50 Ways to Make Money as a Pole Dancer

50 way to make money as a pole dancer

When pole dancing first started becoming mainstream, the primary way to make money as a pole dancer was by performing in gentlemen’s clubs. However, as the pole dance industry evolved, many more opportunities emerged. Like many creators and artists, pole dancers often need multiple revenue streams to support a full-time career. Let’s explore 50 ways how pole dancers can earn income and turn their passion into a dream job.

1. Teaching Pole Classes

In-person pole classes in local pole studios is one of the most common ways you can make money as a pole dancer. Share your knowledge with others and inspire new dancers. Teaching can be done in group settings, creating a community feel that caters to individual needs.

2. Private Pole Lessons

Give one-on-one pole sessions to those who want personalized instruction. Private pole lessons allow you to tailor your teaching style and focus on the unique goals and challenges of each student.

3. Workshops

Host special pole workshops focusing on specific pole techniques or routines. These workshops can cover advanced pole tricks, pole spins, or even exotic dance styles, drawing in people eager to improve their pole skills. Many professional pole dancers have traveled the globe offering signature pole workshops and master classes, creating unique learning experiences for pole students while expanding their own reach and influence in the pole community.

4. Perform at Events

Get paid to perform at parties, dance clubs, corporate events, and festivals. These performances can vary from elegant and artistic to high-energy entertainment, depending on the event.

5. Competitions

Enter pole competitions with cash prizes. Many competitions also offer sponsorships and opportunities to get noticed by industry leaders, which can lead to more lucrative gigs.

6. Zoom Classes

Offer live pole dancing classes via Zoom, providing real-time instruction and feedback to pole students worldwide. This flexible teaching format allows you to reach a broader audience, build a loyal following, and earn income from the comfort of your home.

7. Sell Online Courses

Create and sell online pole dance tutorials. These pole courses can be structured for different levels, from beginner to advanced, and can be sold on platforms like 123poling Marketplace or your own website.

8. Professional Services for Pole Dancers

Offer specialized professional services such as accounting, business consulting, and marketing tailored specifically for pole dancers and pole-related businesses. Help them manage their finances, develop business strategies, and create effective marketing campaigns, ensuring they can focus on their craft while growing their careers and businesses efficiently.

9. Merchandise

Sell branded clothing, accessories, and equipment. Think custom pole grips, stylish workout wear, and branded water bottles, all catering to the pole dance community. Create & develop new products that enhance the pole dancing experience.

10. Social Media Influencer

Build a following on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok and earn through sponsorships and ads. Share your pole journey, tips, pole tricks, and routines to engage your audience and attract brands.

11. Patreon

Offer exclusive content and behind-the-scenes footage to your fans on Patreon. This platform allows fans to support you directly in exchange for exclusive perks.

12. Live Streaming

Perform live sessions on platforms like Twitch and get donations from viewers. Live streaming can include practice pole sessions, pole performances, or interactive Q&A sessions with your audience.

13. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products you love and earn a commission on sales. Partner with brands that offer pole dance equipment, clothing, or fitness products and recommend them to your followers.

14. E-books

Write and sell ebooks on pole techniques, fitness, and more. Share your expertise in a format that can reach a wide audience and provide lasting value. There are many e-books you can find online. Our partner instructor Colleen Jolly specializes in mobility for pole dancers and she wrote and e-book. You can take a look at it here for more details. Additionally, she offers affordable mobility programs for shoulders & hips on 123poling Marketplace that you can purchase ala carte.

mobility for pole e-book by Colleen Jolly

15. Blogging

Start a blog or a YouTube vlog and earn through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. Write about your experiences, tips, and industry news to attract readers and monetize your content.

16. Host Pole Parties

Host pole parties for birthdays, bachelorette parties, or other celebrations. These events can be a fun and unique way for guests to experience pole dancing in a relaxed environment.

17. Choreography Services

Create custom pole routines for individuals or groups. This service can be tailored for pole competitions, performances, shows or personal enjoyment.

18. Freelance Writing

Write for dance or fitness magazines and websites. Share your knowledge and experiences through articles, tutorials, and opinion pieces.

19. Photography

Offer professional photoshoots for pole dancers. Capture stunning images that dancers can use for their portfolios, social media, or personal keepsakes.

a photographer taking photos of a pole dancer posing with a pole

20. Video Production

Create and sell high-quality pole dance videos. These can be instructional, artistic performances, fitness routines, or stock footage. 

21. Judging Competitions

Get paid to judge pole dance competitions. Use your expertise to evaluate performances and provide constructive feedback.

22. Open a Pole Studio

Open your own pole studio. Provide a dedicated space for dancers to learn, practice, and connect with the community.

23. Pole Dance Retreats and Pole Camps

Organize and host pole dance retreats and pole camps in exotic locations. Provide intensive training and a fun, immersive experience for participants.

24. Brand Ambassador

Become a brand ambassador for pole equipment or clothing brands. Sometimes brands do not pay and only send you products so if you want to make money as a pole dancer, look for paid contarcts with monetary compensation. Promote their pole products to your audience and earn a commission or fee.

25. Product Reviews

Review and promote pole products on your blog or YouTube channel. Provide honest feedback to help your audience make informed purchasing decisions.

26. Crowdfunding

Use platforms like Kickstarter to fund big projects or tours. Crowdfunding can help you raise money for ambitious projects by engaging your community.

27. Music Video Appearances

Appear as a pole dancer in music videos. Collaborate with artists to create pole performances that enhance their music videos. Nicole ThePole became famous for starring one of Rihana’s music videos.

28. Work in Gentlemen’s Clubs

Perform at gentlemen’s clubs, where you can showcase your pole dancing skills. This job offers opportunities for regular performances, tips, and building a dedicated fan base, providing a stable source of income.

29. Create an OnlyFans Account

Launch an OnlyFans account to share exclusive content, including private pole performances and seductive dances. This platform allows you to earn additional income through subscriptions, tips, and pay-per-view content, engaging directly with your most dedicated fans.

30. Equipment Rentals

Offer equipment rentals, such as portable poles, crash mats, to dancers or events that may not have the resources to purchase these items outright. Providing high-quality, well-maintained equipment on a rental basis allows you to support other dancers while generating a steady income. This service is especially valuable for events, workshops, and temporary training spaces, making pole dancing more accessible to a broader audience.

31. Perform in Shows

Join dance troupes and perform in regular shows, whether in local venues, circuses, or as part of touring acts with musicians and other performers. Performing in shows can take you around the world, from glamorous stages to intimate settings, offering unique experiences and the chance to collaborate with other artists. 

male pole dancer and a female pole dancer performing as a duo in a circus show holding an iron x pose

32. Pole Costumes Designer

Design and sell your own line of pole costumes, offering stylish and functional clothing tailored to the unique needs of pole dancers. As pole competitions become increasingly popular, the demand for custom pole costumes has surged. Creating bespoke outfits that not only enhance pole performance but also make a statement on stage can set your brand apart. By catering to this growing market, you can combine your passion for fashion and pole dancing into a successful business, providing dancers with the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance.

33. Start a Pole Competition

Create and host your own pole competition, generating income through participant sign-up fees and ticket sales for attendees. By organizing a well-promoted and professionally-run event, you can attract talented dancers eager to compete and showcase their skills. Additionally, you can monetize the competition through sponsorships, merchandise sales, and vendor booths. Hosting a pole competition gives dancers a place to be noticed and also positions you as a leader in the pole community. Your event could become a popular yearly highlight that grows in success and earnings over time.

34. Pole Dancer on Cruise Shows

Perform as a pole dancer on cruise ships, entertaining guests with dynamic pole routines. This unique gig allows you to travel the world while showcasing your talent to diverse audiences and earning a steady income.

35. Dance Auditions

Audition for roles in dance shows, movies, or theater productions. Showcase your pole skills and land gigs in various entertainment mediums.

36. Podcasting

Start a podcast and make money as a pole dancer through ads and sponsorships. Discuss topics trending to the pole community and interview industry experts.

a pole dancer with a microphone recording a podcast

37. Pole Coaching

Offer coaching services for competition preparation. Help dancers refine their routines and improve their performance techniques.

38. Host Events

Organize pole dance events, meetups, or conventions to bring the community together and create valuable networking opportunities. These events can range from local gatherings to large-scale conventions that draw participants from around the world. By hosting events like the International Pole Convention, you can provide a platform for dancers to connect, share knowledge, and celebrate their passion for pole dancing. These events not only foster a sense of community but also offer opportunities for workshops, performances, and vendor showcases, making them a hub for both learning and business growth within the pole dance industry.

39. Talent Agency

Start a talent agency for pole dancers. Represent and promote dancers to help them secure gigs and advance their careers. Not only you will make money as a pole dancer but also help pole artists to grow and get recognized.

40. Dance Challenges

Create dance challenges on social media and get sponsored by brands. Engage your audience with fun challenges and collaborate with brands for mutual promotion.

41. Certification Coaching

Become an expert pole trainer and mentor for other pole dance instructors. Offer guidance and training during their certification process, helping them refine their teaching techniques, develop effective pole class structures, and enhance their overall instructional skills. This role positions you as a leader in the industry and provides a rewarding way to impact the next generation of pole instructors.

pole instructor assisting a her pole student in a private class

42. Social Media Manager

Leverage your knowledge of the pole community to manage social media accounts for pole-related businesses, such as pole studios, equipment brands, or pole clothing lines. Create interesting content, connect with followers, and help these businesses grow their reach and customer base.

43. Certification Program

Create a certification program for people who want to become pole instructors. Create complete pole training materials, offer workshops, and evaluate participants’ skills. Provide them with recognized credentials that boost their teaching careers and help make the pole dance industry more professional.

44. Pole Dance Makeup Services

Offer professional makeup and hairstyling services specifically tailored for pole dancers preparing for performances, photoshoots, and competitions. Ensure that the makeup is designed to withstand intense physical activity and stage lighting. You could also collaborate with makeup brands or hair stylists for joint promotions, offering exclusive packages or discounts to your clients. This service helps dancers look their best and feel confident, enhancing their overall performance and presentation.

45. Pole Nutrition Coaching

Offer personalized nutrition plans tailored specifically for pole dancers, focusing on enhancing performance, recovery, and overall health. Provide advice on meal planning, supplementation, and hydration to help dancers maintain their energy and stamina.

46. Webinars

Run webinars on pole dance techniques, fitness, or business. Offer valuable information and charge a fee for access.

47. Physiotherapy for Pole Dancers

Physiotherapy for pole dancers

Offer specialized physiotherapy programs tailored to the unique needs of pole dancers, addressing common injuries and issues associated with the pole sport. By focusing on injury prevention, recovery, and improving overall physical health, you can help pole dancers maintain peak performance and longevity in their careers. These programs can include targeted exercises, mobility training, and personalized treatment plans designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and resilience. Furthermore, as a physiotherapist specializing in pole dance, you’ll provide invaluable support to dancers, helping them overcome injuries and continue pursuing their passion with confidence.

48. Online Pole Store

Launch an online store specializing in pole apparel, accessories, and equipment, similar to Pole Junkie. Curate a selection of high-quality products that cater specifically to the needs of pole dancers, from clothing and pole shoes to grip aids and portable poles. Partner with manufacturers or distributors to sell pole dance equipment, such as poles, crash mats, or grip aids. By offering a wide range of products and excellent customer service, you can build a loyal customer base and make steady revenue through e-commerce.

49. Pole Dance App Development

Utilize your tech skills and make money as a pole dancer by developing a mobile app dedicated to pole dancing. This could include videos lessons, workout routines, progress tracking, and even a community feature where users can connect and share their progress. Additionally, monetize through app sales, in-app purchases, or subscriptions.

50. Create Pole Art

Design and sell pole dance-themed artwork, such as paintings, posters, prints, and digital illustrations, that capture the beauty and strength of pole dancing. Collaborate with other artists or create your own pieces that resonate with the pole dance community. This unique art form can be sold to pole dancers who want to celebrate their passion through visually stunning artwork that they can display in their homes, studios, or as wearable art. By tapping into this niche market, you can create a new way to earn money while bringing more creativity to the pole dance industry.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are countless ways to make money as a pole dancer. By having multiple ways to earn money, you can make more while doing what you love. Whether you’re teaching, performing, or creating content, the opportunities to turn your passion for pole dancing into a profitable career are truly limitless. You can bring your expertise from any industry and create new services that not only support your career but also help the pole community grow and thrive.

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