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 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?

‘Tis the Season for Extra Holiday Events at Your Dance Studio!

The holiday season is a magical time filled with warmth, joy, and festive celebrations, making it the perfect backdrop for dance studios to host special events. Whether it’s a Kindness Month initiative, a Nutcracker Tea Party or a Holiday Mini Camp, these events help bring the spirit of the season to your studio while boosting your business. Adding holiday-themed events can introduce new dancers to your classes, foster community, and provide an extra revenue stream during typically slower months.

Here’s a guide on how to make the most out of the holiday season by hosting events that bring holiday cheer—and so much more—to your studio.

Why Host Holiday Events?

1. Increase Revenue in Slow Months
   The holiday months can be challenging financially for some studios. Holiday events provide an extra opportunity for income, even as students are busy with other seasonal activities.

2. Market Your Dance Classes
   Holiday events give new families a low-pressure way to experience your studio firsthand. These events can be fun introductions for prospective students, allowing parents and dancers to get a taste of what your classes offer.

3. Foster Community and Customer Loyalty
   There’s something special about a community gathering to celebrate the season. Hosting these events allows your students and their families to connect with one another, building a loyal and engaged community around your studio.

4. Share the Magic of the Season
   Holidays are magical, especially for young dancers. By bringing that magic into your studio, you create memories and experiences that will stay with your students and families long after the season ends.

Seasonal Event Ideas to Consider

• Kindness Month in November
  November is Kindness Month at Tiffany’s Dance Academy (TDA), and we’re celebrating it with a series of meaningful activities to encourage acts of kindness and gratitude. In the lobby, we’re introducing a "Kindness Matters" banner where students can contribute by taking a kindness card, performing a good deed, and writing it on a colorful index card to display on the banner. For our holiday potluck party, we’re setting up a "Thankful Tree" with paper leaves, where kids can write what they're grateful for and attach it to the tree. We’ll also have “Find Someone Who” Bingo cards for parents and Color Kindness Cards for kids to foster positive connections in our dance community.

• Nutcracker Tea Party in November and December
  November and December are perfect for a Nutcracker Tea Party, where young dancers can dress up, enjoy a magical “tea” experience, and dance to the music of the Nutcracker. This type of event is ideal for children of all ages and can be a wonderful introduction to ballet for new students.

• Holiday Mini Camps in December and January
  Mini camps during school breaks in December and January provide a fun activity when students have extra time. These camps can include festive crafts, holiday-themed dance routines, and even a small performance at the end to showcase what the dancers learned.

Make It Easy to Participate

Keep the holiday spirit alive by making it easy for everyone to join the festivities. Open your events to current, past, and prospective students, encouraging families to bring friends as a way to share the holiday fun. Consider offering the event for free if a dancer brings a friend who isn’t currently enrolled at the studio—this is a great way to introduce new families to your community!

Marketing Tips for Holiday Events

To make sure your events are well-attended, start your marketing efforts 2-3 weeks ahead of time. Here are some tips:

• Email and Text Blasts
  Reach out to your mailing list, including current students, alumni, and those who have expressed interest in your classes. Email and text messages are effective ways to ensure everyone knows about your event and any special promotions you’re offering.

• Social Media Boosting
  Create a Facebook event for your holiday event and consider boosting it to increase visibility. Encourage parents to RSVP and share the event with friends. Use festive graphics and videos to get people excited!

• Studio Announcements and Newsletters
  Spread the word about your events during regular classes by handing out flyers and including the information in your monthly studio newsletters. Teachers and staff can also mention the events to parents during pick-up and drop-off times.

Creating a Magical Day-of Event Experience

On the day of the event, set the tone by decorating the studio according to the holiday theme. For example:

• Festive Decorations
  Use themed decorations like holiday lights, seasonal flowers, and fun decor pieces that make the studio feel magical and inviting.

• Music
  Play holiday-themed music to add to the festive atmosphere.

• Goody Bags
  Give out small goody bags with treats, stickers, or other small items as a thank-you for attending. This can leave a lasting impression and build goodwill among students and their families.

Don’t Forget to Offer a Promotion

Before the event wraps up, provide a special promotion for new students who want to register for classes. This could be a discounted rate for their first month or a free trial class. Use the event as an opportunity to share how your studio can continue bringing joy and growth to their child’s life beyond the holiday season.

Spread the Holiday Cheer!

The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to bring extra joy to your studio and strengthen your community of dancers and families. By planning holiday-themed events that are easy and fun for everyone to attend, you’ll build a positive reputation in the community, encourage new enrollments, and bring the magic of the season to life for your students.

Happy holidays, and may your studio be filled with the joy and warmth of the season!

Dance Classes for Parents: A Stress-Reducing Retreat

In today’s fast-paced world, parents often find themselves overwhelmed with stress. The demands of parenting, combined with societal pressures and financial concerns, can take a toll on mental health. Dance classes designed specifically for parents offer a much-needed escape and a path to wellness.

The Stress Epidemic Among Parents

Recent surveys indicate that parents experience significantly higher stress levels compared to non-parents. Factors such as a lack of social support, financial burdens, and negative online influences contribute to this stress. In this challenging landscape, dance classes provide an outlet that encourages physical movement and emotional release.

The Healing Power of Dance

Engaging in dance for just 30 minutes a day can drastically improve mood and overall well-being. The release of endorphins during dance reduces feelings of anxiety and elevates happiness. Furthermore, the communal aspect of dancing fosters a sense of connection among participants, making it an ideal environment for parents seeking support and camaraderie.

Tailored Dance Programs for Parents

To maximize the benefits, dance classes for parents should be designed with their unique needs in mind. Implementing a “Follow Me” teaching style minimizes verbal instruction, allowing participants to focus on the emotional experience of dancing rather than worrying about technique. Incorporating repetition in routines helps build familiarity, easing anxiety and enhancing enjoyment.

Creating a Supportive Community

Dance classes for parents can serve as a social outlet, providing a platform for shared experiences and communication. This non-judgmental space encourages parents to express themselves, reducing feelings of isolation. Additionally, the collective journey of overcoming dance challenges fosters deeper bonds and builds a supportive network among participants.

Dance classes offer parents an effective and enjoyable way to manage stress and improve their mental health. By promoting physical activity, social interaction, and emotional well-being, these classes create a positive environment that benefits both parents and their families. Encouraging parents to engage in dance not only enriches their lives but also contributes to a healthier, more supportive community for children and caregivers alike.

Meet Tiffany Henderson

Tiffany Henderson is a renowned leader and expert in the dance industry. She is the owner of several Tiffany's Dance Academy locations across Northern California. Tiffany’s innovative video-based teacher training system and curriculum, Twinkle Star Dance, is successfully used in over 300 dance studios around the globe.

Sources 

Basso, J. C., Satyal, M. K., & Rugh, R. (2021). Dance on the Brain: Enhancing Intra- and Inter-

Brain Synchrony. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 14, 584312.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2020.584312

Britten, L., Pina, I., Nykjaer, C., & Astill, S. (2023). Dance on: A mixed-method study into the

feasibility and effectiveness of a dance programme to increase physical activity levels and

wellbeing in adults and older adults. BMC Geriatrics, 23(1), 48.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-03646-8

Duckworth, A. (2018). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance (First Scribner trade

paperback edition). Scribner.

Dunsky, A. (2019). The Effect of Balance and Coordination Exercises on Quality of Life in

Older Adults: A Mini-Review. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 11, 318.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00318

New England Journal of Medicine. (n.d.).

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa022252

Ratey, D. J. J. (2013). Spark!: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain. Quercus

Books.

Seligman, M. E. P. (1998). Learned optimism. Pocket Books.

The Joy of Dance. (n.d.). https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/explorations-of-the-

mind/202409/the-joy-of-dance

We need to fix parent stress. (n.d.). https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-relationship-

realist/202409/surgeon-general-advisory-we-need-to-fix-parental-stress

The Transformative Benefits of Dance for Overall Well-Being

Dance is more than just an artistic expression; it’s a powerful form of exercise with a myriad of benefits that enhance both physical and mental well-being. Research highlights that a consistent routine of just 30 minutes of dance class daily can lead to significant improvements in overall health, brain function, and emotional stability.

Enhancing Brain Function

Recent studies have established a direct correlation between physical exercise and brain health. Dance, in particular, activates BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) proteins, which serve as "miracle grow" for our brains. These proteins facilitate the growth of new neurons, improve memory, and enhance focus. The New England Journal of Medicine has found that engaging in dance can even reduce the risk of dementia, showcasing its unique benefits as a leisure activity.

Reducing Stress and Boosting Mood

Dance is a joyful activity, and the endorphins released during physical movement help alleviate stress and elevate mood. Norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin—all critical for emotional health—are naturally released during dance. This biochemical response is amplified by the music that often accompanies dance, creating a multi-sensory experience that not only lifts spirits but also enhances social bonds.

Improving Physical Health

While many are aware of dance’s cardiovascular benefits, its impact on balance and coordination is equally significant. As dance engages the basal ganglia and cerebellum—regions of the brain responsible for fine motor control—participants improve their balance and overall physical functioning. This is especially vital as we age, where better coordination can lead to greater longevity.

Building Social Connections

Dance is inherently social. Participating in a dance class fosters a sense of community and connection through shared experiences. The release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone," during group activities enhances interpersonal relationships and creates a supportive environment. This social aspect is crucial for mental health, as it promotes emotional well-being and resilience.

Incorporating dance into your routine offers an accessible and enjoyable path to improved health. With its wide-ranging benefits—from enhanced brain function to reduced stress and increased social connections—dance proves to be a sustainable and fulfilling exercise option. Whether you’re looking to boost your mood, improve your physical health, or connect with others, dance offers a vibrant solution to enrich your life.

Meet Tiffany Henderson

Tiffany Henderson is a renowned leader and expert in the dance industry. She is the owner of several Tiffany's Dance Academy locations across Northern California. Tiffany’s innovative video-based teacher training system and curriculum, Twinkle Star Dance, is successfully used in over 300 dance studios around the globe.

Sources 

Basso, J. C., Satyal, M. K., & Rugh, R. (2021). Dance on the Brain: Enhancing Intra- and Inter-

Brain Synchrony. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 14, 584312.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2020.584312

Britten, L., Pina, I., Nykjaer, C., & Astill, S. (2023). Dance on: A mixed-method study into the

feasibility and effectiveness of a dance programme to increase physical activity levels and

wellbeing in adults and older adults. BMC Geriatrics, 23(1), 48.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-03646-8

Duckworth, A. (2018). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance (First Scribner trade

paperback edition). Scribner.

Dunsky, A. (2019). The Effect of Balance and Coordination Exercises on Quality of Life in

Older Adults: A Mini-Review. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 11, 318.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00318

New England Journal of Medicine. (n.d.).

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa022252

Ratey, D. J. J. (2013). Spark!: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain. Quercus

Books.

Seligman, M. E. P. (1998). Learned optimism. Pocket Books.

The Joy of Dance. (n.d.). https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/explorations-of-the-

mind/202409/the-joy-of-dance

We need to fix parent stress. (n.d.). https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-relationship-

realist/202409/surgeon-general-advisory-we-need-to-fix-parental-stress