Thinking about opening up a dance studio? Well, then, we would love to help you! As former dance studio owners, we know what it takes to open a business, and we can use our experience to help you know what you should – and shouldn’t do.
Here are some things you’ll need in order to start a dance studios:
- Register your business name
- Register your business as an LLC (this is what I recommend)
- Create branding for your website, like a logo
- Start a website for your dance studio
- Advertise your dance studio
But first things first – you’ll need a business plan. And there are a number of things that you will need to do in order to have a dance studio. So we have compiled a list of over 200 resources you can use to open up your dance school. This is a great list not only for those wanting to open a dance studio, but those who have already opened a dance studio and are looking for some great dance school references.
Before Opening Your Studio
First, you need to register your business (how to do this varies depending where you live, so look up what your state or local government requires). You will also need to incorporate your business.
Business Incorporation:
Next, you’ll need to get things in place before your business opens.
Logo:
You’ll want to create your logo now so that you can start building brand recognition from the beginning.
Website:
For your dance studio’s website, you have a couple of great options. The first allows you to use AI to create your website. But if you’d rather someone else create your website for you, choose the second option.
Hiring Dance Teachers:
Dance Studio Insurance:
Press Release for Your Dance Studio Opening:
Promotional Materials:
- PGprint
- 123Print
- DocuCopies
- FedEx
- GotPrint
- Dance School Open House Flyer Templates
- Flyer Templates for Dance Camps
Registration:
- Online Registration Form
- Dance Class Registration/Waiver Form Template
- Dance Registration Form Template
Dance & Acrobatics Equipment:
- Marley Dance Floor
- Harlequin Dance Floor
- Dance Sub Floor
- Ballet Barres (Wall Mount)
- Portable Dance Barres
- Dance Mirror
- Portable Dance Mirrors
- Acrobatics Equipment
- Tap Portable Dance Floor
Sound System:
Dance Class Music:
Dance Class Curriculum:
- Maria’s Movers (Toddler Curriculum)
- Acrobatic Arts
- Hip Hop in a Box
- Preschool Ballet Class Curriculum
- Preschool Tap Class Curriculum
- Dance Class Curriculum Variety Pack (Preschool to Advanced for Ballet, Tap and Jazz)
Dance Class Lesson Plans:
Tip: These are also great to have on hand for substitute dance teachers.
- Advanced Ballet Class Lesson Plan (18 Combinations from Barre to Center)
- Creative Movement Shape Dance Lesson Plan (for Preschool Dance)
- Pre-Ballet Lesson Plan (with Printables)
- 5 Preschool Ballet and Tap Lesson Plans
- 10 Jazz Technique Lesson Plans
- Ballet Skills Semester Checklist Lesson Tracker (for Multiple Levels)
- Dance Teacher Lesson Plan Templates (that You Can Fill Out)
Reading Material:
Now, here are things you’ll need once your business is open:
Music Editing Software:
Accounting Software:
Email Marketing/Newsletter:
Recital Ticketing:
Dance Costumes:
- Custom Made Dance Competition Costumes
- A Wish Come True
- Weissman
- Glamour Costumes
- Revolution
- Costume Gallery
- Kelle
- Art Stone
- Reverence
- Satin Stitches
- Victoria Dancewear
- The Lineup
- Artistic Dance Designs
- Algy
- Lebo’s
- Layla’s Dance Costumes
Rhinestones:
Dancewear:
- Discount Dance Supply
- Dancewear Solutions
- Dance Direct
- Bloch
- Just for Kix
- Capezio
- Pumpers
- Kizzi Dancewear
- Trimfoot
- Eurotard
- Eleve
- Grishko
- Allegro Dance Boutique
- Inspirations Dancewear
- Leapin Leos
- Lucky Leo Dancewear
- Balletomania
- Dancewear Centre
- Dance Paws
- Miller & Ben Tap Shoes
- Baum’s Dancewear
- Pastry Dance Sneakers
- UFO Contemporary
- The Dancewear Place
Studio Gear:
- Step In Time
- Champion Teamwear
- Game One
- American Promotions
- Limelight
- Move U
- DZine Graphics
- DanzGear
- Ilogear
Dance Cosmetics:
Dance Competitions:
- Epic Dance Competition
- Applause
- Fusion
- United States Tournament of Dance
- Inspire
- Hall of Fame
- Starbound
- Onstage New York
- Nexstar
- Rainbow
- I Love Dance
- Energy
- Open Call
- Radix
- On Point
- Star Systems
- Star Talent
- Masquerade
- Encore
- KAR
- StarQuest
- Stage One
- Platinum Dance Competition
- Showstoppers
- Nuvo
- Jump
- Dance Champs
- Bravo
- In10sity Dance
- VIP Dance
- 8 National Talent Competition
- Southeast Showdown
- Tribute
- Mark of Excellence
- Imagine Dance Challenge
- Ovation Dance Challenge
- National Dance Showcase
- Believe
- Leap
- Talent on Parade
- Ultimate Dance Connection
- Encore
- Beyond the Stars
- Backstage
- Epic Dance Showcase
- Headliners
- The Dance Awards
- Legacy
- DanceXtreme
- Cadence Dance Finals
- This Is It
- High Demand
- Onstage America
- Dance Ovations
- DTI
- Take Centerstage
- Elite Performance Challenge
Dance Conventions/Workshops:
- Epic Dance
- Titans of Dance Intensive
- Monsters Dance Convention
- Dupree Dance
- Adrenaline
- Artists Simply Human
- MPower
- Dance Revel
- Revive
- Manhattan Dance Project
- Fluid Dance
- LA Dance Magic
- Wild Dance Intensive
- Liberate
- West Coast Dance Explosion
- Hollywood Vibe
Dance Recital Backdrops:
- Backdrops Fantastic
- Backdrops Beautiful
- Backdrops by Charles H. Stewart
- Kenmark
- Theatre World Backdrops
Recital Trophies:
Recital Programs:
Dance Travel Opportunities:
- Disney Performing Arts
- Dance the Magic
- Dance The World
- 42nd Street Tours & Travels
- TMF Tours & Travel
Dance Photography:
- Capture Photography
- Memory Makers
- Photography by Kathy
- EAP Dance
- Gary Antle Productions
- Vikki Sloviter
Organizations to Join:
- Dance Educators of America
- Dance Masters of America
- National Dance Education Organization
- International Dance Entrepreneurs Association
Frequently Asked Questions
Is owning a dance studio profitable?
Owning a dance studio can certainly be profitable, and it helps if you’re well prepared. Going through the recommendations in this guide will be a huge help with your preparations, though of course nothing can guarantee success.
Do you need a degree to open a dance studio?
In the United States, you do not need a degree to open a dance studio. If you will be attending college before opening your studio, though, then it’s a great idea to take advantage of any business classes you’re able to take.
What kind of flooring is best for a dance studio?
Typically, you’ll find a vinyl marley floor or wood floor inside a dance studio. Which you choose for your own studio depends on your own preference as well as your budget. Either way, you’ll want it to be on top of some sort of subfloor or sprung floor, so that it will absorb shocks and reduce injuries. We’ve included some excellent options for dance flooring.
Who is the target audience for a dance studio?
For some dance studios, the classes are designed for younger children. Some studios are adults only. And some dance schools have classes for all ages, from Mommy and Me to classes for seniors. It’s up to you to decide what audience you’d like to target!
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