The culture of your dance studio should be a major consideration when it comes to hiring new instructors. After all, teaching experience isn’t the only thing that matters! You’ll also want to make sure an interviewee fits with your overall philosophy when it comes to interacting with students (and parents!) and teaching dance. Here are […]
Dance teachers aren’t dummies. As in every other industry, the importance of social media for growing a business is not lost on any of us. It’s in knowing exactly how to use it effectively that’s the challenge. For a group of artists who work within the confines of centuries-old techniques, it’s no wonder we start […]
Q: Our recitals are too long when we have both competition and recreational dancers performing, so I’m considering having two separate performances. Do you have any advice on how to do this without creating drama? A: If you get a reputation in the community for long shows, it can have a negative impact on attracting […]
Do you have new preschool students enrolling in your upcoming dance year? These tiny dancers just beginning their movement journey are poised to become part of your studio community for the next decade or more. Keep in mind that dance class may be one of the first times a child under age 5 has been […]
Dance studios everywhere are looking for new ways to support the latest generation of dancers and dance parents. These Generation Z-ers and millennials need a little extra to hold their attention and keep them coming back to dance class year in and year out. Aside from strengthening their technique, imbuing their hearts with a passion […]
Q: Last season I had three dancers on my junior team who struggled all year. They’ve trained with me for years, yet they keep sliding farther behind their classmates. What should I do? A: It’s not uncommon for dancers who start on the same level when they are 5-year-old minis to progress beyond that at […]
Jacki Ford recently wrapped up the first year of her new studio, District Dance NYC, a new dance training program for kids ages 3–10 in the Financial District of Manhattan. Starting a studio at any location in the country is a major undertaking, but taking it on in New York City contains a whole other […]
We all know that we need to include agreements in our contracts that address tuition, billing and changing or dropping classes, but what about the nitty-gritty details you may not have considered? You don’t want to get caught off-guard by a lawsuit or uncooperative parent simply because you didn’t cover your bases. To help you […]
Q: It seems like all the studios around me are dealing with falling-outs related to teacher drama. How can I create an atmosphere in my studio where this won’t happen? A: Open communication is key. Parents will naturally advocate for their children, especially if they are concerned about any unfairness coming from any member of […]
Joanne Chapman gave an entertaining rendition of what not to say during a parent/studio director conversation at the New York City Dance Teacher Summit. This panel was created by our team of studio-owner ambassadors, including Chapman and Dani Rosenberg, Becca Moore, Carole Royal, Sue Sampson-Dalena and Jody Phillips. While we enjoyed laughing at the absurd […]