Why not make some extra money doing what you enjoy doing the most–dancing? Turning a hobby into a profession is a dream of many people. Let’s learn how to make this dream come true.
We will look at 7 questions you may get while interviewing for a job of a dancer in a studio, club, or for a job of a dance instructor. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
Why do you want to work as a dancer?
Because you enjoy dancing, and you are darn good. You have passion for your profession, you can stay on stage for long enough without getting tired. You have great looks and you can bring some positive energy and young blood to their dance studio or to their club.
And if you apply for a job of dance instructor, say that you’d love to transfer your knowledge and years of experience onto the next generation of dancers. You got great teachers and instructors in the past, and now you are ready to pay back the favor, teaching the next get of dancers.
Let the music play. Show us what you can do. Dance!
To see something once is better than to hear about it a thousand times. In each good interview they will ask you to dance, or at least to show them some video recording of you dancing. Bring the best video tape you have, or your laptop with your YT channel ready to play.
And do not forget to wear your dancing shoes (or bring them with you to the interview), to be able to perform your best. Then it’s enough being yourself. Do not stress out in the interview. Go with the flow and let your body become one with the music..
What dance styles can you perform? What experience do you have with this or that style?
The more styles you mention the better. If you did your homework and researched about the dances they perform in the club, or teach their students in the dance school, you should talk mostly about their styles. Hip-hop, ballet, jazz dancing, tango, or waltz–whatever you have in you, mention it.
You can also add that if they need any other style or some special performance, you are talented enough to learn it quickly. Show confidence in your abilities. And if they do not trust you, dance! Dance until the music plays and the lights are on.
* May also interest you: Yoga Instructor interview questions.
How do you feel about working on weekends, or during the night?
Whether you teach or dance, most of your work will take place in the evening or during the weekend. Ensure the interviewers that you do not have any problems with staying up late and having fun. And when you have to work on weekends, you will enjoy your days off during the week. Nothing extraordinary in my book.
You can also narrate your past experience with late night shifts. You did it before, you know that you can keep your focus and concentration, and see no reason why this should change in the future. When you do not sleep in the night, you will sleep during the day. Your body can get used to such daily routine.
What are your salary expectations?
This is a tricky question, and it really depends on your place of work and schedule. If you apply with a regular dance school and will teach 4-5 afternoons and evenings a week, you can ask for a standard monthly salary, which is in this case typically $4,000-$5,000.
In any other case–working as a professional dancer in a club or in a film studio or any other setting, you should agree with getting paid for each hour or gig. How much you can ask depends on your level of experience and the place of work, but you should never ask less than $20-$25 per hour.
Because you can’t dance 8 hours a day like someone else can work, and hence you need to earn more for each hour performing on stage.
* Do not forget to check also:Â Football coach interview questions.
What would you do if you felt tired on any given day and felt that you could not perform up to your standards?
Even now the right answer depends on your future place of work. If you apply for a dancer role in a musical comedy, or will dance in some film studio, basically in places where perfection is required from everyone, say that you would not go on stage. Because you are a perfectionist and if you cannot show your best, you prefer not to show up at all. Say that you’ll apologize and will try to get well soon.
If you apply for a dancer role of a club, or for a job of a dance instructor, you should simply say that you will overcome your tiredness and come to work. Onlookers in clubs do not expect perfect performances, and as a teacher you can always give your students instructions and watch them dancing, half sleeping in your chair.
Remember that it may be difficult for your employer to replace you. If you are fit enough to dance, and if perfection isn’t expected, you should try your best to come and dance.
Do you have any questions?
Interviews for roles of dancers or dance teachers are often very informal. They may forget to tell you something important–perhaps even on purpose. Especially if you apply for a job of dancer in a club, you should ensure that no nudity is expected from you, that you will dance and that’s all. You better ask now then end up negatively surprised later.
And if you apply for a gig in a movie or for some backstage role, you should discuss the payment conditions in detail. Ask them when you will get your money, and if they pay anything in advance. It happens often in this business that dancers do not get their hard earned money, and you surely do not want it to happen to you as well.
Conclusion, next steps
Interview for a job of a dancer or dance instructor belongs to easy job interviews. Once you can showcase your dancing skills, and agree with the employer about the contract terms, they will typically hire you for the job.
Do some research about their place, and bring in some positive energy and a nice smile to the interview with you. Try to connect with your interviewers and enjoy the experience.
May also interest you:
- Baseball coach interview questions.
- Sports captain interview questions.
- 15 most common interview questions & answers – Test the waters and learn the answers to questions about your goals, strengths, weaknesses, motivation, and other.
