Dancer Onboarding Checklist

Dancer Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Dancer starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Entertainment onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Dancer, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Dancer onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Dancer Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new dancer attends an orientation session where they are introduced to the company’s mission, values, and culture. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated company representative.

2. Contract and paperwork: The dancer completes all necessary paperwork, including signing the employment contract, providing identification documents, and filling out tax forms. This task is usually handled by the HR department.

3. Facility tour: The new dancer is given a tour of the company’s facilities, including rehearsal studios, dressing rooms, and performance venues. This task is performed by a member of the production or operations team.

4. Introduction to colleagues: The dancer is introduced to their fellow dancers, choreographers, and other staff members. This task may be facilitated by the artistic director or a senior dancer.

5. Costume fitting: The dancer undergoes a costume fitting session to ensure proper sizing and comfort for upcoming performances. This task is typically performed by the costume designer or wardrobe department.

6. Rehearsal schedule and expectations: The dancer is provided with a detailed rehearsal schedule and informed about the expectations regarding attendance, punctuality, and professionalism. This task is usually communicated by the artistic director or rehearsal director.

7. Dance technique assessment: The dancer undergoes a dance technique assessment to evaluate their skill level and determine the appropriate casting and training opportunities. This task is performed by the artistic director or a designated dance instructor.

8. Introduction to repertoire: The dancer is introduced to the company’s repertoire, including specific choreographies and styles they will be performing. This task is typically led by the artistic director or a senior dancer.

9. Health and safety training: The dancer receives training on health and safety protocols, including injury prevention, warm-up routines, and emergency procedures. This task is usually conducted by the company’s health and safety officer or a designated staff member.

10. Performance schedule and expectations: The dancer is provided with a performance schedule and informed about the expectations regarding stage presence, costume changes, and overall performance quality. This task is communicated by the artistic director or production manager.

11. Introduction to support staff: The dancer is introduced to the support staff, such as stage managers, lighting technicians, and makeup artists, who play crucial roles in the production process. This task may be facilitated by the production manager or a senior dancer.

12. Networking opportunities: The dancer is informed about networking events, workshops, and conferences within the dance industry that they can attend to expand their professional network. This task is typically communicated by the artistic director or company manager.

13. Mentorship program: The dancer is assigned a mentor, usually a senior dancer or choreographer, who provides guidance, support, and advice throughout their time with the company. This task is coordinated by the artistic director or a designated mentorship coordinator.

14. Performance feedback and evaluation: The dancer receives regular feedback and evaluations on their performances to help them improve and grow as a dancer. This task is typically performed by the artistic director, rehearsal director, or choreographers.

15. Continuing education opportunities: The dancer is informed about opportunities for further education and training, such as workshops, masterclasses, or certifications, that can enhance their skills and knowledge. This task is usually communicated by the artistic director or company manager.

16. Company policies and procedures: The dancer is provided with a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including code of conduct, dress code, and any specific rules related to rehearsals and performances. This task is typically handled by the HR department or a designated company representative.

17. Benefits and perks: The dancer is informed about the benefits and perks they are entitled to as an employee, such as health insurance, retirement plans, vacation days, and discounted tickets to performances. This task is usually communicated by the HR department or a designated benefits coordinator.

18. Marketing and promotion: The dancer is introduced to the company’s marketing and promotion strategies, including social media campaigns, press releases, and promotional events. This task may be facilitated by the marketing department or a designated marketing coordinator.

19. Company history and achievements: The dancer is provided with information about the company’s history, past achievements, and notable performances to foster a sense of pride and connection to the organization. This task is typically communicated by the artistic director or a designated company historian.

20. Team-building activities: The dancer participates in team-building activities, such as group rehearsals, workshops, or social events, to foster camaraderie and collaboration among the dancers and staff members. This task may be organized by the artistic director or a designated team-building coordinator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Dancer checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Dancer up to speed and working well in your Entertainment team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.