Dear Dance Educators

Dear Dance Educators,

We see you. The time, the energy, the love, and the leadership you pour into your classrooms every single day it matters more than you may ever know.

At Twinkle Star Dance, we’ve always known that dance is about far more than steps and technique. It's about people. It's about shaping resilient, confident, emotionally grounded children. And thanks to our ongoing dancer mood study, we now have the data to show what we’ve always felt in our hearts: you are a powerful, positive force in the lives of your students.

Why This Study Matters—And Why You Matter

In a world where anxiety and disconnection are on the rise, your studio has become more than a place to learn dance—it’s a haven. Our dance mood study is tracking dancer experiences across every age, every style, every teacher—and what we’re seeing is extraordinary.

• Dance lifts mood—consistently.

• Students feel safer, stronger, and more connected after class.

• And the biggest difference-maker? YOU.

Instructors who bring warmth, experience, and emotional presence create noticeable shifts in their dancers. You’re not just teaching choreography—you’re helping kids feel seen, supported, and strong.

What Makes This Research Special

Most arts-based studies happen in labs or clinics. Ours happens in our studios—where the real magic happens. We’re collecting weekly mood data from actual classes, then analyzing it in real-time to see what really helps students thrive.

• We’re discovering how things like class type, time of day, frequency of attendance, and teacher experience impact mood.

• We’re learning how to design classes that don’t just build skill—but build emotional health.

• And we’re doing it all so that we can support YOU better in the amazing work you’re already doing.

What the Data Is Saying

Early results are clear:

• Experienced, emotionally present teachers are helping students experience the most joy and the greatest emotional growth.

• Dance is acting as a protective layer—especially for kids who are shy, anxious, or going through a tough time.

• And over time, students who stick with dance are developing higher baseline moods and emotional resilience.

This isn’t just encouraging—it’s transformative. And it’s happening because of you.

You Are the Difference

You may not always see the full ripple effect of your encouragement, your smile, or the way you listen. But our research is capturing it—and confirming what we’ve always known: you are a steady, positive force in your students’ lives.

In your classroom, kids find:

• Belonging in a world that often isolates.

• Self-expression in a world that often silences.

• Resilience in a world that often overwhelms.

What This Means for You

This study isn’t about evaluating you—it’s about supporting you. The insights we’re gathering will help us:

• Refine schedules and class types to better serve different ages and moods.

• Offer professional development based on what’s working best emotionally and academically.

• Provide real feedback that helps you advocate for the tools and resources you need.

We know how hard you work. We know how deeply you care. And we know that what happens in your studio each week is shaping lives in ways most people never see.

This study is putting that impact into words and numbers—but the real power has always been you.

Thank you for being a guide, a mentor, and a light.
Together, we’re doing more than teaching dance. We’re building happier, healthier, more hopeful kids—and that is a legacy to be proud of.

With gratitude,
Tiffany and the Twinkle Star Dance team

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

Enhancing Performance and Dancer Well-Being

Positive Psychology Interventions for Dancers on Performing Company Teams: Enhancing Performance and Well-Being

As a studio owner, you’re likely familiar with the dynamic and often high-pressure world of dance. Dancers, especially those on performing company teams, are frequently required to juggle intense training, rehearsals, and performances. While technical skill and artistic expression are key to success, the mental and emotional well-being of dancers is just as critical in achieving optimal performance. Integrating positive psychology interventions into your studio's culture can significantly enhance your dancers' well-being, resilience, and overall performance.

What is Positive Psychology?

Positive psychology focuses on the strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to human flourishing. Unlike traditional psychology, which often focuses on fixing deficits or addressing problems, positive psychology emphasizes cultivating happiness, strengths, and positive emotions. For dancers, this approach is transformative, helping them not only overcome challenges but also thrive in a highly competitive, performance-driven environment.

By incorporating positive psychology interventions (PPIs) into your dance studio, you can foster an environment where dancers feel motivated, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Key Positive Psychology Interventions for Dancers

1. Strengths-Based Approach Encouraging dancers to identify their unique strengths can boost self-confidence and motivation. Each dancer brings a different set of talents to the team, and recognizing these strengths can be incredibly empowering. As a studio owner or coach, help your dancers discover their personal strengths through exercises such as the VIA Survey of Character Strengths or team discussions about what each individual contributes to the group. This not only enhances performance but also cultivates a culture of mutual respect and appreciation.
   
   Practical tip: Have dancers reflect on their strengths before each rehearsal or performance. During team check-ins, highlight individual and group strengths.
   
   

2. Gratitude Practices Practicing gratitude has been shown to improve mood, decrease anxiety, and increase overall life satisfaction. In a performing company, where the pressure to perform is high, a regular gratitude practice can help dancers focus on the positive aspects of their experiences, both on and off stage. Encourage your dancers to regularly write down three things they are grateful for, whether it's a breakthrough in their technique, support from fellow dancers, or simply the joy of dancing.
   
   Practical tip: Start rehearsals or classes with a gratitude circle where each dancer shares something they are thankful for, creating a positive mindset for the day ahead.
   
   

3. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Dance, like any other performance art, can involve moments of intense self-criticism and fear of failure. Mindfulness and self-compassion practices can help dancers embrace their imperfections and foster resilience in the face of setbacks. Mindfulness, which involves being fully present in the moment without judgment, helps dancers stay focused and reduce performance anxiety. Self-compassion, on the other hand, encourages dancers to treat themselves with the same kindness they would offer a friend facing difficulty.
   
   Practical tip: Integrate brief mindfulness exercises into warm-ups or cool-downs. Encourage dancers to practice self-compassion by reminding them that making mistakes is part of the learning process.
   
   

4. Flow States and Autotelic Experiences Flow is a mental state in which a person becomes fully immersed in an activity, experiencing a sense of deep concentration and enjoyment. This is the optimal state for dancers, where they can feel like they are performing at their peak. As a studio owner, you can help dancers achieve flow by creating an environment that challenges them appropriately without overwhelming them. This can involve setting clear goals, providing structured feedback, and offering opportunities for both solo and group work that allows for personal growth and achievement.
   
   Practical tip: Break down complex choreography into smaller, manageable sections and set individual performance goals. This helps dancers maintain focus while still feeling a sense of progress and achievement.
   
   

5. Positive Social Connections and Team Cohesion Building a strong sense of community within your dance company is essential for fostering positive emotions and collaborative energy. When dancers feel supported and connected to their teammates, they experience less stress and greater satisfaction. Encourage team-building activities that go beyond dance rehearsals, such as group outings, shared meals, or casual hangouts. Fostering strong bonds among dancers can help them navigate the ups and downs of rehearsals and performances together, ultimately leading to better team dynamics.
   
   Practical tip: Organize regular bonding activities like a pre-performance pep talk, group celebrations after successful performances, or team-building workshops focused on trust and communication.
   
   

6. Growth Mindset A growth mindset, as opposed to a fixed mindset, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed over time with effort, learning, and persistence. Dancers who adopt a growth mindset are more likely to take on challenges, persevere through adversity, and view setbacks as opportunities for learning. As a studio owner, it’s important to encourage this mindset by praising effort rather than innate talent. Highlight the value of perseverance and continuous improvement.
   
   Practical tip: Reinforce the concept of the growth mindset by celebrating progress—no matter how small. Encourage dancers to reflect on how they’ve grown since their last performance or rehearsal.
   
   

The Role of Studio Owners in Implementing PPIs

As a studio owner, you play a pivotal role in creating a positive and supportive environment that integrates positive psychology principles. This requires more than just teaching choreography—it’s about shaping the mental and emotional culture of your dancers. Start by leading by example: maintain a positive and solution-focused attitude, express gratitude, and prioritize the well-being of your dancers.

You can also offer workshops, invite guest speakers on topics like mindfulness or resilience, and create a culture of feedback that is constructive and uplifting. When dancers feel valued, supported, and mentally strong, their performance and overall experience will improve.

Incorporating positive psychology interventions into your dance studio can lead to enhanced performance, greater emotional well-being, and a more supportive team dynamic. By emphasizing strengths, gratitude, mindfulness, flow, and a growth mindset, you’ll empower your dancers to thrive both in and outside of the studio. The long-term benefits are clear—dancers will experience improved mental health, a deeper connection to their craft, and ultimately, a more fulfilling and successful performance journey.

By embracing the principles of positive psychology, you’ll not only develop exceptional dancers but also create a nurturing, uplifting environment that fosters long-lasting success.

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.

Reducing Stress & Anxiety for Improved Performance

How Positive Psychology Can Help Dance Studios: Reducing Stress & Anxiety for Improved Performance

Dance is a beautiful art form, but it can also come with pressure—whether from performances, competitions, or personal expectations. Positive psychology offers powerful tools to help dancers manage stress, overcome anxiety, and perform at their best with confidence and joy.

Here’s how:

Encourage Mindfulness & Deep Breathing – Simple mindfulness techniques, like deep breathing and body awareness, help dancers stay present, calm nerves, and focus on movement rather than fear.

Reframe Performance Anxiety – Teach dancers to see nervousness as excitement. This shift in perspective helps transform fear into energy they can channel into their performance.

Foster a Positive Studio Culture – A supportive, uplifting environment reduces stress and allows dancers to feel safe taking risks without fear of failure. Encouragement from teachers and peers makes a huge difference.

Promote Positive Self-Talk – Help dancers replace self-doubt with affirmations like “I am prepared,” “I am strong,” and “I love expressing myself through dance.” A positive inner dialogue leads to more confident performances.

Use Gratitude & Visualization Techniques – Encouraging dancers to reflect on their progress and visualize their success can ease anxiety and boost performance. Seeing themselves succeed in their minds helps them achieve it in reality.

By integrating positive psychology into your dance studio, you create a space where dancers feel calm, confident, and empowered—allowing them to perform with joy, passion, and authenticity. Less stress, more success!

Discover how positive psychology can transform your dance studio into a thriving, joyful space for students, staff, and families. Learn practical strategies to boost motivation, confidence, and resilience—all while fostering a positive studio culture!