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?

Back to Basics: Making Money in Your Dance Studio

In a recent episode of the Dance Studio 411 podcast, Tiffany Henderson, owner of Tiffany's Dance Academy and creator of Twinkle Star Dance, dives deep into the core strategies that dance studio owners can use to boost their financial success. Running a dance studio is more than teaching choreography and running recitals—it’s about finding a balance between artistic passion and business acumen.

If you’re a studio owner, you’ve likely had moments where you wonder, “Am I doing this right?” Tiffany’s approach is refreshing: go back to the basics. Here are the key takeaways from the episode that will help you get your business on the right track.

1. Understanding Your Financials: Know Your Numbers

The foundation of running a successful studio starts with understanding your financials. Tiffany emphasizes that too many studio owners shy away from this aspect of their business. Knowing your numbers—your income, expenses, profit margins, and cash flow—empowers you to make informed decisions.

Action Step: Get comfortable with financial statements, or if needed, work with a bookkeeper who can help break down the numbers for you. Review these regularly to ensure your studio is financially healthy.

2. Pricing for Profit: The Key to Longevity

Many dance studio owners struggle with pricing, either because they fear scaring away potential clients or because they are unclear on the actual value they provide. Tiffany encourages studio owners to be bold and price their services in a way that ensures long-term sustainability.

“If you’re charging based on what you think your community can afford, instead of based on what your services are worth, you’re not valuing your work appropriately,” she says.

Action Step: Take a fresh look at your pricing structure. Consider the value you provide, your expenses, and the profit margin you need to not only survive but thrive.

3. Retention is Key: Keep Your Students Coming Back

Attracting new students is always exciting, but keeping them is even more important. Retention is often more cost-effective than recruiting new students. Tiffany notes that studio owners should focus on creating a positive experience for their students and parents to ensure they keep coming back year after year.

Action Step: Develop retention strategies, like offering early enrollment discounts, nurturing strong student-teacher relationships, and creating a sense of community in your studio.

4. Diversifying Your Revenue Streams

Relying solely on class tuition can limit your studio’s growth. Tiffany suggests diversifying your revenue streams. This can include offering dress code, workshops, and special events like dance camps or themed birthday parties. Monetize recitals through ticket sales, digital downloads, and sponsorships.

Action Step: Brainstorm ways to create additional revenue in your studio. What products or services would complement your current offerings? How can you leverage your existing resources to create more value for your customers?

5. Investing in Staff: Happy Teachers, Happy Business

Your teachers are a critical part of your business. Tiffany believes that investing in your staff—whether through professional development, competitive pay, or creating a positive work environment—is crucial to your studio’s long-term success.

Action Step: Schedule regular check-ins with your staff to ensure they feel supported. Offer opportunities for growth and education, which can help improve the quality of their teaching and their loyalty to your studio.

6. Marketing Consistently

Even the best dance studio can struggle without a solid marketing strategy. Tiffany highlights the importance of consistent marketing efforts, particularly digital marketing. Social media, email newsletters, and an updated website can help drive awareness and enrollments.

Action Step: Set up a marketing calendar to ensure you’re promoting your studio regularly. Highlight testimonials, upcoming classes, and the benefits of your programs to engage with potential students.

Going back to basics means understanding the financial health of your studio, pricing appropriately, focusing on retention, diversifying income streams, investing in your staff, and marketing effectively. By focusing on these essentials, studio owners can build a solid foundation for both creative and financial success.

Tiffany’s expertise, drawn from her years of experience running multiple studios, is a valuable resource for any studio owner looking to streamline their business. For more insights, listen to the full episode here.

Why Dance Is the Movement You Won’t Want to Quit

Finding a way to move each day can be challenging, but dance might be the solution you’re looking for. Not only does dance provide numerous health benefits, but it also includes psychological elements that make it a sustainable and enjoyable activity. Here’s why once you start dancing, you might find it hard to stop.

The Joy of Movement and Music

One of the most compelling reasons to stick with dance is the sheer joy it brings. Dance classes often involve music, which enhances the experience by stimulating areas of the brain linked to reward. This combination creates a multi-sensory experience that releases endorphins, leading to improved mood and reduced stress. According to recent research, this joy and emotional upliftment linger long after the class ends, making you eager to return for more.

The Upward Spiral Theory

Dance can trigger what’s known as the Upward Spiral Theory of Lifestyle Change. This concept suggests that positive emotions generated by dance lead to a cycle of continued engagement and openness to new experiences. As you feel better, you're more likely to continue dancing, which in turn enhances your well-being even further. This ongoing positive reinforcement makes dance a compelling activity that’s easy to keep up with.

Sense of Achievement and Connection

Dance classes are structured to provide a sense of achievement. Whether it’s mastering a new routine or successfully executing a new skill, the feeling of accomplishment boosts motivation. Additionally, dancing with others creates a shared sense of community and connection, further enhancing the appeal of regular participation. The emotional bonds formed with fellow dancers and the collective joy of overcoming challenges together contribute to a positive and supportive environment.

Sustainable Exercise

Dance stands out as a sustainable exercise option because it combines physical benefits with emotional and social rewards. It offers a unique blend of cardiovascular fitness, balance improvement, and social interaction, making it a comprehensive and enjoyable form of exercise. As you experience the benefits of dance, both mentally and physically, it becomes easier to integrate it into your daily life and stick with it long-term.

So, if you’re searching for movement that’s not only effective but also enjoyable and sustainable, dance might be your perfect match. Embrace the rhythm, experience the joy, and discover why dance can become an irresistible part of 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

The Transformative Power of Dance: A Daily Routine for Enhanced Well-being

Are you looking for a way to boost your overall well-being and physical health? It turns out that incorporating just 30 minutes of dance into your daily routine could be the answer you've been searching for. Recent research highlights how dance offers a multitude of benefits, making it a standout choice for sustainable exercise.

Brain Boost and Memory Enhancement

Engaging in dance activates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), often referred to as "miracle grow" for the brain. This protein enhances memory, intelligence, and focus by stimulating the creation of new neural pathways. Studies, including those published in the New England Journal of Medicine, have found that regular dance practice is even associated with a reduced risk of dementia. By incorporating dance into your routine, you’re not just moving your body but also enhancing your brain function.

Stress Reduction and Mood Improvement

Dance isn't just great for the body; it's also a powerful tool for mental wellness. Physical activity, including dance, releases endorphins such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, which help reduce stress and elevate mood. Additionally, the combination of dance and music results in a double dose of endorphins, further enhancing feelings of pleasure and reducing stress. According to recent findings, this combination activates brain areas related to reward and sensory processing, leading to a happier and more relaxed you.

Enhanced Balance and Coordination

Balance and coordination are crucial for long-term health, and dance excels in these areas. Dance stimulates the basal ganglia and cerebellum—regions of the brain responsible for fine motor control and coordination. Studies suggest that regular dance practice can improve balance and coordination, which are predictive of future health and longevity. Thus, dance offers a comprehensive workout that benefits both your physical and mental well-being.

Social Connections and Emotional Bonds

Dance classes provide a unique social experience. Moving in unison with others not only releases oxytocin, the "love hormone," but also fosters a sense of connection and community. This social interaction enhances interpersonal relationships and creates a supportive environment, making dance a rewarding and enriching activity.

Incorporating dance into your daily routine offers a holistic approach to enhancing your overall well-being. With benefits ranging from improved brain function to reduced stress and better balance, it's clear why dance is not just an enjoyable activity but also a powerful tool for a healthier and happier 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