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

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:
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✔️ 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 »

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/

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!

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!