How to Start a Dance Studio

Dance instructors have the experience and knowledge required to offer dance lessons, but they need a venue to teach their craft. A dance studio provides instructors with space to offer dance lessons, including both group classes and private sessions.

Identifying your niche will put you in the right position to start your own dance studio.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

Tailor Brands ($0 + State Fees)

Start a dance studio by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Dance Studio
  2. Form your Dance Studio into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Dance Studio for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Dance Studio
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Dance Studio
  7. Get Dance Studio Insurance
  8. Define your Dance Studio Brand
  9. Create your Dance Studio Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your dance studio. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Dance Studio Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a dance studio?

The two main costs associated with a dance studio are the cost of a building and the cost of insurance. A building requires a large investment of capital, and the building’s taxes and mortgage should be included in the total building costs. Additionally, a studio should have a reserve fund available in case the building needs an emergency repair. Regarding insurance, a dance studio should have robust liability protection that covers all students, instructors, guests and events held in the building.

Dance studio can get started for much less in one of the following ways:

  • Leasing and renovating an existing commercial space as opposed to constructing or purchasing a brand new studio
  • Purchasing or leasing less expensive commercial space that’s smaller or in a less busy part of town

Read our dance studio purchasing guide to learn about the materials and equipment you’ll need to start a dance studio, how much to budget, and where to make purchases.

What are the ongoing expenses for a dance studio?

The ongoing expenses for a dance studio include the upkeep costs, mortgage and taxes associated with the studio’s building, employee salaries, and the studio’s insurance premiums. Building costs will depend on the value and size of a studio’s building, but will easily be at least several thousand dollars (and possibly tens of thousands of dollar) each year.

Who is the target market?

There are many ways to start a successful dance studio. However, most studios fall into one of two categories:

  • Traditional Studio: traditional dance studios provide an educational space for movement arts, such as ballet, jazz, or even hip hop. While lessons can be offered to customers of all ages, many studios specialize in group or private lessons for children and teens. In addition to offering lessons, studios often organize dance performances or competitions for their students.
  • Active Lifestyle Studio: a growing number of dance studios offer an alternative to hitting the gym. These studios offer instructor-led sessions in active dance styles, such as Zumba or Aerial Silk. This style of studio appeals to adults looking for a fun way to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle.

If a dance studio employs its own instructors, ideal clients include children and students from affluent families who are passionate about dance can afford to attend regular classes.

If a studio does not employ its own instructors, its primary clients would then be instructors – dance enthusiasts who often have professional dancing experience. They may be past dancers or still regular performers.

The dance instructors that a studio serves don’t need to be wealthy, but it helps to have a studio located in an affluent area as residents have discretionary income to spend on dance lessons, which can increase the number of dancers instructors have to teach. The more students they have to teach, the more often they’ll need a space to offer classes and lessons.

How does a dance studio make money?

A dance studio typically generates revenue in of two ways:

  • By leasing studio space to independent dance instructors. Classrooms, the performance space and the entire building can be rented out.
  • If a dance studio directly employs its instructors, then the primary income source will be class fees paid by dance students.

A studio can also sponsor recitals and/or bring in a special guest instructor. The studio could then acquire money through ticket sales and class fees.

How much can you charge customers?

Dance studio’s rates usually vary with when instructors want to use the space. During peak times, rooms may go for $100 an hour or more. On off-peak hours, fees may be closer to $20 to $30 per hour. These expenses are usually charged per-room, so a studio that has several classrooms can multiply its income by the number of rooms available.

Dance class fees typically range from $50-150 per student per class. Fees can be charged on a per class basis, or as part of a seasonal membership.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Dance studios can increase their revenue by offering special events, such as guest dance instructors and recitals. They can also rent out any performance space they have for dance-themed parties and other events.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your dance studio is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your dance studio were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?

Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a dance studio business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Service Agreement

Dance studios should consider requiring clients to sign a service agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. Here is an example service agreement.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your dance studio when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

Music Licensing

Dance lessons typically involve music. In order to offer music in a business setting, permission must be acquired from the composer or license holder. Typically, it is possible to obtain “blanket” license allowing a businesses to play music owned by a large catalog of artists and recording studios. Such licenses can be obtained from Performance Rights Organizations, such as ASCAP and BMI.

Certificate of Occupancy

To start this kind of business, owning or leasing a physical dance studio is must. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a studio:
    • It is typically the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to your type of business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a studio:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for you business’ location to ensure your Dance Studio will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Dance Studio needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Dance Studio.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a dance studio

Dance instructors who are opening a dance studio can promote their studio through their connections in the dance community. If they’re already respected, dancers will likely be willing to talk about their new endeavor.

Dance studio owners who aren’t already plugged into the local dance scene will want to personally meet with each instructor in the area. Taking each instructor out to for a meal or coffee is the best way to get to know them — and for them to get to know about what the new studio has to offer.

Owners can complement either of these strategies by bringing in a special dance instructor when the studio first opens and holding a conference as this is an easy way to generate media coverage.

How to keep customers coming back

Dance studio owners can attract students by providing quality classes at low rates. Studio owners can attract instructors by providing low prices for classroom space, accommodating class schedules as much as possible and offering to make reasonable improvements that instructors would like. If a studio has good rates, is available and will adjust rooms to meet an instructor’s needs, they’ll at least consider holding classes at the studio

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Anyone with access to a commercial space that can be adapted into a couple of classroom sized rooms and a larger performance area might consider opening a dance studio.

A passion for and knowledge of dance is helpful, but not necessary because the studio owner doesn’t necessarily have to be the instructor, but can hire or lease space to one or more instructors.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a dance studio?

 Some of the common day-to-day activities at a dance studio include:

  • Creating lesson plans
  • Offering regular dance lessons
  • Planning and coordinating performances 
  • Taking phone calls and answering inquiries from parents and potential students
  • Cleaning and general maintance tasks – either performed by the owner or outsourced to other companies

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful dance studio?

Whether or not your will be teaching lessons yourself, some background knowledge on different styles of dance can help you determine which instructors to hire and what types of lesson to offer.

It’s also useful to know how to handle basic maintenance tasks such as fixing broken lights, unclogging drains and repairing doors. These skills can greatly reduce how much a dance studio has to spend on repair and service calls.

First-aid knowledge will come in handy if a student or instructor is injured during a lesson.

What is the growth potential for a dance studio?

A dance studio is usually a single building that serves the surrounding community. The size of the building can vary, depending on how much demand there is for dance lessons in the area. Some studios only have one or two classrooms, and a performance space. Others have several stories of classrooms and a few performance spaces of different sizes.

A few studios have several locations within a region, but this is not common.

Should you consider joining a franchise?

Joining a dance studio franchise can be a good option for entrepreneurs who prefer to use a proven model rather than start from scratch. While joining one can mean slightly higher initial costs and less control, a quality franchise offers great benefits such as initial and ongoing support, marketing assistance, and brand recognition.

Opening a dance studio franchise typically requires $15,000-$500,000. Larger dance studio franchises like Jazzercise typically cost more, while more niche favorites like Tutu School and Kinderdance often have lower startup costs.

Interested in joining a dance studio franchise? Check out our favorites.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

How and when to build a team

A dance studio needs instructors. Unless you have the experience and desire to act as a full time instructor, you’ll either need to hire instructors or lease them studio space. Either way, a studio should only work with respected instructors, because how they treat students will reflect on the studio and its brand.

Useful Links

TRUiC Resources

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading