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Dancer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Fred Astaire Dance Studios

Dancer

Libertyville, IL

Fred Astaire Dance Studios is excited to be adding to our team of professional dance instructors. We are currently hiring for a Dance Instructor. Whether you have years of dance and/or dance ...

Fred Astaire Dance Studios

Dancer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • PTO

Fred Astaire Dance Studios ® is excited to be adding to our team of professional dance instructors. We are currently hiring for a Dance Instructor. Whether you have years of dance and/or dance ...

Fred Astaire Dance Studios

Dancer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • PTO

Fred Astaire Dance Studios ® is excited to be adding to our team of professional dance instructors. We are currently hiring for a Dance Instructor. Whether you have years of dance and/or dance ...

Hips Don't Lie Dance Co.

Dancer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $300/wk

We're looking for talented dancers ready to make a long-term commitment to our vibrant team. We perform a diverse range of dance styles including Contemporary, Latin, Bellydance, Bollywood, Hip-hop ...

Naperville Park District

Dance Instructor

Naperville, IL · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

The Dance Instructor is a part time position responsible for providing instruction of dance classes at levels beginning through advanced while providing high quality training to all age groups. This ...

Naperville Park District

Dance Instructor

Naperville, IL · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

The Dance Instructor is a part time position responsible for providing instruction of dance classes at levels beginning through advanced while providing high quality training to all age groups. This ...

Norridge Park District

Dance Instructor

Norridge, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Requirements The Dance Instructor must have a high school diploma or equivalent, experience, skill and knowledge in teaching a wide range of specified dance styles and techniques. Must also have ...

City of Lake Forest, IL

Dance Instructor

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$30/hr

Recreation Opening Date: 12/18/2025 Description The Early Childhood Dance Instructor is responsible for planning and leading engaging and age-appropriate dance classes and camps for children ages 2 ...

Lake Forest

Dance Instructor

Lake Forest, IL

$30/hr

Description The Early Childhood Dance Instructor is responsible for planning and leading engaging and age-appropriate dance classes and camps for children ages 2 to 7. This position requires prior ...

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All JobsDancer JobsDancer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Dancer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$16

$19

How much do dancer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for dancer in Chicago, IL is $16.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dancer?

A professional dancer is a person that performs choreographed body movements, usually as part of a show or production. Dancers are highly trained and skillful artists that commit many long hours of practice and discipline to their trade. Many dancers begin as early as age five and continue training throughout their adult lives to develop their skills and balance. As performers, dancers may be the main performers in a production, like a ballet, or they may be a part of another stage performance and dance while a musician or band plays live music.

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

To thrive as a Dancer, you need strong technical proficiency in various dance styles, physical fitness, and typically formal training or a degree in dance. Familiarity with choreography software, stage equipment, and sometimes certification in specialties like teaching or fitness dance can be beneficial. Creativity, discipline, adaptability, and teamwork are standout soft skills in this profession. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering compelling performances, maintaining physical health, and collaborating successfully with choreographers and other performers.

What are some common challenges dancers face when working in a professional company, and how can they overcome them?

Professional dancers often encounter challenges such as rigorous rehearsal schedules, physical strain, and the need to quickly adapt to new choreography or styles. Balancing personal health with demanding performance commitments can be difficult, making injury prevention and self-care essential. Additionally, dancers must work collaboratively with choreographers, fellow dancers, and production teams, requiring strong communication and adaptability. Building resilience, maintaining a structured self-care routine, and fostering positive relationships within the company can help dancers navigate these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Dancer vs Choreographer?

AspectDancerChoreographer
Required CredentialsDance training, sometimes formal educationDance experience, often formal training, and choreography skills
Work EnvironmentPerforming on stage, in music videos, or at eventsCreating dance routines, rehearsing with dancers, and directing performances
Industry UsagePerformers in theater, dance companies, entertainment showsDesigning dance routines for performances, shows, and productions

While dancers perform choreographed routines, choreographers create and design those routines. Dancers focus on executing dance movements, whereas choreographers develop the artistic vision and structure of the dance. Both roles often collaborate closely in the dance industry, but their primary responsibilities differ significantly.

How do I get a job as a dancer?

To get a job as a dancer, develop strong technical skills through training or dance classes, build a professional portfolio or audition reel, and gain experience by performing at local events or in productions. Networking with industry professionals and applying to dance companies, theaters, or entertainment venues are also essential steps.

What does a dancer get paid?

Dancers' pay varies widely based on the type of dance, experience, location, and employment setting. Professional dancers in theaters, television, or film can earn from $20,000 to over $100,000 annually, while those working as freelance or in smaller venues may earn less, often paid per performance or hour. Additional income may come from tips, teaching, or choreography work.

What is the best job for a dancer?

The best job for a dancer often involves performing in dance companies, theater productions, or as a freelance artist. Many dancers also find employment as dance instructors, choreographers, or in entertainment industries such as film, television, and music videos, requiring strong technical skills and physical fitness.

What jobs can I do as a dancer?

As a dancer, you can work as a performer in theaters, dance companies, or on tour, or find employment as a dance instructor or choreographer. Opportunities also exist in entertainment industries such as film, television, music videos, and commercial advertising, often requiring strong technical skills and performance experience.
More about Dancer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Dancer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Dancer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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For Dancer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Dancer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Dancer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Dancer job openings:

Dancer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dancer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 54% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,584 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Dancer

Fred Astaire Dance Studios

Libertyville, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

We are growing! Fred Astaire Dance Studios is excited to be adding to our team of professional dance instructors. We are currently hiring for a Dance Instructor. Whether you have years of dance and/or dance instructor experience or none at all, you could have a successful future with us! If you love interacting with people, having fun, helping others, staying VERY active, and having control over what you earn, you will love a career with Fred Astaire!

As a high energy, customer-focused instructor, you will conduct private and group dance classes throughout the week. You and your Fred Astaire team will help students to reach their personal dance goals through many different ways - from a single event to a lifelong journey of dance growth. You will have a unique honor to enhance people's lives every day. You will meet and work closely with people from all walks of life which will give you a level of personal enrichment you could never experience in any other environment.

We maintain regular studio hours throughout the week; however, we host many events that take place on some weekday evenings and some weekends as well which you will need and want to attend with your students.

Who we are:

Enriching lives - physically, mentally, emotionally & socially, through the positive, transforming power of dance.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios is the leader in ballroom dance instruction across the country and around the world. Founded in 1947 with one studio on Park Avenue in Manhattan, we have grown our franchise network to 180 dance studio locations serving over 25,000 students! We are global family, proudly honoring the legacy of Mr. Fred Astaire, committed to pursuing excellence of life through dance.

We welcome everyone who is interested in starting their dance journey because we believe that dance is for everybody and for every BODY! People ask "Why do students stay with Fred Astaire Dance Studios?" It is because of the atmosphere of kindness, warmth and care given and received at every location. It's what our students tell us they notice from the first time they step inside our studio - an energy and sense of "FADS community" that is welcoming, non-judgmental, and FUN!

Fred Astaire Dance Studios has something for everyone. We offer group and private lessons, choreograph wedding dances or just prepare the happy couple and wedding party for the big day, provide opportunities to perform in beautiful venues, host local parties for dance practice and comradery and we host an average of 35 spectacular branded National, Inter-Regional and Regional Dance Competitions annually giving our students and professionals opportunities to compete in a variety of categories.

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