What makes a dance pro?

[pygmalion]

According to current competition rules, a dance pro is someone who gets paid to dance or teach dance. But the rules may change soon, the categories shift, and amateurs and pros compete side by side.

Still, at least I think, there'll be some fundamental differences between what makes a dance amateur and what makes a pro. Just curious about your opinion. No right or wrong answers here. Based on what you've observed, what makes a dance pro, a pro? How do you separate the two in your mind?

[DancingMommy]

Well, anyone who "makes a living" from dancing would be considered a pro in my mind. 8) The key is makes a ;living at it. Most of the "no experience needed" trainees end up with other jobs to make the $$ needed to eat & pay bills, so unless you can make a viable living at it, it's a hobby (IMHO).

Also, a high degree of proficiency coupled with the above is also a measure of a pro...

IMNSHO, if you do not have a decent degree of proficiency, you have no business calling yourself a pro. That includes myself, FWIW. I know there is so much I don't know and that there is so much I have left to learn! Before I can call myself in good consience a "pro", I need more training than I currently have.

I think that some organizations that consider someone a pro if they've ever received money for their dancing - regardless of their degree of proficiency - need to rethink their policies. I could rant on this all day long actually.