Becoming a dance entrepreneur wasn’t something I planned on when I first stepped into the world of dance. Like many of us, I was drawn to the stage, the rhythm, and the artistry. But as my journey unfolded, I discovered that entrepreneurship was intertwined with my passion for dance in ways I hadn’t anticipated. While I am still discovering my path and what dance and entrepreneurship means for me. I know that being a dance entrepreneur is about so much more than starting a studio or performing; it’s about creating opportunities, building communities, and navigating the business side of an art form I love.
What Is a Dance Entrepreneur?
A dance entrepreneur is someone who takes their passion for dance and transforms it into a thriving business. It could mean starting your own dance studio, developing a dance-related product, or even becoming a freelance choreographer. The possibilities are endless, but at its core, being a dance entrepreneur means combining the art of dance with the skills of entrepreneurship. It’s about recognizing the business potential in the creative world and using it to build something sustainable.
Slippery Rock University’s Dance BFA Concentration in Dance Entrepreneurship really lays out the foundation for how a formal education can guide you down this path. They emphasize not just the artistry, but also the importance of understanding management, marketing, and how to create a successful dance-based business. You can learn more about their program here.
Why Entrepreneurship Fits Naturally With Dance
When I think about my experience as a dance educator and professional, it’s easy to see how the skills I developed on stage prepared me for entrepreneurship. Much like starting a business, dancing requires discipline, creativity, and resilience. The ability to pivot quickly, solve problems on the fly, and work collaboratively all come naturally to dancers. These are the very traits that helped me transition into the entrepreneurial world.
Steezy.co’s article on how dance makes us better entrepreneurs really resonated with me. They describe how the structure and discipline of dance help you develop a strong work ethic, something that’s critical in business. But perhaps even more importantly, dance teaches you to be flexible and adaptable—traits that every entrepreneur needs in order to thrive in an unpredictable world.
The Entrepreneurial Journey in Dance
My journey as a dance entrepreneur has had its ups and downs, but what keeps me going is the passion I have for both the art and the business. Building something from the ground up, whether it’s a dance program or a business, requires the same determination I developed during my years as a performer and educator.
In Human Kinetics’ blog on dance as an entrepreneurial journey, they highlight how every dancer has the potential to become a business owner, whether they realize it or not. From creating your own classes, managing schedules, promoting events, and even building an online platform for teaching or performances—these are all entrepreneurial actions. For me, the process of organizing and promoting my dance offerings often felt as creative as the choreography itself.
Lessons I’ve Learned as a Dance Entrepreneur
Here are a few of the key lessons I’ve learned on my journey:
- Know Your Worth – Whether you’re teaching classes or offering performances, understanding the value of your time and expertise is crucial. As dancers, we sometimes hesitate to ask for what we’re worth, but in business, it’s essential.
- Balance Art with Business – It can be easy to get lost in the creative side of things, but running a successful dance business also requires understanding finances, marketing, and client relations.
- Stay Flexible – Just like in dance, the world of business is unpredictable. Things don’t always go as planned, but staying adaptable and being able to pivot is key.
If you want to read more about my daily experience as a dance educator and entrepreneur, check out A Day in the Life: Dance Teacher Edition for some insights into how I balance teaching and business.
Creating Career Opportunities as a Dance Entrepreneur
The beauty of being a dance entrepreneur is that it allows you to carve out your own path. If you’ve ever wondered what career options exist beyond performing, you might be surprised at how many avenues are open to you. You could work with local schools, host workshops, or even start a dance apparel line. For some additional inspiration, explore Top 15 Career Choices for Dancers Off the Stage.
The world of dance entrepreneurship continues to grow as more dancers take their love for the art and apply it to new ventures. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a career shift, there are so many ways to thrive in this space.
If you’re curious about where your dance journey could take you, don’t hesitate to subscribe to our newsletter! Stay connected for updates, tips, and more stories about building a life in dance.
Happy Dancing,
Taylor
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