For many, a life in dance is a calling, but the path to a sustainable career can seem unclear. While the “starving artist” stereotype persists, numerous avenues exist for dancers to achieve financial stability. This article explores the diverse ways dancers can earn a living, moving beyond the stage to build a prosperous career.
Pursuing Performance Roles
The most traditional career for a dancer is securing a role as a performer. This path is diverse, with opportunities that cater to different styles and career goals. Each performance area offers a unique environment and set of demands, allowing dancers to find a niche that aligns with their artistic vision.
Dance Companies
Joining a professional dance company is a goal for many classically trained dancers. These organizations focus on styles like ballet or contemporary and provide seasonal or year-long contracts. This offers stability with weekly salaries ranging from $400 to over $2,000, depending on rank and the company’s budget. Dancers benefit from a structured environment, consistent training, and performing in established venues.
Commercial and Music Video Work
The commercial dance world offers a faster-paced, project-based career. Dancers are hired for music videos, commercials, films, and live television performances, with work secured through auditions. This path suits versatile dancers who can quickly learn various styles, from hip-hop to jazz. Pay is on a per-day or per-project basis, with daily rates for union television work potentially reaching $900 or more.
Musical Theater
Musical theater combines dancing, acting, and singing. Dancers in this field perform in Broadway shows, national tours, or regional theater productions as part of an ensemble cast. This path requires a broad skill set and the ability to tell a story through movement. Contracts for successful shows can be long-term, providing a steady income.
Cruise Ships and Resorts
Performing on cruise ships or at resorts allows dancers to travel while earning a consistent income. These jobs involve performing in nightly variety shows featuring a range of dance styles. Contracts last for several months and include accommodations and meals, making this a good option for adaptable dancers who enjoy a social environment.
Theme Parks
Theme parks offer steady performance work for dancers in parades, stage shows, and character performances. These roles require high energy and the ability to perform the same show multiple times a day. Contracts can be seasonal or year-round, providing a stable job with regular hours for dancers who enjoy public interaction.
Sharing Your Expertise Through Teaching
Beyond the stage, teaching is a reliable way for dancers to earn a living. This path allows dancers to share their knowledge and mentor the next generation. The teaching landscape is varied, with opportunities in different settings and formats.
Working at a local dance studio is a common entry point for dance educators. Studios hire instructors for various styles and age groups, from children to adults. Pay can be an hourly rate per class, ranging from $15 to $50, or a set salary. Building a rapport with students in a positive environment is key to success.
Offering private lessons provides a flexible alternative for those seeking more autonomy. Dancers can work one-on-one or with small groups, tailoring instruction to client goals like competition coaching or wedding dances. Private lessons command a higher hourly rate, potentially between $50 and $200 per session, and allow for a personalized approach.
Hosting specialized workshops or master classes is another teaching avenue. Dancers with expertise in a particular style can travel to studios or conventions to offer intensive training. These events can be lucrative, with instructors earning $500 to $4,000 per class at major conventions, often with travel expenses covered. This format suits dancers who enjoy teaching in a high-energy, focused setting.
Creating Dances as a Choreographer
Choreography offers a creative outlet focused on designing movement for others rather than personal performance. In this service-based role, individuals or groups hire a choreographer to create dance pieces. The path requires a strong creative vision, leadership, and the ability to translate ideas into movement.
Choreographers work in many settings. They are commissioned by schools for student performances, by competitive dance teams, or by community theaters for musicals. Recording artists also hire choreographers for live shows and music videos. The work is project-based, allowing for a dynamic career.
A choreographer’s responsibilities include selecting music, collaborating with designers, and teaching the movement to performers. This requires clear communication and the ability to motivate dancers. A career in choreography often begins after gaining experience as a performer or teacher to build a network and portfolio.
Monetizing Your Presence Online
Digital platforms have opened new ways for dancers to build a brand and generate income. By using social media and other online tools, dancers can connect with a global audience and create their own opportunities. A strong online presence can become a significant source of revenue for those with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Building a following on platforms like Instagram and TikTok is a common first step. Dancers can attract a large audience by consistently posting high-quality dance videos and participating in trends. With a large enough following, monetization can occur through brand partnerships and sponsored content from companies.
Dancers can also create and sell their own digital products, such as online courses or tutorials teaching specific techniques. Platforms like Patreon allow followers to subscribe for exclusive content, including behind-the-scenes footage or personalized feedback. These digital products provide income streams independent of performing or teaching in a physical location.
Starting Your Own Dance Business
Entrepreneurship offers a path for dancers to build something of their own, moving beyond freelance work to create a business. Starting a dance-related business requires artistic knowledge, strategic planning, and management skills.
One business model is a dance entertainment company that provides dancers for events like corporate functions, weddings, and private parties. These companies act as agencies for professional performers. The owner is responsible for recruiting and managing dancers, marketing the services, and coordinating performance logistics.
Opening a dance studio involves securing a location, designing the space, and developing a curriculum. Responsibilities include hiring staff, managing student registration, marketing, and handling finances. While it requires a substantial initial investment, a successful studio can become a stable source of long-term income.
Essential Skills to Maximize Your Income
To maximize financial success, certain non-dance skills are needed regardless of the chosen path. The dance industry is largely a freelance market where business acumen is as important as artistic talent. Cultivating these skills helps dancers navigate the professional landscape and build a more profitable career.
Effective marketing and personal branding help you stand out in a competitive field. This includes having a professional website, an active social media presence, and a clear artistic identity. Articulating what makes you unique is how you capture the attention of directors and clients.
Networking is a tool for career advancement. Building relationships with peers, mentors, and industry leaders can lead to auditions, collaborations, and job offers. Attending workshops, performances, and industry events are opportunities to connect and stay informed about the dance world.
Basic financial literacy is required for managing the variable income of a dance career. This includes budgeting for inconsistent paychecks, understanding contract terms, and managing taxes as a self-employed artist. Strong financial management creates stability and supports long-term career goals.