Dancesport Related Jobs

[chocolatchica]

Ok I guess you could call this a mini thread because I just had a quick question. Does anyone know of any good dancesport related jobs that one could do? I am just getting a little tired of wokring a job that I'm not really too much into when I would much rather (actually love) working in a studio (even at the front desk) or anything else dancesport related. I would really appreciate any input because this is something I would really like to look into. Thanks :-)


P.S. Teaching at a franchise studio is not really an option (long long long story I'll discuss later in some other thread).

[Terpsichorean Clod]

competition video camera operator?

[jwlinson]

In addition to that, you could also mix music and be the DJ. Be the total Audio/Video guru for your studio. Take pictures for the studio's website, advertisements, etc.

[Larinda McRaven]

dress vendor

[fascination]

any kind of vendor for that matter

[wooh]

Just be warned, while sometimes turning hobby into a job can lead to a happy career, it can sometimes just turn into a lost hobby.

[chocolatchica]

I would actually love working for a vendor but don't know how to go about it. I asked once but said they weren't hiring. Seeing as how I always see the same people at the vendor stands every year at every comp I wonder how they come about such jobs. I know I would love to do something dancesport related because I have been dancing since I was 3 (ballet and jazz) and it is much more than a hobby to me. I also plan on keeping my job while trying something dancesport related. I definitely think that it is a good avenue to get more involved in something I love.

[Shelu]

Wow, do I have a dancesport related job for you (extra money) that is. My name is Shelu and I am just getting our business out to the world and do need help. My daughter and I have been ballroom dancing for five years. We have meet very nice people in the business. But , I do need help. I am busy designing latin dresses. Shelu designs to take to events.
I find I don't have time for the dancesport related work, that needs it.
Feel, free to message me or email centerstagedancesport@yahoo.com. :bouncy:

[SwingWaltz]

Dancesport Photographer.
If you have an interest in photography and love playing around with cameras. It's a great job.

[ChelD]

Registrar? Scrutineer?

[Laura]

Registrar is long hours and low (or no) pay, but its super fun and exciting and you get to meet EVERYONE.

[Another Elizabeth]

Scrutineer is also long hours with little pay, and god help you if you make a mistake. You get the best seat in the house, and then can't watch much of the competition. I did it for years, but mostly as a contribution to the community, not as a reasonable way to make money. I generally asked for the amount they were paying the chairman of judges, not so much because I needed the money, but because I needed them to understand and respect the job.

[chocolatchica]

I have actually worked as a registrar for the SW Regionals and had a blast. I was not payed but I have to say that it was well worth it. I met so many DF'ers and other great dancers. I had a blast. I am looking more for something that has some pay this time though. Even if it is a little, it is something that I didn't have. And since I go to comps all the time and am at the studio I figure, might as well try working with a vendor or for a studio........

[Joe]

Not to mention lots of travel for either/both.

[chocolatchica]

Scrutineer is also long hours with little pay, and god help you if you make a mistake. You get the best seat in the house, and then can't watch much of the competition. I did it for years, but mostly as a contribution to the community, not as a reasonable way to make money. I generally asked for the amount they were paying the chairman of judges, not so much because I needed the money, but because I needed them to understand and respect the job.
Don't you have to be certified to do that?

[Another Elizabeth]

Don't you have to be certified to do that?

Yes, you have to pass the exam first.

[tunape]

I've been toying around with the idea of Ballroom/sports marketing. Helping comps and competitors form a strategic, market themselves, and advertising. I'm sure there are a number of other professional services, the question is whether the industry can support it.

[cantskiforlife]

I've been toying around with the idea of Ballroom/sports marketing. Helping comps and competitors form a strategic, market themselves, and advertising. I'm sure there are a number of other professional services, the question is whether the industry can support it.

Tuan, PM me when you get a chance.

[hamstersphere]

I've been toying around with the idea of Ballroom/sports marketing. Helping comps and competitors form a strategic, market themselves, and advertising. I'm sure there are a number of other professional services, the question is whether the industry can support it.

Me too. I've long wondered (coming from an advertising/marketing/design background) whether the industry could support/would benefit from marketing/promotion/Web design/etc etc services from someone who (at least to a degree) has a sense of what's going on from both sides.

Then again, maybe I'm just daydreaming about work that suits both my passions equally. :)

[tunape]

Of course, there are a number of other professions like sports pscyhologist, nutritionist, sports massage,etc... which can cater to ballroom world, but I don't know if there is a high enough demand to solely serve the ballroom community. Again, I don't know if the industry can support this.

Apparel is difficult, imho, because of distribution issues. Even the major design houses don't have good distribution channels.

[BM]

Me too. I've long wondered (coming from an advertising/marketing/design background) whether the industry could support/would benefit from marketing/promotion/Web design/etc etc services from someone who (at least to a degree) has a sense of what's going on from both sides.

Then again, maybe I'm just daydreaming about work that suits both my passions equally. :)

Ditto. Luckily, I might be able to do that this summer to promote a friend's new studio . . . :D

[Me]

This is a great thread. I would love a career change as well. Something dancesport would be ideal!

[chocolatchica]

A cool place to work that I just saw is a HUGE Dancesport shoe store called WorldTone in LA (and on NY). Anyone ever been?

[Mandicraft]

A cool place to work that I just saw is a HUGE Dancesport shoe store called WorldTone in LA (and on NY). Anyone ever been?

I've been to the one in NY, it's not a huge store in NY, but it's where I've gotten my last two pairs of shoes.

[tvmurph]

I just joined about 5 minutes ago, and it's because of this thread. I'm a TV producer, but my hobby is Latin ballroom. I'd love to figure out how to change careers and use my writing skills (or any other skills!) in a way that is somehow related to ballroom... Any suggestions?

[latingal]

Welcome to DF tvmurph!

I hope somebody will be along with some recommendations!

[sambanada]

How about makeup and hair stylist.

[emeralddancer]

Ok ... currently like (not love) my job. Love my boss (she is a friend so ergo the love part:)) she is cool. But it is ... not something I want, have not wanted for along time. Just so over the finance industry.

HOWEVER .... I like to work and I like to stay busy.

I want to work in the ballroom industry. Spoke to a couple of people about it this weekend. It just seems to bring me back to part of the reason of WHY I got into dance in the first place. (laid off in 2007, hubby asked "Carol, what would make you happy, what is your passion, what do YOU want to do?" - My response was "DANCE", his next was "go for it")

So started with lessons, and while that is great and going well ... I STILL WANT TO WORK IN THE INDUSTRY. lol ...

Larinda came up with some ideas, so has Dancepro ... so throw them at me please ...:)

1 hardworking female willing to do anything in the ballroom world ... :D

[Chris Stratton]

When you say work in the industry, do you mean teach, or do you mean administrate, organize, support, promote, in other words everything else?

[emeralddancer]

When you say work in the industry, do you mean teach, or do you mean administrate, organize, support, promote, in other words everything else?


Anything BUT teach as I still am just learning bronze standard. LOL so yeah everything else outside of teach or judge...so not qualified. One must know ones limitations ... and I SOOOOOOO know mine.:D

[latingal]

what do you do now? if we knew that, we could suggest jobs in the industry that might leverage your current skills (making you more valuable to a prospective employer).

[dansa]

Why not working at the headoffice for a latin/ballroom brand? Like a shoebrand for example?

Or else,
what is much easier and you dont need AS much finances for as opening your own latinballroom shop,
you can open an online shop and ship shoes and accessories of latinballroom stuff worldwide?

[emeralddancer]

Well I work in the finance world and have for many years ... (Banking, mortgage, secondary lending, marketing for whoesale mortgage lender, etc ...) all clerical/admin positions. All in MD to boot. (moto tho is: have car will travel, hehee)

For "fun" I have run around to businesses to get "donations i.e. gift certificates and such, for my studio when they have showcases for give always.

I can do make-up but not certified by the state. (one must attend X amount of hours in school and pass a state test)

I have helped with the video at nationals last year and intended to do it again this year.

Starting to get into a wee bit of web design (gotta love APPLE's Iweb, makes it so easy and quite elegant).

I can not sew, but I can glue the heck outta stones for dresses.

I am definitely more creative, but have learned over the years in finance the organizational side of things and value that. AND I have also found when it is something I am passionate about I can sell ...

Ideally, would love to work for a studio in some capacity, marketing, admin, clerical, receptionist, clean, etc .... Do not mind putting in those types of hours. (which would suit me more anyway) But pretty much open for any and all ideas.

[dancerman]

Great thread and as an avid dancer why not consider something dance related? It's an obvious thought. I felt the same several years ago and now own my own dancewear business, a decision that I do not regret.
However, a Huge thing to consider is: will it take you closer to your goals (which in my case is dancing) or will it take you further away ( which is my case in my business capacity)?
I am not being negative. I am being realistic. If you want to dance, pick a career path within dancesport that will allow you to do that. I am sure there are many choices. I had a very long conversation recently with another dance vendor who is a friend and we discussed this at length.
We both decided our paths and don't look back. But there are limitations caused simply by those decisions. I still dance and always will, but it is definitely limited by my career choice.
Best of luck in your endeavor!!
:wink:


Ok I guess you could call this a mini thread because I just had a quick question. Does anyone know of any good dancesport related jobs that one could do? I am just getting a little tired of wokring a job that I'm not really too much into when I would much rather (actually love) working in a studio (even at the front desk) or anything else dancesport related. I would really appreciate any input because this is something I would really like to look into. Thanks :-)


P.S. Teaching at a franchise studio is not really an option (long long long story I'll discuss later in some other thread).

[swan]

Ideally, would love to work for a studio in some capacity, marketing, admin, clerical, receptionist, clean, etc .... Do not mind putting in those types of hours. (which would suit me more anyway) But pretty much open for any and all ideas.

Too bad you don't live in No. Cal East Bay or South Bay area! Could have used your help! LOL! We're looking for individuals like you to help out in our studio!

[emeralddancer]

Too bad you don't live in No. Cal East Bay or South Bay area! Could have used your help! LOL! We're looking for individuals like you to help out in our studio!


Want to move me? LOL

I would pretty much at this point give up the first born to work in this field. Shoot ... I'd even clean the toilets. LOL :D

[Becca]

I know I am going to miserable for the rest of my life unless I get some sort of dance related job. There is absolutely nothing else in the world that I have any sort of care for.

[Bella]

Hmm let's see... you can be a showdance rep and sell dance shoes, you can make costumes, sell costumes, receptionist at a studio, any PR stuff like newsletters/websites, photographer... just gotta find your niche and run with it. :) An opportunity will present itself.

[dlgodud]

I am not sure if I can help you with this. As my current job pays my bills, I will probably not to change my career path. But, I've been thinking about changing my career, which is dancing related. I currently plan to make my own dress to see if I can do it, but it seems pretty hard. So, I have been rethinking that if I really want to have a job which is dance related or just want to dance more. I found that I just want to dance more. Well, at least I found the real reason that I wanted to change my career, but even I found a job, it will not guarantee that I could spend more time for dancing. My decision? I will have a room with mirrors and nice floor in my own place. So I can dance more. :)

[Bella]

I'd even clean the toilets. LOL :D

That too. Yuck.

[emeralddancer]

Hmm let's see... you can be a showdance rep and sell dance shoes, you can make costumes, sell costumes, receptionist at a studio, any PR stuff like newsletters/websites, photographer... just gotta find your niche and run with it. :) An opportunity will present itself.


well let's see ...
I have attempted to help at the studio ie: marketing, web, etc ... but atlas ... a no go there ... apparently well staffed.

Um ...shoes are definitely an option. but would like to sell ray rose, supadance and aida and actually have a stock so people can purchase them right then and there so no waiting. Also sell practice clothes too. Totally going in this direction. Could be a market for it here in MD.

I can not at this point make dresses. though would love to ... I can stone the heck outta a dress though. :D

Starting to get into the whole web design thing for smaller compainies that want to promote themselves.

Something will give ... eventually.

Persistance is key eh?

[Bella]

Persistance is key eh?

Well - Jobs? Absolutely. Dancing? You betcha. In men? no. ;)

If your studio won't staff you for anything, I'm sure they welcome a helping hand... decorations, cleaning, whatever they need. If you've already been doing that, I'm sure they appreciate it. No worries, an opportunity will present itself sure enough.

[emeralddancer]

Well - Jobs? Absolutely. Dancing? You betcha. In men? no. ;)

If your studio won't staff you for anything, I'm sure they welcome a helping hand... decorations, cleaning, whatever they need. If you've already been doing that, I'm sure they appreciate it. No worries, an opportunity will present itself sure enough.

men? who mentioned men? don't need em. LOL;):rolleyes:

just a job that I love please!

[Bella]

You'll find a job in dance, just be patient and I'm sure you'll find something better than cleaning toliets. How bout you stone my dresses? Warning: this is not a well paying job, just girl talk and fun company.

[emeralddancer]

You'll find a job in dance, just be patient and I'm sure you'll find something better than cleaning toliets. How bout you stone my dresses? Warning: this is not a well paying job, just girl talk and fun company.


hey all for it .... so where is the dress? oh and of course a couple of drinks to throw back when done stoning.;)

[Bella]

Deal. The dress is in PA lol... being worked on by Elena, my costume lady

[emeralddancer]

Deal. The dress is in PA lol... being worked on by Elena, my costume lady


cool cool ....

[Bella]

And this concludes the conversation between Em and Bella.

[canismajor41]

Um ...shoes are definitely an option. but would like to sell ray rose, supadance and aida and actually have a stock so people can purchase them right then and there so no waiting. Also sell practice clothes too. Totally going in this direction. Could be a market for it here in MD.


I will be your first customer. I hate that there isn't a good ballroom retail store in the MD/DC area. There is definately a need for it.

[Bella]

^ OPPORTUNITY! What did I tell ya!

[Becca]

I would totally pay for somebody to stone for me . . . not that I'm too lazy to do it myself, just . . . I would probably make a total hash of it!

[dancerman]

Emerald Dancer, I am curious what your field of expertise is now. You mentioned web design. Suggestion, if you are thinking of doing shoes give a lot of thought to how you would sell them, before you jump.. I would be happy to chat with you PM anytime. We are in different areas so I am happy to share. I have gone the shoe route on a small scale and now currentlty have over 300 pair in stock. It grows on its own
Persistence is key, but planning is as important.

well let's see ...
I have attempted to help at the studio ie: marketing, web, etc ... but atlas ... a no go there ... apparently well staffed.

Um ...shoes are definitely an option. but would like to sell ray rose, supadance and aida and actually have a stock so people can purchase them right then and there so no waiting. Also sell practice clothes too. Totally going in this direction. Could be a market for it here in MD.

I can not at this point make dresses. though would love to ... I can stone the heck outta a dress though. :D

Starting to get into the whole web design thing for smaller compainies that want to promote themselves.

Something will give ... eventually.

Persistance is key eh?

[danceronice]

I was going to suggest getting dancerman in here.

I'm doing the receptionist thing. I don't clean the toilets (though I do stock the toilet paper.) It's not my full-time job, though.

[emeralddancer]

I would totally pay for somebody to stone for me . . . not that I'm too lazy to do it myself, just . . . I would probably make a total hash of it!

Hit me up if ever ya need help! :D

[emeralddancer]

Emerald Dancer, I am curious what your field of expertise is now. You mentioned web design. Suggestion, if you are thinking of doing shoes give a lot of thought to how you would sell them, before you jump.. I would be happy to chat with you PM anytime. We are in different areas so I am happy to share. I have gone the shoe route on a small scale and now currentlty have over 300 pair in stock. It grows on its own
Persistence is key, but planning is as important.

PM'd you!

[dancerman]

I just thought I would ask how your thought process is working on this?
I hope you continue to maintain your enthusiam for entering the dance industry. I also hope that the info we shared via PM was somewhat of a help. It really is great getting involved in something we have a passion for, no matter how difficult it may seem to decide to make the jump.

PM'd you!