How to Run a Dance Company

Running a dance company is like running any other business with even more work, because you are intimately involved in the day to day operations and often are even choreographing or teaching in addition to overseeing all operations. A successful dance company must continue to be innovative, on top of their technique and have a fresh perspective. If you are extremely creative and like new challenges you might be cut out to run a dance company.

Instructions

1. Get to know your dancers. If you know your dancers by name and watch them in class as well as during choreography classes you will create a personal environment where they feel comfortable to talk to you without fear or concern. This also opens up your communication to express the desires and goals of the company and what you expect from them and the company as a whole.

2. Have frequent meetings with your instructors and choreographers to see how things are progressing, discuss problems and make sure the goals are on track. This is also your chance to express concerns you may have after viewing classes or to talk about rumors that have been spreading around as they often do in dance circles.

3. Network with other dance professionals and learn from one another as well as get ideas and inspiration. Market your company and spread the word about all your performances in an attempt to sell out each night. Continue to have evaluations of your dancers and staff. Make notes of what they need to improve upon and have individual meetings to go over these items.

4. Go see other dance companies perform. Watch with a critical eye but also be honest about what they did really well. Look at everything from the venue and programs to the technique of the dancers, music selections and creativity of the set design. You may be inspired from something you see and want to make changes to your current production. Bring in guest teachers and choreographers to expose the dancers to new styles or give them something to look forward to.

5. Conduct several dress rehearsals before the opening night to make last minute changes, see the entire show all pulled together and evaluate it as a whole. After opening night read the reviews. Discuss the reviews as well as your own review of the show with your staff. Make changes as necessary. Continue to evaluate, watch, critique and be innovative with your work. Don't lose sight of the company's goals and be open to changing or further developing them. Good luck and enjoy yourself!

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your dancers are always in class, either company classes or elsewhere

• Bring in new choreographers and instructors to change things up

• Don't allow your dancers to slack off it will show in their performances