Where jobs are: cruise ships.

Does 31,000 miles of ocean with sunny ports of call along the way sound like a good career option? You won't cover quite that distance, but life as a dancer aboard a cruise ship does have its benefits: a negotiable salary, a chance to visit exotic locales, and an opportunity to make contacts that might pay off long after you've gone ashore.

According to Cruise Lines International Association, 3.9 million people went on cruises in 1991. These numbers represent a huge entertainment opportunity.

Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Princess, Cunard, Norwegian, and Carnival hire either booking agents or cruise show producers to audition talent. These independent agents and theatrical production companies travel to major cities and hold open auditions usually twice a year (See Dance Magazine, January ads and classified).

As many as two hundred dancers may be hired at a time, depending on the required cast size, which can range from six to twenty performers. At the audition dancers are taught a combination and singers are requested to perform two songs. But, to assuage the fears of those who do not sing, there are producers who routinely cast only dancers.

Of course, a dynamic "triple threat" - dancer, singer, actor - performer is sought by many producers because of the demands of certain shows. According to Peter Grey, president of Peter Grey Terhune Presents, Inc., in Cocoa Beach, Florida: "Realistically, in the cruise market there are very few people who meet all three requirements. If you really, really want a fine dancer, chances are he or she will not sing or act as well."

Most production houses or agents accept videotape applications which should contain a jazz combination that also indicates ballet technique. Don't omit your additional talents. Agents and producers are always searching for magicians, mimes, puppeteers, jugglers, and comics; so it pays to hone additional skills and to keep them sharp.

Many cruise-line companies offer six-month contracts. There may be two to four performances of one hour's duration every evening. Weekly negotiable salaries for chorus performers range from $300 to $600 with an average of $400 to $450. Principals earn substantially more, as high as $1,500, but rates vary according to the cruise line and contract. Weekly rehearsals average $150 to $200, although some companies do not pay full rehearsal salary, preferring to give a weekly subsistence allowance of about $100 with stateside lodging provided. Once the ship sets sail, room and board are included as well as travel to and from further rehearsal sites. Health insurance is not offered, although there is a physician on board every ship in case of medical emergencies.

The level of some shows is high. For example, Jean Ann Ryan Productions in Florida, one of the largest producers, mounts Broadway shows for Norwegian Cruise Lines. Casting is year-round, with the third Friday of every month reserved for auditions in their offices in Ft. Lauderdale.

Auditions place great emphasis on personable performers. Additional assignments may include greeting passengers, playing recreational games, or giving private dance classes; these are lucrative and tips are generous.

Although seasoned pros caution that long periods at sea require a mental adjustment, if you are able to weather that storm, cruise-ship jobs can be lucrative and challenging, and give a dancer a chance to put aside a considerable sum.