Greg

The Voice of Fear

I follow the Facebook pages and groups. I sign up for the seminars and learning opportunities. I attend the Dancelife Teacher Conference. I am a part of the Gold Alliance. I listen to my mentors. I take copious notes. I am inspired by business leaders. My notes are copious. I’m excited. There are so many…

Coffee Talk: Episode 17

Looking for fresh ideas for the classroom and biz? This is going to inspire you, guaranteed!

Coffee Talk: Episode 16

Join us for a conversation on how we can inspire the young women who dance to prepare for their greatness!

Combating Spring Fever

It is that time of year again, the time that our students all get spring fever and have trouble focusing and staying engaged in class. In the Midwest, this starts happening in late February and continues until late April as the weather is not great, but we all want it to be. There are several…

Family First

I’ve had my dance studio for 10 years, and I have (maybe) missed 4 or 5 days of work. I only missed if I was DEAD sick, having designed the rest of my life so as not to conflict with my being at the studio. Until this year… COVID got me in late January, and…

5 Tips for Teaching Preschoolers Choreography

Challenges with learning choreography for performance include short attention spans, lack of interest, complicated movement and formations, and difficulties remembering material. Today, I’m sharing five tips to not only improve the choreographic experience with your little ones, but to also bring light to realistic expectations across three different developmental stages. I will list these stages…

Coffee Talk: Episode 15

Get ready to be inspired by some of the dance community’s most respected leaders. Each has established a (or several) successful businesses. How do they do it? What gives them the confidence to succeed? We discuss these questions and more.

Coffee Talk: Episode 14

We know that our dance friends often become our lifetime friends. It’s a connection that is hard to describe. Melissa and Sandi share their years of memories as young dancers, colleagues and best friends.

Coffee Talk: Episode 13

Join us for this special session with Dr. Claudette Demers-Gendreau, PsyD, Debra Steele and Rhee. Settle in on a mindset to focus on YOU in an effort to be the best version of yourself both in and out of the studio.

Coffee Talk: Episode 12

Rhee chats with I.D.E.A. members and others in the dance community to share stories, ideas and inspiration. In this episode, Rhee is joined by Julie Kay Stallcup & Tessa Zimmora.

Coffee Talk: Episode 11

Rhee chats with I.D.E.A. members and others in the dance community to share stories, ideas and inspiration. In this episode, Rhee is joined by Diane Gudat & Scott Sisbarro.

Coffee Talk: Episode 10

Rhee chats with I.D.E.A. members and others in the dance community to share stories, ideas and inspiration. In this episode, Rhee is joined by Ashley Canterna-Hardy and Laura Giacomelli-Huntowski.

Teaching Students About S.M.A.R.T. Goals

We know that when we set goals, it is important to make them S.M.A.R.T. goals. We have learned over the years through trial and error how to set, meet, and even exceed goals. We have all had our fair share of goals that were not met too. When I look back at all of the…

Coffee Talk: Episode 9

Rhee chats with I.D.E.A. members and others in the dance community to share stories, ideas and inspiration. In this episode, Rhee is joined by Jennifer Randall & June Lawrence.

Coffee Talk: Episode 8

Rhee chats with I.D.E.A. members and others in the dance community to share stories, ideas and inspiration. In this episode, Rhee is joined by Ricci Milan & Kimberley Davis.

Coffee Talk: Episode 7

Rhee chats with I.D.E.A. members and others in the dance community to share stories, ideas and inspiration. In this episode, Rhee is joined by Tammy Bolduc & Amanda Herring.

Coffee Talk: Episode 6

Rhee chats with I.D.E.A. members and others in the dance community to share stories, ideas and inspiration. In this episode, Rhee is joined by Chris Olson, Anita Olson, & Debra Steele.

Coffee Talk: Episode 5

Rhee chats with I.D.E.A. members and others in the dance community to share stories, ideas and inspiration. In this episode, Rhee is joined by June Lawrence & Mandy Yip.

Coffee Talk: Episode 4

Rhee chats with I.D.E.A. members and others in the dance community to share stories, ideas and inspiration. In this episode, Rhee is joined by Joanne Klenk & Brittany Milan.

Coffee Talk: Episode 3

Rhee chats with I.D.E.A. members and others in the dance community to share stories, ideas and inspiration. In this episode, Rhee is joined by Jamie Lago & Andrea Trench.

Coffee Talk: Episode 2

Rhee chats with I.D.E.A. members and others in the dance community to share stories, ideas and inspiration. In this episode, Rhee is joined by Maureen Gelchion & Kim McSwain.

Coffee Talk: Episode 1

Rhee chats with I.D.E.A. members and others in the dance community to share stories, ideas and inspiration. In this episode, Rhee is joined by Sandi Duncan & Jenny O’Brien.

It Was Never About Dance

Play Video LaShonda Chaney has studied all genres of dance and holds a B.A. in Business Marketing from Rutgers, The State University. Winning several awards through “Dance Educators of America”, “Dance America”, “Dance Olympus”, and recognized for outstanding work and leadership with children, she continues her love with assisting schools with creating dance curriculums for…

Preschool Showcase Experience

There is no way around it… no matter how much you prepare or how many years you have under your belt, recitals are STRESSFUL. For a new family to dance, especially with younger students, a recital can be a truly overwhelming experience. In fact, for some, it could be a deterrent for re-enrolling in dance…

I Share Because I Want You to Win

I share, because I want you to win. I recently had the opportunity to share my work with a studio owner in Canada. She is considering a “Fun and Games” themed show, she read that I had done one in 2019, and she reached out for inspiration. I sent her everything I could think of…

Is Envy Blocking Your Blessing?

Play Video LaShonda Chaney has studied all genres of dance and holds a B.A. in Business Marketing from Rutgers, The State University. Winning several awards through “Dance Educators of America”, “Dance America”, “Dance Olympus”, and recognized for outstanding work and leadership with children, she continues her love with assisting schools with creating dance curriculums for…

Set Goals That Matter

Last month I talked about Goal Setting for your teams and classes. This month I wanted to focus on helping you set goals for yourself in 2022. There are many different strategies when it comes to setting goals. I am going to share three of my personal favorites with you in hopes that one will…

Should I Dance in My Own Recital?

Should you dance in your own recital? Yes. I know it may not be everyone’s jam to perform in their own show. The recital, after all, is about the kids and we certainly don’t need to add another thing to our to-do list. But, I want to offer a different perspective, share some helpful tips,…

Choose to Chase Your Dreams

CHOOSE to chase your dreams. Really. My grandmother was a collector of quotes and verses. She cut clippings from the newspaper, from magazines, and from pretty calendars. If she ran across one that was particularly meaningful to her, she made sure she shared it with us…many times…whether we wanted to hear it or not. It…

Holiday Memories

There are dates in our lives that become engraved in our memories. December 14th is one of those days for me! Three years ago on December 14th was our studio’s last Christmas show. This was not the original plan, and although the studio has produced one January show after that, I have not done another…

Setting Team Goals for 2022

As we prepare for a new year, it is time to do some Goal Setting. Today I am going to discuss four different ways to set your goals for your teams at your studio. The new generation of students wants to be involved in decisions and work side by side with you. Instead of fighting…

It’s Okay to Color Outside the Lines

Play Video LaShonda Chaney has studied all genres of dance and holds a B.A. in Business Marketing from Rutgers, The State University. Winning several awards through “Dance Educators of America”, “Dance America”, “Dance Olympus”, and recognized for outstanding work and leadership with children, she continues her love with assisting schools with creating dance curriculums for…

Winter Activities: Snow Much Fun!

Now that the dance season is well underway, our little ones are quickly gaining independence and confidence with each passing class. As winter approaches you may be itching to change things up and add new activities to keep your lesson plans fresh and relevant. After all, theming our learning objectives to what children are experiencing…

Celebrate Yourself!

As a member of the Gold Alliance, I have the privilege of attending periodic business strategy sessions with the group. In one of the last, facilitated by studio owner, business leader, and mentor, Stacey Morgan, members were tasked with discussing how we celebrate ourselves on a regular basis. Celebrate myself? Me? Wait. This proved to…

It’s Time for Teambuilding

Our students are overwhelmed, stressed, and filled with anxiety these days. It is our job to notice and adjust our sails in the classroom! One of the best ways to do this is with team-building exercises. You might think that it is a waste of time to do this, but it is not! It is…

Know Your Worth

Play Video LaShonda Chaney has studied all genres of dance and holds a B.A. in Business Marketing from Rutgers, The State University. Winning several awards through “Dance Educators of America”, “Dance America”, “Dance Olympus”, and recognized for outstanding work and leadership with children, she continues her love with assisting schools with creating dance curriculums for…

What is Classroom Management?

Do you remember the first time you heard the term “classroom management”? I don’t remember exactly, but looking back on my early teaching years, I do know that I was not “managing” anything. I honestly didn’t know it was something I needed. I assumed kids loved to dance. I thought they would be happy to…

Flip the Script on Observation Week

You know it’s coming….Observation Week. For caregivers, this is the opportunity to observe their child’s classes, witness the progress they’re making, and catch up on the latest studio news. For teachers, this is the week of our career that takes a close second to the pre-recital nightmares of performance week. If history teaches us anything,…

Help is On the Way

I want to help my teens. Our teens are in crisis. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Children’s Hospital Association, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology, which embody more than 77,000 doctors and over 200 children’s hospitals, recently asserted that the rapid and extraordinary deterioration in juvenile mental health should be recognized…

Reaching Enough-Ness?

My first year of business, I was answering phones, teaching classes, all while bouncing my new baby on my hip. Work was day and night with no pay; at one point my husband called it my volunteer job, honestly that comment made my head explode. Yes, we are still married. But to be honest he…

The Power is in You

Play Video LaShonda Chaney has studied all genres of dance and holds a B.A. in Business Marketing from Rutgers, The State University. Winning several awards through “Dance Educators of America”, “Dance America”, “Dance Olympus”, and recognized for outstanding work and leadership with children, she continues her love with assisting schools with creating dance curriculums for…

Are They Ready for Dance Class

Are They Ready For Dance Class? Many of us have settled into the new dance season. At this point in our early childhood classes, we may be asking ourselves if certain little ones just aren’t ready for dance class. Perhaps, they still cling to their caregiver as class is about to begin or they run…

Frustrated & Tired? This is for You!

Rhee Gold’s DanceLife Blog Frustrated and tired? This is for you. You’re over it. You are frustrated, tired of trying to please people, and lost on what to do next. Finances are a mess. A staff member just had a meltdown. Two moms complained last week about some utter nonsense. From quarantines to masks debates,…

Your Voice Matters

Play Video Andrea Trench is dedicated to helping dance teachers create and deliver content that is research-based and developmentally appropriate for children under the age of 6. Her primary focus is classroom management, conceptual teaching, and foundational movement skill development in early childhood dance education. In addition, Andrea uses her 12 years of experience as a…

5 Promises to Make to Yourself Today

Rhee Gold’s DanceLife Blog My dance season begins next Monday, September 13th. I will get to work around 1:00 pm and not leave the studio until nearly 10:00 pm most nights. I will spend too much time on my computer, rarely miss a morning Zoom meeting, and feel compelled to work on weekends. I’ll run…

Excuses vs. Procrastination

Play Video LaShonda Chaney has studied all genres of dance and holds a B.A. in Business Marketing from Rutgers, The State University. Winning several awards through “Dance Educators of America”, “Dance America”, “Dance Olympus”, and recognized for outstanding work and leadership with children, she continues her love with assisting schools with creating dance curriculums for…

5 Must Have Songs for Every Early Childhood Dance Class

The music you choose for your early childhood dance classes is no light decision. Your selections are crucial for successful class engagement, excitement, and education. Today I am sharing five songs that should be included on every early childhood dance playlist. 1. Freeze Dance Songs- The freeze dance isn’t just a fun activity for…

Fear: Choose, Trust, Insist

Fear is a b*tch. Should I implement rollover registration? I’m scared of the pushback. What will happen if I raise my rates next season? I’m afraid people might leave. How can I possibly ask that problem parent to leave? I am concerned that she might drag me through the dirt on social media. Can I…

Mindset vs. Mind Growth

Play Video LaShonda Chaney has studied all genres of dance and holds a B.A. in Business Marketing from Rutgers, The State University. Winning several awards through “Dance Educators of America”, “Dance America”, “Dance Olympus”, and recognized for outstanding work and leadership with children, she continues her love with assisting schools with creating dance curriculums for…

Creating a Welcoming Family Class Experience

A successful grown-up and tot program sets a strong foundation for studio growth. By drawing families to your studio before they have the opportunity to sign up for a different activity, such as a music or gym class, gives your business a head start. Before you know it, you are the go-to activity for busy…

Fearless Life

LaShonda Chaney has studied all genres of dance and holds a B.A. in Business Marketing from Rutgers, The State University. Winning several awards through “Dance Educators of America”, “Dance America”, “Dance Olympus”, and recognized for outstanding work and leadership with children, she continues her love with assisting schools with creating dance curriculums for their programs.…

Holding On to the Good

Play Video Andrea Trench is dedicated to helping dance teachers create and deliver content that is research-based and developmentally appropriate for children under the age of 6. Her primary focus is classroom management, conceptual teaching, and foundational movement skill development in early childhood dance education. In addition, Andrea uses her 12 years of experience as a…

You Deserve to Make a Profit

I have a chip on my shoulder. I think, in today’s language, that means I have a trigger. And based on some of the posts I’ve seen lately, I’m willing to bet some of you have the same one. “It must be nice.” At my very first DanceLife Teacher Conference, my chip was exposed right…

Breaktime

Play Video LaShonda Chaney has studied all genres of dance and holds a B.A. in Business Marketing from Rutgers, The State University. Winning several awards through “Dance Educators of America”, “Dance America”, “Dance Olympus”, and recognized for outstanding work and leadership with children, she continues her love with assisting schools with creating dance curriculums for…

A Letter to my Young Dance Teacher Self

Dear Andrea, Congratulations on your first job as a dance teacher! You love dance and you love kids so this seems like an easy gig at 16 years old. Buckle up, Ann… This will be your life’s work. Every class you teach will be an opportunity to change lives. For some kids… … you will…

Walking the Tightrope

I’m taking this personally. And that’s ok. Last weekend, I managed to pull off (finally!) six 2-hour shows following a pretty intense week of stage rehearsals and that, of course, after countless days and weeks of preparations. My poor feet and 45-year-old back are still salty about the whole thing, and a few unexplained bruises…

They Go, They Fly

Hedy Perna, of Perna Dance Center in Hazlet, NJ, shares the positive and supportive attitude studio owners need to take when a student decides not to stay at your school.

We Win Everyday

If we make the choice to notice; each day will bring us the best gifts that life has to offer, guaranteed!

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