Dancers

Dancers join various unions depending on the type of dance they perform. The American Guild of Musical Artists is the union to which dancers belong who perform in opera ballets, classical ballet, and modern dance. Those on live or recorded television and those in film join the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Those who appear on stage in musical comedies join the Actors’ Equity Association. And those who dance in nightclubs and variety shows belong to the American Guild of Variety Artists.

Several associations provide useful resources to dancers. Dance/USA is a membership organization for dancers, dance-related organizations, and students who are interested in dance. It offers a list of professional dance companies in the United States at its Web site. USA Dance represents social and recreational ballroom and Latin dancers in America. SHAPE America, a membership organization for health and physical education professionals, publishes the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. The National Association of Schools of Dance accredits postsecondary dance education programs.