The Journey to Becoming a Professional Dancer: Hours of Practice and Dedicated Training

Aspiring professionals in the dance world often wonder about the timeline and dedication required to become a professional dancer. This article will explore the key phases and steps involved, providing insights into the hours of practice, training, and preparation necessary to make it in the dance community.

The General Timeline for Becoming a Professional Dancer

Becoming a professional dancer typically takes several years of dedicated training and practice. Here’s a breakdown of the general timeline:

Initial Training (1-3 years): Most dancers begin training in early childhood or teenage years. During this period, they develop foundational skills in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, or other dance styles. This is the time to build a strong technical foundation and explore different styles. Intermediate Training (3-5 years): After mastering the basics, dancers take more advanced classes and may begin to specialize in certain styles. This phase usually includes performances and competitions to gain experience on stage. Professional Preparation (2-4 years): Many dancers attend dance schools or conservatories where they receive intensive training, performances, and industry exposure. This phase can vary significantly based on the dancer’s commitment, talent, and available opportunities.

In total, it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 years of consistent training and practice to reach a professional level, depending on the individual’s age when they start, natural ability, the amount of training they undertake, and the specific dance style they pursue.

The Path to Professional Income

By professional, I assume we mean ‘earns at least 90% of their income from dance.’ The final three years before seeking full-time employment with a company will be focused on full-time study. This typically involves approximately 45 hours per week, plus additional time for conditioning exercises and extracurricular rehearsals. Of this workload, 18 hours per week are devoted to pure technique training in classical and modern dance. Additional techniques, such as folk dance, Pilates, improvisation, vocal training, tap, pas de deux, and repertoire, may account for another 18 to 25 hours per week. The remaining time is spent on theory lessons, including history, music, anatomy, theatre studies, sound, set design, and lighting.

Comparative Perspectives on Practice Hours

The time and effort dedicated to dance practice can vary greatly depending on the style and region. For example:

Dancesport: In dancesport, which is part of the Asian Games, professionals often devote 8 to 9 hours a day to practice. This highlights the intense dedication required in competitive dance. Europe and the U.S.: In contrast, European and U.S. top professionals tend to devote only 2 to 3 hours per day, as they often have a deeper understanding of the mechanics behind the dance.

No matter the style or region, the key is consistent practice and a strong commitment to the craft. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, the journey to becoming a professional dancer is a combination of hard work, passion, and a willingness to continuously improve.