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!

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!

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.

Teacher of Teachers: Hiring and Management

Congratulations! You’re a Dance Studio Owner. That means you’ve stepped into a new role I like to call the “Teacher of Teachers.” Your number one responsibility is to inspire, motivate, and equip your staff with the resources they need to succeed.

As a recovering one-woman show, I’ve learned to set up the following foundational elements in my business to streamline hiring and management:

1. Systems

Having a reliable system is key to consistency and efficiency. I use Twinkle Star Dance, a video-based curriculum for my preschool and school-aged classes. It includes monthly themes, skill progressions, and engaging class combinations, making it easy for teachers to deliver high-quality instruction.

2. Annual Training

I host annual training sessions to keep my staff well-prepared and aligned:

• January: Focus on recital choreography.

• May: Prepare for summer camp and review the upcoming season’s curriculum.

• September: Update fall curriculum and rehearse holiday show choreography.

These sessions ensure my team is confident and ready for each phase of the year.

3. Weekly Meetings

Every Tuesday, I hold a standing staff meeting via Zoom. These meetings cover curriculum updates, studio reminders, upcoming events, and any questions or challenges that need addressing. Consistent communication is vital to keeping everyone on the same page.

4. Office Hours

I maintain designated office hours throughout the week for one-on-one meetings with staff. This time allows my team to bring up individual concerns, seek guidance, or collaborate on new ideas in a structured and supportive environment.

Join Me for More Insights

If you’re looking for additional strategies and time to recharge, join me at the Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat July 18-20, 2024, at the Omni Royal Orleans. This weekend getaway is designed to help studio owners reconnect, learn, and grow their businesses.

Check back next week as I share my tips for Gaining a Competitive Edge in a Saturated Market.

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.