The Average Salary of a Ballerina | Pocket Pence (2024)

Ballerinas make dancing look effortless, gliding across the stage in a series of graceful leaps and powerful spins. But it's also a career. so prospective dancers want to know what type of income they might expect from working as a ballet dancer. Understanding the average salary of a ballerina can help you decide whether it's the right career choice for you.

General

Estimates for average ballerina salaries range hover around £24,336, according to SalaryList.com. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says the median hourly wage for dancers was £7.90 per hour in 2008. According to the BLS,the middle 50 per cent of dancers earned between £16,458 and £35,984, while the highest 10 per cent of dancers earned more than £43,654. Salaries may be significantly higher or lower depending a variety of factors, including employer, location and experience level.

Title

Although people tend to think of all female ballet dancers as ballerinas, the "ballerina" refers to a specific job title known as the principal. Other female ballet dancers in the company include the soloist and the corps de ballet, made up of junior ballet dancers, according to FrontStart.com. The average salaries for soloists and corps de ballet members would be lower than that of the ballerina.

Job Location

Large cities with multiple dance companies (Philadelphia, for example, has 31 dance companies in 2011) may pay higher salaries than rural locations with smaller companies. In the U.S., cities with multiple dance companies include New York, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Experience

More experienced or talented ballerinas may earn higher average salaries than that of a ballerina, according to FrontStart.com. Above-average salaries may reach £32,500 per year, while top ballerinas or very famous ballet dancers may earn between £48,033 and £111,150, according to Business Week.

Additional Income

Ballerinas may be paid hourly wages or for specific performances. Dancers may receive additional compensation for travel or multiple performances within a given time period. Dancers may receive additional income from room, board and overtime pay while travelling. Ballerinas can augment their average salary by taking on additional dance-related work, such as teaching ballet, participating in ballet fitness DVDs or working in theatre and film.

Employer

Salaries may depend on employer type, according to the BLS. Ballerinas working for performing-arts companies may command higher average salaries than dancers working at schools or recreational companies. Well-known companies also may pay higher salaries than lesser-known ballet companies.

The Average Salary of a Ballerina | Pocket Pence (2024)

FAQs

The Average Salary of a Ballerina | Pocket Pence? ›

Ballet dancers are well trained, and because of their unmatched skills, they are compensated fairly. A ballet dancer makes anywhere between $14,500 and $256,500 in a year. This range represents the highest and lowest earners. Most ballet dancers' salaries fall between $14,500 and $36,500.

Who is the highest paid female ballerina? ›

Sylvie Guillem – $850,000 + per year

Sylvie Guillem is the highest paid female ballet dancer in the world today, at 48 years old. She hasn't slowed down in later years; continuing an enormously successful career, Sylvie is selling out theatres all over, and has been since the mid-80's.

How much do ballet dancers get paid? ›

How much does a Ballet Dancer make in the United States? The average Ballet Dancer salary in the United States is $34,078 as of May 25, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $28,083 and $41,608.

What does a top ballerina make? ›

Most dancers will have a salary between $37,500 and $60,000. These include student/beginner dancers to intermediate-level dancers with a few years of experience. Lead ballerinas and famous soloists can make well over $100,000, with the best of the best making a mindblowing sum of $262,500.

How much do NYC ballerinas get paid? ›

Ballet Dancer Salary in New York, NY

How much does a Ballet Dancer make in New York, NY? The average Ballet Dancer salary in New York, NY is $40,042 as of May 25, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $32,997 and $48,890.

What is the weight limit for a ballerina? ›

Most ballerinas are between about 160cm and 173cm tall. With this height range, weight is ideally anywhere between about 40 and 59 kg, and depends heavily on muscle and bone mass.

Do ballerinas win a lot of money? ›

While there isn't specific data for ballerinas, dancers of all types have an average salary of $48,234 per year . Lead ballerinas and those who work for larger companies might make more money than other ballerinas since these companies typically charge more for tickets and have more sponsors and donors.

What is a prima ballerina salary? ›

Ballet dancer salaries typically range between $25,000 and $105,000 a year. The average hourly rate for ballet dancers is $24.79 per hour.

Is ballet for the wealthy? ›

Ballet is also stereotypically seen as an upper-class hobby. Going to the ballet or opera has traditionally been something done by the elites and it has been difficult for this reputation to fall away. Working class and disadvantaged people don't necessarily get involved with it.

Is ballet dancing a good career? ›

As ballet is a highly competitive field to enter, and a lot of ballet companies are always looking out for new talents to join their ranks. Ballet dancers often tour the world, performing in some of the most prestigious venues. Therefore, a ballet career could be a fantastic career choice for those who love dancing.

What age do ballerinas retire? ›

At what age do most dancers retire? Most dancers stop dancing between 35 and 40 years old. Sometimes a dancer may have a specific injury that has forced them to stop dancing and sometimes their bodies are just tired from all the physical strength that is required for ballet.

How long is a ballerina's career? ›

Typically, a dancer's career ends anywhere between ages 30 and 40. Dancers often move into choreography. Many also teach, direct their own ballet companies, or resume formal education. The intensity of ballet training and the short length of a professional career often mean that dancers do not study beyond high school.

How much money do Boston ballet dancers make? ›

How much does a Ballet Dancer make in Boston, Massachusetts? As of Jun 9, 2023, the average annual pay for a Ballet Dancer in Boston is $72,870 a year.

How much do Paris Opera ballerinas make? ›

(According to the company, an entry level dancer's gross earnings total about 35,000 euros, or $39,000 a year; an “étoile,” or star, whose salary is negotiated privately, may make upward of €77,000, and often much more.)

Do dancers make good money? ›

Professional dancers make on average around $68,813 per year in the United States. In terms of hourly wage, professional dancers average around $24.50 per hour.

What is the salary for Miami City ballet? ›

The average Ballet Dancer salary in Miami, FL is $33,004 as of May 01, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $27,198 and $40,297. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

How much should a 5 5 ballerina weigh? ›

The average height of an American ballerina is about 5 foot 2 inches to 5 foot 8 inches. In correspondence to height, weight would ideally range from 85 to 130 lbs.

How tall can ballerinas be? ›

The height requirements of dancers are really designated by the ballet companies hiring. Most ballet company's average height for a female is approximately 167cm. However, in Europe some companies require females to be no taller than the traditional 165cm, while others have a minimum height of 173cm.

Are there plus size ballerinas? ›

Plus-Size Dancer Colleen Werner Is Challenging Ballet to Celebrate All Body Shapes.

What age do most people quit ballet? ›

On average, a dancer's performance career tends to end around the age of 35. They've often been shaping muscle and bone into elegant lines since shortly after they first learned to walk, moulding their bodies to achieve the perfect balance of powerful athleticism and artistic grace.

What is the best age to become a ballerina? ›

This is often the reason ballet instructors will tell you that it's better to start early if you plan to pursue these programs. Starting ballet between the ages of 5-8 can give you the best early training to have a jumpstart when more rigorous training begins between ages 8-10.

What is the highest title for a ballerina? ›

Principal—This is the highest level a dancer can reach. A dancer can be promoted to principal dancer if they have top-notch technical ability and can combine that with beautiful artistry.

How much do pointe shoes cost? ›

On average, a pair of pointe shoes can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 or more. However, some high-end brands can cost up to $150 or more. It's important to note that ballet dancers typically go through multiple pairs of pointe shoes each year, as they wear out quickly and need to be replaced frequently.

How expensive is being a ballerina? ›

These costs for becoming a ballerina get broken down to an estimated $55,000 for training at a mid-tier school (over a 15 year time period), $32,000 for six summer intensive programs (although there will more likely be more), $30,000 for new pointe shoes every 3 months starting from 6th grade (although this number can ...

Will raising a ballerina cost $100000? ›

Children's extracurricular activities can be absurdly expensive, but a new FiveThirtyEight analysis has found that few are costlier than ballet. Assuming a child begins training at age 3 and continues through high school, it could cost $100,000 to raise a ballerina, detailed in FiveThirtyEight's conservative estimate.

Is ballet a talent or skill? ›

Most children and adults can learn how to dance and acquire the skill. However, achieving a world-class status may require something beyond skills and practice. A bit of talent and lots of luck may play a huge role in making a certain dancer achieve fame and massive success.

Where do ballet dancers make the most money? ›

As you might expect, salaries tend to be much higher in prestigious companies such as the New York City Ballet than in smaller companies. For jobbing dancers who survive by taking on freelance engagements, the salary may depend on external factors such as private funding and ticket sales.

Do ballet dancers age well? ›

Ballet builds and maintains flexibility of joints and muscles which helps prevent injury in our daily lives and keeps you mobile, reversing the age process. The impact of movement and jumping actually helps strengthen bones, aiding in the prevention of osteoporosis.

What is a ballet teacher called? ›

In modern times, ballet masters are generally charged with teaching the daily company ballet class and rehearsing the dancers for both new and established ballets in the company's repertoire. The artistic director of a ballet company, whether a male or female, may also be called its ballet master.

Is ballet the hardest dance to learn? ›

It takes a lot of time, training and effort to become a ballet dancer, and it is known as probably the most difficult of dance styles to master. The discipline, practice and skill it takes to complete some of the ballet steps take dedication but once learned they are beautiful to watch.

Is 17 too old for ballet? ›

It's never too late to start dance, whether your child is 3, 8, or 17! We have classes in all styles, for all skill levels, for all children. If your older dancer is interested in learning more about dance now is a great time to try a class.

Is 27 too late to start ballet? ›

Regardless of your age or abilities, ballet is for everyone, and it is never too late to start learning ballet as an adult.

Is 15 too late to start ballet? ›

With hard work and determination, you can become a skilled ballet dancer at any age. The more you practice, the better you'll become. Ballet is a physically demanding activity that can be tough on the body. If you're starting late, be prepared for a lot of hard work and sore muscles.

What age is too late to start ballet? ›

Anyone who wants to learn classical ballet can. There is no upper age limit to starting something new, and this is true for ballet, too. Sure, you may not become a prima ballerina if you start at the age of 50, but that doesn't take away the joy of dancing.

What happens to old ballerinas? ›

Some dancers go on to teach or coach, and some to choreograph, though the latter path is often even less stable, predictable or lucrative than being a dancer. Some go into ballet-adjacent work, like dance photography.

How do you get hired as a ballerina? ›

How To Become A Ballerina
  1. Train, train, and train – it can't be emphasized enough.
  2. Complete your education and degree program in dance or fine arts.
  3. Practice, and practice a little more.
  4. Perform freelance or stage shows to build a reputation.
  5. Get hired by ballet dancer companies to secure a ballet career.
Feb 17, 2022

What is a prima ballerina? ›

"Prima ballerina literally translates to “first principal dancer” from Italian and, in the United States, is better known as someone who is a female principal dancer. These dancers are the best in their companies who perform the lead roles in ballets, along with their male counterparts".

Who is the best female ballet dancer in the world? ›

Our Top 10 Female Dancers of All Time
  • Natalia Osipova. Natalia Osipova is a Russian ballerina currently dancing with the Royal Ballet in London. ...
  • Margot Fonteyn. Margot Fonteyn is arguably the most famous English ballerina of all time. ...
  • Sylvie Guillem. ...
  • Anna Pavlova. ...
  • Martha Graham. ...
  • Carmen Amaya. ...
  • Marie Taglioni. ...
  • Ginger Rogers.
Mar 7, 2023

How much is school fee for Boston Ballet? ›

Tuition for the program is $800.00 (including fees). Financial Aid is available for families that qualify.

Do male ballet dancers get paid more? ›

Despite the fact that girls outnumber boys 20 to one and pay most of the fees in ballet schools, and despite the audience and donor base being 70% women, female artistic directors are paid 68 percent of what their male counterparts earn. The imbalance is even more pronounced when it comes to what you see on stage.

What is the oldest ballet school in the world? ›

The very first academy of ballet was opened in 1661 in France, thanks to King Louis XIV, and was called the Académie Royale de Danse. Pierre Beauchamp, the king's dance teacher, created the five basic positions of ballet for the feet and arms.

How much do Moulin Rouge dancers get paid? ›

The Moulin Rouge powerbrokers were so impressed with the local talent that out of an intake of 12 new dancers, they chose nine Australian girls. Pay starts at 2500 euros a month ($A4185) and the contracts are for six or 12 months.

Are ballerinas underpaid? ›

Ballet dancers are well trained, and because of their unmatched skills, they are compensated fairly. A ballet dancer makes anywhere between $14,500 and $256,500 in a year. This range represents the highest and lowest earners. Most ballet dancers' salaries fall between $14,500 and $36,500.

Is dance a good career for a living? ›

Dancing as a career has numerous lucrative opportunities on offer! You can become a professional dancer or pursue the career path of a choreographer or dance teacher.

Is dancing as a career worth it? ›

The truth is that for so many dancers, their love of dancing and passion for the art overrides all of the drawbacks. So even though things can be outrageously challenging and competitive and painful, both physically and emotionally, dance is so emotionally fulfilling that it can absolutely all be worth it.

How much do kids get paid to be in NYC ballet The Nutcracker? ›

This year, there are two new princes at New York City Ballet, Ian Zelbo and Sawyer Reo, each of whom has twenty-five performances scheduled and is paid the un-royal sum of ten dollars a show.

What do Broadway dancers get paid? ›

Professional dancers in the U.S. earn an average of $24.50 per hour . Salaries vary depending on the dancer's company, location and experience. Dancers in New York City earn an average of $64,256 per year .

How much does Orlando ballet pay? ›

The average Ballet Dancer salary in Orlando, FL is $32,304 as of May 01, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $26,620 and $39,442.

Who is the most famous female ballerina? ›

12 of the greatest ballerinas of all time
  • Anna Pavlova (1881-1931) ...
  • Galina Ulanova (1910-1998) ...
  • Alicia Markova (1910-2004) ...
  • Margot Fonteyn (1919-1991) ...
  • Nadia Nerina (1927-2008) ...
  • Nina Ananiashvili (1963- ) ...
  • Sylvie Guillem (1965- ) ...
  • Darcey Bussell (1969- )

What is the lead female ballerina called? ›

Prima ballerina literally translates to “first principal dancer” from Italian and, in the United States, is better known as someone who is a female principal dancer. These dancers are the best in their companies who perform the lead roles in ballets, along with their male counterparts.

What do you call a male ballerina? ›

What are male dancers called if female dancers are called ballerinas? A male dancer is called a danseur or a principal dancer, if he is ranked highly in a professional company.

What is the most difficult female ballet role? ›

The technically and artistically demanding double role of Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan) is perhaps the most difficult in all of ballet.

What is the most prestigious ballet school in the world? ›

Top of most lists of the greatest dance schools in the world is the Paris Opera Ballet School in the French capital – yet originally, this was not a school for children. Founded back in 1713 by King Louis XIV, the school was for adults and it wasn't until a few years later that children were first admitted.

Can you make a living off of ballet? ›

Most ballet dancers' salaries fall between $14,500 and $36,500. The average salary is about $1,326 per week. Many ballet dancers work their whole life to be a part of a prestigious company. Below, there is a breakdown of a ballet dancer's salary at each career stage and how to making money as a ballet dancer.

What is the hardest movement in ballet? ›

Fouette. A fouette is a “whipped throw” and is one of the most difficult turns in ballet dance. The dancer must pass their working leg in front or behind their body while spinning. This dance move is hard to master and takes a tremendous amount of determination to learn.

What is a ballerina body? ›

In reality, the ideal physique for a female classical dancer is slim, with a long neck, a shortish to medium length torso, long legs with complimentary long arms and high insteps.

What's the difference between a ballet dancer and a ballerina? ›

A girl or woman who dances professionally with a ballet is a ballerina. The lead dancer in "The Nutcracker" is a ballerina. It's more common to call a female dancer a "ballet dancer" than a ballerina these days.

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