Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat

Book Your Stay for Pinnacle 2025 – Limited Rooms Available!

July 18–20, 2025 | Omni Royal Orleans | New Orleans, LA

Pinnacle 2025 is right around the corner, and it’s time to secure your spot at the heart of the action—the stunning Omni Royal Orleans in the French Quarter!

This historic Four Diamond hotel offers everything you want in a conference experience:
✔️ Elegant accommodations
✔️ Rooftop pool deck and wrought iron balconies
✔️ Steps from Bourbon Street and the best of New Orleans nightlife
✔️ Exclusive discounted rate of $159+/night

Whether you’re sipping coffee on your private balcony or connecting with fellow studio owners at the rooftop pool, the Omni is your perfect home base for an unforgettable weekend of growth and inspiration.

But here's the catch:
Rooms are limited and selling fast! Reservations are first come, first serve, and the cutoff date is Friday, June 27, 2025—but they will likely sell out before then.

🎟️ Click here to book your hotel now »

Why Pinnacle? The Must-Attend Dance Conference for Studio Owners

July 18–20, 2025 | New Orleans, LA

Are you ready to be inspired, recharged, and equipped to take your studio to the next level? The Pinnacle Dance Conference & Retreat is more than just an event—it's an experience designed exclusively for dance studio owners who are ready to grow, lead, and thrive.

What Makes Pinnacle So Special?

1. World-Class Speakers & Workshops
Led by industry experts including Tiffany Henderson, Karen Andujar, and Teresa Bailey, Pinnacle delivers actionable advice and real-world strategies on studio growth, leadership, operations, and the transformative power of early childhood curriculum. Expect deep dives, not surface-level fluff.

2. Real Connection & Community
This isn't a crowded expo—it’s a boutique, high-impact conference where you'll connect with like-minded studio owners who get you. The relationships built at Pinnacle often turn into year-round collaborations, friendships, and support systems.

3. An Unforgettable Location
Let the magic of New Orleans inspire you! From vibrant culture and cuisine to relaxing retreats, this city is the perfect backdrop for vision-casting and rejuvenation. Think beignets, brass bands, and breakthroughs.

💬 Studio Success Stories

"I’ve owned my studio for five years and it completely changed for the better once I began incorporating Twinkle Star Dance! I embraced everything Tiffany suggested and my studio grew from 50 to 245! I love working with Tiffany and Amanda. They are always there to advise and encourage. This is the best decision I made!”
Julie Dickens, JDM School of Dance

"Twinkle Star Dance helped me grow to be a successful studio. The curriculum is so easy to access and give to my teachers. I love the consistency it has brought to our classes. The holiday dances add so much fun throughout the year. I can't believe how quickly our Twinkle Babies and Twinkle Stars classes fill up each year. We have 90 kids in our Twinkle Stars ages 3–4 classes alone!"
Kelly Pfeiffer, Megleo’s School of Dance

Join Us at Pinnacle

If you're serious about taking your studio to the next level, Pinnacle is where you need to be. You’ll leave with tangible tools, lifelong connections, and the confidence to step boldly into your next season of success.

🗓️ July 18–20, 2025
📍 New Orleans, LA
🎟️ Register now

The Benefits of Positive Psychology in Preparing for a Recital Performance for Dancers

Preparing for a recital performance can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking for dancers. The spotlight, the audience, and the pressure to deliver a flawless performance can be overwhelming. However, incorporating positive psychology into the preparation process can make a significant difference, not only in performance quality but also in the dancer’s mental and emotional well-being.

Positive psychology focuses on cultivating strengths, fostering a positive mindset, and enhancing overall well-being, all of which are incredibly beneficial when preparing for a dance recital. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of positive psychology and how it can transform the way dancers approach their performances.

1. Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem

One of the primary pillars of positive psychology is self-affirmation and recognizing one’s strengths. Dancers who focus on their abilities, rather than fixating on potential mistakes, are more likely to experience a boost in confidence. Positive affirmations and reflecting on past successes help dancers acknowledge their growth and skill, fostering a stronger sense of self-esteem.

When preparing for a recital, this positive self-view translates into greater belief in one's abilities. Dancers who feel confident in their preparation are less likely to be overwhelmed by performance anxiety, allowing them to focus more on executing their movements with clarity and precision.

2. Reduces Performance Anxiety

Performance anxiety is common among dancers, especially before a major recital or performance. Positive psychology offers effective tools to manage stress and anxiety. One powerful technique is mindfulness, which helps dancers stay in the present moment instead of worrying about future outcomes.

By practicing mindfulness, dancers can learn to accept their feelings of nervousness without letting them control their performance. Positive psychology also encourages reframing negative thoughts. For example, rather than thinking, "What if I mess up?" dancers can reframe this thought to, "I’ve prepared well, and I can handle whatever happens." This shift in thinking reduces the grip of anxiety and enhances emotional resilience.

3. Increases Motivation and Focus

Another benefit of positive psychology is that it nurtures intrinsic motivation—motivation that comes from within rather than relying on external rewards. When dancers adopt a mindset that values personal growth and enjoyment of the process, rather than just focusing on the end result, they are more likely to stay engaged and focused during practice sessions.

Research has shown that focusing on intrinsic goals leads to greater overall satisfaction and persistence. This mindset shift encourages dancers to put in their best effort, even in the face of challenges, and helps them stay present and focused in each moment of preparation, rather than getting distracted by doubts or external pressures.

4. Promotes a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset, a concept popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, is a cornerstone of positive psychology. This mindset encourages dancers to view challenges, mistakes, and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as failures. In the context of recital preparation, a growth mindset helps dancers embrace the learning process, understanding that practice and persistence lead to improvement.

For example, if a dancer struggles with a particular move or sequence, a growth mindset allows them to approach the challenge with patience and a problem-solving attitude, rather than feeling defeated. This positive outlook fosters resilience, ensuring dancers stay motivated throughout their training and reach their full potential.

5. Encourages Gratitude and Enjoyment of the Process

Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of gratitude—appreciating the small moments and celebrating the journey, rather than fixating solely on the outcome. Dancers who practice gratitude during recital preparation are more likely to experience joy and fulfillment in their work. They may take time to appreciate their progress, the opportunity to perform, and the support of their teachers and peers.

By incorporating gratitude into their routine, dancers can shift their focus away from perfectionism or external validation, allowing them to find joy in the process itself. This shift not only improves their mental well-being but also enhances their performance, as they are more relaxed, focused, and present on stage.

6. Improves Overall Well-Being and Resilience

Finally, incorporating positive psychology into recital preparation enhances overall well-being. By fostering an optimistic outlook, practicing self-compassion, and embracing personal strengths, dancers can build emotional resilience. This resilience helps them bounce back from difficult moments during rehearsal or performance, allowing them to maintain composure under pressure.

A dancer who is emotionally resilient is less likely to experience burnout or frustration, and more likely to enjoy the rehearsal and performance process. Positive psychology’s emphasis on well-being ensures that dancers are not only physically prepared but mentally and emotionally equipped to succeed.

Incorporating the principles of positive psychology into dance preparation provides dancers with more than just the tools to improve their technique—it supports their emotional and mental health, helping them to perform with confidence, joy, and resilience. By fostering a positive mindset, dancers can reduce anxiety, increase focus, cultivate a growth mindset, and develop emotional resilience. Ultimately, this approach creates a more fulfilling and successful recital experience, both on and off the stage.

So, whether you’re preparing for your next recital or simply refining your skills, embracing positive psychology can be the key to unlocking your full potential and enjoying the journey along the way.

Keeping Up with Trends

Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored the five common struggles of owning and operating dance studios:

  • Work/Life Balance

  • Financial Instability

  • Hiring and Management

  • Gaining Competitive Edge in Saturated Markets

  • Keeping Up with Trends

Today, let’s dive into longevity in the dance studio business and the importance of staying current with industry trends. Often, we find ourselves clinging to practices simply because they’re how our dance teacher did things or because "that’s the way it’s always been done."

Innovate with Your Schedule

One significant shift I made about twenty years ago was transitioning from offering summer sessions and camps to running a year-round dance season. This approach allows me to create one schedule that runs from July 1 through June 30. Most parents appreciate securing the same day, time, and teacher for an entire season and prefer paying $90 per month for ongoing classes rather than $250 for a one-week camp.

Embrace Key Trends

Here are some additional trends to consider:

  • Non-Transactional Buying: Make it as simple as possible for parents to register, participate, and stay engaged with your studio. Convenience is key.

  • Mobile-First Digital Marketing: The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and mobile devices dominate. Ensure your website, ads, and communications are optimized for mobile use.

  • Sell the Experience: Focus on the benefits for the dancer—confidence, creativity, community—rather than just the logistics of the class or recital.

Invest in Longevity

By embracing change and prioritizing the customer experience, you’ll position your studio for long-term success. Staying adaptable and forward-thinking ensures your business remains relevant and competitive.

Join Me for More Insights

For more strategies and time to focus on your growth, join me at the Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat this summer. Happening July 18-20, 2025, at the Omni Royal Orleans, this weekend getaway is designed to help studio owners reconnect, learn, and elevate their businesses.

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.

Stand Out in a Saturated Market

Having owned my dance studio for 25 years, I’ve learned that competition is fierce. Parents have countless options for dance programs and children’s activities. The secret to longevity in such a competitive environment? Focus on your area of expertise and your primary sources of revenue.

Play to Your Strengths

My area of expertise is dance, but I focus on the foundation of my studio, preschool dance. I developed a curriculum that balances structure and fun, and I personally train all my staff to ensure consistent quality across every class for children ages 2-6.

We don’t offer acrobatics or gymnastics because that’s not my specialty. My philosophy is simple: do one thing, and do it exceptionally well.

Prioritize Your Revenue Streams

The two main revenue streams I focus on are dance class tuition and recitals. By dedicating the majority of my time and resources to perfecting these areas, I’ve been able to create a sustainable and thriving business.

Each year, I assess my class offerings to ensure a strong foundation. Classes like Twinkle Babies (ages 2-3), Twinkle Stars (ages 3-4), and Twinkle Stars (ages 4-5/5-6) are available at various times each day to meet the needs of my community.

Make Recitals Parent-Friendly

Twenty years ago, I made the decision to split preschoolers into smaller, shorter recitals, and it’s been a game-changer. Parents love that they can enjoy their child’s performance and be in and out in under 45 minutes.

Focus on Your Strengths to Grow

As you prepare for the upcoming season registration, concentrate your energy on what you do best. Whether you’re growing or rebuilding your business, success starts with a solid preschool dance program.

Join Me for More Insights

Want more strategies and time to focus on your goals? Join me at the Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat this summer, July 18-20, 2025, at the Omni Royal Orleans. This weekend getaway is designed to help dance studio owners reconnect, learn, and grow their businesses.

Check back next week for tips on Keeping Up with Trends.

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.