Dancer : Training

Training continues throughout a dancer's career, with even the most experienced dancers attending daily classes. Out-of-work dancers still need to continue to attend open classes in order to maintain and develop skills.

In order to increase your employability, you may also wish to gain further training and qualifications, particularly in other types of dance. Details of courses are available from the Council for Dance Education & Training (CDET) , the national standards body of the dance industry. Dance UK  also has information on training and networking opportunities in the independent sector. Taking singing or acting classes may also be useful in developing your range of skills.

Dancers also need to maintain a healthy body in order to keep fit and stay in work. The Healthier Dancer Programme (HDP)  run by Dance UK provides advice, events and conferences on health, fitness and injury prevention.

Some dancers choose to train in areas related to dance in order to help boost their income and to develop a portfolio or second career. Popular areas include:

• dance teaching;
• choreography;
• notation;
• community theatre work;
• dance administration.

Some dancers also undertake further training to work in complementary therapies or to lead fitness classes such as yoga, pilates and the Alexander Technique. Another option is to become a personal trainer.

Short courses in IT and project management may also be useful when seeking temporary work or work in dance administration and development.

For more information on training and career development opportunities, including possible sources of funding, see the Guide to Careers in Dance , produced by Youth Dance England .