Life as a dancer consists of many days of uncertainty and years of intensive training. And it’s also ruled by that simple phone call that has the anxious dancer waiting to hear about landing ‘that’ job. Two inspiring and accomplished dancers in Toronto, La Toya Robinson and Tuch, share with us what life is really like as a dancer and what it takes to be successful in the dance industry.

Tuch, a professional dancer and choreographer in Toronto, has worked alongside Missy Elliot, Jully Black, Eve, and Jay-Z among others, and as a cast member of the motion picture Honey, starring Jessica Alba. He for one can attest to the uncertainty and fluctuations a dancer faces in his or her daily life, needing to secure the next job. “One week you could be swamped with rehearsals everyday for a film or stage production, and the next week you could be doing absolutely nothing. You can book a contract for a big gig but then be faced with the question of ‘What’s next?’ or ‘Where is my next paycheck coming from?’ But to lead a successful life as a professional dancer ultimately depends on an individual’s work ethic and drive to succeed in the dance world.”

Professional dancer and up-and-coming choreographer La Toya Robinson, who has performed with The Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, and Akon, tells us that “confidence, perseverance, commitment, motivation, and courage” are what a dancer needs to possess in order to survive in the competitive dance world. In order to secure the next job, not only do you have to continually train and keep up to date with different dance styles, but also, once you book a job, you must work to secure your next project. “Ensure that you leave a good impression on the directors, and make sure that you go above and beyond what is asked of you; they must know that you are serious about your craft so that they will want to rehire you for future projects.”

Booking a job is not always easy. A dancer’s livelihood is defined by ongoing auditions. Tuch states that when it comes to down to it, dancers must “come in and be prepared to learn the choreography…and perform and command the choreography.” As just one aspiring dancer among hundreds, you must make yourself stand out from the rest and show why you deserve that spot. An A-list dancer continually takes class and stays involved in the industry. “You have to keep training and working at it, stay positive, stay connected with the industry, and be confident in what you are doing,” says La Toya. A steady dose of perseverance and determination is the key to possessing a thriving dance career. “If you do it for the love, no matter how many times you’re told ‘no’ (and it will happen a lot), your drive to succeed in this dance world can’t be diminished,” says Tuch. Both La Toya and Tuch prove that a lot of hard work, dedication, and belief in oneself can lead to a steady and prosperous career in the dance industry.