Get & Keep Parents Involved
As dance teachers and studio owners, we know that dance schools can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience for children. By teaching engaging and entertaining classes students are excited to come back week after week, but, if we are not building relationships and engaging with their parents there is a disconnect that could result in withdrawals. It is important to remember that parents also play a crucial role in their child's success at the studio. Getting parents involved at dance school can help with retention and build relationships that can last a lifetime. Here are some ways to get parents involved at dance school:
Parent Observation Days: Hosting parent observation days is a great way to get parents involved and engaged with their child's dance education. These days can be scheduled throughout the year, and parents are invited to watch their child's class in action. We set our observation days twice a year, once in the winter before spring break and again in the spring before the recital. This allows them to see firsthand what their child is learning and how they're progressing. It can also provide an opportunity for parents to ask questions, learn more about the curriculum, and bond with other parents.
Parent Participation Week: Hosting a week where parents can participate in classes with their child can be a fun and rewarding experience for both parents and children. 
Volunteer Opportunities: Another way to get parents involved at the dance school is to offer volunteer opportunities. Parents can help out with various tasks such as ushering, ticket sales, in a dressing room, altering costumes, building props, driving a truck for the local parade, walking in local parades, backstage assistance during performances, and much more. This provides a great opportunity for parents to get to know the instructors, other parents, and their child's peers. It also shows the child that their parent is invested in their dance education, which can lead to a greater sense of pride and accomplishment. Each year we offer several different opportunities for our dance parents to volunteer and have seen many great connections among other dance parents, students, and studio staff.
Parent-Teacher Conferences/Pathway Meetings: Scheduling parent-teacher conferences can help build relationships between parents and teachers. We like to call our meetings pathways as we discuss what the next pathway looks like for each individual child. These meetings provide an 
In conclusion, getting parents involved at dance school is essential for retaining students and building relationships that can last a lifetime. By providing great communication, parent observation days, parent participation week, volunteer opportunities, parent teacher conferences or pathways, dance schools can foster a sense of community and involvement that benefits everyone involved.
