Before Jennifer Lopez found fame as J-Lo, she was a backup dancer for Janet Jackson. Being a backup or background dancer can lead to bigger things, but it’s also an exciting and creative career in dance. The West End, cruise ships, pop videos, and even trade shows all require professional dancers with the moves and the mindset to succeed. So if you love to dance but aren’t fussed about being the centre of attention, backup dancing may be for you.
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Backup or background dancing is a broad job category, which is partly why it’s such a fun career. Some people specialise in one area, such as dancing as part of an ensemble in West End theatre shows, whereas others take their fancy footwork to all sorts of places. Here are just some of the backup-dancing gigs available.
- Concerts and music tours. We’ve all seen Taylor Swift strut her stuff alongside her backing dancers while on tour. Stadium tours are big business, and they can provide lucrative, steady employment – not to mention the chance to travel the world.
- Music videos. Beyonce’s Single Ladies, Madonna’s Vogue, Harry Styles’ Dance No More – all of those videos were made iconic by backup dancers giving it some serious welly. Could that be you?
- TV backup dancers. Strictly Come Dancing is one of UK TV’s biggest shows, and not all the dancers featured are big names. The ensemble is an important part of the show, and they often promote from within – Luba Mushtuk, Neil Jones, and Lauren Oakley all started off as nonfeatured dancers. Many other TV shows in the reality space use backup dancers to give their productions some zing.
- Theatre productions. You’d likely be hired under the title of ensemble performer rather than backup dancer – for which being a triple threat will help – but musical theatre productions usually need dancers who can perform to a high standard. Regular theatre shows sometimes require them too.
- Cruise ships. There are often great opportunities for backup dancers on cruise ships, where onboard entertainment is a key part of the offering. It’s a great entry point into the industry, as newbies are often hired, and it also suits those happy to spend long periods away from home.
- Corporate opportunities. Trade shows and product launches often hire dancers to bring a little razzmatazz to their events.
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Backup dancers are mainly freelancers, which means they are paid gig by gig and have to sort out their own taxes. It’s important to consider whether you’re the type of person who’d enjoy the freedom of freelancing or find the financial uncertainty stressful.
When it comes to how much backup dancers earn, it depends on both your experience and the gig. Dancers in a provincial panto will earn a very different salary from those supporting a famous singer on an international tour. How much can you expect to earn?
- Dancer in the West End: Wage minimums are set by the Equity Union and Society of London Theatre (SOLT). Big theatres pay at least £910.90 for an eight-show week, which can be topped up if you take on extra responsibility like being the dance captain.
- Off-West End dancers: The UK Theatre and Equity agreement has set the minimum weekly salary for performers at £501.28 per week.
- Dancer on a cruise ship: Spotlight estimates £37,000 per year on average.
- Dancer for a music tour: According to Stylecaster, backup dancers on Taylor Swift’s Eras tour earned $1,200 (£887) to $2,500 (£1,849) per show, with a hefty bonus when it finished. Of course, that’s the top end of the scale.
- Commercial dancers working on pop videos, TV, ads and films: How much you’re paid basically depends on the production budget. Urban Motion Dance suggests a going rate for dancers of £200 to £2,000 per job.
Most dancers also have dance-related side hustles, such as teaching or coaching. If you enjoy creating new dance routines, choreography can be a great way to use your talents. Futureproofing your career by considering potential pivots for when you’re older or less agile is also a good idea.
1. Do your research.
Understanding the professional dance industry is crucial. There are different styles of dance that may require different training, and although you don’t have to focus on one single route, it’s good to know your options. As a backup dancer, having multiple styles in your locker is a great selling point. Make sure your technique is on point, stay curious, and be ready to learn by attending as many classes as you can.
2. Think like a professional.
Being a professional backup dancer can be arduous – both physically and mentally. You have to be resilient and persistent, and really want to do it in order not to resent the late nights, blisters, and rejection following auditions. Top background dancers are adaptable team players who take on new choreography easily. They’re also OK with supporting the main act, not looking for ways to steal the limelight. Plus your body is now your source of income, so look after it. Being a professional dancer means eating well, exercising, and going to dance classes to keep yourself ready for when a gig comes along.
3. Get networking.
Getting to know people in the industry is a great way to find out about jobs and opportunities. It also gives you a dance-related support network of people who will understand any conundrums you come across. Build relationships with people face to face by joining dance workshops, attending classes, and chatting with like-minded dance nuts. In the online sphere, join any relevant social media groups you can find. Follow choreographers you like and dancers you admire, and post your own dance routines with hashtags such as #backupdancer, #backgrounddancer, and #supportingdancer.
4. Prepare for success.
You may look hot on the dancefloor, but how sharp are your admin skills? It’s important to be able to sell yourself and your brand as a background dancer. Prepare your CV and showreel so they show you at your best. Your CV should include your experience, training, and a recent headshot. Your showreel should include clips of you dancing professionally, or in amateur productions if you’re yet to make your debut.
5. Get out there.
Once you’ve clued up on the industry, built a network, and prepared your relevant materials, it’s time to bag a gig. Keep your eye on jobs boards for dancing gigs and tap up your network for info on upcoming opportunities. Check online noticeboards and message groups, as well as your local dance studio. Think about what routine you might use as your go-to audition piece. It’s time to put on your dancing shoes and go for it!
