Dance Guides: Careers, Studios, Shoes, Weddings & Health
Practical, sourced guides for dancers, parents, teachers and studio owners.
How to Become a Professional Dancer
Training timeline, education options, auditions, unions, pay and the real day-to-day of a dance career in the US.
CareersHow to Become a Choreographer
Skills, education, building a portfolio, getting commissions and what choreographers earn — with BLS wage data by state.
CareersHow to Become a Dance Teacher
Teaching in studios vs. K-12 schools, certifications (RAD, Cecchetti, ABT, NDEO), pay data and how to get hired.
BusinessHow to Open a Dance Studio
Business plan, location, flooring, insurance, music licensing, pricing and enrollment — a practical checklist.
EducationChoosing a College Dance Program (BFA vs. BA)
How to compare dance majors — BFA vs BA, auditions, accreditation (NASD), cost and outcomes — with IPEDS data for every school.
CareersHow to Prepare for a Dance Audition
What to bring, what to wear, how to learn combinations fast and what directors look for.
Social danceWedding First Dance Guide — Songs, Tempo and Easy Steps
How to pick a first dance song by BPM and meter, which dance fits it (foxtrot, waltz, rumba, swing) and how many lessons you need.
GearHow to Choose Dance Shoes for Every Style
Ballet slippers, pointe shoes, jazz, tap, ballroom, Latin, salsa, swing and sneakers — what to buy and how they should fit.
HealthDance Injury Prevention — What the Research Says
The most common dance injuries, risk factors and evidence-based prevention, with links to the latest PubMed research.
Social danceHow to Choose a Dance Studio — A Checklist
Teacher credentials, floors, class sizes, recital costs, competition teams and red flags — what to ask before you enroll.