Thread: Ladies, I am actually making moolah!!!!

I took a risk and decided to just teach this semester, and hope to at least break even and pay my bills.

In the past 2 weeks, I now have 3 more classes SOLD OUT (thru teacher wellness programs at local school districts-maybe a new nitch for everyone to look at?) on top of my other 5.

Who knows, maybe next month I might be able to afford the swap page!!!! :cr:

It's been such a long haul...too bad I am moving out of the state in 3 months...

that is encouraging. I"m currently weighing leaving my day job. I want to teach and sell costumes and do freelance PR and writing. I think I can do it but i'm scared.

I'm in the same boat! How do you know when it's safe to take the leap?

that's the thing. it is never safe.

if this will be your only means of income, this is a huge decision.
the income is by no means consistent and you will have to think of how you will compensate for the benefits you may be leaving at your present position.

these are things to consider, of course. there is no sick pay or emergency leave.

ex. even when i was performing 5 night per week, multiple shows/venues, a broken down car was a huge disaster financially and logistically.

also keep in mind that bd is at an all time high in popularity right now [imo]
it may stay the same or it may change. you will need to be prepared to handle a decrease in industry activity [like a realtor, it can be feast or famine]

i don't mean to rain on anyone's parade or to sound discouraging. these are just some things i wish i had thought of before i went pro. and the long term financial ramifications are what made me go back to school! i might be extra risk adverse but some day i would like to retire and i didn't see that happening comfortably on the average dancers salary alone.

here in the usa, we can't even count on medicare to be available by the time some of us reach that age. dancers in socialist countries can at least count on health care! [but don't get me started on that]

if you are comfortable with the long term financial risks [no benefits, no 401k, no pension, no insurance, no nothing!] and it is your heart's desire, go for it. we only have one life [that i am aware of] and i hope you can spend every day doing what makes you happy.

It's wonderful to hear your classes are doing well! I think the kids going back to school has really increased the enrollment in my own classes, especially the new daytime ones I started this summer.

Kira makes some excellent points. I quit my day job to teach and perform full time, but I have only been able to do so because my husband has a great job that can almost support us (we do still need the money I make from dance, though), and he carries the insurance for the whole family. It has been really tight, though, and we are nearly back to living paycheck to paycheck which is scary.

Build your name and client base and then jump. I offer incentives for students such as bring two friends and get a month free, and a free classes for those who get me opportunities elsewhere. It really depends on the competition in the area.

I'm in a rush, will write more early next week!

Originally Posted by amity

I took a risk and decided to just teach this semester, and hope to at least break even and pay my bills.

In the past 2 weeks, I now have 3 more classes SOLD OUT (thru teacher wellness programs at local school districts-maybe a new nitch for everyone to look at?) on top of my other 5.

Who knows, maybe next month I might be able to afford the swap page!!!! :cr:

It's been such a long haul...too bad I am moving out of the state in 3 months...

CONGRATS!!!!! Do you really have to leave the state in 3 months?????? Please stay!!!

LOL yes and I won't be teaching either :( I will miss the inspiration it gives me. You will just have to get your own costumes or come and live in my closet with me!

Originally Posted by amity

LOL yes and I won't be teaching either :( I will miss the inspiration it gives me. You will just have to get your own costumes or come and live in my closet with me!

considering how many pretty things you have to dance in....you must have a good sized closet.....*considering offer*