Full ballet school with your own studio

Families enrolling children for the season, teens in more serious training, and adults wanting regular classes.

Monthly tuition per student, registration fees, recital and costume fees, and extras such as camps, workshops or studio rental to other teachers.

• Advanced ballet training and teaching ability
• Scheduling and managing a timetable
• Managing staff and contractors as you grow
• Marketing to local families

• Check zoning and any certificate of occupancy requirements for a dance studio with your city or county
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire teachers or staff
• Check whether your state requires background checks for staff working with children
• Commercial leases can be long and costly, have it reviewed before you sign
• Seasonal enrollment dips in summer, plan cash flow for slower months
• Check how to classify teachers, employee or independent contractor, under IRS and state rules

Startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the premises you lease and how you equip them with items such as a sprung floor, barres and mirrors. Lease terms can heavily affect your total.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on enrollment and the size of your timetable. Enrollment can dip in summer, so plan your cash flow for slower months.

Check zoning and any certificate of occupancy needs with your city or county. Check general liability and workers' compensation insurance, your state's background check rules for staff working with children, and how to classify teachers under IRS and state rules. Have the lease reviewed.