Returning to the Basics: How to Focus on What Truly Matters for Your Dance Studio’s Success

As a dance studio owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of ideas and opportunities that come your way. New camps, special events, or exciting programs can all seem like great ways to grow your business. But I’ve realized that, in the pursuit of expansion, it’s often the basics that we overlook. The truth is, if we don’t clear the distractions and focus on what really matters, it’s easy to get sidetracked. And that’s why, in my journey as a studio owner, I’ve learned to prioritize two key goals to ensure my studio’s growth and success.

The Power of Narrowing Your Focus

Inspired by Warren Buffett’s simple yet powerful exercise, I’ve learned that it’s crucial to narrow down your goals to just two. Let me break it down for you: Buffett advises that you start by listing your 20 most important goals. Once you have the list, you eliminate everything but the top two. The reason? By focusing on the two most important things, you clear away the distractions and give yourself the energy and attention needed to truly excel.

I’ve found that as business owners, we are constantly bombarded with opportunities that sound great—new programs, parties, or even a brand-new dance class idea. While these things can be tempting, they can also pull us away from our core priorities. For me, that meant honing in on improving class tuition rates and perfecting my recitals and shows. Those were my ultimate concerns.

A Lesson from Angela Duckworth’s “Grit”

This idea of narrowing focus doesn’t just come from Buffett. Angela Duckworth’s book Grit advocates for the power of perseverance and passion when we narrow our focus. Duckworth’s research shows that those who stick to one goal with consistent effort tend to succeed in the long run. If you constantly chase every new idea that comes your way, it’s hard to build the depth and expertise necessary to make a lasting impact.

That’s why I think it’s so important for studio owners to ask themselves: What is your “ultimate concern”? What are the two things that, if you focused all your energy on, would make the biggest difference for your studio? By doing this, you clear all the clutter and focus on the things that truly matter.

Simplicity is Key to Growth

Once you’ve identified your two key priorities, the magic is in simplifying. For me, I stopped worrying about having “enough students” or constantly “raising prices.” Instead, I focused on making my classes as engaging and effective as possible and ensuring my recitals were a meaningful experience for my students and their families.

This shift in mindset not only reduced stress but also allowed me to concentrate on what would drive my business forward. I could put energy into making sure each class was fun, productive, and aligned with my students’ needs. I also began prioritizing the recitals, as I knew they were crucial for student retention and morale. A well-executed recital is an event that students and parents look forward to, and it creates lasting memories that strengthen your studio’s sense of community.

Streamlining Revenue Streams

One of the main reasons I narrowed my focus on tuition and recitals was to strengthen my revenue streams. Tuition should be your primary income source, but recitals also play an important role. Recitals can be a profitable event if managed correctly. By ticketing the event and offering bundled costume and participation fees, I found that I could generate significant revenue while still providing value to my students and their families.

The key is to make sure your costs are well-managed. For example, while the venue and costume costs can add up, the money from ticket sales often more than covers these expenses. Plus, by simplifying your offerings and focusing on what brings the most value, you can create a high-quality recital experience without overburdening your team or your budget.

The Backbone of Your Studio: Teachers and Curriculum

Another critical aspect of simplifying is having a strong, structured curriculum. Teachers are the heart of your studio, and without clear direction and training, they may struggle to perform at their best. For me, creating a replicable class structure was essential. This consistency allowed my teachers to focus on what they do best—teaching!

Additionally, I made sure the curriculum was fun, developmentally appropriate, and engaging. For younger students, especially those between the ages of 2 and 8, it’s essential that the classes are both educational and enjoyable. The more fun and fulfilling your classes are, the more likely students will return and parents will spread the word.

Tracking Progress and Retention

Tracking student progress is another way to keep things simple. I began using a system similar to the “passport and journal books” used in Twinkle Star classes. This tool tracks skills in ballet, jazz, and tap, showing both parents and students how far they’ve come. It serves as a great reminder that progress is measurable, helping families feel confident in the value your classes offer. This method also builds excitement and commitment, ensuring that students stay enrolled longer.

Conclusion: Keep It Simple, Focus on What Matters

In the end, what I’ve learned is that success doesn’t come from chasing every new idea or opportunity—it comes from honing in on the basics and focusing on what truly matters. By narrowing your focus to two main goals, simplifying your revenue streams, and ensuring your classes and recitals are as effective as possible, you’ll create a thriving dance studio that attracts loyal students and fosters a strong community. It’s about working smarter, not harder. So, what will your two key priorities be?

Remember, simplicity is often the key to growth, and with the right focus, your studio can flourish in ways you might not have thought possible. Keep it simple, stay focused, and watch your dance studio soar!