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:
✔️ 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!