Dancers perform physical movements to music, interpreting ideas and stories and expressing sound and rhythm. The two most common dance forms in Western culture are classical ballet, which involves traditional, stylized movements, and modern dance, which allows free movement and self-expression.

Dances may be performed to a variety of musical styles, such as classical, jazz, rap, folk, and country. They may also take place in diverse settings that include operas, television, movies, music videos, and commercials.

Many dancers who perform are also involved in teaching and choreography. Some give lessons in private dance studios, elementary and secondary schools, or colleges and universities. Others work as choreographers, coaching performers at rehearsals and helping them learn dance routines.

Employment of dancers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014. Competition will be intense and only the most talented will find regular employment as performers. National dance companies will provide most jobs, but employment will also be available in the television, motion picture, and music video industries, as well as schools, colleges, universities and private studios.

Dancers must be team players who are self-disciplined, patient, determined, and highly motivated. Good health and physical fitness are needed to endure rigorous training and performance schedules; emotional stability is necessary to deal with rejection at auditions and periods of unemployment.

Dancers must be flexible, agile, coordinated, and graceful. They must also have rhythm, a feeling for music, and creative ability to express themselves through movement. Singing and acting ability are essential for performing in musical productions and operas that require a combination of skills.

Broad, general knowledge of music, literature, history, and the visual arts may also be helpful for interpreting dramatic roles, ideas, and feelings.

Most dancers begin formal training between the ages of 5 and 15 and audition professionally by age 17 or 18. Training beyond this age may involve daily lessons, as well as hours of practice and rehearsal. Regional ballet schools and summer training programs offer exposure that may be helpful in gaining admittance to full-time training programs.

A college education is not required for dance performance but is necessary for teaching dance in public schools, colleges, and universities. Those who teach in studios usually need previous experience as a performer.

Many dancers stop performing by their late 30s, but some continue into their 50s. Those who retire often remain in the field as choreographers, dance teachers, or artistic directors.

Dancing typically requires long hours of daytime rehearsal, followed by performances that may last well into the evening. Travel is sometimes required on weekends. Work environments can range from modern, temperature-controlled facilities to older, uncomfortable surroundings.

Many dancers find it necessary to supplement their incomes with second jobs due to low pay and irregular employment. Those who desire to earn a living in dance must consider moving to large cities--such as New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, or Seattle--that have full-time professional dance companies.