Contemporary Dance
What can I do with my degree in Contemporary Dance?
About the program
Concordia University is one of the few universities in Canada that offers courses in choreography and creative process as well as a comprehensive approach to contemporary dance that teaches technical skills, theory, creative thinking, self-direction and studio exploration. Emphasizing the discovery and development of the creative capacity and the technical potential of the individual student, the undergraduate program seeks to develop choreographers with experience in performance.
For the latest information on programs, visit the Department of Contemporary Dance.
Skills developed
As a student in Contemporary Dance, you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills listed in below. Your transferrable skills can be applied to many different jobs and situations that go beyond this field.
- Choreograph and perform dance
- Create
- Control and understand movement and body
- Understand diverse music and dance styles
- Understand body language
- Improve spatial memory
- Perform in front of large audiences
- Exert discipline and stamina
- Demonstrate attention to detail
- Improve rhythm and coordination
- Communicate ideas clearly by listening carefully and responding effectively
- Interact with others and build professional relationships
- Exercise openness and flexibility
- Provide feedback
- Manage tasks and meet deadlines
- Work under pressure
- Influence and persuade
- Make decisions and use sound judgement
- Collaborate and cooperate
- Manage conflict
- Receive feedback
- Lead and follow
- Think quickly and react appropriately
- Arts advocacy agencies
- Arts management firms
- Bands
- Comedy productions
- Community recreation centres
- Community theatre groups
- Cultural affairs agencies
- Dance studios
- Educational institutions
- Gyms
- Media firms
- Motion picture industry
- Music studios
- Newspapers/magazines
- Performing arts centres
- Private dance studios
- Production companies
- Public relations firms
- Publishing firms
- Stage shows
- Television
- Theater companies
- Theme parks
- Resorts and cruise ships
- Government
What jobs can a Bachelor’s degree in Contemporary Dance lead to?
Please note that many positions listed below may require related extra-curricular activities, volunteer or work experience.
For details on these job titles, main duties and employment requirements visit Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Artist
- Artistic director
- Box office attendant
- Choreographer
- Company manager
- Dance animator
- Dance coach
- Dance studio owner
- Dance teacher / instructor
- Dance/movement therapist
- Performer
- Physical trainer
- Production assistant
- Professional dancer
- Rehearsal director
- Stage manager
- Usher
- Wardrobe assistant
- Actor
- Casting director
- Choreographer
- Critic
- Dance writer
- Publications assistant
- Publisher
- Theatre administrator
- Publicist
- Publicity manager
- Promoter
- Arts administrator
- Fundraiser
- Non-profit administrator
- Youth worker
- Ballet teacher
- Dance instructor / teacher
- Fitness coach
- Gymnastics instructor
Jobs and career possibilities with a Master's and PhD in Contemporary Dance
The job titles listed below are examples of careers requiring further education such as an MA or PhD degree, a second bachelor degree, a certificate or a graduate diploma and relevant work experience.
For details on these job titles, main duties and employment requirements visit Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Acting coach
- Advertising specialist
- Choreologist
- Community relations director
- Costume designer
- Dance company / musical director
- Dance critic
- Dance school manager
- Dance studio owner
- Dance therapist
- Dance videographer
- Designer
- Director of arts advocacy agency
- Director of arts council
- Director of audience development
- Entrepreneur
- Film director
- Lighting designer
- Music industry consultant
- Music specialist
- Musician
- Performing arts producer
- Producer
- Production manager
- Psychomotricity specialist
- Seamstress/seamster
- Set designer
- Stage crew manager
Start your job search
Explore career options
Explore the types of jobs for each industry and find out about required skills, education level and salary ranges in Canada:
Occupation - Government of Canada Job Bank: Find out about job prospects, wages and skills for specific job titles. You can use the job titles listed in the Career Possibilities – Bachelor degree and Career Possibilities – Beyond the bachelor degree for your search.
Field of study – Government of Canada Job Bank : Find out about employment rates, wages and the types of jobs related to a specific field of study.
Search job titles or companies - LinkedIn: Search by job title or field of study. You can also find out what type of positions individuals with the same degree as you have occupied.
Career Cruising
Explore your interests, learn about careers and find jobs on the Career Cruising website. Find the link and login information in the Student Hub's My CU Account.
Search for jobs
Browse the websites below to find jobs available in Quebec and Canada related to your field of study. You can also search the CAPS online job bank or find employers in Canada that hire new graduates in your field.
Book an appointment
To get help with your career exploration and goal setting, book an appointment with a career counsellor. For job search tips on finding the job you want, book an appointment with a career advisor.
To book an appointment with either professional, please call 514-848-2424 ext. 7345
*Only current Concordia students and recent alumni can access this service
Networking and professional associations
Connect with professionals in the field and professional associations to find out what a day in your career of choice looks like. Professional associations websites also provide useful career descriptions and job hunting tips, and sometimes list job openings and potential employers. You can also attend one of our career workshops, career fairs or career panels to get a head start.
Here are a few recommended sites:
- Ballet Creole
- Canada Council for the Arts
- Canadian Arts Presenting Association (CAPACOA)
- Canadian Dance Organization
- Canada DanceSport
- Canadian DanceSport Federation
- Canadian Dance Teachers’ Association
- Cirque du Soleil
- Contemporary Dance Department, Concordia University
- Dance Ontario
- Dancer Transition Resource Centre (DTRC)
- Regroupement Quebecois de la Danse
- WorkinCulture - Cultural Careers Council Ontario - CCCO
