How to Teach Dance & Open a Dance Studio 1-2-3
If you are interested in starting a business teaching dance, you have lots of opportunities.
Of course, you can open
a dance studio, but you can alternatively rent space to teach dance classes. You can offer multiple styles
of dance or specialize in one style. Train professional dancers or provide fun dance classes for the
recreational dancer.
There are many different styles of dance where people want instruction, including tap, salsa, belly dancing,
ballroom dancing, hip hop, pole dancing, ballet, swing and more. There are dance instructors who specifically
teach children, adults or even for special events, like weddings.
The first step is to decide which kind of dance instruction you want to offer and where you will hold your
classes. Location is important because a convenient, high traffic location can bring you many more customers
with a lot less advertising effort.
Putting together a dance instruction business plan will help you figure out the money that you need to get
started and the marketing you need to do in order to reach your income goals. Having an outline to follow and
an allocated budget will help you streamline your business operations and succeed faster. (Not to mention, if
you are trying to obtain financing, a business plan is essential.)
Viewing a sample
dance instruction business plan can help give you ideas on how to get started, plus it's free. You can also
use a dance business plan template, which helps you put together your business plan in a simple,
fill-in-the-blank format.
Dance Studio Checklist:
1. Start by choosing a business name and registering your business with your county
clerk.
2. Next, get the licenses and permits you need. Your local government
office can help you find out which licenses and permits are required for your dance business and how
to apply for them. You will also need to file your business name with the county clerk.
3. If you will operate your dance instruction business out of your home,
check with your local government office about zoning ordinances in your neighborhood.
4. Open a business
bank account for business income and expenses. Your banker may also be able to help you with any
business financing you need.
5. Meet with an accountant to learn how you can maximize your business tax deductions.
6. Meet with an insurance agent to discuss insurance you may need for your
dance studio. The IIABA (Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America) can help you find a
qualified agent in your area. You can also get free quotes online for business insurance.
7. Set up your business phone line. This can be very
inexpensive - even a toll-free 800 phone
number can cost less than $5 a month.
8. Get business cards to advertise your dance studio and professionalize
your company. Start with Free Business
Cards, and don't forget to include information on classes that you offer and your website address
where customers can find out more information. See also: Design Your Own Logo.
9. Get a website. These days, it's easy to save money by using a free website builder. A website
can act as a cheap (but attractive) brochure that is available 24-7, but you can also display class
schedules online and accept new member sign-ups. Want people to find your website in the search engines?
Get listed in 20 search engines for
free or in 300 search engines for $4.
10. Advertise with Signs
- Use a car magnet to advertise your business while you are on the road, a yard sign to announce a sale
or a banner to promote your store's grand opening. You can design and create your own signs cheaply
online using SignsBannersDecals.com.
11. Find dance students on Skillshare. This website helps teachers and students connect. They let teachers list
their classes for free.
How to Open a Dance Studio
Successful dance studio owners have put their combined knowledge and experience into a Dance Studio
Business Start-Up Guide for dance enthusiasts who want to make money in this profession..
Whether you want to start a full-fledged studio with a staff and multitude of classes - or you simply
want to work independently as a dance instructor, you can find out how to start your business step-by-step
with this easy to use guide.
See what you get >>
Start-Up Tips: naming your
business, licenses and insurance needed, legal structure, how much space you need, advice on
selecting a location and interior and exterior design tips for a successful studio.
- How to Manage Your Studio: how to set up classes, fees, registration, hire staff and find
the supplies and equipment you need.
- Getting Customers: Advertising advice and how to get free publicity and referrals plus how
to develop promotional materials and a website that can bring you even more clients.
- Samples & Checklists Included: sample floor plan, lease agreement, registration form,
start-up budget, class schedule, press release and supply & equipment checklist.
Open Your Own Dance Studio
