This week Amanda and Bec dive deep into the importance of identifying, training, and supporting young assistant teachers in your studio. From early conversations to ongoing feedback, they share practical ways to build confident, capable leaders who often become the heart of your teaching team.

Here’s what they covered:

• Start young and be intentional: Don’t wait until a student is “ready.” If you see potential in a 12–14-year-old, start the conversation early. Give them encouragement and let their parents know you see something special.

• Training is non-negotiable: Assistant teachers should never be thrown into classes without guidance. Ongoing training, feedback from lead teachers, and regular check-ins are vital to helping them thrive.

• Body language matters: Smile! Young students interpret resting or serious faces as anger or disapproval. Teach your assistants how their facial expressions and posture affect the energy of the class.

• Use your team: You don’t need to do all the training yourself. Bring in superstar teachers who model the right energy and attitude to run short workshops or lead sessions with your junior team.

• Create a clear pathway: Talk regularly with your assistants about what they want to do long term, whether it’s choreography, studio management, or teaching full-time. Help them see that a career in dance is both real and rewarding.

• Get parents on board: Keep parents informed about the growth you see in their child. It builds trust and helps them view dance teaching as a valid and meaningful profession.

• It’s also a retention strategy: Students who feel seen, valued, and involved, especially teens, are more likely to stay with your studio. Leadership opportunities like assisting or running events give them a reason to stay connected.

• Tailor roles to strengths: Not every great assistant is a top technical dancer. Some excel because they’re confident, nurturing, or naturally great communicators. Celebrate and develop those strengths too.

Remember: the assistant teacher you nurture today might just become your most loyal and passionate team member for the next decade.

DPU Tribe | Studio Growth Club

#DancePrincipalsUnited #DanceStudioLife #PodcastForDancers #StudioGrowth #DanceCommunity #DanceStudioSuccess #MarketingForDanceStudios #IdealClient #GrowYourStudio

In this episode of the Dance Principles United Podcast, we're diving deep into creative ways to boost revenue in your studio without needing to add more weekly classes. From birthday parties to discos, corporate team building to holiday workshops, these strategies aren't just about income, they also build community, create memorable experiences, and help your team shine.

Key Takeaways:

• Uniforms & Costumes – Learn how to simplify, profit from, and streamline uniform and costume orders while making life easier for families.
• Birthday Parties – Whether you’re all-in or prefer a “set and forget” system, birthday parties can generate income and get new kids into your space.
• Corporate Team Building – Tap into a surprising market by offering creative workshops for corporate teams, even just by word of mouth.
• Staff-Led Initiatives – Empower your team to lead events and classes outside the normal schedule, generating extra income for them and your business.
• Holiday Workshops – From Taylor Swift themes to Mermaid Days, rinse-and-repeat school holiday workshops are a game-changer with the right systems.
• Discos & Parent Date Nights – Turn a fun event for kids into a night off for parents and a new enrolment funnel for your studio.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, this episode is packed with practical tips and proven strategies to help you build smart, scalable income streams around your existing operations.

DPU Tribe | Studio Growth Club

#DancePrincipalsUnited #DanceStudioLife #PodcastForDancers #StudioGrowth #DanceCommunity #DanceStudioSuccess #MarketingForDanceStudios #IdealClient #GrowYourStudio

In this episode, Bec chats with Trudy Skippen, a much-loved studio owner and member of the Studio Growth Club. Trudy shares her story of taking over Belmont Dance Centre in 2018 and the ups and downs of running a dance business.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Trudy’s move from teacher to studio owner

• The biggest challenges she faced early on

• How working on her mindset made a big difference

• Why community and connection are so important in her studio

• The way she supports nervous preschool parents and children

• How her new preschool readiness program helps kids feel more confident and prepared

This episode is a must-listen if you want to create a warm, welcoming space for families and grow a strong, supportive business.

DPU Tribe | Studio Growth Club

#DancePrincipalsUnited #DanceStudioLife #PodcastForDancers #StudioGrowth #DanceCommunity #DanceStudioSuccess #MarketingForDanceStudios #IdealClient #GrowYourStudio