Dancers

Employers

Approximately 13,900 professional dancers are employed in the United States. They work for dance companies, opera companies, theater companies, and film and video companies. They are also hired for individual shows and performances that may run anywhere from one night only to several years. Most opportunities are located in major metropolitan areas, New York City being the primary center of dance in the United States. Other cities that have full-time dance companies include San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Miami, and Washington, D.C. Many smaller cities also have their own resident dance and theater companies. After several years of experience, dancers often start their own companies based in studios that also may offer classes to both professionals and amateurs.