freelance dancers, you have more agency than you think

I’ve noticed something lately — in conversations, emails, and even my own brain on busy weeks — that sounds like this: “I’d love to, but I don’t know what my schedule will look like.”

It’s a phrase dancers say all the time, especially freelancers. And while it sounds harmless (even responsible), I think it quietly gives away something important: your sense of agency.

We act as if our calendars are mysterious forces beyond our control — as if rehearsals, gigs, and side jobs simply appear and we just have to make them fit. But as freelance artists, we actually have far more control than we give ourselves credit for.

Redefining Agency as a freelance dancer

When I say agency, I’m not talking about a booking agency or someone who finds you gigs. I’m talking about your ability to act intentionally — to make choices that align with your priorities instead of letting the current of “whatever comes next” drag you along.

It’s easy to fall into a scarcity mindset. We worry that if we commit to one thing, something “better” might come along. But in my experience, better things come along when you start doing stuff. Momentum builds clarity. When you move, you meet people, gain experience, and create opportunities — not because the universe magically rewards busyness, but because you’ve made yourself visible, engaged, and available for growth.

So if you’re waiting for the perfect opportunity to feel ready or to have a “clear schedule”… consider that the act of starting is what creates the clarity you’re looking for.

The “I Don’t Know My Schedule” Trap

Let’s be honest — freelance schedules are unpredictable. Projects overlap, rehearsals change, performances get added last-minute. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless.

Instead of saying “I don’t know what my schedule will look like,” try reframing:

“what do I want my schedule to look like.”

When a potential project or collaboration comes your way, it doesn’t have to compete with your schedule — it becomes part of it, if it aligns with your goals. Every “yes” shapes what your season looks like. Every “no” protects what matters most.

That’s agency.

The Power of Saying No (and Communicating Clearly)

Dancers are notorious for overcommitting — and often for the best reasons. We love what we do. We want to stay connected, stay visible, keep working. But sometimes “yes” comes from fear rather than alignment: fear of missing out, fear of letting someone down, fear that rest will make us irrelevant.

Here’s a radical reminder:

“No” is a complete sentence.

Saying no doesn’t make you difficult or ungrateful — it makes you intentional. It’s how you create space for projects that truly light you up (and for the recovery time that makes your artistry sustainable).

When you intentionally treat your time as valuable, others will too.

And here’s the thing — not responding is also a choice.

When an opportunity lands in your inbox or DMs and you delay answering because you’re unsure, that pause communicates something too. The other person might assume you’re unavailable or uninterested and move on to another artist. Silence doesn’t preserve options; it often takes them off the table.

Being intentional isn’t just about what you say yes or no to — it’s also about how and when you communicate those decisions. A simple, timely response (even if it’s a “thank you, but I’ll have to pass this time” or "I'm not sure, can I confirm with you by X date?") demonstrates respect for your time and theirs. That’s agency, too.

Live Like You’re in Charge (Because You Are)

As a freelancer, your calendar is not your enemy — it’s your canvas. You get to decide what fills it.

Design your weeks around what supports your best work: rehearsals, yes, but also rest days, personal training, admin blocks, creative exploration, and maybe even nothing at all. The “free” in freelance doesn’t mean “available 24/7.” It means free to choose.

Taking ownership of your time models professionalism and maturity. It communicates to directors, collaborators, and students that you’re reliable and self-aware. And it reinforces something most of us forget: you’re not just in the dance world — you’re running your own business.

You get to decide how it runs.

A Closing Thought on Freelance Dancer Agency

If you catch yourself saying, “I don’t know what my schedule will look like,” when an opportunity comes along... Pause.

Ask yourself:

“What are my priorities?" "Does this opportunity fit/meet my priorities?" "What can I shift/adjust to make this work?”

Asking yourself these questions can be a starting place for having ownership and agency over your schedule rather than waiting for things to happen to you.

Freelance life can feel uncertain — but it’s also full of possibility.

And the more you recognize your agency, the more you’ll see: you’re not waiting for your career to unfold.

You shape it, one choice at a time.