9 Ways Dancers Spend & Save Their Paychecks

March 16, 2020

Chad Allen Ortiz totals up his income each month. Photo by Arhscana Images, courtesy Nickerson-Rossi Dance.

Know How Much You Can Spend Each Month

Keeping a clear monthly budgeting system can help dancers whose income varies, which is how Chad Allen Ortiz managed his finances when he had numerous teaching and performing gigs as a freelancer. “I total up how much income is coming in that month, then subtract what I’m going to pay in food, rent, bills. I then divide that in half: One half I put into savings, one half I use for fun stuff,” says Ortiz, now the educational director and a principal dancer with Nickerson-Rossi Dance.

Ava Bernstine teaches at conventions between dance jobs. Photo by Robert Kelley, courtesy Bernstine

Build Your Savings Whenever You Can

Other dancers use busy months to build up their savings—that’s how commercial dancer Ava Bernstine paid off her car and pays down the mortgage for her condo in North Hollywood. “On tour I’d have a certain amount of my paycheck go right to my savings,” she says. “Whenever I’m working a lot I save more, rather than spend more.”

Melissa Toogood takes free Cunningham classes so that she can spend the money on body work instead. Photo by Jim Lafferty.

Take Advantage of Any Job Perks

Use any benefits you’re offered. As a former member of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, freelancer Melissa Toogood can take Cunningham class for free, which she does often. “This frees up some money for body care, like physical therapy and Pilates,” she says, adding that she typically books practitioners who offer reduced rates for dancers.

Credit cards with travel perks can add up to dream vacations. Photo of Katherine Williams in
Le Corsaire by Rosalie O’Connor, courtesy ABT.

Don’t Forget About Old-School Money-Saving Tools

Katherine Williams, an American Ballet Theatre corps member, swears by loyalty cards at stores like Walgreens and Starbucks. She also uses a credit card with great travel perks. “The little things add up,” she says.

Get Creative With Your Skills

Early in his career, Ortiz pulled from different parts of himself to create income. “I learned social media management and photography, and I started modeling and teaching,” he says.

Groupon can make going out to the occasional dinner more affordable. Photo of Erin Yarbrough-Powell and Jonathan Powell in Romeo & Juliet by Chris Hardy, courtesy Smuin Ballet

Take Advantage of Online Opportunities

Smuin Ballet dancer Erin Yarbrough-Powell uses Groupon for things like massages or going out to dinner. “And eBay is great for selling anything in my closet that I’m not actually wearing,” she says, “or if I find a good deal on something that I can make a little profit reselling, it turns into a fun side project.”

Pick Your Priorities

Decide which splurges are worth it. “I really feel a difference in my dancing when I’m cross-training, so I’ll spend on that,” says Williams. “But I don’t buy nice bags or clothes since I basically live in a leotard and tights, anyway.”

Toogood cooks her own meals at home most of the time. Photo by Jim Lafferty

Cook at Home

Toogood only eats out sporadically. When grocery shopping, she tries to buy items that are on sale and calls herself “a coupon queen.”

Erin Yarbrough teaching students at Dance Arts Project. Photo from Dance Arts Project via smuinballet.org

Find the Right Side Gig

“For many dancers, the reality is that you’ll need a second job,” says Yarbrough-Powell. “Find something you enjoy.” She teaches and choreographs for local studios because she truly loves it.