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

How do social connections formed through dance classes affect children's well-being

Social connections formed through dance classes profoundly impact children's well-being across multiple dimensions. Dance creates a unique environment where children develop bonds that contribute to their emotional and social development in several key ways.

Emotional Well-Being Benefits

Dance classes foster emotional well-being by providing children with a supportive community. Research shows that the social bonds formed through dance significantly improve overall well-being, with studies demonstrating that even a 5-week online dance program can lead to measurable improvements in adolescents' well-being and hope for the future. These improvements stem directly from the stronger social connectedness that dance facilitates.

The social connections in dance classes create a judgment-free, inclusive environment where children feel safe to express themselves. This supportive atmosphere helps reduce stress and anxiety while promoting positive emotions. The camaraderie and mutual encouragement found in dance classes help children build a social support network that mitigates stress and anxiety.

Social Skill Development

Dance classes uniquely develop several social skills that enhance children's well-being:

**Enhanced Communication Skills**: Children learn both verbal and non-verbal communication through dance, improving their ability to express themselves and understand others. They develop the ability to read emotions through facial expressions and body movements, skills that extend beyond the studio.

**Trust and Cooperation**: When children rely on each other to perform lifts, synchronize movements, or complete routines, they build trust and understanding that strengthens their bonds. This collaborative atmosphere teaches children to work together harmoniously toward common goals.

**Empathy and Inclusion**: Dance teaches children empathy and understanding as they learn that not everyone learns the same way or comes from the same background. This connection with others on an emotional level encourages inclusion and acceptance of differences.

Long-Term Impact

The social connections formed in dance classes often create lasting friendships that support children throughout their development. These shared experiences and challenges of learning dance routines create strong connections that can last a lifetime, providing children with a sense of belonging that contributes to their long-term emotional resilience.

Research indicates that increases in social bonding through dance significantly predict increases in well-being, demonstrating that the emotional benefits of group dance stem directly from having stronger social connectedness.

Sources

[1] How Dance Develops Social Emotional Skills In Kids https://rugcutterz.com/how-dance-develops-social-emotional-skills-in-kids/

[2] Benefits of an online group dance program for adolescents' social ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11618708/

[3] How Dance Classes Develop Social Skills in Children https://www.rocdance.net/post/dance-classes-develop-social-skills-in-children

[4] How Dancing Can Help Improve Social Skills in Young Children https://www.performingdancearts.ca/dancing-can-help-improve-young-children-s-social-skills/

[5] Dance Classes Can Improve Your Child's Social Skills https://danceclassicstn.com/dance-classes-can-improve-your-childs-social-skills/

[6] Reducing Stress in Children Through Dance: Discover Well-Being https://www.adoredance.london/post/dance-as-a-tool-for-stress-relief-in-children-encouraging-mindfulness-and-relaxation

[7] Dance and Social Development in Preschool Children https://www.danceacademyusa.com/dau-blog/dance-and-social-development-in-preschool-children

[8] How Dance Classes Support Emotional Well-Being https://www.americaskidsinmotion.com/dance-as-therapy-how-dance-classes-support-emotional-well-being/

[9] How Dance Enhances Children's Mental Health and Well-Being http://www.dancedynamicslv.com/dd-blog/dance-childrens-mental-health-well-being

[10] Dancing may be better than other exercise for improving mental health https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2024/02/12/dancing-may-be-better-than-other-exercise-for-improving-mental-h.html

[11] Dancing towards wellbeing: a scoping review of dance interventions ... https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1750984X.2025.2471759

[12] Emotional and Social Benefits of Dance for Kids https://kewschoolofdance.com/emotional-and-social-benefits-of-dance-for-kids/

[13] The Benefits of Dance for Kids and Teens - Jensen Performing Arts https://jpadance.com/2024/10/21/the-positive-effects-of-dance-lessons-for-kids-and-teens-at-jensen-performing-arts-in-milpitas-ca/

[14] Social dance and movement for mental health: A narrative review https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mhs2.62

[15] 10 Benefits of Kids Dance Classes: Unlocking Physical, Social, and ... https://www.principalarts.com/10-benefits-of-kids-dance-classes-unlocking-physical-social-and-emotional-growth/

[16] Helping Children Develop Social Skills with Dance Classes https://dkdancepro.com/dance/helping-children-develop-social-skills-with-dance-classes/

[17] Using Dance to Promote SEL Skills - Edutopia https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-dance-promote-sel-skills/

[18] How to Teach Social Skills in Dance Class https://shannondoolingdances.com/2022/10/14/how-to-teach-social-skills-in-dance-class/

[19] 10 Benefits of Inclusive Dance for Children of All Abilities https://www.moveinclusivedance.com/blog/benefits-of-inclusive-dance-for-children

[20] The Physiological and Psychological Benefits of Dance and its ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9234256/

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!