Independence Day, Lobby Edition
During the pandemic, many dance studios closed their lobbies and found alternative ways to successfully execute administrative tasks and serve their populations. This shift was a positive change for our dance studio locations. By repurposing our former lobbies, we now have more productive workspaces that serve a variety of functions. If you’re considering doing the same, […]
Five Reasons Why I’m Opting Out of the “Done Club”
The Done Club. Around May or June, if you’re in the dance industry, this phrase starts popping up on social media with the frequency of 2014’s Ice Bucket Challenge. But, for us, it happens like clockwork, every single year. “Made it to the Done Club!” “Meet the newest member of the Done Club!” The “Done […]
The Flow of Your Show: Making Transitions Happen
The flow of your show is key to keeping clients happy and pleased with your year-end performances. The goal should be a quick, seamless, and stress-free performance, which requires a significant amount of time and strategy on the back end. The number one place where planning and flow can go awry is at the transition […]
Falling ≠ Failure: Three Steps for a Graceful Recovery
As dance educators, we know how GOOD it feels when our students persevere. Whether it is the music cutting out during a performance or a brave recovery after an unexpected fall, we champion and encourage their resilience, in rehearsal and in performance. In our industry, we’ve surpassed the year benchmark of COVID-19 shutdowns and challenges. […]
Making the Most of Your Minutes: Planning with Purpose
We all know the song “Seasons of Love” from the musical RENT. It asks, “How do you measure, measure a year?” If you’re like me, many of my minutes in 2020 were measured through processing, applying, and mitigating public health information, applying for grants and funding, and spinning on the hamster wheel of the global […]
Competition Preparedness
Competitions are an exciting experience, but competition preparedness is key. Because without it, they can be an incredibly stressful time. As a studio owner, staff member, or parent-volunteer, you have the responsibility to relay detailed information, expectations, and general reminders of preparedness to our parents and students to ensure a pleasant, positive, and organized experience […]
Dance Class Size: Why 9 Students Are Much Less Profitable Than 8
About seven years ago I was a partner in a business that managed five daycare centers. It was an excellent learning experience, but one lesson continues to rise above the rest: The concept of “break points” in enrollment. And, this is how I learned that 9 students are less profitable than 8! Curious about this […]
Three Ways to Evaluate Your Dance School Enrollment
As I travel the country talking to studio owners the question I hear exchanged more often than any other is some version of: “How big is your studio?” I understand the motivation behind the question and have asked it several times myself. I believe the enrollment size questions are motivated by a few things: We […]
The Debate: Set Barre Work vs. Combinations
Nearly all dance teachers will agree that the barre work is an integral part of ballet practice. However, what many teachers don’t agree on is whether it’s better to do the same set barre work every week or different combinations. This very topic got lots of attention in the forum Ballet Talk For Dancers, where […]
Dance Recitals: Checklist for 2 Weeks Out
Before you drive yourself crazy running around, take a breather and take a look at this checklist of the things you need to do over the next two weeks.
Event Volunteers: Recruiting and Managing Help for Your Dance Recital
Read on for some tips that will help you have success with recital volunteers this spring and beyond.
Backstage Management Tools for Dance Recitals
As a studio owner, I have three lists running in my brain at all times. I’m always asking myself the following three questions: What needs to be done today? What needs to be done in the next 2-6 months? What can I make for dinner without going to the store? (Not kidding on that last […]
How to Create Great Dance Registration Forms
A clear and concise registration form makes things easier for both dance parents and studio owners.
Home Dance Studio: Building a Ballet Studio
Although building a home studio from scratch may sound overwhelming, there are simple and creative ways to create a studio suitable for every household and wallet.
6 Tips for Dancers: Surviving Dance Recital Week
Consider these suggestions on how to survive recital week.