Private ballroom dance lessons

Engaged couples wanting a first dance, adults learning for fun, people preparing for weddings, cruises or events, and older adults who want to stay active.

A set price per lesson, often sold in packages of 5 or 10. Wedding first-dance packages can be priced higher. Your costs are mainly studio rental time.

• Solid dance training and partnering skills
• Clear, patient teaching
• Friendly manner with beginners
• Organizing a booking schedule

• Commercial general liability insurance, since clients can get hurt during lessons; check what rented venues require
• Check whether you must charge GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
• Check your provincial rules and the venue's rules about teaching on their premises
• Winter weather can cancel lessons if you travel to clients or if clients drive in

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on whether you rent studio or hall time or travel to clients, and what equipment you need. Monthly revenue is estimated at about $500 to $3,500, depending on how many lessons you teach.

Check commercial general liability insurance, since clients can get hurt during lessons, and what any rented venue requires. Also check whether you must charge GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and your provincial rules and the venue's rules about teaching on their premises.

You need solid dance training and partnering skills, clear and patient teaching, a friendly manner with beginners and an organized booking schedule. Estimates suggest at least about 6 hours a week, and winter weather can cancel lessons if you or clients travel.