Can You Really Turn Your Love for Dance into a Career in India?
Now take a moment, close your eyes, put your hands on your heart and think back to that first dance performance. The moment you could feel the sound of applause, the ocean of flashlights, and the beat rushing through your veins.
For many of us, dance is more than a hobby; it's a nostalgic journey that begins in infancy and grows into a lifelong obsession. But can this passion for dance lead to a successful profession in India?
Can Dancing Make You a Living?
To forge an overarching dance career in India, combine performance with teaching classes and workshops and easily earn up to 26.5K every month. If not teach dance, then freelance in film, television, live events and earn around 50K - 1L every month.
You can monetize your dance on Instagram.
Here’s a glimpse of how the monetization works on Instagram:
Instagram- 1K Followers- Rs.1,17,590
1K - 10K Followers- Rs.1,18,467
Budget sensibly, save, and continue to hone your talents. Uploading dance videos on YouTube can be struck as a copyright claimed by the owner of the music and the money will go to them. But don’t worry, here’s the solution- keep networking, make collaborations and do sponsorships, and your YouTube earnings will start.
How Can I Overcome Societal Stigma?
Have you watched "Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani"? Tota Roy Chowdhury, who plays Rani's father in the movie, addresses how his love for Kathak resulted in rejection from his father and friends, reiterating the important message that "talent knows no gender." This scene challenges one of many stereotypes and encourages people to pursue their passions without reluctance.
Source: In this interview, Tota Roy Chowdhary talks about a few challenges dancers face in India.
Stay pliant, believe in your aspirations, and demonstrate dance's transforming capacity to inspire and challenge societal conventions. Your journey is yours to shape, and by remaining loyal to your passion, you may have a significant impact on the dance community and beyond.
1. Dancer
Commercial Dancer: As a freelance dancer, here you get the opportunity to perform as backup dancers for artists, on television and shows. You will have to audition or can directly be booked for projects that offer contracts for a set period.
Company Dancer: You can be a professional dancer and work in a dance group in an entertainment company. Learn choreographies, perform live and represent the company's artistic vision.
Salary expectation in India: 4L - 5L Per Annum
2. Choreographer: Choosing to be a choreographer allows you to express your creativity by working directly with dancers and actors in films, you'll develop the artistic vision of performances. Here you can take contracts to teach dances for weddings, school events, competitions, etc.
Salary expectation in India: 3.5L Per Annum
3. Dance Influencer: Being a dance influencer gives you the chance to spread your passion for dancing to a large audience through online platforms like Instagram, and YouTube. Consistent posting of dance reels on Instagram can earn you a certification on the platform. Make thoughtful collaborations to produce memorable campaigns highlighting your flair and setting trends within the dance industry. Your love of dancing and digital innovation come together in this career path.
Salary Expectation in India: 20K - 2L Per Month
Now that you know about different worthwhile dancing careers in India, it’s your time to step into the evolving cultural landscape in entertainment, education, and therapy that will help you follow your passion and build meaningful careers that honour India's rich artistic heritage.
Pursue your dancing love in India—achieve success by enticing, innovating, and redefining the industry.
