Running a Dance Studio

The summer is almost over and September is right around the corner. Not only are the kids back to school, but a new dance season begins. My mom and I take the summers off from the studio, although I always seem to find my way back there for one reason or another. A workshop, ballet barr, or fitness class due to my older students wanted to stay in shape or keep up with their technique. How can I say no to that? This year was no exception; I was there on Wednesday nights to teach a class called the GV workout: Get in Shape the Dancers way.

Our first step in preparing for our new season is holding a registration for those who didn't take advantage of our pre registration held right after our recital. The week of September 8th starts our new season of classes. This week is always a bit hectic for my mother and I and the students. We are getting to know one another (new students), ordering shoes, getting use to the routine, etc. Many parents and students have questions so we make sure we have our student teachers prepared at all times to pick up the class so we can address these questions ourselves. I find that to be a very important element in the business. We are often asked "how do you two do it all by yourselves, why don't you hire other instructors?" For the simple reason that we can not always count on other instructor to teach and handle our students and their families the way we like. To expand on this, we prefer to give individual attention and respect to all who enter our dance family. We prefer the environment to be comfortable and nurturing at all times. I guess we are just firm believers in the saying, "when you want something done right, do it yourself."

After we get through September we are pretty much settled from all ends. Now we can really focus all our attention to the goals of each class. We work on technique and teamwork as a class and have some fun while we are at it. We have a non competitive environment, meaning no local dance competitions to prepare for, nor to we tolerate competitive attitudes between classmates. So, from September - December is work, work, work towards improving our dance technique and become a unified class. We have a holiday party for the kids towards the end of December and then take a week long break during the holidays. This break is just for the students because my mother and I are busy ordering costumes and preparing for the Recital.

When the students come back from Holiday break they begin to learn their routines for the Recital which is held in June. The prep work for us includes costumes, editing music, ordering scenery and programs, confirming the auditorium (we have it in the same location year to year which makes booking a breeze), video and photography in place, etc. As June approaches we anxiously await our show. Dances are finalized, practice, practice, practice. Tickets go on sale, costumes start to come in. The best part is the excitement in the air during classes from our students.

Recital day arrives and my mother and I have mixed feelings. We are happy the big day is here but sad that another season is over. We are proud of our students yet nervous for them to be proud of themselves when their performance is over. We never worry about mistakes on stage because for us it's really about the experience for the performers. It takes a lot to get up on stage in front of friends and family and really do your best. When they are finished with their number I always run out on stage to see their reaction. Many of them are so excited and filled with joy. I often hear "we did it!" "How did we do Miss Leslea?" or "Did you see me mess up?" I am so proud at that moment. I usually respond, "You did do it! And beautifully at that, and no I didn't see your mistake and no one else did either because they were focused on your pretty smile." (Of course I saw her mistake but she kept going and covered it best she could, and honestly the audience probably didn't catch it) After the show my mom and I come out to speak. Emotions and energy are stirring about. The curtain closes and our students come over to hug and say good bye for the summer. We usually crash afterwards and go out to eat. Before you know it a fresh new season is here and we get to do it all over again.

I am sure I am forgetting to mention so much, there are so many little details that are overlooked. But like I said, it's second nature to my mother and me. For me personally it's all I ever knew. I have been dancing since I was 3 years old and have gotten a sneak peak of the whole process because my mother always taught at the studio I attended. That is before we opened our own. Not to say we never change or are not open to learning and growing. We like to keep things interesting and up to date and we are always looking to improve ourselves. For example this year I am fully utilizing the Internet to reach out to potential and current clientele. I plan on writing a month to month lens on running a dance studio which will be more detailed and give you a better taste on a day in the life of Uptown Dance.