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Background Dancer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ball Arena

Denver Nuggets Dancer

Denver, CO · On-site

$19.29/hr

Background experience in dance and/or cheerleading * Must be available to work 85% of Denver Nuggets home games in the 2026-27 season. * Preferred * Ability to acquire or produce a valid driver ...

DK Dance Productions

Dance Teacher

Jerseyville, IL · On-site

DK Dance Productions seeks experienced dance teachers who love children and want to share their ... Has a background in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, and/or lyrical preferred.

DK Dance Productions

Dance Teacher

Alton, IL · On-site

DK Dance Productions seeks experienced dance teachers who love children and want to share their ... Has a background in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, and/or lyrical preferred.

DK Dance Productions

Dance Teacher

Florissant, MO · On-site

Do you enjoy teaching dance and sharing your dance knowledge with children? DK Dance Productions ... Has a background in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, and/or lyrical preferred.

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Background Dancer information

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$11

$17

$24

How much do background dancer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for background dancer in the United States is $17.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Background Dancer vs Choreographer?

AspectBackground DancerChoreographer
Required CredentialsDance training, audition experienceDance training, choreography experience, often a portfolio
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, stage performancesStudio, rehearsal spaces, production sets
Employer & Industry UsageProduction companies, entertainment industryDance companies, production teams, entertainment industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Background dancers perform in supporting roles, focusing on executing choreography as directed. Choreographers create and design dance routines, often leading and instructing dancers. While background dancers need dance skills and audition experience, choreographers require creative vision and choreography expertise. Both roles are integral to dance and entertainment productions but differ in responsibilities and career focus.

How do I become a backing dancer?

To become a backing dancer, you should develop strong dance skills through training or classes, gain performance experience, and build a professional portfolio or demo reel. Networking with industry professionals and auditioning for dance roles or backup dancer positions are essential steps in establishing a career in this field.

What is the highest paying dance job?

The highest paying dance jobs often include principal dancers in major ballet companies, lead performers in Broadway productions, and top-tier commercial or music video dancers. These roles typically require extensive training, experience, and sometimes specialized skills, and they can offer salaries ranging from six figures annually. Compensation varies based on the industry, location, and the dancer's reputation and skill level.

How to get a job as a background dancer?

To get a job as a background dancer, develop strong dance skills in styles such as hip-hop, jazz, or contemporary, and build a portfolio or demo reel. Gain experience through local performances, auditions, and networking with choreographers and casting agents. Maintaining physical fitness and understanding stage presence are also important for securing background dance roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Background Dancer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Background Dancer, you need strong technical dance abilities across multiple styles, physical stamina, and often formal dance training or certifications. Familiarity with stage production systems, choreography software, and audition processes is typically required. Exceptional teamwork, adaptability, and a positive attitude are crucial soft skills for collaborating with choreographers and fellow performers. These skills ensure seamless performances, professional reliability, and the ability to quickly adapt to creative direction in dynamic environments.

What are background dancers?

Background dancers are professional performers who support lead artists or main performers during live shows, music videos, films, or stage productions. Their primary role is to enhance the visual and artistic appeal of a performance through choreographed dance routines. Background dancers work closely with choreographers and often need to learn and adapt to various dance styles. They play an essential role in creating dynamic and engaging performances, even though they are not the central focus on stage.

What are the typical work environments and team dynamics for a background dancer?

Background dancers often work in fast-paced, collaborative environments such as music video sets, live stage performances, or television productions. They regularly rehearse with choreographers and fellow dancers to ensure synchronized movements and high-quality performances. Teamwork and adaptability are essential, as background dancers must quickly learn new routines and adjust to last-minute changes. Building strong relationships with the creative team and lead performers is also important, as it helps foster a supportive and productive work atmosphere.
More about Background Dancer jobs
What cities are hiring for Background Dancer jobs? Cities with the most Background Dancer job openings:
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Background Dancer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Dancer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, and 56% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,730 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Knott's Scary Farm - Dancers

Knott's Scary Farm - Dancers

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Buena Park, CA • On-site

$20.65/hr

Temporary

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Six Flags rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 521 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 56 rated theme parks

Job description

Overview
$20.65 / hour
DANCERS (Knott's Scary Farm)
AUDITION:
Wednesday, June 24th
1:30pm - Sign-in Starts
Knott's Berry Farm
(8189 Western Ave. Buena Park, CA 90620)
Please use the link below to secure an audition appointment:
www.calendly.com/kbf-auditions
Knott's Scary Farm is casting DANCERS of Black or African descent for an exciting new stage show. Dancers should have a strong rhythmic foundation rooted in African and diasporic movement traditions, ensemble vocal ability, and captivating stage presence. Seeking experienced performers with power, precision, and stamina. Aerial and vertical stunt capability is a plus. Performers should aim to exceed guest expectations and provide the highest quality of entertainment. A dance combination will be taught at the audition. Please wear appropriate dance attire. Shoes must be worn at all times. Please bring a photo and a performance resume. Rehearsals will begin in September 2026. An ideal candidate is available to work all scheduled rehearsal and event dates. This role is compensated at a rate of $20.65/hr.
Please come to the audition with the following:
  • Your Complete Availability From (Aug 24th-Oct 31st)
  • Any Carpool Plans
  • Dressed ready to move
  • Current Headshot & Performance Resume

KNOTT'S SCARY FARM 2026 EVENT DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS*:
(September) 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27
(October) 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31
*Event dates are subject to change
For audition questions, please email the Scary Farm Casting Team: KBF.Casting@sixflags.com
Responsibilities
  • Using your acting talents to enrich Knott's Scary Farm's experience for guests
  • Working as a member of a team to achieve overall atmosphere and goals set by Entertainment leadership and show directors
  • Consistently performing your role as scripted and/or conceived
  • Remaining in character while "onstage" and in view of guests and interacting with guests while performing in a professional and artistic manner
  • Providing guest service according to Six Flags standards when serving the guest or working with subordinates, including initiating guest interactions, answering questions, and giving accurate directions
  • Maintaining cleanliness and safety in assigned work area, performing all duties in compliance with Six Flags Safety guidelines and requirements, and reporting all unsafe or unusual conditions to supervision
  • Meeting scheduling availability requirements that include nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Fulfilling attendance requirements as outlined in the Six Flags attendance policy
  • Adhering to the Six Flags Rules of Conduct including specific costuming and grooming standards as outlined in Employee Guidelines and other park/division specific policies and procedures
  • Performing other duties as they are assigned

Qualifications
  • Availability to work ALL assigned rehearsal and event dates that include weekday/weekends nights and holidays
  • Dance Experience (required)
  • Rhythmic Dance foundation rooted in African and diasporic movement traditions (preferred)
  • Comfortability and professionalism performing scripted explicit lines, intense adult theming, mature content, and graphic scenes including, but not limited to, violence, gore and content that may not be suitable for all audiences
  • Willingness and ability to wear make-up, wigs, and costumes for extended periods of time in varying California weather conditions and temperatures
  • Ability to pass a background check, if 18 years of age or older, which may include, but is not limited to, credit, criminal, and DMV
  • Ability to provide record of previous employment, education, and personal references, per Company policy, unless prohibited by federal, state, or provincial law

Attending a KSF53 Audition does not guarantee employment with Knott's Scary Farm.
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Performers must be at least 18 years old. We support a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment physicals and background checks.

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