Definition

Noun: A person who performs dances as their paid occupation or career. This term specifically refers to an individual whose primary work and source of income is the art of dance performance.

Usage

The term "professional dancer" is used to distinguish someone who dances for a living from an amateur or hobbyist. It implies a level of skill, training, and commitment associated with a career. - It is typically used as a countable noun. - It can be the subject or object of a sentence. - It often appears in contexts discussing careers in the arts, performances, or biographies.

Examples

• After years of training, she finally became a professional dancer with the national ballet company.
• The show features professional dancers from around the world.
• His dream was to be a professional dancer on Broadway.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) before another noun to specify a category or type.
  • Example: She attended a professional dancer workshop to refine her technique.
• It can be part of a compound subject or object when listing professions in the performing arts.
  • Example: The gala honored musicians, actors, and professional dancers.

Variants and Related Words

• Dancer (n): A more general term for anyone who dances, regardless of professional status.
• Performer (n): A broader term for anyone who performs for an audience, which includes professional dancers.
• Ballroom dancer (n): A dancer specializing in ballroom styles; can be professional or amateur.
• Ballerina / Danseur (n): Specific terms for female and male classical ballet dancers, often implying professional status.

Synonyms

• Terpsichorean (formal/literary): A person skilled in dancing.
• Dance performer: A performer whose medium is dance.

Antonyms

• Amateur dancer: A person who dances for pleasure, not as a paid profession.
• Hobbyist dancer: Similar to amateur, emphasizing the activity is a pastime.

Related Phrases and Collocations

• "To work as a professional dancer": To have a job dancing professionally.
  • Example: He works as a professional dancer for a contemporary dance troupe.
• "Career of a professional dancer": Referring to the professional life and trajectory of a dancer.
  • Example: The documentary explored the demanding career of a professional dancer.

Noun

1. a performer who dances professionally