How to Start a Dance Club

Owning a dance club can be great for your physical and financial health.

Instructions

1. Decide on a type of dance club. Do you want to specialize in certain types of dancing, i.e., ballroom, country or pop?

2. Sketch out your basic requirements for space to accommodate your needs. How much square footage will you need?

3. Find a commercial location for your dance club. You'll want something relatively easy to find for the public with good access to passing traffic and lots of parking space.

4. Contact a commercial real estate broker to help you find a leasable space for your dance club.

5. Check local ordinances and zoning to make sure a dance club will be allowed and appreciated in the area.

6. Get information from the city or county department that grants business licenses and apply for one. Ask if there are any other requirements for starting a business in the area.

7. Research dance floor materials and cost out how much the changes to a particular location will be.

8. Determine if you will serve food and beverages at your dancing establishment.

9. Sign the lease. Most common leases are triple net leases where the tenant (you) pays all of the operating and maintenance expenses as well as taxes and insurance for the business and property.

10. Remodel the location for your particular needs. You will need to consult an architect and contractor.

11. Buy or lease sound and lighting equipment.

12. Advertise the business. Send out flyers to local areas, put ads in newspapers and related magazines and do direct mailing to entice customers.

13. Get ready to boogie.

Tips & Warnings

• Dance clubs near residential areas may have a difficult time getting approval if nearby residents complain.

• If you want to serve alcohol, you will have to apply with the local or state agency that grants liquor licenses.

• Visit other dance clubs and talk to the owners. Ask them what difficulties they incurred and what they would do differently.

• Make sure the zoning and ordinances will allow the type of establishment you are interested in starting before you sign the lease.