12 answers
Tina
Student
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
1
Question
Asked
1580 views
Should I keep dance only a hobby or a career?
I am a dancer since the age of 5, I have been in several dance classes, and dance troupes. I am studying in a Bachelor of Education but I do not want to teach dance to little kids. If I were to teach dance I would prefer to teach it to people my age and who enjoy dancing and being in touch with their feminine side. However, I do not really have experience in choreographing. #dance #choreography
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12 answers
Howard Harrison
Solution Specialist
13
Answers
Ozark, Alabama
Updated
Howard’s Answer
I would strongly encourage you to continue your education. As a teacher, you might be able to find avenues to practice and teach dance. The most likely long term outcome will be teaching will become your primary source of income while you could teach dance as a side job or hobby. This way, you can still promote your long of dance while providing yourself with. Stable source of income.
I share Howard's opinion!
Hammdy Beydoun, PMP
Tiffany Bishop
Partner Marketing
1
Answer
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Tiffany’s Answer
Hi Tina, I faced this same question many years ago when graduating from university with a Bachelor's in English and a Minor in Dance. I didn't feel I had the intuition to face what I saw as a challenging life in the arts. Most professional dancers I knew then and now have to teach on the side to make ends meet and pay their bills. I do think that if you have a desk job you can always teach and choreograph on the side. That was the decision I made. If you're in a big city, there are lots of opportunities to dance, choreograph, perform, and teach adults.
Good luck!
Good luck!
That sounds like the plan I am going for !!
Tina
Cynthia Gildea
Executive Assistant to CRO
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
Hi,
Sometimes when your passion becomes your job, passion is lost. But you will never know unless you try. Depending on your financial situation, you may want to pursue something stable ( to provide income and security) while you explore your vocation of dance. If you are a dance teacher, what does that look like? Do you have a studio? Do you have employees? Do you teach only private classes? How will you market and build your business? How many clients would you need to make the business financially successful? What would you do in the event of our current climate- Pandemic- to keep your business afloat?
Maybe talk to some adult dance teachers and studio owners to see what their experience is like.
As you see, there is a lot to consider. Sometimes we look at the most glamorous aspects of a career and neglect to pay attention to the reality. Whatever you choose, do you best and keep dancing!
Sometimes when your passion becomes your job, passion is lost. But you will never know unless you try. Depending on your financial situation, you may want to pursue something stable ( to provide income and security) while you explore your vocation of dance. If you are a dance teacher, what does that look like? Do you have a studio? Do you have employees? Do you teach only private classes? How will you market and build your business? How many clients would you need to make the business financially successful? What would you do in the event of our current climate- Pandemic- to keep your business afloat?
Maybe talk to some adult dance teachers and studio owners to see what their experience is like.
As you see, there is a lot to consider. Sometimes we look at the most glamorous aspects of a career and neglect to pay attention to the reality. Whatever you choose, do you best and keep dancing!
Thank you, I also thought of the possibility of losing my passion for dance if it becomes full time. Yes I will reflect on how I could make it into a business before I do anything.
Tina
John Lowe
Teacher
56
Answers
Seal Beach, California
Updated
John’s Answer
Imagine that you don't pursue a career in dance. Now imagine that you are 40 years old, driving in a snowstorm to a job that you don't like but that you need. It's too late to change careers. And you think, "I wish I would have tried a little harder to become a dancer when I was young." Your passion can be your profession. If you pursue dancing and it works out, great. If it doesn't work out, at least you'll never have those regrets in the snowstorm.
This is also a very valid point, I have thought of that too, I have already kind of tried to pursue dancing full time when I took a year part time during my studies, but I realized that as a hobby dancing shines more to my eyes. I will hopefully find a stable job that I would like enough to not regret haha, we shall see!
Tina
Zainee Gafoor
Operations Manager
12
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Zainee’s Answer
This is a great question and often an important crossroad for many. From what you shared, it sounds like you are leaning towards pursuing dance as a career choice and now, want to identify a way for it to be a sustainable business platform.
The cool thing is you have vision of your target audience.
What you may find helpful is to see what is available currently now in the market.
Through that, you can gain insights to:
-what interests this audience
-better identify any gaps such as choreographing, then you can have a plan to build the skillsets needed.
-marketing methods to connect with this audience
Don't be shy to reach out to current businesses and platforms to learn more and potentially see how you can get involved.
Also, don't feel that you have to have a full business plan baked prior to taking the first step. As mentioned in previous answers, explore social media / digital platforms that help you gain more ideas through audience feedback and interest.
There are often lots of learnings through the process that will help shape your plans and bring your ideas to life.
The cool thing is you have vision of your target audience.
What you may find helpful is to see what is available currently now in the market.
Through that, you can gain insights to:
-what interests this audience
-better identify any gaps such as choreographing, then you can have a plan to build the skillsets needed.
-marketing methods to connect with this audience
Don't be shy to reach out to current businesses and platforms to learn more and potentially see how you can get involved.
Also, don't feel that you have to have a full business plan baked prior to taking the first step. As mentioned in previous answers, explore social media / digital platforms that help you gain more ideas through audience feedback and interest.
There are often lots of learnings through the process that will help shape your plans and bring your ideas to life.
Very good point of seeing what the market wants currently
Tina
Cory Dakin
Rep Sales
5
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
Cory’s Answer
My recommendation is to work backwards. By that, I mean visualize what your overall goals are in life. What do you really want to accomplish. What kind of financial situation do you strive to achieve. What do you value most, time, money, fulfilling work, etc. If you start there, then you can work backwards to figure out if Dance or any other potential solution can get you where you want to be.
I would venture to guess that most people aren't fortunate enough to absolutely love their job/career. There are a lot of people that like their work, and that can be good enough. There are also a lot of people that do jobs they hate either out of necessity or to chase the most money possible. That's a miserable place to be for 30, 40, or 50 years. It will have an impact on your quality of life no matter how much you make. If you have the opportunity to achieve your life's goals while doing something you love, you should pursue that. If dance alone will not allow you to achieve those goals, you should look for a compromise you can be happy with and pursue dance as a hobby.
I would venture to guess that most people aren't fortunate enough to absolutely love their job/career. There are a lot of people that like their work, and that can be good enough. There are also a lot of people that do jobs they hate either out of necessity or to chase the most money possible. That's a miserable place to be for 30, 40, or 50 years. It will have an impact on your quality of life no matter how much you make. If you have the opportunity to achieve your life's goals while doing something you love, you should pursue that. If dance alone will not allow you to achieve those goals, you should look for a compromise you can be happy with and pursue dance as a hobby.
Victoria Figueredo
Accountant
4
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Hi Tina,
I love this question because I had a similar struggle. I was a dancer and singer my entire life, and I struggled to find a career that made sense to me. I did not want to leave my passion, but I also wanted to get an education that I could fall back on. I ended up not dancing or signing for the first 2 years of my career, but eventually found a new passion, which is Zumba! And now I get to work as an accountant, and focus on my career to get to where I want to be, but also do Zumba on the side for extra income. You can for sure start as an educator for smaller kids, but grow to also teach people at your level.
You can find a balance, still dance and do what you love, but have a secure future to fall back on.
Hope you found this helpful!
I love this question because I had a similar struggle. I was a dancer and singer my entire life, and I struggled to find a career that made sense to me. I did not want to leave my passion, but I also wanted to get an education that I could fall back on. I ended up not dancing or signing for the first 2 years of my career, but eventually found a new passion, which is Zumba! And now I get to work as an accountant, and focus on my career to get to where I want to be, but also do Zumba on the side for extra income. You can for sure start as an educator for smaller kids, but grow to also teach people at your level.
You can find a balance, still dance and do what you love, but have a secure future to fall back on.
Hope you found this helpful!
I will keep those wise words in mind thank you!
Tina
Max Feinberg
Recruiter, Enterprise Talent Acquisition
8
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Max’s Answer
I think the biggest focus for you to think about is:
A) If you are willing to make less money at first, grind it out learning the steps to being a successful choreographer, then go for it! You will be happier for doing what you love and the money will come if you put in the time.
B) If you are worried about the financial impact and not knowing how to get started, I would research successful (local) dance studios and see how they differentiate themselves from the competition, research their locations, maybe even reach out and say you are interested in getting involved, and take it from there.
I always say to follow your dreams, but in this case I think you need to figure out your mindset by researching and reaching out to see how you can get started!
Go crush it!
A) If you are willing to make less money at first, grind it out learning the steps to being a successful choreographer, then go for it! You will be happier for doing what you love and the money will come if you put in the time.
B) If you are worried about the financial impact and not knowing how to get started, I would research successful (local) dance studios and see how they differentiate themselves from the competition, research their locations, maybe even reach out and say you are interested in getting involved, and take it from there.
I always say to follow your dreams, but in this case I think you need to figure out your mindset by researching and reaching out to see how you can get started!
Go crush it!
Kai-Li Yen
Software Engineer
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Kai-Li’s Answer
Both! I recommend starting with both a day-time career in non-dance education and then teach a one or a few regular classes weekly. Since you'd like to teach people your age, you will most likely teach after the traditional 9-5 work hours because your students most likely have day jobs as well. Keep your options open until you are
When I first started my day job, I also taught a weekly class (up until the pandemic) and it was a great way to keep dance in my life. Once you start teaching regularly, you'll be able to make connections and gain more teaching opportunities. Often times, performance opportunities come along as well, especially with how prevalent social media is in dance these days.
If you're having trouble finding a part time teaching dance job and if you are not yet confidant about your choreography, I recommend starting with taking classes! Get acquainted with the style you're interested in and connect with your teacher. I had to look for substitutes for the days I couldn't teach and I loved giving that opportunity to some of my students.
On choreography, start with what feels good to you. You'll find your groove with more practice and exploration! A good dance class is as much about the choreography as it is about the way you lead and motivate the class, so even if you are not yet confident about choreography, remember that there are many ways you can create a fulfilling, feel-good class without choreography.
When I first started my day job, I also taught a weekly class (up until the pandemic) and it was a great way to keep dance in my life. Once you start teaching regularly, you'll be able to make connections and gain more teaching opportunities. Often times, performance opportunities come along as well, especially with how prevalent social media is in dance these days.
If you're having trouble finding a part time teaching dance job and if you are not yet confidant about your choreography, I recommend starting with taking classes! Get acquainted with the style you're interested in and connect with your teacher. I had to look for substitutes for the days I couldn't teach and I loved giving that opportunity to some of my students.
On choreography, start with what feels good to you. You'll find your groove with more practice and exploration! A good dance class is as much about the choreography as it is about the way you lead and motivate the class, so even if you are not yet confident about choreography, remember that there are many ways you can create a fulfilling, feel-good class without choreography.
Nancy Ticotin
Actress/singer/dancer
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
I think a career as a dance teacher is great, but only you can make that decision and you will know the answer when the time comes to choose
Yeaah!! I agree!!!
Tina
Meghana V
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Meghana’s Answer
Hi,
I used to ask this question to myself few years back. Then I decided to keep it as a hobby for now.
You need to consider few challenges before deciding. I have listed a few of them below:
1) Are you ready to struggle for few years until you are established?
2) Are you ready to learn and grow, apart from teaching it to students?
3) Its always good to take a choreography course. Not now but at least after two years. It gives you a new perspective.
4) Are you passionate about dance? Willing to spend your whole life dancing?
5) You need to make good contacts to earn some shows to perform.
6) Are you ready to work hard and practice for several hours a day?
7) Are you confident enough that you have learnt the art form to the best of your knowledge?
Its absolutely fine if you feel you would like to teach the elder ones. To start with, you can create a YouTube channel /Instagram page and post your videos there. See how it goes. You can start by taking dance workshops. Also, try to learn/work on whichever style you like from multiple teachers. Its all about your confidence and willing to work hard. If you are ready to do that, then no one can stop you.
So think about it but don't stop dancing. If not now, even after few years you can always take it as a Profession.
My teacher always used to say that "You can never forget the art you have learnt".
Keep Dancing :)
I used to ask this question to myself few years back. Then I decided to keep it as a hobby for now.
You need to consider few challenges before deciding. I have listed a few of them below:
1) Are you ready to struggle for few years until you are established?
2) Are you ready to learn and grow, apart from teaching it to students?
3) Its always good to take a choreography course. Not now but at least after two years. It gives you a new perspective.
4) Are you passionate about dance? Willing to spend your whole life dancing?
5) You need to make good contacts to earn some shows to perform.
6) Are you ready to work hard and practice for several hours a day?
7) Are you confident enough that you have learnt the art form to the best of your knowledge?
Its absolutely fine if you feel you would like to teach the elder ones. To start with, you can create a YouTube channel /Instagram page and post your videos there. See how it goes. You can start by taking dance workshops. Also, try to learn/work on whichever style you like from multiple teachers. Its all about your confidence and willing to work hard. If you are ready to do that, then no one can stop you.
So think about it but don't stop dancing. If not now, even after few years you can always take it as a Profession.
My teacher always used to say that "You can never forget the art you have learnt".
Keep Dancing :)
Thank you Meghana!
I will reflect upon those questions. I will also definitely look you up on those social media!
Tina
Dante Kelly
Administrative Support Professional
41
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Dante’s Answer
Both!
You should create a YouTube Channel to record yourself teaching people to dance and also showcasing that you can dance. It can help build your dance portfolio.
You should create a YouTube Channel to record yourself teaching people to dance and also showcasing that you can dance. It can help build your dance portfolio.
Speaking of the devil, I just posted my first video and it's a dance video on YouTube yesterday !! I will definitely think about tutorials !! Thank you for the great idea!!
Tina