Dance Ranked Most Physically Demanding Job in the U.S. (2024)

FAQs

Is dance the most physically demanding job? ›

According to the authors of the piece, dancers' top-rated activities are time spent running and walking, stamina, dynamic strength, and trunk strength. That dance was the No. 1 physical job shouldn't have surprised me.

But the data determined that dancers have the most physically demanding job of all, with an average combined score of 97 out of 100 for overall level of job physicality.

Dance is a physically demanding activity. Dancers perform repetitive movements for several hours a day. Studies have shown that dancing five hours a day or longer leads to an increased risk of stress fractures and other injuries.

It is important for dancers to be able to:

Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out. Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired. Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath. Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

Said to be the most difficult genre to master, ballet is a rigorous style of dance that is the foundation of most forms of dance training. It is usually set, but not limited to, orchestrated music and is often the first dance style a child will experience as they begin their dance classes.

Both flexibility AND strength are required.

In fact, dancers must specifically work their muscles so they remain strong, but don't bulk up too much for fear of no longer being able to stretch the muscles through flexibility.

The most in-demand jobs in the US include information technology and software, engineering, healthcare, finance and accounting, management, human resources, nursing, teaching, marketing and sales, hospitality, and more.

When you think of difficult sports, basketball, football, soccer, or track are probably some of the things that come to mind. I am here to explain to you that dance is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. According to Dance Magazine “…

As a professional, sometimes dance can be mentally challenging. A desire to excel or raise one's level can create an internalised pressure.

Why is dance such a demanding sport? ›

Dancers need to be strong, flexible, and connected to their bodies in a way that other sports don't have room for. Dancers need the stamina to endure hours of practice, strength to execute moves with precision, and flexibility to protect from injury.

stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis. better coordination, agility and flexibility. improved balance and spatial awareness. increased physical confidence.

Stop Sports Injuries says, “The physical demands placed on the bodies of dancers have been shown to make them just as susceptible as football players to injury. The repetitive practice of movements that require extreme flexibility, strength and endurance make them prime candidates for overuse injuries.”

Physical health and fitness

Most forms of dance may be considered aerobic exercise, and as such can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, help weight control, stress reduction, and bring about other benefits commonly associated with physical fitness.

Training is intense, requiring long hours that demand both physical and mental stamina. There is always the risk of injury and, in some cases, those injuries can end a career. Even without significant injury, dancing can take a tremendous toll on the body.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of dancers and choreographers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,000 openings for dancers and choreographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Being a dance major requires a strong body and mind. Dancers must be well-conditioned to meet the physical demands of the program. A lack of strength training for dancers may leave them vulnerable to injuries.