Discovering Your Character Strengths as a Studio Owner—and Using Them to Show Up Authentically

As a dance studio owner, you wear countless hats: teacher, leader, mentor, marketer, business strategist, and so much more. With so many responsibilities, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are at your core. But here's the truth, your greatest asset isn’t your curriculum, your branding, or your class schedule. It’s you.

More specifically, it’s your character strengths—the unique, positive traits that come most naturally to you. When you know and embrace them, they become powerful tools that help you lead with confidence, connect with your community, and show up authentically in everything you do.

What Are Character Strengths?

Character strengths are the positive parts of your personality that influence how you think, feel, and behave. Based on research in positive psychology, the VIA Institute on Character identifies 24 universal strengths—like creativity, leadership, perseverance, kindness, and humor—that each of us express in varying degrees.

As a studio owner, you likely use these strengths every day—whether you’re calming a nervous toddler before class, guiding your team through recital season, or launching a new program with bold creativity.

Discovering Your Top Strengths

The first step is self-discovery. The VIA Character Strengths Survey is a free, science-backed assessment that ranks your 24 strengths in order. Your top five—your “signature strengths”—are the ones that come most naturally to you and energize you when used.

Take the assessment with curiosity, not judgment. There’s no “ideal” set of strengths for a studio owner. A leader with high humor and zest might create a studio culture that’s joyful and lighthearted. Another with strengths in prudence and perseverance may run a tight, efficient ship that thrives on consistency and long-term vision.

Using Your Strengths to Your Advantage

Once you’ve identified your top strengths, the magic lies in intentionally applying them in your daily work. Here’s how:

1. Lead with Authenticity

When you operate from your strengths, your leadership feels more natural and confident. If kindness is a top strength, use it to create a nurturing environment for your staff and students. If creativity ranks high, lean into innovative programming or imaginative recital themes. You’ll feel more aligned—and others will feel more connected to the real you.

2. Make Better Decisions

Your strengths can guide you through tough choices. For example, if you’re high in fairness, you may naturally seek equity when resolving staff conflicts. If bravery is a strength, you may be more willing to take bold business leaps others might shy away from.

3. Strengthen Relationships

Your character strengths aren’t just about how you lead—they shape how you relate. Recognizing your own strengths helps you appreciate and identify strengths in others. This builds mutual respect, deepens team trust, and creates a culture where everyone feels seen and valued.

4. Prevent Burnout

You’re most energized when using your signature strengths. If you feel drained, it might be a sign you’re spending too much time outside of them. For example, if social intelligence is a top strength but you’re isolated behind your desk all day, consider shifting tasks or schedules to allow more time for connection.

Showing Up Authentically

Authenticity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real. When you know your strengths and lead from them, you naturally exude confidence, consistency, and trust. Parents notice. Dancers feel it. Your team rallies behind it.

You don’t have to copy the studio owner down the road. You just need to lean into what already makes you you.

Your character strengths are a compass, not a script. They won’t solve every challenge, but they’ll help you approach them with clarity and confidence. They remind you that your uniqueness is your power—and that by embracing your strengths, you can build a studio that’s not just successful, but soulfully aligned.

So go ahead—take the assessment, reflect on your results, and start showing up as the most authentic version of yourself. Your dancers—and your business—will thank you for it.

Connect at Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat

Learn more about living your signature strengths at Tiffany Henderson’s Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat July 18-20, 2025 at the Omni Royal Orleans in New Orleans, LA. Immerse yourself in three days of dance movement classes, business seminars from leaders in the industry, plus preview the all new Dance Positive courses within a like-minded community of dance educators. 

The Joy of Movement: Why Dance Is Essential for Children Ages 2–12

Dance offers age-appropriate benefits for children that build on each other year after year:

1. Physical Development

Dance improves coordination, strength, balance, and flexibility. Multiple classes per week reinforce muscle memory and support healthy posture and motor skills which is crucial for developing bodies.

2. Emotional Growth

Dance is a form of expression. It helps children process emotions, build confidence, and feel successful through positive reinforcement and goal-setting.

3. Cognitive Benefits

Children engaged in dance show improved focus, memory, and pattern recognition. Structured routines help develop discipline and the ability to follow complex instructions.

4. Social Skills

In group classes, children learn teamwork, listening skills, and how to support their peers helping foster empathy and collaboration from a young age.

Why More Dance Is Better

While one class per week is a great start, multiple classes offer exponential benefits:

• Faster Skill Progression
  Repetition builds mastery. With more time each week, students grow stronger technically and creatively.
  

• Cross-Training Opportunities
  Taking different styles (ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, etc.) helps develop versatility, agility, and a deeper love for movement.
  

• Consistency Builds Confidence
  More classes mean more opportunities to feel proud, prepared, and performance-ready. Kids feel the difference when they’re truly invested.
  

• Safe & Active Screen-Free Time
  Regular dance classes provide a healthy alternative to screens and sedentary activities, especially during critical growth periods.

With a new dance season upon us, now’s the perfect time to encourage your dancers to take multiple classes per week. Consider offering a discount on the second class and/or scheduling complimentary classes back to back.

Dance and Child Well-Being: Why Your Role as an Educator Matters More Than Ever

As dance educators, we understand the transformative power of movement. Beyond technique, choreography, and performance, dance offers something deeper—an opportunity to support the holistic development of children. In a world where mental health challenges, physical inactivity, and social disconnection are increasingly common among young people, your role as a dance teacher is more vital than ever.

This post explores how dance positively impacts a child’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being—and how you, as an educator, can intentionally foster those benefits in the studio.

1. Physical Health: Building Strong, Resilient Bodies

Dance is one of the most effective ways to engage children in sustained physical activity. As an educator, you're helping students:

• Develop strength, flexibility, and coordination promoting motor skills and muscle development through warm-ups, exercises, and choreography.

• Improve posture and balance by strengthening core muscles and enhancing body awareness.

• Establish lifelong habits of movement 

2. Emotional and Mental Health: Creating a Safe Space for Expression

Your studio can be a sanctuary for students to express what they can't always verbalize. Dance helps children:

• Regulate emotions through movement and rhythm

• Build self-confidence as they master new skills

• Experience joy and release through music and expression

3. Social Development: Fostering Connection and Empathy

Dance is inherently social. In your classes, you're shaping the way children interact with one another. Dance encourages:

• Teamwork and collaboration in group choreography

• Respect for personal space and others' ideas

• Cultural appreciation through exposure to diverse movement forms

4. Cognitive Growth: Boosting Brain Power Through Movement

Dance is deeply cognitive. Memorizing sequences, responding to cues, and navigating space all activate the brain. Dance supports:

• Memory, focus, and spatial awareness

• Creative problem-solving and adaptability

• Academic performance through increased discipline and executive functioning

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

Children today face pressures and distractions previous generations never imagined. Your dance class might be the one place where they feel seen, empowered, and free. You’re not just teaching dance movements—you’re helping shape confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals.

Your Influence as a Dance Educator Is Transformative

As a dance educator, you're uniquely positioned to nurture the whole child. Every class you teach is an opportunity to support not only their growth as dancers but their development as thriving human beings. In fostering movement, you foster well-being. In guiding expression, you guide healing. And in building technique, you build confidence that reaches far beyond the studio.

Action Step for Educators:
Reflect on your teaching practice this week—where can you incorporate more opportunities for emotional expression, social connection, or cognitive challenge? Even small changes can make a lasting impact.

Learn more about the benefits of dance for children at Tiffany Henderson’s Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat July 18-20, 2025 at the Omni Royal Orleans in New Orleans, LA. Immerse yourself in three days of dance movement classes, business seminars from leaders in the industry, plus preview the all new Dance Positive courses within a like-minded community of dance educators. 

The Power of Multiple Dance Classes Per Week: A Guide for Dance Educators

In the evolving landscape of dance education, understanding the optimal frequency of classes for young dancers is crucial. Insights from The Balanced Barre by Paul Henderson highlight the multifaceted benefits of enrolling children in multiple dance classes per week. 

1. Enhanced Mood and Emotional Well-being

Regular participation in dance classes has been linked to improved mood and emotional resilience in children. Studies indicate that students attending two or more classes weekly exhibit sustained mood enhancements, suggesting that consistent engagement in dance fosters emotional stability and happiness.

2. Accelerated Skill Development

Increased class frequency allows for more practice, leading to faster acquisition of dance techniques and skills. This consistent reinforcement aids in muscle memory development, enabling students to progress more rapidly and confidently in their dance journey.

3. Strengthened Social Connections

Attending multiple classes provides children with more opportunities to interact with peers, fostering a sense of community and belonging. These social interactions are essential for developing communication skills and building lasting friendships within the dance environment.

4. Improved Physical Health

Regular dance sessions contribute to better physical health by enhancing flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Multiple weekly classes ensure that children remain active, promoting a healthy lifestyle and physical well-being.

5. Increased Discipline and Time Management

Balancing multiple classes requires children to manage their time effectively, instilling a sense of discipline and responsibility. These skills are transferable to other areas of life, including academic pursuits and personal commitments.

Implementing Multiple Classes in Your Dance Program

To maximize these benefits:

• Diversify Class Offerings: Introduce various dance styles to keep students engaged and broaden their skill sets.
  

• Flexible Scheduling: Offer classes at different times to accommodate varying schedules, making it easier for students to attend multiple sessions.
  

• Encourage Participation: Communicate the benefits of multiple classes to parents and students, highlighting the positive impact on development and well-being.

By integrating multiple weekly classes into your dance program, you can significantly enhance your students' growth, both as dancers and individuals.

Why Dance Education Will Thrive in an Era of Technological Disruption

Being a dance teacher and dance studio owner could indeed be a resilient and fulfilling career over the next 20–30 years, even as advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation disrupt many industries. Here's an analysis of why this profession may remain viable and valuable in the face of these changes:

1. Dance Education Is Rooted in Human Connection

• Irreplaceable Human Interaction: Dance education relies on physical presence, human connection, and emotional expression—qualities that AI cannot replicate. Students often seek mentorship, encouragement, and personalized guidance from teachers, which requires empathy and intuition.

• Community Building: Dance studios serve as community hubs where people connect socially, build relationships, and find belonging. This communal aspect cannot be replaced by technology.

2. Physical Trades Are Less Susceptible to Automation

• Hands-On Work: Unlike coding or other digital jobs that can be automated by AI, teaching dance involves physical interaction, real-time adjustments to students' movements, and tactile feedback—all tasks that are difficult for machines to perform.

• Creative Expression: Dance is an art form that thrives on creativity and individuality. While AI can analyze patterns or generate choreography, it cannot replicate the unique artistry or cultural nuances of human-led dance instruction.

3. Growing Demand for Wellness and Arts

• Health Benefits of Dance: As awareness of mental health and physical fitness grows, more people are turning to activities like dance for stress relief, exercise, and self-expression. This trend is likely to continue as society prioritizes holistic well-being.

• Lifelong Learning: People increasingly value experiences over material goods. Dance classes cater to individuals across all age groups—from children to retirees—seeking enrichment and personal growth.

4. AI Will Complement, Not Replace, Dance Education

• Enhanced Tools for Teachers: AI can assist dance educators by providing tools like motion analysis software to improve technique or virtual reality platforms for supplemental training. However, these technologies will enhance rather than replace the role of a human teacher.

• Broader Reach Through Technology: Studio owners can use AI-driven marketing tools to attract students or offer hybrid classes (in-person and online), expanding their audience without diminishing the core human element of their work.

5. Resilience Amid Job Displacement

• Automation-Proof Skills: As millions of jobs in fields like coding, data entry, and even some creative industries become automated, careers in physical trades like dance education will remain relevant because they require uniquely human skills.

• Adaptability: Dance educators can diversify their offerings by teaching multiple styles or combining dance with other wellness practices like yoga or mindfulness. This adaptability makes the profession more resilient to economic shifts.

6. Entrepreneurship Opportunities

• Owning a Studio: As a business owner, you have control over your career trajectory. You can build a brand that caters to specific demographics (e.g., children’s classes, competitive teams, adult fitness) and adjust your services based on market demand.

• Multiple Revenue Streams: Studio owners can generate income through class fees, merchandise sales (e.g., dancewear), recitals/performances, workshops, and online courses.

7. The Value of Trades in an AI-Dominated Economy

• Shift Toward Service-Oriented Jobs: As automation reduces the need for repetitive tasks in many industries, there will be greater emphasis on jobs that involve human interaction and creativity—areas where trades like dance instruction excel.

• Cultural Preservation: Dance educators play a critical role in preserving cultural traditions through movement. This work becomes even more important as societies seek to maintain cultural identity in an increasingly digitized world.

8. Long-Term Viability

• Demand for Arts Education: Public interest in arts education tends to persist regardless of technological advances because it fulfills emotional and social needs that technology cannot address.

• Economic Resilience: Even during economic downturns or technological upheavals, people often turn to affordable forms of enrichment like community-based dance classes.

In an era where AI is poised to disrupt countless professions, being a dance teacher or studio owner offers stability due to its reliance on human creativity, emotional connection, and physical presence—qualities that are uniquely resistant to automation. Additionally, the growing focus on health and wellness supports long-term demand for dance education as both an art form and a means of personal enrichment. By embracing technology as a tool rather than a replacement (e.g., using AI for marketing or supplemental training), dance educators can thrive in the evolving economy while offering services that remain deeply rooted in human experience.