Unique Insights From Those Who Really Know the Dance Life
The DanceLife Blog is inspiration and unique perspectives by dance teachers, for dance teachers. Each week dance educators receive a new insight into the world of dance education. With authenticity, wisdom and some humor, join us to experience the dance life we all love in a new way!
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Emotional Resilience: A Skill We All Need
In this reflective blog post, a seasoned studio owner shares hard-earned lessons about emotional resilience in both life and business. From navigating tough decisions to responding with grace to hateful online comments, she offers a personal look at how emotional strength is built over time. Studio owners often face challenges that can feel overwhelming—but developing emotional resilience allows them to move forward without losing sight of their values. Through real stories, leadership insights, and encouragement, this post empowers dance educators to embrace their emotions, build strength, and keep showing up for their communities and teams with intention and courage.
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Keep Everyone Engaged: Fun and Focused Caregiver & Tot Dance Class Activities
A consistent lesson plan framework is essential for early childhood dance classes—especially when working with caregivers and tots. This blog post outlines five effective activity categories: Lap Songs, Partner Props, Group Props, Across the Floor, and Resting. Each section includes a sample activity and suggestions for keeping both children and caregivers engaged, connected, and moving together. With developmental benefits ranging from musicality to motor skills to emotional regulation, these strategies are perfect for building joyful and productive classes. Bonus: Learn how to organize your music with themed playlists to streamline weekly planning and keep your classes fresh and fun.
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Making the Most of Your Show Lobby
A well-planned show lobby creates a welcoming first impression for families and guests. More than just a waiting area, it’s a place to provide refreshments, offer show merchandise, promote studio programs, and answer questions. Whether you’re in a grand theatre or a rented school, thoughtful details like a red carpet entrance, merchandise tables, and photo backdrops add excitement and value to the experience. The lobby can also support your marketing goals and enhance communication. By treating it as an extension of your show, you’ll create a more professional, memorable, and enjoyable event for everyone involved.
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Tips for Using AI in Your Business
AI has evolved rapidly since 2023, and studio owners have more ways than ever to save time while staying true to their brand. This blog explores how AI can help improve your office layout, update your customer avatar, polish position descriptions, organize your thoughts, and professionally respond to difficult customer emails. From using photos and voice prompts to refining marketing strategies, today’s AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini offer studio owners hands-on, practical support. Use these ideas to collaborate with AI as a time-saving, energy-boosting partner in your studio’s growth. Explore, experiment, and watch your efficiency soar!
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Ready, Set, Recital! 6 Strategies for Dance Teachers to Prepare Students for the Stage
Recital season is a highlight of the year for dance studios—a time for students to showcase their growth and enjoy the magic of performance. This blog shares six effective strategies to ensure recital prep is smooth, successful, and joy-filled. From purposeful rehearsals and creative award systems to goal-setting and family engagement, these tips support both student confidence and studio organization. Most importantly, recital season should be a celebration—one that fosters lasting memories and a love of dance. Discover ways to keep the joy front and center while preparing dancers to shine on stage.
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Spring Shake-Up
“Fake spring” is here, and with it comes restless energy from students (and teachers!). Instead of fighting it, embrace it by adding fun, simple changes to your classes that keep things fresh while staying focused on recital prep. This blog offers practical ideas like using props in warm-ups, themed playlists, swapping teachers or studio spaces, and even taking class outdoors. These small shifts can bring new excitement to your classroom and keep dancers engaged. Plus, learn how the DanceLife Teacher Conference can be a great resource to re-energize and support your teaching year-round.
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Preschool Classroom Success: Seven Skills to Develop in Dance Class
Developing foundational skills in preschool dance classes sets young dancers up for success. A developmentally appropriate curriculum strengthens focus, balance, coordination, and more—helping children grow in confidence and ability. This blog explores seven critical skills that support both dance technique and overall childhood development. With engaging activities like obstacle courses, breathing exercises, and animal walks, dance educators can create an enriching environment where students thrive. By intentionally incorporating these skills into lesson plans, teachers lay the groundwork for a lifelong love of movement while fostering essential growth in their young dancers.
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Do it While You’re Scared
At a recent Black History Month event, I had the privilege of speaking on a panel about arts and entrepreneurship. One theme emerged—how do we maintain passion when our art becomes our livelihood? The truth is, passion ebbs and flows, and fear often accompanies big decisions. I nearly closed my studio in 2016, but with support and reflection, I pushed forward. Success isn’t about eliminating fear—it’s about taking the next step despite it. If you’re scared to start, change, or take a risk, I challenge you: do it while you’re scared. Growth happens when we move through fear.
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It is Everywhere if You Look for It
In a world filled with noise, it’s easy to lose sight of joy. As dance studio owners, we get caught up in perfection, stress, and daily challenges. But joy is everywhere—onstage, backstage, in rehearsals, and even in the smallest moments. Watching students take the stage for the first or last time is a reminder of why we do what we do. Unplugging from distractions and being present allows us to see the beauty around us. Let’s shift our focus, embrace joy, and remember that we create spaces where others experience it, too. EnJOY the journey. Ann Bettonvil directs The Studio in Brampton, ON with her two business partners.
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Mid-Year Check-In: How Dance Teachers and Studio Owners Can Reignite Student Motivation
Mid-year can be a challenging time for dance students as excitement fades and outside commitments increase. A mid-year check-in helps reignite motivation by evaluating progress, celebrating achievements, and setting new goals. Strategies like Pathway Meetings, skills testing, and SMART goal challenges keep students engaged and focused. Celebrating milestones, using visual progress tracking, and fostering peer motivation can build confidence and sustain momentum. By implementing these mid-season strategies, dance teachers and studio owners can ensure students remain inspired for the second half of the season. A strong finish starts with a well-planned mid-year reset! Pam Simpson is the owner of Forte Arts Center in Morris, IL and has over 30 years experience.
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Five Must-Have Class Systems
Time in the dance studio is precious, and maximizing every minute is essential. Over the years, I’ve developed five key class systems that have transformed my teaching experience: Class Welcome Rituals, Silent Tracks, Class Stations, Lesson Plan Frameworks, and Weekly Wrap-Ups. These systems streamline transitions, reduce disruptions, and create a more structured and engaging environment for students. Whether it’s organizing water bottles, implementing a lesson planning framework, or using silent tracks to smooth transitions, these strategies help optimize class time and student engagement. By applying these simple but effective systems, dance teachers can create a more efficient and joyful classroom experience. Andrea Trench is the founder of Discover Dance and a seasoned dance educator.
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Elements of Marketing that Still Work
Marketing trends evolve, but some timeless strategies remain effective for dance studios. Your physical space serves as a marketing tool, so ensure signage is clear and inviting. Maximize referrals by creating structured promotions for “Bring a Friend” events. Refine email marketing by segmenting internal updates from external campaigns, using automation, and offering incentives like coupons. Consistently engaging with your audience via multiple channels helps drive enrollment and growth. As you plan for the new year, supplement digital ads with proven methods that keep your studio top of mind. Thoughtful, diversified marketing ensures steady success and stronger community connections. Ginger Haithcox is the Executive Director of Modern Motion in Somerset, NJ, which she started in 2005.
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