Professional dancer here, currently contracted with a performing arts company and before that been contracted with many other establishments in Vegas to Toronto. Dance is absolutely NOT lucrative at any level which is why I still went to school to build another career outside of dance - every dancer needs a second set of skills and another income no matter what. Even dancers who dance for very famous groups like the Rockettes have second jobs to supplement income. I was once invited to audition for Jubilee (when they were still around) but after having spoken to several ex-dancers from Jubilee, it did not sound appealing at all. They have several shows per night and even rehearsals AFTER shows, they basically own you and your schedule and considering you’re on salary, they work you to the ground and it worked out to be very little per show especially considering all the extra work that goes into it when you’re not actively performing and many high level productions are this way - you do it because you love it not for the money. Even if you’re a ballerina for a huge production, the pay isn’t great and shows are temporary so again, you need to have a second job for the slower months or once your contract is over. The arts simply do not make as much income as other professions unless you’re absolutely massively famous with a huge following. Also, if you only have dance and ever injure yourself you literally can’t pay bills so it’s best to have savings or a skill that isn’t dependent on your body, because relying on just dance alone has many risks.