Permission to Celebrate

I don’t know about you, but the moment I look forward to the most during long recital days is the “after party.” I just completed my 19th season as a dance studio owner and taking time to commemorate the event is more important than ever. As the years slip away, I feel the need to hold tighter to the special moments and attempt to slow the pace of time passing. Depending on where you are in your time as a dance studio owner this message will mean different things.  

I remember being a mom of two young children and just wanting to see the end of the recital, so I could get some rest. Even back then, my husband Paul and I made it a priority to celebrate with a pizza dinner or something fun. Our little kids would come with us, sometimes sleeping at the table, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We were together and it taught our children to exist in many situations, that life wasn’t always all about them, and the value of working hard at something they loved.

We also made family vacations a priority after the dance recital season ended. The expectation of the trip we would take together gave us all energy. It also gave me quality time to spend with my family, free from distractions and away from the demands of the studio. In retrospect, these celebrations and family trips were also the fuel for my continued enthusiasm for my job.

A celebration can be as simple as a small family dinner or party, vacation, or time that you give yourself to reflect and recharge. Often times these “celebrations” are skipped because we are in constant “work” mode with the never ending tasks that continue immediately following our big year-end event called “recital.” It is hard for us to get off the train!  

The other reason we miss our celebration time is good old-fashioned guilt. Do we really deserve to take time off when so many people and tasks require our attention? We already have parents and staff questioning our dedication to their children and asking why we would benefit from the work we do. How would a tropical vacation be received by the mom who thinks I should be giving free solo lessons to her child every day in the summer?  

We consider these questions because we are one giant, collective group of people pleasers, who also happen to be really passionate about our work. The problem is that our work suffers when we do. Time to celebrate and reflect makes us stronger and ultimately more successful - better leaders, teachers, and family members. When we accomplish something and don't take the time to celebrate, we are robbing ourselves of an important feeling that reinforces our success.  

I know we love our dance families so much and sometimes it doesn’t feel like work, but don’t make the mistake of not taking the time to enjoy your life with the people you love and that includes YOURSELF. From one dance studio owner friend to another, I give you permission to celebrate! Go book that vacation and don’t forget to post photos so we can all celebrate together.

Tiffany

Want more dance studio business inspiration and practices to put in place next season? Catch Tiffany at the Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference July 12-14 in Orlando.

Balance and Grace: Using the Principles of Dance to Thrive in Life

Christine Dion, Mode Dion

Learning to balance life with grace is both a personal and public practice. As an educator and business owner the demands on your time can be overwhelming. Working with children, managing their parents, along with your own family and personal life can often leave you drained, even feeling empty with little left for your own well being.

Here are just a few tips proven to help you move through life with balance and grace:

• Personal time- Do not answer the phone when it's not part of the work day. Do not listen to messages unless it's part of the work day. Learn to separate work from personal life. Students, parents, and teachers often respond by calling you for answers instead of taking a moment and thinking things through. It's a reflex and the one hurt the most by it is you. It's surprising how people work things out on their own when they are forced to.

• Get quality sleep-Shower or take a bath at night to wash away the day. Find a pillow that's truly comfortable and spray Lavender on it to calm your emotions. Listen to relaxing music for sleep to calm and focus your mind away from the day.

• Drink water- Your body is dehydrated from a nights sleep. Drink a full glass of water with lemon upon waking to hydrate your body and mind for clearer thinking. Stretch and breathe. Oxygen is vital to muscles and moods. Practice breathing and stretch to get the blood moving.

• Practice gratitude- While your stretching or getting ready make a list in your mind of all you are thankful for as Gratitude is the seed to all happy thoughts.

• Stop negativity- Be kind to yourself and avoid negative self talk. Forgive your mistakes and know they are for learning. Do not think about negative situations or people that cause you stress. You are in charge of your thoughts.

Dealing with Worry and Stress

Thinking of the situation you are worried or stressed about can create the actual response in your body as if it occurred. Don't even go there. Think of the best possible outcome and focus on that and the solution to get there. Instead of worrying…

• Take a Nap- When it all becomes too much to handle and you loose it take a nap if possible. Find a place to close your eyes and step away form the chaos if only for ten minutes to come back into alignment.

• Get a Massage- Massage is a great way to increase circulation and DE-stress. When life is stressed you need a massage on demand. Buy a neck/back massager. It will be the best money you ever spent and can help with those knots and strains whenever needed at anytime.

• Get into nature- When you start to feel the stress come on go outside into nature. Look at the trees how they weather the storms through the years. Look at the birds how they go about their day in perfect harmony. Look at the flowers how they throw all their passion into their blooms of color. You are part of nature and can connect for a moment to find balance and harmony too.

• Learn meditation- Learning how to detach and remove yourself from the chaos of the world around you can greatly improve your balance around others and your ability to control your emotional state.

Social Grace

Social grace and communication skills are a must for those working with the public. Knowing in advance how to read others, listen to others clearly with understanding and inspire others to listen to your message is not only a skill but a gift. Dealing with an angry, rude and disrespectful customers requires a lot of grace. Of course you want to be liked and your business to have a positive recommendation without negative gossip. Unhappy customers can do a lot of damage in a short time by spreading negativity as they try to win others to their side and point of view.

In my workshop I will cover many social communication skills for success but knowing difficult clients are the most stressful here are a few tips to help:

• Private conversation- Do not bring anything negative out in front of others. Negative discussions must be handled privately. Inflamed situations can quickly escalate in front of others. Pull the client over to a private area so it's easier to calm them down. Always maintain a positive public image.

• It’s not personal- Don't take complaints personally. Be objective, empathetic and open minded for a solution. Clients often have other issues going on behind the scenes that have nothing to do with you.

• Listen- We will go over many listening skill tips in the workshop the most important take away here is make eye contact, keep your facial expression pleasant and let the customer speak. Do not talk over them or make excuses.

• Voice control- Use your calm soothing voice to diffuse the situation. Speak slowly and clearly stating you want to find a solution. Your voice sets the tone and the mood.

• Policy- Create distance between you and the issue. Those that use “I didn't know”, “Nobody told me”, “Why can't you?” to not follow your policy can quickly be diffused by a signed policy protocol. When accepting a new student and parent be sure they sign a policy sheet stating they read what is required, studio rules and what's expected. The signature is your proof they agreed to it. This allows you to refer back to “I understand but it's not our policy to do it that way” or “When you enrolled you signed and confirmed you understood that was expected of you.” “If I bend the rules for you I have to do it with everyone. There are reasons we do it this way.”

• Remain Calm- Breathe and check your emotions. Do not escalate the rage instead remain calm, tactful and show a genuine concern. Often just being heard can calm the situation down. Remember your life is not a dash. It is a long marathon filled with an ever changing landscape to adjust to. Pace yourself and take time to enjoy it. See you in Orlando!

Be sure to join me this summer at Twinkle Star Conference in Orlando Fl. July 12-14 in my workshop. The tips below are just a small part of all the great insights, tips and proven techniques to be presented. From learning to balance and manage stress to facing social, client and personal challenges with grace. This workshop will help you embrace your life to the healthiest and fullest potential.

About Christine Dion

Christine Dion has been setting trends in the Dance and Talent Industry for close to 40 years as an Author, Speaker, Columnist, Beauty and Image Expert. After working internationally as a professional makeup artist in television, beauty photography, fashion shows and theater. She became well known in the dance world from her numerous monthly beauty columns in Dance Spirit, Dance Teacher and Dance Informa Magazine’s where her Polished Stage Face became the industry standard. Christine saw a need for quality cosmetics with appropriate colors that are easy to apply for parents and performers so she designed MODE DION Cosmetics & Training. Her book “High Performance Beauty” (published by Princeton Press) is a must have for anyone who steps on a stage or in front of a camera. Christine became specialized in personal development in Los Angeles through her works as lead instructor for John Robert Powers Finishing School/Beverly Hills, New Model Coach at ELITE Modeling Agency, Director of John Casablanca’s Image Center and Owner MODE DION Image Center. Her book “RISING STAR Skills to Empower and Achieve” was the result of those years of training and provides performers the special skills needed for success in the performance industry. Her popular Stage Beauty & Rising Star workshops are taught at Dance Teacher Conferences, Dance Conventions & in studios across the country.

Exclusive Disney Performing Arts Workshop at Walt Disney World!

We are excited to announce our newest Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference event presented by Disney Performing Arts. Join us for a magical, unique Disney Performing Arts Workshops experience at Walt Disney World® Resort for registered conference attendees only on Thursday, July 11 from 3:30pm - 6:30pm. All transportation will be provided. 

Click here for more information and to opt in: https://forms.gle/CPzAQkq8xobp1i2d6

A friendly reminder to book your hotel room at our $125 disounted rate; we are over 50% sold out of our block at this time. Click here to reserve your room: https://www.twinklestardanceconference.com 

If you are ready to register for the Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference July 12-14 in Orlando click here.

Recital Inspiration...A Message for the Brave

May is winding down and I have been here before...a mixed tape of emotions ranging from excitement to exhaustion and the overwhelming thoughts of starting all over again in a few short months. As this season closes, I am starting my 20th year as a dance studio owner.

Most days I feel like my job is the absolute best and yet some days I am dreaming of an escape to a far away land where responsibilities are a distant memory, Canada eh? In past years I motivate myself into the next season with the replaying message of how I am helping change and shape the lives of young dancers. This year it is different. Going into my 20th year I am motivated by own strength, perseverance, and bravery.  

I, much like you, took the risk of starting my own business and family at the same time. I rode the waves of change while steering my ship through calm and treacherous seas. Twenty years ago, I wouldn’t have considered my own strength, nor would have I lauded my own success without giving credit to those around me “helping” me. Twenty six year old Tiffany would have said that I had a “good team” and that the love and support of my family, which I am forever grateful, was the sole reason I was successful. I feel differently now and I see the impact of embracing my own power.  

My sixteen year old daughter recently wrote me a beautiful Mother’s Day card and in one sentence called me a “Boss” and wrote that she hopes someday someone will tell her she is “just like her mom.” She watches me do hard things daily. I am the leader, I gave myself that title, and I am the one who has to step up and do what so many won’t. YOU, my friends, are the same!  You embody the strength and bravery that leads to your success.  Own your power, embrace it, and watch it be carried on in all those who are around you.  

Best wishes for a fantastic Recital,

Tiffany

Want more dance studio business inspiration and practices to put in place next season? Catch Tiffany at the Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference July 12-14 in Orlando.

Giving the Gift of Dance

Repurposing Recital Costumes and Dancewear to Share the Joy of Dance

When the founder of Traveling Tutus Inc.®, Jenna Fleetwood, looked at all of the costumes hanging in her closet prior to leaving for college she thought to herself, “there has to be a better use for these.” After searching she soon discovered that there was a need to connect dancers in North America with aspiring dancers all around the world. Little did she know that the vision of collecting and shipping costumes would become a lifelong passion; the desire to put the gift of dance in every child hands, regardless of socio-economic status. Now 10 years later, Traveling Tutus, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, provides new and gently used dance attire to children around the world to instill confidence, self-expression, and joy through the gift of dance.

Traveling Tutus, based out of Central Florida, primarily donates to children in international orphanages, children's homes, title-one schools, foster care, hospitals, and other non-profits with a focus on children. Always sending costumes free of charge internationally, as well as domestically. In the past 10 years, thousands of children in over 30 different countries have received dance costumes.

Traveling Tutus believes unneeded costumes and dance attire are a precious resource that can be repurposed to bring joy to children all around the world. Through the collection and distribution of these no longer needed items, children all over the world experience one of life's greatest joys, dance.

As anyone involved with dance knows, dance can be used to instill confidence, give joy, and foster self-expression. A once use recital costume tucked in the back corner of a closet can do so much more good if given the chance. Traveling Tutus has always been about helping show dancers how they can use dance to make an impact. Teaching them how generosity can take on many forms, but when you seek to encourage and support others, even something as simple as donating a used costume can do so much good. 

“Traveling Tutus started out of a desire to see my own personal dance costumes go to a better cause. I had just graduated high school and had no idea just how big it would become. Through the years, it has been amazing to witness the support of thousands of dance studios, businesses, and dancers around the country. Traveling Tutus would not be what it is today without our generous partners that support us both financially and through the gift of new and gently used costumes. It is truly a team effort! I love knowing that we are not only providing dancers a place to recycle their beloved costumes but also giving joy to so many little ones around the world. I am honored to get to be a connector between the two!" says Founder, Jenna Fleetwood.

Some ways that you can spread the gift of dance:

Become a Partner

Our monthly partners are the backbone of our growing organization! For $20/month or more you can play a huge part in sending dance-wear around the world. You can sign up at travelingtutus.org/partner. 

Our monthly partners allow us to be able to: 

• Ship costumes domestically

• Ship costumes internationally 

• Use the best shipping methods to make the biggest impact 

• Ship freight to multiple outreach organizations at once

• Add new countries on a regular basis 

• Provide quality dancewear to orphanages, children’s homes, low income schools/studios, hospitals, and foster care

• Share the gift of dance with hundreds of children each month

Financial Donations

If you feel led to give a donation to our mission you can do so at travelingtutus.org/give or mail a check to Traveling Tutus Admin, 213 New York Ave., St. Cloud, FL 34769. All donations are used in advancing the mission of Traveling Tutus, bringing the gift of dance to children around the world.

Create a Fundraising Page

If you love social media, you can create your very own fundraising page to share with your family and friends. Anyone can create a page! You can also create a team and together reach an even bigger goal! To learn more visit travelingtutus.org/campaign

Donate Costume or Host a Collection Drive
Traveling Tutus is always in need of donations of ballet costumes, ballet slippers, new tights (black, pink, tan) and leotards. After gathering your items, please visit travelingtutus.org/donate for shipping instructions and to fill out our gift-in-kind form. 

Ready to Donate? Traveling Tutus will be accepting donations at Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference in Orlando July 12-14. Learn more information and register here: https://www.twinklestardanceconference.com