Baltimore Salsa Blog

Is there money in the salsa business?

Salsa is a business of passion first and turning a profit into a full-time career is only for those who are willing to invest 60+ hours per week. Before you proceed, be aware that this challenge extends beyond Baltimore. In fact, Salsa communities are struggling all over the world to survive.  Most blame this on the economy, however, it is deeper than that.  Even in good financial times, the salsa community is not very profitable when calculating ROI - return on investment. A promoter is marketing the event 24/7 through both online and offline channels.  In addition, they are incurring expenses while doing so (promotional materials, websites, cover charges, parking fees, babysitter charges, food and alcohol consumption, hotel nights). If the promoter earns $200 for one night (after paying the DJ and venue) yet invested 20 hours that week, they earned $10/hour.  That doesn't include the expenses I just listed.  The most successful salsapreneurs add private lessons and special events (e.g. teaching at a wedding or Hispanic Heritage Month event) to their business model.  Anyone who doesn't have a true passion for Salsa dancing should never participate in the business side. The financial rewards are minimal.