Some of Broadway's most beloved and well known musicals feature dancers. Shows such as "A Chorus Line," "Fame" and "The Lion King" showcase choreographed dance routines throughout. Since Broadway shows typically run for long durations, sometimes several years, dancers are contracted and are paid weekly according to union rates.
The Breakdown
Broadway dancers typically earn $135 per show. With approximately eight performances per week, they earn between $1,000 an $1,100 as of 2005. Yet, a May 2011 casting notice in Backstage.com for the Broadway show "Wicked" pays dancers a minimum of $1,653 per week. This matches the Actors Equity Association standard agreement for weekly minimum rates on Broadway.
Broadway Touring Shows
A number of top Broadway shows hit the road each year on national tours in an effort to attract larger and more diverse audiences. Often, the same dancers travel with the show. While salaries match the weekly minimum rates on Broadway, lodging is paid for by the production company and dancers are given a per diem salary for food expenses. This rate is normally $100 per day as of 2011.
Choreogaphers
Choreographers are hired by producers an directors to create dance routines and instruction to dancers on perform the routines. A number of choreographers on Broadway continue their work as dancers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary for choreographers on Broadway is $38, 520 as of 2008. The middle 50 percent earn between $25,320 and $55,360. Broadway choreographers such as Andy Blankenbuehler and Ken Roberson are established choreographers and likely earn in the higest 10 percent of salaries of choreographers at about $67,000 annually.
Health and Pension Benefits
Since Broadway dancers and choreographers are covered by union contracts under the Actors Equity Association, they receive health and pension benefits. Each week, a show's producers contribute a portion of salaries earned by dancers and choreographers toward their pension fund. In order to obtain health coverage for six months, performers must have 12 weeks of covered employment -- most Broadway producers cover health insurance -- in the previous 12 months.
