Running a dance studio is more than just perfecting pirouettes or staging recitals—it's about building a thriving business, creating an inspiring community, and continually growing as an educator and leader. In an ever-evolving industry, continued education isn’t just valuable—it’s essential.
Whether you're a studio owner, teacher, or administrator, staying current on teaching methods, studio management strategies, and industry trends can be the difference between plateauing and thriving. Here’s why continued education should be a top priority—and where you can find the best resources to fuel your professional development.
Why Continued Education Matters
Stay Current with Industry Trends Dance evolves. From technique innovations to business models and social media marketing, the landscape shifts constantly. Continued education helps you stay relevant and competitive.
Prevent Burnout and Reignite Passion Reconnecting with the “why” behind your work can be energizing. Attending conferences or listening to a great podcast can reignite your creativity and help you fall in love with teaching (and running your business) all over again.
Improve Studio Operations and Student Experience A well-trained staff leads to smoother operations, happier clients, and better retention. Whether it's new classroom management techniques or more efficient scheduling systems, learning improves performance.
Strengthen Your Studio Culture When your team learns together, it fosters alignment and community. This shared growth mindset sets the tone for your students and families, too.
Top Resources for Continued Education
Here are some of the most respected and impactful resources for studio professionals:
Conferences & Conventions
Rhee Gold’s DanceLife Teacher Conference One of the most beloved gatherings in the industry, offering sessions on classroom technique, business strategy, motivation, and more. It’s perfect for studio owners, teachers, and office staff alike.
Dance Teacher Summit This event brings together world-renowned choreographers, master teachers, and studio owners for an immersive educational experience. A great way to network and grow.
Dance Teacher Web LIVE Conference Practical tools, business solutions, and hundreds of classes make this a powerhouse event. Studio owners love it for its actionable content and supportive community.
Membership-Based Programs & Organizations
More Than Just Great Dancing!® Founded by Misty Lown, this affiliation is about transforming dance studios into centers of leadership and excellence. MTJGD offers ongoing support, training, and networking for studio owners.
Prosody Performance Arts Management Prosody offers targeted workshops and trainings tailored for dance studio professionals. Topics range from strategic planning and team leadership to curriculum development and performance management.
Julie Kay Stallcup Workshops Known for her innovative teaching style and inclusive approach, Julie offers courses and workshops that inspire and educate. Her work is especially impactful in early childhood and special needs dance education.
Online Resources and Podcasts
Dance Studio Owners Association With webinars, coaching, and a wealth of downloadable tools, DSOA provides valuable support for the business side of dance.
Coaching for Studio Owners Podcast (by Clint Salter) An incredibly insightful podcast offering weekly tips on marketing, operations, and leadership for studio owners. It’s like a masterclass on the go.
Dance Boss Podcast Focused on career growth and entrepreneurship in the dance world, this podcast dives deep into mindset, money, and management.
Dance Teacher Web Not only do they host a fantastic conference, but they also provide an online platform full of technique videos, classroom tools, and business training.
Life Coaching for Studio Owners with Ginger Haithcox This heart-centered podcast blends real-world studio leadership with personal growth and mindfulness. Ginger offers a grounded, uplifting perspective that resonates with owners seeking a more balanced, authentic path to success.
Tips for Making Continued Education a Habit
Set Annual Education Goals Decide what skills you or your team want to develop this year—classroom management, preschool curriculum, staff leadership, etc.—and seek training that matches.
Involve Your Team Encourage teachers and staff to attend workshops, share what they learned, or even present at team meetings. Education becomes contagious.
Invest in Yourself Remember, your studio’s success starts at the top. Prioritize your own development. The more you grow, the more your studio will thrive.
Conclusion
In a world where everything moves quickly—styles, systems, and standards—continued education is your anchor and your launchpad. By investing in professional growth, you’re not just building a better studio—you’re shaping a stronger future for your students, your staff, and yourself.
So go ahead—register for that workshop, hit “play” on that podcast, and make space in your calendar for growth. Your next breakthrough could be one training away.
Looking for Your Next Step?Check out the workshops offered by Prosody Performance Arts Management, explore the resources at Dance Teacher Web, or dive into the DanceLife Teacher Conference. Whatever you choose, commit to learning—and watch your studio soar.
