Directory
Clear license terms: protect your contemporary dance work and reassure clients
Licensing is no longer a headache reserved for record labels and film studios. As a contemporary dancer or choreographer, you must draft clear license terms to secure your intellectual property, reassure clients and unlock new revenue streams. This guide walks you through the essentials—from defining usage and fees to spotting red flags—so you can sign every deal with confidence.
Why contemporary dance needs clear license terms
Video-on-demand, social media and hybrid performances multiply the ways your choreography can be used. Without written, clear license terms, you risk:
- Unpaid re-broadcasts on streaming platforms.
- Unauthorized edits that distort your artistic intent.
- Loss of potential royalties when future sponsors step in.
Transparent agreements build trust. They also make you more attractive to producers who filter directory listings by risk level. Linking to a professional contemporary dance portfolio that highlights solid licensing practices boosts your profile ranking instantly.
Key components of a clear dance license
1. Precise work identification
List the piece title, duration, music credits and date of creation. Attach a link or file of the final rehearsal video. This removes ambiguity about what the client is licensing.
2. Scope of use
Specify media (live performance, television, social media, VR), territory and language versions. If you expect global reach, mention it upfront to avoid retroactive negotiations.
3. Term and exclusivity
Define start and end dates. Add exclusivity only when the fee compensates the opportunity cost. A rolling six-month exclusivity window is common for branded content.
4. Credit and moral rights
State how you will be credited in programmes, captions and press releases. Insist on approval rights for major edits that affect the story or political framing.
5. Payment structure
Detail currency, invoicing milestones and late-fee penalties. Clear payment clauses prevent the cash-flow crunch that plagues many dancers.
6. Renewal and buyout options
Include pre-agreed extension rates or a buyout formula. It saves both parties time when success triggers extra distribution.
Pricing models: one-off fees versus royalties
| Model | When to Use | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat License Fee | Short ads, single live events | Predictable income | No upside if the piece goes viral |
| Per-Performance Fee | Touring shows, festival runs | Earn more as attendance grows | Requires meticulous reporting |
| Royalty (%) on Net Revenue | Streaming releases, feature films | Long-term passive income | Accounting transparency needed |
| Hybrid (Fee + Royalty) | High-budget branded content | Guaranteed base plus upside | Complex to negotiate |
Curious how other creatives structure royalties? Read our deep dive on royalty models that protect makers and brands.
Step-by-step: drafting and negotiating your license
- Prepare assets. Gather cue sheets, rehearsal footage and music licenses.
- Choose a template. Use a lawyer-vetted dance license template or adapt an essential gig contract clause (article available soon).
- Define variables. Fill in dates, territories, channels and fees.
- Flag negotiables. Mark points where you can offer concessions, such as longer term in exchange for higher royalties.
- Send for review. Allow the client a realistic timeline; rushing breeds mistakes.
- Track versions. Use cloud tools with audit trails. This preserves evidence if disputes arise.
- Sign digitally. Platforms like DocuSign speed closure and are legally binding in most jurisdictions.
Common red flags to avoid
- “All media, in perpetuity, worldwide” without an appropriate fee.
- Non-audit clauses that prevent you from verifying ticket sales.
- Unilateral rights to modify choreography or music.
- Ambiguous terms like “online use” without specifying platforms.
Boost client confidence with transparent deliverables
After signing, issue a concise rights summary and a performance pack: cue sheet, costume notes and marketing copy. Clients trust dancers who over-deliver on clarity, just as they rely on client testimonials to shortlist talent.
Leveraging sync opportunities
Your contemporary piece can live beyond the stage. Music videos, TV dramas and ad agencies need choreographed segments weekly. Master the fundamentals in our guide to sync licensing strategies (article available soon), then adapt them to contemporary vocabulary. Always clarify exclusivity and edit approvals before delivering rush footage.
Checklist before you hit “send”
- All names and company numbers spelled correctly.
- Scope aligns with fee and your future touring plans.
- Renewal terms do not undercut later negotiations.
- Payment milestones match your production calendar.
- Credits section mirrors how you position yourself online.
Quick quiz: test your licensing reflexes
FAQ
- Do I need a license if the client only posts rehearsal clips?
- Yes. Any public use—even behind-the-scenes footage—requires permission, scope and credit guidelines.
- Can I reuse licensed choreography for my own tour later?
- Only if the license is non-exclusive. Always keep future exploitation rights explicit in the contract.
- Who registers the work with a collecting society?
- Usually the choreographer. Registration strengthens your legal standing in case of infringement.
- Should I charge VAT on license fees?
- That depends on your local tax status. Consult an accountant to keep invoices compliant.
- What happens if the client breaches the license?
- Include a cure period, then penalties. If unresolved, you can revoke the license and seek damages.
Next steps
You now hold the tools to draft clear license terms that safeguard your contemporary dance and reassure clients. Update your portfolio today, highlight licensing clarity and watch negotiations smooth out.
Ready to act? Review your current contracts, integrate the checklist above and send updated terms to upcoming partners before rehearsals begin.
