Example Business Ideas

How to run a Dance Studio

Written by Rayzelle Forrest Young for Gaebler Ventures

Tips on how to get a dance studio up and running. Highlights the importance of protecting yourself financially and finding a good place to run your dance studio.

Starting a dance studio can be a fun and profitable business to go into.

If you like to dance and are capable of teaching classes, this could be a rewarding way to make a living. If you aren't capable of teaching your own classes, you could always hire instructors to teach for you. If you've always wanted to start a dance studio but never knew quite how to go about doing it, the tips below should help you get started.

Find A Location

Find a location that is big enough to hold your dance classes. Popular places are warehouse type buildings that have big wide open spaces. The most important thing when securing your location for your dance studio business is to make sure the floor is suitable for dancing without causing injury. This means it needs to be a smooth, crack free surface. If not then you need to find out if you'll be able to put in your own floor if you are leasing the building.

Get The Proper Licensing

Go down to your local city offices to find out what type of licensing you will need for a dance studio. Typically you will only need a standard business license to run your studio. The cost is usually a small fee and runs no more than $200.

Get the Proper Insurance

You will definitely need liability and property damage insurance. This will protect your finances if a dancer is injured and wants to sue you as well as protect you if something in the studio is broken or damaged. Since your dance floor is the most essential component to running your classes, you will want to have it protected along with other equipment pertaining to your business.

Get Instructors

If you're not a dancer yourself and don't plan on instructing your own classes, you will need to get competent dance instructors. Even if you do dance and plan on teaching some of the classes, getting additional instructors to add variety to your studio is a good idea. People tend to do business with a dance company that offers an array of dance genres. A good place to search for instructors is at college campuses. Approach dance students at your local college campuses to see if they are interested and capable of teaching classes. More than likely, they need extra money and will work for you without the demanding the high salary that a professional might want.

Get necessary equipment

Purchase the necessary equipment to get your business up and running. This means you need mirrors, sound equipment and whatever else you think you might need. If you plan on having ballet classes, you will need to have a ballet barre installed in the studio or you can purchase a portable one.

Market Your Business

Market you dance business in places where there are a lot of kids. They will probably be the bulk of your students. Put flyers on cars at kids soccer games, baseball games and other sporting events. Another good place to market you dance business is at cheer and dance competitions. These are crawling with potential students who already love to dance.

Starting a dance studio means you will need a good open space to hold your classes. In addition, make sure you protect yourself financially with the proper liability and property damage insurance. If you market your business properly, your new dance business will be clamoring with students in no time.

Rayzelle is an entrepreneur and writer. Based on her experiences as an owner of her own dance studio, she will share her personal tips on being a successful entrepreneur.

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