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Research reference
Current U.S. figures on young people's activity, the arts economy, and dance careers, gathered in one clear, source-linked reference.
Last updated September 3, 2026
At a glance
Dance is both a creative outlet and a form of regular movement. This page brings together the most relevant public data available from U.S. government sources. Each figure links directly to the original publication so it can be checked and cited in context.
60 minutes
Children and adolescents ages 6-17 are advised to get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. Dance can be one enjoyable way to build that movement into a weekly routine.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, 201823%
In 2023, 23% of U.S. high school students reported being physically active for at least 60 minutes on all seven days of the previous week.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report, 202324%
In 2023, 24% of U.S. high school students reported attending physical education classes on all five school days in an average week.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report, 2023$1.17T
Arts and cultural production added $1.17 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2023, equal to 4.2% of gross domestic product.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account, 2023 data, released 20255.4M
Arts and cultural industries accounted for 5.4 million jobs in 2023, showing the scale of the creative economy that surrounds performers, teachers, venues, and arts organizations.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account, 2023 data, released 20255%
Employment of dancers and choreographers is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dancers and Choreographers, 2024-34 projection, published 2025$23.97
The median hourly wage for dancers was $23.97 in May 2024. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a separate annual median wage for choreographers because that role is commonly paid differently.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dancers and Choreographers, May 2024 wage data, published 2025Methodology and sources
The figures above are drawn from the latest relevant public releases available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Statistics describe the full U.S. population or workforce unless a source says otherwise.
Numbers are not estimates by Deborah Messinger School of Dance. The linked source is the authority for each figure, including its definitions, survey method, and limitations.
Deborah Messinger School of Dance. “Dance and Youth Activity Statistics: 2026 Fact Sheet.” Updated September 3, 2026. https://deborahmessingerschoolofdance.com/dance-statistics
For local dance options in Troutdale, explore DMSD's dance classes or ballet classes.