So you want to take your dancing to the next level? Making dance as a career is one of the most difficult passions to pursue, but also the most rewarding for those who have become successful with it. There are some dance forms that require years of training and dedication to make it as a career, but there are other forms are much more accessible. Salsa is a dance form where the goal towards becoming a professional dancer can be quite obtainable. It is common to see dancers who discovered Salsa in their adult years go on to turn it into a professional career. Now, hold your Salsa costumes! This does not mean just anybody can become a professional dancer. Becoming a professional dancer requires dedication, perseverance, the right attitude and patience. If you are a dancer who is considering taking your social dancing to the next level, be prepared with these simple rules and tools to becoming a Salsa pro.

Invest in your training.
Salsa dancing is a street dance, where no formal training is required to get your body moving to the Latin rhythms. However, you will need to be well trained in multiple dance forms to gain the technique, control, finesse and grace that will make you stand out against the average dancer. Ballet, Hip Hop, House, Jazz, and even Tap will help you become well rounded and versatile. Read more

Gain experience on the stage and part of a dance team.
If you have never performed before, then start performing in a non-competitive environment, like with a student group. Many dance schools offer student performance classes. The performance classes at City Dance Corps not only offer choreography, but invaluable performance techniques that help you learn the language of the stage and project to a large audience. Once you have gained experience performing, audition for a more intensive group, like a Semi Professional (semi pro) dance company. A semi pro company will provide you with ample training and many chances to perform for medium to large scale audiences.

Consider joining a Salsa Competition.
Participating in a Salsa competition is a great way to analyze your skills and perfect every step. The nature of competition forces you to assess not only your dance skills, but your choreography, presentation, ability to form a strong partnership, and dedication. Another benefit that Salsa competitions provide is that it allows you to be noticed amongst the judges, promoters, and potential future fans! These connections one day will prove invaluable in your pursuit towards a professional career. Read more

Don’t get involved with politics.
Your reputation goes along way in the business and maintaining a neutral and professional attitude with all affiliations is detrimental. Whether you are part of a dance competition or a dance team, always maintain professionalism and show that you are a dancer with integrity.

Find a mentor.
A mentor should be someone who is in the professional dance scene and has had a considerable amount of success. You want to be getting advice from someone who has been where you were once, and has successfully made dancing his or her career. A mentor can provide you with invaluable guidance towards your goal.

Keep it real.
It can be easy to get caught up in the recognition you can gain as a performer. One amazing performance can you put a on a high, where you feel like you have achieved your goal. Remember, there is always more to learn and a professional dancer never stops being a student. Staying modest keeps you evolving.

Be ready to sacrifice.
Dancing is not a nine to five job, and Salsa dancing in particular, is a late night affair. Most performances, social events and congresses happen late in the evenings. You have to be ready to endure those late nights, and possibly multiple weekly rehearsals. This is where your dedication comes in. Many professional dancers have missed a friend’s birthday party or two, to perform at an event. The sacrifice goes beyond your personal life.

Get ready to spend money.
Classes, shoes, costumes, training… it all adds up and it’s not cheap. All the hard work and spending money comes in the beginning, but hard work is always rewarded eventually.

Be a team player.
Salsa dancing is a partner dance, so working with other people is a valuable skill. The more good feedback you get as a dancer, the better your chances of building a good reputation. Choreographers and professional dance groups would rather work with a dancer who has a better attitude, then one with lots of talent and a bad attitude.

Becoming a professional Salsa dancer requires a lot more than just being a great social dancer. Not only will it require tons of time and dedication, there are always other factors like a possible drop in income and lack of job security. But there is a light at the end of tunnel. If you are successful in achieving your dream as a professional dancer, the benefits are worth every hard moment endured.

From traveling, to performing, to meeting people from all over the world, the life of a professional dancer can take you places you only imagined. With the right attitude, and a determination for success, becoming a professional Salsa dancer can happen for you.

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