31 Dancer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Updated 30 September 2022

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Dancers make a living by moving their bodies in artistic ways or teaching dance to others at school or fitness centres. Besides researching the company and reading the job description, it is important to think about the questions a hiring manager might ask you if you are getting interviewed for a job as a dancer. Knowing how to respond to these questions can assist you in planning strategic responses for the interview. In this article, we discuss various dancer interview questions a hiring manager may ask you and provide sample answers and tips to guide you in preparing responses.

11 general dancer interview questions

Here are 12 general dancer interview questions hiring managers often ask initially to know who you are:

Tell me about yourself.
Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?
What is your greatest strength as a dancer?
What is your greatest weakness as a dancer?
What do you usually do when you are not dancing?
When did you decide to make dance your professional career?
Why do you want to leave your current job?
Are there any challenges you think you may face succeeding in this role?
How did you hear about this open position?
What is your salary expectation for this role?
Do you have any questions for us?

12 in-depth interview questions

The hiring manager may ask questions throughout the interview to check your level of expertise as a dancer. Typically, these questions focus on your knowledge and work experience. The following are some questions you can expect about your experience and background as a dancer:

Where did you receive your training as a dancer?
How did you become a dancer? Tell me about your journey.
What advice do you want to give to aspiring dancers?
How many hours per day or week do you spend practising?
Tell me about your favourite performance as a dancer.
Have you ever performed on a stage? If so, tell me about it.
Describe your teamwork experience.
What is your approach to teaching dance to students?
Which of your previous experiences have prepared you for this job?
How has dancing inspired you?
Explain how you handle stress and added pressure as a dancer.
Tell me about the biggest challenge you have faced as a dancer in your career.

7 dancer interview questions with sample answers

Here are some interview questions with sample answers to guide you when preparing for the interview:

1. What makes an excellent dancer?

Employers want to know that they are hiring individuals who possess the requisite qualities for the job. When hiring managers ask this, they intend to determine whether you have the skills required to succeed as a dancer. In your response, mention a few qualities or characteristics you believe are most valuable to a dancer. Ensure that the traits you mention are ones you possess. This demonstrates to the hiring manager how you are a good fit for the job.

Example: 'I believe the most important traits and qualities for an excellent dancer are perseverance and creativity. As a dancer, it is important to keep going even when situations get tough when you find it hard to master a certain step or move. Continuing to practice and persevere helps us improve our technique, eventually. It is also important to have an abundance of creativity to create unique steps and best express the emotion involved.'

2. Tell me about the choreographer you admire most.

Hiring managers may ask this to evaluate your knowledge of dance history. They usually look for an answer that shows your interest in all aspects of dance, not just performing and teaching. In your response, name a famous choreographer you admire. Clearly explain what makes them your favourite and why they inspire you.

Example: 'My favourite choreographer is the legendary Remo Suarez. I became a fan of his work the instant I read about his dancing career journey. He is so inspiring and kind-hearted. His choreography for famous songs showcased all the actors' talents and dancing abilities so well. I admire his ability to blend musical theatre and hip-hop styles in every routine.'

3. What is your favourite style of dance and why?

Interviewers may ask you this question to learn more about you, your interests and your passion as a dancer. It also tests your knowledge of different dance styles and dance in general. When you answer, state your favourite dance style and clearly explain why you enjoy it the most.

Example: 'I grew up taking several hip-hop and belly classes, which began my love of popping styles. These classes eventually led me to love the popping dance style the most. The way it blends hip hop and robotic in a beautifully expressive way makes it both enjoyable to watch and perform.'

4. What is your training and professional background in dance?

Hiring managers may ask this question to determine your level of experience and familiarity with the rules and techniques of dance. Be honest and emphasise certain aspects of the dance you do and your professional experience.

Example: 'As a child, I was passionate about dancing. Pursuing my passion, I opted for a bachelor's degree in theatre. After completing graduation, I worked as a background dancer for three years and then, to learn choreography, I worked as an assistant choreographer for four years. Now I want to teach and choreograph students while enhancing my dancing skills.'

5. Describe your experience as an instructor and what styles of dance do you prefer?

With this question, the hiring managers want to determine if you can teach or instruct dance to someone and how effective you are as an instructor. Discuss your approach to instructing others and your ways to choreograph others.

Example: 'I have experience instructing others for four years as an assistant choreographer. During my career as an assistant choreographer, I learned how to instruct hard moves and steps to help someone easily understand. I found that breaking steps and delivering them with beats and numbers helps others understand better and is easy to follow.'

6. Why do you want to work as a dancer?

Interviewers may ask you this question to test your interests and passions for the profession. When you answer, state your motivation and genuine reason for pursuing this as your full-time career.

Example: 'I have knowledge and expertise in dance and want to transfer my knowledge and experience to others interested in dancing. In my dancing career, I got great instructors and gained extensive knowledge and an approach to dancing from them, which I also want to pass on. And I believe, as a dancer, I can achieve these goals using my dancing and teaching proficiency.'

7. What are the four most important skills you believe a dancer requires for success?

If an interviewer asks this question, use it to explain your strengths by stating the four best relevant skills you possess. This demonstrates to the interviewer that you understand the job requirements and can meet them.

Example: 'The four most critical skills a dancer possesses are a sense of rhythm, enthusiasm, body control and balance, along with creativity to express the emotion through dance. As a dancer, my sense of rhythm enables me to create steps that connect to the audience and express the song's emotion. Being enthusiastic enables me to instruct students in a way that encourages them to practise dance more. Body control and balance help me do the steps correctly with perfection and creativity. Exploring different styles also helps me keep up to date with trending dance styles and create unique dance moves.'

Related: How To Crack A Job Interview

Tips to prepare for a dancer interview

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your dancer interview and improve your chances of being shortlisted:

Ask a friend to interview you. Consider arranging a mock interview with a friend, colleague or family member. This can help you practise responding aloud to common interview questions and make you feel more comfortable and confident when meeting with the interviewer.
Research about the organisation. Before your interview, visit the company's website and social media pages to learn about the organisation's mission, growth possibilities and company culture. It can help you develop a few sensible and effective questions to ask the interviewer to show your interest in working with them.
Print your application documents. Even if you apply online, consider bringing hard copies of your resume, cover letter and any other important certificates and documents. You can share these with the interviewer at the start of the interview to help them quickly determine you as a candidate for the role.
Maintain a positive attitude. It is critical for you to maintain a positive attitude even if the interviewer enquires about your work-related issues. To show your work ethic, focus on the lessons you have learned, the things you are grateful for and how you overcame challenges in your dancing career.
Follow up after your interview. Thank the interviewer for their time through an email within two days of the interview. Consider including a few key information about the interview experience to show your interest in working with the organisation and politely ask for an update on your application.