Growing Beyond Comfort Zones in Dance & Business
“Evolving doesn’t mean abandoning tradition; it means amplifying your unique voice.”
The world in 2025 moves at lightning speed. Information is everywhere—what’s trending today is outdated tomorrow. This rapid pace can feel overwhelming, especially for those of us in dance education or studio ownership, where tradition and innovation often collide. But here’s the truth: if we want to thrive in an ever-evolving world, we must embrace change.
How Studio Ownership Has Transformed Over the Decades
No Internet, No Social Media—Just Notebooks and Conventions
Think back 30 or 40 years. There was no internet, social media, or YouTube. Back then, growth came from taking classes with master teachers, attending summer workshops, and writing notes at annual conventions. You’d go home with a notebook full of ideas, ready to incorporate them into the next season. It was a slower time—a time when the mindset was often, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
The Isolation of Studio Ownership in the Past
Studio ownership was even more isolated. There were no business courses tailored for dance educators, no online communities, and no resources to guide you. Studio owners were islands, navigating everything on their own. Sharing struggles or asking for help wasn’t the norm—we kept what we knew to ourselves and fiercely protected our secrets.
The Explosion of Opportunities in Dance Education
Online Certifications, Business Courses, and New Teaching Methods
Fast forward to today, and everything has changed. Dance education and studio ownership have exploded with opportunities. You can take a business course virtually every week or become certified in everything from early childhood dance to advanced ballet curriculum. The tools to learn and grow are endless.
Social Media as a Tool for Marketing and Connection
Social media, especially Instagram, has become the new way to connect with students, families, and communities. Once upon a time, we relied on printed brochures to get the word out—now, we create reels, posts, and stories that can reach thousands in a matter of hours.
The Key to Success: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Keeping Values Intact While Leveraging Modern Tools
So, what’s the point? If we want to “dance our way” into the future, we must embrace what’s available to us. We can’t stay stuck in the past when the world around us is moving forward. But evolving doesn’t mean abandoning the values and traditions that inspired us in the first place—it means finding ways to use today’s tools to amplify our unique voices.
Using Technology to Amplify Your Unique Teaching Style
You don’t have to fear change—you can fly with it. Use the resources, knowledge, and connections at your fingertips to elevate your teaching, your studio, and yourself. The future isn’t about choosing between tradition and innovation; it’s about finding the balance that works for you.
You Don’t Have to Navigate Change Alone
Take what inspires you and evolve with it. This is how we grow, how we thrive, and how we take ourselves, our dancers, and our studios to new heights.
Join the DanceLife Teacher Conference
One of the best ways to stay ahead in today’s fast-moving dance industry is to learn from others who have walked this path. The DanceLife Teacher Conference is designed to equip studio owners and dance educators with the tools, insights, and connections needed to thrive. From business strategies to teaching techniques, this conference is a space to grow, get inspired, and embrace the future of dance education—without losing what makes your studio special. Join us and take your next step forward with confidence!
Have a great day, and enjoy the journey.
—Rhee
