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Dancing Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Dance Instructor

Bensenville, IL ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Under the direction of the Cultural & Fine Arts Supervisor, the Dance Instructor plans, organizes, and teaches dance classes, is responsible for creating class curriculum, demonstrates dance ...

Create Memories Through Dance! Do you love working with children, teaching dance, and helping students shine both on and off the stage? The Crystal Lake Park District is looking for an enthusiastic ...

Create Memories Through Dance! Do you love working with children, teaching dance, and helping students shine both on and off the stage? The Crystal Lake Park District is looking for an enthusiastic ...

Dance Instructor (Part-Time)

Niles, IL ยท On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Niles Park District is seeking an enthusiastic dance instructor to join our team for the 2026-2027 season! We are looking for an instructor with Wednesday evening availability (4:45-7:45 PM) to teach ...

Dance Instructor (Part-Time)

Niles, IL ยท On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Niles Park District is seeking an enthusiastic dance instructor to join our team for the 2026-2027 season! We are looking for an instructor with Wednesday evening availability (4:45-7:45 PM) to teach ...

Dance Teacher

Grayslake, IL ยท On-site

$38 - $40/hr

Children's Land is seeking an enthusiastic and talented Dance Teacher teaching dance to preschool aged children and staging children's performances. The hours are September through May, once a week ...

Dance Instructor

Skokie, IL ยท On-site

$20 - $26/hr

The Dance Instructor is responsible for developing, organizing and instructing various forms of dance including hip hop, ballet, contemporary and/or jazz, to children aged 5 to 18 years of age as ...

Showing results 21-40

Dancing information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$8

$26

$45

How much do dancing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for dancing in Chicago, IL is $26.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $30.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dancer?

Dancers are performing artists who use movement, rhythm, and expression to convey stories, emotions, or concepts, often to music. They may perform in a variety of styles, such as ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, ballroom, or cultural dances, either solo or as part of a group. Dancers work in settings like theaters, television, movies, music videos, and live events, and often spend years training and rehearsing to master their craft. The work can be physically demanding and requires discipline, creativity, and a passion for performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional dancer?

To thrive as a Professional Dancer, you need strong technical dance skills, physical fitness, and often formal training or a degree in dance. Proficiency with music editing software, stage lighting, and familiarity with various dance genres or choreography systems is typical. Exceptional discipline, teamwork, adaptability, and creativity help dancers stand out in auditions and performances. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality performances, collaborating with choreographers and peers, and sustaining a demanding career in the arts.

What are some common challenges professional dancers face when working in a dance company or troupe?

Professional dancers often face challenges such as maintaining physical health due to the demanding nature of rehearsals and performances, adapting quickly to different choreographic styles, and managing irregular work hours, including evenings and weekends. Additionally, dancers must collaborate closely with choreographers and fellow dancers, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills. Balancing auditions, ongoing training, and performance schedules can also be demanding, but these experiences help dancers develop resilience and versatility in their careers.

What is the difference between Dancing vs Choreographer?

AspectDancingChoreographer
Required CredentialsDance training, certifications, or experienceDance background, choreography experience, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentPerforming on stage, in studios, or on setDesigning dance routines, collaborating with performers
Industry UsagePerformers in theater, film, TV, or live showsCreative role in dance productions, often employed by theaters or production companies
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for dance performers or classesLooking for dance choreographers or choreography services

While dancers focus on executing dance routines and performing, choreographers create and design those routines. Both roles require dance experience, but choreographers also need creative and planning skills to develop dance pieces for performances.

What are some dance professions?

Dance professions include roles such as professional dancer, choreographer, dance instructor, and dance therapist. These careers often require training in dance techniques, physical fitness, and sometimes certifications or degrees in dance or performing arts. Professionals typically work in theaters, studios, or educational settings and may specialize in genres like ballet, jazz, hip-hop, or contemporary dance.

What careers can you do with dance?

Careers with dance include professional dancer, dance instructor, choreographer, dance therapist, and performer in theater, film, or television. These roles often require training, performance skills, and sometimes certifications or degrees in dance or related fields.

What jobs can you get as a dancer?

Dancers can find employment as performers in theaters, dance companies, or on stage for concerts and musicals. They may also work as dance instructors, choreographers, or in entertainment venues such as cruise ships, theme parks, and television productions. Many dancers require training, auditions, and sometimes certifications to secure these roles.

What are popular job titles related to Dancing jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

Infographic showing various Dancing job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,218 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Dance Instructor

Bensenville Park

Bensenville, IL โ€ข On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Under the direction of the Cultural & Fine Arts Supervisor, the Dance Instructor plans, organizes, and teaches dance classes, is responsible for creating class curriculum, demonstrates dance techniques, and assists with performances.
DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Maintain a safe, energetic, and motivational teaching atmosphere
  • Instruct ages 1 and up in a variety of dance techniques such as ballet, hip hop, tap, or jazz
  • Create progressive lesson plans
  • Stay updated on dance trends and games
  • Help plan and teach pieces for performances
  • Maintain open communication with supervisor, families, and participants
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor

  • 1-3 years of experience teaching children at beginning, intermediate, and advanced dance level
  • Adequate knowledge of techniques, vocabulary, and performance aspects of dance
  • Ability to create lesson plans and curriculum
  • Comfortable creating age-appropriate dances and lesson materials
  • Ability to motivate and energize students of all skill levels and ages
  • Background or degree in Dance or Performing Arts highly encouraged, but not required

JOB STATUS Part time DEPARTMENT Recreation FSLA STATUS Non-Exempt
SALARY $16.00-$18.00 per hour
HOURS 2-8 hours per week including evenings and weekends