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.

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.

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.

Experience the Magic: The Benefits of Attending Pinnacle for Studio Owners and Teachers

In the vibrant world of dance, there's an undeniable allure to the magic that unfolds in class and on stage. For dance studio owners and teachers, attending live events isn't just about enjoying the seminars—it's about tapping into a wellspring of inspiration and knowledge that can elevate their craft to new heights. Let's dive into the myriad benefits of experiencing dance firsthand at Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat:

1. Igniting Creativity: There's something special about witnessing the energy, emotion, and sheer artistry of dancers in real-time. Being present allows studio owners and teachers to soak in the creativity and innovation on display, sparking fresh ideas for choreography, music selection, and teaching techniques. It's like adding fuel to the creative fire, inspiring new directions and approaches in their own dance studios.

2. Networking Opportunities: Live events aren't just about what happens there—they're also bustling hubs of networking activity. From mingling with fellow dance professionals to connecting with industry insiders, attending Pinnacle opens doors to valuable relationships and collaborations. Studio owners and teachers can exchange ideas, share experiences, and even forge partnerships that can enrich their businesses and teaching practices.

3. Professional Development: Continuous learning is key to staying at the top of your game in any field, and dance is no exception. Pinnacle features workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions led by seasoned professionals and experts in the industry. By participating in these sessions, studio owners and teachers can expand their skill sets, gain fresh perspectives, and stay on top of the latest trends and techniques in dance education.

4. Motivation and Inspiration: Let's face it—running a dance studio or teaching dance classes can be demanding, and it's easy to hit a creative or motivational plateau. Attending Pinnacle injects a much-needed dose of inspiration and motivation into the equation. Hearing success stories and seeing firsthand the dedication and passion of others can reignite the spark and remind studio owners and teachers why they fell in love with dance in the first place.

5. Building Community: Dance has a unique power to bring people together, and live events serve as epicenters of community and camaraderie. Pinnacle fosters a sense of belonging and unity within the dance community. For studio owners and teachers, this sense of connection can be invaluable in navigating the ups and downs of the dance world.

Attending Pinnacle isn't just a luxury—it's an investment in personal and professional growth. From sparking creativity and fostering connections to staying current and rekindling passion, the benefits are manifold. So, dance studio owners and teachers, don't miss out on the magic—immerse yourselves in the exhilarating world of Pinnacle and watch your love for the art form soar to new heights!

Want more insights and practical advice? Join us for a dance studio owner weekend getaway to Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat this July 20-21, 2024 at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.

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.