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Background Dancer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

You love having fun, like giving high 5's, and can play like a child! (A background in child ... dance and sports prep, plus enjoyable extras like camps, Parents' Survival Nights and Awesome ...

Ballet Teacher

Mannboro, VA ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Retirement

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 ...

Ballet Teacher

Onemo, VA ยท On-site

$20/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 ...

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Background Dancer information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do background dancer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for background dancer in Virginia is $17.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $20.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Background Dancer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,424 per year, or $17 per hour.

Recreation Attendant - Dance

City of Harrisonburg, VA

Harrisonburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$16.44/hr

Part-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Salary: $16.44 Hourly
Location : Harrisonburg, VA
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 6427 - (July 2026)
Department: Parks & Recreation
Opening Date: 07/22/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Description
Love dance and working with students? Join the City of Harrisonburg as a Recreation Attendant - Dance and help create a fun, safe, and welcoming experience for every participant.
The 's Recreation Attendant role is year-round, part-time and has a preferred hiring rate of $16.44 per hour (no benefits). The ideal candidate for this position will have exemplary customer service abilities while assisting with the implementation of a variety of classes.
As a Recreation Attendant in the Dance Program, you'll:
  • Assist by:
    • Supervising students;
    • Planning and implementing specific activities for participants;
    • Preparing facilities and materials for dance programs;
    • Enforcing dance programs rules and regulations;
    • Completing disciplinary forms, accident forms, and other paperwork as needed;
    • Processing payments and transactions for services offered;
    • Responding to questions and providing information related to dance programs and activities.
  • Assist with programs and events by:
    • Receiving visitors;
    • Preparing facilities for programs and events, including cleaning and maintenance of facilities and equipment;
    • Responding to questions and providing information related to Parks & Recreation programs;
    • Processing payments, registrations, rentals, and transactions;
    • Interacting with program/class instructors within the facilities as needed;
    • Opening and closing the recreation facility as needed.
  • Assist with other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Completion of the tenth grade and minimal experience in a customer service position. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be used to meet this requirement. High school diploma or GED preferred but not required for consideration.
  • At least 16 years of age.
  • CPR/AED and First Aid Certifications within the first three months of employment.
  • Some experience serving as a dance teacher or assisting with teaching dance classes is preferred but not required.

The selected candidate for this position will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results:
  • Drug screening; and
  • Criminal background check.
This position is subject to the City of Harrisonburg's random drug testing program.
Supplemental Information
To Apply: In order to be considered, all candidates must submit a complete City of Harrisonburg online employment application, including previous work experience and education history. This position may close at any time after 10 calendar days. (posted 07/22/2026)
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status.
The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including 15.5 observed holidays. More information on available benefits is listed on the City's website
01
What is your highest level of education?
  • Less than 8th Grade
  • Completed 8th Grade
  • Completed 9th Grade
  • Completed 10th Grade
  • Completed 11th Grade
  • High School Graduate
  • GED
  • Attend College
  • College Graduate
  • Attended Graduate School
  • Master's Degree
  • Graduate study beyond Master's
  • Ph.D. or professional degree

02
Are currently at least 16 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Which of the following certifications do you currently possess? Please select all that apply.
  • CPR
  • AED
  • First Aid
  • None of the Above

04
Please describe your prior experience with dance and assisting with teaching dance classes. If you do not possess any experience, please type "N/A" in the field below.
05
When are you available to work during the hours of 4:00pm - 8:00pm Mondays - Fridays and 9:30am - 12:00noon on Saturdays?
Required Question