5 Ways to Elevate Your Dance Career
A new year means new challenges, new goals, new experiences, and new growth. If you kicked off 2023 saying “New Year, new career,” we got you! Whether you are hoping to kickstart your dance career, make a career transition, or are hoping to excel to the next level, this article will help you consider 5 ways you can elevate your dance career.
Tap into your network
In some cases, the best way to move to the next level is by building strong relationships and asking for help. As you work to excel in your dance career, think of the people in your network who could potentially help you get to where you want to be. These people could be friends, family members, teachers, mentors, church members, etc.
Remember, help from others could look like job references, letters of recommendations, career advice, etc. Sometimes, just sharing your goals with others increases your chances for growth, because whenever the right opportunity arises on their end, they’ll already know the perfect person to fill the role!
Related: Marketing Yourself as a Professional Dancer
Touch up your dance résumé
Your dance résumé is the perfect place to clearly and professionally outline your dance, work, education, and volunteer experience. You’ll need to have a nicely constructed résumé as you apply for jobs, college, and dance productions or companies. Don’t let the thought of perfecting your dance résumé overwhelm you. Think of it as a brief summary of the classes you’ve taken, the skills you have, and any professional work you’ve done. Keep it up-to-date, making sure you tailor it to each specific position you’ll apply to. In other words, check that your content is relevant to the work you’ll be doing.
Related: 5 Things You Should Have on your Dance Résumé
Explore your options
The path to success in your dance career doesn’t need to be straight and narrow. Think outside of the box for ways to create a career path that is ideal for your passions, personality, and lifestyle. You might prefer spending your career on stage or behind the scenes. You may want to incorporate dance into another skill of yours, such as photography, writing, or fashion. Perhaps freelance dancing is more up your alley. No matter what you decide, remember that there is no rule book!
Related: Tips for Dancers: Choosing a Career Path
Find your niche
Every dancer has something that makes them unique, or the dance industry has a specific aspect that interests them most. If you can relate, use your niche to create a sense of uniqueness in what you have to offer - a dance specialty. Think about if there is a specific style of dance you want to master. Is there a traditional style that you want to add your own twist to? What’s your signature dance move, gesture, pose, etc.?
Do you have other talents that make you stand out, such as the ability to play an instrument or act? Do you have a specific cause that motivates your dance career, like dancing to bring awareness to homelessness? Think of what makes you stand out from all the rest, and embrace that as you approach your dance career journey.
Update your social media/website
In today’s day and age, your website, Instagram, Facebook, or even your TikTok page could serve as a modern-day résumé. Give your online presence some TLC by taking time to clear out any outdated or irrelevant information, adding recent accomplishments and involvements, and updating your content frequently.
Job recruiters, dance companies, and brands will often review your social media accounts to learn more about you and see if you are a good fit to represent their company. They also may take into consideration how many followers you have and how often you post. You could even go viral and be approached with opportunities that could boost your career!
Related: A Quick Guide to Revamping your Dance Social Media Profile
Hopefully these tips gave you a good idea of what you can do to take your dance career to the next level this year. Best of luck on your endeavors!