$100k H1-B visa -- effect on dance studios?

[Warren J. Dew]

Why do dance studios need to employ those that need work visa. Is there a shortage of dance studio workers in the USA ?

Yes, of those with the qualifications the studios are looking for.

The industry boom over the past couple of decades has been driven by the pro-am model. This model requires a relatively large number of instructors compared to the number of students. The instructors need to be more skilled than their students, at least ideally, plus they need a fitness level capable of sustaining long hours operating at a moderate to high athletic level.

Where can these instructors come from? They can’t easily come from a pro-am model since they’d need even better instructors, etc. Realistically, they need to come from strong couples oriented programs. The only large volume strong couples oriented program in the US is the collegiate program - and there are teachers that come out of that program. But, there’s a limit to how far people can go in a few years of college, starting as an adult after the best years for building athletic ability during puberty are already over.

So the best source is youth to young adult programs overseas. That’s why most of the pro-am students that do most of the commenting here have European teachers - they were imported from countries with strong youth and amateur programs that produce a lot of young adults that love dancing and are looking for a way to make a living at it.

 

[Warren J. Dew]

It takes years of training from childhood usually to get to a high technical level of understanding

Understanding and ability, yes.

and the USA simply doesn't have many children studying ballroom dance.

If all the kids studying ballroom dance targeted a ballroom career, the industry might be okay. I think it’s more that ballroom is seen as an enrichment activity while the focus is on academics.

 

[Bailango]

What percentage of studio employees are H-1B. Assuming everything said is true, there are still steps and process work required to hire H-1B. You have to show that no American is available, that you will pay prevailing wage, it must be a “speciality occupation” with applicant having at least a bachelor’s degree in the subject. Additional cost of hiring lawyers and paying H-1B fees.

Most studios I see around don’t appear to be in great financial conditions.

I have seen studios with European pros who either run them or are employed. Most seem to have immigrated here (not through work visa or H-1B.)

There may be a need. Studios will need to be in good financial condition and willing to jump the hoops to hire H-1Bs.

 

[Warren J. Dew]

What percentage of studio employees are H-1B. Assuming everything said is true, there are still steps and process work required to hire H-1B. You have to show that no American is available, that you will pay prevailing wage, it must be a “speciality occupation” with applicant having at least a bachelor’s degree in the subject. Additional cost of hiring lawyers and paying H-1B fees.

Fiesta may be correct that they are more likely to be on O1s or the like. I do know that some are in deathly fear of losing their job because they would also lose their immigration status. At least one couple I know had their teaching availability delayed from September (now) to January because of immigration issues (before the H1B announcement but after the immigration enforcement had become stricter).

Most studios I see around don’t appear to be in great financial conditions.

There is definitely an industry recession. I know one studio that seems to be trying hard to get more teachers. Others suffer from not having the right teachers in the right roles.

I have seen studios with European pros who either run them or are employed. Most seem to have immigrated here (not through work visa or H-1B.)

There may be a need. Studios will need to be in good financial condition and willing to jump the hoops to hire H-1Bs.

A good pro can generate a lot of gross revenue. My son’s Standard coach charged $100 per 45 minutes before a recent small but highly justified increase, and generally has no open slots teaching 50 slots in a busy week. You do the math.

She jumped through a lot of hoops recently including a $10,000 fee to try to bring in a partner on some kind of visa that was ultimately denied.

 

[Bailango]

She jumped through a lot of hoops recently including a $10,000 fee to try to bring in a partner on some kind of visa that was ultimately denied.

That was my point. Most studios that taught ballroom have closed in last 15 years in a major west cost metro. Both in the main city and sprawling suburbs. I know a number of instructors who were employed and are now freelancers.

An average studio owner hardly had that type of money and time. Only select handful may be able to do that. My point being H-1B hardly impacts studio industry.

 

[Warren J. Dew]

That was my point. Most studios that taught ballroom have closed in last 15 years in a major west cost metro. Both in the main city and sprawling suburbs. I know a number of instructors who were employed and are now freelancers.

So the issue isn’t a demand side contraction - or the instructors wouldn’t survive as freelancers - nor a supply side constraint, since the instructors are still around. Sounds like imperfect financial management at the studios.

An average studio owner hardly had that type of money and time. Only select handful may be able to do that. My point being H-1B hardly impacts studio industry.

No self respecting small business has trouble coming up with $10k for a sensible investment. $100k, yes.