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Background Dancer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

West Valley Dance Company

Dance Teacher

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Have a strong dance background and a genuine passion for both dance and teaching * Have experience working with children and students ages 18 months-18 years (preferred) * Bring energy, creativity ...

West Valley Dance Company

Dance Teacher

San Jose, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Have a strong dance background and a genuine passion for both dance and teaching * Have experience working with children and students ages 18 months-18 years (preferred) * Bring energy, creativity ...

West Valley Dance Company

Dance Teacher

San Jose, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Have a strong dance background and a genuine passion for both dance and teaching * Have experience working with children and students ages 18 months-18 years (preferred) * Bring energy, creativity ...

West Valley Dance Company

Dance Teacher

San Jose, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Have a strong dance background and a genuine passion for both dance and teaching * Have experience working with children and students ages 18 months-18 years (preferred) * Bring energy, creativity ...

West Valley Dance Company

Dance Teacher

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Have a strong dance background and a genuine passion for both dance and teaching * Have experience working with children and students ages 18 months-18 years (preferred) * Bring energy, creativity ...

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All JobsBackground Dancer JobsBackground Dancer Jobs in California

Background Dancer information

See California salary details

$11

$16

$23

How much do background dancer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for background dancer in California is $16.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

What qualifications do you need to be a background dancer?

Background dancers typically need strong dance skills, which can be demonstrated through training, performances, or auditions. Physical fitness, the ability to follow choreography, and sometimes experience with specific dance styles or tools like dance shoes are also important. Many employers look for professionalism, reliability, and the ability to work well in a team environment.

What are popular job titles related to Background Dancer jobs in California?

For Background Dancer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Background Dancer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Background Dancer jobs in California are:

Background Dancer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Dancer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,262 per year, or $17 per hour.

Dodge Orientation Dancer/Performer

Chapman University

Orange, CA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Student Title Classification Information
Quick Link
https://chapman.peopleadmin.com/postings/40605
Job Number
SE223724
Position Information
Department or Unit Name
Dodge College- Communications & External Relations & Photography
Position Headcount
6
Position Title
Dodge Orientation Dancer/Performer
Academic Year
Summer 2026
Term or Semester
Summer
Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student?
Grad and Undergrad
Anticipated Pay Range
$18.00 - $18.00
Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
On which Campus will this work be done?
Orange
Approved Supervisor
Montana Golin
Supervisor Email
mgolin@chapman.edu
Scheduling
Please use dates within Chapman Academic Calendar
(https://www.chapman.edu/academics/academic-calendar.aspx)
Desired Start Date
08/10/2026
Projected End Date
08/26/2026
Average number of hours per week
Up to 19 Hrs
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Provide dance/performance support
Responsibilities
  • Look for dancers to rehearse together (under a choreographer) and perform two short dance performances at 8/19 UG Orientation Dinner (no more than 30 minutes total of performance time)
  • Rehearsals will start around 8/13 or 8/14
  • Dancers will be paid for all rehearsal/practice time and event duration

Required Qualifications
  • must have housing arrangements (not be in need of early move-in for on-campus housing)

Desired Qualifications
  • dance emphasis or dance background strongly preferred

Special Instructions to Applicants
Budget Information
Is Federal work-study required?
With or Without FWS

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