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Dancer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Head of Mills Music Library

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$75K - $110K/yr

Acting as the primary liaison to the Mead Witter School of Music, the Dance Department, and related programs, the position provides advanced research services, leads instructional and outreach ...

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Dancer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$14

$16

$18

How much do dancer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for dancer in Madison, WI is $16.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $16.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I get hired as a dancer?

To get hired as a dancer, develop strong technical skills through training or dance classes, build a professional portfolio or demo reel, and gain experience by performing at local events or auditions. Networking with industry professionals and attending auditions or open calls are also essential steps in securing employment in dance roles.

What careers are there in dance?

Careers in dance include professional dancer, choreographer, dance instructor, dance therapist, and dance studio owner. These roles often require training in dance techniques, performance skills, and sometimes certifications or degrees in dance or related fields. Opportunities exist in performing arts companies, theaters, educational institutions, and healthcare settings.

What are dancers?

Dancers are performing artists who use movement, often set to music, to express ideas, tell stories, or entertain audiences. They may specialize in various styles, such as ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, ballroom, or cultural dances. Dancers often work in theater productions, music videos, dance companies, or even teach in studios. Their work requires significant physical training, creativity, and dedication. Many dancers also collaborate with choreographers and other artists to bring performances to life.

What jobs can you get as a dancer?

As a dancer, you can work in various roles such as performing in dance companies, theaters, or on stage for concerts and events. Other opportunities include teaching dance classes, working as a choreographer, or performing in music videos, films, and commercials. Many dancers also find employment in entertainment venues, cruise ships, or as backup dancers for artists.

What is the best job for a dancer?

The best job for a dancer often involves performing in theaters, dance companies, or as a freelance artist. Many dancers also find work in entertainment industries such as film, television, or music videos, and may teach dance classes or workshops to supplement their income.

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 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.

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 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 popular job titles related to Dancer jobs in Madison, WI? For Dancer jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dancer jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Dancer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Dancer jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Dancer job openings:
Infographic showing various Dancer job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,801 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Head Of Mills Music Library

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI • On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


University Of Wisconsin-Madison rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category: Academic Staff
Employment Type: Regular
Job Profile: Library/Archive Manager I
Job Summary:
The Head of Mills Music Library serves as the University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries' lead librarian for music and dance, overseeing all operations, services, and staff of the music library. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Collections, the position provides strategic direction for the library, establishes departmental priorities, and leads a team of four full-time staff with responsibilities spanning archival processing, audio digitization, specialized research support, and instructional services. A major emphasis of the role is the development, stewardship, and management of extensive music and dance collections, including rare and unique special collections and archival materials for the Wisconsin Music Archives. The position also advances services that support digital scholarship, composition, and creative work, ensuring that the library's collections and expertise foster innovation in teaching, performance, and research.
The Head of Mills Music Library oversees all collection development activities and collection funds for music and dance, manages donor relations and gifts-in-kind, and identifies grant opportunities to support library and campus initiatives. The role directs preservation, technical services, and digitization projects and provides expert guidance on copyright and fair use. Acting as the primary liaison to the Mead Witter School of Music, the Dance Department, and related programs, the position provides advanced research services, leads instructional and outreach activities, and strengthens connections between the libraries and the broader Madison music and dance communities. The role also includes ongoing professional development, participation in professional organizations, and service on library and campus committees to advance the mission of the Libraries. The UW-Madison Libraries lead in curating, preserving, and sharing knowledge through environments that inspire engagement, discovery, and learning. The Libraries deliver exemplary information services to advance the mission and strategic priorities of one of the nation's leading research universities. Shared values at Libraries include respect, inclusion, communication, collaboration, and empowerment.
This position is eligible for partial remote work. A remote work agreement may allow for a maximum of 20% remote per week.
This position is full-time, 100%.
Ongoing/Renewable
Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Actively participate in an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful workplace (5%)
  • Collaborates with other managers to develop and implement initiatives and technological enterprises which directly affect the libraries (5%)
  • Oversees day-to-day management of unit operations, services, and space (15%)
  • Advances librarianship/archives at the campus, local, and state level through committee participation (10%)
  • Manages and implements collection development for the subjects of music and dance across a variety of formats (10%)
  • Communicates the strategic direction of the department as determined by leadership (5%)
  • Designs, develops, and provides leadership on projects, programs, procedures, and services (10%)
  • Resolves complex issues which may impact policies and procedures within the unit (5%)
  • May manage the operating budget (5%)
  • Performs and directs research services related to music and dance for university faculty, staff, students, and other Library patrons (10%)
  • May supervise unit personnel. May hire, train, coach, and evaluate employees to manage and improve performance (20%)

Department:
Libraries, Music Library
Compensation:
Starting salary will be based on experience and qualifications. Well-qualified applicants can anticipate earning between $75,000-$110,000 with final salary based on experience and qualifications.
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/).
Required Qualifications:
  • At least three years of professional experience working in an academic or research library
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in music librarianship
  • Proven experience with public services in an academic or research library
  • Experience with collection development in an academic or research library
  • Supervisory experience or experience leading teams or projects
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, faculty, students, and other stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working with historic collections such as archives, historic audio formats, and realia
  • Experience with digital initiatives such as digitization, digital humanities, and digital arts projects
  • Experience engaging with donors

Education:
Master's Degree Required in Library Sciences, Library Information Services, or related field Required, or PhD in relevant field.
How to Apply:
Click the "Apply" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Applicants should attach a cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process.
References will be requested from finalists only and are not required with the initial application. Reference requests will be sent via email from SkillSurvey.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
Contact Information:
Abram Hopp, abram.hopp@wisc.edu,(608) 890-1795
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying to.Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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About University of Wisconsin

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The University of Wisconsin, based in Madison, WI, US, functions in the educational industry and is a renowned and respected institution for higher education. Its official website is wisc.edu. Established in 1848, this public research university is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education, research, creativity, and public service. It embodies a strong commitment to academic freedom and academic excellence. As a major contributor to the Wisconsin Idea, it aims to accomplish its mission of generating well-rounded individuals who will contribute substantially to society, the local community, and the global economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

Year founded

2005