The Tap Dance Blog

photo credit: austinANOMIC

Waited any tables lately?

The stereotype is that all dancers wait tables to pay for their classes and to have enough flexibility for their auditions. While waiting tables is a great way for an artist to support him or herself, other very lucrative dance opportunities might be overlooked.

1. Teaching

Of course teaching is the first thing that comes to mind when trying to earn money. Usually dancers seek out employment in a local dance studio and teach as many classes as they can. This i snot usually the most lucrative option. Instead of teaching at a local studio, what about a college or community center?

Instead of working hourly, what if you could receive 50% of all student fees? Some instructors earn the equivalent of $50 – $125 per hour with these arrangements! Not to mention after school programs, preschools, or offering private lessons to couples who want to throw down at their wedding reception.

2. Performing

While you’re waiting for that big audition to come through, why not see if any local restaurants would be interested in allowing you to perform for a fee? Especially if it fits the mood of their establishment. Also, check with your local Arts Councils or Young Audiences chapter to learn about performing in schools, libraries, and community centers.

By doing so you could become a teaching artist!

3. Leveraging the Internet

Everyday millions of blogs are created on a number of topics! (See my first post here!) Why not let your voice be heard in the dance niche. Over time if you can build enough traffic, you will find it easier than ever to build your classes, book your workshops, and maybe even earn some money from your blog itself, providing a nice flow of residual income.

If nothing else, blogging will help you connect with other dance enthusiasts from all over the country and as the saying goes “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know!”

All the best!

Taps