Ballroom Dancing: Working My Passion

I have been ballroom dancing for roughly seven years now. I went to my first pro-amateur competition in October of 2015 and had a great time. Recently, I got to thinking about what I know and what I can do with my dance knowledge besides only having fun.

A local dance studio recently branched into teaching some ballroom classes, and my mom suggested that I try to get a job working there, or ask if there are any open positions as teacher’s assistants. Many more ideas came from my mom’s suggestion, the possibilities of how I can create an income through ballroom dancing.

Income Opportunities Through Ballroom Dancing

This is where my plan of using my knowledge of dancing comes into play. With at least 6 years of experience following (typically the woman’s role,) and growing knowledge of leading (typically known as the male role,) I have several possibilities to create an income, or pay my knowledge and years of lessons forward in my community.

I taught my dad and step mom how to dance for their wedding, a basic Rumba and a few turns according to the 4/4 time of the song they selected. Tons of people my mom knows and family friends are getting married, or have events in their life where they may need to learn how to dance. Some couples may not want to go into a studio; it may be too expensive or intimidating, or there may not be the proper resources to dance. I can teach couples to dance for a reasonable price, where they will have creative abilities and comfort as they learn.

My school recently put on the high school theater version of the Broadway play The Addams Family, which I saw with some friends. In one scene, two of the lead actors performed a Tango, rather than an Argentine Tango (what the music was for), which is one of my favorite dances. There is a very good chance they learned from YouTube videos, and not from a teacher. Although it was good for high school students that have no dance experience, it could have been such a great scene if they had known even a few moves! I want to offer my help to the drama teacher, to choreograph some dances or just teach basic moves if needed. Even though it’s volunteer, it can open doors for me as well as the school.

Another way I plan on trying to make an income, or paying my knowledge forward is in the dance studio I previously mentioned. I would really enjoy having a job teaching or as a teacher’s assistant. According to my state’s labor laws, as a fourteen-year-old I can work 3 hours a day when school is in session, and 8 hours a day on a non-school day. During a school week, I can work up to 18 hours, and during a non-school week, (such as spring/fall break or summer vacation) I can work up to 40 hours.

Ballroom Dancing Competitions

I can also compete, which is expensive, but also very rewarding. Competing for scholarships is a way I can use my abilities to benefit myself. First places winners normally receive cash prizes that vary by competition and placement this competition offers certain amounts of money based on where you place and what you place in, or vouchers for lessons, shoes, and dresses.  In my next competition, I will be eligible to compete at the scholarship level with my partner, with prospects of winning.

In the end, I plan on working for my current dance studio when I am old enough to work full time. My dream is to have a job doing what I love, and if that means pulling out all the stops to do so, I’m willing to.