The Pros & Cons of Freelance Dancing
There are many routes you can take to succeed in your dance career. You may sign on with a major Broadway production, join a professional dance company, become a dance teacher, or even become a freelance dancer.
A freelance dancer is someone who is hired for specific, sometimes short-term, projects based on their unique skill set and service offerings. They may host summer camps or after-school programs, act as substitute teachers, be hired to choreograph a piece, and so much more. Someone may choose to become a freelance dancer if they do not want to feel bound to one specialty or service. However, going freelance is not for everyone. So before you decide to take the freelance route, consider these pros and cons first.
Pros of Freelance Dancing
Creative Freedom
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits to becoming a freelance dancer is the freedom it gives you to explore various forms of creative expressions and choose which projects to accept or deny. You can create a vibrant portfolio and create your own niche in the dance industry.
Set Your Own Schedule
Speaking of freedom, being a freelance dancer means you’re able to create your own work schedule. You won’t be bound to one office, studio, state, or stage. As a freelance dancer, you can curate the perfect work-life balance for yourself, giving you the space and time you need for family, travel, or focusing on other passions.
Full Control of Your Income
As a freelancer, you will be the deciding factor for how much income you can make. You can set your own rates, be hired for well-paying gigs, and negotiate projects that don’t pay enough. There is no salary cap or limit to how much money you can make, as long as you’re willing to work for it!
Related: Freelance Dancing Overseas: A Conversation with Briana Stuart
Cons of Freelance Dancing
Hustle & Grind
By deciding to become a freelance dancer, you accept the responsibility to create your own success. Nobody will find work for you; you’ll have to do it yourself! This means you’ll need to build up an impressive portfolio, market yourself, and deliver quality services to your clients. Most projects will be short-term, so you’ll need to pitch to new clients often.
If this is something that brings you anxiety, figure out what you need to do to feel confident in your skills before deciding to go freelance. Seek freelance communities and resources to find the wisdom and support you may need.
Inconsistent income
You know how we mentioned sky being the limit for your income? Well, the other side of that is financial “rock bottom.” As a freelance dancer, your next paycheck is never guaranteed. There are times when work may not come as easily as before. Even if you’ve done the work, your client may pay you later than expected, which could throw off your personal cash flow at any given time. That’s why it’s important to have contracts in place and savings set aside just in case!
Requires Organizational Business Skills
Don’t underestimate the administrative legwork you’ll need to do as a freelance dancer. From contracts, to invoicing, and saving receipts for taxes, there’s a ton of internal affairs you’ll need to keep in order so that your business is in good standing. You’ll also need to have any necessary licenses and certificates filed to be in compliance with state and federal regulations. When you can afford it, it’s a good idea to outsource, hiring an accountant, assistant, and/or tax preparation professional to take these tasks off your plate.
These are just a few of the pros and cons of becoming a freelance dancer. Ultimately, you must make the decision that’s best for you. Keep in mind what’s important to you, what you envision your career journey to look like, and what responsibilities you can realistically handle.