A dance manager
is someone who works ‘behind the scenes’, often in a dance company or organisation but also frequently in a freelance capacity, to ensure that the dance activity, project or performance takes place.
They will generally use their administrative and organisational skills to manage budgets, liaise with venues, draft contracts, take bookings, organise schedules and a wide range of other tasks related to managing projects and supporting the artistic output.
What you need to do to work towards this role
A professional manager of dance artists, companies, buildings or projects often works with more than one project at any given time, whether inside an organisation or as a freelancer, and would frequently manage a flexible portfolio of activities within the dance profession. These professionals often come from a performing or administration background and would hold a relevant degree. It is becoming more commonplace for administrators and managers to hold a BA or MA in Arts Administration or Management and many colleges and universities now offer these courses such as Birkbeck, South Bank and De Montfort University. Courses will generally give a good overview of administration, financial management, marketing, fundraising, contracts and employment law. A dance manager will be organised, have good attention to detail and be comfortable communicating with a wide range of people and professions in writing, in person and on the phone.
Next steps
Make the most of all opportunities to develop your experiences and skills by getting involved in organising and managing projects. This might be at school, at a local theatre or venue, or with a community youth dance company.
Talk to managers you know even if they don’t work in dance to find out what kind of skills they think are important for their work and which kind of courses they have taken.
Dance Managers often come from a performing or administration background and often hold a relevant degree. It is becoming more common for administrators and managers to have a BA or MA in Arts Administration or Management and many colleges and universities now offer these courses such as Birkbeck, City, and De Montfort Universities.
Who does a dance manager work with?
Dance artists/performers, choreographers, dance teachers, marketing professionals, artistic directors, fundraisers