As a dance studio owner, summer can feel like both a sigh of relief and a whirlwind. The recitals are wrapping up (or in full swing), students are heading into camps or time off, and you're finally catching your breath—only to realize it's time to prepare for the next season.
Whether you run year-round programming or take a brief summer pause, this is a golden window to get organized, reflect, and refresh your business strategy.
Here’s a practical, professional, and easy-to-follow Summer Checklist to help you make the most of the season ahead.
1. Conduct a Post-Recital Debrief
Before the glow of your final curtain fades, take a moment to evaluate:
What went well? (Think: venue, backstage management, parent communication)
What could improve?
Collect feedback from staff, families, and even senior students
Document everything while it’s fresh—you’ll thank yourself next year.
Tip: Use tools like Prosody Backstage and the Prosody Recital Builder Workbook.
2. Audit Your Studio Operations
Use the quieter summer months to take a hard look at your internal systems:
Review registration processes: Can you automate or simplify?
Update staff and faculty handbooks
Clean and declutter your physical space (think: costume closets, prop rooms)
Refresh studio policies, especially around attendance, communication, and tuition
Tip: Implementing a studio management software or streamlining communications via group platforms can dramatically reduce day-to-day stress come fall. Schedule a demo of Prosody Backstage to see if your studio will benefit from Prosody.
3. Plan Your Fall Schedule Thoughtfully
Start with data:
Which classes filled up fastest last year?
What time slots saw the most drop-offs?
Use summer enrollment trends and recital performance results to guide your fall programming.
Tip: Survey your current families to get insight into what they want more of!
4. Invest in Staff Development
Your team is your greatest asset. Use the summer to:
Schedule staff training and orientation
Set expectations for communication, teaching standards, and classroom management
Encourage professional growth through conferences, workshops, or certifications
Tip: Attend events like Rhee Gold’s DanceLife Conference or Dance Teacher Summit with your leadership team for fresh inspiration.
5. Refresh Your Marketing and Branding
Now’s the time to realign your outward image with your internal goals:
Audit your website—Is everything up to date and mobile-friendly?
Refresh your photos and videos
Create a fall marketing calendar (social media, email campaigns, open house events)
Tip: Summer camps are a great opportunity to gather media content in a relaxed, fun environment.
6. Strengthen Community Engagement
The relationships you build outside your studio walls matter:
Plan or participate in community events (parades, fairs, local business partnerships)
Offer trial classes or free demo days
Engage your alumni and older students in mentorship or assistant roles
Tip: A strong community presence boosts both retention and referrals.
7. Prioritize Your Own Wellness
This one’s not optional. You’ve been holding space for your students, families, and team all year.
Schedule time off (and actually take it)
Revisit your long-term vision for the studio
Reconnect with why you started
Tip: Block out “CEO time” each week to work ON your business, not just in it.
8. Stay Connected to Industry Trends
Don’t go it alone—use this time to:
Join or re-engage with professional networks
Subscribe to newsletters or blogs (like this one!)
Explore new tools—like Prosody Backstage—for performance and studio management
Tip: Be on the lookout for upcoming Prosody workshops and new Backstage features launching this June!
Final Thoughts
Summer is your studio’s reset button. With the right approach, it’s not just a slow season—it’s a smart season.
Take the time to realign, get inspired, and build a stronger foundation for the year ahead. Your future self (and your studio families) will thank you.
Wishing you rest, progress, and joy this summer!
Need help mapping out your summer strategy? Reach out—we’re here to support your growth every step of the way.
