How Much Do NBA Dancers Make?

Ever wonder how much NBA dancers make? We break down the average salary and earnings for professional basketball dancers.

NBA Dancers’ Salaries

NBA dancers make a lot of money. The average salary for an NBA dancer is $50,000. However, the top earners can make up to $100,000 or more. NBA dancers also get paid for appearances, photo shoots, and other events. So, if you’re looking to become an NBA dancer, you can expect to make a good salary.

Minimum Salary

The minimum salary for an NBA dancer is $50 per game or $3,500 per season. Dancers who are featured in special promotions or performances may earn up to $100 per game or $7,500 per season. The pay scale for veteran dancers is considerably higher, with some earning as much as $200 per game or $10,000 per season.

Maximum Salary

The maximum salary for an NBA dancer is $50,000 per year.

NBA Dancers’ Perks

Sure, being an NBA dancer looks like a blast. You get to dance in front of huge crowds, travel the country, and perform on live television. But what’s the pay like? According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an NBA dancer is $51,429 per year. But that’s not all they make. NBA dancers also receive a variety of perks, including free housing, free travel, and complimentary tickets to games.

Health Insurance

Since NBA dancers are considered independent contractors, they are not eligible for health insurance through the league. However, some teams will offer dancers access to group health insurance plans at a discounted rate. Dancers should check with their team to see what kind of health insurance options are available to them.

Travel

NBA dancers have the opportunity to travel not only within the United States, but also internationally. Many teams take annual trips to play games in Mexico, China, and Europe. Dancers also have the opportunity to represent their team at various charity events, parties, and conferences around the world.

Free Tickets

Most NBA dancers are given a certain number of free tickets to every home game. This is usually around 4-6 tickets, and they are typically in the upper seats near the rafters. While this isn’t the best view in the house, it’s still a great way to see the game up close. And, of course, it’s free!

NBA Dancers’ Schedule

NBA dancers typically have a very busy schedule during the season. They have to rehearse during the day and then perform during the games. They also have to travel with the team to away games. While it can be a lot of work, it can also be a lot of fun. Let’s take a look at a typical day in the life of an NBA dancer.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are typically held twice a week for three to five hours at a time, and dancers must be available for all rehearsals and games. During the season, dancers may have up to ten rehearsals per week.

Games

NBA dancers typically work one game per week. The days and hours leading up to the game are spent practicing, stretching, and doing cardio to prepare for their performance.
On game day, they arrive early to The Arena to stretch and warm up again. They perform during time-outs and at half-time, and then stay on the court to sign autographs for fans after the game ends.

Events

Dancers are required to attend all home games and some promotional appearances. Promotional appearances may include charity events, corporate events, community events, and other events approved by the team. During the season, dancers generally have two days off per week. One day is typically used for required rehearsals, while the other day is used for personal appointments or errands.

NBA Dancers’ Requirements

NBA Dancers are required to have a college degree, be proficient in two or more dance styles, have professional dance experience, and be between the ages of 18 and 28. They must also be able to attend rehearsals, games, and other events as scheduled. NBA Dancers must be able to travel as well.

Training

NBA dancers must have excellent dance training. Most have experience in ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop and tap dancing. A few girls with no professional dance experience are selected each year, but they usually don’t last long. Those who make the team must be able to pick up choreography quickly and keep up with the strenuous routines. NBA dancers must be between 18 and 30 years old, and they must maintain their fitness levels and dance skills throughout the season.

Experience

Dancers who want to become professional NBA dancers must have a wide range of skills and experience. Professional dancers usually have many years of dance experience, often starting at a young age. They must be proficient in various styles of dance, including jazz, hip hop, and ballet. Most professional dancers have been dancing for most of their lives and have extensive training in multiple genres.

In addition to dance experience, NBA dancers must also have a strong performance background. Many dancers who audition for NBA dance teams have performed in college dance programs or other professional dance companies. Dancers must be able to execute complicated choreography and look good doing it. They must also be able to work well with others, as most NBA routines are performed in groups.

Finally, NBA dancers must be physically fit and attractive. Most dance teams require dancers to maintain a certain weight and dress size, and many teams prefer dancers who are tall and slender. Dancers must also have a pleasant appearance and stage presence.

Auditions

Auditions for NBA dancers are usually held in the city of the team for which they wish to dance. Dancers must be at least 18 years old by the audition date.

During auditions, dancers are taught a combination and then asked to perform it in small groups. They are also interviewed and asked questions about themselves and their dance experience.

Those who are selected to advance to the next round will be asked to learn a new combination and perform it in front of the entire group. The callback process may also include learning a short routine or dancing in character shoes.