This post will explain how to increase dance students retention for the next year with some simple ideas. Let’s clarify one point: these ideas will increase your dance students retention for sure, but don’t forget you should build a positive relationship with your dancers during the whole year.
If all of a sudden you become a totally different person with your students just because it’s dance recital time, they will notice and they won’t like it. Just be yourself. Isn’t it the best thing you could do? 🙂
That said, let’s see how to increase dance students retention from the moment you announce the theme of the show to the last applause of the audience at the end of it!
1. Be encouraging and positive
We know it’s the most stressful moment of the year, but be strong and be positive. This doesn’t mean you should always look happy or smile, but try to be inspiring and motivational, let your dancers see your perspectives about the show and also let them know you can see their true potential. Another important concept is that you are working with them and they are working with you, together, to achieve the same goal: creating the best show ever.
And don’t forget that even the smallest detail can make the difference.
2. Buy a small gift for each of them
This can be something you do as a dance studio owner or as a teacher. You can also encourage your teachers to do it or just do it all together with your staff, as a studio. Buy a small gift to give to each of them, whether it be just a chocolate candy, a letter or something show-related. For example, a dance studio after doing The Nutcracker in december, bought as a gift a christmas ball for each dancer. Each christmas ball had the first letter of their names handwritten on it.
3. Make a great speech
The dance recital speech is very very very important. Thank everyone (make some names if necessary), acknowledge the work of your students, of their parents, of the staff, talk about the show and the creation process and don’t forget to let the audience know about your summer initiatives!
Extra tip: if you invited external teachers and renowned dancers to give a Masterclass at your studio, don’t forget to let your audience know. It’s always good to say anything that can make your audience understand how much you care about your students and their development.
4. Make sure everything works well
Don’t underestimate the situation. The fact that your dance recital has finally started and everything is running smoothly doesn’t mean that you have to let your guard down. Be present, assist, clap, help, coordinate and make sure everyone in the backstage, in the dressing rooms, in the cabin of direction, is doing his work correctly.
Things like “where’s my kid?” or “where’s my kid’s costume?” can happen. So, just keep an (extra) eye on everything until the end.
A dance recital can be overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to delegate some tasks to other employees or people who are there to help. Also, don’t forget that using a great dance recital ticketing platform can make the difference between having a stressful or a smooth pre-show.
If you are interested you can check our features here or read this full comparison about the best 3 dance recital ticketing websites.