Getting a young dancer signed requires a combination of talent and perserverence.
Many young dancers dream of getting a contract to work in a professional dance company or to be a for-hire dancer. A small percentage of aspiring dancers are able to make a living as a professional, and many others work on the side as a dance teacher. Even though the world of professional dance is a very competitive one, there are certain career trajectories that many dancers follow to get signed.
Instructions
1. Decide what kind of dance your dancer would like to pursue. Think about what career path the dancer is interested in outside of mere genres. Concert dancers that work within a company generally do not necessarily need agents and can get hired through recommendation and audition. Commercial work, such as film, television and music videos will likely require the assistance of an agent.
2. Have your young dancer take many classes at a local dance company. This has dual importance for a dancer; not only will the dancer build the skills necessary to work on a professional level but she will also be around professionals in the dance world who can make recommendations to dance agencies, directors and choreographers.
3. Sign your dancer up for cattle-call auditions. These are general-entry auditions for shows where dancers without agents can get an audition spot. Even if these early auditions do not result in a gig, it will give your dancer valuable experience in the dance audition process. Be aware that cattle-call auditions often have hundreds of participants and can be an all-day affair.
4. Audition for dance companies or dance agencies. Search a directory to find a legitimate dance agency in your area. Some agencies have open auditions a few times a year, while some require recommendations. This is where connections through dance lessons will pay off.
5. Consider moving to New York or Los Angeles. Although many other cities have agencies and companies, these two cities are the dance hubs in America and will greatly increase your dancer's chance of getting signed.
