Backup dancers add depth to live and recorded performances and can become part of a permanent creative team. They need professional training and skills in specific dance types, attend rehearsals, and must be able to adapt to mistakes during live performances. The job can be physically demanding, and pay varies.
A backup dancer accompanies the leads in a performance, dancing with or behind them to add depth to the choreography. Backup dancers can appear in both live and recorded performances. They can be hired on a contract basis, or they can become part of a permanent creative team hired by an artist or dance troupe. Some pop stars and other performers start out in the backup dancer position, moving up the ranks as they develop skills and eventually have the opportunity to audition for lead roles on their own.
These dancers need professional training and skills in the type of dance they are going to perform. A hip-hop backup dancer, for example, needs to be familiar with specific moves, different from pop backup dancers. People working in musicals may also play small speaking or singing roles, dancing in the background to other scenes, and therefore need a flexible set of creative skills.
The backup dancers begin by attending a series of rehearsals to learn the choreography and practice the routine. They work with the leader and choreographer and can be recorded during rehearsals to provide material for after-hours review and study. Once dancers are familiar with the piece and ready to perform, they can begin filming, taping for recorded performances, or performing live at concerts, musicals, and other events. Touring dancers need to stay in shape and attend regular rehearsals in new venues to make the necessary choreography adjustments to adapt to the new performance spaces.
Live performance can present a number of challenges. Dancers need to be able to adapt to mistakes and other problems that may arise during performance. The ability to improvise can help cover up mistakes, forgotten lyrics, and other events. While these incidents are rare, they do happen, and a quick recovery by a backup dancer can be critical. Dancers may be able to cover up an event so seamlessly that the audience doesn’t notice, reducing the risk of negative reviews or complaints from disgruntled attendees.
This type of work can be physically demanding. A touring backup dancer may perform several nights in a row, in performances that can last two hours or more. Some of the moves may require extreme strength, flexibility and good form. Dancers must protect themselves from injuries and strains while performing. Pay and benefits may vary depending on the company or artist hiring dancers and their seniority in the cast.
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