How to Start a Dance School

Lots of young girls and boys are put in dance classes to give them something fun to do, provide exercise and instill a sense of confidence and discipline. Dance studios range from the corner mom and pop shop to the well structured school training pre-professional dancers. Some dance schools are even specialized, teaching only one or two forms or styles of dance. Starting a dance school can be a fun and rewarding experience if you are a true lover of dance.

Instructions

1. Train in dance for several years and go to college. Major in dance. You will take classes in technique, choreography, history teaching, management and more. Training in dance is extremely important to the success of your dance company, because you need to understand dance styles and technique as well as appreciate it on a level that only someone who goes through the pain and struggle can.

2. Create a business plan which states your intentions, what styles of dance will be taught, the expected client base, total expenses and project revenue and more. Secure the funding you need. This might mean using savings, getting loans, seeking investors or using other avenues such as grants. Purchase, rent or lease out your studio space.

3. Install dance floors in the room(s). It's important to have good floors so the dancers can turn and move correctly as well avoid injuries which could later result in a possible lawsuit for you. Take care of all your small business paperwork; business license, bank account and business name. Interview and hire dance instructors.

4. Put together a class schedule based on the classes your teachers are qualified to teach, the hours you plan on being open, and a variety of levels for each style of dance to accommodate all possible dancers. Put ads in the yellow pages, magazines and other local publications. Market your new dance school through the local schools, chamber of commerce or with general fliers on cars and houses.

5. Hold an open house day inviting interested parents and students to come look at the studio, watch teachers dance, ask questions and register for classes. Begin your weekly classes as scheduled and continue to market your school until you've reached a solid number of students. Monitor your teachers and classes and ask for feedback from parents and students to ensure things are running smoothly. Have fun and good luck!

Tips & Warnings

• Hire qualified teachers with real credits and credentials .

• Check in on your staff and watch their classes to make sure things are going well.

• Don't allow classes to become overcrowded.

Resources

• Dance School Advice
• Book on starting a dance studio