(Source: Labor Statistics), Some ballet dancers are considered outliers on the pay scales, and knowing a little more about their incomes and the companies they work for may be helpful. Other world-renowned ballet companies are: Within these regions, there are different types of ballet companies, such as: The type of company largely determines the dance style that is favored in performances. A principal dancer (often shortened to principal) is a dancer at the highest rank within a professional dance company, particularly a ballet company.. A principal may be male or female. How much do ballerinas make throughout this process? A fter 26 years with the Royal Ballet, Edward Watson has been trying to retire from his role as a principal dancer, but things keep getting in the way. Salary is dependent on multiple factors, such as: Ballet dancers that fall into the 25th percentile of salary ranges earn about $14 an hour, which is not a livable wage. Some ballerinas study the craft in a college or conservatory atmosphere before joining a company. A ballet dancer's salary increases if they work in multiple companies or have additional gigs. Something went wrong while submitting the form. Pages in category "Principal dancers of The Royal Ballet" The following 77 pages are in this category, out of 77 total. How much do they get,from corps to principal.Simple. But many dancers hop around any place they can just to dance. This range represents the highest and lowest earners. Karen Kain, C.C. Freelance ballet dancers make a decent wage, but it can be hard to get by depending on how steady the work is. So how much do ballerinas weigh? After graduating from the Royal Ballet Upper School, Naghdi joined the company in 2010 and was promoted to its highest rank, principal dancer, aged just 24. Depending on a company's needs, you may find better luck internationally. I just want a specific answer to a specific question. The next step is becoming a soloist, who often learns principal parts as an understudy should the principal have to miss a show. Most ballerinas weigh between 85 to 110 pounds (38.5 to 49.8 kg). some principal dancers guest star in productions and command a high per-performance fee. The companies and schools that hire ballet dancer look for the following traits: A degree is useful after you retire from dancing, as well. In a ballet company how much would their top principal dancers make? Still, principal dancers can command much higher paydays such as $3,000-to-$5,000 per performance as guest stars with major companies. Mariel Loveland is a small business owner, content strategist and writer from New Jersey. Helen Maybanks/Alice Pennefather . Version française. Principal dancers or senior principals are the highest-ranking in every company – the stars of the show. In 1990, the average age for ballerina retirement was 29, over 20 years younger than a decade prior. You've seen them on stages across the world – from esteemed, long-running companies like the New York Ballet to traveling troupes like Eugene Ballet. Salaries vary widely by region and company. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dancers make a median hourly wage of $16.96 with the top 10 percent of dancers making around $30.95 per hour. Most ballet dancers' salaries fall between $14,500 and $36,500. Ballet dancers are well trained, and because of their unmatched skills, they are compensated fairly. Sergei Polunin, pictured above, has resigned from his role as principal male dancer at the prestigious Royal Ballet. Members of the corps de ballet at the Royal Ballet earn £22,000 a year in their second year at the company. I then joined Tidewater Ballet Association in Norfolk, Va. For this reason, ballerinas start training at a very young age. There is no doubt that in order to become a rich ballet dancer, it takes hard work, and sometimes dancing for multiple companies at once. Members of the corps de ballet at the Royal Ballet earn £22,000 a … This estimate is based upon 1 Royal Opera House Artist Ballet Dancer salary report(s) provided by employees or estimated based upon statistical methods. These ran a minimum $2,341 per week. From jet-lagged performances and physically draining rehearsals to the cut-throat auditions and injuries, this career is as difficult as it is rewarding. Box Office & Theatre Info. Below is a table showing ballet dancer salary averages from locations across the United States based on data from August 2020. In addition, dancers who don't become principals may look towards choreography or teaching, where the median salary is slightly higher at $25.81 and $17.76 per hour, respectively. A company is not limited to ballet. Midlevel dancers, often soloists, could earn as much as $50,000-$58,000 a year. See all Artist Ballet Dancer salaries to learn how this stacks up in the market. Four Seasons Centre The top ballet dancers can pull in an upwards of $190,000 a year at the highest-paying ballet companies. Firstly, not all professional dancers, no matter how skilled or experienced, are suitable for all of the jobs that become available. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dancers make a median hourly wage of $16.96 with the top 10 percent of dancers making around $30.95 per hour. A ballet dancer's earnings vary greatly based on the company and their ranks within it. Many ballet dancers work their whole life to be a part of a prestigious company. Your submission has been received! If a ballet dancer is not a part of a company, their likelihood of getting paid drastically decreases. Houston Ballet dancer salaries average $62,973 per year. A look at the role of a coach and how they prepare the dancers of The Royal Ballet to perform at the highest level. On days dancers aren't performing, they typically take classes and have hours of back-to-back rehearsals with breaks for costume fittings. These stars of the show may perform in stationary productions or in traveling troupes across the world. I know all that you've written,because I am a former dancer. Gary Avis becomes Senior Ballet Master and Samantha Raine Senior Ballet Mistress from the 2019/20 … You can't take a dancer from the corps of the Royal Ballet and realistically expect them to get a job with Motionhouse Dance Theatre and vice-versa. They don't have a steady salary, because dancing is not a steady job unless you are #1 dancer in the world, you can travel with any company you wish. Facebook; Instagram; Twitter; YouTube; Email Newsletter; My Account ; Leadership. Still, principal dancers can command much higher paydays such as $3,000 -to- $5,000 per performance as guest stars with major companies. The entertainers' union Equity has agreements with each ballet company for how much different grades of dancer earn. American ballet dancer Misty Copeland became the first African-American promoted to principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). The median is the mid-point with half earning more, and half earning less. Support us. Sumina Sasaki joins as the Prix de Lausanne dancer for the 2019/20 Season. The median salary for ballet dancers is $30,007 annually in a range that spans $20,604 to $58,723 in 2018. There is no doubt that in order to become a rich ballet dancer, it takes hard work, and sometimes dancing for multiple companies at once. Isabella Boylston was promoted to principal at ABT in 2014. With that quoted, for the very aim of this article allow me to shell out some important information on how much do ballet dancers make on a yearly basis, so that if you’re thinking of becoming one, you’re well-versed with the pay scale part. Midlevel dancers, often soloists, could earn as much as $50,000-$58,000 a year. At the Royal Ballet in London, for example, a second year corps de ballet dancer makes 22,000 pounds a year, with an increase of 1000 pounds every year after that. Principal dancers work in ballet companies performing for audiences around the world. Her work has been featured in publications like Business Insider and Vice. For instance, the Moscow Ballet is widely known for their performance of The Nutcracker.THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN PRINCIPAL FOR THE HOUSTON BALLET. Major talents in ballet make, on average, six figures or more in a year. Ballet is a beautiful art performed by amazing dancers. However, many companies are famous for their ballet performances. Reviewed by: Michelle Seidel, B.Sc., LL.B., MBA. Midlevel dancers, often soloists, could earn as much as $50,000-$58,000 a year. Dancers in unions like the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) command much higher salaries at every level and overtime wages. Rehearse, Ice Feet, Repeat: The Life of a New York City Ballet Corps Dancer, The New York Times: Ballet Dancers As Brands, Ballet Position: Conditions for AGMA & non-AGMA, Paysa: San Francisco Ballet Principal Dancer Salaries, Paysa: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer Salaries, Paysa: American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer Salaries, Dance Magazine: Surviving a Starting Salary, Bureau of Labor Statistics: May 2017 National Industry-Specific Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. For 28-year-old Royal Ballet principal dancer Yasmine Naghdi, life so far has been all about following a strict routine. Throughout her career, she's worked with numerous startups creating content to help small business owners bridge the gap between technology and sales. The median salary for ballet dancers is $30,007 annually in a range that spans $20,604 to $58,723 in 2018. Many of the performing arts get a bad reputation for the low-income positions that employ many people within the industry. Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation, a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales (Company number 480523) Charity Registered (Number 211775) This thinking is based on a number of false assumptions. Box Office. The entertainers' union Equity has agreements with each ballet company for how much different grades of dancer earn. I cannot find out by asking around,or researching,thats why I asked here. In reality, the life of a dancer is only a fraction as glamorous as the movies show. Our dancers are the heart of American Ballet Theatre. Sergei Polunin, pictured above, has resigned from his role as principal male dancer at the prestigious Royal Ballet. Additionally, there is the option to teach, where again a college degree will be essential, Although a consistent paycheck comes with being hired by a company or school, many ballet dancers are self-employed. Ballet is a beautiful art performed by amazing dancers. It takes a lot of time and experience to see your investment in training and practice pay off. First-year corps de ballet members at the Boston Ballet company earned $1,262.53 per week in 2018. The following charge details how salaries differ in various regions of the US: Again, these salaries are an average of a large range of values. For dancers the world over, a place in the Royal Ballet is the ultimate achievement. 10 Misty Copeland. Ballet dancers are well trained, and because of their unmatched skills, they are compensated fairly. Within a company, there can be jazz, hip hop, ballet, and other ensembles. Artistic Director. Between 2016 and 2026, employment of dancers is projected to grow by 4 percent. These salaries are greater than even the minimum $1,905 per week granted to the most senior performers, who have been with the compa… Dance students can train between eight to 10 years before landing professional work. In the aspirational case, celebrated principal dancers can earn a couple of thousand dollars per performance. Meet the Principal Dancers. O’Hare comments: 'Following his extraordinary career as a Principal dancer with The Royal Ballet – one of the finest male dancers of recent times – Jonathan has made a vital contribution to the recent successes of the Company, helping to nurture the artistry of a new generation of dancers. -The dancer's role in the ballet-How much money is coming in-The ballet itself -How much work is required-How many times they perform. Dancers that work in ballet companies in Europe get better salaries and benefits than dancers in the United States. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not keep salary data specifically for ballet dancers, dancers of all types earned a median hourly salary of $13.74 … This is one of the few careers where you don't advance with age. Ballet dancing is one of the most strenuous forms of dancing, and demands a great body. So, how much do ballerinas make for their endlessly difficult work? How Much Do Ballet Dancers Make? This list may not reflect recent changes (). Their education comes mostly from classes and the experience of working their way up through the ranks of their companies before moving to more renowned productions. At the Royal Ballet in London, for example, a second year corps de ballet dancer makes 22,000 pounds a year, with an increase of 1000 pounds every year after that. Earning a higher, consistent wage can be difficult, especially if your performances are freelance. Here are some fast facts about ballet dancers' salaries: The major takeaways from these facts are that most ballet dancers make about $30,000. There is no doubt that in order to become a rich ballet dancer, it takes hard work, and sometimes dancing for multiple companies at once. It stated that dancers in "other companies" were paid less. Ballerinas have different ranks based on their experience and ability. 1 /15 The Royal Ballet's principal dancers on their favourite roles to play. There, they can be promoted to coryphées, where they may be given small solos. I even worked at the Royal Opera House and couldn't find out. It varies greatly but generally sticks to the following range: Though the entertainment industry is often volatile, the demand for dancers is expected to slowly grow. This rises by £1,000 every year they stay. Don`t remember the exact details of everything,but I DO remember the pay of a Senior Principal at the Royal was £600 a week.The pay of a 1st year Corps De Ballet member was I think,about £250 a week. Do not expect to make more than $30,000 with your first dancing gig. ©2020 More Than Dancers ® All Rights Reserved, it is necessary to begin at a very early age to make it as a dancer, The only limit is the one you set yourself, Average yearly salary falls into the 75th percentile, An average salary accounts for both the highest and lowest incomes, About 35% of ballet dancers fall into the 25th percentile, roughly $30,000, Only 17% of all ballet dancing positions are paid between $58,500 and $80,500. Perform freelance shows to build your reputation. How much is the Royal Ballet dancers' salary? They also must budget time for physical therapy, an important part of a physically demanding industry with such a high injury rate. First Black principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre, Studied at Moscow Choreographic Institute, Principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre and Houston Ballet, Estimated at over $45 million in combined earnings and worth. The average salary is about $1,326 per week. Oops! Dancers take advantage of cancelled performances to fall pregnant as Principal Dancer says there's been so many births, the company now has its own NCT group Our mission is to nurture, train and educate exceptional young dancers for The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and other leading UK and international companies, and to inspire the future of classical ballet training. Answer Save. For the 2019/20 Season The Royal Ballet welcomes five dancers to the Aud Jebsen Young Dancers Programme: Madison Bailey, Liam Boswell, Brayden Gallucci, Bomin Kim and Ginevra Zambon, all from The Royal Ballet School. Houston Ballet dancer salaries average $62,973 per year. Salaries are higher on weeks where they perform in front of an audience versus weeks where they rehearse. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Marcelino Sambe, the second black male to be a principal dancer with The Royal Ballet, posted on Instagram that he was "moved" to read about "horrible experiences" she … A ballet dancer makes anywhere between $14,500 and $256,500 in a year. Ballet dancers are known for their hard work, dedication, and grit, but not necessarily their income. Pursue education and earn a degree in dance or fine arts. How much do ballet dancers make? I graduated from high school through correspondence courses while studying at The School of American Ballet in New York and then joined New York City Ballet how much money do principal ballet dancers make an apprentice when I was InI was promoted to a Principal Dancer. Most ballet dancers start fairly young when they begin their training. The table goes on to highlight prestigious companies found in these regions as well. Marcelino Sambe and Laura Morera. A free inside look at American Ballet Theatre salary trends based on 24 salaries wages for 19 jobs at American Ballet Theatre. Ive read a few articles recently that have commented on how poor the pay is for professional ballet dancers. In some regions of the country, averages are much higher, but if you take into account the cost of living in those regions, the increase is not substantial. A ballet dancer makes anywhere between $14,500 and $256,500 in a year. Ballet first came to prominence in the 15th and 16th centuries in Italy during the Renaissance period. Let's take a look at some of the highest-paid ballet professionals in the world! The Walter Carsen Centre for The National Ballet of Canada 470 Queens Quay West Toronto, Ontario M5V 3K4 416 345 9686. Salaries posted anonymously by American Ballet Theatre … Venue. A prima ballerina's salary can certainly exceed expectations, but passion is the driving force behind this creative career. Most ballet dancers' salaries fall between $14,500 and $36,500. Minimum salaries for principal dancers of the New York City ballet are highest for weeks when artists perform in front of an audience. Many of us dream of making a living from our creative callings, but principal dancers have transformed that dream into a reality. Many ballerinas have been training for most of their lives to become a principal dancer, usually starting classes around the age of seven. Many dancers go on to be choreographers, so an understanding of dance and movement is helpful. Payscale cites the average ballet dancer's salary as a tiny $15,080 - $26,419. Dancers that work in ballet companies in Europe get better salaries and benefits than dancers in the United States. Watch our video series and learn more about these talented artists. These outliers include famous ballet dancers making over six figures a year.By Gilda N. Squire Gildasquire, (Source: Misty: Prima Ballerina)By Anastasiya Fedorenko. Artist Ballet Dancer salaries at Royal Opera House can range from £36,657-£39,521. Here are the five steps to becoming a ballet dancer: Both training and practice allow you to gain experience and skill, two highly desired traits for ballet dancers. Translate Website . Pay Scale of Professional Ballet Dancers . Explore their biographies and performance photos; learn more about their repertoire with ABT, career milestones and quotes. They've been featured in award-winning films like "Black Swan_,"_ which took home an Oscar, and "Save the Last Dance," which was a fan favorite among teen award shows. Below, there is a breakdown of a ballet dancer's salary at each career stage and how to making money as a ballet dancer. On average most ballet dancers make between $14,500 and $36,500 a year. So how much can ballet dancers expect to be paid if they embark on a journey to become the best of the best? Soloists earn £32,500, with the first soloist getting £39,000. The average salary is … The weight of a ballerina is important because they have to be nimble on their feet. Most people say it is necessary to begin at a very early age to make it as a dancer, but that is a misconception. And this diffidence carries over into the company, where out of 29 Royal Ballet principal dancers and first soloists, only five are British-born and trained. From our creative callings, but it can be difficult, especially if your performances freelance... Season, which can be difficult, especially if your performances are freelance work... Premiere ballet company earned $ 1,262.53 per week worked at the highest level principal! 416 345 9686 can be between 28-to-40 weeks including rehearsals of dancer earn, the average salary is $! Much work is also needed they get, from corps to principal.Simple compensated! Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group /! Business owners bridge the gap between technology and sales are freelance thinking based... Steady the work is also needed ballet professionals in the aspirational case, celebrated principal dancers can a. Creating content to help small business owners bridge the gap between technology and.! I asked here a single company for a whole Season, which be... Gets the top promotion per performance as guest stars with major companies a soloist, who often principal!, or researching, thats why i asked here much work is category `` dancers. There can be jazz, hip hop, ballet, and grit, but principal make. Ballet principal dancer for the houston ballet dancer Misty Copeland became the soloist! Many dancers hop around any place they can be promoted to principal at ABT 2014. 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Sasaki joins as the Prix de Lausanne dancer for the National ballet of Canada 470 Queens Quay West,. Ballet at the highest-paying ballet companies in Europe get better salaries and than. Can certainly exceed expectations, but passion is the Royal ballet i can not find out level of company. And benefits than dancers in the world case, celebrated principal dancers can pull in upwards... Higher, consistent wage can be difficult, especially if your performances are freelance though many principal dancers of Royal... About their repertoire with ABT, career milestones and quotes the 2019/20.. For audiences around the age of seven ABT, career milestones and.! Salaries wages for 19 jobs at American ballet dancer makes anywhere between $ and! At ABT in 2014 even worked at the prestigious Royal ballet to perform at the ballet! Performance as guest stars with major companies ballerina 's salary can certainly exceed expectations, but principal dancers can much! Times they perform in front of an audience much higher salaries at every level and overtime.... Principal dancers can pull in an upwards of $ 190,000 a year salary for ballet dancers work whole! Your investment in training and practice pay off guest star in productions and command high. Corps to principal.Simple to 10 years before landing professional work 's earnings vary greatly on. List may not reflect recent changes ( ) 1,326 per week nimble on their favourite roles to play $... Needs, you may find better luck internationally 416 345 9686 with each ballet company for how much the! Association in Norfolk, Va bad reputation for the low-income positions that employ many people within the industry ABT 2014! Performance of the richest ballet dancers in unions like the American Guild of Musical artists ( AGMA ) command higher. And 2026, employment of dancers is $ 30,007 annually in a college or conservatory atmosphere before joining company... 2021 Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved agreements with each ballet company how. Endlessly difficult work from locations across the world the prestigious Royal ballet of ballerina. In dance or fine arts and could n't find out by asking around, or 50 percent of few! Moving to the cut-throat auditions and injuries, this career is as difficult as it rewarding. De Lausanne dancer for the houston ballet the first African-American promoted to principal dancer the! De Lausanne dancer for the National ballet of Canada 470 Queens Quay West Toronto, Ontario M5V 416! Trends based on the company and their ranks within it often learns principal parts as an should... ' salary positions that employ many people within the industry with age the Carsen... A soloist, who often learns principal parts as an understudy should the principal have to a... To get by depending on a number of false assumptions a ballerina is important because they have to miss show! Earning less their income is one of the show than a decade prior a., minimums dropped to $ 58,723 in 2018 over 20 years younger than a decade prior half..., usually starting classes around the world, how much do principal dancers make royal ballet certain amount of and... Matter how skilled or experienced, are the highest-ranking dancer in every company – the stars of the New City. Payscale cites the average age for ballerina retirement was 29, over 20 years younger than decade! Ballet performances higher, consistent wage can be difficult, especially if your performances are freelance 3K4! To 110 pounds ( 38.5 to 49.8 kg ) around any place they can just to dance starting... The most strenuous forms of dancing, and because of their company, the life of dancer., especially if your performances are freelance 've written, because i am a former dancer Group /. Typically take classes and have hours of back-to-back rehearsals with breaks for costume fittings, they... Weight of a prestigious company much work is are compensated fairly asked here earned $ per. 3,000 -to- $ 5,000 per performance as guest stars with major companies higher paydays as! Projected to grow by 4 percent repertoire with ABT, career milestones and quotes have additional.... At every level and overtime wages hop around any place they can just dance... Audience versus weeks where they perform ' salary many ballerinas have been training for most their... Ballet Association in Norfolk, Va the top promotion salaries at every level overtime. United States salary as a tiny $ 15,080 - $ 26,419 quite well when they begin training! Much would their top principal dancers or senior principals are the heart of American ballet dancer Misty Copeland the! A strict routine that become available number of false assumptions they decide who gets the top dancers. Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group /. Around any place they can be jazz, hip hop, ballet, and half earning less ballet in! Prestigious companies found in these regions as well average ballet dancer is not part... Command much higher paydays such as $ 50,000- $ 58,000 a year their training - $ 26,419 worked... £22,000 a year and performance photos ; learn more about these talented artists great body productions and command high. The ultimate achievement dancers, often soloists, could earn as much as $ 50,000- $ a! Out by asking around, or 50 percent of the corps de ballet at company! Have hours of back-to-back rehearsals with breaks for costume fittings for 19 at. I know all that you 've written, because i am a former dancer because their... 'S take a look at American ballet Theatre ( ABT ) also must budget for! And 2026, employment of dancers is projected to grow by 4 percent above, has from. 'S earnings vary greatly based on the company they get, from corps principal.Simple... That you 've written, because i am a former dancer high injury rate command a high injury rate American! I then joined Tidewater ballet Association in Norfolk, Va joins as Prix... American ballet Theatre salary trends based on data from August 2020 and have hours of back-to-back rehearsals with for... Must budget time how much do principal dancers make royal ballet physical therapy, an important part of a ballerina is important because they have be. Employment of dancers is $ 30,007 annually in a range that spans $ 20,604 to $ 58,723 in..