How much gogo dancers get paid
Go-Go Dancer - Salary, How to Become, Job Description & Best Schools
How to Become a
The complete career guide to be a Go-Go Dancer: salary, job growth, employers, best schools, and education you may need to get started.
Why We Love It
Go-go dancers work for bars, casinos, nightclubs, and other venues where dancing is a major component of the entertainment provided. They dress up in costumes, wear provocative clothing, and dance to many different types of music to entertain crowds and get people in the mood to join in on the dancing.
What is a Go-Go Dancer?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in go-go dancer roles:
- Perform a variety of dances to entertain crowds and encourage dancing at nightclubs, bars, concerts, and other venues where music is a major component of entertainment
- Dance for long periods of time while working
- Design creative costumes—outfits, makeup, and accessories—for performances
- Audition for go-go dancing opportunities
- Promote performances to draw crowds and grow followings
A Day in the Life
Go-go dancing is often confused with exotic dancing, though the two roles are very different. First, go-go dancers generally do not take their clothes off when dancing. They don’t do lap dances or work for tips. The main role of a go-go dancer is to entertain crowds and get people in the mood to get out on the dance floor and join in on the fun. They are promoters and entertainers that perform at nightclubs, bars, casinos, concerts, and raves. They do not work in strip clubs.
Most go-go dancers are professionally-trained, career dancers. Before performances, they put together their costumes, do their makeup, and choose their accessories. In some venues, they may have designated uniforms, but in others, their goal is to find creative, provocative, and eye-catching costumes that will draw the attention of the crowd and get people in the mood to dance and have a good time.
Go-go dancing can be hard work. Dancers usually perform for 30 minutes to an hour at a time, take a short break, and then start dancing again. While they may have an idea of the type of music the DJ is going to play, the specific songs and beats are usually a surprise, so most of them are trained in a variety of dance styles so they can continue dancing appropriately regardless of what song starts playing.
They also promote themselves and their careers by advertising their events and trying to grow followers. This helps prove their ability to draw a crowd when auditioning for new positions.
Typical Work Schedule
Most go-go dancers work evening and weekend shifts; they need to be available at hours when people are out in the world drinking and having a good time. Generally, they only work part-time.
Typical Employers
Some go-go dancers are hired by DJs to perform in a series of shows to help get the crowd in the mood to dance. Others work for nightclubs or casinos and are employees of the companies they work for. Some are hired by entertainment providers and work in multiple venues as needed. Finally, some find their own work and spend time auditioning for different groups, venues, and opportunities.
How To Become a Go-Go Dancer
Higher education is not required to become a go-go dancer, though many go-go dancers do have formal dance training.
For most roles, only a high school diploma is required. Some go-go dancers learn to dance by taking dance lessons as children and adolescents, and they apply the skills they learned while studying dance in their youth to work as go-go dancers as adults. Others may have just studied dance on their own, or may have natural dancing talent with no formal education.
Many go-go dancers find work simply by asking other go-go dancers if they can audition. Entertainment groups, DJs, nightclubs, and casinos are frequently looking for additional dancers. Speaking with another go-go dancer may land aspiring go-go dancers an audition, and if they’re willing to get up on stage and look good dancing, they can land recurring positions at the venues they auditioned for. Other go-go dancers take a more formal approach and apply for open positions that were formally advertised.
Unfortunately, a career in go-go dancing has a time limit. For most, the work is too hard to continue after a certain age.
Because of this, many go-go dancers work towards a bachelor’s degree in theater, arts, or dance. With a bachelor’s degree, they can qualify to work as dance instructors later in life when go-go dancing gets to be too hard on their bodies. Because these dancers get professional training while studying for a degree, they can qualify to teach a variety of dance styles.
Go-Go Dancer Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
---Average
---High Range
---National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$9/hrAverage
$18/hrHigh Range
$33/hrHow do Go-Go Dancer salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Go-Go Dancer's can make an average annual salary of ---, or $18 per hour.
This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make --- or $9 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
Highest Education Among Go-Go Dancers
- 0.5% Doctorate
- 4.3% Masters
- 17% Bachelors
- 10.6% Associates
- 29% College
- 26.7% High School
- 11.9% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
13,0002024 Est. Jobs
13,600Job Growth Rate
4.
6% Est. New Jobs
600How does Go-Go Dancer job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 600 jobs for a total of 13,600 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 4.6% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
What Companies Employ The Most Go-Go Dancers
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed workers | 2,000 | 100 | 0% |
| Drinking places (alcoholic beverages) | 1,700 | --- | --- |
| Other schools and instruction; private | 900 | 200 | 0% |
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8 things to know when considering becoming a go-go dancer
Go-go dancing might seem like an easy job.
You just get in front of people at a club or party and dance, right? Wrong. There is so much more to it than just moving around. As a former go-go dancer I learned the hard way that it takes more than just looks and moves to succeed. But after figuring it out. I made good money and enjoyed the experience. Here’s what you need to know before becoming a go-go dancer.
1.Train for the Job
Dancers can dance up to 4 hours at a time. Cardio workouts help build endurance. Photo credit: Jeraldine Ramos
Practice dancing and do lots of cardio. Endurance is needed because go-go dancing involves dancing with high energy for long periods of time. If you’re not used to this type of physical workout you’ll tire out easily. You also might also have difficulty breathing and wake-up sore the next day.
2. Take dance classes
Youtube videos are very helpful when learning how to dance or new dance moves. Photo credit: Jeraldine Ramos
In go-go dancing you don’t get to choose what music you are dancing to.
The DJs play whatever music they want depending on how the crowed reacts to the mix. The music may change tempo and even style. A go-go dancer must be able to improvise moves depending on the music that is being played. Dance classes or even watching Youtube videos can help you learn different ways to move your body and how to dance to different tempos without looking silly.
3. Connect with go-go groups
Diable Chaton (El Paso/ Las Cruces go-go group) and I, go-go danced when Kaskade a well known music producer and DJ came to The Plum City Lounge in El Paso, Tx. Photo by Mario Arizpe
Go-go groups help dancers find gigs. Check out the go-go groups in your local area, through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. What they post online can give you a glimpse on what type of venues they perform in, if they get a lot of gigs and if they perform for well-known DJs. Pictures can also show you what types of work they do so you can know what to expect. You don’t have to connect with a group.
You can work as an independent go-go dancer and track down jobs on your own.
4. Think like a businessperson
Knowing how to negotiate can get you high paying gigs. I was once paid $100 for thirty minutes of dancing through negotiating. Photo credit: Jeraldine Ramos
When considering a job you need to know how to negotiate your pay according to how much you will be working and how much you will need to be investing in costumes, hair and make-up. Get everything in writing. Having a written contract helps make sure you get paid for services provided. Go-go dancers can earn between $10 to $100 an hour depending on what they negotiate. I have been able to get high paying gigs through negotiating.
5. Promote yourself and the venue
Promoting can not only get people to go to the venue but also get you more jobs while establishing yourself as a go-go dancer. Photo credit: Jeraldine Ramos
You can promote yourself and the venue using social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Letting people know what days you are available for bookings and when and where you will be dancing is one way of promoting yourself. Promoting yourself and the venue can help you establish your name in the industry and possibly get you more jobs because it shows you can help bring in a crowd.
6. Be Creative
Venues like creativity. I have created many looks from adding gems to my face to doing my make-up like a doll. Photo by Mario Arizpe
With go-go dancing you must be creative. Go-go dancers are often asked to create themes and dress accordingly for an event the venue is promoting. You can get creative through costumes, make-up, and hair styles. Use the Internet to look up pictures for inspiration or watch a video tutorial on how to do your make-up or costume.
7. Be aware of your surroundings
It is important to be aware of your surroundings when people are drinking. People can become violent and if you are drinking it can be easy for one to slip in a drug into your drink.
Photo credit: Jeraldine Ramos
In most venues alcohol will be sold. This means that there might be some drunks that will be disrespectful. And, if you are drinking along with the patrons it can be very easy for someone to drug you. Make sure you know where the nearest bouncers are in order to signal them when someone gets out of hand or if you feel uncomfortable. Be sure to never let your beverage or water bottle out of your sight. Don’t take a drink from anyone you don’t know. Instead insist on being served only by the bartender or event organizers.
8. Have fun and smile
Smiling and having a good-time sets the mood of venue which can make it look like people are enjoying themselves. Photo by Mario Arizpe
Go-go dancers put the energy in the party. Not smiling puts out the vibe that you are not having fun and can make people leave. People come out to enjoy themselves so be sure to keep their spirits up. Besides, why not have fun when you are dancing!
The cost of dancers' services for the holiday
Master
Alisa
March 3, 2022, Butovo, Dmitry Donskoy Boulevard, Annino, Starokachalovskaya Street, Skobelevskaya Street, Lesoparkovaya
Oriental dances, Caucasian dances.
, Event, performances: birthday. 0.5 hours.
Review 5+
I liked absolutely everything! Very pleasant, tactful, intelligent girl! A real oriental princess! Punctual! There were 3 dances and to be honest, I did not expect that there would be a new costume for each dance. All the costumes are very beautiful, the props are amazing. Dancing is bright, bewitching, all guests ...more
could not take their eyes off! Alice lit the audience at 100%. Work with the hall and the public for five with a plus, no, for 10 with three pluses. In general, I can’t even find words for how cool Alice dances and how pleasant she is in communication. I highly recommend her to everyone!!! For all the following holidays for dancing only to Alice! Thank you very much!
—
Ekaterina
Master
Anna Zhludova
June 6, 2021, Podolsk, Zheleznodorozhny
Oriental dances, Indian dances, Brazilian dances.
, Event: birthday., Performance duration: 30-40 min. - 60 years. There will be mostly adults and maybe a couple of kids. Until we decide, we will celebrate inside the building or on the veranda. The veranda is being built, almost completed., It will be necessary to discuss what dances and how to turn on the music., Plus, if it is possible to add interactive with guests or some kind of humor, it will be great, but this is not necessary.
Review 5+
We absolutely loved Anna's performance at the party!!! (Dad's birthday). Anna, thank you very much!! You are very charming and dance beautifully <3 I chose somehow intuitively and Anna immediately wrote to me. We easily agreed on all the details, in general, there was confidence that everything would go as it should. I ...more
really liked the costumes and the dances themselves. It was interactive with the guests and the birthday boy. Something new was happening all the time and it was interesting what was next.
I think the guests also really enjoyed it. Just got a charge to celebrate further. In my opinion, what was needed for the anniversary turned out to be like a holiday within a holiday! It turned out very bright and incendiary!! Naturally, the most important thing is that the birthday boy really liked the surprise :))) I think it turned out very cool !! Thanks a lot!! <3
-
Daria
Master
Lyubimova Arina Olegovna
June 12, 2021, m. Savyolovskaya
Event: Help in the creation of the number and performance on scenes, duration of performance: 3.
Review 5+
Arina, Arina, Arina, thank you very much, it was powerful and cool, in a very short time Arina staged the number, sent a video of the rehearsals, also came late to the general rehearsal before the event, and on the day of the event she was there and supported, and the number, the number turned out to be the hottest and fiery from .
..more
all appearances . I highly recommend the master of his craft, with respect Lavrenty.
—
Lavrentiy
Master
Show-ballet Cranberry
February 15, 2022, Rostokino metro station
Show-ballet, variety show, Event: birthday, Duration of performance: 1 hour, For a birthday in a cafe We are looking for a dance group, 2-3 girls. We need a beautiful dance and involve the birthday boy at the end, you can also guests. Not vulgar/naked costumes, not the East! , Preferably Kan-kan dance or something bright groovy well-known, All congratulations for 7-10 minutes, Offer your cost, we are not very oriented in prices.
Review 5+
We liked everything, thank you! The girls are beautiful, slender, they set the dance floor on fire with a can-can! On the day of the performance, we changed the restaurant, but this did not become a problem for them, they calmly reacted! The birthday boy was satisfied, he really liked the surprise with an unexpected transition from a slow dance to a fast one (not .
.. further
I know the name), and the interactive with the guests was fun! We recommend Cranberry)
—
Maxim
where to study, salary, pros and cons
Author: Professional Guide
Updated
Another name for dance teacher is a dance school teacher or dance studio teacher. It is clear that this is the name of specialists working in a specialized company. But a teacher or dance teacher can be called not only a dance studio teacher, but also a specialist of an educational institution where dances are studied along with other subjects. By the way, the ProfGid career guidance center has recently developed an accurate career guidance test that will tell you which professions suit you, give an opinion about your personality type and intelligence. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in physical education and singing, music (see. choosing a profession based on interest in school subjects).
Content:
- Features of profession
- Workplace
- Dance teacher salary :
Peculiarities of the profession
Some teachers prefer to work with children, others prefer to work with adults, others can work with both. In any case, the task of a dance teacher is to teach their students to move, expressing themselves in dance. However, the higher the level of teaching, the wider the scope of the teacher's activity. It is also commonly believed that the higher the titles he won, the higher his value as a teacher. Also, he often acts as a choreographer: he puts dance numbers for his students when he prepares them to perform on stage.
The dance instructor may have a preference for a particular dance direction: Latin American, jazz, Irish, etc. For example, on his resume, he might write "Latin teacher" or "Jazz-modern dance teacher."
But that doesn't mean he can't do anything else.
On the contrary, the profession of a dance teacher means constant learning and learning. As a spectator, he regularly goes to musicals, dance shows, competitions to watch the performances of his colleagues; attends dance workshops to learn something new for his teaching. Different dance and musical styles, teaching methods, eminent dancers and bright debutants - everything is interesting for a dance teacher. The teacher-dancer tries himself in different genres, sometimes changes his preferences, expands his role. In a word, it is in creative search. Beauty, joy of movement and creativity are the formula that can describe this profession.
Of course, no person can perform on stage until old age. But while studying with students, the teacher maintains excellent physical shape for many years.
This is enough to be able not only to explain, but also to show the dance to his students. Even if performances and competitions are in the past, the dancer remains a dancer who knows and feels the dance from the inside.
Workplace
Dance teacher salary for December 2022
Salary information provided by hh.ru portal.
Russia 10000-75000₽
Moscow 40000-80000₽
A dance teacher can work in a dance school, studio, dance club, fitness center, comprehensive school, university, etc. Many teachers work simultaneously in different places, having time to perform and participate in dance championships. Also, a dance teacher can open his own dance school.
Read also:
Important Qualities
The profession of a dance teacher involves a love of dance, artistry, an ear for music, good physical health, goodwill, patience, leadership qualities, self-confidence and optimism. He should be a sociable person, able to pick up the key to a variety of students.
Knowledge and skills
A dance teacher must be able to dance - this is understandable. But he should also know well the dance directions in which he works, including their history.
