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Back Up Dancer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Back Up Dancer information

See Ohio salary details

$5

$17

$18

How much do back up dancer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for back up dancer in Ohio is $17.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a back up dancer?

A Back Up Dancer is a professional performer who supports lead artists, such as singers or musicians, during live performances, music videos, tours, and events. Their role is to enhance the visual appeal of a show through choreographed dance routines. They must be skilled in various dance styles, work well in a team, and adapt quickly to new choreography. Back Up Dancers often audition for roles and work on a freelance or contract basis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a back up dancer?

To thrive as a Back Up Dancer, you need strong dancing technique, physical stamina, and the ability to quickly learn and adapt choreography, usually supported by formal dance training. Familiarity with music editing software and experience using stage cues or in-ear monitors are often required. Teamwork, reliability, and a positive attitude are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are essential to ensure seamless stage performances, synchronize with lead artists and other dancers, and maintain professionalism in high-pressure live settings.

What is a typical work environment like for a back up dancer?

Back Up Dancers typically work in a variety of dynamic settings, including rehearsal studios, live performance venues, television sets, and sometimes outdoors for music videos or events. You can expect to collaborate closely with choreographers, lead artists, other dancers, and production teams, which requires strong communication and adaptability. Rehearsal schedules may be intense leading up to performances, with additional travel for tours or out-of-town shows. The role is fast-paced and physically demanding but provides the opportunity to perform in front of large audiences and gain exposure in the entertainment industry.

How do back up dancers get hired?

Back up dancers are typically hired through auditions, talent agencies, or direct submissions to production companies. They often need strong dance skills, experience performing in live or recorded settings, and may be required to audition in person or submit a video reel. Building a professional portfolio and networking within the entertainment industry can also increase chances of being hired.

How much can back up dancers make?

Back up dancers' earnings vary based on experience, the production, and the artist they work with. On average, they can earn from $50 to $300 per performance, with some high-profile dancers earning more through contracts, touring, and additional opportunities. Many back up dancers also supplement income through teaching, workshops, or brand endorsements.

What are popular job titles related to Back Up Dancer jobs in Ohio?

For Back Up Dancer jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Back Up Dancer jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Back Up Dancer jobs in Ohio are:

Infographic showing various Back Up Dancer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,492 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Traveling Live Action / Sports Stills Photographer (Seasonal)

DanceBUG Inc.

Cleveland, OH • On-site, Remote

$25/hr

Temporary

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Overview
  • Season: February - June
  • Weekend Travel: Thursday through Monday
  • Travel: Throughout the United States
  • Guaranteed Minimum Daily Pay
  • Guaranteed Minimum Event Pay
  • All Expenses Paid: Flights, hotels, rental cars and approved travel expenses
  • Equipment Stipend: Up to $700
  • Meals or Per Diem Provided
  • No Editing Required: Focus on capturing great images - we handle the rest.
Why Join DanceBUG?
For nearly 25 years, DanceBUG has been North America's leader in dance media and event technology.
  • Photograph some of North America's largest dance competitions
  • Create lasting memories for thousands of dancers and their families each season
  • Paid training before your first event
  • Be part of the team shaping the future of dance photography
Compensation & Benefits
  • Starting at $25/hour
  • Paid travel days
  • All Expenses Paid: Flights, hotels, rental cars and approved travel expenses
  • Equipment Stipend: Up to $700
  • Meals or Per Diem Provided
  • Private hotel room
  • Paid training
What You'll Do
  • Travel to dance competitions throughout the United States
  • Photograph live performances under constantly changing stage lighting
  • Capture sharp, well-timed action images
  • Work collaboratively with DanceBUG videographers throughout each event
  • Back up, transfer and upload image files following each competition
Paid Training
Every new Photographer receives:
  • Virtual training during January
  • A minimum of two live training events alongside experienced Senior Photographers
  • Hands-on training before working independently

You'll never be sent to your first event without real-world training and support.
Relevant Photography Experience
We're looking for photographers with experience capturing fast-moving subjects, such as:
  • Sports
  • Dance
  • Theatre
  • Concerts
  • Gymnastics
  • Figure Skating
  • Cheerleading
  • Low-light event photography
  • High-volume event photography

Portrait, studio, real estate, landscape, product, or architectural photography alone does not qualify.
Applicants should be comfortable shooting in manual mode using continuous autofocus (Servo/AF-C) under changing lighting conditions.
Requirements
Applicants must:
  • Be legally authorized to work in the United States (DanceBUG does not sponsor work visas)
  • Live within approximately one hour of a major airport
  • Possess a valid U.S. driver's license
  • Possess a passport or REAL ID-compliant driver's license for domestic air travel
  • Be available to travel Thursday through Monday throughout the season
  • Be comfortable driving 5-6 hours when required
  • Be comfortable working long production days during competitions
  • Be able to lift approximately 25 lbs
  • Be able to successfully pass a criminal background check
Equipment Requirements
Applicants are required to provide their own professional photography equipment. Required equipment includes:
  • Two professional MIRRORLESS camera bodies (Canon, Nikon or Sony only)
  • One of the following constant/fixed aperture zoom lenses: 24-105mm (preferred), 24-120mm (preferred), 24-70mm, or 35-150mm
  • Plus a 70-200mm lens
  • f/2.8 preferred (f/4 accepted)
  • Four memory cards (64GB or larger)
  • Media card reader compatible with your memory cards
  • Minimum three batteries and two chargers
  • Monopod

DSLR cameras and other camera brands will not be considered. Only Canon, Nikon and Sony camera systems are compatible with DanceBUG's proprietary photo software.
Ready to Apply?
Please include the following with your application:
  • A link to your live-action photography portfolio
  • Your current city and state
  • A brief overview of your relevant photography experience

Join one of North America's leading dance media companies and spend your season traveling the country, capturing unforgettable performances and creating memories that dancers and their families will treasure for years to come.
Apply today - we'd love to hear from you.