Learning ballet teaches a dancer balance and discipline.
Becoming a professional backstage dancer--commonly called a backup dancer--takes a lot of hard work and persistence. Generally, you must win over an agent before you get opportunities to audition. It is useful to take as many dance classes as possible before trying out, as it will increase your skill set and make you a more versatile performer.
Instructions
1. Enroll in dance classes. Take as many classes and as many kinds of classes as possible, such as ballet, jazz, and hip-hop. Even if you never intend to dance in that style professionally it can teach you skills and techniques useful further down the road.
2. Practice freestyle dancing. In many auditions you will be asked to freestyle, and in doing so you generally must be noticed out of a large crowd of other competing dancers. Practice with various styles and tempos of songs, getting use to being comfortable with the music and expressing yourself through dance.
3. Move to an area with a lot of dancing opportunities, if possible. New York offers chances to dance in Broadway shows, while LA requires backup dancers for music videos. Relocating to an area with a lot of auditions will increase your chances of getting booked.
4. Create a film reel of your dancing. This will showcase your talent and skills to agents. Make sure it looks professional and doesn't last more than a couple of minutes.
5. Seek an agent. Send them the film reel or ask to meet the agents of other contacts in the industry. Most auditions are organized by agents and agents are therefore a necessary part of becoming a backstage dancer.
6. Audition as much as possible. Walk into the studio with confidence, ready to showcase your talent. If successful, you will get booked at the end of the audition. Even if you don't, act professional. Sometimes directors and choreographers remember dancers they didn't book and call them back for later projects.
