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Background Dancer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Club Pilates Clarkston

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Pilates Instructor (Certified or Teacher Trainee)

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For Trainee Role: 1 year of experience in Pilates, Dance, Yoga, Personal Training, or other group fitness background (Preferred). * Everyone: Strong interpersonal skills, punctuality, and a desire to ...

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All JobsBackground Dancer JobsBackground Dancer Jobs in Indiana

Background Dancer information

See Indiana salary details

$11

$16

$22

How much do background dancer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for background dancer in Indiana is $16.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.23 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.
What are popular job titles related to Background Dancer jobs in Indiana? For Background Dancer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Background Dancer jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Background Dancer jobs in Indiana are:
Background Dancer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Dancer job openings in Indiana 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 $34,000 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
Lecturer - Limited Term, Dance

Lecturer - Limited Term, Dance

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 539 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Req Id: 42439
Job Title: Lecturer - Limited Term, Dance
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
Start date: August 17, 2026
Salary: Based on education and experience
Limited Term Lecturer (LTL) positions are temporary, non-benefits eligible, part-time positions hired each semester on an as-needed basis.
Responsibilities
The Purdue University Dance Program is part of the Department of Theatre and Dance in the Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance. We seek a passionate dance instructor to teach Ballet II in the fall semester 2026, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 am - 11:45 am.
Courses come with an established syllabus that the instructor must utilize in their teaching.
Additional responsibilities: The instructor must attend training prior to the semester, and regular meetings with Dance Program Coordinator Holly Jaycox throughout the semester.
Qualifications
Minimum requirement: Bachelor's degree (BA or BFA) in dance, and professional teaching experience.
Preferred Job Qualifications: MFA or PhD in Dance and documented teaching experience at the college or university level
Procedure
A complete application includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and names and contact information for three professional references. A video example of teaching is highly preferred.
Candidates should submit application materials electronically via https://careers.purdue.edu/ The job requisition ID for this position is 42439.
For questions or more information please contact Holly Jaycox via email at hollyj@purdue.edu.
Application deadline: Apply by July 8, 2026, for maximum consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
A background check is required for employment in this position.
Equal Opportunity
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.

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