Last Chance! Opt In to our Disney Performing Arts Event

Have you heard? Our friends at Disney Performing Arts are offering Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference attendees exclusive behind the scenes access. Join us for a magical, unique Disney Performing Arts Workshops experience at Walt Disney World® Resort for registered conference attendees only on Thursday, July 11 from 3:30pm - 6:30pm. All transportation will be provided. 

Participating attendees must opt in by July 1 to confirm their spot. Click here for more information and to opt in: https://forms.gle/CPzAQkq8xobp1i2d6

P.s. A friendly reminder to book your hotel room at the Sheraton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort at our $125 discounted rate. Click here to reserve your room: https://www.twinklestardanceconference.com 

Having FOMO? Register for the Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference July 12-14 in Orlando click here.

Why Dress Code is Important and Why You Need One Your Dance Studio

Tiffany Henderson with Amanda Scott

In addition to saving dance parents time and money, implementing a dress code at your studio can bring in additional revenue for your business. At Tiffany’s Dance Academy our dress code is mandatory; however several times per season dancers may wear whatever they choose to class. 

If you are interested in offering a dress code this season, consider the benefits below for your dancers:

1) Helps a dancer understand they are going to a structured class (compared to unstructured playtime). When dancers put on their uniform, they get into a specific mindset before dance class. 

2) Ensures that the clothing is not a distraction during class. My second year of studio ownership “The Little Mermaid” was all the rage and every 3-4 year old came in the princess outfit mermaid, tail and all. One problem was that dancers were so distracted by the costumes, they could not focus for the duration of the class. 

3) Ensures that the dancer is appropriately dressed. As teachers we need to be able to see dancers’ bodies and make necessary corrections. When dancers are in dress code you can easily make changes. 

4) Ensures that each dancer has the same brand, style and color of shoes and tights for on stage performances. Uniformity on stage during a performance starts with dress code. If you want everyone to be in the same shoes, tights, costume, and hair style at recital then you need to set the tone in class each week. 

Looking to revamp your existing dress code or start selling dancewear at your studio this fall? Join Twinkle Star Dance in Orlando July 12-14 and attend our special “Setting Your Dress Code” Workshop: https://www.twinklestardanceconference.com

Can’t make it? Join Tiffany for a free webinar July 18 at 10:00am PST / 1:00pm EST: https://events.genndi.com/register/818182175026323944/5a9c2f15b3

Three Post-Recital Celebrations You Need to Have

Tiffany Henderson with Amanda Scott

Let’s be honest, only dance studio owners need permission to take time for themselves. Even though our dance studio businesses are a labor of love, it is important for us to take time to recharge after the recital season. Dance studio owners are in constant “work mode” and often struggle with how to wind down and give themselves a much deserved break.

If you are waiting for your to-do list to get shorter before you can take time away, it won’t. A lot of times after I take a much-needed break, the tasks look different to me. With fresh eyes and renewed energy, you will have a more productive way to accomplish something.

Dance studio owners never truly leave our work because we love it so much, but we have to step away to reflect and come up with inspiration for the new season; what dance number am I doing with this group, what recital theme I want to do for next year, etc. Some of the most creative ideas I come up with for my business are on thought up vacation.

Following our year-end recital it is important that we take a moment to celebrate our success and the completion of putting our shows together. In fact, after reviewing how I recover from my recitals and ramp up for the new season, I realize that there are actually three distinct celebrations that need to happen after the final curtain:

1. With your staff - this can be a simple dinner or small party
2. With your family - a vacation away from the studio, free of distractions
3. With yourself - time for you to recharge

Don't miss the ultimate recharge in Orlando July 12-14 at the Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference. More info here: https://www.twinklestardanceconference.com

Need some more encouragement? Listen to Tiffany’s full webinar here: http://bit.ly/31qbAcE

What to Pack for the Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference

What to Pack for Twinkle Star Dance Conference

Amanda Scott

We've gotten some messages this week from attendees about being excited for the Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference July 12-14 in Orlando (and trust me I am right there with you, I can not wait)! Outside of the link to book the extended rate on discounted hotel rooms, the most common question is “What do I wear?”

We are here to help! One of my favorite things to do when I am traveling (for work or for play) is making a packing list so I am happy to share some insight into what I am bringing to Orlando below:

Cocktail Party

First, what I’m wearing to the Revolution Dancewear “A Night Under the Stars” Cocktail Party. I like to start with special events because the season of life I am in right now requires me to wear more “just went to the gym” and “my hair is mostly dry shampoo” looks than I care to admit. Plus, I am in desperate need of a night out. For the cocktail party, I’m currently debating between an embellished cocktail dress or a bold jumpsuit, but either are appropriate.

Business Seminars, Dance Studio Owner Only Sessions, and Workshops

If you are planning on attending the Dance Studio Owner Only sessions, Business Seminars or our brand new Workshops (where you actually set your studio calendar, assign your dress code, and create your shows) I encourage you to pack your own version of a “power suit.” That way when you decide to take the leap and make a change in your business you feel like a boss, too. I’m bringing my favorite white blazer to throw on when I am presenting, but I also love the feminine details of a lace top paired with trousers.  

Disney Performing Arts Experience and Movement Classes

This is probably the easiest to pack for because the majority of my drawers are overfilled with black leggings; sorry Marie Kondo they all bring me joy. I plan on throwing in my favorite leggings, athletic top, and zip up jacket. Since, I know we will “be twinkling” I am packing a leotard and my trusty black ballet skirt. For my feet, I’m bringing tennis shoes for Fire It Up and Hip Hop classes as well as my Tap, Ballet, and Jazz shoes.

Meals and After Hours

Having traveled with Tiffany to dance teacher conferences once or twice, I know she lives for grabbing dinner out once classes wrap up for the day. I also know she also has an outfit change before said dinner out so I am going to follow suit. Since we are in Florida I am all about packing a Maxi dress. They work great for by the pool as a coverup, but add some statement earrings and a bold lip and you’re dinner ready in a flash.

I hope this helps you while you are packing for Orlando! Don’t forget to register for the Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference July 12-14 here.

Permission to Celebrate

I don’t know about you, but the moment I look forward to the most during long recital days is the “after party.” I just completed my 19th season as a dance studio owner and taking time to commemorate the event is more important than ever. As the years slip away, I feel the need to hold tighter to the special moments and attempt to slow the pace of time passing. Depending on where you are in your time as a dance studio owner this message will mean different things.  

I remember being a mom of two young children and just wanting to see the end of the recital, so I could get some rest. Even back then, my husband Paul and I made it a priority to celebrate with a pizza dinner or something fun. Our little kids would come with us, sometimes sleeping at the table, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We were together and it taught our children to exist in many situations, that life wasn’t always all about them, and the value of working hard at something they loved.

We also made family vacations a priority after the dance recital season ended. The expectation of the trip we would take together gave us all energy. It also gave me quality time to spend with my family, free from distractions and away from the demands of the studio. In retrospect, these celebrations and family trips were also the fuel for my continued enthusiasm for my job.

A celebration can be as simple as a small family dinner or party, vacation, or time that you give yourself to reflect and recharge. Often times these “celebrations” are skipped because we are in constant “work” mode with the never ending tasks that continue immediately following our big year-end event called “recital.” It is hard for us to get off the train!  

The other reason we miss our celebration time is good old-fashioned guilt. Do we really deserve to take time off when so many people and tasks require our attention? We already have parents and staff questioning our dedication to their children and asking why we would benefit from the work we do. How would a tropical vacation be received by the mom who thinks I should be giving free solo lessons to her child every day in the summer?  

We consider these questions because we are one giant, collective group of people pleasers, who also happen to be really passionate about our work. The problem is that our work suffers when we do. Time to celebrate and reflect makes us stronger and ultimately more successful - better leaders, teachers, and family members. When we accomplish something and don't take the time to celebrate, we are robbing ourselves of an important feeling that reinforces our success.  

I know we love our dance families so much and sometimes it doesn’t feel like work, but don’t make the mistake of not taking the time to enjoy your life with the people you love and that includes YOURSELF. From one dance studio owner friend to another, I give you permission to celebrate! Go book that vacation and don’t forget to post photos so we can all celebrate together.

Tiffany

Want more dance studio business inspiration and practices to put in place next season? Catch Tiffany at the Twinkle Star Dance Annual Conference July 12-14 in Orlando.