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Background Dancer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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

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.

Tutu School

Children's Dance Teacher

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30/hr

We require our teachers to have a strong background in dance, great communication skills, and a commitment to our carefully crafted curriculum. Most of all, we want instructors who are invested in ...

DK Dance Productions

All Star Cheer Coach

Alton, IL · On-site

Ideal DK Dance Production Teacher Candidates: * Strong background in cheer/tumbling * Dependable * Professional * Creative * Punctual * Team Player * Friendly * Positive If you want to join our team ...

DK Dance Productions

Tumbling Teacher

Alton, IL · On-site

Ideal DK Dance Production Teacher Candidates: * Strong background in tumbling * Dependable * Professional * Creative * Punctual * Team Player * Friendly * Positive If you want to join our team and ...

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All JobsBackground Dancer JobsBackground Dancer Jobs in Illinois

Background Dancer information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$16

$23

How much do background dancer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for background dancer in Illinois is $16.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $19.57 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 Illinois?

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

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

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

Background Dancer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Dancer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,624 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Dance Teacher

DK Dance Productions

Alton, IL • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

We are hiring! 


Do you enjoy teaching dance and sharing your dance knowledge with children? 


DK Dance Productions seeks experienced dance teachers who love children and want to share their passion. Our growing studio, located in Jerseyville, IL, offers a flexible schedule, a supportive work environment, and several opportunities for personal development. 


Our positive classrooms are staffed with amazing teachers who go beyond just teaching. Not only do we teach dance techniques, but we also help our students develop important life skills. DK Dance Productions is proudly a More Than Just Great Dancing studio!


Ideal DK Dance Production Teacher Candidates:


  • Has a background in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, and/or lyrical preferred. 
  • Dependable
  • Professional
  • Creative
  • Punctual
  • Team Player
  • Friendly
  • Positive 


If you want to join our team and the More Than Just Great Dancing Movement in our DK Dance Productions family, send an introductory letter and resume. Resumes must include relevant dance and teaching experience in order to be considered for the position.