Dance Studio 411

Dance Studio Owner
Dance Studio 411 Podcast

Need expert advice on handling dance studio dilemmas and drama? Suzanne Blake Gerety and Jill Tirone take real-life questions directly from our listeners and help you resolve your toughest, most frustrating or just-plain-complicated studio life predicaments. In each episode they tackle the topics that keep you awake at night from how to successfully navigate parent-problems, teacher turnover, student challenges, policy dilemmas, and much more. Join them as they feature innovators who pull back the curtain and offer timely ideas and solutions. We also love to keep things light and have fun along the way! We’re so excited for you to join the conversation.

  1. To Theme or Not To Theme

    6 DAYS AGO

    To Theme or Not To Theme

    In this episode of Dance Studio 411, hosts Jill Tirone and Patty Rielley dive into the popular topic of themed dance shows. Should your recital have a theme, or should you keep it simple? Patty, a seasoned dance studio owner and Revolution's Rewards Manager, shares her insights, experiences, and expert advice on managing recital themes that excite students, engage families, and boost retention. Key Highlights: To Theme or Not to Theme? [2:50] Patty explains the benefits of having a themed recital, from boosting student excitement to fostering studio retention. While some studio owners worry that themes might restrict teachers, Patty emphasizes that themes can be flexible and enhance creativity. Managing Faculty Expectations [5:05]: Patty offers valuable tips on navigating faculty pushback when implementing themes, stressing the importance of clear communication and collaborative planning. Use project management tools like Trello or Google Sheets to streamline the process and ensure everyone is on the same page. Incorporating AI for Creative Ideas [6:56]: Patty and Jill discuss the emerging use of AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude for generating theme ideas, song selections, and choreography inspiration. AI can be a fantastic resource for sparking creativity and refining existing ideas. Communicating Themes to Families [8:26]: From social media teasers to in-studio reveals, Patty shares strategies for building excitement around recital themes. Engaging students and families early can drive anticipation and keep everyone looking forward to the big event. Exploring Alternatives to The Nutcracker [11:08]: Patty talks about expanding beyond the traditional Nutcracker for winter shows. Whether it’s a condensed “Nutcracker Sweet” or an entirely different holiday theme, there are countless ways to keep holiday performances fresh and exciting. Favorite Recital Themes [16:00]: Patty shares some of her favorite recital themes, including “From Page to Stage,” “Tune In and Turn Out,” and the ever-popular “Around the World.” Her all-time favorite? “Masterpieces,” where dances were inspired by famous paintings and sculptures, creating a unique and memorable experience for students. Listener Challenge: What's your favorite recital theme, or what are you planning for your next show? Share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions in the comments or connect with us on social media. We’d love to hear from you! Resources Mentioned: Revolution Dancewear Holiday Costumes Recital Theme: Winter Snow Party Connect with Us: Follow Dance Studio 411 on social media for more tips, resources, and inspiration to help you navigate the dance studio world. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Tune in to this fun and insightful episode as Patty and Jill help you navigate the world of themed dance shows, bringing excitement and creativity to your next recital!

    22 min
  2. Celebrate National Dance Week October 4-13!

    10 SEPT

    Celebrate National Dance Week October 4-13!

    In this episode of Dance Studio 411 podcast, Jill Tirone welcomes Cathy Graziano, Executive Director of the National Dance Foundation, to discuss the exciting changes to National Dance Week and how dance studios can get involved. Cathy shares the history of the foundation, the mission behind its initiatives, and why the shift of National Dance Week to October is a game-changer for the dance community. From promoting kindness, inclusion, and community to engaging students in various activities, Cathy provides insights on how studio owners can leverage this celebration to grow their businesses and inspire their dancers. Key Topics Covered: Introduction to the National Dance Foundation [1:14]: Cathy shares her journey to becoming the Executive Director and how the foundation evolved from National Dance Week, highlighting its mission to promote the benefits of dance across communities. Why National Dance Week Changed Dates [5:34]: Learn about the decision to move National Dance Week to October, creating an opportunity for studios to celebrate the start of the dance season and engage students in a new and exciting way. Ways to Participate in National Dance Week [7:45]: Discover various activities like "Bring a Friend to Class Day," kindness pledges, and fun dance challenges that can help studios connect with their communities and promote dance inclusivity. The NBA Pre-Game Performances [12:06]: Cathy talks about the incredible experience of performing at NBA games, a unique opportunity that brings dancers of all abilities together, creating a sense of community and joy. Luv Michael Partnership [15:08]: Learn about the foundation’s collaboration with Luv Michael, a program supporting autistic and special needs adults by providing purposeful work through granola sales, which also serves as a meaningful fundraising initiative. How to Get Involved and Become a Proud Partner: Cathy encourages studios to become proud partners, highlighting the benefits, including opportunities for student ambassadors and community service hours, which are invaluable for young dancers. Links and Resources: National Dance Foundation Coloring Pages NDF Dance Mob Choreography Become a Proud Partner Luv Michael Join the Conversation: Follow the National Dance Foundation on social media and use the hashtags #KIC and #NationalDanceWeek to share your studio’s participation in the festivities. Let’s spread kindness, inclusion, and community through dance! Submit Your Questions: Have a question you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Visit Dance Studio 411 to submit your questions and find more great resources to help you build a successful dance studio business. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Dance Studio 411! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more dance studio owners like you and keeps us inspired to bring you valuable insights every week. Don’t forget to share this episode with your fellow dance community members, and stay connected with us on social media for more tips and updates. Keep dancing, keep growing, and we’ll see you in the next episode!

    21 min

About

Need expert advice on handling dance studio dilemmas and drama? Suzanne Blake Gerety and Jill Tirone take real-life questions directly from our listeners and help you resolve your toughest, most frustrating or just-plain-complicated studio life predicaments. In each episode they tackle the topics that keep you awake at night from how to successfully navigate parent-problems, teacher turnover, student challenges, policy dilemmas, and much more. Join them as they feature innovators who pull back the curtain and offer timely ideas and solutions. We also love to keep things light and have fun along the way! We’re so excited for you to join the conversation.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada