From Schoolboy to CEO: A 22-Year-Old's Dance Agency Journey

Julia Wagner · 2026-04-26

What if I told you a 22-year-old from Armagh just launched Northern Ireland's only dedicated dance agency? It sounds like a dream, but for Azeem, it's reality. He went from a schoolboy with a passion for movement to a CEO building a whole new industry. ### The Leap from Student to Founder Azeem didn't wait for permission. He saw a gap in the market—dancers in Northern Ireland lacked a dedicated agency to connect them with gigs, representation, and career support. So he built one himself. At just 22, he's now running NI's only agency focused purely on dance talent. This isn't your typical startup story. Azeem didn't have a trust fund or a business degree. He had grit, a network of dancers, and a clear vision. He started by reaching out to choreographers he knew, building a roster of performers, and pitching to event organizers. Within months, his agency was booking gigs for weddings, corporate events, and theater productions. ### What a Dance Agency Actually Does You might wonder: why does dance need its own agency? Think of it like a talent agency for actors, but for dancers. Here's what Azeem's agency handles: - **Booking gigs:** From music videos to live shows, they connect dancers with paying jobs. - **Contract negotiation:** They make sure dancers get fair pay and clear terms. - **Career development:** They offer coaching, networking, and portfolio building. - **Industry connections:** They open doors to choreographers, directors, and brands. For dancers in Northern Ireland, this is huge. Before Azeem, most had to hustle on their own or move to London. Now, they have a local champion. ### The Numbers That Matter Azeem's agency has already booked over 50 gigs in its first year. Dancers on his roster earn an average of $150 to $500 per performance, with top earners pulling in $1,000 for weekend events. Compare that to the old model—dancers often worked for exposure or pocket change. Now they're getting paid real money. But it's not just about cash. Azeem says the biggest win is seeing dancers gain confidence. "They used to think they had to leave the country to make it," he told us. "Now they know they can build a career right here." ### What's Next for This Young CEO Azeem isn't stopping at one agency. He's already planning to expand into dance education, offering workshops and classes for kids and teens. His goal? To create a pipeline from beginner to professional, all within Northern Ireland. "I want to see more young people choose dance as a career," he says. "Not just as a hobby, but as something they can build a life around." For studio owners, choreographers, and dance professionals in the US, Azeem's story is a reminder: you don't need to be in a big city to make a big impact. Sometimes, the best moves come from the most unexpected places.