Dancers dance to tell a story, interpret ideas or express rhythm and sound before audiences in theaters, films, television, nightclubs and other public places. May work in opera, musical comedy and television performances. Usually work in group, though a few top artists solo. May teach, create new dances and direct and stage the presentations of their works. The normal workweek for dancers are thirty hours, which include rehearsals, matinees and evening performances.
Many dancers start early and intensively to prepare for their career.
Serious training for dancers begins at ten or twelve years of age, with ballet earlier at age 7 and 8, usually in a private school. High school students should take courses in music, drama and speech. Extracurricular activities in which they get an opportunity to perform can be good experience. There are many ways to continue the study of dancing after high school. Professional schools of dance usually teach music, literature and history along with dance to help students in dramatic interpretation of the dance.