From Ballet to TikTok: How Dance Careers are Evolving in the 21st Century

During the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, the dance industry was like a high-stakes game of musical chairs, with dancers from ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and jazz flocking to major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Vancouver. Their dreams? Joining esteemed dance companies, becoming part of legendary groups like The Rockettes, performing on stage with pop stars, or going on tour with them—because who wouldn’t want to share a tour bus with a diva? These dancers honed their skills at famous studios like Broadway Dance Centre in New York City, Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles, and Movement Lifestyle, also in Los Angeles. They dedicated themselves to rigorous training, taking 10 to 20 classes weekly, and attending auditions each month, all in the hope of landing that dream gig. Talk about a dance cardio workout!

The TikTok Dance Revolution

Fast forward to today, and we have TikTok, where everyday folks are busting out moves for fun and posting videos of themselves dancing to catchy tunes. Who needs a dance degree when you can learn the latest trends like "renegade" (New Renegade Dance with @Charli D’amelio TikTok Compilation - Best Dance Challenges 2020 - YouTube), "pikki pikki dance" (https://www.tiktok.com/@loriofficial/video/7406825914878807329), "the apple dance" (https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgroovetime/video/7388255314996497710), and "emergency budots dance" (https://www.tiktok.com/@bluewixie/video/7400103514921241873)? These videos are racking up views faster than you can say “viral,” catching the attention of big-name companies and pop stars around the globe. Meanwhile, those recreational TikTok dancers are getting hired for roles that once required years of training—because who knew doing the "apple dance" could land you a spot on stage?

The Dilemma for Professional Dancers

This shift raises a pressing question: how can dedicated professional dancers adapt to this new landscape? It seems that attending classes and auditioning diligently might no longer cut it. Professional dancers might need to embrace a new strategy—one that not only involves rigorous training but also building an online presence. Yes, they might need to polish up their selfie game and learn how to use a ring light! The goal? To expand their reach and influence, all while hoping to catch the eye of leading dance companies or the pop stars they dream of working with. Who knew that the path to stardom would now include mastering the art of TikTok choreography?

Check Out Some Professional Dancers of the 80s!

Want a blast from the past? Check out some professional dancers from the 80s grooving in Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" Music Video: Paula Abdul - Straight Up - YouTube