Teachers on Teachers

School Owners Share Their Wisdom

Goldrush sent a survey to hundreds of dance school owners;  the responses are rolling in. Survey results will appear in the special July/August Goldrush, titled “The Season Opener.” Here’s a sneak peak at what school owners are thinking.

As a school owner, what is the key to your success?

I believe it was the fact that I created a very safe environment for the students. They know that whatever else is going on in their lives they can find safety and love at the studio. I also believe that in order to get respect you must give respect, and I have always respected my students and their parents.

Jane Roosevelt, Longwood Performing Arts, Kennett Square, PA

Believing in the dancers whether they’re child or adult, that they can dance! I truly believe that it is because I dance and teach for the love of it. I know that sounds a bit corny, but I do believe it.

Debra Donaldson, Dreams In Motion, Gananoque, Ontario

We cater to the students’ needs. We offer classes for the recreational dancer, and to the career-oriented dancer. We have a very warm, open atmosphere, with a young and excited staff; and all of our students feel challenged, inspired and motivated to dance.

Jodi Amato, Blanche’s Off Broadway School of Performing Arts, Kingston, NY

What’s the hardest part of being a school owner?

It's difficult to keep up with everything.  I work seven days a week.  If I'm not teaching, I'm working on costuming or doing book work or sales tax reports, or newsletters, etc., etc. My daughter does the same.  We have seven competing lines and she is pretty much in charge of that.  There is never an end to the work load.  Another difficult part is dealing with unreasonable parents.  We don't have that problem often, but just one can spoil your whole day.

Carol Helmer, Helmer Dance Studio LLC, Beldenville, WI

Dealing with the parents.  We know they want what is best for their children, but they need to remember we are the professionals and we truly want what is best for their dancer, too.  Many times they jump to conclusions without knowing all the facts and just look at a situation through their eyes, not through the eyes of what is best for the studio as a whole; only what is best for their individual dancer.

Krista and Kara, Dance Depot, Placentia, CA

Trying not to do it all myself (and burning out) and dealing with parents – especially of children who want it more than their parents will let them – and trying not to focus only on the "gifted" few, to give all the recreational programs the same amount of planning and attention.

Julie Brash, Free Flight School of Dance, Delta, British Columbia

Do you have advice for young teachers who may want to open a school?

Work for someone; do everything you ever wanted to do in your life before you open; and, do it your way. Stick to your personal ethics and desires and don't let anyone else run your business – no matter what!

Dori Matkowski, Dance Dynamics, Walled Lake, MI

You can't please everyone – there's always going to be someone who doesn't like something about your studio, just don't take it personally. Some people out there just have nothing better to do than complain.

Bridget Halvorson, Brigdet’s Dance Conservatory, Austin, MN

Have good organizational skills.  This will help the whole year run smoothly.  Know in advance when your recital will be, order costumes early, have music planned out for class and recital.  Have a payment deadline and stick to it.  I like to use the analogy that nobody goes into Burger King, orders a Big Mac, then tells the cashier they will pay for it next time they come in.  The same should be true for dance lessons.

Mary Beth Dawson, Dance Etc, Kinston, NC

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