Dance
Discover more about the programs in the Conservatory of Dance and find out about program requirements, courses and the program faculty.
Career Possibilities
The following is a list of some career possibilities that students in this major might find rewarding. Remember, that your major does not necessarily determine your career. Graduates use their academic majors in a variety of professional fields. The options below can be used as a starting point to explore potential career paths, however, you may also want to investigate more using recommended resources to gain a more comprehensive list of careers. Keep in mind that additional education, training, and experiential education beyond your major may be needed to pursue these possibilities.
Acquired Skills
- Ability to improve when critiqued
- Ability to perform with others/independently
- Problem solving skills
- Creative ability of expression through movement
- Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
- Ability to relate to people of varying backgrounds
- Coordinating or directing others
- Disciplined and self-motivated
- Ability to create interesting associations between ideas
- Ability to teach others using creative methods
- Concentration
- Attention to Detail
Career Titles
- Artistic Director (AD)
- Artist-in-residence
- Ballet Mistress/Master
- Booking Agent
- Business Manager
- Choreographer
- College Professor
- Company Dancer
- Company Manager
- Corps de Ballet
- Costumer/Costume Designer
- Dance Therapist/Recreation Therapist
- Demi Soloist
- Designer: costume, lights
- Director
- Fundraising/Development
- General Manager
- Grants Specialist
- Instructor
- Leisure and Recreation Instructor
- Lighting or Scenic Designer
- Musical Director
- Personnel Manager
- Pilates/Body Conditioning
- Press Agent
- Prima Ballerina / Premier Danseur
- Principal Dancer
- Private Teacher
- Production Manager
- Public Relations Manager
- Public School Teacher
- Soloist
- Stage Manager
- Technician
- Wardrobe Mistress
- Yoga Instructor
Types of Organizations that Hire
- Amusement and Theme Parks
- Arts Councils
- Colleges and Universities
- Dance Groups/Companies
- Leisure Industries (i.e. cruise lines)
- Performing Arts Centers
- Private & Publically Owned Studios
- Newspapers/Magazines
- Television Networks
- Theatres
- Touring Companies
- TV/Film Studios
- Schools
Career Information and Professional Association Links
Buzzfile - Employers of Dance majors
Dance Masters of America
American Dance Guild
American Dance Therapy Association
Dance/USA - National service organization for professional dance; financial & legal assistance; rehearsal space
National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
National Dance Council of America
Self Employment in the Arts
ArtsWestchester - A guide to arts in Westchester - events, grants, links to local artists, internships, etc.
Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job descriptions, growth forecasts & salary
Job Search Links
Career Development Center - Visit Purchase JobScore to access jobs posted for Purchase students and alumni
ArtSearch - Search for jobs in the arts
Theatre Communications Group - TCG’s ARTSEARCH - a job search board
EntertainmentCareers.net - Entertainment Job and Internship Listings
Backstage - Apply To Dance Auditions & Casting Calls In NYC
DanceNYC - audition notices, and resources for dancers looking to combine dance with social justice
NYSADTA - NYS Chapter of American Dance Therapy Association - resource for referrals between artists and licensed therapists and for people interested in the dance/movement therapy field.
The Actors Fund - programs and resources to support the unique, essential needs of all who work in entertainment and the performing arts
International Association for Blacks in Dance - connecting with other African Americans artists in different fields, specifically managers and agents who seek diversity
Additional Resources Available at the CDC