How to Start a Dance Company

Dancing is a great form of exercise and can also be a fun recreational activity. There are thousands of different dance companies throughout the country. Many of them cater to a specific style of dancing, such as: ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz and experimental dance. If you are interested in opening your own dance company, there are many resources available to help you get started.

1. Prepare a business plan. If you are like most small business owners, you will need startup funding for you dance company. There are hundreds of books and software on the market that will provide step-by-step guidance on how to prepare the perfect business plan, so that you can attract potential lenders and investors.

2. Study the competition. Visit other local dance groups that are in your area and take note of what classes they offer, the number of students that are enrolled and the prices that they charge. The more information that you have, the more prepared you will be, when it comes time to open your own studio.

3. Market your company. You want to promote your new company to the right people and to the community at large. Invest in business cards and create a website to get the word out. Enlist the talents of a graphic designer to help you design the perfect look for your company. This will attract potential students to your studio.

4. Network with fellow members of the dance community. Instructors, students and other dancers should be able to provide a creative input for you to follow.

5. Kick off the opening of your company. Stage a free production for the community to come out and enjoy. Ask some of your dancing comrades if they would be willing to do a show for free to help create buzz for the company. As a promotion, offer free classes for the first group of people that enroll in classes.