Summer can be a tricky time for dance studios. With school out and families traveling, regular class attendance often dips — but that doesn’t mean your studio has to go quiet. In fact, summer can be a golden opportunity to try new things, boost revenue, and deepen community connections. Here are some fun, fresh, and effective ideas to help your studio shine all summer long.
1. Host Summer Dance Camps
Kids are looking for things to do over the break — meet that need with themed summer camps! Think:
"Princess Ballet Week" for your tiny dancers
"Hip-Hop & Flip" Camp for high-energy tweens
"TikTok Choreo Lab" for teens
Or even a "Dance Around the World" theme where each day explores different styles
Keep them short and sweet — half-day or 3-day options often work best. And don’t forget to end each camp with a mini showcase for parents!
2. Offer Drop-In Classes
Make it easy for dancers who can’t commit to a full session. Summer’s unpredictable, and drop-in passes or punch cards are a low-commitment way for dancers to stay active. You could even test new styles like:
Heels
Bollywood
Latin fusion
Acro basics
These can help you gauge interest for future session-based classes too.
3. Train Your Team
Summer is a great time to invest in your instructors and staff. Consider:
Hosting in-house training workshops
Bringing in guest teachers or speakers
Reworking class curriculum and warm-ups
Doing CPR/First Aid certification renewals
This way, you kick off the fall season stronger than ever.
4. Plan for Fall (and Market It Now!)
While everyone’s in summer mode, it’s the perfect time to:
Open fall registration early
Offer early-bird discounts
Host open houses or “Bring a Friend” days
Drop a sneak peek of new classes or teachers on social media
Get families excited about coming back before they even leave for vacation.
5. Try Outdoor Pop-Ups or Community Events
Take your studio into the sunshine! Set up:
Free pop-up dance classes at local parks
Performances at summer festivals or farmers markets
A booth with studio swag and class info
It’s great exposure, and a fun way to stay visible in the community.
6. Offer Adult Programs
When kids are at camp or grandma’s, adults might have a bit more time. Try offering:
Morning barre or yoga classes
Dance fitness drop-ins
Beginner adult jazz or hip hop for those who always wanted to try
A summer “try it” series could turn into full enrollment come fall.
7. Take a Break (and Let Your Studio Rest Too)
Don’t forget — it’s okay to take some downtime. Use lighter weeks to:
Deep clean the studio
Refresh the lobby or retail space
Catch up on admin and plan ahead
Rest and recharge (you’ve earned it!)
Final Thoughts: Summer doesn’t have to be slow — it can be a season of creativity, connection, and growth. Whether you're packing the schedule with camps or focusing on behind-the-scenes improvements, the key is to stay flexible and have fun with it. Your dancers (and their parents) will feel that energy — and your studio will be better for it.
