It’s that weird time of year where it still kinda feels like summer, but the routine of the academic calendar is returning with back to school and back to dance. 

In the midst of it all, NOW is the time to say “yes!” to some type of winter show.

Here are 3 reasons why: 

1. People Are Busy.

• People are busy! As normalcy continues to return, this means you’ll need to communicate your winter show expectations in advance. 
• If you feel like the holiday season is too chaotic, you can always consider a show within the winter season. 
• Advance planning is key to making your winter show a success. 
• You want people to feel excited about it instead of feeling like it’s burdensome. 

2. It Contributes to Your Brand.

• This season, I encourage you to evaluate the opportunities where your students perform and shine.
• If you create and produce the performances, it ties back into your brand and makes you a go-to performance institution for your area.
• Buy-in is a WIN.
• Plus, you have control over the outcome of the final product.

3. Another Source of Revenue.

• Summer can be a less profitable time for dance studios. To avoid that strain next summer, consider where can you generate more revenue.
• A winter show is great for multiple reasons: It engages your current community AND it is attractive for new clients 
• With a planned budget sheet, a winter show can be another way to boost your budget. 

The Winter Show doesn’t have to be as big or grand as your year-end event.  Instead, think of it as another way to elevate your programming and your mission. 

A few ideas are a story-based performance, a variety show or cabaret, or a themed performance

Green Light Your Creativity. Green Light This Opportunity. Winter Show = GO!

Looking for more great ideas from Chasta? Check out the following articles:

• F@!* and Other Four-Letter Words to Remember this Recital Season
• The Flow of Your Show: Making Transitions Happen
• The Studio Owner Dance Recital Survival Guide
• Playing the Long Game

Chasta Hamilton is the Founder/CEO of Stage Door Dance Productions in Raleigh, NC, and the Founder/President of the non-profit Girls Geared for Greatness. She authored the best-selling book Trash The Trophies: How to Win Without Losing Your Soul and continued sharing her story in her TEDx talk “You Weren’t Built to Break.” She loves sharing what she’s learned while empowering other studio owners to pursue truth, purpose, and passion in their unique journeys.

Follow Chasta on Instagram at @chastahamilton and connect with her online at www.chastahamilton.com.