Studio Traditions that Build Community

One of the things that is so special about dance studios is that they have the ability to build community and create fun and memorable moments for the people they serve. Whenever I’m at a conference and get to network with other teachers and business owners, I enjoy sharing ideas and neat things that make our studio special. And, for your customers, the students enjoy traditions and look forward to them each year. Traditions hold an important place in our business operations, they are done from a place of love and care as well as strategy and can boost your customer retention and referrals if done well. Here are a few traditions that have worked for my studio over the years.

1. The Positivity Project - each February, we take time to build up our students’ awareness of how they speak to and relate to themselves and others. In other words, positivity starts with each individual person. During this time, students read affirmations, learn about body positivity, share kind words of encouragement to their peers and learn techniques for stress management, journaling, and ways to help their community.
2. Rising Up - at the end of the year, we celebrate with a studio wide, free event for all the students and their families. We host it at a local venue such as a large park with pavilion and enjoy games, face painting, snacks, cold treats, and a special ceremony to commemorate the movement from one level to the next. We also use this time to give out trophies, pins, and certificates for commitment to dance and special achievements.
3. Ambassador Training and Refresher - each summer we provide an in-depth training to our Ambassadors old and new. Our Ambassadors are students that are learning leadership skills and how to support the studio in the classes and office. The training is required each year and is an opportunity to bond, learn new skills and build a team that works together. Ambassadors that are in high school are also able to be role models and mentors to younger Ambassadors.

I’m sure you have great traditions at your studio too! One thing I advise other business owners to do is document your traditions with photos and videos to communicate what it is you’re doing, why it’s important and how to welcome new dance families into the studio’s traditions. Sometimes we tend to use jargon that others are unfamiliar with, or make assumptions based on past events, so it’s important to include information for your entire population to understand what you’re doing and what’s expected. Remember, any community building tradition must be inclusive of new and old in order to stay sustainable!