How Much Does a Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre Make?

Ballet

A Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre (ABT) is the highest rank a dancer can achieve in their career. They are usually the most experienced and technically skilled of all dancers and take on the lead roles in ballets. But how much does a Principal Dancer at ABT make?

The salary of a Principal Dancer varies depending upon experience, level of talent, and other factors. According to the ABT website, Principal Dancers earn between $2,000 and $10,000 per performance.

Those who are particularly talented can earn up to $20,000 per performance. A typical season for an ABT Principal consists of 25-30 performances.

In addition to their performance salary, Principal Dancers receive additional compensation from rehearsals and teaching classes. Rehearsal fees range from $200-$500 per day depending on the length of the rehearsal period.

Teaching fees for classes vary between $50-$500 per hour depending on the class size and type of instruction provided. On average, a Principal Dancer can expect to earn an additional $10-20K in rehearsal and teaching fees during a typical season.

In addition to their performance salaries, many Principal Dancers also receive additional benefits such as housing stipends or free tickets to performances for family members or friends. These benefits can add up quickly over a season and are beneficial for dancers who may not be able to afford housing or travel costs associated with being part of ABT’s touring company.

Overall, a Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre can expect to make anywhere from $40K-100K per season depending on their experience level and number of performances during that season. This makes it one of the most lucrative careers in dance today and is certainly something worth striving for if you are passionate about ballet and have the talent necessary to become a principal dancer.

Conclusion:

A career as a Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre is both rewarding and lucrative with salaries ranging from $40K-100K per season depending on experience level and number of performances during that season. It is an excellent opportunity for those with exceptional talent to reach the top level in ballet while still earning high wages.