Taylor Swift’s unprecedented generosity made headlines when she distributed $55 million in bonuses to her Eras Tour employees, leading many to wonder how much do Taylor Swift dancers make during their time on tour. In fact, the record-breaking tour, which generated over $2 billion in ticket sales and attracted more than 10 million attendees, has set new standards for performer compensation.
Specifically, Taylor Swift backup dancers earn between $40,000 to $100,000+ per tour, with weekly earnings reaching approximately $1,600 while on the road. Additionally, these backup dancers receive comprehensive benefits including covered transportation, meals, and accommodations throughout the tour duration. The compensation package for Taylor Swift backup dancers on the Eras Tour has proven particularly lucrative, especially when factoring in the substantial bonuses distributed during the summer of 2023.
Ever wondered how much Taylor Swift’s dancers make while grooving on stage? From base salaries to bonuses, we’re breaking down the numbers and seeing how they stack up against other touring gigs in the industry!
The Journey to Becoming a Taylor Swift Backup Dancer
Becoming a backup dancer for Taylor Swift requires extensive professional training, remarkable talent, and years of dedicated experience. The path involves rigorous auditions through talent agencies, with dancers needing representation from established agencies like MSA to receive audition opportunities.
Audition process and requirements
The selection process for how much do Taylor Swift dancers make starts with either open or closed auditions. Open auditions appear on casting websites without mentioning Swift specifically, whereas closed auditions remain invitation-only. Female dancers must meet a height requirement of 5’6″ to qualify. The judging panel, led by the choreographer, evaluates not only individual skills but furthermore considers how dancers complement each other and work alongside Swift.
Competition level
The competition for spots on Swift’s tours remains fierce, as demonstrated by the Eras Tour’s selective roster of just 15 dancers in rotation. These positions attract world-class performers who have trained at prestigious institutions and performed with renowned artists. For instance, several current Eras Tour dancers previously worked with industry giants – Jan Ravnik performed with Bruno Mars and Mariah Carey, whereas Karen Chuang backed up Nicki Minaj and Khalid.
Previous experience needed
The journey to becoming a Taylor Swift dancer typically begins with formal education. Most performers on the Eras Tour completed college or university dance programs. Beyond education, successful candidates showcase diverse performance backgrounds:
- Professional Company Experience
- Training at elite dance schools
- Performance with prestigious ballet companies
- Television and film appearances
- Broadway or theatrical productions
Moreover, dancers must maintain exceptional physical conditioning year-round. The role demands mastery of multiple dance styles, outstanding stamina, and the ability to execute precise choreography while maintaining high energy levels. Successful candidates often demonstrate proficiency in:
- Ballet fundamentals
- Contemporary dance
- Jazz techniques
- Hip-hop styles
- Strength training
- Cardiovascular endurance
How much do Taylor Swift backup dancers make depends significantly on their preparation and professional background. For example, Audrey Douglass worked on major productions like “La La Land” and “Glee” before joining the Eras Tour. Similarly, Tori Evans performed with artists like Beyoncé and Cardi B, illustrating the caliber of experience required.
The daily routine of these performers involves intense physical preparation. They focus on proper nutrition, injury prevention through recovery techniques like saunas and ice baths, and maintaining peak fitness through various exercise modalities. Furthermore, how much do Taylor Swift dancers make on eras tour reflects their commitment to continuous training and professional development.
Beyond technical skills, backup dancers need adaptability and quick learning abilities. They must master choreography rapidly while maintaining synchronization with fellow performers. The selection process evaluates not just dance ability but also personality, as these performers work closely with Swift and must complement her performance style.
Daily Life on the Eras Tour
Life behind the scenes of the Eras Tour reveals an intense schedule filled with rehearsals, performances, and carefully coordinated travel. Understanding how much do Taylor Swift dancers make requires looking at their demanding daily routines that showcase their dedication to perfecting each performance.
Rehearsal schedules
The preparation for the Eras Tour involved three weeks of intensive rehearsals. Swift joined the dancers just three days into the rehearsal period, rather unexpectedly, as she wanted to start creating immediately. The dancers mastered 46 different numbers across a massive stage featuring a video floor, which presented unique challenges for positioning and choreography.
Performance days
The rigorous performance schedule spans three and a quarter hours per show. Throughout this time, dancers execute precisely timed routines alongside Swift, who trained extensively by singing the entire setlist daily while running on a treadmill. How much do Taylor Swift backup dancers make eras tour reflects the physical demands of the show, as each performance requires exceptional stamina and coordination across multiple costume changes and stage transitions.
Travel logistics
The Eras Tour production involves approximately 90 trucks transporting staging, costumes, and equipment between venues. How much do Taylor Swift backup dancers make depends partly on their ability to maintain peak performance while managing frequent travel. The dancers often stay together in each city, coordinating their movements as a group to ensure smooth transitions between tour locations.
Downtime activities
Between performances, how much do Taylor Swift dancers make on eras tour includes time for both rest and exploration. The dancers frequently engage in tourist activities in their host cities, particularly evident during the South American leg of the tour. How much do backup dancers make Taylor Swift tours even more rewarding through the strong bonds formed among the performers.
The taylor swift backup dancers share memorable moments during their downtime, consequently building a tight-knit community. Recent behind-the-scenes photos shared by backup singer Jeslyn Gorman captured the crew enjoying leisure activities together, from lounging in bathing suits to enjoying nights out. Swift often joins these gatherings, demonstrating her appreciation for her performing family.
The dancers maintain their performance readiness through various activities between shows:
- Physical therapy sessions
- Strength training workouts
- Recovery techniques including ice baths
- Group rehearsals for routine refinement
As the Eras Tour continues its global journey, the dancers remain committed to delivering exceptional performances while managing their demanding schedule. Their dedication to both the artistic and physical aspects of the tour underscores how much do Taylor Swift dancers make as an investment in world-class entertainment.
How Much Do Taylor Swift Dancers Make Compared to Other Artists
Backup dancers’ earnings vary substantially across different artists and tours, prompting curiosity about how much do Taylor Swift dancers make compared to their peers in the industry. The compensation structure typically includes base pay, performance fees, and additional benefits.
Top-tier artist dancer compensation
Understanding how much do Taylor Swift backup dancers make eras tour requires examining the industry standards. Lady Gaga’s backup dancers earned $1,000 per show during the Super Bowl performance, meanwhile Beyoncé’s dancers received $2,500 for her 2021 Coachella concert. How much do Taylor Swift dancers make on eras tour ranges between $1,200 and $2,500 per show.
Swift’s unprecedented success allowed her to distribute over $197 million in bonuses to her entire tour crew. These bonuses covered everyone from dancers to truck drivers, making the Eras Tour particularly lucrative for performers. According to industry sources, how much do backup dancers make Taylor Swift tours surpasses typical earnings, with estimates suggesting they could earn at least $500,000 from their base salaries alone.
Mid-level tour compensation
Standard industry rates for taylor swift backup dancers differ significantly from mid-level tours. Typical compensation includes:
- Rehearsal pay: $250 per eight-hour day or $175 per four-hour day
- Show rate: $500 per performance
- Daily food allowance: $35
- Travel day compensation: $150
The earnings potential varies based on location and experience. Professional dancers in Las Vegas earn between $680 and $1,800 weekly, nonetheless cruise ship performers receive approximately $2,995 monthly plus accommodations. The average professional dancer salary stands at $71,263 annually, although top-performing cities offer higher compensation:
San Mateo, California: $82,137 annuallySan Francisco, California: $81,993 annuallySunnyvale, California: $81,280 annually
Experience level affects earnings substantially. Entry-level dancers (0-5 years) typically earn $34,000 annually, advancing to $40,000 with 5-10 years of experience. Seasoned performers with over 20 years of experience can command up to $88,000 annually.
Tour classifications also impact compensation rates. C-level tours offer approximately $1,500 weekly, B-level tours provide $2,500, meanwhile A-level tours, such as Swift’s, can pay between $3,500 and $4,000 per week. Dance captains and specialized choreographers often earn upwards of $5,000 weekly.
How Much Do Taylor Swift Backup Dancers Make Eras Tour vs Previous Tours
The compensation structure for Taylor Swift’s dancers has evolved substantially across her tours, reflecting her growing success and commitment to fair compensation. Understanding how much do Taylor Swift dancers make requires examining the progression through her major tours.
Reputation tour compensation
The Reputation Stadium Tour marked a significant shift in how much do Taylor Swift backup dancers make. Throughout this era, Swift established herself as an artist who values her performers, offering competitive base salaries plus performance bonuses. The exact figures remain undisclosed, yet the tour’s success laid the groundwork for future compensation increases.
1989 World Tour pay structure
The 1989 World Tour introduced a comprehensive approach to how much do Taylor Swift dancers make on eras tour. The tour required seven months of planning and three months of music rehearsals. Swift’s production team coordinated 26 semi-trailer trucks and 11 busses, transporting 146 people between venues. The tour’s success, grossing over $250 million, enabled generous compensation packages for performers.
Eras Tour salary increases
The Eras Tour has redefined how much do backup dancers make Taylor Swift tours through unprecedented bonus distributions. Initially, Swift distributed $55 million in bonuses to tour employees. Subsequently, this amount grew to an astounding $197 million in total bonuses distributed to the entire crew.
The taylor swift backup dancers, alongside other crew members, received these bonuses on top of their base salaries. The compensation package includes:
- Base performance fees ranging between $1,200 to $2,500 per show
- Additional bonuses from the $197 million bonus pool
- Travel accommodations and per diems
- Health insurance coverage
The Eras Tour’s financial success, generating over $2.07 billion in ticket sales, enabled Swift to share the prosperity with her team. The tour attracted more than 10 million attendees across 149 shows, thereby creating substantial revenue streams that supported enhanced compensation packages.
The bonus distribution strategy proved particularly noteworthy, as Swift allocated approximately 10% of the tour’s profits solely for bonuses. This generous approach surpassed industry standards and demonstrated her commitment to fairly compensating her performing team. The financial structure of the Eras Tour represents a significant advancement in performer compensation, ultimately setting new benchmarks for how much do Taylor Swift dancers make in the entertainment industry.
These compensation increases reflect both the tour’s unprecedented success and Swift’s dedication to sharing the financial rewards with her entire team. The comprehensive payment structure, combining base salaries with substantial bonuses, has established new standards for performer compensation in the touring industry.
Career Benefits Beyond the Paycheck
Dancing alongside Taylor Swift opens doors to remarkable opportunities, making many dancers curious about how much do Taylor Swift dancers make beyond monetary compensation. The Eras Tour has created unprecedented career advancement possibilities for its performers, extending far beyond their base salaries and bonuses.
Exposure and networking opportunities
Professional connections formed during the Eras Tour span across multiple entertainment sectors. Several dancers have expanded their portfolios through collaborations with major artists. For instance, Raphael Thomas previously performed with Mary J. Blige and Janet Jackson, thereby demonstrating how much do Taylor Swift backup dancers make eras tour includes valuable industry connections.
The exposure gained through performing with Swift has led to numerous opportunities. Kameron Saunders, who gained prominence through his solo routine during “Bejeweled,” appeared in the 2023 film “The Color Purple” and the Ryan Reynolds-led Christmas movie “Spirited”. These opportunities showcase how much do Taylor Swift dancers make on eras tour extends beyond direct compensation.
Social media following growth
The social media impact for taylor swift backup dancers has been substantial. Jan Ravnik, often compared to actor Taylor Zakhar Perez, has experienced the fastest-growing Instagram following among Swift’s male dancers. His popularity soared after fans noticed his performances, leading to recognition everywhere the tour travels.
How much do backup dancers make Taylor Swift tours more valuable through social media influence:
- Kameron Saunders maintains a following of 592,000 on Instagram
- Dancers receive recognition in every city they visit
- Their social media engagement increases significantly during tour performances
Post-Swift career options
The professional trajectory after performing with Swift presents diverse opportunities. Many dancers leverage their tour experience to pursue various entertainment industry roles:
- Music Video Production
- Opportunities to work with established artists like Rihanna and upcoming performers
- Versatility in different dance styles, particularly hip-hop
- Television and Film
- Acting roles in dance-focused productions
- Opportunities in shows featuring dance segments
- Theater Productions
- Musical theater performances
- Opportunities for triple-threat performers combining dancing, acting, and singing
- Dance Education
- Teaching positions at prestigious studios
- Choreography opportunities
- Dance convention instruction roles
The experience gained through how much do Taylor Swift dancers make creates lasting career benefits. Dancers like Taylor Banks have secured modeling contracts with major brands including Nike, Reebok, and Skechers. Others, like Natalie Reid, have performed with the Radio City Rockettes for 11 seasons.
The comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance coverage and physical therapy access. These provisions ensure dancers can maintain their performance capabilities throughout the demanding tour schedule. Indeed, the dancers focus intensively on proper nutrition and injury prevention, utilizing saunas and ice baths during their downtime.
How Much Do Taylor Swift Dancers Make Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Taylor Swift’s backup dancers typically earn on tour?
Taylor Swift’s backup dancers can earn between $40,000 to $100,000+ per tour, with weekly earnings reaching approximately $1,600 while on the road. Additionally, they receive comprehensive benefits including covered transportation, meals, and accommodations throughout the tour duration.
What kind of bonuses did Taylor Swift give out for the Eras Tour?
For the Eras Tour, Taylor Swift distributed over $197 million in bonuses to her entire tour crew, including everyone from dancers and band members to truck drivers and catering staff. This was on top of their regular salaries and benefits.
How does Taylor Swift’s compensation for dancers compare to other artists?
Taylor Swift’s compensation for dancers is generally higher than industry standards. While top artists like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé pay their dancers between $1,000 to $2,500 per show, Swift’s dancers can earn up to $2,500 per show plus additional bonuses and benefits.
What qualifications are needed to become a Taylor Swift backup dancer?
Becoming a Taylor Swift backup dancer requires extensive professional training, remarkable talent, and years of dedicated experience. Successful candidates often have backgrounds in professional dance companies, elite dance schools, and previous experience with other renowned artists.
What are the career benefits of being a Taylor Swift dancer beyond the paycheck?
Dancing for Taylor Swift offers significant career benefits beyond financial compensation. These include exposure to industry connections, opportunities in television and film, increased social media following, and potential for future roles in music videos, theater productions, and dance education.
Are dancers paid for rehearsals on Taylor Swift’s tours?
Yes, dancers are compensated for their time during rehearsals. Rehearsal pay is typically included in the overall weekly salary. The amount is usually the same as their performance pay, ensuring they’re paid for preparation time.
Do Taylor Swift dancers receive benefits?
Dancers may receive benefits such as health insurance, travel expenses, and sometimes per diems for meals. These benefits vary depending on the tour and specific contract terms. Larger tours typically offer more comprehensive benefits for the performers.
Are dancers hired for specific tours or events?
Yes, dancers are generally hired specifically for each of Taylor Swift’s tours or events. Auditions are held, and dancers are selected based on their fit for the performance style and choreography. Each tour may have different requirements for the dancers involved.
How long are the contracts for Taylor Swift dancers?
Contracts for Taylor Swift dancers are usually for the duration of the tour, which can range from a few months to a year. In some cases, dancers may be offered opportunities for future tours if the performance is successful. The length can vary depending on the show schedule.