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Job outlook for directors of dance in the United States
Are director of dance jobs in demand?
Director of dance job and salary trends over time
Director of dance jobs over time
Director of dance job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 867 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 835 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 861 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 864 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 871 | 0.00% |
Average director of dance salary over time
Director of dance salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $57,546 | $27.67 | +0.2% |
| 2024 | $57,414 | $27.60 | --0.6% |
| 2023 | $57,769 | $27.77 | +4.5% |
| 2022 | $55,267 | $26.57 | --2.5% |
| 2021 | $56,688 | $27.25 | +5.1% |
Director of dance jobs by state
Most common states for directors of dance
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 520 | 17% |
| 2 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 493 | 16% |
| 3 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 492 | 11% |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 446 | 11% |
| 5 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 504 | 10% |
| 6 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 302 | 10% |
| 7 | California | 39,536,653 | 7 | 0% |
| 8 | New York | 19,849,399 | 6 | 0% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 5 | 0% |
| 10 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 5 | 0% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 3 | 0% |
| 12 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 3 | 0% |
| 13 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 2 | 0% |
| 14 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 1 | 0% |
| 15 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 0 | 0% |
| 16 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 0 | 0% |
| 17 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 0 | 0% |
| 18 | Alaska | 739,795 | 0 | 0% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 0 | 0% |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 0 | 0% |
Director Of Dance job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of director of dance experts
University of Washington
Temple University
Washington University in St Louis
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Duke University
San Diego Mesa College
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
New Mexico State University
Hope College
University of Washington
Emory University
University of Northern Colorado
Barnard College
What general advice would you give to a Director Of Dance?
Amy Wilkinson PhD: Dance instructors must be skilled in whatever discipline they are teaching, so it is important to continue to train by taking dance classes by other excellent dance instructors as well as practicing self-care in terms of nutrition, sleep, and other forms of exercise/cross training. Dance instructors should also be skilled educators which means developing a teaching philosophy, having a working understanding of learning theories, and having numerous pedagogical approaches available to them. Dance instructors often teach long hours on their feet. They also move frequently from location to location - So being organized and good at time management, having clear lesson plans or learning objectives and lots of energy is important to the job. Depending on the teaching context, a dance instructor’s day might look something like this: 1. Take professional level dance class or workout 2. Teach a morning dance fitness class at a gym/dance studio or rehearse with a professional dance company 3. Break for lunch 4. Plan evening classes - determine learning objectives, develop progressive combinations, select music, create choreography, etc. 5. Teach several hours of dance classes for different level students. 6. Late dinner
What Director Of Dance skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amy Wilkinson PhD: In an age where AI and other forms of online technology are becoming more ubiquitous in various educational fields, there will always be a need and desire for human in-person dance instruction. So - in the right place, being a dance instructor can be a stable career. Being a dance instructor also allows artist educators to pursue their passions and to share their love of dance with others. It is a field that encourages embodiment and community building. Lastly, for many professional performance artists or folks with other career interests, it is a flexible job that supplements income from other professional work.
What will help Directors Of Dance increase their earning potential?
Christopher Kaiser: I would say to be very open to all opportunities like choreography, service, and even a lunch date with a professor or a fellow grad student. Also, try and be organized. You will have your foot in many projects at the same time and it's key to prioritize time management
What will help Directors Of Dance increase their earning potential?
Jillian Harris: Establish a clear strategy for your job search, determining a set of criteria that align with your values. For example, when I began my career, any job I pursued had to do at least one of three things: (1) provide access to people, opportunities, and/or resources that could help me grow within my field and expand my network, (2) pay enough money for the hours of work required, and (3) challenge me with inspiring projects that broadened my skill set. Even though many of my early jobs rarely fulfilled all three criteria, this strategy helped me be more mindful about what work offers I pursued and accepted. I also encourage recent graduates to draw upon networks they have already cultivated when considering their focus in the job market. Take advantage of opportunities to reconnect with anyone with whom you have crossed paths in the past and make use of both your university's career center and alumni network. If you know a specific job you are interested in pursuing, find someone with that job and ask them questions about its day-to-day reality. I have found that people often appreciate having an opportunity to mentor and share their insights.
Antonio Douthit-Boyd
Professor of Practice in DanceWashington University in St Louis
Dance
What will help Directors Of Dance increase their earning potential?
Antonio Douthit-Boyd: I have the opportunity to shape and mold dancers into critical thinkers, helping them understand their influence both in the classroom and in the field.
What general advice would you give to a Director Of Dance?
Cathy Allen: In the Dance World you will want to be skilled in many forms of dance to be more marketable and maximize your income. Choreographing and performing in one area of dance or teaching dance on the side can allow you the financial freedom to pursue other artistic dance endeavors to build your resume. It is essential to develop a wonderful reputation; someone easy to work with, who embodies the movement beautifully, and who is loyal and dependable. No one wants to deal with a diva if they have other good choices. Reputations spread like wildfire. You will accrue jobs or lose jobs by your reputation alone.
What Director Of Dance skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Cathy Allen: For Broadway, large hotel showrooms, or cruise line productions, professional dance jobs are secured through word of mouth and open auditions or "cattle calls". However, many agents and choreographers have worked with individuals that they already intend to use. But if someone in the open calls is extremely gifted, striking, and memorable, you will get work.
For the private sector artist, marketing oneself online through social media and individual professional websites is the resume of this generation. Agents are looking at online materials to find dancers, companies, and dance instructors. Become tech-savvy. Know how to generate a video reel of yourself and how to edit and post in all the right places. You must attend workshops, conferences, and festivals to produce the interest you hope to establish. You have to develop a thick skin but also you need to develop a constant public persona. Be easy to find and respond quickly to texts and emails. Grants and benefactors continue to be important in the world of dance companies, university programs, and studio or solo performers. Make a secure connection with a studio or school that will allow you space and time either free or at a minimal cost for you to create work to send out for performances.
Sarah Wilbur Ph.D.
Duke University
Dance
What general advice would you give to a Director Of Dance?
Sarah Wilbur Ph.D.: Artists need to unapologetically advocate for themselves and for other artists in all areas of production, employment and opportunity,
An artist’s ability to explain to strangers how dance works is a vital survival skill that pays value forward because whoever learns from this advocacy can make more nuanced invitations, going forward. Dancing and dance skill in whatever areas of specialization or cultural tradition is expected, but talent is almost never enough on its own. Dance work is advocacy work.
What will help Directors Of Dance increase their earning potential?
Sarah Wilbur Ph.D.: To work in dance, in my experience and in my research, is to work in a *number of jobs*, in a *number of diverse roles,* and in a *number of relationships* to industries, cultures, and publics. In a field as unstandardize-able as this one, my very best advice for someone who has successfully pursued an academic dance credential and has graduated from the US university is for them to become a passionate, lifelong student of dance history, dance labor, and dance value across all kinds of fields. There are very few promised jobs, and even fewer shortcuts. This reality is why people flock to more economically stable (and sometimes soul killing) lines of work, in the US.
What will help Directors Of Dance increase their earning potential?
Elizabeth McPherson: Versatility and adaptability. Because there are major shifts happening in the field, being able to roll with the changes and stay relevant is key.
What general advice would you give to a Director Of Dance?
Donna Flournoy: I advise a graduate student to continue networking with the faculty and students they have worked with. This will provide a solid foundation to support their dance journey. I suggest they continue training in all dance genres and cross-train regularly while maintaining good mental health. They should challenge themselves by reaching out and doing things that may not feel comfortable initially but will add to their dance story later. Always strive to be your best self and find your unique dance voice. Additionally, they should surround themselves with like-minded individuals who support them and will keep them accountable when things get tough. Lastly, taking time to stop, breathe, and enjoy the journey is essential.
What Director Of Dance skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Donna Flournoy: Having a dance career is a lifelong journey. The lessons taught in the classroom by various instructors and the "Aha!" moments experienced as a teacher, choreographer, or dancer are valuable for a persistent career. It is crucial to continue learning and growing to maintain a successful dance career.
What will help Directors Of Dance increase their earning potential?
Donna Flournoy: To increase your salary, staying up to date with all aspects of the arts is essential. Consider volunteering or interning in various areas to enhance your value and prepare for future opportunities. You'll need to play multiple roles as you progress in your career. For example, if you're a production manager, you should be familiar with both on-stage and off-stage aspects. You can broaden your horizons by pursuing certifications in Pilates, yoga, and different types of dances. Be willing to teach all levels of movement. Learn how to market yourself effectively so potential employers can hear your voice. Determine how you want to present yourself and maintain a positive outlook. Keep working towards your goals with a clear vision in mind. "Do the work".
Brett Alan Garfinkel
Chair, Associate Professor of DanceNorthwestern State University of Louisiana
Department of Theatre and Dance
What skills stand out on Director Of Dance resumes?
Brett Alan Garfinkel: Education/Training, Years of Experience, Styles comfortable teaching in and ages of students.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Directors Of Dance?
Brett Alan Garfinkel: The ability to communicate and teach all students of different levels and backgrounds. The ability to be relatable and available to all students.
What skills will help Directors Of Dance earn the most?
Brett Alan Garfinkel: The ability to be open and listen to others. Being a collaborator who can work with other faculty and artists.
Amy Wright
Visiting College Assistant Professor in DanceNew Mexico State University
Department of Kinesiology
What skills stand out on Director Of Dance resumes?
Amy Wright: Currently, some things that I can identify as most sought after for dance educator jobs in higher ed would be the ability to teach in many vernaculars and areas rather than one isolated discipline, the ability to engage in work that bridges the performing arts with conversations around social justice and equity issues, and the ability to integrate technology into your creative research and pedagogy.
There is also a current trend in dance in higher ed that seeks to integrate more non-Western and diasporic forms- especially African and Afro-Caribbean forms- into programs that have previously been focused on a more "traditional" classical style of training.
The most successful educators in the arts right now can be flexible and innovative; are able to collaborate across disciplines; are able to seek opportunities for recruiting, networking, and fundraising throughout their community as well as globally; and can adapt to a dramatically changed landscape from the one in which we were educated.
Matthew Farmer
Dorothy Wiley DeLong Endowed Chair of Dance, Associate ProfessorHope College
Department of Dance
What skills stand out on Director Of Dance resumes?
Matthew Farmer: Experience and Versatility. Today's dance market is vast and wide, and therefore the more styles and techniques that a dance instructor is qualified to teach (notice I used the word qualified), the better. This being said, don't ever put something on your resume that isn't accurate for this moment in time. For example, if you are willing to learn how to teach a specific style/dance form but don't actually teach it currently, then don't put it on your resume. Also, if you have limited experience, then start now by taking dance forms and classes outside your comfort zone. Ask teachers if you can "study under them," and stay after class to discuss pedagogical reasons for why the instructor has taught the class the way they have. If you want to work in today's market, you have to be versatile and adaptable.
What soft skills should all Directors Of Dance possess?
Matthew Farmer: Appropriate behavior and instruction. I cannot stress enough how much professionalism and workability determine the career path and trajectory of a dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher. What is "acceptable" in any given field and what is "professional" are two different conversations. A professional, and especially a young professional, should choose/act in a manner that is "professional" over what is "acceptable." This includes showing up not just "on time" but early. Always keep your emotions in check. Making sure the way you verbally communicate is clear, concise, appropriate for the environment, and being willing to take and give constructive criticism.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Directors Of Dance?
Matthew Farmer: Be able to "do the thing" being asked of you. A colleague of mine uses this phrase all the time, and I love it, as it doesn't limit what "the thing" is. Rather than state, you have to be able to do so many turns; being able to "do the thing" opens up space for all dance forms and environments. Again, depending on what "the thing is" will be completely dependent on the section of the dance field a young professional enters. You must be able to physically execute that which is being asked of you. This could be determined by a specific type of physical prowess, but it also bleeds into areas such as picking up and retaining choreography quickly and maintaining and implementing corrections in a timely manner.
Rachael Lincoln
Associate Professor, Department of Dance, Graduate Program Coordinator, Donald J. Petersen Endowed FellowUniversity of Washington
Department of Dance
What skills stand out on Director Of Dance resumes?
Rachael Lincoln: Substantial experience both practicing and teaching the dance form(s) the applicant is applying to teach; a breadth of offerings. Can the applicant teach technique and something else? (Theory, history, Dance-making?) Do they have the capacity and desire to develop additional courses?
Ability to talk about and contextualize the history/development of the form(s) they will teach, including culturally relevant and responsive teaching
What soft skills should all Directors Of Dance possess?
Rachael Lincoln: Experience and consideration of diversity, equity, and inclusion in dance are essential. Ability to serve on/chair committees, mentor students, navigate the tenure process, balance teaching with service and research.
Sally Radell
Director, Dance ProgramEmory University
Department of Theater and Dance
What skills will help Directors Of Dance earn the most?
Sally Radell: A very valuable skill is grant writing. Studios are always looking for new funding streams. Also, in general, the more skills you have in teaching various styles and age groups and being able to choreograph and direct a concert will always make an instructor a desirable hire.
Sandra Minton Ph.D.
Professor EmeritusUniversity of Northern Colorado
School of Theatre Arts & Dance
What will help Directors Of Dance increase their earning potential?
Sandra Minton Ph.D.: Earning potential is increased if one can be hired by a public entity. Such positions are usually accompanied by benefits.
What soft skills should all Directors Of Dance possess?
Katie Glasner: -The ability to have a conversation in person.
-The importance of follow through in communication.
-The knowledge that there isn't one clear path to a goal and the understanding that strategizing for the long haul can be useful.
-Patience. Humor. Grace. Generosity.