Dancers use body movement to express ideas and tell stories.  Professional dancers find employment in dance companies, musicals, and other theatrical productions.  Other entertainment fields including television, films, or music videos also offer employment opportunities to dancers.  Most opportunities are in major metropolitan areas.  Dancers and choreographers who are interested in teaching find work in schools, universities, and private dance studios.  Other employers include local parks, senior citizen homes, youth centers, and social service agencies.  Because employment for dancers is highly competitive, dance majors often choose to pursue careers closely related to dance including behind the scenes careers in management, production, sales, publishing, and advertising.

The following occupations represent some career opportunities available to dance majors.  Some will require additional education.  For more information visit the Career and Experiential Learning Resource Lab in Lucina 235.

Actor
Advertising Specialist
Artistic Director
Arts Council Director
Barber
Booking Agent
Box Office Manager
Business Manager
Choreographer
Circus Performer
Coach
Community Relations Specialist
Cosmetologist
Costume Designer
Dance Autographer
Dance Company Manager
Dance Critic
Dance Reconstructor
Dance Teacher
Dance Therapist
Dance Writer
Dancer
Director of Arts Advocacy Agency
Editor
Educational Activities Director
Exhibit Designer
Fashion Designer
Fund-Raising Director
Lighting Designer
Lobbyist
Makeup Artist
Movement Notator
Performance Hall Manager
Personal Manager
Personnel Manager
Press Agent
Production Assistant
Production Hairstylist
Production Manager
Promoter
Property Person
Public Relations Specialist
Publicist
Sales Representative
Scenic Designer
Special Events Coordinator
Stage Manager
Stage Production Worker
Stunt Performer
Talent Agent
Teacher
Theatrical Agent
Theatrical Press Agent
Tour Manager
Wardrobe Dresser

Resources available in the Career and Experiential Learning Resource Lab, Lucina 235:

Career Opportunities in Theater and the Performing Arts (OCC 214)
Career Opportunities in Television, Cable, Video, and Multimedia (OCC 211.3)
Careers for the Stage-Struck & Other Dramatic Types (OCC PT 65)
Careers in Focus:  Performing Arts (OCC 162.5)
Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance (JS JO 13)
The Music & Entertainment Industry Internship Guide (PEP 22.8)
Occupational Outlook Handbook (JS JO 20)
Opportunities in Performing Arts Careers (OCC 162)

Web Sites:

BSU Dept. of Theater and Dance Performance:  http://www.bsu.edu/theatre
Career Links for BSU Majors:  http://www.bsu.edu/careers/students/linksmajors
Great Links to Explore (BSU Career Center):  http://www.bsu.edu/careers/students/links
America's Career InfoNet: http://www.acinet.org
American Dance Therapy Association:  http://www.ADTA.org/
American Guild of Musical Artists:  http://www.musicalartists.org
Arts Resource Network: http://www.artsresourcenetwork.org
Careers in the Arts: http://www.cln.org/themes/careers_art.html
Cyber Dance:  http://cyberdance.org/
Dance Jobs and Employment:  http://www.artslynx.org/dance/jobs.htm
Dance Magazine:  http://www.dancemagazine.com
Dance Resources:  http://www.dancer.com/dance-links/misc.htm
Dance USA:  http://www.danceusa.org 
Internships.com:  http://www.bsu.edu/careers/secure/pwinternships
Internships USA:  http://www.bsu.edu/careers/secure/internpw
National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD):  http://nasd.arts-accredit.org/
National Dance Association (NDA):  http://www.aahperd.org/nda
New York Foundation for the Arts: http://www.nyfa.org
O*NET:  http://online.onetcenter.org
Occupational Outlook Handbook:  http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Salary Wizard:  http://salary.com
Voice of Dance Homepage:  http://www.voiceofdance.com