A dance career is a calling. It involves a huge amount of dedication, training and constant knockbacks that can easily put people off pursuing their dreams, but, if you do set your sights on a dance career, it can be incredibly rewarding.In this blog, we’ll look at possible career options available after professional dance training.Professional DancerFor most students, the ultimate goal is to perform on stage. Whether that’s in musical theatre, ballet, or commercial dance, being a professional dancer gets you in front of an audience.If you want to become a professional dancer, an Italia Conti dance course equips you with the technical skill and performance ability you need to succeed. We train versatile dancers in a broad range of styles, ensuring our students graduate with the adaptability to work across a variety of genres.ChoreographerLearning to dance is one thing, but being able to create stories through movement, and coach other dancers to do the same, is a completely different skill.After professional dance training, choreography is an exciting career path. Whether that’s in theatre, television, film or live events, choreographers innovate and inspire audiences through the medium of movement.Dance TeacherMany dancers find their passion in training the next generation of dancers.Becoming a dance instructor or teacher lets you pass on your knowledge and skills to other passionate creatives. As a dance teacher, you can work in local studios and schools or lead advanced classes for professionals.Italia Conti’s dance courses prepare you for life as a dance teacher. Our focus on understanding the mechanics of the body, along with creative expression, ensures graduates can teach with authority and passion.FAQsHow can I turn my dancing into a career?If you’ve not yet started on the professional dance career path, here’s how to begin:Get qualified with a degree or diploma in professional dance/musical theatre Begin auditioning to land roles Network and use social media to find out about jobs and casting calls Consider hiring an agent who will be able to help you meet contacts/book auditions Keep your online presence (social media) updated with latest performances, awards and involvementsCan you make a living from being a dancer?You can absolutely make a living from being a professional dancer.Whilst the industry is competitive, there are plenty of career options out there that will pay a good salary. Whilst you’re still finding your feet in the industry, you can also look for backstage jobs to help pay the bills. Working backstage will also give you more experience in the theatre and it can help you network.How can my dance experience transfer to other careers?A degree in dancing involves a range of transferable skills that apply to a variety of industries. Employers will look favourably on skills like dedication, presentation and communication.If you’re thinking about life after your dance career, the DCD charity helps dancers transition to new careers. They offer services like educational advice, career coaching and emotional counselling, along with retraining grants and networking events.