Taking Care of Business
June 1, 2014

I look forward every year to working on the studio business issue. Although we discuss business every month, June is when we dive in head first. We’re pleased to bring you the story of how Joffrey Ballet School in New York has completely transformed its organization to better meet the demands of 21st-century dance training. After operating quietly in Greenwich Village since the 1950s, the school has raised its visibility and broadened its curriculum. In “The Fall and Rise of Joffrey Ballet School,” business editor Rachel Rizzuto tells how—and why—they did it.

There are few topics that rankle studio directors more than competition from a former staff member. How can you protect your business? Turns out that becoming a better manager can go a lot farther than using the typical noncompete or nondisclosure agreement. See “Why Noncompetes Rarely Work.”

It’s Father’s Day. While you’re honoring the men in your life, don’t forget the men of your studio family. In “Beyond the Daddy Daughter Dance,” Nancy Wozny chats with three studio directors about the best ways to tap into this valuable source of volunteers. “Dads like having something to do other than waiting around for the kids,” says Amanda Plesa of In Motion Dance Project in Orlando.

And yet, we’re not strictly business this month. As in every issue of Dance Teacher, our pages are filled with advice and information for educators working in a variety of settings. For instance, check out Aaron Tolson’s elegant instruction, in “How I Teach Rhythm Tap.” And if you find yourself with a class filled with dancers of different levels, you’ll want to take note of “One Class Fits All.”

Attention studio owners: We consistently hear that one of the best things about our Dance Teacher Summit (August 1–3, New York City) is the exclusive studio owners’ forum that kicks off the conference. Don’t miss this chance to share your successes, your challenges and your questions with other dance studio owners. You must be an owner to attend, and the session is moderated by a team of industry veterans—the Ambassadors—whom you’ve met in our monthly interviews, “Seen and Heard at the Dance Teacher Summit.” Danceteachersummit.com

Photo by Matthew Murphy

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