Many dancers combine stage work with teaching or choreographing. Choreographers create original dances. Few dance routines are written down. Some choreographers use computers to develop dance routines for various productions. Working Conditions Dancing is strenuous.
Rehearsals require very long hours and usually take place daily, including weekends and holidays.
For shows on the road, weekend travel often is required. Most performances take place in the evening, while rehearsals and practice generally are scheduled during the day. Dancers must also work late hours. The work environment ranges from modern, temperature-controlled facilities to older, uncomfortable surroundings. Due to the physical demands, most dancers stop performing by their late thirties, but they sometimes continue to work in the dance field as choreographers, dance teachers and coaches, or as artistic directors.