How to become a professional street dancer
Hip Hop Dancer - Salary, How to Become, Job Description & Best Schools
How to Become a
The complete career guide to be a Hip Hop Dancer: salary, job growth, employers, best schools, and education you may need to get started.
Why We Love It
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4.6%
Job Growth Rate
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Growing Demand
Job Outlook
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Creativity Focused
Career Attribute
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Flexible Hours
Career Attribute
Hip hop dancers perform in competitions, concerts, music videos, shows, and movies. They execute one or more styles that are signature to hip hop dancing—including street styles like breaking, locking, popping, and krumping—or commercial styles that prefer choreography over freestyle dancing.
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What is a Hip Hop Dancer?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in hip hop dancer roles:
- Execute popular hip hop dancing styles like breaking, locking, popping, and krumping
- Compete in dance competitions on both a large and small scale
- Provide entertainment for an audience by dancing as part of concerts, filmed TV or movie performances, music videos, and other performances
- Practice the art of hip hop dancing and learn choreographed dance moves and routines when necessary
A Day in the Life of a Hip Hop Dancer
While many people enjoy hip hop dancing as a hobby, for fun, or to entertain their friends, some people are able to earn a living working as hip hop dancers.
These individuals spend most of their time practicing, improving their craft, and learning new choreography for roles. Many hip hop dancers work full-time hours simply practicing their craft in order to execute flawless performances, and to become more competitive when auditioning for new roles.
Beyond practicing—either for professional growth or for secured roles—hip hop dancers also spend a lot of time auditioning. When a role opens up for a hip hop dancer to appear as part of a show or concert series, or to appear in a music video, TV show, or movie, professional hip hop dancers must audition for the role in much the same way as an actor auditions. It’s a competitive field that’s full of exceptional dancers, so hip hop dancers practice frequently to be at the top of their game when auditioning.
After securing roles, hip hop dancers spend a significant amount of time preparing for their performances. The work with other dancers, choreographers, musicians, and other members of the production crew to perfect performances before filming or live demonstrations.
They may also be required to participate in promotional events for the productions they’re dancing in.
Typical Work Schedule for Hip Hop Dancers
There really is no typical schedule for hip hop dancers. Since most are independent performers, they can work as much or little as they want. Often, hip hop dancers work long hours in preparation for a big show but take time off between jobs to relax. They may be required to perform in evenings and on weekends as well, especially if they’re performing in hip hop concerts.
Typical Employers
Most hip hop dancers are independent agents that seek contract positions by auditioning for musicians or production companies. Additionally, many hip hop dancers eventually move on to teach hip hop dance classes or manage their own dance studios.
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How To Become a Hip Hop Dancer
Most hip hop dancers begin training at a very young age—either as part of street dancing with friends and family members or in formal classes at a local dance studio.
However, in this field, formal training is often less important than talent, and many successful hip hop dancers—especially street dancers—receive no formal training before landing roles in productions.
While formal education may not be required, many hip hop dancers find that an education in dance can be beneficial. It provides an education in a variety of dance styles, provides useful information on auditioning for roles and finding talent representatives, and teaches you how to pick up choreography quickly. These can prove to be useful talents for career hip hop dancers, so many pursue fine arts or theatrical bachelor’s and master’s degrees with a focus on hip hop dance.
After a career of dancing, many hip hop dancers go on to become dance teachers. Some may own their own dance studios, some may teach individual classes at studios, and some may teach at the college level. For those that want to teach hip hop dancing at the college level later in their careers, both an undergraduate and graduate degree in a dance-related discipline will likely be required.
Hip Hop Dancer Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
---Average
---High Range
---National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$9/hrAverage
$18/hrHigh Range
$33/hrHow do Hip Hop Dancer salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Hip Hop Dancer's can make an average annual salary of ---, or $18 per hour.
This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make --- or $9 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
Programs and Degrees
Here are the most common degrees for becoming a Hip Hop Dancer. a is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.
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Dance
Highest Education Among Hip Hop Dancers
- 0.5% Doctorate
- 4.3% Masters
- 17% Bachelors
- 10.6% Associates
- 29% College
- 26.7% High School
- 11.
9% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
13,0002024 Est. Jobs
13,600Job Growth Rate
4.6%Est. New Jobs
600How does Hip Hop Dancer job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 600 jobs for a total of 13,600 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 4.6% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
What Companies Employ The Most Hip Hop Dancers
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed workers | 2,000 | 100 | 0% |
| Drinking places (alcoholic beverages) | 1,700 | --- | --- |
| Other schools and instruction; private | 900 | 200 | 0% |
Want To Be a Hip Hop Dancer? Get Started!
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3 Tips for How to Become a Professional Dancer
To The Pointe
Follow us to stay updated on the latest news from our school & faculty.
We also aim to provide inspiration and encouragement to aspiring dancers and their families interested in learning more about the world of ballet!
Sep 29, 2021 | Ballet
Ballet dancers practice one of the oldest arts of movement in the world, one that uses centuries-old techniques to express emotions and entertain with grace on stage. Dancers are storytellers – using a mixture of free-flowing and choreographed routines to share their narratives.
While there’s no clear-cut path to becoming a professional dancer, there are ways to train your skills enough soar through an audition.
The First Steps to Take to Become a Professional Dancer
Tip #1: Train with Reputable Performing Arts SchoolsJust like any other skill, education can do wonders for extending your knowledge and honing your abilities as a ballet dancer. Getting training from established teachers allows you to learn from the best of the bunch.
Training with reputable dance companies like Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, for instance, can help you develop your muscle memory, flexibility, discipline, and technique so that you can propel your talent to greater heights.
If you want a less traditional route, you can also get a bachelor’s degree to unravel the technicalities behind choreography, production, your specific dance history, and extensive training to enhance your body alignment.
Tip #2: Explore the Expansive World of Dance and Gain ExperienceTraining helps build your foundation and strength but being versatile in today’s professional dance world is essential. Having experience and taking classes in character, modern, and even hip-hop will help you become the dancer that a director can count on.
Tip #3: Attend Auditions to Gain Networks and Build ReputationAside from gaining experience from other forms, it helps to attend as many auditions as you can to build your strength in a high-pressure environment. This is closely related to acquiring more real-world knowledge on how dance works in the professional world, so you can step out of your comfort zone and boost your reputation in the process.
The Bottom Line: The Steps to Turning Your Talent into a Profession
The road to becoming a professional dancer and flourishing on stage is unique to every individual, but the steps to reach your dreams of dancing can feel clearer when you know the basics.
Why Choose Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet?
Are you looking for a ballet academy in Central Pennsylvania? If so, then the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet may be for you!
Marcia Dale Weary founded this reputable ballet academy in 1955, so we’re known worldwide for providing one of the finest classical ballet training programs.
Train with us today and see what we can do to fuel your passion!
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How to become a dancer who does not interfere with anything?
Who is a dancer? A person who moves his arms and legs to the beat of music or his own internal rhythm is the simplest definition. From the point of view of art, the body is the same instrument as the cello or violin. This instrument expresses emotions, feelings and moods. Dancing is no less an art than wielding a brush. The harmonious unity of the mind, soul and body is important here.
Someone thinks that the ability to dance is an innate talent sent from above. This is not always the case, everyone can become a dancer. Anyone who loves music, who enjoys moving to it, is in fact already a dancer, in the broadest sense of the word.
However, to become a truly professional dancer, you need aspiration, desire and perseverance.
As a rule, the title of a professional is given to someone who has studied several years in a dance class. Behind him are more than a dozen performances on stage, knowledge of the names of all dance movements and a pack of costumes on hangers.
When it comes to street dancing style, the academic school will not help here. A professional on the street is the one who dances the best in the area. Many people ask: how to become a street dancer? Only one way: watch and repeat. Watch how they do, what they do, what kind of music. Repeat at home in front of the mirror, over and over, until the result is satisfactory. The style of street dancing has long been on the stage, and you can learn it in studios with teachers. Of course, even when working in the studio, you cannot do without repetitions at home. You need to constantly hone your movements.
Success in the art of dancing directly depends on the goals set.
Some want to dance professionally in the styles of Hip-Hop or Go-Go, others strive for a professional career in ballroom dancing, and others have long dreamed of participating in dance theater productions. People who from the very beginning wonder how to become a professional dancer often become the leading choreographers and art directors of their own dance studios.
Where to get knowledge to achieve your goals? We have already talked about the method of observation and self-study, as well as classes in dance circles. Another way to learn is to participate in master classes by visiting specialists and dance competitions. Any professional activity, including dancing, requires the intervention of experienced teachers. Dance competitions will help you get the necessary criticisms and tips to improve your technique. Naturally, one must be prepared for disappointments. But not a single remark should stop a true dancer on the way to his goal.
When a person thinks about how to become a good dancer, he thinks about how to acquire technique and finesse of movement, while forgetting about personal qualities.
But they are no less important than the baggage of knowledge and experience gained. A lot is decided by the energy and charisma of the author of the issue. Does he have a talent, or does he mechanically repeat the learned movements? Is he lethargic or does his temperament make him get up from his chair and give a standing ovation? It is personal qualities that sound the very final chord that affects success.
Along the way, in the world of dance, physical abilities are improved, as well as spiritual traits of a person's character. Success in this field can boost self-confidence.
When deciding what events to go to and how to become a dancer, the main thing to remember is that you should like the dance style. The body should literally "tear to dance" with the sounds of salsa or flamenco. Dance revives energy and mood. After all, it is not without reason that there is an opinion that dance is life.
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How to learn street dancing without leaving home
February 5, 2017 Life Sports and fitness
Street dancing is not at all the lot of the elite, endowed with natural plasticity and great talent of people.
And not even those who have the willpower to regularly attend a dance studio. You can learn how to move beautifully and correctly without leaving home.
Street dancing is a magnetically mesmerizing spectacle. Surely you have seen how the dancers turn into robots, simulating mechanical intermittent movements, or flutter above the ground, magically hardly touching it with their feet. Here is a video of one of the most famous street dancers Marquis Scott:
All this seems so impossible, out of reach. I would like to immediately dispel the doubts that most viewers have when watching the video.
Common misconceptions about street dancing
1. This guy is a genius because he improvises. Do you see how easily, for example, a “wave” passes through the Marquis’s hand? Before he could do it, he:
- flexed the wrist a thousand times;
- flexed his elbow a thousand times;
- pushed his shoulder forward a thousand times;
- tens of thousands of times connected these movements in series.
Over time, awkward hand rotations turned into a smooth wave. Actually, here, for clarity:
And so with any element that you see in the dance. Each of them first goes through a long process of cutting and settling in the motor memory of the body. Improvisation is a free combination of such elements.
2. This guy has a talent, not everyone is gifted like that
The movements of each dancer, no matter how free and light they may seem now, were initially just as timid and clumsy as yours. The same Marquis Scott, whom many will call a genius, before he started dancing, moved no better than anyone else. Dance is not some school of magic that is inaccessible to mere mortals.
Dance is first and foremost a technique. Technique worked to perfection.
Do you hear music, try to move to it, but something extremely clumsy comes out? But the body of the masters "dances by itself"! But how can your body dance if it doesn't know how to move? First teach it them, and then it will perform the dance for you.
And everyone can handle it.
3. I will never succeed in this way
With desire and diligence, everyone will succeed. Get rid of conceited thoughts about your exclusivity.
You must have thought “Wow! I wish I…”, but you don’t even dare to continue this thought to the end, because, of course, “such a talent is not given to everyone, but even more so to me.”
Most likely, many of you watched the video, went to the mirror, tried to make a “wave”, instead got a real storm with 11 points on the Beaufort scale, laughed and went on with your own business. For some reason, people think that a street dancer is gifted by nature. No, in the same way, he once approaches the mirror, tries to do something and laughs at failure. Only then does he approach the mirror again and again.
Street dance in most cases is an improvisation based on a free combination of elements of various dance styles honed to perfection.
Yes, street dancing is a very broad concept that includes breakdancing, locking, house and much more.
So, you understand that there is no magic and mystery in the masterful dance, and the secret of its lightness lies entirely in the development of various movements? Already good. Let's go further.
Technique
What is the study of technique?
- Selecting a specific movement.
- Its breakdown into elementary components.
- Multiple repetition of each of them separately.
- Connecting them in series to the desired movement.
- Repetition of this movement, using it in conjunction with others.
Repetition, repetition, repetition - this is the basis of technique. Why? Because that's how our body learns. At first, the path to each movement will lie through great willpower, control and concentration. Everything will happen slowly. But with each repetition, the new movements will be adapted by the mechanisms of your motor memory. And in the end, the movement will be performed naturally and easily, like a wave of a hand.
You don't have to think about it. It's like learning to ride a bike.
So, mastering the dance is available to everyone. But the path to it lies through the development of technology. And work on technology is labor, long, difficult and sometimes makes you want to cry.
But there is good news.
You can work at home. And most importantly, it will be interesting for you to work.
Because any routine, unpleasant work gets a motive and becomes much more interesting when it brings some result. And the sooner this result manifests itself, the more noticeable it is, the greater the desire to continue the person lights up.
Believe me, you can learn the simplest techniques of magical plastic surgery in the shortest possible time without leaving your home. Of course, you will not become Marquis Scott so quickly, but you will definitely succeed in surprising your friends and relatives, and even yourself. Let's take the mentioned "wave".
By following the instructions from the second video of this article every day for at least 15 minutes, in a couple of weeks you will make the movement correctly, quickly and with the necessary automaticity.
Dancing at home
Now about the main thing. The studio has a professional choreographer who teaches and shows the movements. What about at home? And at home there is YouTube, where no less professional dancers have already posted thousands of training videos.
If you are one of those people who has the thought “Wow! I wish I…" when watching the first video, the action plan is as follows: you go to one of the YouTube channels below, watch dance videos and determine whose style you like, open the training videos and, getting up from your chair, without leaving your monitor (well, if there is a mirror nearby), you start doing what is shown in them. That is, repeat, repeat, repeat movements.
Don't worry about the small space: we are not learning the waltz, and you will have enough space to learn the basic movements and perform simple connections.
Here, of course, a lot depends on the dance genre. For example, you can master the bottom break only if you have a lot of space and slippery flooring.
Lifehacker chose the most undemanding styles in terms of square area, united under the name dubstep. It doesn't matter if you like this music: the elements of the style itself can be used in completely different ways.
1. Here is a wonderful school of Alexander Dragon, in which you will find a huge number of videos teaching all the elementary movements of completely different directions, many lessons, links and dances. This school has, perhaps, the most saturated channel on YouTube, which can completely replace classes in the studio.
Don't be put off by the abundance of videos. And in no case do not immediately take on links like this:
To successfully do what Alexander does, you first have to learn the basic principles and movements of waving, tatting, popping and so on.
