As a professional ballet dancer with extensive experience performing for companies, freelancing, and at one-time events, I know that requests to dance at weddings, corporate events, or parties can be great performance opportunities AND they can come with challenges. From managing expectations and negotiating fees to preparing for unconventional performance spaces, it’s important to set yourself up for success from the very beginning.
In this post, I’ll share practical tips to help you - the dancer - navigate event gigs, communicate clearly with clients, and make sure you’re fairly compensated for your work.
Know Your Worth—And Advocate for It
As a professional dancer, you bring a unique blend of skill, artistry, and years of training to every performance—qualities that clients may not fully understand or appreciate. It’s essential to reinforce that you are the expert in your craft; you know what’s needed to deliver a memorable, high-quality performance, and you know the value of what you offer. This means setting your rate confidently and standing by it. Exposure is NOT a form of payment. While it can be tempting to take any gig that comes your way, especially early in your career, undervaluing your work by accepting significantly lower rates can set an unsustainable precedent for yourself. Fair compensation honors the skill, preparation, and professionalism you bring to the event. So, set your rate, communicate it clearly, and remember that sticking to it is a key part of valuing your art and expertise.
From personal experience, I’ve encountered clients who questioned my request for a “marley” or vinyl dance floor, which is essential for safety—especially when performing en pointe. In one instance, I actually visited the space with my pointe shoes, put them on, and demonstrated how easily I slid and even slipped into the splits on the flooring they had deemed “a perfect dance floor.” Holding your ground on necessary requirements, particularly for safety, is crucial. If special flooring is needed, stand firm on this—it’s not only a matter of professionalism but also of protecting yourself.
Do Your Research Before Saying "Yes"
Google and your community network are your best friends when vetting potential gigs. The first thing I do when someone reaches out about a performance opportunity is Google them. It might seem like an obvious step, but it’s a quick way to spot any red flags or immediate reasons why you might want to pass on the gig. Check out their online presence—social media, website, LinkedIn, or even reviews—if available. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of headaches later.
Pro tip - If you receive an email inquiry, copy and paste the first few sentences (or even the whole email) into a Google search. I’ve done this on several occasions, and each time, the text flagged was part of a scam. Always listen to your instincts—like my mom always says, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” For instance, if someone promises you $5,000 to perform a solo at a hyper-specific/highly detailed event or offers $10,000 for a group performance with no clear details, raise your BS alert. Opportunities like that are more likely to be scams (or more suited to be company commissions) than genuine offers.
Additionally, reach out to your community or network of dancers to ask if anyone has worked with the client or organization before. Your fellow dancers’ experiences can be incredibly insightful and might reveal important details about how this person or group operates. Doing this extra legwork ensures that you’re walking into a safe, legitimate, and professional opportunity.
Clarify Expectations and Boundaries
Clear communication with clients from the start is essential to ensure that both you and the client are on the same page about the performance. Begin by establishing exactly what they envision for the event—such as the type of performance, length, style, and any specific requests they may have. Once you understand their expectations, explain what you can do to help them achieve their vision, while also setting boundaries around what will not work and why, if necessary. Whether it’s performing a dance or posing for photographs, it’s important to discuss details like physical boundaries—where the audience will be positioned, how close guests can get to you for photos, how the client will communicate these guidelines to attendees, and how you, as the performer, can keep yourself safe during the event.
I recommend reviewing logistical details with the client multiple times in the weeks leading up to the event to avoid last-minute confusion. Confirm the setup, timing, and event flow to ensure everything runs smoothly and that you’re prepared for any unique needs or circumstances. Also, include a scheduled “run-through” or rehearsal in the event space in your contract; think of it as your dress rehearsal before the main event. By setting clear expectations and boundaries from the start, you’ll be able to focus on delivering your best performance in a respectful and well-organized environment.
Create a Contract to Protect Yourself
To safeguard your time, effort, and professionalism, always establish a clear contract before confirming acceptance of an event gig, or really any gig. A solid contract should outline essential elements such as payment terms, any agreed-upon rehearsal times, and specific requirements like a secure changing room, appropriate flooring, costuming + make up needs, etc. In addition, always include a deposit and a cancellation clause; these policies ensure that both parties are committed and provide you with a degree of financial protection should the event fall through.
Liability and safety are also crucial aspects to address. Specify that the performance area must be safe and suitable for the choreography, and outline what steps you’ll take if the space is found to be inadequate. A well-crafted contract not only protects you but also sets a professional tone, establishing clear expectations and minimizing misunderstandings down the line. As a dancer friend of mine always says, “Don’t even do a single plié until a contract is signed and countersigned by both parties.” That simple rule can save you countless headaches and ensure your work is respected from the very start.
From personal experience, I know it can be challenging to think of every possible detail that might need to go into a contract, but it’s worth doing your best to cover as much as possible. Start by asking yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” and outline solutions for those scenarios. For instance, what if you sustain an injury or illness that prevents you from performing? If it’s a public event, would it benefit you to have your name included in the marketing materials? And if the client is providing a costume, ensure costume fitting dates are included in the contract to allow time for adjustments and to rehearse in costume prior to the event. Covering these kinds of details upfront ensures you’re fully prepared for any unexpected situations and that the client is equally invested in a successful, well-organized performance.
Prepare for the Unconventional
As dancers, we are trained to be flexible, go with the flow, and improvise as needed. When performing at events, you’ll likely encounter non-standard spaces that aren’t designed for dance—think uneven floors, low ceilings, or even carpeted areas. It’s important to assess the venue space beforehand if possible and to be prepared to adapt. Sometimes, this means adjusting choreography to fit spatial limitations while still maintaining the integrity and quality of your performance. Additionally, consider bringing essential props or equipment, like portable dance flooring that’s suitable for your needs, and be sure to include any incurred costs in your contract for the client to cover.
In my experience as a freelance dancer, I’ve shown up to venues where I was expected to perform on carpet or on rec center floors used for basketball. Surprisingly, these spaces weren’t the worst and actually worked fine for the pointework I ended up doing. However, whenever possible, try to visit the performance space with the client before the event. This allows you to discuss any on-site concerns and explain why certain setups might work—or might not work. Remember that time I had to slide into the splits before a client finally believed their flooring wasn’t safe for pointe work? Use your expertise to advocate for a safe, quality performance environment—you are the professional, and your safety is paramount.
Handle Payment and Follow-Up Professionally
Setting clear payment expectations upfront is essential—it may feel awkward at first, but trust me, it’s worth it! Always discuss payment terms in advance and make sure they’re clearly outlined in your contract, including requirements for a deposit and/or a payment schedule. This not only protects you financially but also sets a professional tone with the client from the start. Ideally, arrange for full payment before the performance or, if needed, establish a schedule that compensates you for any rehearsal time leading up to the event. This way, if the event is canceled or postponed, you’re still compensated for the work you’ve already done. Be sure to specify any additional costs for items like costuming, makeup, or equipment as part of the total fee owed by the client.
A personal tip - Include payment deadlines and late-payment fees in the contract, and if the client provides the contract, double-check that these details are covered before signing. For requesting payment, I recommend specifying “pay by check” instead of sharing your bank details - again, for your financial safety! Alternatively, you can use a secure online payment system like PayPal or Venmo to send an invoice, providing a convenient and trackable method.
After the performance, follow up professionally if payment is delayed—clear, courteous reminders can often resolve any issues. And if the event goes well, consider asking for a testimonial or referral; positive feedback from a satisfied client can help build your reputation and attract future gigs.
For more on setting payment expectations, including starting rate recommendations, check out this blog post. (I’d give that post a read anyway to ensure you’re covering all of YOUR bases.)
Conclusion -
Performing at events as a professional dancer offers unique rewards, but it also requires preparation, clear communication, and confidence in your worth. By setting your terms, advocating for yourself, and knowing what to expect, you can make event gigs a positive and lucrative part of your career. Remember, you are the expert on your dance—bring that confidence to every event, and success will follow.
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