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Dancer vs performer

The differences between dancers and performers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a dancer has an average salary of $53,667, which is higher than the $51,601 average annual salary of a performer.

The top three skills for a dancer include dance performances, excellent guest and public appearances. The most important skills for a performer are guest service, safety procedures, and costumes.

Dancer vs performer overview

DancerPerformer
Yearly salary$53,667$51,601
Hourly rate$25.80$24.81
Growth rate27%-
Number of jobs167353
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age2736
Years of experience--

What does a dancer do?

Dancers are responsible for using fluid body movements during musical productions, including ballroom, musical theater, opera, ballet, and concerts. They dance alone, with a partner, or with a group to entertain the audience. Their primary responsibilities are to perform classical, modern, or acrobatic dances, work in tandem with other dancers to create an entire routine, coordinates movement to express emotions through dance set to music, present folk, jazz, tap, ethnic, or other popular kinds of dance, choreographed routines set to music, promote performances if necessary, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to accentuate performance.

What does a performer do?

A performer is responsible for entertaining guests by expressing their talents through different arts and expertise while earning. Performers must have excellent communication skills, especially that they regularly interact with people to showcase their capabilities for the audience's enjoyment. They work with various production and stage professionals to ensure smooth transitions and developments of live programs and exhibitions. A performer also handles costumes and props, assists on stage designs, and participates in run-throughs for the audience's optimal experience.

Dancer vs performer salary

Dancers and performers have different pay scales, as shown below.

DancerPerformer
Average salary$53,667$51,601
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $114,000Between $24,000 And $108,000
Highest paying City-Agawam Town, MA
Highest paying state-Connecticut
Best paying company-Apple
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between dancer and performer education

There are a few differences between a dancer and a performer in terms of educational background:

DancerPerformer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorDanceMusic
Most common college--

Dancer vs performer demographics

Here are the differences between dancers' and performers' demographics:

DancerPerformer
Average age2736
Gender ratioMale, 26.6% Female, 73.4%Male, 47.7% Female, 52.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 10.7% Hispanic or Latino, 29.5% Asian, 8.4% White, 43.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 5.6% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage24%14%

Differences between dancer and performer duties and responsibilities

Dancer example responsibilities.

  • Perform at all NBA home games and various other events.
  • Perform hula and tahitian dances, lei greet, private conventions.
  • Experience in ballet, jazz, and contemporary/lyrical for all ages.
  • Train new dancers and help correlate new approaches towards improving luau show.
  • Perform in events throughout NYC; participate in rehearsals twice per week during school breaks.
  • Perform as a professional hula dancer and belly dancer on various corporate and special events.
  • Show more

Performer example responsibilities.

  • Set up and run bounce houses.
  • Perform squib hits, falls, fights, ratchets, etc.
  • Host for dance shows and improv shows.
  • Foster strong Chick-fil-a brand recognition and image.
  • Maintain ability to improv while interacting with guests.
  • Preform all office functions for a small business.
  • Show more

Dancer vs performer skills

Common dancer skills
  • Dance Performances, 13%
  • Excellent Guest, 9%
  • Public Appearances, 8%
  • Costumes, 8%
  • Parade, 6%
  • Hip Hop, 6%
Common performer skills
  • Guest Service, 35%
  • Safety Procedures, 20%
  • Costumes, 12%
  • Character Integrity, 6%
  • Public Speaking, 5%
  • Guest Interaction, 5%

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