Are you and your studio ready to have the most successful year yet? Excited to learn the key success factors for dance studios and transform your dance space? Try these helpful tips and watch your students leap and your business soar.
1. Make sure your students and parents are clear on the commitment level for each session and class
Do you require a monthly commitment (charging families a monthly fee)? Do they need to commit to the full year in order to participate in a recital at the end of the year? Are they allowed to take classes on a drop-in basis? Be upfront with these answers when families sign up for classes. When you leave little room for confusion, there are fewer drop-outs. Perhaps offering some commitment classes and some drop-in options will cater to the different needs of your students and families.
2. Hire the best staff possible
This is a no brainer, but it deserves some thought. Remember that your studio name and brand rely exclusively on your instructors. Consider a 9-month commitment written into teacher contracts to ensure you have consistency throughout the year.
A great instructor will communicate clearly and often with students and their families. Encourage instructors to reach out if they have thoughts or recommendations for any of their students. If your instructors are rock stars, they will be your sales staff too. A great dance instructor encourages the quiet or shy student to bring a friend to class. They recommend additional classes if students seem eager to learn. Your instructors bring students back year after year!
3. Offer a variety of classes on the schedule
Assess which classes work and which ones don’t work for your students and staff by asking for feedback from the previous years. Remember to offer a little something for the parents too! You can really connect a community by merging a dance studio with a fitness studio. Offer adult dance classes (tap and ballet are always a hit!) as well as fitness classes like barre. Offering adult classes at the same time as classes for the little ones, allow the parents to have something to look forward to as well! There’s nothing more rewarding for families than full involvement in activities. Other ways to diversify your class schedule is to bring in guest instructors for special events to keep things interesting. Connect with the local dance community and offer workshops in unique dance styles like Flamenco and African. Use your instructors to help network within the community!
4. Invest in your team
Another seemingly obvious tip; but give your staff your time and attention as a way to boost the culture and energy of your dance space. Consider offering additional training for instructors who are willing to grow with the studio. Ask if you have anyone on your team that would want to get certified to teach barre. Cover the cost to get them certified and watch your numbers soar!
Find resources to keep your classes interesting and fresh. Always seek out group classes in your community that your team can attend together. Make time to connect with your staff. You should be investing your time in fostering the culture of your dance space. Are your instructors clear on the vision? Do they understand your feedback on their performance? Staff meetings should include an element of enjoyment! Ensure your staff finds them enjoyable. While it may not be necessary to meet as frequently as other businesses, use these gatherings as opportunities to bond. This is also your chance to inspire one another. Make it count!
Overall, running a studio is about translating the love of dance to your students for a priceless experience. Focusing on serving the students and their families doesn’t have to be a compromise for your business. It’s simply about asking if their needs are being met and then meeting those needs! Do the parents of your students need to feel more involved? Do they need more details about their instructor and the classes offered? Find creative ways to involve your instructors in the process. Remember that you are helping shape the future of your instructors just as much as you are influencing the students.
Achieve your aspirations with our Barre certification program, designed to empower you on your journey towards teaching, studio ownership, or personal mastery of the practice.
Joining the IBBFA Barre Certification program offers more than just a credential; it’s a pathway to realizing your dreams and meeting your fitness career aspirations. With a comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, teaching techniques, and practical assessments, this program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the world of Barre instruction. Accredited and recognized globally, your certification opens doors to a multitude of opportunities, whether you aspire to teach locally or across the globe. The flexibility of the program allows you to tailor classes to suit your clients’ needs, enhancing retention and satisfaction. Moreover, with access to unlimited online support and a thriving community of fellow instructors, you’ll find the guidance and camaraderie essential for success. Beyond teaching, this certification can pave the way for studio ownership and entrepreneurial ventures, empowering you to be your own boss and inspire others in the process. And with a risk-free trial period, you can embark on this journey with confidence, knowing that your investment is protected. By choosing IBBFA, you’re not just earning a certification; you’re investing in your future, realizing your passion for fitness, and joining a network dedicated to excellence in Barre instruction.
