Transition: n. The change or passage from one state or stage to another. (Collins English Dictionary: 1979 Edition)
We all transition, not just once but several times in our lives, but dancers more often than most. From that first ballet class as a starry-eyed child to full-time dance school, to the professional stage, and eventually to the day when performing gives way to something new transition is woven into a dancer’s journey. These shifts are natural, but the final career transition from performer to something else can feel daunting.
Unlike most other performing arts, the physical demands of professional dance often shortens its career span. Dancers devote their youth to perfecting their craft, typically working for many years with an unusually single-minded focus. This can make stepping away from the stage particularly challenging. Yet, this early transition also creates opportunities to redefine yourself while carrying forward invaluable experiences.
Staying in the Dance World
Some dancers remain connected to their roots through teaching, coaching, choreography, or movement analysis (choreology). Others turn to related disciplines such as Pilates, yoga, or Gyrotonics instruction. Some retrain to become specialised in mental health counselling for dance professionals – an area of support that is becoming increasingly important for the profession. These roles allow you to stay close to the art form you love, contributing to its future while transitioning into a sustainable new career.
Exploring New Horizons
For those who choose entirely different paths, the options are limitless. Dancers I have known have become builders, IT consultants, accountants, arts administrators, restauranteurs, chefs, opera singers, police officers, writers, entrepreneurs, and even Buddhist monks. Transitioning successfully starts with asking yourself a couple of key questions:
- What can – no, make that what shall I do? Revisit your interests, skills, and dreams—even those from childhood. Were there passions or talents you side-lined to focus on dance? Rediscover them and explore how they could form the foundation of your next chapter.
- What transferable skills do I have? Dancers possess a wealth of soft skills: discipline, teamwork, adaptability, resilience, and an unparalleled work ethic to mention but a few. These traits are highly valued in any field. Some time ago I wrote an article on precisely this topic. You’ll find it next to this one on my blog page, or by clicking HERE. I suggest you check it out. It will help you Identify how your experiences—both on and off the stage—can be assets in a new career.
Preparing for the Transition
Your skills, discipline, and passion as a dancer are your greatest tools in building a meaningful second career. However, you will probably need further education or training. You didn’t get to wherever you got to in the dance world, without education and training, did you? Depending on your chosen field, additional qualifications may be necessary. Whether through formal study or hands-on learning. Consider Internships or entry-level roles that provide practical experience and help you test the waters in a new field; these also build networks and open doors. Use your dancer’s persistence to seek these opportunities to grow, just as you did when learning a new role or mastering a different dance technique.
Researching and Networking
Transitioning into a new career requires diligent research and effective networking. To be fair, networking can be difficult for many dancers whose contacts tend be mainly from within the profession. You have to actively look beyond your present social and professional circles. It may feel challenging, but you need to reach out to contacts outside the dance world. You will find that most people are intrigued by a dancer’s background and happy to speak to you and to share advice. And remember what Terry Pratchett said: “the best kind of research is talking to people”.
Crafting Your Resumé and Cover Letter
A resumé adapted for the general job market is different from a dancers CV. It needs to have a forward-looking focus and communicate that you possess the relevant personal qualities and key skills for the position you are applying for. It may feel important to you to mention roles you have danced but it will most likely be of limited interest to a potential employer. Your CV should highlight transferable skills, of which you have many, and emphasize abilities such as leadership, strategic thinking, team working, problem solving, and project management from your dancing experience.
A concise, tailored cover letter should explain why you’re transitioning and how your background uniquely positions you for the role. Having been a dancer will always be a part of who you are. It’s something to be proud of and never something to apologise for but avoid overwhelming the reader with jargon from the dance world.
Acing the Interview
An interview is just another audition, except you don’t need to share the floor with another hundred people wanting the same job. You’re on your own, you’re in control and it’s your chance to perform again—this time as yourself. Stay poised and let your natural stage presence shine. Your experience of rehearsing has taught you that practice, practice, practice is the only reliable pathway to success, so approach your interview preparations as you would the rehearsal period for a new project. Rehearse your responses and be prepared to explain your career change with confidence and sincerity, focusing on how your dance experience prepared you for challenges in the new role.
Managing Finances and Planning Ahead
Financial planning is crucial. Unless you’re one of the starry few who have made the senior ranks of a major international ballet company, as an ‘ordinary’ dancer (if such thing there be) you’ve probably never been hugely well paid in the first place, so you’re most likely adept at managing your finances carefully. Save and plan early in your dance career to fund your transition later. Formal qualifications are becoming increasingly important in the job market, so find something that interests you and that you can study in your time off. Seek out resources like the Dancers Career Development, DCD, which can provide financial aid, training programs, and guidance.
When Is the Right Time?
Transitioning isn’t just about when your body says it’s time—it’s also when your mind and heart tells you it’s time to hang up your dancing shoes. The most successful transitions begin with proactive planning from the very outset of your performance career. By embracing career transition as a natural part of your professional journey, you can approach this change with the same grace and determination you bring to the stage. Think long-term, explore your interests, and start laying the groundwork for your next chapter while still performing. Always remember there’s a lot to be learned from dancing apart from steps, turns and leaps. Use what you experience along the way to look to the future. The curtain may fall on one act, but the next can be just as inspiring.
The Role of Coaching in Transition
Yes! A career coach will be your perfect dancing partner when you want to take your final curtain call, slip into the wings for the last time and into a new life. Coaching makes your transition smoother and more fulfilling. The right coach will help take you from where you are today to where you want to be tomorrow. They will challenge you to develop in new and exciting ways, enabling you to realise your personal and professional potential.
I believe I am that coach! I will be your guide through your transformation, helping you clarify goals, identify strengths, and create actionable plans. With my bespoke coaching programmes, you’ll see concrete results and you’ll develop tools and strategies that will last you a lifetime.
To find out how we might work together get in touch.
