What It’s Like to Dance on a Cruise Line!

Have you ever thought about auditioning to dance for a cruise line? Dancer at Carnival Cruise Line Alison Haggerty tells us a little about her dance past, dance future, and experiences as a full time Cruise Line Dancer!

DL: What was your childhood studio experience like?

AH: I grew up dancing at a few studios and each were very different. One had a lot of boys so I learned a lot of partner work. One was very ballet based so I improved my ballet technique. My favorite part about studios were traveling to dance competitions and conventions, and getting to learn from teachers from all over the world.

DL: What was life after the studio like?

AH: Life after studio was very different. Going into Performing Arts in college opened my mind to a whole new world of dance. I learned more about how dance is an art form and a way of communication rather than just performing for an audience on a stage.

DL: How was your college experience different than the studio?

AH: Majoring in dance opened up my dance vocabulary and also choreography. Growing up I always enjoyed making up silly dances. Learning more dance forms opened my mind to all kinds of choreography ideas.

DL: What made you decide to make dance your career?

AH: I knew it was something I really enjoyed and something I can always continue to improve on. I want to dance forever, so why not keep doing it? It’s a good feeling to bring joy to others through my own passion of dance.

DL: How long have you been dancing on a cruise line?

AH: I have been dancing on a cruise line for about two and a half years now.

DL: What made you decide to be a cruise line dancer?

AH: It has been something I have thought about since I went on a cruise a few years ago. One of my other passions is traveling and I thought this would be a great way to do what I love while seeing more of the world.

DL: What is the audition process like?

AH: It took up a whole day. We started in the morning learning a few routines and dancing across the floor. Finally toward the end we did the routines for the judges facing away from the mirror in smaller groups. Even if someone got cut from the audition, I don’t think it was a waste of time for anyone because it was like a free workshop. We learned and moved a lot in the audition.

DL: What’s your favorite part, and least favorite part of dancing on the ship?

AH: My favorite part is definitely the shows. They are a lot of fun and a great work out. My least favorite part is being away from home for so long, but it does make me appreciate home a lot more when I get back.

DL: Where is the coolest place you have gone so far?

AH: Its hard to pick a favorite, Ive been to so many awesome places.  I think the coolest place ive been to while on a ship is Half Moon Bay, in the Bahamas. It is a private island so the only way people can really get there is by cruising. The water there is absolutely stunning and it feels pretty cool to be out in a secluded place.

DL: Where do you see your future in dance taking you?

AH: I would like to continue performing for as long as I can, and see more of the world.  I would also like to teach and share my passion with students at my own studio someday.

DL: Any other cruise line dancer perks you’d like to mention?

AH: One of the best parts of dancing on a ship is meeting people from all over the world. With technology these days its not hard to keep in touch and have a place to stay while traveling. Just recently I had a friend come visit me from England who I met on my first contract. I’ve stayed with friends in Italy who I met working on a ship and I just met up with a friend from Nashville from my second contract. I also saw a few friends from my 3rd contract while I was in New York. Of course it’s sad when a contract is over and you say farewell to new friends, but so many new friendships have been made and its awesome to know people in so many different countries.