2021 Victorian Dance Sector Survey: Understanding the State of Dance
Executive summary
In 2021, Ausdance VIC conducted the first comprehensive survey of Victoria’s dance sector to understand the profile, practices and pressures experienced by individuals and organisations—particularly in the context of COVID-19’s disruptions. This foundational research aimed to assess participation, access, employment conditions, safety, and sentiment, while establishing a dataset for longitudinal tracking.
The survey revealed a dynamic and passionate community engaged across diverse dance styles, training pathways and roles. While the majority of participants felt safe and positive about their involvement in dance, the impacts of lockdowns were deeply felt, with participation dropping sharply and many reporting income instability and diminished job security.
The findings also highlighted persistent challenges around inclusion, affordability, regulation, and financial literacy—especially for independent artists and small businesses. These insights point to opportunities for sector-wide advocacy, better support structures, and ongoing monitoring to guide recovery and reform.
Demographic snapshot
The 2021 Victorian Dance Sector Survey attracted a diverse group of respondents from across Victoria.
- Geography: 70% were based in metropolitan Melbourne, closely matching the broader population distribution.
- Gender: The survey confirmed the gendered nature of the dance workforce—83% of respondents identified as female, 15% male, and 2% non-binary.
- Age: Most respondents (60%) were aged between 16 and 45, representing the core demographic for both participation and professional practice.
- Disability & Cultural Identity: 20% identified as living with disability and 24% identified with a cultural background. These groups provided detailed insights into access and inclusion within the sector.
Patterns of participation
Dance engagement across Victoria spans a wide spectrum of ages, genres, and time commitments. Respondents reported beginning dance as early as age two, with the average starting age being 11.
Weekly participation varied dramatically—from 1 to 60 hours per week—with an average of 9 hours. This range reflects the diversity of involvement across casual social dancers, dedicated students, educators, and professionals.
Despite this strong base of engagement, COVID-19 had a profound impact. Lockdowns and restrictions led to a 44% drop in participation, with average weekly hours falling from 9 to 5. The shift to online delivery divided respondents: while some found renewed passion, others reported disengagement and disconnection from their practice.
Access, inclusion and equity
Experiences of inclusion were uneven across the sector. Respondents from culturally diverse backgrounds or living with disability identified cost, inaccessible facilities, and limited inclusive programming as key barriers to participation. Some also reported instances of discrimination based on their background or abilities.
There was also a geographic divide: regional participants expressed concern about the availability of quality training and performance opportunities outside metropolitan centres.
Despite these challenges, there was meaningful cross-cultural engagement across the sector:
- 14% had danced with First Nations participants,
- 32% with culturally or linguistically diverse peers,
- and 14% with people living with disability.
These figures indicate some momentum toward inclusion, but more targeted efforts are needed to ensure equity across all areas of dance practice and education.
Cost and client experience
The cost of participating in dance varied widely, reflecting differences in dance style, training intensity, and access to private instruction.
- Low-cost participation (<$1,000/year): Typically seen in social and cultural dance styles with group classes under $20.
- Mid-range ($1,000–$2,000): Ballet, contemporary, jazz, and tap classes—mostly in structured programs.
- High-cost ($3,000–$17,000/year): Represented dancers accessing private lessons, advanced pre-professional training, and competitive pathways.
While most respondents reported positive experiences in dance environments—95%+ felt physically, culturally, and mentally safe—there were concerns about injury.
- 20% experienced major injuries
- 60% reported minor injuries
Nevertheless, 97% believed that dance supported their overall health and wellbeing, and 84% anticipated they would continue participating in dance in the next three years.
Employment and economic security
Dances as workers
The pandemic exacerbated already-precarious working conditions in the sector. Among dance workers:
- Only 12% felt very secure in their employment.
- Many reported significant income loss due to lockdowns.
- 74% held public liability insurance and 57% held professional indemnity, but coverage was inconsistent.
Superannuation access was also a concern:
- Only 62% of employees received super contributions.
- Many independent contractors either lacked access or understanding of how to manage their superannuation.
This underlines the need for targeted education and financial literacy training for freelancers and independent practitioners.
Dance businesses and organisations
From a business perspective, the workforce was largely made up of a mix of full-time, part-time, casual, and contract staff. Three-quarters of organisations required staff to have recognised dance qualifications, and compliance training—particularly in first aid and safety—was emphasised.
However, revenue instability was common. Many businesses struggled to retain staff or maintain operations during lockdown periods, highlighting the sector’s vulnerability to external shocks and the need for greater structural support.
Regulation and sector standards
The survey revealed mixed views on the regulation of dance training and employment. While some respondents felt existing systems provided flexibility, others called for clearer structures, minimum standards for teachers, and stronger worker protections. This feedback reinforces the need for sector-wide conversations about regulation—balancing artistic freedom with safety, fairness and sustainability.
Sector sentiment and future outlook
There is strong short-term optimism in the sector: over 80% of respondents believed they had a future in dance over the next three years. However, confidence diminished when looking to the long term. Concerns about financial viability, career progression, and inclusion shaped more cautious views about the next decade. Yet, what remains clear is that dance continues to play a vital role in the lives of thousands of Victorians, supporting physical health, mental wellbeing, and community connection.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of the 2021 Victorian Dance Sector Survey, the following recommendations are proposed to support recovery, equity, and sustainability in the dance sector:
- Support Independent Workers
Provide training in superannuation, taxation, and financial planning to freelancers and sole traders. - Enhance Access and Inclusion
Invest in cost-reduction programs, inclusive training models, and accessible venues to expand participation opportunities. - Strengthen Sector Regulation
Engage the sector in developing clearer guidelines for training, teaching standards, and workplace protections. - Continue Longitudinal Research
Commit to ongoing annual surveys to monitor sector health, identify trends, and inform data-driven advocacy and policy.
Conclusion
The 2021 Victorian Dance Sector Survey offers a clear picture of a passionate, diverse, and resilient community navigating extraordinary challenges. It also highlights the structural weaknesses—especially in employment security, access, and regulation—that demand urgent attention.
This research forms the foundation for informed advocacy, stronger policy frameworks, and a more inclusive and sustainable future for dance in Victoria. With continued collaboration, targeted investment, and robust data collection, we can ensure that dance not only survives, but thrives.