Dance Teachers Are Essential: The Power of Dance in Whole-Child Development

As dance educators, you are doing far more than teaching steps and routines. You are shaping brains, hearts, and bodies in ways that last a lifetime. Dance is a uniquely powerful tool for growth because it integrates movement, music, and social connection, making it a multi-sensory positive experience. Here’s how your role as a teacher fuels development across every dimension of a child’s life.

Brain Development and Dance: A Multi-Sensory Brain Boost

Every time your students dance, they are strengthening their brains.

• Neural Connections: Dance links movement, rhythm, and memory, creating strong neural pathways that support lifelong learning.

• Executive Function & Creativity: From following choreography to improvising, students sharpen planning, flexibility, and creative problem-solving.

• Theory of Mind: Performing and working in groups helps dancers understand perspectives outside their own building empathy through movement.

Dance isn’t just art, it’s cognitive training at its finest.

Character Development and Dance: A Shared Social Experience

The studio is a safe and vibrant space where children build essential character strengths:

• Perseverance: Every plié, pirouette, or leap is practice in trying again and again until mastery comes.

• Bravery: Stepping into the classroom, performing, or learning something new all require courage.

• Self-Regulation: Dance teaches listening, patience, and focus all key life skills.

• Kindness: From taking turns to encouraging peers, dancers learn cooperation and respect.

Your guidance nurtures not just skilled movers, but strong and compassionate human beings.

Physical Development and Dance: Building Strong Bodies

Dance uniquely supports whole-body development, giving children confidence in their physical abilities.

• Flexibility & Balance: Core elements of every class improve posture and agility.

• Muscle Development: Repetition builds strength while keeping movement fun and engaging.

• Body & Spatial Awareness: Dancers learn to move with control and confidence in any environment.

These skills support not only dance but also play and everyday movement.

Why Dance Teachers Are Essential

As a dance teacher, you are so much more than an instructor of steps. You are a brain builder, a character coach, a fitness leader, and a mentor. Each time you lead a class, you’re giving children an experience that supports their cognitive, emotional, and physical growth while sparking joy through the art of dance.

Never underestimate your impact. You are essential.

We're Thrilled to Announce Our 2025 Pinnacle Keynote Speaker: Jasmine BRETT STRINGER

The countdown is on for the Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat, July 18–20, 2025 in vibrant New Orleans, Louisiana—and we have some exciting news to share!

We are absolutely honored to welcome Jasmine Brett Stringer as our 2025 Pinnacle Keynote Speaker!

If you're not already familiar with Jasmine, she is a powerhouse speaker, author, and lifestyle strategist who brings heart, humor, and wisdom to every room she enters. As the founder of Carpe Diem with Jasmine, she’s made it her life’s mission to inspire others to seize the day and live with intention. Her message is deeply relevant for dance educators and studio owners navigating the ever-evolving demands of the industry—and life.

“Carpe Diem isn’t just a phrase for Jasmine, it’s a way of life. Her empowering energy and practical insight will leave you feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to rise.”
— Tiffany Henderson, Twinkle Star Dance Founder

Whether you're a returning attendee or joining us for the first time, the 2025 Pinnacle experience promises to be our most impactful yet—with time to grow, learn, connect, and dance together in one of the most culturally rich cities in the country.

It’s not too late to join us!

Dates: July 18–20, 2025
Location: New Orleans, LA
Learn more and RSVP here »

We can’t wait to reconnect with all of you and experience the magic of Jasmine’s keynote together. See you at Pinnacle!

The Power of Multiple Dance Classes Per Week: A Guide for Dance Educators

In the evolving landscape of dance education, understanding the optimal frequency of classes for young dancers is crucial. Insights from The Balanced Barre by Paul Henderson highlight the multifaceted benefits of enrolling children in multiple dance classes per week. 

1. Enhanced Mood and Emotional Well-being

Regular participation in dance classes has been linked to improved mood and emotional resilience in children. Studies indicate that students attending two or more classes weekly exhibit sustained mood enhancements, suggesting that consistent engagement in dance fosters emotional stability and happiness.

2. Accelerated Skill Development

Increased class frequency allows for more practice, leading to faster acquisition of dance techniques and skills. This consistent reinforcement aids in muscle memory development, enabling students to progress more rapidly and confidently in their dance journey.

3. Strengthened Social Connections

Attending multiple classes provides children with more opportunities to interact with peers, fostering a sense of community and belonging. These social interactions are essential for developing communication skills and building lasting friendships within the dance environment.

4. Improved Physical Health

Regular dance sessions contribute to better physical health by enhancing flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Multiple weekly classes ensure that children remain active, promoting a healthy lifestyle and physical well-being.

5. Increased Discipline and Time Management

Balancing multiple classes requires children to manage their time effectively, instilling a sense of discipline and responsibility. These skills are transferable to other areas of life, including academic pursuits and personal commitments.

Implementing Multiple Classes in Your Dance Program

To maximize these benefits:

• Diversify Class Offerings: Introduce various dance styles to keep students engaged and broaden their skill sets.
  

• Flexible Scheduling: Offer classes at different times to accommodate varying schedules, making it easier for students to attend multiple sessions.
  

• Encourage Participation: Communicate the benefits of multiple classes to parents and students, highlighting the positive impact on development and well-being.

By integrating multiple weekly classes into your dance program, you can significantly enhance your students' growth, both as dancers and individuals.

Dear Dance Educators

Dear Dance Educators,

We see you. The time, the energy, the love, and the leadership you pour into your classrooms every single day it matters more than you may ever know.

At Twinkle Star Dance, we’ve always known that dance is about far more than steps and technique. It's about people. It's about shaping resilient, confident, emotionally grounded children. And thanks to our ongoing dancer mood study, we now have the data to show what we’ve always felt in our hearts: you are a powerful, positive force in the lives of your students.

Why This Study Matters—And Why You Matter

In a world where anxiety and disconnection are on the rise, your studio has become more than a place to learn dance—it’s a haven. Our dance mood study is tracking dancer experiences across every age, every style, every teacher—and what we’re seeing is extraordinary.

• Dance lifts mood—consistently.

• Students feel safer, stronger, and more connected after class.

• And the biggest difference-maker? YOU.

Instructors who bring warmth, experience, and emotional presence create noticeable shifts in their dancers. You’re not just teaching choreography—you’re helping kids feel seen, supported, and strong.

What Makes This Research Special

Most arts-based studies happen in labs or clinics. Ours happens in our studios—where the real magic happens. We’re collecting weekly mood data from actual classes, then analyzing it in real-time to see what really helps students thrive.

• We’re discovering how things like class type, time of day, frequency of attendance, and teacher experience impact mood.

• We’re learning how to design classes that don’t just build skill—but build emotional health.

• And we’re doing it all so that we can support YOU better in the amazing work you’re already doing.

What the Data Is Saying

Early results are clear:

• Experienced, emotionally present teachers are helping students experience the most joy and the greatest emotional growth.

• Dance is acting as a protective layer—especially for kids who are shy, anxious, or going through a tough time.

• And over time, students who stick with dance are developing higher baseline moods and emotional resilience.

This isn’t just encouraging—it’s transformative. And it’s happening because of you.

You Are the Difference

You may not always see the full ripple effect of your encouragement, your smile, or the way you listen. But our research is capturing it—and confirming what we’ve always known: you are a steady, positive force in your students’ lives.

In your classroom, kids find:

• Belonging in a world that often isolates.

• Self-expression in a world that often silences.

• Resilience in a world that often overwhelms.

What This Means for You

This study isn’t about evaluating you—it’s about supporting you. The insights we’re gathering will help us:

• Refine schedules and class types to better serve different ages and moods.

• Offer professional development based on what’s working best emotionally and academically.

• Provide real feedback that helps you advocate for the tools and resources you need.

We know how hard you work. We know how deeply you care. And we know that what happens in your studio each week is shaping lives in ways most people never see.

This study is putting that impact into words and numbers—but the real power has always been you.

Thank you for being a guide, a mentor, and a light.
Together, we’re doing more than teaching dance. We’re building happier, healthier, more hopeful kids—and that is a legacy to be proud of.

With gratitude,
Tiffany and the Twinkle Star Dance team

Book Your Stay for Pinnacle 2025 – Limited Rooms Available!

July 18–20, 2025 | Omni Royal Orleans | New Orleans, LA

Pinnacle 2025 is right around the corner, and it’s time to secure your spot at the heart of the action—the stunning Omni Royal Orleans in the French Quarter!

This historic Four Diamond hotel offers everything you want in a conference experience:
✔️ Elegant accommodations
✔️ Rooftop pool deck and wrought iron balconies
✔️ Steps from Bourbon Street and the best of New Orleans nightlife
✔️ Exclusive discounted rate of $159+/night

Whether you’re sipping coffee on your private balcony or connecting with fellow studio owners at the rooftop pool, the Omni is your perfect home base for an unforgettable weekend of growth and inspiration.

But here's the catch:
Rooms are limited and selling fast! Reservations are first come, first serve, and the cutoff date is Friday, June 27, 2025—but they will likely sell out before then.

🎟️ Click here to book your hotel now »