How to Price Yourself as a Performer or Instructor: A Guide for Pole and Circus Artists
One of the trickiest questions movement artists face is: How much should I charge? Whether you're teaching classes, performing live, or booking private gigs, pricing your work can feel like a guessing game—especially in an industry with no centralized regulation or standard.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when pricing yourself as a pole or circus performer/instructor, while acknowledging that location, experience, and gig type all influence your rate. You’ll walk away with clearer direction and more confidence to value your time and talent.
Why Pricing Is Complicated in the Movement Arts World
Unlike traditional fitness or dance industries that often have baseline certifications or salary structures, the pole and circus world remains largely unregulated. That means there’s no official governing body telling you what to charge—or what’s “fair.”
As a result, pricing varies wildly based on:
Region or city
Type of gig (studio class vs. corporate gig vs. burlesque show)
Experience level
Apparatus requirements
Demand for your skill set
This lack of standardization can be freeing—but it can also lead to undercharging, burnout, and confusion.
Key Factors to Consider When Setting Your Rates
1. Location, Region, and Local Cost of Living
A $75 workshop might be standard in a small city but underpriced in a major metro. In-person classes in places like New York City or Los Angeles typically cost more because rent, utilities, and living costs are higher. On the flip side, in smaller towns, pricing may need to align with more limited local budgets.
Tip: Research what other professionals in your region are charging—not to copy them, but to understand the range and stay competitive.
2. Your Experience and Unique Value
Are you a new instructor or performer still building your name? Or are you a seasoned pro with a packed resume and international gigs? Pricing should reflect not just time in the industry, but also:
Niche skills or apparatus specialties
Performance accolades or competition wins
Certification(s), continuing education, or mentorships
Professionalism, reliability, and audience draw
Don’t downplay your experience—lean into the value you bring.
3. What the Gig Requires
All gigs are not created equal. When pricing, consider:
Equipment needed (Are you bringing a rig or pole?)
Costuming and prep time
Rehearsals or choreography requests
Insurance requirements
Time onsite (travel, set-up, teardown)
Number of acts or classes
Example: A 10-minute show at a local bar might pay $50, but if it requires rigging, costumes, and multiple rehearsals, that price may not cover your time or expenses.
4. Supplemental Costs (That Add Up Fast)
As a freelancer, you often cover your own:
Insurance (liability, apparatus, health)
Travel and lodging
Costumes, makeup, and props
Marketing, website, photos
Studio rental or rehearsal time
These expenses should be factored into your pricing model—even if they aren’t visible to clients or students.
Sample Pricing Ranges (General Estimates Only)
⚠️ These vary based on region and should be adapted to your market:
Type of WorkBeginner RateMid-LevelEstablished ProPrivate Lessons (1:1)$50–$75/hr$75–$100/hr$100–$150/hrGroup Class (60 mins)$25–$50/class$50–$75/class$75–$100+Studio Workshop (90 mins)$100–$200$200–$300$300–$500+Stage Performance (5–10 mins)$50–$150$150–$300$300–$1000+Corporate/Private Events$300–$1000+VariesVaries
Final Tips for Confident Pricing
Have a rate sheet with your base prices for common services
Be clear about your boundaries (travel max, rigging needs, safety requirements)
Don’t be afraid to say no to gigs that don’t align with your rate or values
Consider offering sliding scale rates only when it’s your choice—not out of pressure
Raise your rates annually or as your experience grows
Remember: You’re Allowed to Make a Living
Pole dancers and circus artists are athletes, creatives, and educators rolled into one. Your time, energy, and training are valuable. Pricing yourself fairly isn’t about greed—it’s about sustainability and respect for your craft.
If you're unsure where to start, talk to peers, ask mentors, or look for industry discussions online. And when in doubt, always aim to charge what allows you to keep doing what you love—without burning out.