How to Start a Dance Studio

Your love of dance and interest in teaching the next generation of dancers may lead to a desire to start a dance studio. A studio is an ideal place for one-on-one instruction and group education about specific dance genres. You need to consider your dance studio as a brand name that you develop through sound practices over a long period of time.

Things You'll Need

• Assistant (optional)
• Promotional materials
• Framed copies of appropriate degrees and certifications
• Business space
• Mirrors

Instructions

1. Offer introductory classes and seminars at local schools as you start your studio. These single sessions can get parents, teachers and students interested in learning more about your dance program. In addition to building a roster of dance students, you will build awareness of dance in your community.

2. Hunt for a spacious and visually appealing studio space to start your business. Dance studios traditionally have a lot of natural lighting and hardwood floors as prerequisites. Your studio should be located within a reasonable distance from schools and residential areas in your community to make student travel easy.

3. Use an assistant and gifted students to teach beginners the basics of dancing. If funds allow, an assistant can help you coach young dancers and provide administrative help. Experienced dancers can partner up with a beginning student to provide them the basic skills they need.

4. Place mirrors along the longer edges of your studio to help you teach more effectively. Studio mirrors allow you to watch individual students as you provide instruction, saving you time for more advanced lessons.

5. Work with a dance supply company to stock your studio with the right equipment. You should purchase mats, balance bars and other supplies to outfit your studio for use by all your students. Purchase a variety of dance shoes from companies like DanceWear Solutions as a safeguard against unprepared students (see Resources below).

6. Provide the parents of your students an incentive for referring other families to your studio. Discounted class rates or free studio time can motivate parents to get their neighbors and friends involved with your studio.

7. Compile a short video of your dance performances and highlights of your talented students to show to interested dancers. Ask parents of former dancers if they have any footage they want to volunteer and consult an experienced video editor who can create the video in a short amount of time.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain your knowledge of current dancing techniques and teaching tools. While your dance studio may succeed financially in the short term, your expertise in dance will keep students coming back for more. Attending coaching clinics and seminars at your local college may keep you up to date on techniques.

Resources

• Dance shoes from DanceWear Solutions