How to Hire a Quince Choreographer (and Not Get Scammed)

Planning a quinceañera is stressful enough, between the dress, the DJ, and figuring out which cousins to avoid inviting, the last thing you need is a choreographer who ghosts you after payment. Sadly, it happens more often than people realize.

Don’t worry, we’ve seen it all at Stage Ready Online, and we’re here to make sure you never fall into the “Venmo-and-vanish” trap.

Here’s how to find a real, reliable, and talented quince choreographer without getting scammed, catfished, or left dancing alone.

1. Where to Find Choreographers (Without Losing Your Wallet)

You can find choreographers in all the usual places:

• Facebook groups (like Quinceañeras on a Budget - search for Stage Ready 😎)

• Google searches

• Referrals from friends or local studios

• Instagram

• Other Social Media

But beware, the same places that help you find hidden gems are also where scammers like to hide (Quinceañera's on a Budget actually do a pretty good job on keeping the scammers away). Facebook is full of “choreographers” with borrowed photos, fake reviews, and zero dance skills. Some even take deposits and disappear faster than your tía when the cleanup starts.

What to do:

• Always ask for proof of work (videos or social posts of their actual students).

• If you can't verify their work or who they are. Don't pay them.

• Search their name + “scam” or their phone number on Google. You’d be shocked what pops up.

Quick Recap:
✅ Use Facebook groups wisely
✅ Ask for "proof of work"
✅ Don’t pay anyone you can’t verify

2. Make Sure They Have a Website (Not Just a Facebook Page)

If your choreographer’s only “website” is their Instagram bio, not really a red flag, but definitely a

caution flag. While not every small business can afford a fancy site, a professional usually has at least one organized page with pricing, testimonials, or examples.

A website shows that they take their craft seriously, and gives you something tangible if communication breaks down.

Pro Tip:
Social media isn’t enough. Your choreographer should have:

• A domain name (e.g., “stageready.online,” not “bit.ly/something”)

• A clear services page or portfolio

• A way to contact them besides DM

👉 Example: Stage Ready Online’s Packages are easy to browse and compare before booking—zero mystery, zero guesswork.

Quick Recap:
✅ A website = professionalism
✅ DMs only = use caution
✅ Transparency = trust

3. Check Their Social Media Consistency

You don’t need someone with 100K followers, you just need consistency. If their posts show regular dance content, real student footage, and engagement from real people, that’s a great sign.

Red flags include:
🚩 Stock photos of dancers that aren’t their students
🚩 Constant reposting of memes with no dance content
🚩 Comment sections turned off

A legit choreographer might not post daily, but they’ll share class clips, student wins, or practice videos.

Quick Recap:
✅ Real content over big follower count
✅ Watch for genuine interaction
✅ Avoid pages that look too “perfect”

4. Read the Reviews (and the Comments)

Google reviews and social media comments are gold mines. They show how people really feel after working with the choreographer, and whether those 5-star ratings are deserved or suspicious.

Look for patterns:

• Are clients mentioning professionalism, punctuality, or communication?

• Any recurring complaints about refunds or last-minute cancellations?

• Do they respond to negative reviews maturely—or with attitude?

Sometimes, the comment section reveals more than the post itself. A few brave parents might drop hints about poor service, even if they didn’t leave a full review.

Quick Recap:
✅ Read reviews on multiple platforms
✅ Look for consistent praise
✅ Watch how they respond to criticism

5. Check Their Dance Style

Every choreographer has a “vibe.” Some specialize in waltzes, others in surprise dances, and a few can switch between bachata, hip-hop, and banda without blinking. Before booking, scroll through their videos and ask yourself:

“Do I actually like what I’m seeing?”

If it’s not your daughter’s style, or if the choreography looks like it came from 2006, keep scrolling.

Also, don’t be shy about asking:

“Can you adjust styles if we want to mix genres?”

A great choreographer will adapt to you, not the other way around.

Quick Recap:
✅ Watch their past performances
✅ Ask about flexibility in styles
✅ Make sure the vibe matches your event

6. You Get What You Pay For 💸

Let’s be honest, if someone’s charging $100 for three dances and a remix, it’s probably not going to end well. Dance instruction, like most things, follows the “Good, Fast, Cheap” rule: you can pick two, but not all three.

Price levels typically mean:

• $100–$300: Student or beginner choreographer learning the ropes

• $400–$600: Experienced part-time professional

• $700+ and up: Full-time pro with custom routines, edits, and reliable structure

Think of it like buying shoes, you can find something cute on clearance, but don’t be shocked when it falls apart halfway through the dance floor.

Now keep in mind there are instances were package deals and online deals may shift the prices a bit. So do your research and ask questions!

Quick Recap:
✅ Cheap isn’t always a deal
✅ Professionals charge for experience
✅ Quality saves you time, stress, and do-overs

7. Schedule a Real Call (Not Just DMs)

Before sending any deposit, hop on a call or Zoom meeting. You’ll learn more in 5 minutes of talking than 20 text exchanges.

Use the call to:

• Get a feel for their professionalism

• Ask how they handle late students or scheduling

• Confirm their refund/cancellation policies

• See if you actually like them (you’ll be spending a lot of time together)

Bonus tip: Take notes! If someone’s vague about details, move on.

Quick Recap:
✅ Always call before booking
✅ Ask detailed questions
✅ Go with your gut

8. Know the Difference Between Hobbyists and Professionals

Some choreographers teach part-time as a side gig, and that’s perfectly fine, just know what you’re getting.

Hobby choreographers might be talented but harder to schedule around work or school. Full-time pros treat it like a business and prioritize their clients.

Ask:

“Do you choreograph full-time, or is this a side project?”

There’s no wrong answer, but it’ll help you set realistic expectations.

Quick Recap:
✅ Clarify their availability
✅ Respect hobbyists—but plan accordingly
✅ Pros prioritize their clients’ timelines

9. Contracts Are Your Best Friend

If there’s no contract, 🚨 that’s a major red flag. Contracts protect both sides and set clear expectations so no one feels cheated.

A proper contract should include:

• The number of dances or what type dances and total price

• Refund and cancellation policies

• Deadlines for song selection and practice dates

• What happens if the choreographer can’t finish

• Media rights (who owns the videos/photos)

• Payment structure (deposit vs. final payment)

If the contract looks vague, overly short, full of typos, or copy and paste, walk away.

Quick Recap:
✅ No contract = no deal
✅ Read before signing
✅ Clear terms prevent chaos later

10. Bonus: Trust Your Gut (Seriously)

If something feels off, it probably is. Scammers rely on pressure, urgency, and emotion. A real professional will never rush you (unless your event is in about a month, then yes, you might want to rush.)or guilt you.

Listen to your instincts. Your daughter’s quince is too important to gamble on a sketchy dance deal.

💡 TL;DR (For the Busy Moms)

• Find choreographers on verified pages or through referrals.

• Check reviews, real videos, and consistency.

• Professionals have websites and contracts.

• Cheap is not always good.

• Call before paying.

• Trust your gut, if it feels off, it’s off.

• Want a safe, professional option? Try Stage Ready Online — trusted by hundreds of quince families nationwide.