dance teacher certification

5 Ways for Dance Teachers to Use Growth Mindset in Dance Class for Children

A growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort—has the power to transform a dance class into a place of resilience, confidence, and continuous improvement. By fostering this mindset, dance teachers can help students of all ages—from toddlers to teens—develop a love for learning and a willingness to embrace challenges. Here are five ways to incorporate growth mindset principles into dance instruction:

1. Praise Effort, Not Just Talent

Instead of saying, "You're a natural at this!" emphasize hard work and persistence. For example:

  • "I can see how much effort you put into that shuffle! It’s really paying off."

  • "You’ve been practicing your leaps so diligently and look how much stronger they are!"

By focusing on effort rather than innate ability, students learn that improvement comes from perseverance, not just talent.

2. Normalize Mistakes as Part of Learning

Mistakes are a natural and necessary part of learning to dance. Teach students to embrace errors as opportunities for growth:

  • "Oops! That was a tricky combination, but mistakes mean you’re trying something new. Let’s break it down together."

  • Encourage students to share something they struggled with and what they learned from it at the end of class.

When students see mistakes as part of progress, they develop resilience and a willingness to take risks.

3. Use “Yet” Language

Help students shift their thinking by adding the word “yet” when they express frustration:

  • "I can’t do a pirouette!" becomes "I can’t do a pirouette yet!"

  • "This is too hard!" becomes "This is hard, but with practice, I’ll improve."

This simple shift helps students understand that abilities are developed over time and that progress is always possible.

4. Set Personalized Goals and Celebrate Progress

Encourage students to set individual goals rather than comparing themselves to others:

  • "What’s one thing you want to improve in your jumps this month?"

  • "Let’s track your progress with this new step—each time you try, you’re getting closer!"

Recognizing small improvements builds confidence and keeps students motivated.

5. Model a Growth Mindset as a Teacher

Show students that you are also learning and growing:

  • Share a dance skill you are working on and how you are practicing to improve.

  • When facing challenges, express your own perseverance: "This choreography is tricky, but I know that if I keep working at it, I’ll get there!"

By demonstrating a growth mindset yourself, you inspire students to adopt the same perspective.

Integrating a growth mindset into dance class helps students develop resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love for learning. By praising effort, normalizing mistakes, using “yet” language, setting goals, and modeling a growth mindset, dance teachers can empower students of all ages to embrace challenges and reach their full potential. Dance isn’t just about perfecting movements—it’s about growing through the process!

Creating a Ripple Effect of Positivity for Parents, Staff, and YOU!

How Positive Psychology Can Help Dance Studios: Creating a Ripple Effect of Positivity for Parents, Staff, and YOU!

A positive studio culture doesn’t just benefit dancers—it radiates outward, uplifting parents, staff, and even you as a studio owner! When positive psychology is woven into your studio’s foundation, it creates a supportive, joyful, and thriving environment for everyone involved.

Here’s how:

Happier, More Engaged Staff – When teachers feel appreciated and empowered, they bring more enthusiasm and energy to their classes, which directly impacts student experience and retention.

Stronger Parent Relationships – A positive studio culture fosters open communication, trust, and a sense of community among parents. When they see their children thriving, they become your biggest advocates.

A More Joyful YOU! – Running a dance studio can be overwhelming, but practicing gratitude, celebrating small wins, and focusing on strengths can reduce burnout and keep your passion alive.

A Supportive, Uplifting Community – When positivity is at the heart of your studio, it creates an atmosphere where everyone—dancers, staff, and families—feel valued and connected.

By leading with positive psychology, you don’t just transform your dancers—you cultivate a studio culture where joy, encouragement, and success flow to everyone around you. And when that happens, your entire studio flourishes! 

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!

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.