Dream job of being a ballet dancer: the path to a professional career

10 min readFeb 27, 2024

By Olga Leibrandt · Last updated: November 5, 2023 · Ballet guide · ⏱ 8 min. reading time

Ballet, a timeless and breathtaking form of dance, fascinates and inspires people around the world. While the world of ballet is glamorous and impressive from the outside, the dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer requires extraordinary dedication and hard work. In this article we take a look at the path to a professional ballet career.

What qualities & skills should I have?

The path to becoming a professional ballet dancer requires not only physical qualities, but also mental and emotional qualities. Here are some important characteristics and skills that aspiring dancers should have:

Passion and Dedication: Ballet requires a deep passion and commitment to dance. The will to keep going despite the challenges and setbacks is crucial.
Discipline & Commitment: Ballet requires very strict discipline when it comes to training, diet and sleep. The ability to stick to a structured schedule is crucial. As the saying goes, many are called, but few are chosen. The obsessed people who put a lot of energy into ballet get ahead!
Physical Fitness: Physical strength, flexibility and endurance are essential requirements for a ballet dancer. A strong body is necessary to perform the demanding movements and positions.
Body Awareness: Dancers must be aware of their body and its movements. Understanding your own body shape and movement is crucial to mastering the technique.
Patience: Perfecting ballet techniques requires time and patience. Progress can be slow, and it’s important not to get frustrated.
Creativity and expression: Ballet is not just technique, but also expression. Dancers should be able to express emotions and stories through dance.
Body image: Body image requirements in ballet have relaxed somewhat over time. Some companies today value diversity and different body types. The classic image of a ballerina envisages an elegant, slender body shape, characterized by broad shoulders, narrow hips, a rather restrained chest and buttocks. At the Bolshoi Theater when I was at the academy, the requirement for dancers was: up to 1.70 meters tall and a maximum weight of 50 kilograms. Long legs and a long neck were preferred. Source: welt.de . Nowadays, most ballerinas are between 160 and 173 centimeters tall. The ideal weight for this size is between 39 and 59 kilograms and depends largely on muscle and bone mass. When it comes to weight, one must not forget that ballet dancers have to be lifted by their partners with “apparent ease”. As a result, there is not much room for improvement.

When should you start ballet to become a professional?

Optimal starting age: Basis for a professional career in ballet

In general, most ballet students begin their formal training at an early age, often between 5 and 8 years old. This allows them to build a solid foundation in technique and body control, essential for a successful ballet career. But that’s not set in stone. As the table below shows, there are some known exceptions.

Famous ballet dancers who started late

Name nationality Starting age Remarks Anna Pawlowa Russian 10 One of the first ballerinas to tour worldwide Rudolf Nureyev Russian 11* One of the greatest male dancers of the 20th century Margot Fonteyn British 14 The Royal Ballet’s prima ballerina for more than four decades Mikhail Baryshnikov Russian 15* One of the most famous and influential dancers of all time Misty Copeland American 13 American Ballet Theater’s first African-American prima ballerina Sylvie Guillem French 11 One of the best contemporary dancers in the world

(*Attention: The exact age information varies depending on the source and biographical representation.)

Which vocational training is useful or necessary?

Training to become a professional ballet dancer is usually structured and requires specialized training. Here are some of the common ways to prepare for a professional career in ballet:

Professional ballet schools in Germany

The five largest and most renowned ballet schools in Germany, which also have a good international reputation, are:

Entrance exam

Most ballet schools and conservatories require aspiring dancers to take an entrance exam. Here your dancing skills and physical disposition are tested. These exams are often very demanding and competitive. A clear example at the Academy of Dance in Mannheim . In connection with stage fright and exam anxiety, I recommend the article Stage fright in ballet .

Ballettinternat

A ballet boarding school offers comprehensive training and accommodation for young dancers. Here they not only receive daily training, but also academic education. These boarding schools are often the first steps on the path to a professional career. Of the 5 ballet schools listed above, only Munich does not offer a boarding school.

The admission age varies. In some cases, children from 7–9 years of age are accepted for preschool. As a rule, (basic) training takes place at a boarding school from the age of 10 to 16. Afterwards, you will be accepted and trained at the associated ballet academy. This extends over at least two years, source: John Cranko School Stuttgart .

Schedule with ballet boarding school

Preschool classes for children aged 7 to 10 with appropriate physical aptitude and musical ability

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(Basic) training at boarding school from ages 10 to 16.

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Admission and training at the relevant ballet academy 2–3 years

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Graduation as a state-certified stage dancer or Bachelor of Arts at around 18–19 years of age.

Without a ballet boarding school

Boarding school accommodation is not an option for everyone. Places are also limited (Berlin 74, Hamburg 34, Dresen 60 and Stuttgart 80 places). But that doesn’t mean that the dream has to be given up. Training through the ballet boarding school only makes planning and organization easier. Of course there are alternatives.

Here, further training from 10 to 16 years takes place at a ballet school with a suitable training and timetable. This should make it possible to train at least 3 times a week. The goal is to qualify for admission to a ballet academy mentioned above.

Schedule without ballet boarding school

Attending a normal ballet school from 4–10 years (1–2 x week)

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Change to a ballet school with a professional program for ages 10 and up (at least 3 times a week) with preparation for the entrance exam

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From 16 years: entrance examination and training at the ballet academy

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Graduation as a state-certified stage dancer or Bachelor of Arts at around 18–19 years of age.

Training to become a “state-certified stage dancer”

Some countries offer special training that ends with a state qualification. An example is the John Cranko School in Stuttgart or the Berlin State Ballet School. Both schools train dancers at the highest level.

Bachelor of Arts degree

Some universities and colleges offer bachelor’s programs in ballet and dance. A well-known example is the Hamburg Ballet School, which offers a Bachelor of Arts in dance. The Palucca University of Dance in Dresden and the Ballet Academy in Munich also offer a bachelor’s degree in dance. These academic programs provide broader training and open doors to various career opportunities in dance.

Other universities that offer the Bachelor of Arts (Dance) are:

HfMDK — University of Music and Performing Arts Frankfurt am Main (Frankfurt am Main) 8 semesters
Folkwang University of the Arts (Essen) 8 semesters
Academy of Dance (Mannheim) 8 semesters
HfS — Berlin Academy of Dramatic Arts (Berlin) 6 semesters
Cologne University of Music and Dance (Cologne) 8 semesters

Many of these institutes do not focus on ballet. Details about the training centers ballettfan.blogspot.com and allaboutdancing.de .

Alternative training options?

There are also alternative routes into the ballet world, such as training at private ballet studios and dance companies. Some dancers choose the self-taught path and work independently on their technique and repertoire.

You can also consider studying remotely. For example, the Bolshoi Ballet Academy also accepts foreigners. However, learning the Russian language is a prerequisite and the lessons cost money (19,000 euros per year). More at: The Bolshoi Theater Ballet School .
A useful addition could also be special seminars or summer intensive courses, which are offered by many well-known organizers.

What content is taught?

Training to become a professional ballet dancer covers a wide range of content, including:

Technical Skills: This involves learning ballet movements, positions and techniques.
Other dance forms: such as free dance, standard and Latin American dances, classical dance.
Choreography: Dancers learn to dance choreographed pieces, often in various ballet styles.
Music and rhythm: Dancers must have a good feel for music and rhythm in order to move to the beat.
Personal Care and Injury Prevention: Taking care of your body and preventing injuries is crucial.

What happens after my training?

After completing the training, the real challenge begins — the competition on the job market. Well-trained young dancers enter engagements at the age of 18, and the competition is enormous. Anyone who can’t keep up here has a hard time.

Some ballet academies have close ties to the city’s ballet companies and can place dancers directly. Those who are not placed directly have the opportunity to apply for permanent positions with various ballet companies .

But there is also the possibility of freelance work : Some dancers choose a freelance career where they work with different companies and productions. This allows for a greater variety of roles and appearances, but also requires a certain degree of self-promotion and flexibility.

At the beginning of your career you will usually be accepted into the “Corps de Ballett” . This group of dancers dances in sync and performs the same steps during performances. If you show outstanding talent and hard work, you can gradually work your way up to the position of principal dancer.

The career ladder for solo dancers is divided into different levels:

Semi-soloists: They are the lead dancers of the “Corps de Ballett” and take on smaller roles in the performances.
Soloists: These dancers dance important roles in ballet pieces, but not the main roles.
Prima Ballerina / Principal Soloist: These are the top performers who dance the lead roles in ballet pieces. This position is reserved only for the very best ballet dancers.

It’s an exciting journey where you have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and dedication. This may lead to one day achieving the coveted position of Prima Ballerina or Principal Soloist.

How do I impress in the application process for my first job?

In order to be successful in the application process, you must prepare for auditions. This includes mastering different ballet variations and performing solos to demonstrate one’s skills. Personality, expression and professionalism also play an important role.

You should also prepare yourself mentally for this type of exam and shed any thin skin. Yes, a rejection or a disregard is something personal. Succeeding in tough competition requires perseverance and resilience. It means learning from every experience and moving on. It probably won’t work the first time. But whoever gives up in advance has already lost!

How much can I earn?

Pay for ballet dancers varies greatly and depends on several factors, such as the commitment and reputation of the dance company. Some dancers earn modest salaries, while stars in the industry can earn significantly more. But no one will dance professionally for the money alone. Dancers’ compensation varies depending on the size of the dance institution that employs them. The Berlin State Ballet offered beginners 2,200 euros per month and experienced group dancers 2,800 euros per month. In smaller dance halls, however, salaries were even lower. Source: tagesspiegel.de 2014 . The numbers are now 9 years old. According to a recent study by Stepstone, the average salary of a dancer is now 37,000, i.e. up to 3,000 euros per month.

How long does the career last?

In general, professional ballet careers are relatively short, often ending by the age of 30 . However, dancers’ resilience varies. This means that some dancers are active longer. Normally it ends at the age of 40 at the latest. A notable exception was the great Rudolf Nureyev, who was on stage until he was 50 years old .
Dancers at the Bolshoi Theater retire at the age of 38 , while the men retire from the stage in their early 40s. The Paris Opera’s “Corps de ballet” had an age limit whereby all dancers had to leave the stage at 42 in order to retire.

Due to the early end of their careers, most dancers have to prepare for a second career phase. Many former ballerinas become dance teachers at ballet schools and conservatories and further develop into ballet teachers or choreographers. Others go into the general cultural sector or are looking for a completely different professional career.

Tips for your dream job as a ballet dancer:

Start early: Most professional ballet dancers begin their training at a very young age, often in childhood. The earlier you start, the more time you have to develop your skills.
Take ballet classes: Find a good ballet school or academy near you and take regular ballet classes. This way you can gain a solid foundation in ballet technique.
Find out about ballet schools and conservatories: If you want to study ballet at a professional level, you should find out about the respective school, application deadlines and the training program in good time. To get more insight, you should also visit the respective open day . Like the atmosphere? Also remember to apply to several schools in good time.
Auditions: Professional ballet companies and theaters often hold auditions to find new dancers. Prepare for these auditions and attend as many as possible.
Stage Experience: Gain experience on stage by performing in productions and performances. This will help you get used to the special atmosphere of a performance.
Networking: Make contacts in the dance world. This can help you learn about job opportunities and make a name for yourself.

Final word:

To summarize: the competition for aspiring and professional ballet dancers is very intense, and the chances of a successful ballet career are limited. The earning potential is modest and the job can only be carried out for a short time. For purely objective reasons, becoming a ballet dancer cannot be recommended.

But there is another perspective: the word “vocation”. If your heart beats for professional ballet dancing and you find fulfillment in it, then don’t let that stop you. What do you have to lose? The course for your professional career is set early. If you later realize that you have taken a path that was too difficult, you can always reorient yourself professionally.

First published on the website of Ballettstudio Ost