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. As we continue to move into the future, we need to ensure we are championing ourselves and our teams as we continue to make decisions that will determine the future success of our studios.
STOP MAKING EXCUSES
During the pandemic, we’ve had a lot of things happen to our industry. In the beginning, it was scary, unsettling, and unknown. While it can be easy to feel victimized and vulnerable, NOW is the time to take control of your circumstances and set yourself up for future success.
- Every day, we gain more knowledge. We have to use it to propel ourselves forward.
- Keep in mind that the pandemic affected EVERYONE in different ways. Avoid making excuses and be empathetic in hearing others’ stories, as well.
- Inventory your systems, protocols, and operations and make sure everything is operating at your expected level of excellence. If you disagree with something or it doesn’t fit or contribute to the growth and development of your business: Change it!
PICK UP THE PACE
As things slowly start to normalize, be prepared to pick up the pace.
- Because there have been many months of atypical operations, prepare yourself, your team, and your students for the upcoming change of pace.
- As we prepare for performances, be prepared to re-educate students, families, and staff on the expectations, especially since there may still be modifications in place. Communication is key.
- Do not delay scheduling and enrollment cycles. Be ahead of the game.
PRACTICE GOOD HABITS
Over the past year, many people have formed new habits, some good and some bad. Offer training sessions to reinforce positive behavior within your community.
- For Goals: Are you ahead, on time, or behind?
- For Self-Awareness: Are people making positive contributions to getting your studio back on track or are they hindering the pace/ development of the brand?
- For Health (Mental & Physical): Are you taking care of your mind and body? How are you supporting your return to performance?
- Lead By Example: Let your actions positively motivate your people.
Keep in mind: the windshield of your car is bigger than the rear window of your car for a reason. Know what is behind you, but keep your focus forward!
Give yourself grace for the trips and stumbles of the past and invest your energy into doing what we do best: changing children’s lives through dance!
FALLING DOES NOT EQUAL FAILURE!
Looking for more great ideas from Chasta? Check out the following articles:
- Time to Get It Done: Bossing Up and Being Present
- Making the Most of Your Minutes: Planning with Purpose
- Spread Some Sparkle!
- The Studio Owner Dance Recital Survival Guide
Chasta Hamilton is the Owner/Artistic Director of Stage Door Dance Productions in Raleigh, NC. She authored the best-selling book Trash The Trophies: How to Win Without Losing Your Soul. Later this spring, her TEDx talk “You Weren’t Built to Break” will debut, combining her passion for performance with the necessity of resilience.
Follow Chasta on Instagram at @chastahamilton or @stagedoordanceproductions or via her website www.chastahamilton.com.
