How do you become a back up dancer?

How to Become a Pop Back-Up Dancer

• Answer:

  While there is no substitute for natural talent, it will take a lot more than that to become a successful backup dancer for a pop band. The music industry is an ever evolving business and a back-up Pop dancer must be able to evolve with it. Difficulty: Challenging Things You'll Need Agent Professional trainer Instructions Find a reputable dance teacher and studio. There is no substitute for formal training from a professional teacher. Check all teaching references so you don’t waste money on amateurs. Enroll in every available dance style. Every genre will teach you to manipulate your body in new ways. Even ballet will teach fluidity and give you leg strength. Find and frequent dance clubs to pick up new moves and see who the competition in your town is. If you are an advanced pop dancer, show your moves and get critiques from peers. Join a dance group with two to four other dancers at or above your level of dance. Pop back-up dancers are almost always part of a group. Moving in unison is very important. There are no stars in the pop dance group. Perform shows for free and money. Do some street dancing to get feedback from people who will eventually pay for tickets to see you dance. Find a pop band in need of a dancer or group of dancers. Go to as many auditions as it takes to get a gig. Check on Craigslist, coffee houses and large neighboring cities for auditions. Hire an agent. If you are performing with a group that plans to stay together, one agent for the group will suffice. If you are joining a group or band by yourself, get your own agent so you can still perform solo gigs. Tips & Warnings Tip: Develop a tough skin when it comes to auditions. Not every judge will like your style or even your look. Do the very best you can each time and make no excuses for any shortfalls. Tip: Accept critiques given by dance judges with an open mind and a closed mouth. While the judges advice may not work for you, any excuses you give will follow you from audition to audition. Many dance judges know each other and work together--troublemakers can be black listed. Warning: Stay true to yourself. The pop music world can be harsh for a back-up dancer. Never do anything you don’t feel morally comfortable with. Warning: Take care of your body, it is the one thing that is irreplaceable for a back-up pop dancer.