Business Plan for Teaching Artist: Derell Edward Jones

(Dance & Theatre Educator | Performer | Creative Mentor | @dancewithderell)

 

Joy in motion. Community in rhythm.

 

Vision Statement

I believe dance is a language of joy, a universal rhythm that connects people beyond words.My mission as a teaching artist is to use movement to build community, restore confidence, and inspire creativity.Through dance, I aim to awaken a sense of freedom and purpose in others, especially young artists, and help them discover that joy and artistry are meant to be shared.

 

While my faith in God and the joy I’ve found through Jesus guide every aspect of my life, I share that joy authentically through my teaching, creativity, and collaboration.
I want every student, whether in Detroit or across the world, to leave a session feeling seen, encouraged, and alive with possibility.

 

Mission as a Teaching Artist

My mission is to create spaces, in studios, classrooms, and communities, where movement sparks connection and hope. I teach foundational principles of rhythm, groove, and storytelling through dance, helping students build both technical skill and expressive freedom.

 

My teaching draws from hip-hop, musical theatre, and improvisation, blending structure and play to cultivate creativity.

 

Whether in workshops, residencies, or performances, my goal is the same: to help others rediscover the joy that first made them want to move.

 

Core Offerings

 

Pop-Up Dance Class (90 minutes)

A high-energy class blending hip-hop and theatre to awaken rhythm, creativity, and expression. Students learn the fundamentals of groove, musicality, and storytelling through movement, while building community and confidence with their peers.

 

Optional: talk-back available for Christian groups, exploring how dance can serve as a form of ministry and testimony, sharing stories of resilience and faith.

 

Pricing: TBD

 

Residencies (3–5 Days)

An immersive 3–5 day intensive that merges technique, creativity, and ensemble-building. Students explore rhythm, groove, and expressive storytelling through hip-hop and musical theatre movement. The residency culminates in a student sharing — a formal or informal showcase that celebrates collaboration and joy.
 

Pricing: TBD

 

Heart & Sole (Master Class, 90 minutes)

A dynamic master class designed for dancers in school, university, or community dance programs. Each session emphasizes rhythm (through hip-hop foundations), collaboration, and expressive confidence.

 

Optional: Talk-back invites discussion on using dance for service, community engagement, and international outreach.
 

Focus Areas: Hip-Hop Fundamentals | Improvisation | Ensemble Building | Performance Presence
 

Pricing: TBD

 

Artist Talks / Lectures

Inspirational presentations connecting dance, education, and community practice. I share personal insights from my international teaching experiences and the importance of joy and connection.

Optional: Faith-based extension explores how dance can be used as a tool for ministry and global mission work.
 

Pricing: TBD

 

Choreography & Creative Direction

Custom choreography and movement for theatre, concerts, and educational programs. Each project centers on authenticity, narrative, and movement that resonates with both performers and audience.
 

Pricing: TBD

 

Target Communities

• Students & Emerging Artists:
  Middle school through college — often discovering dance for the first time or rebuilding creative confidence.
   

• Academic & Community Organizations:
  Schools, youth centers, and arts programs seeking dance, theatre, and creative engagement.
   

• Faith-Based Communities:
  Churches and faith organizations seeking workshops, residencies, or lectures that connect artistry and faith.
   

• Global Communities:
  International students and artists from diverse cultural backgrounds united through rhythm, joy, and movement.

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My approach is rooted in the joy of dance and community.
I strive to create environments where participants, regardless of background or ability, can grow, connect, and express freely.

 

Social Media & Digital Strategy

 

Goal:
To share the joy and accessibility of dance globally through digital platforms. My mission online mirrors my mission in the studio: to inspire, teach, and connect through movement.

 

Primary Platforms:

• Instagram / TikTok (@dancewithderell): Short tutorials, behind-the-scenes moments, and community collaborations, rehearsal clips, performances, and more.
   

• YouTube  (@dancewithderell): Free short and long-form tutorials, “mini masterclasses,” and process videos on technique and expression.
   

Content Focus:

• Free Dance Tutorials: Short-form and long-form videos teaching dance and theatre (acting) techniques (for audience engagement).
   

• Creative Process: Behind-the-scenes clips from residencies and collaborations.
   

• Inspiration & Joy: Reflections on dance, life, and faith-inspired creativity.
   

• Community Highlights: Student features and performances.
   

Posting Rhythm:

• Up to 2 times a week across all platforms.
   

Engagement Plan:

• Encourage followers to join #DanceWithDerell challenges.
   

• Collaborate with educators and artists worldwide.
   

• Host live sessions and Q&As for community connection.
   

Impact Goals:

• Increase access to dance education through free online content.
   

• Build a global creative network centered on joy and community.
   

• Connect digital learners to in-person residencies and workshops.
   

Business Structure & Operations

 

Current Business Name: Derell Edward Jones
Structure: Sole Proprietorship / LLC (transition planned)

Primary Services: Residencies, Workshops, Lectures, Choreography, Digital Education Business Base: New York ( + traveling)

 

Operations include:

• Curriculum development for residencies and workshops.
   

• Marketing through social media and email campaigns.
   

• Partnership building with universities, arts organizations, and faith-based networks.
   

Marketing & Outreach

• Leverage Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to highlight student transformations and community events.
   

• Collaborate with colleagues and mentors (e.g., Aku Kadogo, Aubrey Lynch II, Dr. Douglas Risner, Lisa Wilmot).
   

• Develop relationships with arts administrators for university and school residencies.
   

• Attend and present at teaching-artist conferences and symposiums.
   

• Create a monthly email newsletter featuring teaching reflections and free resources.
   

Sample Contracts & Agreements

 

Sources Consulted:

• National Guild for Community Arts Education sample agreements
   

• Teaching Artist Guild resource library
   

• Dance USA contract templates for independent artists
   

• NYC Department of Education Arts Partnership MOU samples
   

• Creative Capital Artist Contract Guide
   

Key Elements Included:

• Scope of work, payment terms, travel and lodging, and copyright agreements.
   

• Clauses for video recording and online use of educational materials.
   

• Clear language around mutual respect, equity, and participant well-being.
   

Research & Consultation Sources

• Cory Huff, The Abundant Artist (blog and business plan template)
   

• Jennifer Lee, The Right-Brain Business Plan (video and book)
   

• National Endowment for the Arts: Teaching Artist Resources
   

• Dance USA Independent Artist Toolkit
   

• Peer consultations with fellow Wayne State University graduate students and colleagues
   

Financial Overview

 

Revenue Streams:

• Residencies - Workshops
   

• Guest lectures and choreography commissions
   

• Digital media collaborations and sponsorships
   

Pricing: TBD (subject to project scope and host institution)

 

Expenses:

• Travel and lodging
   

• Studio rental and equipment
   

• Videography and editing for online content
   

• Marketing and website maintenance
   

Long-Term Goals & Vision

• Expand Dance with Derell into a global educational platform offering hybrid online/in-person residencies.
   

• Partner with schools and community programs across continents to train teaching artists in “joy-forward pedagogy.”
   

• Develop a certification series for educators integrating rhythm, groove, and community engagement.
   

• Build sustainable funding streams through grants, partnerships, and collaborations.
   

• Continue to share my faith story with openness and humility when opportunities arise, showing how joy and creativity can transform hearts and communities.
   

Closing Statement

At the core of my business and teaching artistry is the joy of dance. Every class, rehearsal, and performance is an opportunity to help someone rediscover joy,  through rhythm, through connection, through movement. God has given me this joy through Jesus, and it’s the foundation for everything I create and share. Whether I’m teaching in Detroit, New York, or across the world, my purpose remains the same, to help people find light, laughter, and freedom through dance. Dance with Derell it’s a movement of joy.