Are you dreaming of turning your passion for pole dancing into a full-time career? If you’re wondering how to become a professional pole dancer, you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll provide valuable insights to help you transform your love for pole dancing into a fulfilling profession.
Why Choose a Career in Pole Dancing?
Pursuing a career as a pole dancer offers a unique combination of physical fitness, artistic expression, and personal fulfillment. Whether you’re passionate about performing, teaching, or competing, becoming a professional pole dancer requires dedication, resilience, and strategic planning.
If you’ve been thinking about making the leap, here’s everything you need to know about how to become a professional pole dancer.
Steps to Become a Professional Pole Dancer
If you have a hobby you love – in our case, Aerial Silks, Pole Dancing, or some other aerial art- and you have a profession that you hate perhaps you have thought of reevaluating your career. Converting your hobby into a profession requires hard work but with determination anything is possible.
1. Set Clear Goals for Your Pole Dance Career
What is interesting is that everyone interprets the word “career” differently. For some, a career is to acquire a reputation or win a trophy. For some, a career is to develop their skills at a high level whereas for others it is simply a means to make a living. We need to set clear targets to be able to work in the right direction.
It’s a big decision! If you’re thinking of making a career change then don’t let your enthusiasm affect you. Make a list of the pros and cons of this change. This comparison will help you decide if the career change is a smart move for you.
2. Invest in Pole Dance Training and Education
Professional-level pole dancing requires extensive training, both physically and mentally. To advance your skills:
- Enroll in professional pole dance classes with certified instructors.
- Attend workshops and masterclasses to learn advanced techniques.
- Cross-train with strength training, flexibility exercises, and dance techniques to enhance your performance.
3. Build Strength and Flexibility
To succeed as a pole dancer, you need to develop exceptional strength and flexibility. Include the following in your routine:
- Core training: Essential for stability and control.
- Upper body strength: Crucial for lifts and inversions.
- Flexibility training: Helps improve lines and fluidity in movement.
4. Gain Performance Experience
Experience is key in learning how to become a professional pole dancer. Start by:
- Performing in local showcases, competitions, and community events.
- Creating social media content to showcase your skills and attract potential clients.
- Networking with industry professionals to explore performance opportunities.
5. Consider Pole Dance Certifications
If you’re planning to teach pole dancing, obtaining a certification can boost your credibility and career prospects. Certifications such as:
- XPERT Pole Fitness Instructor Certification
- Pole Dance Community (PDC) Certification
- International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF) Certification
These qualifications will help you stand out and demonstrate your expertise.
Challenges of Becoming a Professional Pole Dancer
While pursuing a career in pole dance is rewarding, it’s important to be aware of the challenges:
1. Financial Considerations
Becoming a professional in any artistic field requires financial investment. Consider costs such as:
- Training fees
- Competition and event expenses
- Marketing yourself as a professional
2. Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Pole dancing requires time, dedication, and physical effort. Finding a balance between personal responsibilities and career goals is crucial.
3. Overcoming Injuries and Setbacks
Pole dancing is physically demanding, and injuries can occur. Prioritizing self-care, proper warm-ups, and listening to your body are essential for longevity in the field.
Pros and Cons of Turning Pole Dancing into a Career
Thinking about making the leap? Let’s weigh the pros and cons of becoming a professional pole dancer.
Pros:
- Earn money doing what you love.
- Flexibility to create your own schedule.
- Opportunities to travel and perform internationally.
- Inspire and empower others through dance.
Cons:
- Unpredictable income, especially in the early stages.
- Long hours of training and practice.
- Pressure to stay fit and injury-free.
- Managing administrative and marketing tasks.
A Dose of Realism
It doesn’t matter how good you are at what you do or whether your talent is natural. You have talent yes! But do not expect that this will wow others and provide you with a permanent job with a good salary. Unfortunately, it does not work like that. Don’t be fooled by what is shown on the TV, that is to say, that with a little effort, you will be triumphant. Even those who enjoy their two minutes of celebrity or success have spent a lot of time and energy before they were “discovered”.
Look at the Serious Side
Your dreams will never come true if you do not take your objectives seriously and you do not specify them.
Unfortunately, this is a rule without an exception. Some say that people have the strength to achieve anything they put their minds to. In our case, however, the mind is not enough. The body plays a very large role and requires constant effort to maintain its high levels. If you do not take action, then dreams will remain dreams. The Pole & Aerial stars spend a huge part of their time focusing on their chosen profession. Although they have a life outside of the workouts, the everyday life of someone who is working towards a professional career in this industry revolves around dance routines, workouts, and rehearsals.
Reaching the Professional Level in Pole Dancing
If you want to get your skills up to the professional level, you must train at the professional level.
What does it mean to train at a professional level?
It can mean many things but generally:
- Daily workouts
- A constant effort in improving and maintaining your physical condition.
- Continuous assessment of where you are in relation to where you want to be
- Focused research on experiences that will assist you in improving what you have to offer as a performer (performances, seminars, training programs etc.)
Semi-professional level
A semi-professional level means that you are at an advanced level but live from another income. There are many opportunities for work at this level if you look around you, but it is unlikely that good remuneration is paid (if at all). The truth is that even professionals do not have a guaranteed wage. To cover the financial gap, they will work in schools, provide private lessons, take part in performances, and may still have not paid all of their bills. It is rare for semi-professionals to be led to bigger and better opportunities. Sometimes you may waste more time and money than you get in return.
So, you need to understand that employment as a semi-professional is essentially for fun.
So let’s say that you’re an amateur or semi-professional and you want to go pro. Whether it be for an event, a television spot, or a video clip you will need to compete with people who focus all of their energy on dance routines and workouts. If you have not devoted the same amount of energy then you have little chance of getting the job. An employer will recruit the best that can be found in skills and experience. However, the most important factor is the person who will be recruited is 100% dedicated to the occupation he/she has chosen.
Balancing Priorities While Building Your Performer Career
“Does this mean that we must give up our studies or our existing job?”
Nobody can answer this, only you. Everyone makes their own choices in life. We often hear about successful options which were considered to be dangerous or stupid. Other times a selection can be just that: nonsense! We cannot guarantee that you will get it. Even teachers may not be able to advise you. Only you can make this decision and you are the only person who can be held liable for the result.
We’d all like to turn our favorite hobby into a profession. In many cases, if you approach it from a business standpoint, it’s not impossible. But before you give up on your task to work professionally on Pole Dancing or on Aerial Acrobatics, it is important to plan every move carefully so as not to cause any huge disruption in your life.
Turning Your Hobby into a Performer Career: Pros and Cons
Positives
Earn money doing what you love
There is no better way to earn money than by doing what you love. Especially, if you do not enjoy your day job, turning your hobby into a profession may be one of the simplest ways to add money to your bank account. Of course, this requires a lot of preparation but if you are passionate you can easily overcome the initial difficulties.
You are acquainted
Since it’s your hobby, you know already the pros and cons of the profession. Therefore, you don’t need to expend time researching the smallest detail. You can start making money right away!
Safety
Even if you are the most diligent worker, nobody can guarantee that you will not be fired. Making your hobby a profession will provide you with an additional revenue stream that will help you to achieve your financial goals. So, if anything happens with your day job you will be in an economic situation capable of providing help during these difficult moments.
Independence
You are the boss. You decide when and how you will work. There is no clock nor employer to justify yourself to.
Negatives
Your hobby will lose its charm
Having a hobby is a great way to relax and recharge your batteries after a busy week. But, unfortunately, turning your hobby into a profession can affect the enjoyment of this hobby in the future. At the moment, your hobby is something fun that you can enjoy during the evenings or at the weekend. However, once you convert your hobby into a business, expect stress to be an inescapable aspect of running a business. No matter the project, there will be ups and downs. And if the business side of your hobby adds stress to your life, your hobbies can lose their charm and become nothing more than another job.
It can be difficult to balance your professional and personal life
If you find that your hobby can be turned into a profession, you may well spend all your free time preparing ground-especially if you’re very passionate about it. If you like every second of this career, then you may become lost in it. You may even develop the habit of working day and night, and you will not be able to spend quality time with family, friends or yourself. Especially if you work full time and do this simultaneously then surely you will lose something along the way.
You’re responsible for everything
You will be responsible for administrative functions, advertising, sales, and customer support. Even if you love what you do, you may not be fond of certain tasks associated with your business.
Risk
You may not be able to make enough money to sustain yourself. Before you leave your job, make sure that you have studied the market and that there is a demand for what you want to provide. In addition, by having a legitimate company you are obliged to pay income taxes on any profit realized by your business. You are responsible for accurate record-keeping and payment of taxes. Before you take the leap check if you can find sufficient customers or students to be able to maintain the necessary income to cover your needs.
Can I have it all?
There are certainly people who can combine two careers at the same time. These people never sat and thought whether something like this was possible, they just did it.
My purpose is not to discourage you. Sometimes we must be harsh to motivate and the purpose of this article is to get the stubbornness out of you! On the other hand, it can be exactly what you need to hear to realize that fiddling with Pole Dance Fitness or Aerial Acrobatics is just for fun.
How to Market Yourself as a Professional Pole Dancer
To succeed in the pole dance industry, you need to build a personal brand. Here’s how:
- Create an online presence: Build a professional website and maintain active social media profiles.
- Collaborate with photographers: High-quality images and videos help showcase your talent.
- Engage with the community: Attend workshops, competitions, and events to make connections.
FAQs: How to Become a Professional Pole Dancer
1. Do I need to be extremely flexible to become a professional pole dancer?
Not necessarily! Strength and technique are just as important as flexibility, and both can be improved over time.
2. How long does it take to become a professional pole dancer?
It depends on your dedication and training frequency, but most dancers take several years to master the art.
3. Can I become a professional pole dancer without competing?
Yes, many professionals focus on teaching, performing, or creating online content instead of competitions.
4. What are the career options for a professional pole dancer?
Career paths include performing, teaching, judging competitions, choreographing, and even opening your own studio.
What do you do in your spare time?
Want to achieve the goal that you have set? Don’t miss a minute wondering about your chances of success. Instead, you can spend an hour of your day working on your dream. Every minute you waste wondering whether you can make it is a time that takes you further away from realizing your goals.
There is nothing wrong with converting your hobby into a profession. But you must ensure that you research the matter, as you would with any other business idea. Sometimes the best business ideas are not those which we had originally thought of but arise from the development process. So start by conducting holistic research and see where this might lead you. I really hope that this article helped to clear things up a bit, if yes please share it so other people might find it valuable as well and remember always try to stay focused.
In conclusion, pursuing a career as a performer can be a fulfilling and rewarding journey. By setting clear goals, weighing the pros and cons, and making informed decisions, you can turn your passion into a successful profession. Remember to embrace the challenges, master your craft, and take the necessary steps to establish a flourishing career in the performing arts. Knowing all of the above will assist you in making your decision. Good luck on your performer career path!
Final Thoughts: Is Becoming a Professional Pole Dancer Right for You?
Turning your passion for pole dancing into a full-time profession is exciting but requires careful planning and dedication. If you are passionate, willing to put in the effort and have a clear plan, becoming a professional pole dancer is an achievable goal.
Recommended Resources for Aspiring Performers
For further insights and guidance on building a successful career in the performing arts, check out these valuable resources:
- 7 Essential Skills for Success in the Performing Arts – Discover the key skills every performer needs to thrive in the industry, from technical abilities to stage presence and professionalism.
- Training Routes for Emerging Performers – Explore various training options, including formal education, workshops, and mentorship programs to help you advance your career.
