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Ballet Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Ballet information

See Alberta salary details

$7

$26

$44

How much do ballet jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for ballet in Alberta is $26.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $32.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges ballet dancers face when transitioning from student to professional company member?

Ballet dancers often encounter the challenge of adjusting to a more demanding schedule and higher performance expectations when joining a professional company. This transition requires building stamina for frequent rehearsals and performances, quickly learning new choreography, and adapting to different artistic directors’ styles. Additionally, dancers must develop strong communication and teamwork skills, as they collaborate closely with fellow dancers, choreographers, and rehearsal directors. Balancing injury prevention with maintaining peak performance is also a significant consideration in this highly competitive environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ballet Dancer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ballet Dancer, you need extensive training in classical ballet techniques, physical stamina, and often formal education from a recognized dance academy or conservatory. Familiarity with choreographic notation, stage production systems, and sometimes certifications from dance organizations are valuable in the field. Strong discipline, adaptability, teamwork, and the ability to express emotion through movement are standout soft skills. These abilities are crucial for mastering complex routines, performing consistently at a high level, and connecting with audiences and colleagues.

What is the difference between Ballet vs Dance Instructor?

AspectBalletDance Instructor
Required CredentialsTypically ballet training, certifications varyDance certifications, teaching credentials often required
Work EnvironmentStudios, theaters, performance venuesDance schools, community centers, studios
Industry UsagePerformance art, classical trainingTeaching, coaching, choreography

While ballet focuses on performing and mastering classical dance techniques, a dance instructor teaches various dance styles, including ballet, to students. Ballet professionals often perform on stage, whereas dance instructors work in educational settings. Both roles require dance training, but their primary functions differ: performance versus teaching.

What are ballet dancers?

Ballet dancers are highly trained performers who use precise and graceful movements to tell a story or express emotions through the art of ballet. They typically train for many years to master techniques such as pointe work, jumps, and turns. Ballet dancers often perform in classical and contemporary productions, working with choreographers and other dancers as part of a company or troupe. Their work requires strength, flexibility, musicality, and dedication to continual practice and improvement.
Infographic showing various Ballet job openings in Alberta as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $55,664 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Job description

Purpose: Reporting to the Technical Director, the incumbent is responsible for maintenance and operation of company lighting and special effects equipment. The incumbent ensures good relations with a variety of interest groups, including casual labor, IATSE locals and personnel, the performing arts industry, and the community at large.

Responsibilities:

Leadership and Mentorship:

  • Provides a comfortable and safe place to work.
  • Motivates and develops direct reports.
  • Contributes to good inter-departmental communication and interpersonal relations.
  • Communicates our mission and values to all stakeholders.

Build and prepare for new creations and remounts/rentals:

  • Maintenance and pre-tour maintenance of all theatrical equipment, properties, scenic elements and cratage when required by senior management.
  • Installation of lighting plots as provided.
  • When required by the Ballet, adaptation of lighting designs for the various performance venues and execution of documentation required for the designs, including lighting plots, dimmer controls, cue sheets, and color lists.
  • Working closely with all members of the production department to ensure the highest possible quality of performance presentations.
  • Organization and delegation of all work in the department, including the hanging of lights, cabling, focusing, operation of the same and the placement of color in each performance venue.
  • Assist in the loading of the trailer prior to a tour and the unloading following the tour.
  • Must be fully versed in the operation of all lighting, special effects and miscellaneous technical equipment and accessories and on occasion will be called upon to operate such equipment while the company is on tour.
  • Assist in the unloading and loading of the trailer at performance venues.
  • Supervise and assist the department at all technical rehearsals, cueing sessions, and performances.
  • Act as Board Op for Alberta Ballet
  • Compiling all new design information including materials used, vendors and material pricing.
  • Acting as the liaison between production management and the casual lighting crew.
  • Determining if any supplemental pieces are required to fulfill the shows lighting requirements.
  • Managing the rebuild/maintenance requirements for the Nutcracker on a yearly basis as determined by the age and functionality of the lighting requirements.
  • Acting as the buyer for the department and gathering supplies as needed.

Expense tracking, budget management, and reporting:

  • Tracking all expenses for the department including invoices and visa statements.
  • Entering all expenses into a shared expense tracking worksheet as required.
  • Breaking down and managing maintenance budgets each year as required.

Administration:

  • Responsible for the general organization of information contained within the lighting department.
  • Managing all digital and hard copy files, digital archives are preferred over hard copy.
  • Maintain the company lighting inventory at the company warehouse location and in the venue.
  • Assist in implementation of company inventory database upgrade at warehouse.

Qualifications:

  • Sound interpersonal, team building skills, and a positive attitude.
  • Strong leadership skills.
  • 5 years minimum professional lighting experience that may include but not limited to theatre and film production.
  • A post-secondary education in theatrical lighting is of benefit but not required.
  • Strong understanding of the lighting design process.
  • Good working knowledge of Office365, Lightwrite, and Vectorworks or AutoCAD.
  • Good working knowledge of the Grand MA. Knowledge of ETC Gio an asset.
  • Budget management skills are an asset but not required.
  • Must be a full member of IATSE 212 or have sister status with IATSE 212 if from an outside local.
  • Must be Pink Card eligible.

Working conditions/physical requirements:

  • The schedule for prep in the warehouse is Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm and is outlined in the production schedule for days of work required.
  • The Lead Lighting will be required to travel with the company primarily between September and May (including December, no exceptions) or as outlined in the production schedule.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, speak, and hear. The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be prepared to use his or her own personal vehicle for occasional company business and will be reimbursed for such use on a kilometer basis.
  • A demonstrable ability to handle a deadline oriented, fast pace environment.

The Lead Lighting is expected to be punctual, personable, and work well with others. This position requires strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills and self-motivated attitude towards the work.

Primarily, but not limited to, working at the Alberta Ballet Warehouse for prep and the Southern/Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

Key Relationships:

  • Ensure working relationships with the Artistic Director, Artistic Operations Manager, Rehearsal Directors, Production Department, Stage Management, Dancers, and Wardrobe as well as with representative of the School of Alberta Ballet.
  • Ensure working collaboration with Alberta Ballet administrative staff.
  • Foster good relations and communication with a variety of interest groups - these include suppliers, IATSE locals, the performing arts industry, and the community at large.
  • Act always in the best interest of Alberta Ballet in promoting its artistic objectives.

The position of Lead Lighting is subject to the rates, terms, and conditions as outlined in the IATSE White contract dated IATSE Canadian Pink Contract. This position is included as Alberta Ballet Regular Crew. The Lead Lighting position is subject to all Alberta Ballet company policies and procedures. The Lead Lighting will be required to complete a police background check as a condition of employment.