53120

Dancers

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Art, culture, recreation & sport

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Definition

Dancers are employed by ballet and dance companies, television and film productions and nightclubs and similar establishments. This unit group also includes dance teachers who are usually employed by dance academies and dance schools.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Dancers
Practise and rehearse dance routines under direction or instruction to achieve desired interpretation and presentation
Perform dances as soloists or as members of groups before live audiences or for film or television
Train and exercise to maintain the required levels of ability and fitness
May choreograph their own performances.
Dance teachers
Teach dance technique and artistic interpretation to amateur and professional individuals and groups
Teach the techniques, cultural origins and symbolic meanings of Aboriginal, ethnic and folkloric dances
Teach recreational dancing lessons such as ballroom dancing
Prepare dance students for specific auditions and performances.
Dancers may specialize in specific types of dance such as ballet, ballroom, folk, jazz or modern.

Example job titles

•ballet dancer
•ballet teacher
•ballroom dancing teacher
•dance instructor
•dancer
•folkloric dancer
•interpretative dancer
•tap dancer

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, professional dancers are classified under NOC code 53120 (TEER 3). This category includes classical ballet dancers, contemporary dancers, interpretive dancers, tap dancers, and folk dancers. These professionals are typically employed by dance companies, theatre productions, television, film, or they may operate as self-employed performing artists. To meet the employment requirements under this NOC, candidates generally require a university degree or college diploma in dance, graduation from a private dance academy, or demonstrated talent through a structured audition process.

Individuals looking to immigrate to Canada as dancers have several pathways available. Because NOC 53120 falls under TEER 3, it is eligible for Federal Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), provided all other language, education, and work experience criteria are met. Additionally, since many dancers work independently, they may qualify under the Federal Self-Employed Persons Program. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also offer streams for skilled workers and artists in specific provinces.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official regulatory guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a licensed Canadian immigration professional.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.