Have you ever found yourself dancing alone in the kitchen while cooking, just for fun? What if I told you that those spontaneous moves could actually earn you money? Sounds bizarre, right? But in today’s creative gig economy, platforms exist that pay people for imagining, creating, and recording dance moves—even if it’s just in their kitchen.
Here’s my journey of how I turned my kitchen into a dance studio and earned cash by letting my imagination and rhythm run wild.
How I Discovered This Unusual Gig
It all started when I saw a post on a freelance platform:
“We pay creative individuals to invent new dance moves for apps, videos, and games. No experience needed. Just creativity and energy.”
Initially, I laughed. I cook, clean, and occasionally shuffle to music—but get paid for it? Curiosity got the better of me. I signed up, filled out my profile, and soon received my first assignment: “Create five original dance moves in your kitchen for a 30-second video.”
Setting Up My Kitchen Dance Studio
Before I could start dancing, I had to make my kitchen workable:
- Clear Space – I moved chairs and small appliances out of the way.
- Good Lighting – My phone’s camera needed proper light to capture movements.
- Camera Setup – I placed my phone on a counter using a tripod.
- Music Choice – Upbeat, motivating tracks helped me get creative.
Surprisingly, a small kitchen can feel like a professional studio if you approach it with creativity.
Imagining the Dance Moves
The task wasn’t just physical; it was mental. I had to imagine moves that were unique, expressive, and easy to replicate. Some ideas that came to mind:
- “The Spatula Shuffle” – Using a spatula in one hand while shuffling side-to-side.
- “The Frying Pan Spin” – A small spin holding an imaginary frying pan.
- “The Boiling Boogie” – Pretending to stir a boiling pot while doing a step-touch dance.
I recorded multiple takes, experimenting with exaggerated gestures and small jumps, imagining how these moves could become part of a tutorial or a dance challenge app.
The Approval Process and Payment
After submitting my video, I was nervous. Would the client like it? Surprisingly, my quirky, kitchen-inspired moves were approved the next day. I earned $10 for five unique moves, and the platform encouraged me to submit more, offering bonus payouts for creative additions.
Why Companies Pay for Imaginary Dance Moves
It may seem absurd, but there’s a clear rationale:
- Social Media Engagement – Dance challenges go viral, attracting likes, shares, and followers.
- App Development – Games and fitness apps need new, trendy dance moves.
- Video Tutorials – Online instructors or brands want fresh content for their courses.
- Marketing Campaigns – Brands use unique dances to promote products creatively.
So, you’re not just dancing for fun—you’re contributing to marketing, app content, and even social trends.
The Funniest Dance I Created
One of my favorite creations was called “The Spaghetti Spin”:
I pretended to lift a plate of spaghetti from an imaginary boiling pot, twirled it in the air, then mimicked tossing it on a counter while doing a quick spin.
The client loved the absurdity and awarded me a bonus for originality. I never thought cooking and dancing could merge into a paid creative gig!
How Much Can You Really Earn?
While this isn’t going to replace a full-time income, here’s a realistic breakdown:
- Per Video – $5–$20 depending on complexity and creativity
- Weekly Earnings – $30–$100 if submitting multiple short videos
- Experienced Creators – Some freelancers earn $200+ per month by consistently contributing original dance content
It’s not a fortune, but it’s extra cash, fun, and exercise rolled into one.
Tips for Successful Kitchen Dance Creation
Based on my experience, here’s how to maximize your success:
- Be Playful – Silly or whimsical movements are often the most approved.
- Use Props – Utensils, chairs, and even towels can inspire creative moves.
- Capture Multiple Angles – Record short clips from different positions for better selection.
- Keep It Short – Clients prefer concise moves, easy to replicate.
- Consistency Matters – Submit multiple dances regularly to gain higher earnings.
Unexpected Benefits
Beyond money, creating dance moves in my kitchen offered unexpected perks:
- Improved Creativity – I learned to invent movement patterns on the fly.
- Fitness Boost – Even short dances got my heart rate up.
- Stress Relief – Laughing at my own ridiculous moves was therapeutic.
- Social Sharing – Friends and family enjoyed watching my kitchen performances.
Ethical Considerations
While this is a lighthearted gig, some points to keep in mind:
- Safety First – Avoid moves that could cause injury in tight spaces.
- Respect Platform Guidelines – Follow rules for video submissions.
- Be Original – Don’t copy viral dances; creativity is rewarded.
By respecting these principles, you can enjoy this unusual job safely and professionally.
Real-Life Examples
- A freelance dancer in New York created 50+ moves for a mobile app and earned over $150 in a month.
- TikTok creators sometimes start by filming dance ideas in small spaces like kitchens or living rooms and gain followers that lead to sponsorships.
- Some online courses use home-made moves to teach beginners, valuing quirky and approachable content over professional choreography.
How to Get Started
- Sign Up on Creative Platforms – Look for dance or content creation gigs.
- Start Small – Record one or two moves and submit.
- Experiment – Try combining kitchen chores with dance for originality.
- Track Earnings – Monitor payouts per submission to optimize your efforts.
- Build a Portfolio – Showcase your funniest and most creative dances.
✅ Sources
- Dance Magazine – The Rise of Dance-Based Content Creation
https://www.dancemagazine.com/creative-content/ - Forbes – Unusual Ways People Make Money Online
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/03/10/unusual-side-hustles/ - Healthline – The Physical and Mental Benefits of Dancing
https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness/dancing-benefits
💬 My kitchen became a mini dance studio, and I got paid for every quirky move. My experience was fun and creative—what about you? Would you try dancing in your kitchen for cash? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Written by the author, Fatima Al-Hajri 👩🏻💻
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