Picking
up a career option which is financially rewarding and psychologically
satisfying is not that easy. While freelancing in general does provide
the freedom to do what you really love to do, monetary rewards may or
may not follow. If that career choice happens to be dancing, then the
hesitation is much greater.
Not
many are aware of freelancing scope in the field of dancing, and there
are many who feel this profession can’t ensure sustainable income. The
reality is that the life of a freelance dancer might not be smooth to
start with, but rewards definitely follow if you can stay sane in the
game! Here are five tips for you to be so.
Be practical and stay focused
Just
like any other profession, you need to adopt a focused approach. It
might sound contradictory to your artistic inclination, but if you don’t
know how to stay practical then it would be tough to survive in this
profession. Be prepared for initial disappointments, but don’t let these
setbacks weaken your spirit and determination.
Expand the network
You
might be a good dancer, but if you are not well-connected then
surviving as a freelancer will be tough. Spread the words through social
networking sites about your dancing skills and experience. Try to tie
up with some dance troupes and choreographers to be a part of their
programs on a regular basis. This way you can have better exposure and
also ensure a steady flow of income.
Juggle well the schedule
Once
you develop a good network, it is bound to fetch more work. This in
turn means more rehearsals and programs with multiple choreographers or
dance groups, sometimes within the same week.
As
a freelance dancer, you need to be perfect about schedule juggling.
Keep track of the show dates and make sure to reply e-mails or phone
calls promptly. At the same time, be careful about overstretching and
overstressing yourself.
Keep the money factor in mind
You
love to dance and enjoy the freedom too, but it doesn’t mean that you
don’t care about money! Since dancers mostly earn on a project basis,
there may not be a regular income each month. It is always better if you
can work out a full-time contract with a dance group, which promises a
consistent pay. Or else try to engage yourself in other activities
related to dancing like teaching choreography in order to supplement
your income.
Carve out a niche for yourself and keep learning
In
today’s competitive world, if you want to succeed as a freelance dancer
then it’s very important for you to concentrate on a particular dancing
style be it jazz, foxtrot, salsa or any other: carve out a niche for
yourself in that style with which you are comfortable and confident
about. Keep learning and improving to stay in the game and also to
ensure that you present something unique in every performance.
Now
the big question is “Can anybody take up freelance dancing and become
successful?”: the answer is ‘Yes’ provided you are dedicated, focused
and smart enough to overcome unfavorable and unusual circumstances.
Freelancing offers freedom, so enjoy it! At the same time, never stop
learning. Be grateful that you have dance in your life and the ability
to earn from it.
