Rhee Gold's DanceLife Blog

By Dance Teachers for Dance Teachers

As all that we are about, the DanceLife Blog is another opportunity to support and inspire dance teachers and studio owners. You'll discover business ideas, self-care advice, awesome classroom tips, along with some witty stories . . . by dance teachers for dance teachers!

Herring, Amanda

Amanda Herring LOVES her job! She is passionate about sharing the love of dance while inspiring and encouraging everyone who walks through her door. She loves BIG and has a heart for new dancers joining a class for the first time. She takes pride in offering stellar service to dance...

Simpson, Pam

Pam Simpson is the founder, president, and driving force behind Forte Arts Center, which was established in Morris, Illinois in 1993. In addition to building her business from a small, one room studio to a large, multi-location organization that offers dance, tumbling and cheer programs as well as private music...

Trench, Andrea

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...

DanceLife Blog & Vlog

Let’s Explore! Improvisation for All Ages

As the new dance season is underway, Andrea Trench is ready with fresh and helpful ideas for your classroom. Improvisation is creative, emotive and a great way to get the body freely moving. She shares some tips on how to best incorporate improv into your classes this year. Andrea is an expert in early childhood education and owner of Discover Dance.

Dance Studio Safety

Better safe than sorry is the old adage and Ginger Haithcox knows this is important in the life of a dance studio. Ginger shares some ways in which studio owners and teachers can evaluate their studio and it’s policies and procedures to ensure that it is a safer environment for everyone. Ginger is the Executive Director of Modern Motion in Somerset, NJ, which she started in 2005.

Best Advice I Ever Received

Learning from others is important for Amanda Herring, and she shares some of the pieces of advice and quips she has learned along the way that are important for all dance teachers to take and internalize. Amanda is the owner of Center Stage Dance in Hernando, MS.

Are You Really the Right Person for That Job?

Being a studio owner means being many things for many people, but not all tasks are created equal and not all of them should be done by YOU! Ann Bettonvil shares how over the years she has learned to be better at determining which tasks are best for her to do and which ones should be delegated. Ann is co-director of The Studio in Brampton, ON.

Studio Essentials Kit

We’re heading into another dance season and while there is much to get ready, if we have our essentials prepared and handy, we can feel more confident! Andrea Trench will help you put together a “Studio Essentials Kit” to meet the needs of your students. Andrea is an expert in early childhood education and owner of Discover Dance.

Steps Toward Freedom as a Studio Owner

Ginger Haithcox knows the ups and downs of studio ownership. In her experience, Ginger has learned tools and tips that helped her on the path to more freedom in her business and life, and she shares those with us! Ginger is the Executive Director of Modern Motion in Somerset, NJ, which she started in 2005.

Stepping into the Limelight

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your teaching journey, Pam Simpson is here to equip you with invaluable insights and strategies to kick off the upcoming dance season. Pam is the owner of Forte Arts Center in Morris, IL and has years of experience running her studio and businesses.

It’s All About Vision

Dance teacher, studio owner, mom… these are just a few of the hats that we have to wear. Ann Bettonvil knows that it requires balance and time, but we can get the most out of all this with a clearer vision. She shares how a vision board has helped put things in better perspective. Ann is co-director of The Studio in Brampton, ON.

25 Last-Minute Easy Camp Crafts

Hosting a summer dance camp and still don’t have a camp craft?? Don’t worry, Andrea Trench has gathered 25 easy (and cheap) craft ideas to share with you today. Most of these materials can be purchased from a dollar store and require little or no prep work. Andrea is an expert in early childhood education and owner of Discover Dance.

Give AI a Try

Ginger Haithcox knows how busy studio owner life can be, so it is important to find ways to streamline tasks. She shares some ways in which trying AI might be one way to help with copywriting, marketing and more. Ginger is the Executive Director of Modern Motion in Somerset, NJ, which she started in 2005.

Maximizing Summer Break

Pam Simpson knows that summer is the perfect time to recharge and relax, but it’s also time to reflect and plan for success in the new season. She shares step-by-step tips to help you pre-plan classes and lesson plans. Pam is the owner of Forte Arts Center in Morris, IL and is celebrating her 30th season.

Rediscover Your Joy

Discovering moments of joy is a priority for Amanda Herring. As summer is here, she shares the ups and downs we all struggle with, especially at the end of a dance season and how we can work to rediscover joy in our lives day by day. Amanda is the owner of Center Stage Dance in Hernando, MS.