Performing Arts and Low Income, Why are People Attracted to this Lifestyle

 Performing Arts and Low Income, Why are People Attracted to this Lifestyle?

By: Layla Tank

With Christmas coming up, people love to attend the popular seasonal show, The Nutcracker Ballet. At this show, you see a variety of talent and creativity in a story told entirely by dance. Although, rarely do people consider the hours of hard work and dedication that those dancers put into these shows… sometimes without pay or any benefits. In the article, The Untenable Economics of Dancing, they describe the varying pay range for dancers. They stated, “an early career choreographer can expect to make anywhere from $100 – $500 for a 3 months development process”. This article states that the highest pay would be “if you go on tour, maybe $500-$700/wk” which is a rare instance.

In addition, low pay is not the only factor impacting dancers. A huge outside factor is the demand to see shows. Without shows, there is no need to supply performers. DanceUSA in their report on the effect of COVID-19 stated that, “the dance industry is extremely vulnerable to the slightest change in the environmental, social, or economic landscape”. In the chart, you can view the changes and effects of consumer spending on performing arts events. Looking at the dates, there is a rapid decline at the Q2 2020 mark due to the impact of the start of COVID-19. This correlates directly to the wages of dancers. Like most around the world, dancers were left without a job and the scary thought that they may never find a gig again. Many were left to question how long they were to stay in unemployment. Would it always be cyclical or would it later turn into structural?

With the prospect of knowing that you could earn so little and be in phases of unemployment for unknown amounts of time, why would anyone put themselves in this economic situation? The compromise of looking over all the opportunity costs comes down to what economists are calling psychic income. Psychic income is defined as the “rewards (as in prestige, leisure, or pleasant surroundings) not measurable in terms of money or goods but serving as an incentive to work in certain occupations or situations” (Merriam-Webster). To professional dancers, not being able to pay the month’s rent or get stable roles in performances is okay, because the benefit to do something they love and have passion for is greater than economic values.

As a dancer myself, I understand the desire to pursue a career so fulfilling, but I would rather have enough income to support myself. In the end, becoming a professional dancer is very risky if you care about having a stable job and being able to afford the cost of living, but due to the high amount of psychic income, it may be worth it to some.

Works Cited

“Dance Comeback: The Impact of COVID-19 on the Dance Field and the Future of Dance.” Dance/USA, 21 Sept. 2021, www.danceusa.org/ejournal/2021/08/13/dance-comeback-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-dance-field-and-the-future-of-dance.

Horwitz, Andy. “The Untenable Economics of Dancing.” Culturebot, 12 Nov. 2014, www.culturebot.org/2014/03/21361/the-untenable-economics-of-dancing/.

“Psychic Income Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychic income.