Taylor Made by Faith
Filing Taxes as an Independent Contractor: A Guide for Dance Teachers and Performers For many dance teachers and professional dancers, working as an independent contractor or I-9 employee comes with unique financial responsibilities. Filing taxes without the safety net of a W-2 can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, it doesn’t have to be. …
Health Insurance for Independent Contractors Transitioning from traditional W-2 employment to 1099 work can be both exciting and overwhelming. For many independent contractors, one of the most difficult challenges is figuring out health insurance. Unlike traditional jobs, where benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance are often provided, independent contractors must navigate these waters on …
Books I Read in 2024: A Year of Growth, Reflection, and Less Scrolling As a wife, momma, and teacher, my life is a delicate balance of schedules, rehearsals, and creative projects. At the start of 2024, I decided to set a goal unrelated to dance: to scroll less and read more. One of the biggest …
Why Dance is More Than Movement: How It Builds Confidence and Creativity As a dancer, and an educator I’ve seen firsthand how dance transforms lives. It’s more than just movement; it’s a medium of self-expression, a tool for building confidence, and a spark for creativity. Whether you’re in a studio or on stage, dance teaches …
2024 Dance Events Wrap-Up: A Year of Transformation and Reflection in the Dance World I’ve always believed that dance reflects the state of our world. This year, 2024, has been no exception. It has been a year of change, loss, and resilience within the dance community. From leadership transitions to profound losses and unexpected collaborations, …
How to Learn to Do a Pirouette Step by Step: Secrets for Success As a dance teacher and a former professional performer, I’ve dedicated years to mastering and teaching the art of pirouettes. They’re one of the most iconic moves in ballet and dance, embodying grace, strength, and control. However, mastering pirouettes requires more than …
Pointe Shoe Prep: How Dancers Get Ready for Class For dancers, preparing pointe shoes is more than just a task—it’s a ritual. Every dancer has their own unique methods and preferences for breaking in and prepping their pointe shoes, often developed over years of practice and performance. As a professional dancer, dance educator, and arts …
Dallas Black Dance Theatre Settlement: A Turning Point in the Dance World The recent settlement between Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) and the dancers who were wrongfully terminated has sparked conversations across the arts community. With DBDT agreeing to pay $560,000 in damages, this case highlights critical issues in the treatment of artists and the …
Starting ballet is an exciting journey for preschoolers and their families. It’s the first step into a world of creativity, discipline, and joy. As a professional dancer, dance educator, and arts administrator, I’ve seen the difference proper attire can make in helping young dancers feel confident and focused. For parents wondering, what should my preschooler wear …
Teaching dance is a rewarding experience, but let’s be honest—it’s not always easy. Some days, your students might seem more interested in testing boundaries than perfecting their pliés. Managing a misbehaving dance class can feel overwhelming, especially since every student comes from a unique background with different expectations for behavior. However, with the right strategies, …
