073873650

National Dance Teachers Association (NDTA) NDTA is a dance teachers’ membership organisationofferingadvocacy,informationandcourses to ensure that all young people in the UKhaveaccesstohighqualitydanceeducation in schools.www.ndta.org.uk 01543308618

The National Youth Agency (NYA)TheNYAsupportsthoseinvolvedinyoungpeople’spersonalandsocialdevelopmentandworkstoenable all young people to fulfil their potential withinajustsociety.www.nya.org.uk01162427350

PThe Pilates Foundation UK The only not-for-profit professional Pilates organisation in the UK dedicated to ensuring the higheststandardsofcertificationtraining,continuing education and code of conduct.www.pilatesfoundation.com 07071781859

Prospects Websitecoveringahugearrayofjobs.www.prospects.ac.uk01612775200

R

Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) REPs has been set up to help safeguard and to promote the health and interests of people who areusingtheservicesofexerciseandfitnessinstructors,teachersandtrainers.www.exerciseregister.org02086866464 Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) The RAD is an established dance education and training organisation offering graded ballet examinations,teachertrainingcoursesandprofessional support for teachers specialising in Ballet.www.rad.org.uk 02073268000

http://www.ncdt.co.uk

http://www.ndta.org.uk

http://www.nya.org.uk

http://www.pilatesfoundation.com

http://www.prospects.ac.uk

http://www.exerciseregister.org

http://www.rad.org.uk


SShape UK Adisabilityartsorganisationworkingtoimproveaccess to the arts and supporting deaf and disabled artists.www.shapearts.org.uk 02076196160

Skills Active Thesectorskillscouncilforactiveleisure and learning.www.skillsactive.com08000933300

Sport England SportEnglandadvises,investsinandpromotescommunitysporttocreateanactivenation.www.sportengland.org 02072731551

Student Finance England PreviouslyknownasStudentFinanceDirect,youcanwork out the financial support you can get for Higher Education,applyforfinanceandkeeptrackofyourpayments through Student Finance England.www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance 08453005090

Student Loans Company A UK public sector organisation established to provideloansandgrantstostudentsincollegesanduniversitiesacrosstheUK.www.slc.co.uk

T

Training & Development Agency for Schools (TDA) The TDA is the national agency and recognised sector body responsible for the training and developmentoftheschoolworkforce.www.tda.gov.uk02070238000

UUCAS The central organisation that processes applications for full-time undergraduate courses atUKuniversitiesandcolleges.www.ucas.com 08701122211

YYouth Dance England The national organisation that champions dance for children and young people.www.yde.org.uk 02079409800

Youth Sport Trust YouthSportTrustaimtodeliverhighqualityPEandsporttoallyoungpeople,regardlessofability.www.youthsporttrust.org 01509226600

http://www.shapearts.org.uk

http://www.skillsactive.com

http://www.sportengland.org

www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance

www.slc.co.uk

http://www.tda.gov.uk

http://www.ucas.com

http://www.yde.org.uk

http://www.youthsporttrust.org


An arts administrator in a small organisation may domarketing,eventbooking,andhandlefinancial issues. An arts administrator for a larger arts organisation may be responsible for buildingsandfacilities,creativestaff(e.gperformers/artists),otheradministrativestaff,publicrelations,marketing,andwritingreports. AseniorlevelartsadministratormayadvisetheBoard of Directors or other senior managers on strategic planning and management decisions.

AAccreditedIswheresomethinghasbeengivencertificationofcompetency,authority,orcredibility.Acertificate of accreditation is often required in order to progress in your career.

AdvocacyAnumbrellatermforactivesupportinaidof a cause or people.

Unlikepropaganda,advocacyisexpectedtobenon-deceptiveandingoodfaith.Inthecompetitiveartsworldthisisoftenultimatelytoensurefinancialsecuritythroughthegivingofgrant aid and to raise an organisation’s profile.

Alexander TechniqueA form of education that is applied to recognise andovercomereactive,habituallimitationsinmovementandthinking.

The Alexander Technique is usually learned from individuallessonswithateacherusingspecialisedhandcontactandverbalinstructions.

Arts AdministrationArts administrators work for arts and cultural organisationssuchastheatres,artgalleries,museums,artsfestivals,artscentres,artscouncils,regionalartscouncils,dancecompanies,communityartsanddisabilityartsorganisations and local authorities.

Glossary


Community TheatreAmovementofprofessionaltheatrecompanieswhichdevelopedinthe70’sand80’spresentingplays for specific communities with common interests–local,orregional.Theplaysrepresentedthelivedexperiencesandconcernsofthesecommunities,hadaradicalapproachandwereperformed in local community centres.

The term now commonly refers to a show toured by a company committed to local issues and reflecting their interests. Community theatre developstheskills,communityspiritandartisticsensibilitiesofthoseinvolved.Itcanalsocreateaplacefordebate,self-expressionandinteractivitythatisimportantforthehealthof a community.

BBenesh NotationA system of dance notation that can document anyformofdanceorhumanmovement.InventedbyJoanandRudolfBeneshinthelate1940’s,thesystemusesabstractsymbolsbasedonfigurativerepresentationsofthehumanbody.

Beneshnotationusesafivelinestavethatreadsfrom left to right with bar lines to mark the passageoftime.BeneshMovementNotationisusedinthecontextsofphysicaltherapy,choreographydocumenting,andteachingtheRoyal Academy of Dance ballet syllabi. It is one of the most widely used dance notation systems in Western culture.

BursaryNon repayable financial support from a universityorcollegegrantedtostudentspayingfulltuitionfeesandreceivingafull(orsometimespartial)maintenancegrant.

CChoreographyCreatingdanceandmovementsequencesforpresentationintheatres,inotherlocationsand/or for film. Choreographers can work as part of anartisticteamtocreatemovementanddance sequences for theatrical productions and/or films.

Commercial Rates of InterestInterest is a fee paid on borrowed money. The fee is compensation to the lender for foregoing otherusefulinvestmentsthatcouldhavebeenmade with the loaned money.

The amount lent is called the principal. The percentage of the principal which is paid as a fee(theinterest),overacertainperiodoftime,iscalled the interest rate. Commercial rates of interestarebasedonmorecompetitivetermsand commercial lenders include commercial banks,mutualcompanies,privatelendinginstitutions,hardmoneylendersandotherfinancial groups.


FFreelanceA freelancer or freelance worker is a person who pursues a profession without a long-term commitment to any one employer. Fields where freelancing is especially common include journalismandotherformsofwriting,copywritingand consulting and many other professional andcreativeservices.

Paymentforfreelanceworkvariesgreatly–somemaychargebythedayorhour,oronaper-projectbasisinsteadofaflatrateorfee.

GGraduateSomeone who has been awarded a degree by auniversityorcollege.

Complementary TherapiesActivitiesthatlookatthe‘wholeperson’withaviewtoimprovinggeneralwellbeing–thesecouldincludeyoga,pilates,AlexanderTechnique,massage,reflexologyandacupuncture amongst others.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)The means by which members of professional associationsmaintain,improveandbroadentheirknowledgeandskillsanddevelopthequalitiesrequiredintheirprofessionallives.

DDance NotationDance notation is the symbolic representation of dancemovement.Variousmethodshavebeenusedtovisuallyrepresentdancemovementsincludingabstractsymbolsandfigurativerepresentation.

The primary use of dance notation is the documentation,analysisandreconstructionofchoreography and dance forms or technical exercises. Another purpose of dance notation is the documentation and analysis of dance in dance ethnology.


MMaintenance GrantA grant that pays for your upkeep whilst studying – generally food and accommodation.

MentorApersonwhogivesanotherpersonhelpandadviceoveraperiodoftimeandoftenalsoteachesthemhowtodotheirjob.

NNetworkingThe purpose of networking is to exchange ideas and work leads with potential partners. Networkers build their own “one-to-one” relationship with existing or potential future colleagues.

HHigher EducationHighereducationisprovidedbyuniversities,vocationaluniversities(communitycolleges,technicalcolleges,etc)andothercollegialinstitutions that award academic degrees or workthatgoestowardsadegree-levelorafoundation degree qualification.

Highereducationincludesteaching,researchandsocialservicesactivitiesofuniversities,andwithintherealmofteaching,itincludesboththeundergraduatelevel(sometimesreferredtoastertiaryeducation)andthegraduate(orpostgraduate)level.

Post-secondaryeducationbelowthelevelofhigher education is referred to as further education.

LLabanotationAsystemofmovementnotationinventedbyRudolfLaban,itisoneofthetwomainsystemsofmovementnotationusedinWesternculture.

Labanotation uses abstract symbols to define thedirectionofthemovement,thepartofthebodydoingthemovement,thelevelofthemovementandthelengthoftimeittakestodothemovement.Theshapesofthesymbolsindicate nine different directions in space and theshadingofthesymboltellsyouthelevelofthemovement.

Local Authority (LA)Awiderangeoflocalpublicservicesareprovidedby LAs often in partnership with other public sector agencies(e.g.Health,Police)andvoluntaryorganisations.Servicesforeducation,learningandyouthprovisionareincreasinglyintegrated.


Astheserelationshipsstrengthen,theexchangeof partnership work increases. Many professionals tend to prefer face-to-face networking because the potential for higher quality relationships is stronger and because people prefer actually meeting who they intend to do business with.

“Schmoozing” or “rubbing elbows” are expressions used among business professionals formeetingoneanother,andestablishingrapport. Networking enables professionals to gain a sense of trust and confidence to exchangeprojectideasandcontacts.

PPersonnel ManagementPlanning,organising,andadministeringallactivitiesrelatedtopersonnel(staff).

Portfolio CareerA portfolio career is sourcing income from a varietyofjobsatanyonetime,usuallybyapplyingthevariousskillsyou’vedevelopedthroughout your career to different types of work.

Forexample,youcouldcombineconsultingwith teaching and freelance choreography.

Postgraduate degreeTo complete a postgraduate degree you will needtohavealreadycompletedaBachelor’sdegree.

QQualified Teacher StatusThis is required in England and Wales to become,andcontinuetobe,ateacherinthestate and special education sectors. Similar statuses exist in the rest of the United Kingdom (ScotlandandNorthernIreland),butunderdifferent names.

SScenographyThevisualaspectsofaproduction(lighting,scenery,costumesetc).

ScholarshipScholarshipsaregrantsgiventostudentsbyinstitutions or another sponsoring body such as aworkplace.Scholarshipstendtobegiventostudentsbasedonacademicachievement or exceptional talent.


Self-employmentA person who works for himself/herself instead of as an employee of another person or organisation,drawingincomefromatradeorbusiness.

A self-employed person can operate as a sole trader or as an incorporated limited liability company. It is also possible for someone to form a business that is run only part-time or concurrentlywhileholdingdownafulltimejob.Thisformofemployment,whilepopular,doescomewithseverallegalresponsibilities.

Short Term ContractA legally binding exchange of promises or agreement between parties that the law will enforce,inthiscaseofspecificworktobeundertakenforaset,shortperiodoftime.

Strategic ManagementThe process of specifying an organisation’s objectives,developingpoliciesandplanstoachievetheseobjectives,andallocatingresources so as to implement the plans. It is the highestlevelofmanagerialactivity,usuallyperformedbythecompany’sChiefExecutiveOfficer(CEO)andexecutiveteam.

StrategicManagementprovidesoveralldirection to the whole enterprise and must be appropriateforitsresources,circumstances,andobjectives.

Theobjectofanoverallcorporatestrategyistoput the organisation into a position to carry out itsmissioneffectivelyandefficiently.

VVocationAvocationisanoccupation,eitherprofessionalorvoluntary,thatiscarriedoutmoreforitsaltruisticbenefitthanforincome,whichmightbe regarded as a secondary aspect of the vocation,howeverbeneficial.Vocationscanbeseen as fulfilling a psychological or spiritual needfortheworker,andthetermcanalsobeused to describe any occupation for which a personisspecificallygifted,andusuallyimpliesthat the worker has a form of “calling” for the task.

Youth Dance EnglandUnit7G2The LeathermarketWeston StreetLondon SE1 3ER

[email protected]

www.yde.org.uk

Charity registration:1105635Company registration:5033279Photography:BrianSlater,BelindaLawley,NataliaFenyoe(withtheexceptionofcasestudyimages)

http://www.yde.org.uk

Careers in Dance

Documents

Transcript of Careers in Dance