How Much Money Can You REALLY Make as a Dancer? (With Real Examples)
If you love dancing, you've probably wondered: Can I actually make a full-time living from it? The short answer? Yes! But your income will depend on what type of dance career you pursue.
Some dancers struggle to earn a consistent income, while others make six figures or more by choosing the right dance business model.
In this guide, we’ll break down the income potential for different dance professions, from performing and teaching to choreographing and running a dance business. Plus, we’ll show you how franchising with Urban Motion can be one of the most profitable ways to build a sustainable dance career.
1. How Much Do Professional Dancers Make?
If you dream of performing on stage, you can make money by dancing in:
Theatre productions and musicals
Music videos and live performances
TV shows, commercials, and films
Competitions and corporate events
Real Earnings for Professional Dancers
Freelance dancers: £100 – £500 per gig
Touring dancers (working for artists, theatre productions, cruise ships): £30,000 – £80,000 per year
TV and commercial dancers: £300 – £2,000+ per job (depending on production budget)
Biggest Challenge? Inconsistent work. Many dancers struggle with long periods of unemployment between gigs, making financial stability difficult.
Solution: Many successful professional dancers supplement their income by teaching classes, choreographing, or running a dance business.
2. How Much Do Dance Teachers Make?
Teaching dance is one of the most reliable and profitable career paths in the industry.
You can work as a freelance dance teacher or get hired at:
Dance studios
Schools and community programs
Gyms and fitness centres
Online dance platforms
Real Earnings for Dance Teachers
Freelance dance instructors: £25 – £100 per class
Full-time dance teachers (working at a studio): £30,000 – £50,000 per year
Private one-on-one coaching: £50 – £150 per session
Biggest Challenge? Limited earning potential. Most dance teachers only get paid per class, meaning they have to teach long hours to make good money.
Solution: Instead of just teaching, own your own dance business or franchise, so you earn money even when you’re not teaching every class yourself.
3. How Much Do Choreographers Make?
If you love creating original movement, you can make money as a choreographer for:
Music videos and live performances
Theatre and dance productions
Competitions and dance teams
Weddings and private events
Real Earnings for Choreographers
Freelance choreographers: £50 – £500 per routine
Choreographers for TV and film productions: £2,000 – £20,000 per project
Full-time choreographers (working with major artists or companies): £40,000 – £100,000+ per year
Biggest Challenge? Breaking into the industry and finding consistent, high-paying clients.
Solution: Many choreographers start by teaching to build a network and reputation before landing bigger opportunities.
4. How Much Do Dance Studio Owners Make?
Owning a dance studio is one of the most profitable ways to make money in the dance industry. Studio owners make money by:
Offering dance classes and workshops
Running summer camps and intensives
Selling dancewear and merchandise
Hosting competitions and recitals
Real Earnings for Dance Studio Owners
Small dance studios: £50,000 – £100,000 per year
Successful, large studios: £150,000 – £500,000+ per year
Biggest Challenge? Expensive startup costs (rent, utilities, staff salaries) and high competition.
Solution? Instead of investing thousands into a physical studio, Urban Motion’s franchise model allows you to run your own dance business without the overhead costs of a studio space.
5. How Much Can You Make Running a Dance Franchise? (The Most Profitable Option)
Many dancers struggle with inconsistent income because they trade time for money, getting paid per class, per gig, or per project.
The most successful dancers don’t just teach or perform—they own a dance business that makes money for them.
That’s where Urban Motion’s franchise model comes in.
How Much Can You Earn as an Urban Motion Franchisee?
First-year earnings: £30,000 – £50,000
Experienced franchisees: £50,000 – £100,000+ per year
Top franchisees with multiple territories: £100,000+ per year
No upfront costs – Start immediately with zero financial risk
Proven business model – Skip the trial and error of figuring it out yourself
Full marketing and business support – Get expert guidance as you grow
A trusted, established brand – Parents and students already love it
Instead of searching for dance teacher jobs near me or dance jobs near me, why not own your own dance business and build long-term wealth?
Click here to apply and start your dance career with Urban Motion today!
Final Thoughts: Which Dance Career Pays the Most?
If you’re passionate about dance and want to make real money, here’s a breakdown of your earning potential:
Professional dancers – £100 – £80,000+ per year (but inconsistent income)
Dance teachers – £25 – £60,000 per year (stable but limited earnings)
Choreographers – £50 – £100,000+ per year (high potential but competitive)
Dance studio owners – £50,000 – £500,000+ per year (high profit but high costs)
Dance franchise owners – £30,000 – £100,000+ per year (high profit, low risk)
If you want to make the most money while doing what you love, running your own dance business is the best choice—and Urban Motion’s franchise model is the easiest way to start.
Apply now and start your journey today!
