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Classical Dance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of classical repertory. * Knowledge of terminology used in technique classes. * Skills in musical styles and instruments that support the specific dance class. * Ability to provide musical ...

Previous experience as a professional dancer with a major classical ballet company. * Previous Rehearsal Director experience in an academic, classical ballet company, coaching female principal ...

Rehearsal Director

Boston, MA · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Previous experience as a professional dancer with a major classical ballet company. * Previous Rehearsal Director experience in an academic, classical ballet company, coaching female principal ...

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Classical Dance information

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

To thrive as a Classical Dancer, you need a solid foundation in dance technique, musicality, and performance, often gained through formal training or a degree in dance. Mastery of specific dance forms (such as ballet, Bharatanatyam, or Kathak), familiarity with stage makeup, and the ability to interpret choreography are typically required. Discipline, perseverance, and expressive communication are crucial soft skills that set outstanding dancers apart. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering compelling performances, adapting to demanding routines, and sustaining a long-term dance career.

What is classical dance?

Classical dance refers to traditional dance forms that have been passed down through generations and are characterized by codified techniques, structured movements, and expressive storytelling. These dances often have deep cultural, spiritual, or historical significance and are performed to classical music specific to their region. Examples include ballet from the West, and Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi from India. Classical dance demands rigorous training and discipline, with a strong emphasis on technique, form, and artistry.

How to become a professional classical dancer?

To become a professional classical dancer, one should undergo formal training in a specific dance form through a reputable dance school or academy, develop strong technical skills, and gain performance experience through auditions and competitions. Continuous practice, dedication, and understanding of music and choreography are essential, along with building a portfolio or demo reel to showcase skills. Many dancers also pursue certifications or diplomas to enhance credibility and career prospects.

What jobs can you get as a dancer?

As a classical dancer, you can pursue roles such as performer in dance companies, solo artist, dance instructor, choreographer, or dance educator. These jobs often require strong technical skills, performance experience, and sometimes teaching certifications or degrees in dance. Opportunities exist in theaters, cultural organizations, educational institutions, and entertainment industries.

What is the highest paying job in dance?

The highest paying jobs in dance often include roles such as principal dancers in major ballet companies, dance directors, or choreographers working on high-profile productions. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced training, and often involve leadership responsibilities and creative oversight, leading to higher salaries within the dance industry.

What are some common challenges faced by classical dance professionals in maintaining their physical and artistic performance over time?

Classical dance professionals often face challenges such as preventing injuries due to repetitive movement, maintaining physical endurance, and continuously refining their technique. Additionally, staying artistically inspired while meeting the high standards of traditional choreography can be demanding. Dancers usually collaborate closely with instructors, choreographers, and other dancers to overcome these challenges and sustain long-term careers. Regular practice, cross-training, and ongoing education are essential parts of their routine to ensure both physical well-being and artistic growth.

What is the difference between Classical Dance vs Ballet Dance?

AspectClassical DanceBallet Dance
CredentialsTraining in traditional techniques, certifications vary by styleFormal ballet training, often with certifications from ballet academies
Work EnvironmentStage performances, cultural events, dance schoolsTheater stages, dance companies, academies
Industry UsagePopular in cultural festivals, traditional performancesWidely used in Western performing arts, theaters
Search & ComparisonOften compared for traditional dance stylesCommonly compared with classical dance for technical aspects

Classical dance encompasses various traditional dance forms with unique techniques and cultural significance, while ballet dance is a specific Western dance form known for its technical precision and classical training. Both require rigorous training and are performed on stage, but they differ in style, origins, and cultural context.

What careers can you have in dance?

Careers in dance include professional dancer, dance instructor, choreographer, dance therapist, and dance company director. These roles often require strong technical skills, performance experience, and sometimes formal training or certifications, with work environments ranging from theaters and studios to educational settings.
More about Classical Dance jobs
What cities are hiring for Classical Dance jobs? Cities with the most Classical Dance job openings:
What states have the most Classical Dance jobs? States with the most job openings for Classical Dance jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Classical Dance jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Classical Dance jobs are:
Infographic showing various Classical Dance job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Full Time, and 89% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
MGSA - Department of Dance - (Fall 2026)

MGSA - Department of Dance - (Fall 2026)

Rutgers University

New Brunswick, NJ • On-site

$2.7K/wk

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Rutgers University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

258th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title
MGSA - Department of Dance - (Fall 2026)
Department
Dance
Salary Details
A minimum of $2,777 per credit.
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
  • Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Employee discount programs

Posting Summary
The Department of Dance, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University invites applications for part-time instructional and academic support for undergraduate and graduate courses.
The Department seeks instructors to support our robust programs. The Lecturers/Coadjutants will teach courses in Movement Practices (Classical/Traditional, African and African-Diasporic, Contemporary, and Somatic forms), Creative Practices (improvisation and choreography) and dance history and theory to undergraduate BFA, BA, and dance minor populations.
Position Status
Part Time
Posting Number
26FA0446
Posting Open Date
05/04/2026
Posting Close Date
11/01/2026
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in dance or dance education and relevant one year teaching experience in higher education. Graduate degree preferred. Strong pedagogical, organizational, administrative, and interpersonal skills.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Lecturers will provide highly physically active instruction to dance students.
Overview
Mason Gross School of the Arts, a vibrant community of artists and scholars, is committed to pursuing excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Its 1200 students reflect the diversity of New Jersey, the fourth most diverse state in the nation. In addition to its professional arts training programs, Mason Gross provides the larger community an opportunity to embrace the creative arts through its divisions of Rutgers Arts Online and Rutgers Community Arts. The school is housed within Rutgers-New Brunswick, a premier Big Ten research university that serves some 50,000 students and is the flagship campus of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. The nation's eighth oldest institution of higher learning, Rutgers is less than an hour by train or car to New York City and the beautiful beaches of the Jersey Shore and just over an hour to Philadelphia.
Statement
Posting Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Quick Link to Posting
https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/274252
Campus
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus
Douglass (RU-New Brunswick)
City
New Brunswick
State
NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

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