Courtney R. Allen's blog

During the Dance Teacher Summit earlier this month, there was a session led by several very successful studio owners, giving advice on how to form respectable relationships with your students’ parents. And with the start of the school year fast approaching (or already here for some), it would be wise to take note of their pointers before you find yourself in any sticky situations, especially teachers who are still fairly new to the business. Here’s what the ambassador panel had to share:
 
 

Before you fall back into the swing of things next school year, take some time this summer break to brush up on your leadership skills—it just might earn you more respect around the studio and brighten your business’ atmosphere. Here are five aspects that will make you a more beloved boss:
 

 
Still using a friendly handshake to seal studio business agreements? Think again. In this day and age, creating contracts to signify all business deals is a smart move, especially when bringing in guest artists to teach master classes or to choreograph a piece. Developing a contract will state in writing what is expected of both parties and protect you against any legal complications that might arise down the road.
 
 
When crafting a contract for visiting artists, be sure to cover these important points:
 

Seeking extra funds to boost your budget for the coming year can be a daunting task. Why not use this summer break to research and apply for grants? It's always a good idea to first check with private sector and local, state and national government associations for grants, like your city and state arts councils. At the very least, these groups can point you in the direction of other area arts organizations that offer grant money.
 

Today, the Cunningham Dance Foundation announced that a free-to-the-public memorial service for the late choreographer, who passed away on July 26, will be held on October 28, 2009, at Park Avenue Armory (www.armoryonpark.org) in New York City from 4 pm to 9 pm. The Merce Cunningham Dance Company is set to perform site-specific Events at 4:30 and 7:30 pm. These pieces were arranged by Robert Swinston to showcase a choreographic collage of Merce’s repertory.

This June we all lost someone whose catchy tunes and iconic moves will never be forgotten—especially his legendary (and somewhat spooky) “Thriller.” Even a quarter of a century after its release, the song is still a favorite among music lovers, dancers and dance teachers everywhere. And now dance enthusiasts around the globe are taking action to break a world record in honor of the King of Pop.

As many of you may already know, 11 members of New York City Ballet’s corps de ballet recently lost their jobs. Several of the dancers, who are still in their early 20s, made their final performance during the company’s ending summer season in Saratoga Springs, NY, last Saturday. (All 11 were informed this past February that their contracts would not be renewed due to the economy, but each will receive prolonged health care and severance pay.)

Today, the 20 National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts’ (NFAA) youngARTS Finalists, selected as Presidential Scholars in the Arts, will perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and exhibit works at the Smithsonian Museum. And they might even get the chance to meet President Obama, who is expected to congratulate all 121 Presidential Scholars at the White House medallion ceremony.

If you’re in or around the New York City area this Sunday, June 14, stop by The Danny Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (located at 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues) to check out Broadway Dance Center’s 2009 Big Brother/Big Sister Broadway Showcase. Tickets are $18 each, with two showings at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

If you’re looking to relax this weekend, tune into the Hallmark Channel this Saturday for the 9 p.m. (ET) premiere of Come Dance at my Wedding—a heart-warming film about one dance teacher’s discovery when she decides to sell her studio.