For many training dancers, the dream is to become a professional dancer, paid to do the thing they love most in the world. If a dancer is lucky enough to 'make it', this might be deemed enough for them to live out their dreams as a dancing pro. However even once this goal is achieved, there may be unknown trouble brewing within the job itself. Some dancers may not be lucky enough to land their dream job - it may actually be a nightmare.
As a dancer, hard work and long hours are part and parcel of the sector. However, over-long days of rehearsal can be crippling for a dancer, especially if this is in order to learn something unfamiliar, such as a new technique. This may fall into the bracket of unpaid overtime, rather than being paid fairly for work done. Other dancers may feel they need to alter their appearance in order to fit into a new company or 'look the part' for a new job, yet with a contract already in place this is down to worry and overthinking.
In further extremes, some new - and possibly naive - dancers may find themselves in compromising situations as they begin their careers. Whilst sometimes this may just be a misunderstanding and something to look back on with a smile, some situations can be much worse, disillusioning the dancer and even ending their career as a performer. With hindsight, a dancer can take steps to protect themselves and then learn from the experience, however some scenarios do not come to light until the professional contract has begun.
If possible, do some research about the company you are joining or the organisation you will be working for, especially important with unusual jobs and for unknown companies. Read your contract thoroughly before you sign it and ask as many questions as you can so you are entirely clear on what is required of you.
Jobs of nightmares
For many training dancers, the dream is to become a professional dancer, paid to do the thing they love most in the world. If a dancer is lucky enough to 'make it', this might be deemed enough for them to live out their dreams as a dancing pro. However even once this goal is achieved, there may be unknown trouble brewing within the job itself. Some dancers may not be lucky enough to land their dream job - it may actually be a nightmare.
As a dancer, hard work and long hours are part and parcel of the sector. However, over-long days of rehearsal can be crippling for a dancer, especially if this is in order to learn something unfamiliar, such as a new technique. This may fall into the bracket of unpaid overtime, rather than being paid fairly for work done. Other dancers may feel they need to alter their appearance in order to fit into a new company or 'look the part' for a new job, yet with a contract already in place this is down to worry and overthinking.
In further extremes, some new - and possibly naive - dancers may find themselves in compromising situations as they begin their careers. Whilst sometimes this may just be a misunderstanding and something to look back on with a smile, some situations can be much worse, disillusioning the dancer and even ending their career as a performer. With hindsight, a dancer can take steps to protect themselves and then learn from the experience, however some scenarios do not come to light until the professional contract has begun.
If possible, do some research about the company you are joining or the organisation you will be working for, especially important with unusual jobs and for unknown companies. Read your contract thoroughly before you sign it and ask as many questions as you can so you are entirely clear on what is required of you.