The term dancer covers a range of different styles of dancing, including: classical ballet, modern, ethnic, folk, jazz, contemporary, belly-dancing, country and western, dramatic dance, Spanish, tap, aerobic, mime, nightclub and ballroom. For as long as can be remembered, dancers have conveyed a concept or message to an audience and have expressed stories, rhythm, ideas and sound with their bodies. Those who dream of a dancing career rarely think about the reality of the self-discipline required and the rigorous and arduous lessons and rehearsals that require many hours including weekends and holidays.
Professional dancers are subjected to prolonged, irregular and taxing working schedules that require physical and mental stamina. They participate in regular training sessions, rehearsals and performances. Dancing is a strenuous career and its demand for physical perfection requires constant attention to diet, fitness and health.
The choreographer creates new dance works and should have a comprehensive knowledge of all the relevant aspects of dance in order to translate his ideas into dance compositions.
The choreologist notates new dance works and reads written notation scores: in this way he assists the dance master who is responsible for the teaching and rehearsing of dance repertoire.
Dance teachers are involved with the instruction and scientific training of children and students in basic dance techniques and for dance examinations.
The dance historian teaches and researches the history of dance and provides an academic and philosophic perspective on the cultural development of this art.