How to become a dance studio owner


Everything You Need To Know

Have you ever wondered how to start your own dance studio? Or, if you have already started researching how to open one, perhaps you’ve been wondering if you have what it takes to run a dance studio and make it successful. Does this sound like you? Then, this post is for you! Here’s how to open a dance studio, from step one to your studio’s grand opening and beyond.

Opening A Dance Studio Checklist

Since we first wrote this post at The Studio Director, we’ve expanded on the information here so that all studio managers can feel confident and excited as they embark on their journey to studio ownership. We know that studio ownership itself has certainly changed recently as well, so we’ve added updated information on offering online dance lessons and noted the latest trends in our industry. Throughout this post, you’ll also find links to in-depth articles on related dance studio ownership topics.

While all of this information is necessary as you get started, sometimes a checklist is the best way to manage your tasks. Here’s your roadmap, with more information below on each of these points.

  1. Apprentice at a studio you respect
  2. Prepare for the many roles you’ll take on
  3. Build a name for yourself in your community
  4. Create your dance studio business plan (and estimate the finances involved!)
  5. Find your perfect studio location
  6. Develop your systems and processes
  7. Set up your studio space
  8. Hire your dance studio staff
  9. Get the word out with marketing
  10. Start from a place of organization

Ready to get started? It’s time to learn how to open a dance studio of your dreams!

1. Shadow A Studio Or Owner You Respect

Do you know another studio manager that you respect or look up to? Love a local studio that’s on the other side of town or in another city? Know of a studio who excels at online dance lessons? The best way to learn about starting a dance studio is to actually work at one.

If there’s a local dance studio that has been around for a while, pick up some hours at their studio and gather notes. Or, find a studio manager you love and ask if you can mentor under them.

While there, volunteer to fill in for the different roles or jobs where they need help so you can see how things run from all angles. This will clue you into important challenges in the dance business and how they are solved.

In particular, make note of:

  • What problems occur and how they solve them
  • How money comes in and out of the business
  • The different roles staff members play
  • How the studio handles marketing
  • How the studio communicates with parents and students

More importantly during this period, make sure you enjoy the work! Opening a dance studio is a fantastic way to share your love of a dance with a larger audience, but it’s not for everybody—and that’s okay.

2. Prepare For The Many Roles You’ll Take On

Along with understanding the business, you’ll also need a clear view of the different roles you will take on as the owner.

Beyond choreographing and teaching classes, you are the person who has to keep the many parts of the business running. Some of those roles include:

  • Dance studio manager: You’ll make sure schedules and daily activities are running smoothly. You will need to be able to communicate what you want, what needs to improve, and ensure that your staff is focused on your goals.
  • Mentor: Every day, you’ll embody the work ethic and attitude you expect staff members and students to take on themselves.
  • Entrepreneur: Your work doesn’t stop when the studio opens. You will continue to grow and develop new studio plans. As an entrepreneur, you’ll also be heavily involved in billing, scheduling, marketing, community outreach, events coordination, customer service, and much more.
  • Techie: Offering online dance lessons? Make sure you (or someone on your team!) can easily troubleshoot virtual class enrollment, set-up, and your online class platform for teachers and students alike.

Learn early on which of these roles you naturally gravitate towards, and which would be better to outsource to another trusted teacher or staff member.

3. Build A Name For Yourself In Your Community

Usually, dance studio owners go into business confidently knowing they already have enough of a following to fill classes from the get-go.

If you do not have a big enough following yet, some ways to find more students include:

  • Offering dance services to local schools, gyms, and churches
  • Giving discounts for people who refer your classes to friends and families
  • Advertising for your classes at nearby businesses that are not competitors, but will have the clientele that would take an interest in dance (think yoga studios or daycares)
  • Sharing your personality and approach to dance on social media so others in your community can learn more about you

This is a step that you do far before finding your location or setting up your business plan because it takes time. Thankfully, you can work on this as you go through your other dance studio start-up tasks.

4. Create Your Dance Studio Business Plan

Your dance studio business plan is a document that lays out your business goals and how you plan to achieve them. It sets a solid foundation for your studio for years to come. We have more information about creating a business plan here, but yours should cover the following sections, at a minimum:

  • Executive summary
  • Company description
  • Market analysis
  • Products and services
  • Financial projections
  • Marketing overview

Let’s look at each of these in more detail. Note, too, that your business plan may contain much more.

Executive summary and company description

The executive summary should summarize your main business goals, vision, and core values. This should not be more than a few sentences. You’ll likely have an easier time writing your summary last after you’ve covered all of the other details.

Following that, describe what sets your studio apart. This is typically what you will use to pitch your company when you are marketing it. It should include the services you plan to offer, the types of classes you’ll have, and what sets you apart from other studios.

This section should also clearly establish what type of legal business entity your studio will be, and how you’ll comply with any local licensing or regulatory requirements.

Market analysis

It’s time to research your potential customers! Building a following well before you begin the process of opening your dance studio can help tremendously with this step. The more people who know you, the more likely you’ll know what types of dancers will sign up once you open your doors.

In addition to researching the people who already know you, though, you will have to research your local market, potential customers, and competitors. This section should include all the details you gather about the size of the dance industry in your area and how you will fit into this equation.

Start off by listing the dance studios you will be in direct competition with and the number of students they serve. This will help you determine how many students you should bring in and define your pricing structure.

In addition, you may want to do surveys and host focus groups with your potential customers to ask them what they’d like to see in a dance studio in your area.

For a larger industry-wide study, we recommend reading our post on dance studio industry stats and trends. This will help you get a better idea of where our industry is at right now, and where it might grow over the next few years.

Products and services

Once you have thoroughly analyzed your market, you can decide on the services that will attract the widest range of students. In this section, list in greater detail the classes you plan to offer. You can also outline the benefits that students may receive from taking your classes.

This section will also include any other plans you have outside of classes and memberships to make money, such as dance apparel, competitions, and recitals.

Financial projections

One of the most necessary sections of your business plan is the funding plan and your financial expectations once in business.

If you need a loan to get started, having a transparent and organized assessment of your current financial position and future projections will show potential investors that you know what you’re doing.

This portion will also detail where your revenue will come from, how much your bills will cost monthly and annually, and your class pricing. In this section, think of everything you will need to open your doors from equipment like dance studio mirrors, down to the rolls of toilet paper in the bathrooms. The more thorough you can be here, the better.

How much does it cost to open a dance studio though? We’ve created a full post on how much it costs to run a dance studio here.

Marketing overview

In the most basic sense, this part of your studio business plan is all about how you’ll get the word out about your dance studio. Start by establishing your brand. What’s your studio’s name, logo, and brand identity? Learn more about that here. You can find ideas for fun and catchy dance studio names in our earlier post.

Also, give a general overview of the marketing channels you’ll use and what portion of your budget you’ll allocate to marketing. You can include a strategy for growth if you have a plan for targeting other markets in the future as well. Review our full post on social media for dance studios to get started on this one.

5. Find Your Perfect Studio Location

Once you have figured out how your business will run and what your financial situation is, you can start looking for your studio. Do it in this order so you know how much you have for rent and extra costs that will come with the location you decide on.

A dance studio has its own unique requirements. First ask yourself how much space you’ll need? Do you want one room or multiple studios in your facility? Will you want a room set up for virtual dance lessons? You will also consider the need for:

  • A lobby
  • An office
  • Storage
  • Bathrooms
  • Retail space
  • Hallways
  • A waiting room for parents

In addition, don’t neglect things like:

  • Parking options: Does this space have parking that will accommodate the number of students you hope to attract?
  • Safety: Parents should feel comfortable and safe bringing their child to your location.
  • Visibility: It may cost more to be in a highly-visible location, but it also makes for easier, passive marketing.

Remember that you will have monthly payments that you will have to meet. Be very clear with your landlord on what those are upfront, along with any unforeseen payments that could come along. If you decide to buy the building, keep in mind that you will be responsible for maintenance costs.

6. Develop Your Systems And Processes

It’s time to make a plan for running your studio once it opens. This is separate and more detailed than your business plan, but it’s just as important.

Note too that the more organized you make your processes and systems at the beginning, the fewer people you will need to hire to carry them out. This is why so many dance studio owners use dance studio management software. It not only provides them with a guide to carry out their management duties and market their studio, but it also allows for a smaller staff and lower labor costs. It streamlines their daily tasks so they can focus more of their attention on the fun parts of running a dance studio. You can learn more about choosing the best dance studio software here.

Before your grand opening (and even hiring), consider the systems and processes you’ll have in place for the following.

Automating your administrative tasks

Enrollment, billing, and other tasks can be carried out through dance studio software. Organize everything into one place that you can access with a click of a button.

Some tools can also analyze your data and track trends in your business over time so you can make well-informed decisions as you move forward. Because of this, it’s best to have this tool in place from the start. You can learn more about the benefits of an online registration process here.

Offering seamless payment options

Your customers expect payments to be easy and built around the types of payment options they already use every day. That means offering debit and credit card payments, whether in-person or online. 

Make it even easier for customers with set-it-and-forget-it options, like recurring automated billing and saved payment info. Learn more about payment processing for your dance studio here.

Setting up online dance lessons 

Online or virtual dance lessons represent an exciting new way to reach your students no matter where they are. Rather than face downtimes during long summer breaks or miss out on lessons due to other factors, these types of classes connect students with their teachers right from home! Many teachers also love these types of lessons, as it offers them more flexibility for teaching and studio time. 

Today’s video streaming services make online dance lessons even easier. By using a system like Zoom, Google Meet, Facebook, or YouTube, you can connect instantly with students. Some dance studio software tools even offer virtual classroom management directly from the software. This allows students to sign up for an online class just like they would an in-person class, and provides set-up assistance for studios, teachers, and students. 

Learn more here.

Marketing your studio

Marketing begins before you put together a business plan, but at this step be clearer about how you’ll market your studio (more on that below) and who will handle marketing for you. For example, you can handle these tasks, have a staff member handle them, automate some of these tasks with studio management software, or outsource it to a marketing agency.

Registering new students

Make registration easy with a ready-made registration form. We have full details on what yours needs to include here. Likewise, studio management software can automate this.

Developing an annual calendar

Figure out the major seasons for your studio. Consider separating your annual calendar into instruction periods, performances and recitals, and breaks, so students (and parents!) know what to expect each year.

7. Set Up Your Studio Space

Items like flooring, mirrors, and ballet barres are integral features of a dance studio. We go more in-depth into the purchasing choices and decisions behind each of those major features in the linked posts. Don’t stop there, of course. Make sure to decorate your dance studio so it invites creativity and movement.

Offering online dance lessons? Learn from other studio owners who expanded into virtual lessons to reach more students, provide more flexibility for their staff, and more. In this article, a studio owner discusses the specific logistics and set-ups they used to run these types of lessons successfully.

8. Hire Your Dance Studio Staff

You might not need a very large staff, especially when you first start out. However, keep in mind that you might not have time to actually teach many classes when you first open. As an owner, there may be too many tasks on your plate in the beginning. To that end, your first hire may be someone else to teach your classes, at least short-term. Another may help with front office and administrative tasks.

Whether you have one or many staff members, make sure everyone knows what’s expected of them from day one. You can accomplish this by:

  • Making a clear outline of each position and what they do on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis
  • Figuring out a recruitment process and using a trial period for new teachers and staff
  • Creating a training manual with step-by-step procedures for new hires
  • Using a standard dance teacher contract that formally defines pay, benefits, and your expectations

9. Get The Word Out With Marketing

You may already have a good collection of people ready to sign up for your classes. Even so, it’s important to spread the word about opening your dance studio.

To start, your website is going to be your prime source for gaining new students. This is where parents will view your location information, contact info, positive reviews, class schedule, and more.

Beyond your website, your ongoing marketing tasks will include:

  • Increasing word-of-mouth marketing and referrals
  • Building your social media presence
  • Growing your email list for future newsletters
  • Gathering positive reviews on Google and social media
  • Developing partnerships with local businesses and charities

Once you have these tasks set up, it’s time to market your official grand opening. Some ideas include running ads in local papers and on social media, having your students perform at outdoor events in your community, or finding small business events to participate in.

Find even more easy and effective dance studio marketing ideas here.

10. Start From A Place Of Organization 

There are many things that will go onto your opening a dance studio checklist, many of which we couldn’t fit into this post. Still, we hope it has given you some insight into opening a dance studio.

As we’ve noted throughout this post on how to open a dance studio, one of the best ways to prepare is by investing in studio management software like the one we offer at The Studio Director. Not only does high-quality software keep your business in order, it helps with marketing and provides additional value to your customers with easy registration, payments, and more.

Any great studio management software will allow you to:

  • Offer multiple types of payment options, online and in-person, seamlessly
  • Organize your staff schedules and time-sheets
  • Handle online registration, as well as costume rental and recital enrollment
  • Track inventory if you sell merchandise
  • Set up automatic email newsletters to new and existing students
  • Allow customers to set up recurring or one-time payments
  • Integrate the customer-facing functionality into your existing website or a dedicated mobile app
  • Manage all of your data from a cloud-based system

People do not start a dance studio to focus on the administrative tasks. They do it out of love for their craft. Give yourself the opportunity to truly enjoy the studio you create by starting it from a place of organization.

Want to learn more about how The Studio Director can help you open a dance studio of your dreams? Request a personalized 1:1 demo or a FREE 15-day trial now.

Dance Studio Owner Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More

Dance studio owners are responsible for the day-to-day operations of their business. They oversee all aspects of running a dance school, including hiring teachers, scheduling classes and rehearsals, marketing to potential students, etc.

Dance studio owners may also be involved in other aspects of their business beyond just managing its day-to-day operations. This might include things like developing new curriculum or choreography, purchasing equipment or supplies, etc.

Dance Studio Owner Job Duties

A dance studio owner typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

  • Hiring and training teachers who meet the requirements for teaching at the studio and have a passion for dance or music
  • Maintaining relationships with local schools and other businesses that can help promote their business
  • Performing administrative tasks such as scheduling classes and preparing payroll
  • Evaluating students’ progress and helping them improve their technique and performance skills
  • Marketing the studio’s services to new and existing customers through advertisements, flyers, brochures, and billboards
  • Scheduling classes and events such as recitals, competitions, and special workshops
  • Meeting with parents to discuss their children’s progress and address any concerns
  • Hiring additional staff members when needed to ensure that classes are always staffed with an adequate number of instructors
  • Determining class schedules and prices, promoting classes to potential students, and recruiting new students

Dance Studio Owner Salary & Outlook

Dance studio owners’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and location of the dance studio.

  • Median Annual Salary: $49,500 ($23.8/hour)
  • Top 10% Annual Salary: $375,000 ($180.29/hour)

The employment of dance studio owners is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

The popularity of dance classes for children and adults should lead to continued demand for dance studio owners. As more people take dance classes, demand for dance instructors will increase.

Dance Studio Owner Job Requirements

To own a dance studio, one would likely need to have the following:

Education: Most dance studio owners have at least a bachelor’s degree in dance, kinesiology or another related field. These programs teach students the basics of dance, including anatomy, kinesiology, nutrition and exercise physiology. They also teach students how to run a business, including marketing, accounting and business management.

Training & Experience: Many dance studio owners have extensive training in dance and choreography. They may have worked as professional dancers or choreographers before opening their own studios. They may have also worked in dance studios as instructors or managers.

Some dance studio owners may have experience in the entertainment industry, such as acting or modeling. They may have experience in public relations or marketing. They may have experience in sales and event planning.

Certifications & Licenses: Dance studio owners do not need any certifications to open a studio. However, some states require dance studio owners to have a license to operate a business that provides dance instruction to children. Every state has different requirements for how much time must be spent teaching dance and what other activities must be included in the classes, so it is best to check the requirements in your state.

Dance Studio Owner Skills

Dance studio owners need the following skills in order to be successful:

Marketing skills: Marketing skills are essential for a dance studio owner to have, as they can help you to promote your business and attract new customers. You can use marketing skills to create advertisements, develop social media posts and create a website for your studio. You can also use marketing skills to promote special events, classes and workshops at your studio.

Teaching skills: As a dance studio owner, you may be responsible for teaching classes and private lessons. This requires you to have strong teaching skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts to students of all ages and abilities. You may also need to develop lesson plans and teach classes on a variety of dance styles.

Business management skills: As a dance studio owner, you may be responsible for managing the finances of your business. This includes tracking revenue, paying bills and managing a budget. Business management skills can help you make informed decisions about your business, such as whether to hire additional staff or invest in new equipment.

Networking skills: As a dance studio owner, networking skills can help you grow your business. You can use networking skills to find new students, instructors and other dance studio owners to collaborate with. You can also use networking skills to find suppliers for your studio and find new ways to improve your studio.

Physical fitness: As a dance studio owner, you may be required to demonstrate dance moves for classes or performances. Having a strong knowledge of physical fitness can help you stay in shape and model healthy habits for your students. You may also be required to lead fitness classes, so having a strong knowledge of physical fitness can help you create effective workout routines.

Dance Studio Owner Work Environment

Dance studio owners typically work long hours, often more than 40 per week. They may work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays to accommodate their students’ schedules. They also may travel to dance competitions, conventions, and other events. Most dance studio owners have a passion for dance and teaching, and they enjoy working with their students. However, the job can be stressful, especially when dealing with the business aspects of running a studio, such as marketing, finances, and personnel.

Dance Studio Owner Trends

Here are three trends influencing how dance studio owners work. Dance studio owners will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

More Dancers Will Be Self-Taught

As dance becomes more popular, there will be an increasing demand for dance studios. This means that dance studio owners will need to be able to provide a high-quality learning experience for their students.

One way to do this is by providing excellent teachers who can help dancers learn the basics and improve their skills. Additionally, dance studio owners should also focus on creating a positive environment where dancers feel comfortable expressing themselves.

Dance Is Becoming More Popular in Schools

Dance has become increasingly popular in schools over the past few years, as educators have realized its value in developing motor skills and promoting creativity.

As dance becomes more popular, dance studio owners will need to develop new ways to attract students to their studios. This may include offering special discounts or promotions, or creating partnerships with other businesses in the community. In addition, dance studio owners should consider expanding their offerings to include classes in other styles of dance, such as hip hop or jazz.

More Focus on Health and Wellness

The health and wellness trend is having a major impact on the dance industry. As people become more interested in staying healthy, they are turning to dance as a way to stay fit and relieve stress.

This trend is having a significant impact on dance studios, which are now focusing on providing a wider range of services that promote health and wellness. This includes offering yoga classes, nutrition counseling, and massage therapy.

How to Start a Dance Studio

A dance studio owner has many responsibilities, from teaching classes to marketing the business. They must also be able to manage their finances and keep track of all the paperwork involved in running a business.

To become a successful dance studio owner, you need to have a passion for dance and be able to connect with students. You should also be organized and have excellent communication skills. It’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in dance so that you can offer your students the best possible experience.

Related: How to Write a Dance Studio Owner Resume

Advancement Prospects

Dance studio owners may advance their career by expanding their business. This may involve opening additional locations, hiring more instructors, or increasing marketing and advertising efforts. As the business grows, the owner may need to delegate more responsibility to employees and focus on strategic planning and management. Some dance studio owners may also choose to open a dance school, which offers more comprehensive training for students.

Dance Studio Owner Job Description Example

Do you have a passion for dance and a head for business? [CompanyX] is looking for a studio owner who can combine these two skills to create a thriving dance studio. The studio owner will be responsible for the overall operation of the studio, including management of staff, finances, and marketing. He or she will also be responsible for developing and implementing the studio’s curriculum. The ideal candidate will have a background in dance, business, and management, as well as a passion for teaching and mentoring young dancers.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and professional dance studio
  • Greet students and parents warmly, providing excellent customer service
  • Schedule classes and events, ensuring the studio is properly staffed
  • Manage finances, including tuition payments, expenses, and budgeting
  • Hire, train, and supervise staff, including instructors, office personnel, and janitorial staff
  • Develop and implement marketing and advertising campaigns to promote the studio
  • Plan and oversee special events, such as recitals and competitions
  • Maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and other partners
  • Keep up with industry trends and developments, attending conferences and workshops as needed
  • Foster a positive and supportive environment for students, instructors, and staff
  • Ensure the safety of all individuals in the studio, following all applicable laws and regulations
  • Handle all customer complaints and concerns in a prompt and professional manner

Required Skills and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in dance, business, or related field
  • 10+ years professional dance experience
  • 5+ years teaching experience
  • Proven track record of successful studio management
  • Strong organizational, marketing, and customer service skills
  • Ability to teach a variety of dance styles

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in dance or related field
  • 15+ years professional dance experience
  • 10+ years teaching experience
  • Extensive knowledge of dance history and theory
  • Experience choreographing for stage and screen

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How to find a coach in a dance studio so that the business develops - Personal experience on vc.

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Creating a successful dance studio is not only choosing a convenient location with a good repair. The decisive factor for success and attracting customers is a professional teacher who can masterfully not only dance, but also teach it.
What criteria should be followed when choosing a teacher, where to find the very "diamond" and how to organize effective work? In search of answers, we interviewed the owners of dance schools and studios from all over the country, analyzed the information and came up with the very formula "How to find your ideal coach."

“We have a very careful selection of teachers. Initially, we did not have much funding. We couldn't afford to rent a large space and allocate a large amount of money for advertising in order to somehow recruit a group for a lesson with an unknown trainer. For us, it was important to have people who will be the core of the company, to whom customers will reach out. For us, coaches are the faces of the company. Our team is super carefully selected”

Anna Nikolskaya, Palestra Dance Studio

What kind of a good coach is he?

Many mistakenly believe that becoming a coach is easy. It is enough to “watch a video course of 10 lessons, learn cool movements and you can already recruit a group.” Studio owners do not support this position.

“Before sharing skills, you need to master them”

Valeria, Dance Space “Atmosfera”

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Experience matters . It is difficult to argue with the fact that an artist who has many lessons, competitions and battles behind him cannot dance. This is how dancers fulfill themselves and become competitive.

“I myself am the head and founder of the studio. I have an education as a ballet dancer and choreographer, I studied at GITIS. And plus, as an artist, I worked for a long time at the Russian National Ballet. Traveled all over Europe and America. The experience is colossal. And therefore, of course, I also select people who will have good experience in the team. I do not have a goal to save money and take a person without education who has learned to lead something from video. I’d rather take a coach with experience, a professional, and pay him a little more, but in my understanding, this will be a qualified person”

Anna, Palestra Dance Studio

Admittedly, some dance school owners noted that they could take a person with no experience and finish teaching him if he showed good results as a coach and teacher. We conclude that in order to teach a client you need to be able to explain and transfer your experience.

Very famous topic:

"You can be a very good dancer and no coach." And it's all over the place. Therefore, we always have a part at the interview where we dance with the applicant, we work in pairs ”

Margarita Aleshina, founder of the dance studio Pro Am "Dance Capital" Margarita Aleshina

In this situation, the leader puts himself in the place of the student and tries to understand whether the applicant will cope with the role of a teacher.

The client should be psychologically comfortable. Still, dancing “in front of witnesses” for many is a way out of the comfort zone. The coach should help the student to open up, stop being shy. To do this, you need to be able to communicate and communicate correctly with a student. Coaches must understand.

“If he (note the future coach) performs well and knows how to teach, that's cool. But if I see at a trial lesson that a person is completely unable to communicate and explain what he wants from his audience, then he will not be able to work with us”

Anna, Palestra Dance Studio

This position is shared by many studio owners. People will stop attending classes if they do not understand what they are paying money for. nine0003

And of course, the trainer must develop himself. Dancing is a dynamic movement. New styles appear regularly, some go out of fashion. It is important to follow trends if you want to stay afloat.

“We take a person and offer him different ways of development. Every month, every year we work to ensure that our teachers are trained. In professional terms, we bring some modern dancers, well-known and popular, and take ours to master classes. We also have first aid classes, for example. It is important, necessary, constant training is necessary”

Valeriya, Dance space "Atmosfera"

So, we conclude :

Good coach and higher education.

Must a coach have a university or college degree? The question is moot.

The classic base is the basis for a good dancer. In educational institutions, the artist is given basic dance skills. After such preparation, it is much easier to develop in new directions.

nine0002 “When applying for a job, it is very appreciated if the applicant has a basic ballet education. Or higher education in the field of ballet pedagogy. If the applicant has a higher education, then we look at which institute he graduated from. Usually we know where and what kind of teachers, what and how is taught. You can draw conclusions already by where a person studied. If the applicant has both a college and a higher education, it's just super”

Anna, Palestra Studio.

Anna's school specializes in ballet and contemporary stage dance. nine0003

It is important to understand that classical education is not a panacea. It is rather a foundation and a base, and when applying for a job, the dancer's technique will be valued first of all, and not a stack of his diplomas.

“There are classical styles, for example, variety dances, contemporary. For their execution, a classic base is needed. We have teachers from dance schools, art colleges. They own the base. But if we are talking about modern dances, the question is different. This is not taught in universities”

Natalia, YES Dance Studio

Activities with children - a separate category. This is more about psychology than technology. If in the case of an adult group, one can become a trainer due to high professional skills, then for children and adolescents, special competencies are needed - pedagogical education.

“If it concerns a children's group, then we, of course, look at the availability of pedagogical education or pedagogical courses. We want a person to have an idea that children are a very soft nature and you need to be careful with them. We not only teach children to dance, in training there is a process of education, albeit a superficial one. Therefore, it is important that a person has an idea about age psychology, children's characteristics. This is important for the child, and for the parents, and for us”

Valeriya, Dance space "Atmosfera"

Conclusion: higher or secondary education in dancing will not be superfluous. This is the base of the dancer. But is even more important - the skills of the coach . A good teacher is valued for his technique and desire for self-improvement, and not for the number of hours spent at the university. The exception is working with children. Pedagogical competencies are necessary here and you can’t argue with that.

Where to look for your ideal coach?

There is no correct answer to this question. Each employer uses a source that is accessible and understandable to him. The most popular is word of mouth.

Professional dancers attend competitions, master classes and other events. There they, one way or another, communicate with their colleagues, find new acquaintances and a potential team.

“The dance world is very small. Initially, probably all the dancers who are something of themselves in St. Petersburg understand who I am. And I understand all those dancers who are something of themselves in St. Petersburg "

Margarita, Founder of the dance studio Pro Am "Dance Capital"

Another way - castings . Studio owners often post announcements on their social networks about the search for a new member to the team, collect applications and announce a review.

“We are looking for coaches through social networks, we are announcing a casting. People write to us all the time that they want to work. We send them a questionnaire. We now have over 200 people in our database. But few of them suit us. We arrange casting once a season. On average, out of thirty people who come, we take one. Applicants come and dance, fill out forms in advance”

Anastasia, OK dance studio

There is another interesting way. Let's call it "educating your own coach" . The owners of dance studios note that in their practice there were cases when their students improved and upgraded their skills, and then they recruited their class and began to teach people. And they did it quite well. Therefore, this option of finding your ideal coach cannot be excluded from this list.

To job search services , for example HH.ru, studio owners resort to it much less often. But as one of the options for finding an applicant, they cannot be dismissed. Both a novice dancer and a professional with extensive experience can leave their resume on such sites.

Corporate culture for pleasant weather in the team

Nobody likes turnover. Especially in a business like a dance school. The client gets used to his coach - he already knows his capabilities, understands psychology, knows how to relax and make the lesson comfortable. When leaving the studio, the coach often takes clients with him. Competent founders of dance schools try to prevent this from happening. nine0003

A strong team is made up of two unshakable pillars – a decent salary and an atmosphere in the team.

The work of a trainer should be paid adequately by the standards of the market - these people give a lot of physical and moral strength to make the client happy. They also need funds for their own development. If you want to get a classy professional - appreciate his work at its true worth.

A friendly team, a good leader is another reason to be happy to return to work. If a person feels support and respect, then he will not want to leave you. A competent leader should not be indifferent to his subordinates. Give the coach confidence that he will not be fired or deprived of income if he is forced to take an unscheduled day off or sick leave. nine0003

“As a dancer, I understand that teachers get much less than they deserve. Of course, in the future I would like to pay more to my coaches, to improve their standard of living. I understand that you need to invest a lot to become a good dancer. The second is the atmosphere in the studio. The way we communicate, our cozy beautiful halls, a clear schedule. Creative people need it”

Anastasia, OK dance studio

Sometimes the coach will have refuse you. It is quite a normal desire to gather effective personnel in your team. Usually, so that the group does not have to be dissolved after the start of classes, the coach is allowed to work gradually. First they give one class, then several personal trainings. If a person shows a great result, employment is increased. On average, such a trial period takes plus / minus a month.

And what a good coach should be, we have already told above.

Effective trainer. nine0003

Imagine you have assembled your ideal team. Before you are professionals with burning eyes, ready to share their skills with others. How to organize work so as not to overload your employees?

The most effective, according to experts, trainer works 3-4 hours a day . More than 6 hours of physical activity is hard to endure even for a professional. In addition, the teacher can combine teaching at your school with other activities, such as studying. Let a person work less, but show a cool result, than spend a lot of useless classes and discourage clients. nine0003

The number of people in the group for the coach most often does not play a big role . The main thing is the size of the hall where the lesson takes place. The smaller the area, the smaller the group. Both the students and the coach should be comfortable in the classroom. No one wants to push and dodge their neighbor's limbs during a workout.

Gender and age do not play a significant role for employers. As we have already said, the main thing in an effective trainer is skills and the ability to explain. Dances are taught by both men and women of all ages. The main thing is the return and the result at work. nine0003

“Sex and age don't matter. No nationality, no religious affiliation. We have dancers from other countries, and they do a great job and are popular”

Valeria, Dance Space “Atmosfera”

Now it becomes clear that finding a good specialist for your business is not so difficult. If you follow our "How to Find the Perfect Coach" formula, you'll have a strong team in no time. nine0003

Remember that the efficiency of a dancer is greatly influenced by how the work is organized in the studio itself. Don't overburden your trainers, create a clear schedule, keep a competitive salary and a pleasant atmosphere in the team. Then people will start coming to your company.

Now it becomes clear that finding a good specialist for your business is not so difficult. If you follow our "How to Find the Perfect Coach" formula, you'll have a strong team in no time. And the AppEvent CRM system will help you maintain a good technical organization. nine0005 Convenient and easy to use externally and multifunctional inside, it will definitely become the very missing component of a successful studio.
Nice team atmosphere + Good work organization = Studio success

Becoming a Dance Studio Manager - Job Responsibilities

Do you want to know what it takes to become a dance studio manager? If YES, here is a detailed description of the dance studio manager position. Many Americans are interested in dance lessons as a result of the popularity of dance shows on television, the need to be physically fit, and other factors. nine0005 A dance studio may focus on a specific dance genre such as ballet or tap, or they may teach a variety of styles. As a dance studio manager, you will take your love of dancing one step further by combining physical agility with the mental waltz of running a business.

A dance studio in the United States may operate independently or be part of a larger institution such as a university, arts school, or performing arts center. If the studio is part of a dance program, the manager will usually work with over 100 dancers. nine0005

What does it take to become a dance studio manager?

If you are interested in becoming a dance studio manager, you need to think about how much education you need. Note that about 50.5% of dance studio managers have a bachelor's degree. In terms of higher education level, about 4.3% of dance studio directors have a master's degree. Even though most dance studio managers have college degrees, it is entirely possible to get only a high school or GED. nine0223

However, choosing the right specialty is always an important step in learning how to become a dance studio manager. In this career area, most dance studio managers usually earn degrees in business or dance. Some may even get a degree in nursing or psychology.

Also remember that experience in other positions will help you become a dance studio manager. Many dance studio managers also have previous experience as dance instructors or receptionists. According to reports, dance studio managers in America earn an average salary of 69$468 per year or $33 per hour. The richest 10 percent earn more than $126,000 a year, while the poorest 10 percent earn less than $38,000 a year.

Dance studio managers are expected to be able to manage people and time in order to achieve their primary goal of managing staff and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the studio. Below are the main responsibilities of a dance studio manager.

1. General instructions

Depending on the size of the studio, the Dance Studio Manager may have only a few or a large team of employees. These experts are responsible for hiring, organizing and training employees. Dance studio managers have been known to oversee dance instructors and are responsible for the day-to-day running of dance studios.

These experts serve as the link between clients and the owner of the dance school. Another thing you have to do as a dance studio manager is to attend executive meetings and hold staff meetings. nine0005

2. Planning

Schedule is an important part of a dance studio manager's job. The studio is dedicated to providing time, space and equipment for clients to use. When things get better, the dance studio manager will switch to secretary mode and start planning. Indeed, teachers and dance instructors cannot conduct dance classes at the same time. Planning classes and buying equipment is the key to success. nine0005

3. Billing and tracking

When customers use studio resources, they are charged. The dance studio manager is tasked with creating customer accounts, billing customers for their time, and keeping track of bills to make sure they are paid in full.

4. Staff Training

As a dance studio manager, you will also need to train staff, check staff to make sure they are doing well, and expand the program to make the program more successful. You will also be tasked with initiating, creating, updating and implementing lesson plans for the program. You also need to know when to view, change, or remove classes. nine0005

5. Technical tasks

Dance studio managers can also be contacted to install, operate, maintain or troubleshoot technical equipment. They may also need to schedule equipment repairs. Therefore, technical expertise may be required.

6. Marketing and Business Promotion

Also note that as a dance studio manager you have to make yourself known if you want to attract customers. Your creativity grows when you write ads for a weekly newspaper or print colorful brochures to give to potential clients. nine0005

The 3 Skills You Need to Become a Dance Studio Manager

Successful dance studio managers are well organized and multi-tasking. They speak well as they are often the first point of contact for visiting customers. In addition to these general skills and personality traits, employers will want to see the following skills in dance studio managers;

1. Basic skills
2. Advanced Skills

Although most employers do not specifically require the following skills, some have included them as preferred. However, to discover career opportunities for yourself, consider these skills as an added advantage to achieving your career goals.

  • Specialized training in skills such as graphic design, recording or television production
  • Experience in managing large teams can serve you well if you apply to a large organization.
3. Tools of the Trade

Keep in mind that dance studio managers use many tools in their daily work. If you are considering pursuing a career as a dance studio manager, you should be fairly advanced in using the following:

Keep in mind that running multiple tasks at the same time is the biggest problem. Then there is dealing with clients who take their frustrations out on you, plus the stigma of being a dance studio manager often makes you (in the eyes of some clients) unqualified, uncreative, and irrelevant to the process.

4 tips for owners to consider before hiring a dance studio manager

If the administrative burden in your studio is tiring for you, it would be ideal to consider hiring a dance studio manager. Many studios in the United States employ additional staff to carry out day-to-day duties that fall more or less on the shoulders of the owner. Here are the important considerations you should take into account if you are considering hiring a dance studio manager.

1. Consider automation or outsourcing

The very first thing you should do when you feel overwhelmed by administrative tasks is to make a list of all the things you are behind on. If you have a list, it will be easier for you to determine if you need a new employee or if you can just invest in some kind of automation software.

If your worries or stress is related to accounting and bookkeeping, you may need to purchase new accounting software. You should also consider outsourcing to an accounting firm. nine0005 But if you think you're spending too much time wiping mirrors in classrooms; It would be ideal to hire a cleaning lady who would come once a week. Once you understand how your workload is distributed, you can make an informed decision if you need a manager or new staff.

2. Analyze costs and benefits.

Keep in mind that a dance studio manager can really help reduce your workload, but you will have to write another paycheck every week. According to reports, most studio managers expect to be paid between $10 and $20 an hour, depending on the size of the office and the duties involved. nine0223

That's why it's important to analyze the time and stress you'll save on the cost of your next paycheck. However, if the cost is within your budget, a studio manager may be right for you. But if money becomes a heavy burden on your finances, it is better to consider other options.

3. Select candidates with experience.

After making a conscious decision to hire a studio manager, it's a good idea to carefully consider candidates for the position, as well as keep a list of the responsibilities you've made handy. Always remember to choose a manager whose experience suits your needs. nine0223

If you are late with your application and paperwork, a candidate who has worked in the office will be the top priority. People with customer experience will respond well to phone calls and emails. But if you need help with more practical tasks, such as ordering costumes and scheduling rehearsals, you may need to consider a candidate who is familiar with the basics of dance.

4. Make a learning plan. nine0007

Anyone you hire must complete training before they can become part of your studio. Even if the candidate has worked in a studio before, no two businesses are the same and there will be tasks he or she will need to complete. Always take the time to create a training plan before you start working with a new hire. Please note: the more specific your plan, the faster your manager will understand everything.

Also note that both you and your employee will benefit from written policies, procedures and schedules.


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