Building a Strong Dance Studio Team with Practical Wisdom

Practical wisdom, or phronesis as Aristotle described it, is the ability to make the right decisions in specific situations by balancing moral will and moral skill. It is essential for navigating complex, real-world scenarios where rigid rules and incentives often fall short. In dance studios, practical wisdom allows staff such as instructors and administrators to act virtuously, fostering environments where sound judgment, ethical considerations, and thoughtful actions thrive.

Characteristics of Practical Wisdom

Practical wisdom is a cornerstone of effective decision-making and human excellence. Its key characteristics include:

1. Context-Specific Deliberation and Action: Practical wisdom requires individuals to navigate complex, ever-changing situations. It emphasizes the importance of understanding context and making decisions tailored to the unique circumstances at hand.

2. Moral Dimension: Beyond problem-solving, practical wisdom incorporates a strong moral focus, emphasizing what is good and bad for humans. It guides individuals to act virtuously, contributing to the well-being of others.

3. A Master Virtue: Practical wisdom serves as a guiding principle that helps individuals moderate their strengths, form good habits, and build strong character over time.

4. Rational Judgment Over Procedures: Instead of relying on rigid, formal processes, practical wisdom involves making informed and rational decisions based on experience, reflection, and judgment.

Cultivating Practical Wisdom in your Dance Studio

The good news is practical wisdom is not innate; it is a skill that develops over time through deliberate effort and experience. Key strategies for cultivating practical wisdom in your dance studio include:

• Experience and Experimentation: Practical wisdom grows through exposure to real-world situations, including opportunities to improvise, take risks, and occasionally fail. These experiences teach individuals how to adapt and refine their judgment. For example, giving your administrator the opportunity to create a picture day schedule or recital show order for you to review and provide recommendations. 

• Mentorship: Learning from wise mentors is crucial. Experienced teachers and colleagues model practical wisdom, providing guidance and feedback to nurture its development. For example, allowing new instructors to train and shadow alongside more experienced teachers in dance classes. 

• Time and Practice: It takes years of consistent practice and reflection to develop true wisdom in a profession. For example, I always tell my teachers that as long as it takes you to become a great dancer, it will take equal time and dedication to become a great teacher. 

• Contextual Awareness: Since practical wisdom is highly dependent on context, individuals must learn to understand the nuances of each situation they encounter. For example, if you have a rule that a dancer cannot join class if they are late, but they are late because there was an unforeseen event such as a car accident, empower your administrator to allow them to join the class upon their arrival based on the unique circumstance. 

Building strong teams, particularly in dance studios, relies on fostering practical wisdom among staff and leadership. By providing mentorship, diverse experiences, and opportunities for reflection, studios can empower their instructors and administrators to make thoughtful, context-sensitive decisions. Practical wisdom creates an environment of trust, flexibility, and moral integrity where individuals can thrive both professionally and personally. In doing so, dance studios not only strengthen their teams but also enhance the experiences of students and families, building a more resilient and flourishing community.

The Joy of Dance Without the Pressure: Exploring Non-Competitive Performance Opportunities with Dance the Dream

For dance and cheer teams, performing in front of an audience is one of the most rewarding aspects of their craft. While competitions are often a popular route for showcasing talent, non-competitive performance opportunities provide an equally, if not more, fulfilling experience for dancers and cheerleaders of all ages and skill levels. These performances emphasize personal growth, teamwork, and the sheer joy of sharing your passion for dance or cheer with the world.

One such exceptional opportunity is Dance the Dream, a magical series of performance events held at Disneyland Park and Walt Disney World Resort. These events are designed to offer performers a chance to shine on world-class stages in a supportive and inclusive environment. Let’s explore the many benefits of participating in non-competitive performance experiences like Dance the Dream and why they’re a must for any dance or cheer group.

1. Focus on Joy and Creativity

Non-competitive performances allow dancers and cheerleaders to focus on the artistry of their routines without the stress of being judged or ranked. At Dance the Dream events, participants have the chance to perform in enchanting settings, such as Disneyland Park's Main Street USA or Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom. These iconic backdrops create a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share their passion for dance in a way that emphasizes joy, creativity, and the love of performing.

2. Building Confidence

For many young performers, taking the stage in front of a live audience can be a daunting experience. Non-competitive settings provide a safe and encouraging environment for dancers to overcome stage fright and develop their confidence. Dance the Dream events foster a spirit of celebration, where every performer is cheered on and appreciated for their unique contributions.

3. Team Bonding

Preparing for a non-competitive performance is a collaborative experience that strengthens the bonds within a team. From rehearsing routines to traveling to the event, the shared journey brings dancers and their families closer together. The excitement of performing at a world-renowned venue like Disneyland or Walt Disney World creates lasting memories that unite teams and build camaraderie.

4. Inspiring New Goals

Non-competitive performances often reignite a performer’s passion for dance or cheer. Without the pressure of scoring or rankings, participants can focus on their personal and artistic growth. Dance the Dream events leave performers inspired to set new goals, whether it’s mastering a challenging technique or pursuing leadership opportunities within their studio or team.

5. Creating Magical Memories

Few experiences are as memorable as performing at the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Dance the Dream events go beyond the stage, offering participants and their families the chance to enjoy the magic of Disney parks. The combination of performing and exploring the parks makes these events truly unforgettable.

Dance the Dream: A Unique Opportunity

Dance the Dream events are carefully crafted to celebrate the joy of performance. Beyond their time in the spotlight, participants can take part in activities like exclusive workshops led by Disney professionals, stage shows, and character meet-and-greets. These events welcome teams of all ages and abilities, making them a perfect fit for studios looking to provide their students with a magical and meaningful experience.

To learn more about Dance the Dream opportunities and how your team can join the magic, visit Dance the Dream.

Whether you’re a seasoned studio owner or just beginning your dance journey, non-competitive performance opportunities like Dance the Dream offer a chance to celebrate what matters most: the love of dance, the bonds of teamwork, and the memories that last a lifetime.

Best Practices for Profitable and Enjoyable Recitals

Recitals are more than just a celebration of student achievements—they are a vital revenue stream and a cornerstone of your dance studio's community. By adopting strategic practices, you can ensure your recital is both enjoyable and profitable.

1. Know Your Numbers

Effective recital planning starts with understanding your capacity and maximizing ticket sales.

• Theatre Capacity: Confirm the total number of seats available.

• Ticket Sales Per Dancer: Aim for an average of 5 tickets sold per dancer, adjusting expectations based on past events.

• Show Size: Cap the maximum number of dancers per show to balance ticket demand and audience comfort.

Pro Tip: Use ticket sales data from previous recitals to set realistic goals and avoid overselling.

2. How Many Shows?

Carefully consider the number of shows needed to accommodate dancers and their families.

• Hosting multiple, smaller shows ensures an enjoyable experience for attendees and reduces logistical challenges.

• Shorter shows also keep audience engagement high, leading to better overall reviews and word-of-mouth promotion.

3. Recital Participation Fees

Why Implement a Participation Fee?
Introducing a recital participation fee simplifies financial planning for families and provides your studio with predictable revenue.

• Streamlined Costs: Consolidate costume and recital expenses into one transparent fee.

• Increased Revenue: This approach often yields higher total revenue per student while reducing last-minute financial surprises.

What’s Included?
Clearly outline the value in your participation fee, such as:

• Costume 

• Pair of performance tights 

• Action photos and video

• A recital keepsake, like a ribbon or medal 

Pro Tip: Keep tickets separate from your recital participation fee 

4. Avoiding Sold-Out Shows

Overbooked shows can lead to frustration for families and detract from the recital experience.

Strategic Planning:

• Balance show sizes to avoid turning away eager attendees.

• Create a seating plan that optimizes capacity while maintaining comfort.

Maximizing Ticket Sales:

• Promote your shows early to encourage advanced ticket purchases.

• Consider digital ticketing platforms to streamline the process.

5. Tiered Recital Ticketing

Offering a variety of ticket price points caters to diverse family budgets and encourages attendance.

Benefits of Tiered Pricing:

• Maximized Revenue: Premium seating options typically sell out first.

• Higher Attendance: Affordable options can attract extended family members and friends.

What to Charge:
Research local pricing trends to determine a fair range, such as $15 for general admission and $30 for VIP seating.

6. Know Your Audience

A captivating recital theme and well-curated details can elevate your recital and boost ticket sales.

Engaging Themes:
Themes like Storybook, The Greatest Show, or Footloose with storylines and music the audience knows and enjoys to create excitement.
Curated Costumes: Select high-quality costumes that enhance your theme.

7. Dance for the Whole Family

Family-friendly elements make your recital a community-building event.

Inclusive Opportunities:

• Include a Daddy-Daughter dance or a Mom’s dance to foster family participation.

• Add audience engagement activities, such as a glow party or interactive finale.

Building Community:
These moments create lasting memories and encourage families to return year after year.

Recitals as Revenue Drivers

Recitals are more than a milestone—they’re an opportunity to enhance your studio's financial health and strengthen its community. With thoughtful planning, tiered pricing strategies, and family-focused programming, you can transform your recital into an enjoyable and profitable experience for everyone involved.

Hello, Holiday Season!

As we enter the busy holiday season, it's natural for new student enrollments to slow down this time of year. But don’t worry—January is just around the corner, and we have exciting promotions planned to welcome new friends into our Twinkle Babies and Twinkle Stars classes at the start of the new year.

For now, November and December offer the perfect opportunity to shift our focus inward, nurturing our current studio community and engaging with the dancers and families already enrolled.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing fun programming ideas to keep your dancers excited and your studio thriving through the holidays.

One simple yet effective idea is to incorporate themed props into your classes!

For example, our Twinkle Star Dance classes love using autumn-colored scarves for a choreographed ballet center stretch to “Colors of the Wind.” It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the season.

This November, we’ve added a dance to “Country Freeze Dance” in all our classes, building up to a special Family Hoedown during Parent Observation Week. Parents will be invited to join the fun and create lasting memories with their dancers.

In December, jingle bells take center stage! Our Twinkle Babies adore dancing to “Jingle Bells Opposites,” and they love the sound of the jingling bells as they move. Another favorite prop is the star wand—our Twinkle Stars use them to dance to “Twinkle, Twinkle Christmas Star,” adding extra magic to their holiday-themed classes.

Looking for more inspiration? Learn more about Twinkle Star Dance and our teacher certifications here: Twinkle Star Dance.

Meet Tiffany Henderson

Tiffany Henderson is a respected dance industry leader and business expert. She owns and operates multiple Tiffany’s Dance Academy locations in Northern California. Her innovative video-based teacher training system and curriculum, Twinkle Star Dance, is used by over 300 dance studios worldwide to inspire young dancers and grow thriving studio communities.

The Power of Gratitude: Transforming Your Mindset and Well-Being

How you think about yourself, your world, and others is more important than the actual circumstances of your life. As John Milton famously wrote, “The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.” This perspective reveals the transformative power of our mindset, and one of the most effective tools for cultivating a positive outlook is gratitude.

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude goes far beyond saying "thank you." It’s a felt sense of wonder, thankfulness, and appreciation for life. Gratitude is about recognizing and affirming the good in the world, as Bob Emmons of UC Davis describes: “Gratitude is an affirmation of the good and the recognition that the good resides outside the self.”

It can look like:

• Savoring small joys in daily life.

• Finding the silver lining in setbacks.

• Reflecting on abundance rather than scarcity.

• Expressing thanks to someone who has positively impacted you.

• Counting blessings and acknowledging life’s gifts.

Gratitude connects us to the present moment, strengthens our resilience, and promotes well-being.

8 Ways Gratitude Boosts Happiness

1. Promotes Savoring: Grateful thinking allows you to fully appreciate positive experiences.

2. Enhances Self-Worth: Expressing gratitude increases self-esteem and self-confidence.

3. Builds Coping Skills: Gratitude fosters resilience in the face of stress and trauma.

4. Encourages Moral Behavior: Gratitude inspires kindness and ethical actions.

5. Strengthens Social Bonds: It deepens existing relationships and opens doors to new ones.

6. Inhibits Comparisons: Gratitude diminishes envy and promotes contentment.

7. Diminishes Negative Emotions: Practicing gratitude counteracts anger, fear, and bitterness.

8. Counters Hedonic Adaptation: Gratitude prevents taking life’s blessings for granted.

Mental and Physical Health Benefits

Gratitude has profound effects on both mental and physical health:

• Improves Mood: Gratitude activates dopamine and serotonin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals.

• Reduces Anxiety and Depression: It shifts focus from negative thoughts to positive ones.

• Enhances Resilience: A grateful mindset helps people navigate challenges with strength.

• Better Sleep: Reflecting on gratitude before bed improves sleep quality and duration.

• Boosts Heart Health: Gratitude has been linked to lower blood pressure and better cardiovascular health.

• Strengthens Immunity: Emerging research suggests gratitude may support immune function.

• Promotes Longevity: Studies show gratitude can even lower mortality rates.

How to Practice Gratitude

Gratitude isn’t something that just happens—it’s a skill you can nurture. Here are a few ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily life:

• 3 Blessings: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day for two weeks.

• Gratitude Journal: Reflect deeply in paragraph form on what you appreciate.

• Gratitude Letters: Write to someone who has made a difference in your life.

• Gratitude Texts/Emails: Send short notes of thanks to people who have helped you.

Bringing Gratitude to the Dance Studio

Gratitude can create a vibrant and supportive environment in the studio. Here’s how:

• Gratitude Walls: Create a space for students and staff to share what they’re thankful for.

• Thank You Notes: Send personal notes or gifts to students, parents, or colleagues.

• Gratitude-Based Themes: Center class activities around appreciation and celebration.

• Surprise Acts of Kindness: Empower staff to perform small gestures to uplift others.

• Celebrate Achievements: Recognize milestones and accomplishments with gratitude.

When gratitude becomes part of the studio’s culture, it fosters connection, joy, and a shared sense of purpose.

Why Gratitude Matters

Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good practice; it’s a megastrategy for happiness and well-being. It shifts focus from what’s lacking to the abundance in our lives, cultivates resilience, and brings people together.

By embracing gratitude, you can transform your mindset—and your life. As you explore gratitude in your personal life and share it with your community, you’ll uncover its power to make even the most ordinary moments extraordinary.

So, what are you grateful for today?