Being a studio owner clearly involves the constant juggling of many hats; often all at the same time. When everyone is connected, excited and full of team spirit, you feel on top of the world. However, that sense of camaraderie and team focus can ebb and flow; only to have to be rebuilt again and again. I began to think that perhaps the biggest hat studio directors have to wear is that of cheerleader. If we were to look at the role as the “team captain,” it really does start with keeping motivation and momentum going in order to achieve a common goal. Realistically, it all has to start with enthusiasm, passion, desire, commitment and focus in order to achieve individual and group success; and if the captain isn’t motivating their team from Day #1, the game is over before it’s begun!
It is undoubtedly a huge feat to think of all the team players who need hyping up for sure; the students, parents, faculty, etc, all with different goals and concerns. In the most basic terms, students need to feel excited about what is ahead and confident that their goals are obtainable with hard work and commitment; parents most often need reassurance that their child is getting the best training around for their money and understand why certain protocol and things are put into place for their young dancer’s education; and faculty need to feel appreciated, recognized and respected for their time and efforts.
Below are some successful ways I have seen studio directors set the tone for all. Remembering that consistency and follow-through are key elements in implementing this communal spirit, you too can set the tone for success and studio pride!
· Think about having “”Welcome Back Family” events at the start of the season. Send home calendars or email blasts to families with invitations to things like block parties, ice-cream socials, family potluck BBQs, tea & cupcake meet & greets, etc. This is a great way for new students to socialize with returning students! Also, think of opening the events up to your community to bring in new registration! Maybe have students perform choreography they’ve been learning at summer intensives as well!
· Bring in favorite master teachers for choreography workshops with the weeks leading up to the new season! Again, open this up to the community to bring in new registration!
· FUNDRAISERS!!! Have your company members organize family fundraiser events for competition/costume fees, dance concert outings, charity donations, etc! Think about bake-sales, car washes, auctions of dancers’ art work, flee-market day where company members and the studio can sell gently used costumes, dance attire, shoes, etc.
· CONTESTS!!!!! How about an essay contest on “Why I dance?” “I am an artist because….” “My Dance Inspiration,” etc. Or how about an art contest where dancers can take their visual art inclinations and paint, sketch or draw how they see dance on a canvas. Artwork of finalists can be framed and displayed in the hallways of your studios to make a mini-dance art gallery. People can then buy the works throughout the year where the profits go to a studio scholarship fund. Contest prizes can also include: partial scholarships, coverage of costume fees, dance gear, a new pair of dance shoes, etc?
· How about one-day education workshops for your students and parents? Bun-making lessons, stage make-up classes, how-to’s on maintaining and sewing ballet/pointe shoes
properly, parent-child improvisation or yoga class, discussion panels for parents on relevant topics like, “understanding your teenage dancer,” how to balance weekly schedules with your child,” “helping your child take control over their dance training,” “helping your young dancer maintain healthy nutrition and safe-body practices,” etc, etc.
· Set aside a separate event where you can welcome your faculty and have your introductory meeting; maybe a breakfast or luncheon? Or… if it is difficult with everyone’s schedule to be at the “same place, same time,” perhaps a gesture of a card or beautiful stationary and small welcome-back token with a personalized newsletter of all you would have covered in your meeting. This is a great way to let your staff know you are thrilled they are back as part of the team!
· For parents and company members, think about having a separate meeting with them to go through all of the amazing things you have lined up for the year ahead. Go through what being in company entails regarding: the commitment, attendance, the financial aspects, scheduling, dancer responsibilities, etc. Parents are then well aware of everything and can discuss with their child whether it is feasible and ultimately something they want and can follow-through with for the year before signing company commitment contracts.
While these are just a few of the things you can do to kick-start your year I’m sure many of you have your own ideas as well! Would love you hear from you, the studio owner community, on things that have worked for you or things you might do differently next time!
See you in the studio!
Jess
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