Why do professional dancers need business skills?

We have innovated and hand designed our HUBPRO Full Time course to cover business, marketing and financial training. All of these areas, and so much more, are covered under our MIND Class Category. Professional performers benefit greatly from developing business skills alongside their artistic abilities.

Here are some of the reasons why it’s important for professional dancers to have business skills:

• Entrepreneurial opportunities: Developing business skills allows dancers to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and create their own opportunities for artistic expression and financial stability. Being a professional dancer is basically like being a small business owner. You can create your own work by: developing your own choreography, producing your own shows, capitalising on social media, pitching to brands or establishing your own dance company. Business skills help dancers navigate the administrative, marketing, and financial aspects of these ventures.
  

• Self-promotion and marketing: In today's digital age, self-promotion and marketing are crucial for professional dancers. Having business skills enables dancers to effectively market themselves, create a professional online presence, and engage with audiences and potential employers through social media, websites, and other platforms. They can showcase their work, network with industry professionals, and attract performance opportunities.
  

• Financial management: Dancers often have fluctuating income streams and variable work contracts. Business skills will help them manage their finances effectively, budgeting for expenses, tracking income and expenses, and planning for the future. Understanding financial management helps dancers make informed decisions about fees, contracts, and investment opportunities.
  

• Contract negotiation and legal knowledge: Professional dancers frequently encounter contracts for performances, tours, or teaching engagements. Having business skills, empowers dancers to protect their rights and interests. They can negotiate fair terms, understand the legal implications of agreements, and seek professional advice when needed.
  

• Arts administration roles: Many professional dancers transition into arts administration roles later in their careers. Business skills are essential in these positions, which involve managing dance studios, companies, theatres, festivals, or educational programs. Understanding finance, fundraising, grant writing, marketing, and organizational management helps dancers excel in these administrative roles.
  

• Collaboration and teamwork: Business training will foster strong collaboration and teamwork among dancers. They learn effective communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills that enable them to work harmoniously with other dancers, choreographers, directors, and production teams. These skills are vital for successful collaborations and contribute to a positive and professional working environment.
  

• Career longevity and adaptability: The dance industry can be highly competitive and physically demanding. Having business skills gives professional dancers a competitive edge and enhances their career longevity. They can adapt to changing industry trends, explore diverse performance opportunities, and make strategic decisions that contribute to their artistic and financial sustainability.
  

While technical and artistic proficiency are essential for professional dancers, business skills complement their artistic talents and enable them to navigate the professional dance world more effectively. Developing business acumen empowers dancers to take control of their careers, create opportunities, and ensure long-term success in a highly competitive industry.

Sounds interesting? Want to learn more about what our HUBPRO Full Time course curriculum will be covering? Head here to grab a copy of our 2024 Prospectus, or book a free Career Pathway Call with our HUBPAC Directors.