As a dance teacher or studio owner, one of the challenges you’ll inevitably face is managing student behavior, especially as dancers reach the pre-adolescent and adolescent stages. During these times, personalities start to take shape, and other interests may begin to pull their attention away from their passion for dance. Questions like, “How do I handle students who don’t want to put in the work?” or “What do I do when students exhibit lazy energy or expect instant results without the necessary effort?” are common, and the answer isn’t always about implementing more rules or restrictions. Instead, it’s about creating a consistent studio culture rooted in good habits and clear expectations.
The foundation of any successful dance studio is you—the teacher or owner—and the example you set. The way you conduct yourself and the way you hold your students accountable shapes the culture of your studio. Creating a culture of positive habits starts with clear expectations and strong follow-through. It's about establishing a space where commitment, love, kindness, respect, and work ethic are the norm, not the exception. Your job is to create an atmosphere where these values are ingrained, and students understand that, simply put, “we all need to be aligned, we’re a team.”
Creating that culture starts with a strong foundation at the beginning of each season. It's the ideal time to clearly outline your studio’s expectations, rules, and procedures so that everyone knows what’s expected from day one. One of the most effective ways to set this tone is by having both dancers and parents sign contracts. These contracts can outline behavioral expectations, attendance policies, dress codes, and the work ethic required to succeed in your studio. It’s a tangible way to hold everyone accountable and makes sure they understand the commitment involved.
While it’s important to consider your students’ feelings and individual needs, there must also be transparency and trust. In order to foster a culture where dedication and respect are prioritized, everyone must be on the same page. Setting expectations early on and maintaining open, ongoing communication with both students and their families will ensure that these expectations become second nature over time and everyone feels supported and heard.
But what happens if a student isn’t a good fit for your studio culture? This can be a delicate situation, especially if you’re worried about the impact on your business. The reality, however, is that it’s essential to protect the heart of your studio. If a dancer’s energy or attitude is misaligned with your studio’s values, it may be best to let them go—politely but firmly. When the wrong negative energy is allowed to linger, it can quickly spread and affect the overall vibe of your studio. If you create an environment that supports teamwork, hard work, and positivity, it will naturally attract students who align with those values. It’s important to remember that not every student is the right fit for every teacher or studio, and that’s okay.
Once you establish these expectations, the consistency in your messaging and actions will help solidify your studio culture. You’ll start to see how these behaviors spread organically, influencing strong peer relationships and boosting overall morale in the studio. Dancers will begin to support one another, work hard in class, and, most importantly, develop a deep respect for the art form and the community they are part of.
Yes, it might feel daunting in the beginning, and there will be some growing pains as you hold students and families accountable for the studio culture you are building. But the long-term results will be worth it. You’ll foster a space where everyone understands the importance of showing up, being present, and putting in the work. The energy in your studio will shift to one that celebrates the joy of dance. And when your dancers are aligned in these ways, that energy will be infectious—creating an environment where learning thrives, growth is celebrated, and the love for dance is continually nurtured.
Good luck!
See you in the dance stuido!
Click here to start your membership and SAVE 90% off your first month!
Dance Teachers, get instant access to 1000+ videos including full length master classes, "How To" teacher training tips, Choreography with break downs and 100's of lesson plans and teacher enhancement articles
For the busy Dance Studio Owner, we offer the ultimate toolkit with business building articles, videos and downloadable forms. Topics include help with marketing, increasing revenue and improving communication.
Our Dance Studio Owner VIP consulting services offer one-on-one coaching for a more hands on approach to your business development. Inspiration is only a click away!
