Weekly salsa night at a local bar

Dancers and curious beginners pay a cover charge at the door or buy tickets online. The venue often pays you, or shares drinks revenue, because you bring in customers on a slow night.

Cover charges and lesson fees, plus a negotiated cut of bar sales or a flat fee from the venue. Extra income can come from paid workshops and private event bookings.

• Promoting events on social media and in local dance communities
• Organizing people, DJs and instructors
• Basic knowledge of salsa or a partner who teaches
• Negotiating with venue owners

• Check that the venue's license and occupancy limits allow dancing and ticketed events, and who is responsible for them
• Get event or general liability insurance, and check whether the venue requires proof of it
• Music licensing: ask the venue whether it covers public performance, and check whether you need anything extra
• Door cash handling and sales tax on ticket sales, so check your state's rules
• Relying on one venue: have a backup if the owner changes the deal

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on promotion, DJ and instructor fees, and any equipment or insurance you arrange. Your costs will vary with the venue and how often you run the event.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $3,000, depending on door fees, attendance and what you agree with the venue. These are estimates only, and revenue is not the same as profit.

Check that the venue's license and occupancy limits allow dancing and ticketed events, and who is responsible. Also look at event liability insurance, music licensing coverage, sales tax on tickets in your state, and a backup venue.