Teacher of Teachers: Hiring and Management

Congratulations! You’re a Dance Studio Owner. That means you’ve stepped into a new role I like to call the “Teacher of Teachers.” Your number one responsibility is to inspire, motivate, and equip your staff with the resources they need to succeed.

As a recovering one-woman show, I’ve learned to set up the following foundational elements in my business to streamline hiring and management:

1. Systems

Having a reliable system is key to consistency and efficiency. I use Twinkle Star Dance, a video-based curriculum for my preschool and school-aged classes. It includes monthly themes, skill progressions, and engaging class combinations, making it easy for teachers to deliver high-quality instruction.

2. Annual Training

I host annual training sessions to keep my staff well-prepared and aligned:

• January: Focus on recital choreography.

• May: Prepare for summer camp and review the upcoming season’s curriculum.

• September: Update fall curriculum and rehearse holiday show choreography.

These sessions ensure my team is confident and ready for each phase of the year.

3. Weekly Meetings

Every Tuesday, I hold a standing staff meeting via Zoom. These meetings cover curriculum updates, studio reminders, upcoming events, and any questions or challenges that need addressing. Consistent communication is vital to keeping everyone on the same page.

4. Office Hours

I maintain designated office hours throughout the week for one-on-one meetings with staff. This time allows my team to bring up individual concerns, seek guidance, or collaborate on new ideas in a structured and supportive environment.

Join Me for More Insights

If you’re looking for additional strategies and time to recharge, join me at the Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat July 18-20, 2024, at the Omni Royal Orleans. This weekend getaway is designed to help studio owners reconnect, learn, and grow their businesses.

Check back next week as I share my tips for Gaining a Competitive Edge in a Saturated Market.

Meet Tiffany Henderson

Tiffany Henderson is a leader in the dance industry and a seasoned business expert. She owns and operates multiple Tiffany’s Dance Academy locations in Northern California. Her video-based teacher training system and curriculum, Twinkle Star Dance, is currently implemented in over 300 dance studios worldwide.

Top 5 Pain Points of Owning a Dance Studio: Work/Life Balance

It’s Tuesday and I’m deep in the whirlwind that is January at my dance studios. I’m creating and setting choreography for our spring recitals, running promotions for new students, taking inventory of classes, planning the schedule for the new season, and onboarding new teachers and staff. To keep myself motivated, I glance at my to-do list and add, “Book flights to Paris” for a well-deserved September getaway.

Through my connections with studio owners in the Twinkle Star Dance community, my Diamond Circle coaching clients, and Dance the Dream parade events, I’ve found that many of us face the same five challenges:

1. Work/Life Balance

2. Financial Instability

3. Hiring and Management

4. Gaining a Competitive Edge in Saturated Markets

5. Keeping Up with Trends

Having owned and operated multiple successful studio locations for decades, I’ve experienced my fair share of ups and downs. Here, I’ll focus on the first challenge: Work/Life Balance and offer some practical solutions.

Work/Life Balance

Ask yourself: Is your studio running you, or are you running your studio? If it feels like the studio is in charge, it’s time to make some changes. Here are my top strategies:

1. Set Boundaries

Make a list of your non-negotiables and stick to it. When my children were young, I committed to picking them up from school every day and reserved Thursday evenings for family dinners. These small but significant boundaries ensured I stayed present for my family while managing a thriving business.

2. Treat It Like a Full-Time Job

Hold regular office hours in a dedicated workspace. Identify your most productive times of day and prioritize the one critical task you need to accomplish daily. Consistency in this approach will help you feel more in control of your schedule.

3. Utilize Systems and Delegate

Today’s technology offers countless tools to streamline small business operations. Invest in platforms that simplify scheduling, payroll, and communication. Hire the right team, establish clear processes, and trust them to handle tasks you don’t need to manage personally.

4. Build a Supportive Community

Connect with like-minded studio owners at live events to share ideas and find encouragement. Having a network of peers who understand your challenges can make all the difference during the busiest seasons.

Join Me for More Insights

If you’re looking for actionable advice and a chance to recharge, I invite you to join me at the Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat this summer. It’s happening July 18-20, 2025, at the stunning Omni Royal Orleans in the heart of the French Quarter. This weekend getaway is designed for dance studio owners to reconnect, learn, and grow their businesses.

Check back next week when I’ll share my tips for tackling Financial Instability.

Meet Tiffany Henderson

Tiffany Henderson is a leader in the dance industry and a seasoned business expert. She owns and operates multiple Tiffany’s Dance Academy locations in Northern California. Her video-based teacher training system and curriculum, Twinkle Star Dance, is currently implemented in over 300 dance studios worldwide.

Business Seminars at Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat

We are thrilled to announce an exclusive lineup of business seminars curated to inspire and empower dance studio owners and educators at the upcoming Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat, taking place on July 20-21, 2024, at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. Presented by Tiffany Henderson and Twinkle Star Dance, Pinnacle promises to equip attendees with invaluable tools and knowledge to enhance their studio operations and foster growth in the dance community.

Exciting Topics to Explore:

• What is "Grit" and How to Get More for You and Your Dancers: Dive into the concept of grit and learn practical strategies to cultivate resilience both personally and among your dancers.

• Studio Owner Only Session: The Power of Positivity: Discover the transformative power of positivity in leadership and its impact on studio culture and success.

• How to Create Content Faster and Better Using AI (Paid & Organic) with Jennifer Randall: Explore innovative ways to leverage artificial intelligence for efficient content creation, essential for digital marketing success.

• Paths to Empowerment and Leadership with Christine Dion: Gain insights into fostering female empowerment within your studio community and beyond, promoting inclusivity and growth.

• Balancing Learning Differences in Dancers and Insights from a New Twinkle Star Teacher: Learn strategies to accommodate learning differences among dancers and benefit from firsthand experiences shared by a new Twinkle Star teacher.

• Social and Emotional Development in Preschoolers: Understand the importance of social and emotional development in preschool-aged dancers and how to support their growth effectively.

• Taking Risks - From Idea to Implementation: Explore the journey from conceptualizing ideas to successfully implementing them, fostering innovation and growth in your studio.

• Managing an Admin Team with Boundaries and Care: Discover best practices for managing administrative teams with compassion while maintaining effective boundaries, crucial for a harmonious work environment.

Why Attend?

These seminars are designed not only to enrich your professional knowledge but also to provide practical tools that you can immediately implement in your dance studio. Whether you are looking to enhance your digital marketing strategies, improve student engagement, or strengthen your leadership skills, the Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat offers invaluable insights tailored to meet your needs.

Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to network with industry leaders, gain fresh perspectives, and elevate your studio to new heights of success. Join us at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, on July 20-21, 2024, for an unforgettable experience that will inspire, educate, and empower.

For more information and to register, visit Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat. We look forward to seeing you there!

Dance Educators, Gear Up for Success with Pinnacle Dance Conference & Retreat

As we gear up for an exciting new dance season, it’s crucial to reflect on the importance of preparation and professional development. Whether you're a seasoned instructor or just starting out, continuous learning and certification can significantly impact your teaching prowess and the success of your dance studio.

Importance of Dance Teacher Training and Certification

Why is teacher training and certification so vital? Simply put, it ensures that you are equipped with the latest techniques, trends, and educational methodologies in dance instruction. As educators, our role goes beyond just teaching dance steps; we inspire creativity, nurture talent, and shape young minds. Professional training enhances our ability to deliver high-quality education and create meaningful experiences for our students.

Pinnacle Dance Conference & Retreat

I am thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity to elevate your teaching skills: the Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat, hosted by Tiffany Henderson. This year, the conference will be held on July 20-21, 2024, at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. Tiffany Henderson, renowned for her expertise and passion in dance education, offers a comprehensive program designed to empower dance educators like you.

The conference welcomes attendees both in person and virtually, making it accessible for educators worldwide to participate and benefit from Tiffany’s invaluable insights.

Key Highlights and Learning Opportunities

At the conference, Tiffany will share her expert tips on adapting a preschool dance curriculum, a crucial aspect of nurturing young dancers effectively. Her strategies include weekly meetings with teachers, conducting classroom observations, and regular check-ins to ensure alignment and support throughout the season.

These proactive measures not only enhance teaching effectiveness but also foster a collaborative and supportive environment within your dance studio. By implementing Tiffany’s recommendations, you can set the stage for a successful and enriching dance season ahead.

Why Attend?

Attending the Pinnacle Dance Conference isn’t just about professional development; it’s about investing in yourself and your students’ futures. The knowledge and skills gained will not only enrich your teaching but also elevate the overall experience for your students, fostering a lifelong love for dance.

Registration Details

Ready to take your dance teaching to the next level? Register now for the Pinnacle Dance Conference & Retreat. Early registration is encouraged to secure your place and take advantage of this transformative learning opportunity.

For more information and to register, visit Twinkle Star Dance.

As we embark on this new dance season, let’s commit to continuous growth, excellence in education, and creating magical moments for our students. Together, we can make this season the best one yet!

Meet Tiffany Henderson 

Tiffany Henderson is an industry leader and dance business expert. Tiffany owns and operates multiple Tiffany's Dance Academy locations in Northern California. Her video-based teacher training system and curriculum, Twinkle Star Dance, is currently implemented in 300+ dance studios worldwide.