Many dancers are freelance: the system doesn’t suit everyone but for many it is the chance to hone in on skills and passions. The freelancing game is ultimately busy, not allowing dancers to ‘switch off’ or take a day off, as they are always working and on the go. During downtime, such as travel for example, this is used to go through choreography for the next rehearsal, scheduling the logistics of the next dance gig, or networking and promoting your personal brand on social media.
Freelance dancers may rehearse with a few companies or choreographers at a time, and may also have jobs on the side of dancing to supplement their income, in order to pay for rent, food, transport, everyday living and maybe even for some savings. Despite being your own boss as a freelance dancer, there is no denying it is a draining lifestyle. However the freedom of dancing with anyone you choose counters this, allowing you to become even more artistically challenged as a constantly developing dancer.
Many dancers are a member of a full-time company before becoming a freelance dancer, choosing to take their own paths. It might be appropriate to dip your toes in freelancing first, for example as a choreographer or teacher, before taking the plunge as a fully-fledged freelancer. This means dancers can more easily jump between different companies and genres of dance, giving the opportunity to network and build up country or even worldwide contacts.
It is important to therefore look after your body as it is both your instrument and your insurance: make sure it can sustain the hours of rehearsals that are required. As a freelancer you are responsible for keeping track of your schedule, going to class or warming up before rehearsal, budgeting and negotiating fees, and keeping each choreographer or director happy. Make sure your schedule is informed with lots of communication about rehearsals and performances, remaining organised. Keep focused on what you love and make the most of experiencing different work and dance genres to aid your artistic growth.