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Professional Ballet Dancer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boston Ballet

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 ...

Boston Ballet

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 ...

Joffrey Ballet

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50/hr

About The Joffrey Ballet Considered one of the premier dance companies performing today, the ... Professional dance experience is required with a minimum of two years of teaching dance. * Clear ...

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Professional Ballet Dancer information

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$23

$46

How much do professional ballet dancer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional ballet dancer in the United States is $23.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $38.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by professional ballet dancers during a performance season?

Professional ballet dancers often encounter challenges such as managing physical fatigue and preventing injuries due to demanding rehearsal and performance schedules. Balancing multiple roles, adapting to different choreographers' styles, and maintaining peak physical condition throughout the season can also be demanding. Additionally, dancers must collaborate closely with other company members and artistic staff to ensure cohesive performances, which requires strong communication and teamwork skills.

What is the difference between Professional Ballet Dancer vs Ballet Instructor?

AspectProfessional Ballet DancerBallet Instructor
CredentialsDance degrees, professional training, auditionsDance experience, teaching certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentStage performances, touring, rehearsalsDance studios, classrooms, workshops
Employer & Industry UsageDance companies, theaters, touring companiesDance schools, academies, community centers

While both roles require a strong dance background, a Professional Ballet Dancer primarily performs on stage, showcasing their skills in productions. In contrast, a Ballet Instructor focuses on teaching and training students, often working in educational settings. Both careers demand dedication to ballet, but their daily activities and career paths differ significantly.

What is a professional ballet dancer?

Professional ballet dancers are highly trained performers who specialize in the art of ballet, a classical form of dance characterized by grace, precision, and formalized movements. They often work with ballet companies, performing in productions such as 'Swan Lake' or 'The Nutcracker.' Their daily routine includes rigorous practice, rehearsals, and performances, as well as maintaining their physical fitness. Ballet dancers typically start training at a young age and dedicate many years to perfecting their technique and artistry. Their careers often involve traveling, auditions, and continual learning to maintain peak performance.

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

To thrive as a Professional Ballet Dancer, you need advanced technical ballet training, physical strength, and a deep understanding of dance theory, typically gained through years of formal education at a recognized dance school. Proficiency with stage production systems, rehearsal software, and familiarity with various choreography styles is often required. Exceptional discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the ability to communicate emotion through movement are crucial soft skills. These abilities enable dancers to deliver compelling performances, handle the physical demands of the profession, and collaborate effectively within a company.
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What cities are hiring for Professional Ballet Dancer jobs? Cities with the most Professional Ballet Dancer job openings:
What states have the most Professional Ballet Dancer jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Ballet Dancer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Professional Ballet Dancer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Ballet Dancer jobs are:
Professional Ballet Dancer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Ballet Dancer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,962 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Part-Time Faculty NW Campus Lower Division

The Washington Ballet

Washington, DC • On-site

$51 - $68/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Department: NW School
Position Title: Part-Time Faculty (Lower Division)
Reports to: School Director
Classification: Part-time, Seasonal
Hourly Wage Range: $51 - $68
Location: Washington, DC
Position Description
The Washington School of Ballet seeks an energetic candidate with significant experience teaching ballet technique to children ages 4 to 12. Preferred that candidate has certification in or participated in a ballet syllabus teacher training program. Candidate must be available to work on Saturdays and during scheduled special events. Candidate must possess strong classical ballet knowledge, must be a team player, teach the school's curriculum, and have experience in choreography for young children.
Key Job Duties:
  • Teach ballet classes in Pre Ballet Levels 1-3 ages 4-7
  • Teach ballet classes in Lower Division Levels 1-3 ages 8-12
  • Assist in choreography for the Pre Ballet 2 & 3 Classes
  • Assist in presentations and Spring Performance for Level 1A -3
  • Write Evaluations for each student Levels 1-3
  • Actively participate in creating a work culture that celebrates Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging (DEIB).

Experience, Skills and Knowledge:
While we understand that no single candidate may possess every qualification listed below, the following are priorities.
  • Extensive teaching and/or professional experience (ideally 10 years) in a nationally recognized company and/or school is preferred.
  • Experience teaching and choreographing for young children is a must.
  • Support the philosophy and mission of The Washington Ballet and The Washington School of Ballet
  • Must be a self-starter
  • Must possess excellent organizational skills, good collaborator
  • Communicates conflicts, concerns, or matters of urgency to the appropriate supervisor
  • Works in a detail-oriented manner, is resourceful, flexible, and is able to handle tasks simultaneously
  • Work independently and as part of a team
  • Basic understanding of musicality and ability to communicate with pianist
  • Classical Ballet
  • Classical Ballet Repertoire
  • Classroom management

Equal Opportunity Statement
The Washington Ballet is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment in all aspects of its work, from artistic performances and ballet education to community engagement and workplace culture. We prioritize presenting artists and perspectives that reflect the dynamism of DC. Through our community partnerships and campus locations, we intentionally bring opportunities to communities throughout the DMV, ensuring fairness in hiring and employment practices.
Benefits
  • Sick leave
  • Free adult ballet classes
  • Access to discounted tickets to performances

Application Instructions
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three references. We encourage all interested applicants to apply even if they do not feel they meet 100% of the qualifications. We are dedicated to considering a wide array of candidates including those with non-traditional background and experience in the performing arts. Please use your cover letter to elaborate on what you hope to bring to this role and how your prior experience has prepared you for this opportunity.
About The Washington Ballet
Celebrating its 80th year as an organization, The Washington Ballet grew out of the success of The Washington School of Ballet, founded and directed for years by legendary dance pioneer Mary Day. Today, The Washington Ballet's mission is threefold: To bring the joy and artistry of dance to the nation's capital and the world's stage through the professional presentation of the best in classic and contemporary ballet; to provide the highest caliber of dance training through a preeminent school of ballet; and to serve and involve the entire community through extensive dance education and community engagement programs.

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