Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 11/16/2010

Question
I am thinking of starting an adult dance troupe, with a Classical Ballet focus and some Modern flair. What resources could I look into for assistance/ideas?  

Answer
Hi Amanda. Most dance companies are non-profit organizations. They have a board of directors, supportive local business people who oversee expenditures and budgets, and a good business manager who can write grant applications to apply for the local and wider area arts grants.

A dancer can be "sponsored" by an individual or business, as in, their expenses to the company are paid for, from outside of the company.

Some companies get paid for tours through schools, and the material presented must be education-focused. This will depend on the local school district's budget, and usually has to be planned a year or two ahead.

I do not know where you are, or what your qualifications would look like to granting bodies - but good luck with all of this!

Consider also an adjunct dance studio to raise money and give your dancers another job too!

Look up all your local small arts organizations of any kind and see who is on the board. Those people may have peer colleagues who would sit on your board.

This is a huge project..... all the best!