How To Be a Professional Dancer

Learn the fundamentals of becoming a professional dancer, as presented by How Expert Press and Ellie Sawford, narrated by Caitlin Daschner.

Master the path to becoming a professional dancer through training, discipline, and perseverance, while learning the steps and avenues to sustain an in-season career that keeps you in shape.

Start your training with disciplined practice across ballet and other styles, learn anatomy-backed technique, choose a qualified studio, and pursue cross-training and performance opportunities to become a professional dancer.

Attend a summer dance intensive that aligns with your goals, audition to join programs, apply corrections, and network with teachers to boost technique, growth, and future opportunities.

Apply to a well-known school for advanced training after a summer intensive to join accredited programs, network with industry professionals, and pursue opportunities as a professional dancer.

Identify and brand your personal dance style and sub-industry to target opportunities from ballet to television, then decide between company or freelance work and plan relocation.

Prepare your marketing materials to launch your dancer brand after relocating, building a professional online presence and standout headshots, resumes, and a personal website for auditions.

Find, prepare for, and schedule auditions via backstage, playbill, and studio postings; upload headshot, resume, and dance reel, and study breakdowns to know who will be in the room.

Attend auditions with preparation and confidence, navigate open calls with numbers, hold in the holding room, learn quickly, stay hydrated, and present a polished look to impress casting teams.

Build connections and keep growing as a professional dancer by networking, maintaining a strong work ethic and kind demeanor, never burn bridges, and seeking workshops and classes to stay sharp.