Fall has arrived. The weather is changing, leaves are dropping, and for dance studios, the buzz of the recital is on the radar. While teachers and students are hard at work perfecting their routines, studio owners may begin feeling the pressure of preparing for recital time. Recitals are, after all, the opportunity for everyone in the studio to shine. Here are four tips to make the most of recital preparation.
Make a plan.
Planning is a given, it’s obvious. However, a plan in place should include the jobs for everyone from teachers to parents to volunteers. Define the roles that should be filled, descriptions of what is expected, and make sure to cover all the bases. Teams can work more effectively when they have specific instructions and tasks. Make sure the team know not only what their responsibilities are, but also when to act.
Don’t forget digital.
Whether it’s advertising for the recital, volunteer sign-ups, or ticket sales, use the tools of our digital age to help. Make sure someone is helping with social media and preparing graphics and content ahead of time. Get sign up links for volunteers ready to share. Also, brush up with software support so your transactions and scheduling go as smoothly as possible.
Reinforce self-care.
Self-care is essential for everyone involved. No doubt dance studio owners are feeling stressed, but so are teachers, students and weary parents who are always working behind the scenes and volunteering. Encourage everyone to get enough sleep, proper nutrition, and doing something enjoyable. Plan for an excellent thank-you event after the recital to celebrate all that the studio has accomplished together.
Visualize success.
A positive outlook is a must. Others will notice a stressed, downcast face. As a studio owner, keeping spirits high begins with one’s self. Set the goal of putting on an outstanding recital performance, from the opening speech to the closing curtain, and continue to envision the best outcome.
No doubt recitals can be stressful and exhausting, and frustrations may be encountered. Dance teachers and students are working diligently to give their best performance, so be the role model they need – one that is cool, calm, and above all else, prepared for anything.
