Synonyms: Ballerina, Ballet Company Member, Professional Ballet Dancer, Ballet Soloist

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics
• How to Become a Professional Ballerina
• Specialties within Professional Dance 
• Advice from Hannah

Quick Facts

What professional ballerinas do:

Professional ballerinas use ballet performances to express ideas and stories through dance. They may perform on stage, for broadcasting, or video recordings.

Median income:

Annual income of about $51,557, or $24.79 per hour.

Salaries vary significantly based on level of experience, performance role, and location. 

Lifestyle:

The lifestyle of a ballerina typically involves starting the day with a morning class followed by rigorous rehearsals lasting up to six hours, often six days a week. This schedule includes learning new choreography and preparing for upcoming performances, making it demanding and intense.

Job outlook:

The job outlook for ballerinas is moderately bright, with a projected 5% growth in employment from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

Education requirements:

No formal education is required, but an aspiring professional ballerina needs to undergo extensive ballet training before becoming one.

This is perfect for you if:

• You enjoy creating and performing original artistic works
• You like engaging in physical activity through dancing
• You love performing for the public and thinking creatively to develop artistic contributions
• You love ballet and other performing arts

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Hannah Christian to learn more about being a professional ballerina here!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

Typically start with a morning class around 9 AM, followed by rehearsals lasting up to six hours daily. They often work six days a week, with some weeks extending to seven days depending on performance schedules and preparation for new choreography.

Setting:

Primarily work in performing arts companies, amusement and recreation industries, or as self-employed artists. They’re constantly in dance studios for rehearsals, theaters, and community events.

Tasks:

Cance classes, rigorous rehearsals, learning new choreography, training for physical fitness, and occasionally attending auditions or promotional events. They work closely with instructors and other dancers to perfect their performances.

Topics:

Continually expand their knowledge of the fine arts, including music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Skills:

Professional ballerinas have exceptional dance technique, physical strength, flexibility, and artistic expression, along with a strong work ethic and stage presence.

Tools:

Professional ballerinas use tools such as Pilates reformer machines, massage tools, resistance bands, weights, foam rollers, and various cardio equipment to stay strong and prevent injuries.

Common Characteristics

Natural Talents (strengths):

Exceptional work ethic, good posture, effective listening, interpreting, and applying instructions, alongside physical attributes like hip rotation and foot flexibility.

Interests:

Professional ballerinas are interested in artistic expression through creating and performing dance, engaging in physical activity and dance techniques, and connecting socially through teaching, performing, and collaborating in the arts community.

Personality:

Professional ballerinas have artistic, realistic, and social personalities. They are creative, disciplined, and passionate about their dance routines- maintain their physical health and bodies, and enjoy teaching aspiring ballerinas.

Values:

Professional ballerinas value discipline, consistency, feedback, and achievement. They prioritize roles that allow them to utilize their strengths and achieve results, which gives them a sense of accomplishment. They value relationships, preferring to work in supportive, collaborative environments. They also seek job security, good pay, independence, and various tasks.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become a Professional Ballerina

Education requirements:

Becoming a professional ballerina requires starting intensive ballet training at a young age, typically between 5 to 8 years old for girls. While a college degree isn’t needed, rigorous training at top ballet schools prepares dancers for careers in professional companies.

Preferred majors:

The preferred majors for aspiring professional ballerinas typically include ballet, dance, and musical theatre. These programs provide specialized training in dance techniques, choreography, and performance skills essential for a career in ballet.

Specialties within Professional Dance

• Belly Dancer
• Company Dancer
• Dancer
• Latin Dancer
• Performing Artist
• Soloist Dancer

Advice from Hannah

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

Seek mentors and instructors with industry experience who can offer honest guidance. Choose training environments prioritizing excellence and personal growth, even if they challenge you with more skilled peers.

Fastest way to get your foot in the door:

Seek experienced mentors who understand the industry and can provide real guidance. Train in environments that prioritize excellence and push you to grow, even if you are among more skilled peers, fostering personal and professional development.

Recommended resources:

Hannah recommends starting ballet training at a young age, committing to practice, and having perseverance. Find a great school with an exceptional mentor who will teach ballet competitively and focus on the goal.

What Hannah would tell her younger self if she was just getting started:

“Focus more on the journey and actually try to enjoy the patience required to pursue it, and just expect it to be slow.”

Listen to the full interview with Hannah:

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Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 30 June 2024.

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