Solving Pandemic Problems: Recitals and Show Profits

In a typical season at our dance studios we announce our Recital themes and measure for costumes in October; we continue to sign new students up on a case-by-case basis until we close enrollment in February; dancers perform in the Recital early-Mid June and our season ends June 30. 

As of today we have yet to announce our Recital themes or dates for 2021. 

Because of Covid-19 our theaters are not allowing rentals until July 2021 so we are looking at pushing our recital to late July/early August. For Plan B, we have outside venues. For Plan C we have in studio filming and a virtual performance (much like we did for our Holiday shows). 

In talking with Twinkle Star Dance studio owners each week I know I am not alone when it comes to getting creative with Recitals this year. 

Recitals are an important revenue stream for our business as well as a tangible goal for our dancers and staff to work towards each season. Keep in mind with increased Covid-19 precautions like limited capacity (including performers) we will have to consider our expenses and how to cut costs to produce our shows.

Three quick cost saving Recital tips: 

1. Cut down on Recital expense and/or use your studio as a low cost alternative. 

2. Combining classes for Recital or performance experience will allow you to maximize expensive theater cost. 

3. Use Twinkle Star Dance choreography to cut down on back and forth (your valuable time and energy) with your teachers.

Over 300 affiliated studio owners put Twinkle Star Dance into practice in their business and here is what some of them have to say: 

“We have not done a holiday show in years.  With enrollment down we needed to bring in more income.   By using Twinkle Star Dance we assigned each age group a dance and all the teachers are able to teach the same choreography, allowing us to easily combine classes for our show.”

Carolyn Coskren, Dance Inspirations

“Ms Devyn loves the twinkle star and show stars curriculum, it helps her so much in preparing confidently for her littles and level 1 and 2 classes. She appreciates both the documents and the video choreography that is so helpful and time saving for her in putting together as many classes as she needs to prepare through the week.! It’s a plus that the program is so put together and easy to utilize. Also our parents appreciate knowing that the dance curriculum our studio uses is quality instruction and in progression for each students ongoing dance education.” 

Tanya Kimber, Apologia Dance & Martial Arts

Want more inspiration? Join us live for Studio Owner OVERCOME a two-day virtual conference experience presented by dance studio owner and industry leader, Tiffany Henderson, featuring intimate conversations with women business owners and experts. 

Network from the comfort of your home! Studio Owner OVERCOME is scheduled for January 14-15, 2021 and will contain Live Q+A with Expert Panelists, Business Sessions, and Inspirational Keynote. We will be releasing the schedule and class descriptions for Studio Owner OVERCOME very soon.

Solving Pandemic Problems: The Great Dance Teacher Shortage

What can Twinkle Star Dance do for dance studio owners in the midst of a global health and socioeconomic crisis? 

Enter The Great Dance Teacher Shortage. Does any of the following sound familiar to you? 

• Teacher asks to cut down their class hours because they took a second job. 

• Teacher asks to cut down their hours because they are going back to school. 

• Teacher sends in their resignation letter via email three hours before their class. 

• Teacher asks to only teach online classes, but you only have in person teaching positions available.

• You post dance teacher job listings, but aren’t getting any qualified candidates. 

• You reach out to local universities, but aren’t getting any qualified leads. 

If you are facing “The Great Dance Teacher Shortage” like we are at our studios, you simply can't find new dance teachers. The good news is you are not alone and with the right system in place you can train new teachers - including student teachers - to continue to keep your dance studio business afloat. 

Our proven video-based Twinkle Stars and Showstars curriculum and teacher training system allows you to train Teen/Senior dancers during “The Great Dance Teacher Shortage” without adding extra work to your busy schedule. 

Over 300 affiliated studio owners put Twinkle Star Dance into practice in their business and here is what some of them have to say:   

“I love Twinkle Star dance because it gets my instructors all on the same page and is also a great go to place for quick class ideas.  I am also very very grateful for the support, the ideas, and the subscriber calls with Tiffany.  These have helped me run my business through this incredibly difficult time.  Tiffany is incredibly generous with all of her ideas as well just completely real about what she is going through and to be with others going through the same thing, it is so helpful.  I will be a Twinkle Subscriber for life after all the pandemic support that I have received.  Thank you so much!” 

Jennifer Aversa, Dance Connections 

“Our classes for our youngest dancers were always very good and creative. Twinkle Star helped us get organized with additional material for class, especially the monthly lesson plans and the holiday material. The presentation of the classwork has improved so much on this program! The support of this group under the leadership of Tiffany and Amanda has been incredible during the pandemic!”

Marie Kasuska, Raise the Barre 

“We love Twinkle Stars curriculum and the videos work great for my busy staff.  I have seen so much progress with my younger dancers now that we are consistent with each level.  All the teachers are now teaching the same material and they are ready to move up the following year.  We also love the dress code, prop box and the monthly "speciality" dances.  Thank you Tiffany and Amanda for all that you do to make Twinkle Star stand out and be the best curriculum for young dancers.”  

Terri Sinani, Next Step Dance Studio

Want more inspiration? Join us live for Studio Owner OVERCOME a two-day virtual conference experience presented by dance studio owner and industry leader, Tiffany Henderson, featuring intimate conversations with women business owners and experts. 

Network from the comfort of your home! Studio Owner OVERCOME is scheduled for January 14-15, 2021 and will contain Live Q+A with Expert Panelists, Business Sessions, and Inspirational Keynote. We will be releasing the schedule and class descriptions for Studio Owner OVERCOME very soon.

Recital Readiness for 2021

As Covid-19 vaccinations start being distributed and consumer confidence grows I am anticipating we will see an increase in our dancer enrollment and ultimately participation in our annual recitals for 2021.

Recitals are not only an important revenue stream for our dance studio businesses. Recitals are also a tangible goal for dancers and teachers to work towards as well as an opportunity for dancers to feel successful. Nothing can replace the thrill of performing! 

In the spring and winter of 2020 we explored “Recital Reimagined” with variations of Virtual Performances, In-studio Showcases, Outdoor Performances, Recording/Movie Viewing, and more. What were some of the types of recitals you offered in 2020?  

Ultimately, I was surprised by how personal my virtual and in-studio recorded shows felt and all the positive feedback I received from my dancers, their families, and my staff. Recitals provide a valuable connection to you and your business with the dancer's family and your extended community (even virtually). 

Looking ahead to Recitals this year, we are anticipating being outdoors in June/July 2021 with the possibility of a limited capacity theatre performance.  

This January we are sharing Recital information with our parents and dancers which includes Recital Plans A, B, C… We are announcing our recital theme later this month through a parent Zoom announcement with catchy marketing graphics and information on a dedicated landing page on our website. 

To keep dancers engaged in their classes, I am creating a “Spring Fling” mini-performance in March with dances about bugs, flowers, and rainbows. Dancers will opt into the Spring Fling mini shows and perform in the studio wearing their dress code and accessories either recorded or with a limited capacity audience pending our local guidelines. 

While I have enjoyed “the great pause” and a moment to catch my breath to reflect on over 20 years in the dance studio business, I am eager to get creative and get planning for Recitals in 2021. 

Staying Power in the Third Wave

“Staying Power 

And the greatest beauty you could clothe your body with 

Are the gilded gems of staying power

Like traces of molten gold fusing through your cells 

That which has the capacity to overcome, endure, persevere

And stay ever faithful to the soul beneath the person

To the spirit that cauterizes the flames 

No matter what

And forever more.” 

― Christine Evangelou, Diamonds Through The Dark: The Poetry I Am in Love, Faith and Fire

As a third wave of Covid-19 infections soar and studio owners face restrictions and closures, I want to offer some strength and solidarity. After nine months of operating our business at high stress levels times are getting tough again, but let’s be grateful for the health of our families and clients, the roof over our heads, and the ability to continue to put food on the table. 

There is light at the end of the tunnel as several vaccines are in their final stages of approval and distribution. We have to continue to do our part to keep ourselves, our staff, and our dance families safe. I want you to dig down deep for the energy we need to bridge the gap between now and early next year to keep yourself and your business going - Staying power. If you have staying power, you have the strength and determination to keep going until we reach the end. 

I am confident that as vaccines are made available, consumer confidence will rise, and people will return to dance in droves. Our dance classes and live performances will be embraced like we haven’t seen in our time - The Roaring 2020s. 

Here are five ways to have Staying Power in the Third Wave: 

1. Add Value 

Go beyond offering dance class services. This season along with our modified Twinkle Star Dance preschool and school aged curriculum we introduced Twinkle Stars Kits (curated cases and props) for each of our in-person and dance-at-home dancers. They even get a new prop to use in class each month!  

2. Virtual Dance Classes 

Online dance classes are here to stay, enter Dancily - a 30 minute virtual dance class and activity. Dancily is our brand-new, dance-at-home weekly themed dance class! Dancers ages 2-7 and 5-10 enjoy having a creative outlet safe at home, plus they will have fun with our new weekly themes, choreography, printable crafts, and connecting with friends! 

 3. Make Dance Fun 

Revisit your curriculum and the content of your dance classes. We brought back our Twinkle Star Dance Monthly Passports and Themes for dancers ages 2-12 like “Dance Around the World” and added mini camps like “Nutcracker Dance Party.” 

4. Keep It Simple 

Streamline your recital with Twinkle Star Dance Recital Choreography. Eliminate the hours of back and forth with your teaching staff approving music, costume selections, and choreography. Choose from hundreds of made for stage dance routines (with edited music) plus perfectly paired costumes from Revolution Dancewear. 

5. Find Your Community 

Now more than ever you need a village to lean into and lift you up. With Twinkle Star Dance you gain access to like-minded entrepreneurs through weekly Twinkle Star Dance Coaching Calls, monthly webinars, and live events. Learn more: https://www.twinklestardance.com/how-it-works

Seamlessly transition to virtual dance classes

What is Dancily?

Dancily is our brand-new, dance-at-home weekly themed dance class! Dancers ages 2-7 and 5-10 enjoy having a creative outlet safe at home, plus they will have fun with our new weekly themes, choreography, printable crafts, and connecting with friends!

Why it's important for studio owners and dancers

Dancily is created to be a virtual dance experience. Dance studio owners save on payroll while offering a dance at home membership for families.

How to access

Studio Owners that opt into the Dancily online service receive exclusive access to our themed virtual dance parties for ages 2-7 and 5-10. Cost is $99 for Twinkle Star Dance subscribers and $149 for non-Twinkle Star Dance subscribers month-to-month; cancel or opt in at any time.

What is Included:

• Dancily Marketing graphics

• Dancily Marketing copy and class descriptions

• Dancily Weekly class outline

• Dancily Class links to share directly with your dancers

• Dancily Emails with theme and prop information to share directly with your dancers

• Dancily Printable crafts

Learn more: https://bit.ly/dancily

TWINKLE STAR DANCE WORKS!

We know what works for your 2-6 year old dance program.

Twinkle Star Dance is a proven system, in current practice at hundreds of studios in diverse locations, and will absolutely work very well with your studio. No question. Implement the Twinkle Star Method and watch your studio's recruitment, enrollment and retention skyrocket.

Your teachers will love having these resources at their fingertips, and you will love what it does for your studio.