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Background Dancer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Instruct with sound principles in the area of dance. * Ability to teach beginners through advanced learners in the ...

Salsa Dance Instructor

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16.64 - $20.80/hr

Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Instruct with sound principles in the area of dance. * Ability to teach beginners through advanced learners in the ...

Athletic Trainer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Required background: * Licensed Massage Therapist * Certified Athletic Trainer, Personal Trainer or Sports Coach * Licensed Physical Therapist (or PT aid) * Certified Pilates, Yoga or Dance ...

Athletic Trainer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Required background: * Licensed Massage Therapist * Certified Athletic Trainer, Personal Trainer or Sports Coach * Licensed Physical Therapist (or PT aid) * Certified Pilates, Yoga or Dance ...

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Background Dancer information

See Arizona salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do background dancer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for background dancer in Arizona is $16.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.80 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 you become a background dancer?

To become a background dancer, you should develop strong dance skills through training or practice, build a portfolio with headshots and dance reels, and gain experience by auditioning for dance agencies, production companies, or open casting calls. Networking within the entertainment industry and maintaining physical fitness are also important for securing roles. Many background dancers start by working with local productions or dance groups to build their experience and connections.

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

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 is a background dancer?

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.
What are popular job titles related to Background Dancer jobs in Arizona? For Background Dancer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Background Dancer jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Background Dancer jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Background Dancer jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Background Dancer job openings:
Infographic showing various Background Dancer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Full Time, 92% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,297 per year, or $16 per hour.

$16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

LOCATION: The Salvation Army - Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center - Phoenix, Arizona

STATUS: Non-Exempt

HOURLY RATE OF PAY: $16.64 TO $20.80 (DOE)

MISSION STATEMENT: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on The Bible. Its ministry is motivated by love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary: Instructors will give instruction to all ages and levels in the specific area of Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap and/or other disciplines. Design instructional programs and demonstrate proper techniques and styling to all levels of participants. Instructors must have the ability and desire to work and build positive working relationships with children, parents, volunteers, and peers. Instructors are expected to abide by policies, leadership standards, employee expectations and programming.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
  • At least 2 years of prior experience teaching or working in the area of dance.
  • Certification or degree in related field or level of expertise required.
  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must be able to function effectively with minimal or no supervision.
  • Must be able to demonstrate various skills in the area of instruction specified.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
  • Must be able to work and relate well with people.
  • Must be in good physical and mental health, capable of meeting the demands of the specified area.
  • Have a philosophy of education and child development, which is consistent with that of The Salvation Army Kroc Center.
  • Must maintain a professional attitude and approach to problem-solving.
  • Must have the ability to work with children, parents, staff, and the community in a capacity of leadership and education including but not limited to:
    • Ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to children of all ages.
    • Sensitivity to individual needs.
    • Ability to use appropriate positive discipline consistent with The Salvation Army’s behavior management plan.
  • Ability to handle security and crisis situations calmly and maintain confidentiality as needed.
  • Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Instruct with sound principles in the area of dance.
  • Ability to teach beginners through advanced learners in the area of dance.
  • Ability to speak and communicate after both small and large groups of people with poise and enthusiasm.
  • Provide individual guidelines for development in the area of dance.
  • Critique and give feedback to participants regarding their work and performance level.
  • Ability to write class outlines.
  • Create, teach, implement, and demonstrate planned practices and performances.
  • Knowledge of safety precautions needed and ability to ensure compliance/adherence by all class members.
  • Maintain a safe working environment; report all harmful problems with facilities to proper supervisors.
  • Generate legible and accurate accident and incident reports as required and immediately notify appropriate personnel of all accidents or potential unsafe conditions.
  • Display integrity, enthusiasm and sound moral judgment.
  • Follow and adhere to all Salvation Army Policies and Procedures
  • Provide a safe, fun, and enjoyable learning environment for all participants.
  • Maintain open communication with direct supervisor in regards to scheduling and coaching.
  • Maintain a professional demeanor and attitude with children, parents, customers, staff, and management.
  • Be on time and prepared to teach your class.
  • Help facilitate equality and fairness among all participants.
  • Ensure that any classroom changes or modifications are communicated to supervisors and all classroom participants in an efficient manner.
  • Perform other assignments/duties as related to the position of Dance Instructor.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach with hands and arms on a continuous basis. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must have the ability to operate a telephone, a desktop or laptop computer, as well as the ability to access and produce information from a computer, and to understand written information.