TOP TEN GIFTS FOR A DANCE TEACHER

With Christmas almost upon us I thought it timely to do a top ten list of gifts for a dance teacher. Feel free to add any items you may have in your wishlist in the comments.

1. A subscription to a dance magazine such as Dance Teacher available at www.dance-teacher.com, Dance Studio Life at www.rheegold.com, Dancing Times at www.dancing-times.co.uk or Dance Train at www.dancetrain.com.au
2. A book to curl up and read with. Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin, Steps in Time: An Autobiography by Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly: A Life of Dance and Dreams by Alvin Yudkoff all found at amazon.com
3.  An IPOD. Need I say more?
4.  An iTunes gift voucher. Definitely need this if you have an IPOD.
5. A gift voucher for a dancewear store such as Bloch’s, Capezio, Sansha or one of the many stores that sell dance goods.
6. Tickets to a live show. There’s nothing better than watching a Broadway show or your favourite dance company.
7. Dance classes – Broadway Dance Centre (www.broadwaydancecenter.com) in New York, Pineapple Dance Studios (www.pineapple.uk.com) in London and Dance 101 (www.dance101.com.au) in Melbourne all have gift vouchers available for purchase. Check with your local dance centre for information.
8. A massage for those aching legs and feet!
9. A photobook. These are created easily online and make a thoughtful personal gift. A photobook makes a great gift from a class of students.
10. A beautiful dance poster can really transform a workspace of home. Available from the many poster websites that can be found online.

What do you think?

Merry Christmas and I hope Santa is kind to you this year.

TDT

DANCE ASSISTANTS

My first two years of teaching I taught completely by myself. Although this is a perfectly reasonable thing to do, once you have had an assistant in class you will never want to go back.

Assistant teachers are usually, but not always, students at the dance studio. Assistants typically help with supervising bathroom visits, handing out newsletters, props and stickers, demonstrating exercises and choreography, assist in changing student’s shoes, taking the roll, starting & stopping music and lining up dancers. During recitals or concerts assistants can line up the dancers and give a little TLC to anxious dancers.

How do you choose your assistants?
Some teachers recruit straight out of class based on the student’s qualities and skills. I have heard of prospective candidates being asked to write an essay on why they would make a good assistant. Students may be chosen based on their attendance and dedication to dance. The best dancers don’t necessarily make the best assistants. Do try to choose someone with a liberal dose of common sense – it goes a long way in the classroom. A love of being with young children also helps. A few requirements that will assist in making the best choice are asking the students to sign an assistant’s contract, completing a trial period and undertaking training by the studio.

Training
Assistants should attend a meeting at which duties and responsibilities are discussed. A group meeting before every class, explaining what will happen in the lesson and what will be required of the assistants is useful. That way, you're not expecting them to jump in and guess what's going on. Make an effort to explain what you expect the assistant to do as each lesson progresses. New assistants can be very apprehensive and things an experienced teacher does automatically must be explained-for example, standing at the front of the room and mirroring the students' movements. When I leave the room, I always say, 'The following things must be done...,'. With time, good assistants should be able to offer assistance to a struggling child without being prompted by the teacher. But until then, training is an ongoing process.

At the studio, requirements can include conforming to the school's dress code, helping with vacuuming and other chores and following rules of proper etiquette: smiling, keeping a positive attitude, being polite and respectful to parents, and never arguing with an instructor.

To pay or not to pay
Many studios do not pay their assistants but reward them in some other manner. This may be in the form of lessons, costume deductions or free merchandise. Payment in monetary terms is usually minimal or even as much as a McDonalds pay scheme. I have used a monetary pay system and the alternative system of discounting their dance fees. Both systems have worked well. There are, of course, other benefits to assisting: it looks good on a resume, they learn the discipline of holding down a job and they learn first hand the trials and tribulations of dance teaching.

A good dance assistant is really worth the investment in training them well. The benefit for the studio is that they will understand the aims of not only the studio but the senior teacher as well. Hopefully the outcome will be that you get through more material in class and therefore the benefits roll over to the younger students.

Good Luck!

TDT

SO YOU WANT TO BE A DANCE STUDIO OWNER: 5

MARKETING
You have found your dream location, come up with a great timetable of classes and have all the legal requirements in place. Now you just need those students to walk through the door. But how do you attract customers to your business?
There are several forms of advertising you can undertake to draw students to your studio. Past experience has told me that you should employ a variety of advertising. These need not be expensive but should encompass several types of media. You may like to consider the following:

PRINT MEDIA
Local newspapers – sometimes these run featured advertising features for dance schools and you may get a good deal if you enquire.
Specialised child/parent magazines – such as Sydney’s Child etc
Yellow Pages – can be expensive but is a good resource for any parent looking for a local dance studio.
FLYERS/BROCHURES
Flyers – these can be distributed through schools, pre-schools, at carnivals/festivals (with permission, of course)
Business cards – hand these out to as many people as possible
Community noticeboards – put one of your brochures on a board
INTERNET
Online directories – Yahoo! Local and other business directories
Social networking – MySpace, Facebook, Twitter
Studio website – if you have one designed by a professional, this can be expensive. However, there are free website alternatives that you build yourself from provided templates.
WORD OF MOUTH
This is the best and cheapest form of advertising. You can provide incentives for existing students that bring in new business. Everyone likes a recommendation about a new product or service and recommendation about dance studios are no exception. Mothers talk!
PRESS RELEASES
Learn how to write a press release and include a good picture. If they accept jpeg files, find out how many pixels they need to be.
TV/RADIO ADVERTISING
These are very effective but very expensive. You may want to consider these only when you are well established or have plenty of spare cash.

You will, at some stage, need to develop a logo for your studio and carry this through on all your advertising, letterhead and anywhere you have your name. Other types of advertising are magnetic car signs (these are great because these can be removed and are not too expensive), community involvement – have your students perform at local events and outdoor advertising (a sign on your front fence or other prominent place is a form of free advertising). Whatever type of advertising you decide on just make sure you keep your name out there. Remember, if the public don’t know about you they will not come.

Good luck!

TDT

MAKE A MOVE INTO TEACHING

The Age (Australia)
Saturday January 19, 2008
Yvonne Nicolas
CHANNEL Seven's Dancing with the Stars program has ignited greater interest in careers for dance teachers. According to Bianca Tonizzo, dance instructor from Ooh La La Dance (Cambridge College), Dancing with the Stars has re-educated people about ballroom dancing.
"Most people's perception of ballroom dancing is wrong. They think it is only slow line dancing for the older generation but quite clearly this is not the case. It is very energetic - a great way to lose weight, have fun and meet people."
Located above Melbourne Central, the dance school teaches a range of people from the corporate sector to university students. Ballarat and Clarendon College also incorporates dance in its curriculum. An open-entry school, there is strong demand for places from local, national and overseas applicants. It teaches dance from primary school level up to and including VCE Dance.
Performing arts head Steven Belcher, says the college attracts students who are serious about pursuing pathways in the performing arts, dance, drama, classical or contemporary music.
"We cater to student interests and skill levels and include both contemporary and classical styles. Students develop their understanding and appreciation of dance as an art form that includes training in technical and physical skills.
"They are taught to build a personal movement vocabulary encompassing a diverse range of body actions - perform choreographed dances in a range of styles and employ choreographic and analytical principles to create and perform their own dance works."
To teach dance at schools in Victoria, teachers need to have a Victorian Institute of Teaching registration. "However, there are many fine dance instructors without that classification having completed certificate courses, diplomas or bachelor degrees in dance who have much to pass onto the next generation of dancers," Mr Belcher says.
He says dance instructors need to be good at their craft, know their subject matter and be able to demonstrate, communicate and inspire. "They challenge their students and make learning fun while using appropriate teaching methods that include use of clear learning goals, accurate monitoring and assessment. And, they give continuous feedback."
A dance teacher must have passion for dance as well as knowledge, adds Ms Tonizzo. "They need passion to teach and to be able to make things simple so people can understand - in particular when teaching at an individual level to provide students with the necessary support."
She says once they have qualified to teach dance they can perform for events, open their own dance studio or even work on shows such as Dancing with the Stars. "Or they can choreograph musicals, provide artistic direction, or co-ordinate events in addition to teaching dance," Mr Belcher says.
Mr Belcher says dance has a strong following among all ages and both sexes.
Teachers at Ooh La La Dance provide lessons in ballet, hip-hop, funk, street Latin, tango, dance sport, social ballroom and Latin. Ms Tonizzo says people enrol to learn to dance "but they also attend to improve their confidence".
According to Mr Belcher, earnings depend on the number of years spent teaching. "However, we are in the process of instituting a system whereby professional teachers are recognised beyond the number of years teaching." -- YVONNE NICOLAS

CHOREOGRAPHING A MUSICAL

Teaching is great, but let's face it sometimes it just doesn't pay enough. If you've ever had to earn just a little more to pay the bills or save for that rainy day then consider choreographing a musical for an amateur musical association or semi-professional production. This is a great way to earn a little extra money or get your name known in the community.

• Read the script
• Break the dances down into scenes and know what is happening in those scenes
• Does the dance further the storyline? If so, your choreography will need to reflect this.
• Know the music. What does the mood of the music tell you? What are the lyrics suggesting?
• Remember you may have to move large numbers of people around the stage.
• In an amateur production you will be working with many levels of dance ability - be patient!
• Make sure you find out what the set will look like before you start choreographing. Otherwise you may find yourself having to change choreography to accommodate the chorus who are now standing on stairs in this scene.
• Less can be more. Don't make your choreography too busy. This can be really tricky for those who are not used to singing and dancing at the same time.
• Have a good sense of humour. As opening night draws closer at an alarming speed tempers can fray. Smile and don't take anything personally.
• You may need to do research e.g. a period of time, a culture etc and reflect this in the choreography
• I find it helps to work out the structure of the song e.g. verse, chorus, middle eight, chorus etc
• Know the principal roles and keep in mind what they supposed to be doing during the musical number

Give it a go. It can be loads of fun and you'll make new friends.

Break a leg!

TDT

SO YOU WANT TO BE A DANCE STUDIO OWNER: 4

Before you start your business there are some legal requirements that you will need to look at and take action on. I have listed some that immediately came to mind. There will be others so make sure you get some really good legal and financial advice before jumping in.

REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS NAME
Some websites that may help are listed here:
http://www.business.gov/
http://www.start.biz/business_names/how_to_register.php
http://www.business.gov.au/
You will need to also decide if you are going to operate as a sole trader, partnership or if you are going to incorporate it as a company.

DUTY OF CARE
Can be briefly described as an obligation that a sensible person would have in the circumstances when acting toward others and the public. If the actions of a person are not made with care, attention, caution, and prudence, their actions are considered negligent.

BOOKKEEPING AND TAX REQUIREMENTS
It’s very important to keep accurate records.

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE, PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE, BUSINESS AND PROPERTY INSURANCE
These are really worth looking at. If you get sued it could wipe you and your business out.

LICENCES & ROYALTIES FOR MUSIC
http://www.ascap.com/index.aspx
http://mpa.org/copyright_resource_center/
http://www.prs.co.uk/
http://www.ppca.com.au/

As I mentioned earlier in this post there are more legal issues but the most important thing is to get good legal advice and a good accountant.

Keep dancin’!

TDT

SO YOU WANT TO BE A DANCE STUDIO OWNER: 3

THE DANCE SPACE

To open your own dance studio you are going to need a space to teach in. Whether you are searching for a premises to rent or are planning to buy your own property there are a few common requirements that will be on your list.

• Floors – these need to be sprung floors. If your search has taken you to church halls to rent you just may be in luck in your search for a wooden sprung floor. Warehouse and retail spaces, however, tend to have concrete floors. Quite often a wooden sprung floor will be a requisite for your public liability insurance. Concrete floors are simply unsafe for dance.
• Well ventilated
• Heating and cooling
• Mirrors – these can cost a small fortune to install
• Barres – at some stage you will require these
• Preferably a clearspan building (without supporting pillars and the like) and free of obstructions of any other kind
• Lots of natural light
• Waiting area for parents
• Change area for students
• Storage space for props and costumes
• Pigeon holes or lockers for students’ belongings
• Sound system
• Front desk and/or office space
• Cupboard in dance room for CDs, syllabi etc
• Property insurance (if you are buying)
• Appropriate number of toilets
  

Obviously if you are going to rent a space that is used by other parties you will need to know that it’s available on the days and times you require it.
Once you have found an abode for your dance school don’t forget there are some legal requirements you will need to attend to before commencing your classes. I will discuss these next time.
Until then,

Keep dancin’!

TDT

SO YOU WANT TO BE A DANCE STUDIO OWNER: 2

Finding a space for your dance studio

Okay so you’ve decided to open your own dance studio. What now? Well you will need a space to teach, of course. You may decide to teach in a church hall, rec centre, share an existing dance, self defence or exercise venue, or you may simply decide that you’d like to start out in your own building from the very beginning. Whatever your choice, you will need to take a few considerations on board.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Is your proposed space....
1. In a safe area? I once found a fantastic building that had been a social dance venue. I was excited until I discovered that it was around the corner from a brothel and therefore probably not a great idea.
2. Well lit and in a visible place? Your venue needs to be easy to find. If you have signage that can be seen from the road, all the better.
3. Near public transport and have plenty of parking? Many families only have one car which is often used by dad to get to work. Bus stops and train stations nearby are definitely a plus. However, the fact of the matter is that many students do arrive by car. If you have ever taught at a studio that has a lack of car spaces you will know what kind of agro this can cause.
4. In an area that has a great student demographic? Okay so you need lots of children and teens close to your studio. Being nearby to schools is probably a good indication. However, be warned that high student populations don’t always mean big business for you. There are other considerations...
5. Far enough away from other dance studios? I once did research and found a suburb that had a huge student population at all its local schools. I opened a studio there but it really struggled. Why? There was an oversaturation of dance studios there. It seems that everyone else had the same idea as me!
6. Noise tolerant? The building should be away from residential buildings that may have occupants who complain about noise levels. Considering most of your classes may be at night – this is very important.
7. Zoned for business? From time to time, I hear about dance teachers planning to buy houses to run dance classes from. Although this may be a sound investment for resale purposes, if you are not in a business zone you may be shut down pronto.
8. Within your budget and means? Whether you decide to rent a hall, lease a building or buy your own property you will need some kind of capital. Remember most businesses close within the first year. If you decide to buy and the studio doesn’t do the blistering business you thought you may need to sell quickly. There is nothing worse than a desperate vendor. Take the time and care to do a business plan. It’s worth it!

In my next post I will discuss what the space should physically look like and issues of safety. Until then....

Keep dancing!

TDT

SO YOU WANT TO BE A DANCE STUDIO OWNER: 1

For many a young dancer it is a life long ambition to open their very own dance studio. Many will have idolised their own teachers and held onto the dream of becoming the best teacher they can be. But to be a dance studio owner – now that’s another thing!

Should I be a dance studio owner? Being the owner of a dance studio encompasses a whole lot more than just teaching dance. Are you willing to put in a lot of time into the administration side of the business? This may be required especially in a new business. Do you have any small business skills? So many dancers have great technique and dance knowledge only to have to close the doors of their studio due to mismanagement. Good business sense will take you a long way.
Are you willing to give up your time? Running a business can be a 24/7 affair. Are you prepared to have a shift in your work/life balance? It may not be a consideration right now but many dance studio owners find it difficult juggling work and family commitments. When your kids and partner are getting home, your classes are just getting started. Is your spouse/partner willing to cook, feed the kids and put them to bed? No kids? Then is your boyfriend/girlfriend or partner willing to be alone at home or amuse themselves every night you are teaching?
Do you have good people skills? Picture this: the students absolutely love your energetic classes and you are a hit with the kids. Outside the classroom, however, is another story. You seem to clash with many parents and now some of them are forming alliances against you. Slowly your students start to drop out….. The children may love you but it is the parents that have to bring them and pay for classes. If they don’t like you they’ll look elsewhere. You need to be both diplomatic and firm and have the parents on side.

All these questions are designed to prepare you for your choice of career. I’m not trying to turn you off but rather make you think of the considerations you should make before getting into this business. I have been in this industry for 30 years and can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing. Except maybe a lotto winner laying on a beach with a pina colada. We all know that’s not going to happen – right? If you still decide to go ahead – I wish you the best of luck.

In my next post I will be discussing finding a space for your dance studio.

Keep dancing!

TDT

STRETCHING TO YOUR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL

STRETCHING

A dancer needs two types of flexibility: static and dynamic. Static flexibility is the ability to move through a range of motion with no emphasis on speed and time. Dynamic flexibility is the ability to move through a range of motion with emphasis on speed and time (such as a straddle jump).

Hold all stretches for a minimum of six to ten seconds. Relax and breathe out as you move into the stretch. Repeat a minimum of three times. For tighter muscles, try to hold the stretch for longer. Push to the point of discomfort but do not push through pain. No exercise should produce pain.
Effective use of stretching techniques is necessary after all forms of training. The best time to stretch effectively is when muscles are thoroughly warm, such as after class, rehearsal or performance.

The rules are:

1. Never stretch cold muscles
2. Avoid overstretching
3. Take care with body alignment
4. Never bounce during a stretch
5. Develop a consistent routine of stretching
6. Keep breathing!

The benefits of stretching are:

• release of tension
• restoration of balance to muscles
• improvement in range of movement
  
  Happy stretching!

WARM UP/COOL DOWN

Warm Up/Cool Down
A warm up is anything that prepares the body for increased exertion. Without warming up you run the risk of injury. As the muscles become warmer they also become more pliable. In addition to tuning your body, warming up also cuts down on muscle soreness when the session is completed.

A cardio-vascular warm-up involves at least 15 minutes of continual movement, for example, jogging around the studio, skipping rope or springing on the spot. The aim is to increase your pulse rate to 120 beats per minute. As the muscles become warmer from the flow of blood, they also become more elastic. Toward the end of your warm-up you could include some specific movements from the type of class which will follow. After you have completed your warm-up is a good time to gently stretch the large muscle groups.

Ideally the rest period between the warm-up and the start of the activity should be no more than a few minutes, in any case no more than 15 minutes. After 45 minutes rest, the beneficial effects of the warm up are negated, at which time the muscle temperature has returned to pre-warm up levels. This point cannot be emphasised enough. The dancer must warm up before each class and stretch all major muscle groups (not beyond the pleasure/pain barrier) before executing any fast, full range of movement.

A five minute cool down is recommended after completion of the class, rehearsal or performance (use movements from the technique you have been practising but reduce the tempo and size of the movements until you have your pulse back to approximately 100 beats per minute). This is the best time to stretch if you need to increase your flexibility, as the muscles are warm and limber. Stretching will also help remove any lactic acid and restore the body.