The Dance Studio Front Desk: The Front Line to Your Business
Think about your dance studio front desk person(s). Is he/she friendly? Is he/she focused? Is he/she committed to the success of your business? If your answer is: (1) I don’t have a front desk person. (2) My front desk person is not friendly. (3) My front desk person is not focused. (4) My front desk […]
Tips for Streamlining Substitute Dance Teachers
Substitute Dance Teachers. Even the very mention of the words can put one in an anxious, uncomfortable state. After all, it directly impacts your daily operations and disrupts your studio’s organizational flow. How can you make the substitute process easier? (1) Handle all substitutions through your main office. Do not have instructors individually manage their […]
Add a Little Magic with Dance Studio Mascots
Last year, we decided to adopt a “Studio Mascot” for our studio and competitive team. Since we were attending Nationals in New Orleans, we selected a fun-looking alligator, named her Louise, and dressed her in dance-like attire (yes, we actually went shopping for a stuffed alligator). We introduced Louise to the studio with the following […]
Alternating Sides in Your Across the Floor Exercises
When going across the floor, it is important to practice the right and left iterations of skills. A few weeks ago in a jazz class, my students were reversing an across the floor progression to the left side, and the groans immediately started. I stopped the music and explained that one-sided dancers are one-minded dancers. […]
5 Things to Consider When Preparing Solo Dance Choreography
In competitive dance, performing a solo is a significant investment- it requires a lot of time and financial support for choreography, costuming, and private lessons. As teachers and choreographers, it is our responsibility to provide the appropriate framework for the right routine for the right dancer. Ask yourself the following to see if you are […]
Dance Competition Dates: Developing a Competitive Schedule
If your studio competes, you have likely encountered the dilemma of determining what competitions/conventions your studio will attend in any given season. With new competitions and conventions arriving on the scene fairly regularly, there are many choices. As a Studio Owner or Competition Team Director, it is important you choose a well-rounded, seasonal experience that […]
How to Promote Productive Dance Practice
For studio dancers, input typically comes in the form of dance practice (rehearsals, solo lessons, cleaning sessions, technique, conditioning, etc.). Input = Output is an important concept to accept and embrace. When results are measured, it is important to consider this equation. Did you invest the work (input) that was required to produce the outcome (output) […]
The Power of Performance for Young Dancers
I often hear the debate of what age is acceptable for a child to begin performing. I firmly believe that the earlier young dancers can start performing, the more comfortable, self-confident, and present they will become as performers and artists. At my studio, I am completely comfortable putting a 3-year old student onstage for the annual […]
Dance is for Everyone
I truly believe dance is for everyone, and can move everyone in some capacity- as an observer, as a mover, or as a dancer. As dance educators, we have the opportunity to build programming that is accessible to everyone. Once students are a part of our programming, we have an obligation to serve them to the […]
Opening a Dance Studio: Planning the Grand Opening
Now that you’re about to get started opening a dance studio, you have to begin planning your initial marketing strategies to let the public know that you now exist. How will you get the word out? How will people know that you are a credible institute of dance? Before mentioning any detailed strategies, the most […]
Teaching Rhythm in Dance: Ideas and Exercises
Growing up, I trained in all styles of dance and played a musical instrument, the piano. I could easily and proficiently count music, read music, and identify an upbeat or downbeat. Now, as a teacher, I notice that many students, across varying ages and skill levels, struggle with the musical components of dance instruction. Phrasing, […]
Dance Studio Employee Handbook: Part 2 of the Dance Staff Management Guide
If you choose to hire a person, it is important to bring them back to your studio to review your expectations and discuss details in a staff orientation session. In the orientation, you should discuss three things: Expectations for Professionalism Accountability & Preparedness Details of the Working Agreement Expectations for Professionalism You must never assume […]
Tips for Teaching the Chasse Step to Younger Dancers
Chasse is a basic, fundamental skill for dancers. Here are some tips for teaching the chasse step progression. Chasse Step Progression 1) Younger dancers begin learning the chasse as a gallop. We pretend to ride our horses, placing one foot in front of the other and chasing it around the room. Even with my youngest […]
Dance Teacher Evaluations and Replacing a Dance Teacher: Part 3 of the Dance Staff Management Guide
An important method of keeping your staff on track is evaluating their teaching methods in class via announced and unannounced observations. Using a systematic evaluation system, constructive critiques can be beneficial in the following ways: Helping staff members grow as teachers Creating consistency within the classroom, and Providing tips for professional improvement At The Dance […]
Dance Staff Management Guide: Part One
One element of the dance studio that can make or break your business is your dance staff. From executive roles to administration to instructors, every piece of the dance staff puzzle must fit perfectly to implement a smooth operation that reflects your culture, mission, and brand. This begins with the hiring process and leads into […]
