Why am I suddenly having anxiety and panic attacks about my dance studio?

Raise your hand if you are feeling stressed.

Up until now, we write off or dismiss the physical anxiety symptoms by telling ourselves that somehow this is the price we pay to make the world a better place, one dancer at a time. In this episode Tiffany Henderson, owner of seven dance studios and creator of Twinkle Star Dance, explores the impact of continued stress and anxiety on us and what we can do to change for the better and for our health. 

Check out the latest Dance Studio 411 Podcast with Tiffany Henderson's full interview here.

Catch Tiffany Henderson live at the Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference July 12-14 in Orlando, FL. See the full schedule and more information at www.twinklestardanceconference.com. 

About Dance Studio 411 Podcast

Need expert advice on handling dance studio dilemmas and drama? Suzanne Blake Gerety and Jill Tirone take real-life questions directly from our listeners and help you resolve your toughest, most frustrating or just-plain-complicated studio life predicaments. In each episode they tackle the topics that keep you awake at night from how to successfully navigate parent-problems, teacher turnover, student challenges, policy dilemmas, and much more. Join them as they feature innovators who pull back the curtain and offer timely ideas and solutions. We also love to keep things light and have fun along the way! We’re so excited for you to join the conversation. 

2019 Twinkle Star Dance Conference Schedule is Live!

You asked for more workshop-based classes at the 2019 Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference and we packed the schedule! Now you can spend your valuable time planning social media marketing campaigns, creating holiday shows, and setting your studio's calendar. 

You don't want to miss the Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference July 12-14at the Sheraton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort in Orlando, FL. Space is limited and we are anticipating selling out our venue this year.

View the 2019 Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference schedule here.

Just listen to what one previous attendee had to say…

“At one time had three very profitable studios. I chose to reduce to a smaller studio to raise my kids. During 2008 the housing problems hit us very hard. We lost our home and I lost my business which was in my backyard. I had to start back from scratch. The first 4 years were basically a negative situation. 
I attended the 2013 conference and to be honest did not follow the curriculum whole-heartedly. I had so many other areas in my life to take care of and the studio was always last on the list. 

I came to the 2017 conference and made the decision to finally get started and follow the program. After this commitment I have added new students monthly. I am excited again and actually have extra money at the end of the month. Last summer, I bought a house and am finally back to where I was before 2008. 

I realized that the love of my studio was what got me through the hard part and after fixing it the rest of my life fell in place. We, as dance teachers, don’t have jobs, we have an extension of our heart and without a healthy studio our hearts suffer. Thank you for helping me heal my heart.” 

Sharon Lanouette,

Sharon’s School of Dance

Learn more and get tickets here.

Why I Switched to a Year-round Dance Season

Why I Switched to a Year-round Dance Season

Tiffany Henderson with Amanda Scott and Kelly Stento

Twinkle Star Dance

About fifteen years ago our studios made the switch to a year-round dance season. I would review the August financials every year with my mother, who is also our accountant, and both of us would say “If we only had tuition revenue generated in July...”

One year I made the switch while we were marketing registration and simply said the new season begins July 7 and runs through June 30. Did everyone quit my studios? No. Did everyone sign up for classes starting July 7? No, but about 60% did and that was 60% more tuition revenue than I had generated in previous July’s.

I know making a change to your studio can be scary, but I also know as a business owner and an

advisor to several dance studio businesses

that it is worth it! Check out what Kelly Stento, owner of Leroux School of Dance in Royersford, PA, has to share about her experience with switching to year-round dance.   

This is Leroux School of Dance’s second year-round dance season and over half of the studio (all ages) take classes 12-months a year. Simultaneously, Leroux offers four Twinkle Camps ages 3-6, two Show Stars Camps ages 6-10 and two Intensives each summer. Many families do BOTH camp/intensive and weekly classes in July.

“When I first announced this to my families more than a few asked, ‘why the change?' I responded with two points the teachers appreciate having a job all year and gymnastics and karate have full year schedules, so we thought we'd give it a try.

I switched to a year-round dance season and will never go back!! Our classes start in July and end in June! We take a 10-12 day “summer break” same for Christmas! I also take a full week for Thanksgiving and Easter. My staff loves it because they have several vacation opportunities throughout a season and I’m not struggling for students in the summer. Our classes are FULL in JULY!! This season I had 60% return on the first weekend alone. By August I was scrambling to add classes and get some of our waitlists down. I still run summer camps and intensives during the mid day 12-3pm time slots and the studio is going from 9am-9pm straight through!”

What Stento loves most about implementing a year-round dance program:

1. THE MONEY - Fixed expenses like rent remain the same in the summer months, there is not reason to not be running classes.
2. THE STAFF - Kelly’s teachers understand that every class may not happen, but they are happy to be teaching in July instead of anything else they've had to do in the past.
3. THE SCHEDULE - Kelly only has to create ONE schedule every year, instead of one for Summer and then for the rest of the year.

Stento’s Scariest thing to tackle - VACATIONS - however, the make up class option was a blessing for the dance families and her staff members are happy to cover for others so that they are assured their vacation time too!

Leroux School of Dance still has an influx of families joining in September and they continue to take enrollment through the end of February (March is enrollment for Summer Camps and April is enrollment for NEW SEASON - July).

“LeRoux School of Dance offers a year-round dance season July- June. We realize many families are out of town frequently during the summer. To accommodate everyone’s travel plans, we allow make up classes so that your tuition will never be wasted when your family is out of town. Also, your make up class does not need to be the same type or level of class in which your dancer is currently enrolled. This is a great opportunity to try a different type of dance or even challenge your dancer by trying a higher level.”

Want more information on how Twinkle Star Dance can help you run a year-round dance season?

Click here.

First Time Attendee Guide and FAQ

First Time Attendee Guide and FAQ

Tiffany Henderson with Amanda Scott

Twinkle Star Dance

Before the Conference

Q. When should I arrive?

We recommend arriving in New Orleans Thursday, August 16 and staying through Sunday, August 19; classes should be wrapped up by 3pm on Sunday.

Q. Where should I stay?

Discounted lodging is available from $159 per night at our host hotel the Omni Royal Orleans on a first come, first serve basis and must booked by July 18. You can book online here:

http://bit.ly/2B9y0oY

or over the phone

(504) 529-5333.

Q. What does my attendee fee cover?

Your attendee fee covers some included meals, access to all business and movement classes, and passes to the Twinkle Star Dance Fashion Show. Dance studio owners also have exclusive access to Studio Owner Only Sessions and a complimentary Cocktail Party.

Q. What should I wear?

We recommend wearing clothes you can comfortably move in if you plan on taking movement-based classes. For business sessions we recommend wearing business casual or your movement clothes and a light jacket or sweater. If you are a studio owner please bring cocktail attire for the hosted event.

Q. What should I bring?

We recommend bringing dance shoes (ballet, tap, jazz, and sneakers), your computer or tablet, and a list of goals you want to accomplish throughout the weekend.

Q. How do I register for the conference?

We would love for you to join us! You can register online here:

http://bit.ly/tsdnola

or over the phone at 925-583-2830.

During the Conference

Q. Where do I check in?

Early bird check in for the Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference starts Thursday, August 16 from 6-8pm in front of the main ballroom. Regular check in begins Friday, August 17 at 7am prior to classes.

Q. What types of activities are available?

We have various types of activities throughout the weekend. Movement sessions geared towards your recreational dance students ages 2-12; Master classes with industry professionals to keep you inspired; Business sessions on systems to effectively run your dance studio business; Access to our vetted industry partners; Studio Owner Only sessions; and a Twinkle Star Dance Fashion Show.

Q. Do I have to attend each session? Can I bounce between sessions?

Yes, with an attendee pass you have access to all of the sessions over the weekend and you are welcome to bounce between movement and business sessions. Studio Owner Only sessions are closed sessions.  

Q. Can I bring my spouse or guests to events?

We ask that only registered conference attendees are present at Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference events. All registered attendees must be ages 18+.

Q. Are there events tailored to first time attendees or studio owners?

Yes, we have a session called “What is Twinkle Star Dance” which is an overview of Tiffany’s Twinkle Star method. In addition, we also offer Studio Owner Only Sessions and a complimentary Twinkle Star Dance training for all subscribers on Sunday.  

Q. How can I network at the conference?

We encourage you to meet other attendees at the event. One of our favorite aspects is connecting with other dance teachers, studio owners, and administrators that do what we do year in and year out. We recommend sitting with new or different groups of people during sessions and events. Be sure to also exchange contact information so you can maintain your connections and support when you return to your home studio.  

Q.  How should I spend my evenings?

At the conclusion of the conference events we encourage you to explore one of our favorite cities, New Orleans! Some places we recommend are listed below:

• French Quarter
• Jackson Square
• Garden District
• Preservation Hall
• Royal Street
• Cafe Du Monde
• La Riviera Rooftop Bar at Omni Royal Orleans
• Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge
• Fritzel's European Jazz Pub
• Arnaud’s French 75 Bar

After the Conference

1. Implement Twinkle Star Dance in your studio
2. Follow up with new friends and contacts
3. Fill out the post-conference attendee survey
4. Save the date for next year!

Join us for the

Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference

August 17-19 in New Orleans. Register by Friday, April 13 with promo code EVENT40 and Save $40 in conference fees.