twinkle babies

Engaging Dance Parents: Building a Vibrant Community at Your Dance Studio

Creating a thriving dance studio environment isn’t just about perfecting pirouettes; it’s also about fostering a strong, supportive community of dance parents. Engaging dance parents not only enhances their connection to the studio, but also enriches the overall experience for students. Here’s how to involve dance parents in a meaningful way, with practical strategies, and creative ideas that can transform your studio into a bustling hub of energy and enthusiasm:

1. Improving Parent Communication Through Passport Books

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful dance studio. One innovative way to keep parents informed and engaged is through the use of Passport Books. Inspired by Twinkle Star Dance's approach, these books serve as a comprehensive guide for parents, offering a snapshot of “just for fun” class themes, skill building exercises, and space for tracking student progress and milestones.

Passport Books provide a tangible connection between parents and the studio, making it easier for them to stay involved and informed. They help parents feel more invested in their child’s dance journey by clearly outlining expectations. By distributing these books at the start of each season, you ensure that parents are well-prepared and enthusiastic about their child’s dance education.

2. Encouraging Parent Observation

Parent observation days can be a powerful tool for building a closer relationship between the studio and dance families. Designate specific weeks each month where parents are invited to watch their child's class. This transparency not only builds trust but also allows parents to witness firsthand the progress their child is making.

To make these observation days special, consider incorporating a brief Passport presentation section with instructors to highlight new skills and center movements.

3. Creating Special Events: Daddy-Daughter Dances

Engaging father figures in their children’s dance experiences can be both fun and memorable. Establish a monthly Daddy-Daughter Dance rehearsal, culminating in a special feature performance in your holiday show and recital. These events provide a unique bonding experience and create lasting memories for both the daughters and their fathers.

Such events are also a great way to showcase the importance of family involvement and can be used to promote a positive, inclusive atmosphere within your studio. 

4. Introducing Fire It Up Dance Classes for Moms and Caregivers

Expand your community engagement by offering weekly “Fire It Up” dance classes specifically designed for moms and caregivers. These classes not only give parents a chance to experience dance from the student’s perspective but also create a fun, energetic environment that strengthens their connection to the studio.

Cap off the session with a performance in the recital featuring one of the routines practiced in these classes. This not only boosts the confidence of participating parents but also creates a sense of camaraderie and achievement. It’s a fantastic way to show appreciation for the parents’ support and to celebrate their role in the dance community.

5. Hosting Customer Appreciation Events

Regular customer appreciation events are essential for maintaining a strong connection with dance families. Organize these events once a semester, ideally in October and February, to show your gratitude for their continued support.

These events could include fun activities such as dance parties, costume swaps, or themed get-togethers. They provide an opportunity for parents to mingle, share their experiences, and feel valued as part of the studio’s extended family. Additionally, these gatherings can serve as a platform to discuss upcoming events, showcase student achievements, and foster a sense of belonging.

Engaging dance parents is not only about enhancing their experience but also about building a supportive and vibrant studio community. By implementing strategies such as Passport Books, parent observation days, Daddy-Daughter Dances, Fire It Up classes, and customer appreciation events, you create a welcoming environment that values and involves every member of the dance family. These efforts will help to cultivate a stronger connection between the studio and its families, ultimately contributing to a more successful and enjoyable dance experience for everyone involved.

Meet Tiffany Henderson

Tiffany Henderson is a renowned leader and expert in the dance industry. She is the owner of several Tiffany's Dance Academy locations across Northern California. Tiffany’s innovative video-based teacher training system and curriculum, Twinkle Star Dance, is successfully used in over 300 dance studios around the globe.

Business Seminars at Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat

We are thrilled to announce an exclusive lineup of business seminars curated to inspire and empower dance studio owners and educators at the upcoming Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat, taking place on July 20-21, 2024, at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. Presented by Tiffany Henderson and Twinkle Star Dance, Pinnacle promises to equip attendees with invaluable tools and knowledge to enhance their studio operations and foster growth in the dance community.

Exciting Topics to Explore:

  • What is "Grit" and How to Get More for You and Your Dancers: Dive into the concept of grit and learn practical strategies to cultivate resilience both personally and among your dancers.

  • Studio Owner Only Session: The Power of Positivity: Discover the transformative power of positivity in leadership and its impact on studio culture and success.

  • How to Create Content Faster and Better Using AI (Paid & Organic) with Jennifer Randall: Explore innovative ways to leverage artificial intelligence for efficient content creation, essential for digital marketing success.

  • Paths to Empowerment and Leadership with Christine Dion: Gain insights into fostering female empowerment within your studio community and beyond, promoting inclusivity and growth.

  • Balancing Learning Differences in Dancers and Insights from a New Twinkle Star Teacher: Learn strategies to accommodate learning differences among dancers and benefit from firsthand experiences shared by a new Twinkle Star teacher.

  • Social and Emotional Development in Preschoolers: Understand the importance of social and emotional development in preschool-aged dancers and how to support their growth effectively.

  • Taking Risks - From Idea to Implementation: Explore the journey from conceptualizing ideas to successfully implementing them, fostering innovation and growth in your studio.

  • Managing an Admin Team with Boundaries and Care: Discover best practices for managing administrative teams with compassion while maintaining effective boundaries, crucial for a harmonious work environment.

Why Attend?

These seminars are designed not only to enrich your professional knowledge but also to provide practical tools that you can immediately implement in your dance studio. Whether you are looking to enhance your digital marketing strategies, improve student engagement, or strengthen your leadership skills, the Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat offers invaluable insights tailored to meet your needs.

Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to network with industry leaders, gain fresh perspectives, and elevate your studio to new heights of success. Join us at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, on July 20-21, 2024, for an unforgettable experience that will inspire, educate, and empower.

For more information and to register, visit Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat. We look forward to seeing you there!

Part 3: Secrets to Building a Successful Performing Company with Tiffany Henderson

Join dance studio owner and industry expert, Tiffany Henderson, for her three-part webinar series as she explores how to clearly define your goals to create a balanced Company program for you and your dancers. 

In this session Tiffany shares her insight and strategy for longevity from her 24+ years of owning and operating multiple dance studio locations, including:

  1. Identifying your goals and objectives for the team 

  2. Offering inclusive intensive dancer programs

  3. Balancing your Performing company events

  4. Creating and fostering community 

Meet Tiffany Henderson 

Tiffany Henderson is an industry leader and dance business expert. Tiffany owns and operates multiple Tiffany's Dance Academy locations in Northern California. Her video-based teacher training system and curriculum, Twinkle Star Dance, is currently implemented in 300+ dance studios worldwide.

Recital on my Mind

Producing recitals is one of my favorite things to do as a studio owner. After all, dance is a performance art and getting dancers on stage is an opportunity for them to feel successful after working hard in class each week. 

Recitals are an important, tangible goal for dancers and teachers to work towards. This is why I am a big advocate for having multiple performance opportunities each season. When planning performances consider offering: 

  • Dancing Holiday Magic - Nov/Dec

  • The Nutcracker - Nov/Dec

  • Performing Company Showcase - Feb 

  • Spring Fling - March

  • Storybook Twinkle Stars Showcase - May/June

  • The Big Show - May/June


Recitals are also an important and crucial revenue stream for our businesses. In the last few years, we created a recital participation fee that is inclusive of the performance, costume, tights, action photos, video, and participation ribbon/medal. Recital tickets are purchased separately with reserved seating and tiered pricing. We also offer dance studio swag like tshirts, Twinkle Bears, trophies as well as concessions during the event. 

This season I’m challenging myself to really focus on engaging the “once a week dancer” with additional performance opportunities. I’m offering a Daddy Daughter Dance for dancers to perform with a father-figure. I’m creating a Mom’s Dance for mothers and caretakers to participate in. I’m inviting all dancers to participate in the Finale by learning a few eight counts of a “camp dance” they can perform together as a cast at the end of the show.

Free Webinar

On top of offering the Twinkle Stars and Showstars Curriculum and Choreography subscriptions, Tiffany strives to provide real-time business insights from her experience of owning and managing multiple dance studio locations. Each month she holds free webinars. Learn more: https://www.twinklestardance.com/webinars

Meet Tiffany Henderson 

Tiffany Henderson is an industry leader and dance business expert. Tiffany owns and operates multiple Tiffany's Dance Academy locations in Northern California. Her video-based teacher training system and curriculum, Twinkle Star Dance, is currently implemented in 300+ dance studios worldwide.

Festive Fun in Your Studio

‘Tis the season for adding extra Holiday Events in your studio. Hosting a Holiday Mini Camp or Nutcracker Tea Party markets your dance classes, increases revenue in short/slow months,  fosters community and customer loyalty, as well as shares the magic of the Holiday season.  

Some Holiday Events to consider hosting: Spooktacular in October, Nutcracker Tea Party in November, plus Holiday Mini Camps in December and January. 

Don’t make it too hard to participate! Keep your Holiday Events open to current, past, and future students. You can charge a fee or make the event FREE if you bring a friend that’s not currently enrolled at the studio.  

Plan on marketing Holidays Events 2-3 weeks prior to your date with email and text message blasts to your mailing list, boosting a Facebook event, and studio announcements/newsletters.    

The day of the event, welcome dancers by decorating the studio in the theme, having music playing, and gifting goody bags. Be sure to offer a promotion for new students to try or register for a dance class. 

Free Webinar

On top of offering the Twinkle Stars and Showstars Curriculum and Choreography subscriptions, Tiffany strives to provide real-time business insights from her experience of owning and managing multiple dance studio locations. Each month she holds free webinars. Learn more: https://www.twinklestardance.com/webinars

Meet Tiffany Henderson 

Tiffany Henderson is an industry leader and dance business expert. Tiffany owns and operates multiple Tiffany's Dance Academy locations in Northern California. Her video-based teacher training system and curriculum, Twinkle Star Dance, is currently implemented in 300+ dance studios worldwide.