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Running your own dance classes comes with exciting opportunities as well as significant challenges. Whether you’re considering becoming a freelance dance teacher, opening your own studio, or creating an online dance academy, understanding the pros and cons is vital before taking the plunge.

This guide is for dance teachers who are ready to explore new options, as well as those working for someone else but curious about running their classes.

Here, we’ll break down the advantages and drawbacks, helping you decide the best path for your teaching career.

Pros of Running Your Own Dance Classes

Teach the Styles You Truly Love

When you run your own classes, you’re in control of what you teach. Whether it’s classical ballet, Latin dance, or contemporary techniques, the decision is yours.

More importantly, you can focus on your unique approach within those styles. Maybe you’re passionate about a nuanced Russian ballet technique or a more relaxed, free-flowing style. You’ll attract students who share your enthusiasm.

This freedom also extends to how your class is structured. Do you want more choreography work? Or maybe you’d prefer to emphasise technique drills? The possibilities are endless.

Total Control Over Class Structure

Running your own classes means you have total flexibility over your lesson plans. You decide how much time is spent on warm-ups, exercises, choreography, or improvisation.

Best of all, you can adapt as needed. If students struggle with a particular skill one week, you can adjust the next class to focus on that area. If something works exceptionally well, you’re free to repeat or expand on it.

Even if you follow a syllabus, you can find ways to make room for creativity while delivering the required material.

Attract the Right Students for You

“Your people” will naturally find you when you’re in charge of your teaching. These are the students who connect with your personality, approach, and passion for dance.

Unlike working for a dance school, where students may be assigned to you by default, freelance teaching allows you to build a group of committed, engaged individuals who appreciate your unique methods.

Teaching students who are genuinely excited to learn from you makes the classroom experience rewarding on both sides.

More Flexibility with Time and Holidays

One of the big perks of freelancing is setting your own schedule. You decide when classes happen and when to take breaks.

This flexibility helps reduce burnout and improves your overall quality of life. You can align your timetable with personal priorities, such as family events or much-needed holidays, without seeking anyone’s approval.

Giving yourself time to rest and recharge benefits not only you but your students as well. A refreshed teacher is much more effective, and the energy you bring to class will be contagious.

Bring Your Unique Vision to Life

Working for someone else often means delivering their vision for dance. While there’s value in collaborating with established schools and studios, running your own classes allows you to bring your personal vision to life.

Maybe you see dance as a pathway for students to build confidence, connect with their creative side, or form lasting friendships. When you’re in charge, you can incorporate these goals into your teaching.

Dance can be so much more than just technical improvement. You have the freedom to create transformative experiences for your students.

Create Safe and Welcoming Spaces

As an independent teacher, you can craft an environment that feels safe, inclusive, and genuinely supportive.

Rigid, old-school teaching methods aren’t always conducive to learning and growth. By focusing on experimentation, play, and personal responsibility, you empower students to explore their limits while remaining safe and confident.

This approach fosters not only better dancers but also happier students who trust their own abilities and feel valued as individuals.

Earn More, Work Less

As a freelance teacher or studio owner, you have control over your income. You set the rates and retain all the earnings from your classes—rather than splitting income with a studio.

Even with fewer teaching hours, it’s possible to earn the same or more than you would with a fixed employment contract.

With careful planning, you can build a sustainable work-life balance and avoid burnout, ensuring your classes remain high in energy and value.

Unlimited Possibilities

Running your own dance classes opens the door to endless creative opportunities. You can organise workshops, summer schools, or even dance holidays abroad.

Want to host a themed choreography session or a live performance? Go for it. The only limits are those you set for yourself.

However, it’s important to stay focused. With so many exciting options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or distracted. Start small and grow from there.

Challenges of Running Your Own Dance Classes

No Built-in Support

When you work for a studio, administrative headaches like marketing, enrolment, and payments are often handled for you.

As a freelancer, you’ll need to manage these aspects yourself or hire help. Although these tasks can be intimidating at first, with time and the right tools, they become easier and even enjoyable.

Financial Uncertainty

Freelancing doesn’t come with guaranteed monthly pay. Income can fluctuate based on student numbers, seasonal changes, or unforeseen circumstances.

Building financial stability takes time. By preparing for quiet months and maintaining a solid base of regular students, you can significantly reduce risk.

Administration and Planning

There’s more to running a business than just teaching. You’ll handle:

• Scheduling.
• Marketing.
• Taxes and finances.
• Communicating with students and parents.

This can feel overwhelming, especially at the start. However, developing systems and using software tools can streamline these processes, freeing up more of your time.

The Responsibility Can Feel Heavy

When you’re in charge, all the responsibility falls on you—marketing, enrolment, and solving issues when they arise.

It can feel daunting to hold a larger vision for your classes while managing the day-to-day workload. Learning to trust yourself and seeking support from mentors or peers can help lighten the load.

Risk of Overwhelm

With so many opportunities, it’s easy to take on too much too soon. Juggling too many new projects can lead to scattered results and diminished impact.

Stay focused by prioritising the most important goals and shelving the rest for later. Success comes from consistent effort, not spreading yourself too thin.

Why Some Teachers Choose Employment

Pre-set Schedules

Working for a dance school often means stepping into a tidy, structured environment. You’re given your class schedule, and you focus solely on teaching.

This simplicity can be appealing, especially for those who prefer to avoid administrative tasks and financial planning.

Reliable Monthly Income

Studio-employed teachers know what they’ll earn each month, regardless of class attendance or unforeseen circumstances.

This financial predictability is especially comforting for those new to the industry or juggling other personal commitments.

No Additional Skills Required

As an instructor employed by someone else, you can concentrate on what you do best—teaching dance. There’s no need to learn marketing strategies or manage class registrations.

For many, this is a simpler, less stressful option.

Access to Ready-Made Students

Studios provide a built-in student base, removing the pressure of finding and attracting students yourself. This is particularly helpful for new teachers still building their reputation.

Finding Balance

Assessing What’s Right for You

Think about your goals and risk tolerance. Are you comfortable with responsibilities like marketing and planning? Do you have a vision that extends beyond teaching technique?

It’s okay to stay employed if that’s what works for you right now—this isn’t a “one size fits all” journey.

Start Small

If you’re curious about freelancing but hesitant, start with one weekly class or host a workshop. This allows you to test the waters without giving up your studio position.

Build Over Time

Running your own classes doesn’t mean you have to know everything right away. Learn business and organisational skills gradually.

Take advantage of resources like online tutorials or dedicated mentorship programmes to guide you along the way.

Seek Support

Freelancing doesn’t mean doing it all alone. Connect with other teachers, join supportive networks, and don’t hesitate to ask for guidance.

Teaching dance—whether freelance, studio-owned, or employed—can be rewarding and challenging. The key is finding the path that aligns with your vision, lifestyle, and professional goals.

Ready to take the next step toward running your own classes? Start small, equip yourself with the skills needed, and trust in your ability to grow. The possibilities are endless.