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Dance Studio Business Plan

Having a dance studio is every passionate dancer’s dream. After all, what could be more fun than sharing the art form you love so much with other people and making it your profession?

Also, if you are reading this, chances are that you are already a passionate dancer and know quite a bit about it. And although passion and skill are primary to a dance studio’s success, you’ll need a little more than that to run a successful business.

And that is a dance studio business plan. A business plan would help you deal with all the business aspects of running a dance studio, and ensure that your business strategies are foolproof and effective.

If you are planning to start a new dance studio or dance academy or dance school, the first thing you will need is a business plan. Use our sample Dance Studio Business Plan created using Upmetrics business plan software to start writing your business plan in no time.

Before you start writing your business plan for your new dance studio or dance academy, spend as much time as you can reading through some examples of  entertainment-related business plans.

Industry Overview

The dance studio industry stood at a value of 3.72 billion dollars in 2021, even as it recovered from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected to return to its original state and grow even more as we go forward.

Dance academies can benefit greatly from utilizing social media and YouTube to their full potential for promoting their business. Also, online dance lessons and workshops are trending more than ever. Hence, you don’t even need to worry about the effects of the pandemic if you establish yourself online.

Apart from that, the growth of pop culture and content creation has made an immense contribution to the industry’s growth.

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Things to Consider Before Writing a Dance Studio Business Plan

Pick a good location.

A good location can do wonders for any business , especially for a dance studio. A good location is accessible and convenient for your students as they’ll have to show up at your studio quite often. It would also be ideal for your collaborators, making you a preferred choice because of its convenience.

Have a memorable name

A memorable name can do wonders for the branding aspect of your business. From making, it easy to look you up online to making people remember you for projects and lessons, a memorable name can do it all.

Hence, it is necessary to pick a name that is both easy to remember and unique.

Find your niche

A dance studio can serve multiple purposes. From recording performances, and choreographies for various acts, to giving dance lessons, or carrying out workshops, etc.

Try to explore and discover what fits your tastes and preferences the best, and set up your studio to fit those requirements perfectly and to have all the resources for your niche.

Build your online presence

Building your online presence early on can be super profitable as a dance studio. From putting up dance covers and tutorials on social media to sharing information related to dance with dance enthusiasts through your website, you can do several things to grab your audience’s attention early on and promote your business even before getting started.

Write Your Business Plan

Reading sample business plans will give you a good idea of what you’re aiming for and also it will show you the different sections that different entrepreneurs include and the language they use to write about themselves and their business plans.

We have created this sample dance studio business plan for you to get a good idea about how a perfect dance studio business plan should look like and what details you will need to include in your stunning business plan.

Dance Studio Business Plan Outline

This is the standard dance studio business plan outline which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Mission Statement
• Vision Statement
• 3 Year profit forecast
• Business Structure
• Startup cost
• Private Lessons
• Group Classes
• Practice Dances
• Facility Rental
• Market Trends
• Target Market
• Children/Teens (19 yrs. and under)
• College Students/Young Adults (20-24 yrs)
• Single and Married Adults (25-55 yrs)
• Seniors/Retired (56+ yrs)
• SWOT Analysis
• Sales Strategy
• ?Local Publications
• Major Publications
• Community Events/Organizations
• Commute Advertising
• Customer Loyalty Programs
• Direct Mail
• Ongoing Customer Communications
• Pre-Opening Events
• Pricing Strategy
• Website Marketing Strategy
• Development Requirements
• Important Assumptions
• Brake-even Analysis
• Profit Yearly
• Gross Margin Yearly
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Business Ratios

After  getting started with Upmetrics , you can copy this sample business plan into your business plan and modify the required information and download your dance studio business plan pdf and doc file. It’s the fastest and easiest way to start writing your business plan.

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Download a sample dance studio business plan

Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go;  download our free dance studio business plan pdf  to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your dance studio business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

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Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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How To Create a Profitable Dance Studio Business Plan (a Template Included)

Are you one step away from starting your own dance studio business? That's great news. Your passion for dancing can help you launch and manage a successful dance school. However, while dancing is a form of art, starting a dance studio isn't. We are talking business here. And since you are planning on kickstarting a business you will need a business plan.

Is it a must-have or you can just improvise on the go? A bad or incomplete business plan is one of the main reasons why 20% of new businesses fail during the first two years of launch.

With a plan in your hands, you will know which steps you will have to take even before you start a dance studio. Do you invest in a dance studio management software , what are your main business goals, and how to advertise your dance studio are just a few questions an elaborate business plan provides answers to.

Since it all can sound daunting to you, we decided to help you out. Here is everything you need to know about the dance studio business plan and how to come up with one on your own.

What is a business plan?

A business plan is a blueprint you will build your operation on. Generally speaking, all business plans documents can be divided into two sections:

• Business objectives - a detailed definition of all business objectives you want to achieve (eg. achieve a specific revenue or run at full capacity by the end of the year);
• Strategies to achieve objectives - detailed plan on how you intend to achieve your business goals.

Every company despite its size has marketing, financial, and operational aspects. A complete plan should address all these aspects outlining strategic actions you will take to achieve success in all these aspects. It can sound complicated to someone with limited experience in the industry.

Why go through the trouble then? Here are the most noteworthy benefits of working with a business plan.

Benefits of having a dance studio business plan

Every new business owner wants their business to succeed. That's exactly what the business plan delivers. It provides you with a clear roadmap to follow. Let's start with the most noteworthy benefit of working with a plan.

Keep business on track

With a plan, you will be able to have a structure. With your business objectives defined it becomes easy to manage a business and keep it on track. You can benchmark your current business performance against defined operational milestones and see exactly how far are you from your profit targets.

Stay true to your dance studio business priorities

Once you start a business you can easily be drawn to making decisions based on a gut feeling or experience. Making the right choices becomes especially challenging when you are passionate about what you do. Since the dance studio business plan outlines your objectives you will be able to have a clear picture and stay true to achieving them instead of pursuing something else.

Achieve marketing clarity

Marketing is essential for your business's success. Fortunately, you will have your marketing strategy outlined in the studio business plan. Everything ranging from the defined target market to services promotion strategies is there. A plan helps you achieve marketing clarity and stay true to your messaging which can help you build a consistent brand image in a long run.

Hire and secure the top talent

A dance studio business plan also helps hire and retain top talent. Besides defining how many people you need to hire, roles, and responsibilities, the plan will also help you communicate your vision.

You will be able to enter a job market with clarity and seamlessly show how your employees contribute to achieving business goals. In return, you will improve employee retention and drive productivity.

Studio business plan and sources of funding

We decided to devote a separate section for the last benefit of having a business plan because of how important it is. To kickstart a dance studio on your own you will need cash.

If you want to invest your personal savings into your dance school you won't have to prove to yourself that your business idea is valid and has a lot of potential.

But, on the other hand, having a business plan will make a smart investor who knows exactly what objectives you want to achieve and how you want to achieve them.

The other two financing options you have are bank loans and angel investors. And this is where having the business plan makes a considerable difference. Simply put, banks and investors won't take you into consideration if you don't have a plan.

As a matter of fact, a business plan is often a requirement in a loan application. After applying for a loan, the bank will often ensure that you have appropriate financial standing.

In order to ensure that you will be able to give back the money, they will need some proof that you know what you are doing. A plan that outlines how you'll operate all aspects of your studio will give them the confidence to approve the loan.

The last option to finance your business idea includes angel investors. These wealthy individuals are interested in investing in viable business ideas. To prove to them your idea is worth investing in and ensure you get the funding, you will have to present a business plan.

If the benefits motivated you to write a business plan you will need to know which sections to include. Let's see what you need to address when writing a plan for a dance studio.

How to write a dance studio business plan

Writing a comprehensive business plan for a dance studio doesn't have to be hard. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you cover all the essential aspects of a business plan including an explanation for each one of the aspects.

Step 1: Provide a detailed company analysis

Every dance studio is unique. You should start your business plan by providing a detailed description of the type of dance studio you plan to open or expand.

In case you are planning to open a traditional dance studio you should outline the dance styles you intend to provide training and instruction for. You should also write down whether you want to focus on group classes, private classes, or both.

In case you are launching an online dancing studio, you should not only outline the dance styles you will focus on but also whether you will do classes in real-time or offer pre-recorded online classes .

Another important thing to add to the company analysis section is your dance studio business structure such as private company, LLC, S-Corp, and others.

Step 2: Write market analysis

Market analysis is a key section of a dance studio business plan. It's can help you get actionable insights into the dance studio industry as a whole. When you better understand the industry you plan to operate in, you can make better choices. It especially goes for market size as it tells you whether your business idea is viable in the first place.

While analyzing the market you can also identify certain patterns and trends which can help you align your business better and ensure increased profits. For instance, you can discover that a certain dance style is trendy and add it to your offer.

Finally, the analysis will paint you as an informed entrepreneur in the eyes of your potential investors increasing the chances your loan application gets approved.

This section should contain the following information:

• Market size and trends (declining or increasing)
• Growth forecast for the dance studio industry
• The main factors affecting the industry
• The key competitors in your area
• The value of your dance studio

Step 3: Report on customer analysis

One of the most important things you can do to ensure your business's success is customer analysis. The customer research and analysis report should find its way into your dance studio business plan.

Customer analysis will help you identify target customers and target audience. The key difference is that target customers are people who you intend to attend your classes, while the target audience refers to the people who you are going to target with your ads.

Oftentimes, these are the same two groups of people. However, in some instances, they are not. For instance, if you intend on giving dance classes to youngsters they are your target customers, but it is their parents who are your target audience.

Customer research will help you discover demographics. You will be able to discover what each customer segment expects from a dance studio. Each one of the customer segments is interested in unique class options, pricing, and dance styles.

Demographics include information regarding your customers' age, location, and gender. When you know who your target customers and target audience are, it becomes easy to custom-tailor marketing messages for every customer segment. It can help you attract more students and ensure the necessary revenue to keep your doors open and start planning an expansion.

Step 4: Report on the competitive analysis

During the market analysis, you've identified your key competitors in your market. Now is the time to do a competitive analysis and include the report in the plan. You can't run a successful studio business while ignoring the competition.

Competitive analysis stands for doing a study on the direct and indirect competitors in your target market. Direct competitors refer to other dance schools in your neighborhood, city, and region.

However, to appear as an industry expert you should also outline the indirect competitors. People attend dance classes at other venues too such as gyms and fitness studios. Don't just list the competitors. You should provide a brief overview of every competitor you will be up against including:

• The dance styles they specialize in
• Is there anything that makes that stand out from the crowd
• What target demographic they offer their services to
• Their pricing policy
• The flaws in their operation

Once you provide the overview of your competitors you should help the reader understand how you plan to cut through the noise and make your dance school more competitive. The list of strategies you can list here can include:

• Offering more attractive prices;
• Loyalty program for dedicated students;
• Using software tools such as class management software for dance studios to streamline class scheduling, billing, payments, and class registers;
• Hiring top instructors to provide the best dance instruction;

Whatever strategy you choose, feel free to address it in detail especially if the competition in your target market is harsh.

Step 5: Outline your marketing plan

The marketing plan includes all the strategies and actions you'll use to attract more students and have them sign up for classes at your dance studio. First things first though. You need to define your product.

In the product section, you should provide details about the classes you intend to instruct. You should cover every dance class type available at your school.

Next, you should list the prices for your instruction services. This section should outline the payment methods you'll accept, whether there is a recurring payment plan or not, and how your prices compare to competitors' prices.

The third thing you need to address in this section is your studio's location. If the location is suitable for building a steady stream of new students, feel free to elaborate on it.

Finally, you should outline your plan to attract new students to your venue. A dance studio business has many advertising opportunities to choose from ranging from flyers and outdoor hoarding to paid advertising on social media and blogging.

To show that you've worked out a plan to succeed you should provide a detailed advertising plan including:

• every ad channel you choose;
• the overall advertising budget and allocated budget for every strategy;
• long term and short term advertising strategies (such as SEO and paid ads);
• the tools you'll use to streamline and manage initiatives;
• the strategy to measure the ROI of your advertising;

Step 6: Write an operations plan

Since you've shared your business goals, now it is the time to explain to your readers how you plan on achieving them. Or, in other words, you will need to write the operations plan.

The operations plan should include all your business processes. It should include everything ranging from your customer service to instruction processes. Basically, you should include everything you and your staff do in the dance studio.

The operations plan should also include your dance studio business goals, but this time they should come with a timeline. For instance, 6 months from opening we expect to reach $10,000 monthly revenue. Or, 3 months from opening we expect to reach full student capacity.

Step 7: Include your management team

To build a reputable and successful dance studio you will need a good management team. You should include your team in this section. It should show the reader that you have the experience, knowledge, skills, and expertise to run a dance studio .

Include the list of your team members. The list should include relevant licenses, education, and prior experience in running a dance studio. If you feel like you lack expertise you can always network to find some mentors and include them on your business's advisory board.

Step 8: Provide an elaborate financial plan

While dancing might be your passion, running a business is all about managing finances and ensuring profitability. To show your readers that you truly are an entrepreneur you should make a financial plan for at least 5 years ahead.

Here is how to excel at writing a financial statement:

• Make informed predictions to write a Profit and Loss statement - Profit and Loss Statement or Income statement should show both your revenue and costs of running a business. Take into account the capacity of your dance studio and forecasted growth to approximate the values of revenue and costs;
• Create balance sheets to outline your assets and liabilities - for instance, the commercial real estate you invest in is an asset while the loan you take from a bank is a liability;
• Develop your cash flow statement - this statement tells all cash inflows and outflows your dance studio receives. This statement will help you tell your readers how you plan to fund dance studio operating expenses, including your gross sales and net income.

Step 9: Conclude with the appendix

To make your plan more compelling you will need to document your claims and attach them in the appendix.

The appendix should contain documentation including a financial plan, customer and competition research reports, dance studio interior design, invoices for the space rental, equipment, and studio blueprints.

You can also include links to your official website and the websites of your main competitors.

Step 10: Write an executive summary

The executive summary is corporate lingo for a business plan introduction. We intentionally made it the final step even though it's a business plan introduction.

It's simply because it should summarize all other sections of your plan. You will have such an easier job writing it when you have everything else on the paper.

Besides outlining all other sections, the goal of the executive summary is to make the reader interested in the rest of your plan. You should make it clear whether you are planning to launch a dance studio startup or you want to expand your existing operation.

Next, briefly touch on other aspects you've covered. Provide a short overview of your industry and the opportunities in your target market.

Mention the competitors and how you plan to stand out from the crowd. Share the key points in your marketing and hiring strategies. Lastly, include the most important details regarding your financial plan.

Using a studio business plan template

Now that you know all the important aspects of a plan you can use a business plan template. You can access a free template at the following link . The templates usually come with pre-drafted plan sections that you only need to fill out.

While this is a really convenient shortcut to take, you should be mindful that not all templates come complete. Make sure to cross-reference this guide with any given template to ensure all must-have aspects are there.

Final thoughts

To start a dance studio and get the necessary funding you will need a great dance studio business plan. With formal documentation containing your business goals, strategies to achieve them, and a time frame for achieving objectives you will not only appear as a serious entrepreneur but also have a guideline to refer to when setting up your organization.

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Dance Studio Business Plan: 7 Steps to Get Started in 2024

So you’ve decided to start a dance studio and are eager to begin writing your dance studio business plan. First of all, congratulations! You’re about to start an exciting journey bringing the joy of dance into students’ lives.

But now is where it gets real. It’s time to put your ideas to paper and create a game plan for your business strategy. Whether you’re applying for a loan or wanting to organize your thoughts into a central document, having a dance studio business plan is necessary to set yourself up for success.

At DanceStudio-Pro , we equip dance studio owners and managers with the tools they need to achieve their goals. Our dance studio management software helps hundreds of dance studio owners stay organized and carry out their business plans effectively.

When creating your dance studio business plan, complete these essential tasks:

• Draft your executive summary
• Create a company description
• Determine your products and services
• Build a market analysis
• Establish management and organization
• Craft your marketing strategy
• Complete your financial projections

Your dance studio business plan will be one of your greatest tools to inform all your business decisions going forward, so set aside some time to get it right. Let’s get started.

1. Draft your executive summary

The executive summary is a synopsis of your business plan. Think of it as an advanced table of contents that outlines key points for the reader as they move through the rest of the document.

Your executive summary is your best chance of capturing your reader’s attention, so be sure to make it concise but also compelling. Although this portion appears first in your business plan, experts recommend you actually write it last, once you’ve finalized each section. Include these components in your executive summary:

• Your reason for starting your business
• The need you’ll be fulfilling in the community (this is a great area to be compelling— really get into what made you want to start a dance studio and what you’re bringing to the table with your business)
• A summary of your products and services
• An overview of the market conditions of the dance industry
• A brief outline of your marketing plans
• A snapshot of financial obligations and projections

Keep your executive summary brief— no more than 1-2 pages. If you’re seeking a loan for your studio, write a short summary of the amount you’re requesting and what you’ll use the funds for at the end of the executive summary. Use an upbeat tone to set an optimistic mood for readers as they continue through your business plan (or for yourself, as you read back through your business plan later for guidance).

2. Create a company description

The next step involved in crafting your dance studio business plan is to create a company description. The company description is a chance to go into detail about the specific characteristics of your dance studio. We suggest answering these questions as you write:

• Who are you? Introduce yourself, describe your past experience in the dance industry, and include the official name of your business.
• How is your business structured? Describe your studio’s business type— whether it’s a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.
• Where are you located? Write your business address and intended hours of operation.
• What is your mission statement? Come up with one sentence that encapsulates your purpose for running your dance studio.
• What are you selling? Identify the products and services you’ll be providing.
• How will you stand out? Pinpoint the aspects of your business that set you apart from competitors, whether it’s the product or service you’re offering and/or the audience you’re targeting.
• What are your business goals? Discuss where you see the business going in the future based on market trends and predictions.
• How will you achieve your goals? Highlight your plans for marketing your business to achieve growth.

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a thorough company description that allows you to communicate the purpose and mission of your business. Reference this section as you write the others of your dance studio business plan to ensure all the explanations are aligned with your company description.

3. Determine your products and services

In this section, describe in detail the products and services you’ll be offering at your dance studio. Explain whether you’ll be hosting both virtual and in-person classes and the type of lessons you’ll hold— group, solo, or both. You might also choose to cater to specific age groups, such as just children— note that in this section. Additionally, you may choose to sell dance accessories or equipment such as pointe shoes, costumes, or warm-up clothes, so mention that as well.

Another revenue source to include in this section is ticket sales for workshops, retreats, recitals, and other events. DanceStudio-Pro offers an online ticketing system to collect payment and track statistics for events, which you might look into as you continue to plan for your studio.

List the cost or predicted cost of your products and services in this section, and how they fulfill a certain need in the market. This will give readers a better understanding of what you’ll be doing on a day-to-day basis at your studio.

4. Build a market analysis

In the market analysis section, prove your dance industry knowledge by describing the current state of the dance market, where your business fits in, and how you see the market changing or growing in the future.

Use data and statistics to paint a picture of your business metrics such as your target demographic and their income level. Additionally, describe the size and scope of competing dance studios in the area along with the strengths and weaknesses of competitors. Highlight where your dance studio fits into the existing market to fill a need. You can also describe barriers to entry in the dance studio industry— the factors that make it hard for someone to open a dance studio that protect you from new competitors threatening your business and crowding the market.

As you build your market analysis, consider conducting a SWOT analysis , identifying your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats:

• Strengths: What are the aspects of your business that will allow you to do well in the market?
• Weaknesses: Where is there room for improvement? How can you implement these improvements?
• Opportunities: What opportunities are available for your business to take advantage of? Have any recent trends or changes in the market presented new avenues for your business to explore?
• Threats: What threats are you facing from your competition or other external factors? Where do your weaknesses leave you exposed?

If you’re using your business plan to attract potential investors, you’ll want to focus on your strengths and opportunities, and just identify your weakness and threats for yourself to help inform your own understanding of where your business can improve. Focus on the positives in your business plan to reassure investors or loan managers that your business has a solid foundation of advantages and opportunities for growth.

As you build your market analysis, you might find opportunities to improve your business by implementing the latest tech available for dance studios. This includes powerful dance studio management software that allows you to organize your business operations and marketing efforts to stand out against competitors. Take note of the opportunities you uncover to take actionable steps and make the most of these untapped possibilities.

5. Establish management and organization

Introduce the key players at your dance studio— your staff and instructors. Describe their backgrounds, level of dance industry expertise, and daily responsibilities.

Use this section to make your staff shine and highlight their expertise in the field and any certifications or qualifications they bring to the floor. If you’re using your business plan to attract investors, showcasing the experience and leadership abilities of your staff helps inspire more confidence that your business is a good investment and has the assets to succeed long-term. You’ll also want to mention any new or unfilled positions at your studio and the qualities you’ll look for in new hires.

If you’re searching for a program to help manage your instructors and other staff more efficiently, DanceStudio-Pro’s teacher management features allow you to send message reminders to staff members about upcoming events and classes and provide detailed lesson plans to instructors. These tools give your instructors the ability to become even more effective managers and leaders within your organization.

6. Craft your marketing strategy

Now that you’ve identified the audience you’ll serve and the conditions of the dance industry market, describe your plan to advertise your business and entice your audience to join your studio.

When creating your marketing strategy, consider the four Ps of marketing: product, price, place, and promotion:

• Product: Identify the goods and/or services you’re selling, which you described in a previous section.
• Price: Analyze market trends to identify the right price to charge for your dance classes and other studio offerings.
• Place: Describe where your business is located and the area where you’ll be focusing your marketing efforts.
• Promotion: Finally, lay out your strategy for promoting your business. Explain how you’ll get your studio information in front of your audience to convert them into new students.

For the promotion element of your strategy, use a variety of channels such as social media, local radio or TV ads, direct mail appeals, and flyers to connect with prospective students. Investing in a range of marketing channels ensures you’re reaching your target audience enough times that they become interested in your studio without being overwhelmed.

Additionally, include a link to sign up for your email and text lists in your marketing materials. You can send updates and promotions to these contacts through robo-messaging tools to quickly and efficiently communicate with all prospective students at once.

7. Complete your financial projections

The final component of your dance studio business plan is a summary of your financial situation. Provide information on how much you expect to earn compared to your business costs, and how you expect your business to grow over a five-year period.

In your cost breakdown, include expenses such as employee salaries and your studio overhead costs like rent, software, and equipment. Use your market analysis to make an educated prediction of your expected revenue for each year of operation up to five years.

Be sure to include documents such as a cash flow statement based on profit estimates, a balance sheet describing your assets and liabilities, and an estimate of when your business will break even.

To help organize your financial materials, consider investing in a system like DanceStudio-Pro’s dance management software to gain access to tuition auto-pay tools that automatically charge your students or parents. Automating your tuition payments allows you to have a consistent cash flow each month, which can help you more accurately predict your revenue stream for each year. Auto-pay also helps you save time and money that would have been spent creating, sending, and processing invoices.

If you’re using your business plan to apply for a loan, you should include another section to describe your funding request and how you plan to use the money. Other than that, once you’ve completed your financial projections, your business plan is ready to present to investors or serve as a guiding plan for getting your dance studio up and running.

You’ve probably heard the popular saying attributed to Benjamin Franklin: “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” This couldn’t be more true when it comes to creating a dance studio business plan. Your business plan will serve as a guiding force behind your business as it grows and adapts to changing market conditions. When done right, this document takes a considerable amount of time to construct, so get started on your plan ASAP. Happy planning!

For additional resources on how to organize and streamline your planning process to achieve success with your dance studio, check out these links:

• Apps for Dance Studios. To differentiate your dance studio in the market, you might consider creating a custom smartphone app for your studio community. Find out more info on how to create your own app here.
• Best Dance Studio Software for 2023. Investing in quality dance studio management software can help set your studio up for success. Read more about top software features here.
• Student Management Features. Keeping track of student information and payment history is a challenging but necessary task. DanceStudio-Pro’s student management tools take care of these components of your business to save you time and effort.

Laura Cole, CEO of DanceStudio-Pro

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Dance Studio Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Dance Studio Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your dance studio business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their dance studios.

Example Business Plan for a Dance Studio

Below is a template to help you create each section of a business plan for your dance studio.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Henderson Dance Expressions is a startup dance company located in Henderson, Nevada.  The company is founded by Mary Roberts, a local dancer who has worked as a dance teacher for more than two decades. Mary is confident that her ability to effectively lead dance classes, coach students, and work with parents will help her quickly acquire new clients for her studio. She plans on recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day to day complexities of running a dance studio including teaching, marketing, scheduling, and fee collection.

Henderson Dance Expressions will provide a comprehensive array of dance styles, classes, and private lessons for students of every age and every skill level. Henderson Dance Expressions will offer a comprehensive dance curriculum to help every dance student reach their fitness and performance goals. The dance studio will be the ultimate choice in Henderson for dance instruction while being the most inclusive dance company in town.

Product Offering

The following are the products and services that Henderson Dance Expressions will provide:

• Childrens’ Classes (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
• Adult Classes (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
• Private Lessons
• Dance apparel and branded merchandise

The following dance styles will be available:

Customer Focus

Henderson Dance Expressions will target dancers of all ages and skill levels in the city of Henderson and surrounding areas. The studio will target individuals looking to improve their dance skills in one or more of the styles offered through dance instruction and fitness training. Henderson Dance Expressions will also target individuals looking to use dance as a form of exercise to achieve their fitness goals. Additionally, the dance studio will target individuals who want to perform or become professional dancers. No matter the student, Henderson Dance Expressions will deliver the best instruction, service, and value for the price.

Management Team

Henderson Dance Expressions will be owned and operated by Mary Roberts, a local dancer who has worked as a dance teacher for more than two decades and has taught thousands of students. Mary has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance for the University of Nevada and has worked in the dance industry for so long, she understands all aspects required in running a successful dance company. She will oversee all of the instructors, class offerings, and client relationships.

Mary has recruited Lisa Campbell, an accountant, to help manage the studio’s finances. Lisa has a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of California. She has worked as a bookkeeper for a dance apparel retail company for the past ten years and is well versed in financial accounting.

Success Factors

Henderson Dance Expressions will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• A diverse staff of friendly, knowledgeable, and caring dance instructors who will go the extra mile for each student to ensure they reach their personal performance or fitness goals.
• Comprehensive array of classes and private lessons available, so there is something for every dancer regardless of age or skill level.
• Henderson Dance Expressions offers a flexible pricing plan, so dance students get the most value for their money.

Financial Highlights

Henderson Dance Expressions is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its dance business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the studio space and purchasing dance equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Dance studio build-out: $30,000
• Dance equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $140,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

Company Overview

Who is henderson dance expressions.

Henderson Dance Expressions is a newly established dance company in Henderson, Nevada. The studio will be the most inclusive option in the area catering to students of all ages and skill levels. Henderson Dance Expressions will provide a comprehensive array of dance classes and private lessons with instructors ready to support each student in reaching their personal performance or fitness goals. The staff use a tailored, student-centered teaching approach that includes personalized programs to fit each student’s individual goals.

Henderson Dance Expressions will be able to manage a sizable student-base with a full weekly schedule of classes and private lessons offered by a large pool of instructors. The team of dance professionals are highly qualified and experienced in their dance specialties. Henderson Dance Expressions removes all barriers that prevent students from having fun or performing their best by providing a supportive environment.

Henderson Dance Expressions History

Henderson Dance Expressions will be owned and operated by Mary Roberts, a local dancer who has worked as a dance teacher for more than two decades and has taught thousands of students. Mary’s tenure in the dance industry has given her the skills and knowledge required to start her own studio. Mary has built a large network of dance professionals over the years and has recruited several of them to be instructors at the new studio.

Since incorporation, Henderson Dance Expressions has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Henderson Dance Expressions, LLC to transact business in the state of Nevada.
• Has a contract in place to lease the facility that will become the dance studio.
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include professional dancers and instructors to advise them on their upcoming dance company in order to start getting instructors on her roster.
• Began recruiting a staff of accountants, instructors, sales and marketing associates, and office personnel to work at Henderson Dance Expressions.

Henderson Dance Expressions Services

• Childrens’ Group Classes (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
• Adult Group Classes (beginner, intermediate, advanced)

Industry Analysis

The dance studios industry in the U.S. is an estimated $3.8B market. There are approximately 52,000 dance studios throughout the United States with over 100,000 dancers employed as teachers. Dance studio industry growth is positively correlated with recreation expenditure. As the country’s unemployment rate decreases and disposable incomes increase, more people tend to spend money on recreational activities such as dance.

Dance has traditionally been a popular recreational activity for children and adults alike. As the public becomes more health and fitness minded, dance will continue to be a chosen activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, there are numerous different styles of dance that can appeal to a wide range of people.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Henderson Dance Expressions will target dancers of all ages and skill levels in the city of Henderson and surrounding areas. The studio will target individuals looking to improve their dance skills in one or more of the styles offered. Henderson Dance Expressions will also target individuals looking to use dance as a form of exercise to achieve their fitness goals. Additionally, the dance studio will target individuals who want to perform or become professional dancers.

Customer Segmentation

Henderson Dance Expressions will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Children of all ages
• Adults of all ages
• Professional dancers and aspiring professional dancers
• Individuals looking to use dance as a way to improve their health and fitness
• Individuals looking to improve their skills in one or more styles of dance
• Children and families looking for fun recreational activities they can do together

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Henderson Dance Expressions will face competition from other dance studios with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Dance Henderson

Dance Henderson provides dance instruction for children ages 3-17 and adults of all ages. Located in Henderson, Nevada, the studio is able to provide small class size options for the local community. Their list of dance styles include ballet, hip hop, jazz, and contemporary. Dance Henderson is also able to provide private lessons for individuals and online classes for people to participate across the globe. They specialize in dance performance and fitness programs. Dance Henderson’s promise is to deliver effective instruction from top of their field dance teachers in a structured environment. Dance Henderson’s team of experienced dancers assures students can learn proper technique and form in a supportive environment.

LV Dance School

LV Dance School is a Henderson, Nevada-based dance company that provides outstanding instruction for students of all ages. LV Dance School provides comprehensive dance lessons for students in individual and group settings. The owners of LV Dance School are former dancers so they understand how a dance class should be run from a student’s perspective. They also are experts in their dance styles and can help students master the technique at their own pace. Students and parents can depend on their instruction process using positive reinforcement to incentivize students to improve their skills. By choosing LV Dance School for tailored dance instruction, they take the uncertainty out of the process and ensure students get the most value out of their time spent in the studio.

Steps and Styles Dance Studio

Steps and Styles Dance Studio is a trusted Nevada dance company that provides superior dance instruction for students in Henderson and the surrounding areas. They are able to provide a comprehensive dance program geared toward students who want to become professional dancers and those who just want to have fun. Steps and Styles Dance Studio is able to instruct students of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, in multiple dance styles. The instructors are well-versed in ballet, cheer, folk dance, ballroom, and more. Their pricing structure is simple and straightforward. Steps and Styles Dance Studio offers four different pricing programs for their classes – pay by the class, pay by the month, pay by the season, or pay per program.

Competitive Advantage

Henderson Dance Expressions will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Large pool of diverse instructors who are experts in their dance specialties and experienced in teaching students of various age groups.
• Comprehensive array of dance styles and programs for students of all ages and skills levels to ensure there is something for everyone.
• Henderson Dance Expressions offers group classes, private lessons, and online classes to give students greater flexibility to achieve their individual goals.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Henderson Dance Expressions will offer a unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled dance instructors that are able to work with students of all ages and skill levels.
• Flexible program options that will allow each student to get the most value for the price.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Henderson Dance Expressions is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Mary Roberts has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to her students. Many have communicated to Mary that they kept coming back to her classes because they were happy with the instruction she was providing. Once Mary advised them she was leaving to open her own dance studio, they expressed interest in following her to her new company and committed to help spread the word of Henderson Dance Expressions.

Professional Associations and Networking

Henderson Dance Expressions will become a member of Dance/USA, the National Dance Education Organization, and Dance Educators of America. Mary will focus the networking efforts on expanding Henderson Dance Expressions’ network of instructors and students.

Print Advertising

Henderson Dance Expressions will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in programs or flyers at industry networking events and in magazines, newspapers, and direct mailers.

Website/SEO Marketing

Henderson Dance Expressions will hire an in-house marketing director to design and maintain the company’s website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all of its available programs and classes. The marketing director will also manage Henderson Dance Expressions’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Henderson dance studio” or “dance classes near me”, Henderson Dance Expressions will be listed at the top of the search results.

Social Media Marketing

The company’s marketing director will create and maintain an active presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.

The pricing of Henderson Dance Expressions will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when they choose to enroll in their programs.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Henderson Dance Expressions.

Operation Functions:

• Mary Roberts will be the Owner and President of the company. She will oversee all dance instructors, program offerings, and client relations. Mary has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Lisa Campbell – Accountant and Bookkeeper who will provide all client accounting, tax payments, and monthly financial reporting.
• Kelly Green – Sales and Marketing Director who will provide all sales and marketing efforts for Henderson Dance Expressions.
• Benjamin Martin – Office Manager who will oversee all day-to-day operations of the studio including maintaining the schedule, supervising the maintenance and cleaning staff, and managing the inventory of dance apparel available for sale in the studio.

Milestones:

Henderson Dance Expressions will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

8/1/2022 – Finalize contract to lease studio space

8/15/2022 – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the management team

9/1/2022 – Finalize contracts for dance instructors

9/15/2022 – Begin networking at industry events and implement marketing strategies

9/22/2022 – Begin moving into Henderson Dance Expressions studio

10/1/202 – Henderson Dance Expressions opens for business

Mary has recruited Lisa Campbell, an accountant, to help manage the studio’s finances. Lisa has a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of California. She has worked as a bookkeeper for a dance apparel retail company for the past ten years and is well versed in financial accounting. Lisa will be responsible for all of the company’s finances.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Henderson Dance Expressions are the dance tuition fees charged to students for instruction services. Henderson Dance Expressions will offer flexible pricing options to accommodate each student’s goals. Students can pay per class, per program, or on a monthly or annual basis depending on what will work best for them.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff a dance studio. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, dance supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Average number of students per month: 100
• Average fees per month: $50,000
• Studio lease per year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, dance studio business plan faqs, what is a dance studio business plan.

A dance studio business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your dance studio business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your dance studio business plan using our Dance Studio Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Dance Studios?

There are a number of different kinds of dance studios, some examples include the traditional dance studio which might offer group classes and private lessons, and there are online dance studios that offer on-demand dance training and virtual lessons.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Dance Studio Business Plan?

Dance studios are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

A well-crafted dance studio business plan is essential for securing funding from any type of investor.

What are the Steps To Start a Dance Studio Business?

Starting your own dance studio business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Write A Dance Studio Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed dance studio business plan pdf or doc that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include market research on the dance industry and potential target market size, information on the services you will offer, marketing strategy, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your dance studio business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your dance studio business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Dance Studio Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your dance studio  with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your dance studio business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Dance Studio Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your business , dance studio owners, will need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your dance studio business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful dance studio business and starting a dance studio business plan:

• How to Open a Dance Studio Business

10 Essential Steps to Start Your Successful Dance School Business

Related blogs.

• Unveiling the Financial Potential of Dance Schools: A Look into How Profitable They Really Are
• 5 Tips for Starting Your Own Profitable Dance School: A Complete Guide
• Unlock Your Dance School's Potential: Track These Essential KPIs

Over the last decade, dance schools have become an integral part of the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with their creative and dynamic performances. With an increase in demand for professional dancers and dance lessons, the industry has witnessed steady growth, making it a viable business opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to start their own dance school.

According to a report published by Research and Markets, the global dance market is expected to grow steadily at a compound annual growth rate of 4.5% between 2021-2026. With a huge potential for profitability, starting a dance school can be a lucrative career option for passionate dancers and experienced business owners alike.

However, opening a dance school from scratch is no easy feat. It requires meticulous planning, consistent effort, and a commitment to success. That's why we've created this 10-step checklist to help you start your dance school business with confidence and clarity.

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know to open a dance school:

• Creating a Business Plan
• Developing a Financial Model
• Securing Funding
• Choosing a Business Structure
• Registering with Government and Securing Licenses
• Researching the Local Market and Competition
• Securing Physical and Digital Assets
• Creating a Brand and Logo
• Developing and Testing a Pricing Model
• Hiring Employees and Launching

If you're ready to turn your passion for dance into a profitable business venture, keep reading and let's dive into the details!

1. Write Business Plan

A well-written business plan is essential for the success of any venture, including a dance school business. It serves as a roadmap for your business, outlining your strategy, goals, and financial projections. Your business plan needs to be thorough and detailed, covering all aspects of your dance school business.

Include an executive summary, which is a brief overview of your business plan, highlighting the most important points. This should be followed by a company description, outlining the nature of your business, services offered, and unique selling proposition.

Your market analysis should cover the industry, target market, competition, and market trends. List your marketing and sales strategy, detailing how you plan to promote your dance school and attract new students.

Have a comprehensive financial analysis, including start-up costs, revenue projections, and financial statements. This will help you determine the viability of your dance school business and secure funding from investors or lenders if necessary.

Top 3 tips:

• Make sure to research the market thoroughly. Understanding your competition and the needs of your target market will help you create a successful dance school business.
• Keep your financial projections realistic and achievable. Over-optimistic projections can lead to disappointment and failure.
• Get feedback on your business plan from experienced mentors, business consultants, or industry professionals.

2. Develop Financial Model

Developing a financial model is crucial to determine the feasibility of your dance school business. It will help you understand your revenue streams, expenses, and profitability forecast. Here are the essential components of a financial model:

• Revenue Streams: Determine where your revenue will come from. It can be from dance classes, private lessons, or events.
• Expenses: Identify all the costs associated with running the business, such as rent, utilities, payroll, marketing, equipment, and supplies.
• Profitability Forecast: Estimate your revenue and expenses to calculate your profit margin. This will help you understand the viability of your business.
• Cashflow: Determine the timing of your revenue and expenses. It’s essential to have enough cash flow to pay your bills and manage any unexpected expenses.

Tips & Tricks:

• Use conservative estimates to ensure you have a buffer for unexpected expenses.
• Don’t forget to include the cost of marketing and advertising in your expenses.
• Consider creating different revenue scenarios to see how your profitability changes based on class size, pricing, and enrollment rates.

It’s critical to review your financial model regularly to ensure you’re on track to meet your financial goals. Make adjustments as necessary and always plan for unexpected expenses.

3. Secure Funding

Starting a dance school business requires a significant amount of funding. Whether you plan on renting a studio or purchasing equipment, you'll have to invest money into the business upfront. The good news is that there are several ways to secure funding for your dance school. Below are some of the options you can explore:

• Personal Savings: If you have money saved up personally, you can use these funds to finance the initial start-up costs of your dance school. Using your own money means you won't have to pay interest on a loan or give a portion of your company to investors.
• Small Business Loans: You can apply for small business loans from traditional lenders like banks or credit unions. Do your research to find out which lenders offer loans to start-ups and what the terms and conditions are.
• Crowdfunding: Consider using a crowdfunding platform like Kickstarter or GoFundMe to raise money for your dance school. If you can come up with a compelling pitch and offer potential investors incentives, you could raise enough money to get your business off the ground.
• Investors: Angel investors or venture capitalists could be a good option if you're looking for larger sums of money to invest in your dance school. However, be prepared to give up a portion of ownership in your company in exchange for the funding.

Tips & Tricks for Securing Funding

• Make sure you have a solid business plan in place before approaching investors or lenders.
• Consider partnering with a more established dance school or company to receive funding and mentorship.
• Research grants and scholarships for dance schools that you may be eligible for.

Whatever funding source you choose, make sure you have a clear plan for how you will use the money to grow and sustain your dance school business.

4. Choose A Business Structure

Choosing the right business structure is an important part of starting your dance school. It will determine how much taxes you'll pay, the liability you'll have and how the business is managed.

• Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest business structure. You are the single owner and you'll be responsible for all aspects of the business. However, keep in mind that your personal assets will be at risk in case of any legal issues.
• Partnership: This involves having two or more people owning the business. Each partner shares the profits, losses and all legal aspects of the business. This is a good option for those who do not want to carry the whole burden of the business.
• LLC: A Limited Liability Company offers the owner(s) personal protection against any debts, lawsuits or legal claims filed against the company. In this structure, the owner's personal assets are separated from the company's assets and liabilities.
• Corporation: A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners/shareholders. This business structure has shareholders, directors and officers with legal rights and responsibilities.

Important Tips:

• Consult with a business lawyer or tax professional to ensure that you choose the right business structure.
• Consider the tax benefits and limitations each structure offer to select the most suitable one for your business.
• Do your research and review the legal requirements and paperwork needed for each business structure before making any decision.

5.Register With Government & Secure Licenses

Before opening a dance school, it is essential to obtain the necessary legal requirements for running a business. Below are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Choose the Legal Structure of Your Business

Determine the legal structure of your business, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. It is best to seek legal advice on which legal structure suits your business.

Step 2: Register Your Business Name

Choose a unique name for your dance school and register it with your state. It is crucial to check if any other business has already taken the name.

Step 3: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An EIN is a tax identification number that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assigns to businesses. You need an EIN to hire employees, open a business bank account, and file taxes. You can apply for an EIN on the IRS website or by mail.

Step 4: Register for State and Local Taxes and Obtain Licenses and Permits

You need to register for state and local taxes and apply for licenses and permits required for your dance school. You may require zoning permits, building permits, and health permits depending on the state and local regulations.

Step 5: Secure Liability Insurance

Liability insurance protects your business from third-party claims resulting from injuries or accidents. Most states require dance schools to have liability insurance to operate.

Step 6: Register with Performing Rights Organizations

If you plan to play music in your dance school, you need to obtain a license from performing rights organizations such as the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI).

Step 7: Get Accreditation

Accreditation is voluntary, but it helps to establish credibility and boost your dance school's reputation. Seek accreditation from organizations such as the Council for Accreditation of Dance and Related Arts (CADRA) and the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).

Step 8: Follow Employment Laws

As an employer, you have legal obligations to follow employment laws such as minimum wage, overtime, and anti-discrimination laws. Consult an attorney to ensure that you comply with these laws.

Step 9: Establish Safety Protocols

Establish safety protocols for your dance school, such as fire safety, first-aid care, and emergency evacuation plans. Make sure that all employees and students are familiar with these protocols.

Step 10: Develop a Business Plan

Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your vision, marketing strategies, financial projections, and goals for your dance school. Seek professional help to develop a business plan if necessary.

• Research state and local regulations before opening a dance school to ensure that you comply with the legal requirements.
• Consult legal and financial advisors for business guidance.
• Network with other dance schools and organizations in your community to gain insights and ideas for your business.

6.Research Local Market & Competition

Before launching your dance school business, it is essential to conduct thorough research on the local market and competition. This step can help you understand the local demand for dance classes, identify potential customers, and learn from your competitors' strengths and weaknesses. Here are some steps to consider when researching the local market and competition for your dance school business:

• Identifying Your Target Audience: Conduct market research to identify your target audience's demographics, interests, income levels, and the type of dance classes they are interested in.
• Assessing Local Demand: Evaluate the local demand for dance classes by assessing competitors' enrolment numbers, market reports, and social media engagement.
• Analysis Of Competitors: Research your competitors' strengths, weaknesses, pricing structure, curriculum, marketing strategies, and unique selling proposition (USP).
• Location And Accessibility: Evaluate the location and accessibility of your dance school business and ensure it is easily accessible to your target audience.
• Collaboration And Partnership: Identify potential partnerships and collaborations with other businesses in the same industry. This can help you build your network, increase your visibility, and expand your customer base.
• Visit Competitors: Visit your competitors' dance schools and take note of the environment, pricing, customer service, and curriculum. Use this information to improve your business offering.
• Attend Dance Competitions: Attend local dance competitions, festivals, and shows to identify potential customers and understand the local dance culture.
• Join Local Business Associations: Join local business associations and attend networking events to build relationships and learn from other business owners.

Conducting thorough research on the local market and competition is crucial to the success of your dance school business. It can provide valuable insights into your target audience, assess market demand, identify potential partners, and improve your business offering. Take the time to complete this step before launching your business, and you'll be off to a great start. Let’s move on to the next step!

7. Secure Physical & Digital Assets

When starting a dance school business, it is important to ensure that your physical and digital assets are secure. This will help protect your business from theft and hacking, as well as protect the personal information of your clients. Here are some steps you can take to secure your physical and digital assets:

• Install security cameras and alarms in your studio to deter theft and provide evidence in the event of a break-in
• Secure your computer systems and networks with firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption
• Regularly back up important data to prevent loss in the event of a hardware failure or cyber attack
• Create strong passwords and change them regularly
• Train your staff on cybersecurity best practices to prevent human error
• Consider hiring a professional IT consultant to assess and improve your cyber security
• Implement a two-factor authentication system for added security
• Keep your software up to date with the latest security patches and updates

It is also important to have insurance to protect your physical assets from natural disasters, accidents, and other unforeseen circumstances. Make sure your insurance policy covers the following:

• Property damage
• Theft and vandalism
• Liability in case of accidents or injuries on your premises
• Loss of income due to business interruption

Finally, protect your digital assets by securing your website and social media accounts. Here are some tips:

• Use HTTPS encryption to protect communication between your website and clients
• Monitor your social media accounts regularly and respond to any security concerns promptly
• Don't share sensitive information, such as passwords, through email or social media

8. Create A Brand And Logo

A strong brand identity sets the foundation for a successful business. It distinguishes your Dance School from the rest of the competition and establishes credibility among your customers. A well-designed logo is an important element of your brand identity as it represents your business on all your marketing materials and promotional items. Here are some key steps to creating a strong brand and logo for your Dance School:

• Define Your Brand Personality: Determine the voice and persona of your Dance School. A strong brand personality can attract customers who share similar values.
• Create a Brand Mission and Vision Statement: This will help you stay focused on your goals and help forge a consistent message and vision across all your marketing efforts.
• Choose a Name for Your Dance School: Select a name that embodies the essence of your brand and that is easy to remember.
• Select Your Color Schemes and Fonts: Consistency across all your marketing materials is key. Select a color scheme that reflects your Dance School’s personality and choose fonts that are easy-to-read and legible.
• Design Your Logo: Your logo should be original, memorable, and easily recognizable. Consider hiring a professional graphic designer to design your logo if you do not have the design skills yourself.
• Trademark Your Brand: Protect your brand identity by filing for a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Keep it Simple: Avoid complicating your logo design by trying to include too much detail or too many colors. Simplicity is key to making your brand memorable.
• Choose Colors Carefully: Colors can evoke certain emotions. Choose colors that align with your Dance School’s personality and that evoke positive emotions for your customers.
• Get Feedback: Before you finalize your brand and logo design, ask for feedback from your target audience or trusted friends and family members.

Overall, taking the time to create a strong brand and logo for your Dance School is essential to stand out in the crowded dance industry and attract the right customers. Remember to keep your brand consistent and recognizable across all your marketing materials and promotional items.

9. Develop & Test A Pricing Model

One of the most important factors to consider when starting a dance school business is pricing . Developing a sound pricing model that is profitable and competitive is crucial for success. Here are some chapters for developing and testing your pricing model:

Chapter 1: Determine Your Costs

The first step in creating a pricing model is to determine your costs . This includes all the expenses involved in running your dance school, such as rent, utilities, staff salaries, equipment, and marketing. Once you have a clear understanding of your costs, you can calculate how much you need to charge to make a profit.

Chapter 2: Analyze Your Competitors

It's important to analyze your competitors' pricing strategies to make sure your prices are competitive. Research dance schools in your area and their pricing structure. Find out what services they offer, what their prices are, and what extra perks they offer to their students. Use this information to create a pricing structure that is competitive but still profitable for your business.

Chapter 3: Test Your Pricing Model

Before fully implementing your pricing model, it's important to test it . Offer trial classes or special promotions for a limited time to see how your target audience responds to your pricing strategy. Make adjustments if needed and test again until you find the right balance between profitability and customer satisfaction.

• Consider offering discounts for referrals or pre-payment of classes
• Regularly evaluate and adjust your pricing to adapt to seasonal changes and market trends
• Offer tiered pricing based on the level of classes (beginner, intermediate, advanced)

Developing and testing a pricing model is crucial for the success of any dance school business. Consider the cost of running your business, analyze your competitors, and test your pricing strategy to find the right balance. Use these tips & tricks to create a pricing structure that is both profitable and competitive, and your dance school business is sure to thrive.

10. Hire Employees & Open For Business

After completing all the necessary preparations for opening a dance school, it's time to hire employees and open for business. Here are some crucial steps to follow:

• Hire Qualified Staff: You need to hire qualified staff members who are experts in their respective fields. You will require dance instructors, admin staff, and support staff. Ensure that each of them has the necessary certifications and licensing specific to the type of dance you'll be teaching.
• Train Staff : After hiring, train the staff thoroughly on your policies, procedures, curriculums, and safety guidelines. A well-trained team will deliver quality services that will help create a good reputation for your dance school.
• Create a Class Schedule: Create a class schedule that accommodates both your students and your staff's availability. Ensure it's easy to understand, and the duration of each class is well stipulated.
• Advertise Your Business: Spread the word that your dance school is open for business. Promote your business by using online platforms, social media, flyers, and other advertisement mediums.
• Launch Your Enhanced Website or Social Media Profile: Having a professional-looking website or social media profiles with a complete list of classes, staff profiles, fees structure, and contact information will help your potential clients/parents know about your business before visiting in-person.
• Consider creating an atmosphere for your dance school that reflects the image and style of the dance you will be teaching.
• Consider offering different dance styles or classes suitable for different age groups to cater to everyone's needs.
• Encourage feedback so that you continuously improve your classes and provided services based on actual needs.

Opening a dance school is a significant achievement, and the perfect start to your journey as a dance school owner requires focusing on crucial tasks and having a great team of qualified staff. Follow these steps and tips, and you'll be able to open your dance school smoothly.

Opening a dance school is an exciting and rewarding venture, but it requires careful planning, dedication, and hard work. With the 10-step checklist we've provided, you'll have everything you need to turn your passion for dance into a successful business.

Remember, developing a strong business plan, securing funding, and creating a solid brand are essential steps in starting a dance school. Researching your local market and competition will also help you understand what sets your school apart and how to attract students.

Once you've secured your physical and digital assets, it's time to test and refine your pricing model, and hire experienced and passionate employees to help you launch your school. With the dance industry projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.5% between 2021-2026, the potential for profitability is significant.

We hope our checklist helps you start your dance school business with confidence. Remember, starting a business is a journey, and it's essential to enjoy the process and learn from any setbacks along the way.

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Dance Studio Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Dance Studio Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their dance studios. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a dance studio business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Dance Studio Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your dance studio as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Dance Studio

If you’re looking to start a dance studio or grow your existing dance studio you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your dance studio in order to improve your chances of success. Your dance studio business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Dance Studios

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a dance studio are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your dance studio business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a dance studio is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a dance studio.

Your dance studio business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of dance studio business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a dance studio that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of dance studios.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the dance studio industry. Discuss the type of dance studio you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of dance studio you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types:

• Traditional Dance Studio : this type of dance studio offers dance training and instruction in a broad range of dance styles, including group classes and in private instruction.
• Online Dance Studio : this type of dance studio is gaining popularity, as individuals who cannot attend physical classes still want to improve their technique. Online dance studios typically focus on one dance style, such as Urban, Tap, Ballet, etc.

In addition to explaining the type of dance studio you operate, the Company Analysis section of your dance studio business plan needs to provide a company description.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new store openings, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the dance studio business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the dance studio industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards hip hop dance lessons, it would be helpful to ensure your plan calls for a variety of class options.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your dance studio business plan:

• How big is the dance studio business (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your dance studio. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your dance studio business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: under 6 years old, ages 6-12, ages 13-18, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of dance studio you operate. Clearly baby boomers would want a different atmosphere, pricing and class options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than teens.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most dance studios primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other dance studios.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes fitness studios that also offer dance classes. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone who studies dance does so at a dance studio.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other dance studios with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be dance studios located very close to your location (unless of course you are operating an online dance studio).

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What products do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior dance instruction?
• Will you provide dance classes that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to register for individual or group classes?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a dance studio, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of dance studio that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to ballet, will you offer tap, ballroom, jazz, and modern dance?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the classes you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your dance studio. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your dance studio located next to a school or gym, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers.

Promotions : the final part of your dance studio marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Making your dance studio’s storefront extra appealing to attract passing customers
• Magazine and newspaper advertising
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites
• Social media advertising
• Partnerships with local organizations (e.g., gym members get one free dance class)
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your dance studio business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your dance studio such as serving customers, procuring supplies, keeping the studio clean, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to enroll your 100th student, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.

Management Team

To demonstrate your dance studio’s ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in the dance studio business. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in dance studios and/or successfully running small businesses.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you teach 5 classes per day or ten? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your dance studio, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a dance studio:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment like sound system, props, etc.
• Cost of maintaining an adequate amount of supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your studio design blueprint or location lease.

  Summary Putting together a business plan for your dance studio is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the dance studio business, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful dance studio.  

Dance Studio Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my dance studio business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Dance Studio Business Plan.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

  OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how Growthink’s business plan consulting services can create your business plan for you.

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Follow these tips to quickly develop a working business plan from this sample.

1. Don't worry about finding an exact match

We have over 550 sample business plan templates . So, make sure the plan is a close match, but don't get hung up on the details.

Your business is unique and will differ from any example or template you come across. So, use this example as a starting point and customize it to your needs.

2. Remember it's just an example

Our sample business plans are examples of what one business owner did. That doesn't make them perfect or require you to cram your business idea to fit the plan structure.

Use the information, financials, and formatting for inspiration. It will speed up and guide the plan writing process.

3. Know why you're writing a business plan

To create a plan that fits your needs , you need to know what you intend to do with it.

Are you planning to use your plan to apply for a loan or pitch to investors? Then it's worth following the format from your chosen sample plan to ensure you cover all necessary information.

But, if you don't plan to share your plan with anyone outside of your business—you likely don't need everything.

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How to Create a Business Plan Presentation

How to Start a Business With No Money

10 Qualities of a Good Business Plan

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How To Open A Dance Studio: Everything You Need To Know

• By The Studio Director Team
• March 14, 2024

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Have you ever wondered how to start your own dance studio? Or, if you have already started researching how to open one, perhaps you’ve been wondering if you have what it takes to run a new dance studio and make it successful. Does this sound like you? Then, this post is for you! Here’s how to open a dance studio, from step one to your studio’s grand opening and beyond.

Opening A Dance Studio Checklist

Since we first wrote this post at The Studio Director , we’ve expanded on the information here so that all studio managers can feel confident and excited as they embark on their journey to studio ownership. We know that studio ownership itself has certainly changed recently as well, so we’ve added updated information on offering online dance lessons and noted the latest trends in our industry. Throughout this post, you’ll also find links to in-depth articles on related dance studio ownership topics.

While all of this information is necessary as you get started, sometimes a checklist is the best way to manage your tasks. Here’s your roadmap, with more information below on each of these points.

Jump to Section

• Shadow A Studio Or Owner You Respect
• Prepare For The Many Roles You’ll Take On
• Build A Name For Yourself In Your Community
• Create Your Dance Studio Business Plan (and estimate the finances involved!)
• Find Your Perfect Studio Location
• Develop Your Systems And Processes
• Set Up Your Studio Space
• Hire Your Dance Studio Staff
• Get The Word Out With Marketing
• Start From A Place Of Organization
• Quick Reference Guide For Starting a Dance Studio

Ready to get started? It’s time to learn how to open a dance studio of your dreams!

1. Shadow A Studio Or Owner You Respect

Do you know another studio manager that you respect or look up to? Love a local studio that’s on the other side of town or in another city? Know of a studio who excels at online dance lessons? The best way to learn about starting a dance studio is to actually work at one.

If there’s a local dance studio that has been around for a while, pick up some hours at their studio and gather notes. Or, find a studio manager you love and ask if you can mentor under them.

While there, volunteer to fill in for the different roles or jobs where they need help so you can see how things run from all angles. This will clue you into important challenges in the dance business and how they are solved.

In particular, make note of:

• What problems occur and how they solve them
• How money comes in and out of the business
• The different roles staff members play
• How the studio handles marketing
• How the studio communicates with parents and students

More importantly during this period, make sure you enjoy the work! Opening a dance studio is a fantastic way to share your love of a dance with a larger audience, but it’s not for everybody—and that’s okay.

2. Prepare For The Many Roles You’ll Take On

Along with understanding the business, you’ll also need a clear view of the different roles you will take on as the owner.

Beyond choreographing and teaching classes, you are the person who has to keep the many parts of the business running. Some of those roles include:

• Dance studio manager: You’ll make sure schedules and daily activities are running smoothly. You will need to be able to communicate what you want, what needs to improve, and ensure that your staff is focused on your goals.
• Mentor: Every day, you’ll embody the work ethic and attitude you expect staff members and students to take on themselves.
• Entrepreneur: Your work doesn’t stop when the studio opens. You will continue to grow and develop new studio plans. As an entrepreneur, you’ll also be heavily involved in billing, scheduling, marketing, community outreach, events coordination, customer service, and much more.
• Techie: Offering online dance lessons? Make sure you (or someone on your team!) can easily troubleshoot virtual class enrollment, set-up, and your online class platform for teachers and students alike.

Learn early on which of these roles you naturally gravitate towards, and which would be better to outsource to another trusted teacher or staff member.

3. Build A Name For Yourself In Your Community

Usually, dance studio owners go into business confidently knowing they already have enough of a following to fill classes from the get-go.

If you do not have a big enough following yet, some ways to find more students include:

• Offering dance services to local schools, gyms, and churches
• Giving discounts for people who refer your classes to friends and families
• Advertising for your classes at nearby businesses that are not competitors, but will have the clientele that would take an interest in dance (think yoga studios or daycares)
• Sharing your personality and approach to dance on social media so others in your community can learn more about you

This is a step that you do far before finding your location or setting up your business plan because it takes time. Thankfully, you can work on this as you go through your other dance studio start-up tasks.

4. Create Your Dance Studio Business Plan

Your dance studio business plan is a document that lays out your business goals and how you plan to achieve them. It sets a solid foundation for your studio for years to come. We have more information about creating a business plan here, but yours should cover the following sections, at a minimum:

• Executive summary
• Company description

Market analysis

Products and services, financial projections, marketing overview.

Let’s look at each of these in more detail. Note, too, that your business plan may contain much more.

Executive summary and company description

The executive summary should summarize your main business goals, vision, and core values. This should not be more than a few sentences. You’ll likely have an easier time writing your summary last after you’ve covered all of the other details.

Following that, describe what sets your studio apart. This is typically what you will use to pitch your company when you are marketing it. It should include the services you plan to offer, the types of classes you’ll have, and what sets you apart from other studios.

This section should also clearly establish what type of legal business entity your studio will be, and how you’ll comply with any local licensing or regulatory requirements.

It’s time to research your potential customers! Building a following well before you begin the process of opening your dance studio can help tremendously with this step. The more people who know you, the more likely you’ll know what types of dancers will sign up once you open your doors.

In addition to researching the people who already know you, though, you will have to research your local market, potential customers, and competitors. This section should include all the details you gather about the size of the dance industry in your area and how you will fit into this equation.

Start off by listing the dance studios you will be in direct competition with and the number of students they serve. This will help you determine how many students you should bring in and define your pricing structure.

In addition, you may want to do surveys and host focus groups with your potential customers to ask them what they’d like to see in a dance studio in your area.

For a larger industry-wide study, we recommend reading our post on dance studio industry stats and trends . This will help you get a better idea of where our industry is at right now, and where it might grow over the next few years.

Once you have thoroughly analyzed your market, you can decide on the services that will attract the widest range of students. In this section, list in greater detail the classes you plan to offer. You can also outline the benefits that students may receive from taking your classes.

This section will also include any other plans you have outside of classes and memberships to make money, such as dance apparel, competitions, and recitals.

One of the most necessary sections of your business plan is the funding plan and your financial expectations once in business.

If you need a loan to get started, having a transparent and organized assessment of your current financial position and future projections will show potential investors that you know what you’re doing.

This portion will also detail where your revenue will come from, how much your bills will cost monthly and annually, and your class pricing. In this section, think of everything you will need to open your doors from equipment like dance studio mirrors , down to the rolls of toilet paper in the bathrooms. The more thorough you can be here, the better.

How much does it cost to open a dance studio though? We’ve created a full post on how much it costs to run a dance studio here .

In the most basic sense, this part of your studio business plan is all about how you’ll get the word out about your dance studio. Start by establishing your brand. What’s your studio’s name, logo, and brand identity? Learn more about that here . You can find ideas for fun and catchy dance studio names in our earlier post .

Also, give a general overview of the marketing channels you’ll use and what portion of your budget you’ll allocate to marketing. You can include a strategy for growth if you have a plan for targeting other markets in the future as well. Review our full post on social media for dance studios to get started on this one.

5. Find Your Perfect Studio Location

Once you have figured out how your business will run and what your financial situation is, you can start looking for your studio. Do it in this order so you know how much you have for rent and extra costs that will come with the location you decide on.

A dance studio has its own unique requirements. First ask yourself how much space you’ll need? Do you want one room or multiple studios in your facility? Will you want a room set up for virtual dance lessons? You will also consider the need for:

• Retail space
• A waiting room for parents

In addition, don’t neglect things like:

• Parking options: Does this space have parking that will accommodate the number of students you hope to attract?
• Safety: Parents should feel comfortable and safe bringing their child to your location.
• Visibility: It may cost more to be in a highly-visible location, but it also makes for easier, passive marketing.

Remember that you will have monthly payments that you will have to meet. Be very clear with your landlord on what those are upfront, along with any unforeseen payments that could come along. If you decide to buy the building, keep in mind that you will be responsible for maintenance costs.

6. Develop Your Systems And Processes

It’s time to make a plan for running your studio once it opens. This is separate and more detailed than your business plan, but it’s just as important.

Note too that the more organized you make your processes and systems at the beginning, the fewer people you will need to hire to carry them out. This is why so many dance studio owners use dance studio management software . It not only provides them with a guide to carry out their management duties and market their studio, but it also allows for a smaller staff and lower labor costs. It streamlines their daily tasks so they can focus more of their attention on the fun parts of running a dance studio. You can learn more about choosing the best dance studio software here .

Before your grand opening (and even hiring), consider the systems and processes you’ll have in place for the following.

Automating your administrative tasks

Enrollment, billing, and other tasks can be carried out through dance studio software . Organize everything into one place that you can access with a click of a button.

Some tools can also analyze your data and track trends in your business over time so you can make well-informed decisions as you move forward. Because of this, it’s best to have this tool in place from the start. You can learn more about the benefits of an online registration process here .

Offering seamless payment options

Your customers expect payments to be easy and built around the types of payment options they already use every day. That means offering debit and credit card payments, whether in-person or online. 

Make it even easier for customers with set-it-and-forget-it options, like recurring automated billing and saved payment info. Learn more about payment processing for your dance studio here .

Setting up online dance lessons 

Online or virtual dance lessons represent an exciting new way to reach your students no matter where they are. Rather than face downtimes during long summer breaks or miss out on lessons due to other factors, these types of classes connect students with their teachers right from home! Many teachers also love these types of lessons, as it offers them more flexibility for teaching and studio time. 

Today’s video streaming services make online dance lessons even easier. By using a system like Zoom, Google Meet, Facebook, or YouTube, you can connect instantly with students. Some dance studio software tools even offer virtual classroom management directly from the software. This allows students to sign up for an online class just like they would an in-person class, and provides set-up assistance for studios, teachers, and students. 

Learn more here .

Marketing your studio

Marketing begins before you put together a business plan, but at this step be clearer about how you’ll market your studio (more on that below) and who will handle marketing for you. For example, you can handle these tasks, have a staff member handle them, automate some of these tasks with studio management software, or outsource it to a marketing agency.

Registering new students

Make registration easy with a ready-made registration form. We have full details on what yours needs to include here . Likewise, studio management software can automate this.

Developing an annual calendar

Figure out the major seasons for your studio. Consider separating your annual calendar into instruction periods, performances and recitals, and breaks, so students (and parents!) know what to expect each year.

7. Set Up Your Studio Space

Items like flooring , mirrors , and ballet barres are integral features of a dance studio. We go more in-depth into the purchasing choices and decisions behind each of those major features in the linked posts. Don’t stop there, of course. Make sure to decorate your dance studio so it invites creativity and movement.

Offering online dance lessons? Learn from other studio owners who expanded into virtual lessons to reach more students, provide more flexibility for their staff, and more. In this article, a studio owner discusses the specific logistics and set-ups they used to run these types of lessons successfully.

8. Hire Your Dance Studio Staff

You might not need a very large staff , especially when you first start out. However, keep in mind that you might not have time to actually teach many classes when you first open. As an owner, there may be too many tasks on your plate in the beginning. To that end, your first hire may be someone else to teach your classes, at least short-term. Another may help with front office and administrative tasks.

Whether you have one or many staff members, make sure everyone knows what’s expected of them from day one. You can accomplish this by:

• Making a clear outline of each position and what they do on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis
• Figuring out a recruitment process and using a trial period for new teachers and staff
• Creating a training manual with step-by-step procedures for new hires
• Using a standard dance teacher contract that formally defines pay, benefits, and your expectations

9. Get The Word Out With Marketing

You may already have a good collection of people ready to sign up for your classes. Even so, it’s important to spread the word about opening your dance studio.

To start, your website is going to be your prime source for gaining new students. This is where parents will view your location information, contact info, positive reviews, class schedule, and more.

Beyond your website, your ongoing marketing tasks will include:

• Increasing word-of-mouth marketing and referrals
• Building your social media presence
• Growing your email list for future newsletters
• Gathering positive reviews on Google and social media
• Developing partnerships with local businesses and charities

Once you have these tasks set up, it’s time to market your official grand opening. Some ideas include running ads in local papers and on social media, having your students perform at outdoor events in your community, or finding small business events to participate in.

Find even more easy and effective dance studio marketing ideas here .

10. Start From A Place Of Organization

There are many things that will go onto your opening a dance studio checklist, many of which we couldn’t fit into this post. Still, we hope it has given you some insight into opening a dance studio.

As we’ve noted throughout this post on how to open a dance studio, one of the best ways to prepare is by investing in studio management software like the one we offer at The Studio Director . Not only does high-quality software keep your business in order, it helps with marketing and provides additional value to your customers with easy registration, payments, and more.

Any great studio management software will allow you to:

• Offer multiple types of payment options , online and in-person, seamlessly
• Organize your staff schedules and time-sheets
• Handle online registration, as well as costume rental and recital enrollment
• Track inventory if you sell merchandise
• Set up automatic email newsletters to new and existing students
• Allow customers to set up recurring or one-time payments
• Integrate the customer-facing functionality into your existing website or a dedicated mobile app
• Manage all of your data from a cloud-based system

People do not start a dance studio to focus on the administrative tasks. They do it out of love for their craft. Give yourself the opportunity to truly enjoy the studio you create by starting it from a place of organization.

Quick Reference Guide for Starting a Dance Studio

Want to learn more about how The Studio Director can help you open a dance studio of your dreams? Request a personalized 1:1 demo or a FREE 15-day trial now.

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Dance Studio Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Starting a dance studio can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. It’s important to have the right plan in place to ensure the success of your business. If you’re looking for a comprehensive resource to help you create a winning business plan for your dance studio, The #1 Dance Studio Business Plan Template & Guidebook is the perfect tool for you. This guidebook offers step-by-step instructions on how to launch a successful studio, from creating an effective business plan to budgeting, marketing and beyond. With this guidebook in hand, you’ll be fully prepared to start your venture into the world of dance!

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Dance Studio Business [11 Steps]
• 25 Catchy Dance Studio Business Names:
• List of the Best Marketing Ideas For Your Dance Studio Service:

How to Write a Dance Studio Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your dance studio business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your dance studio business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a dance studio business:

The purpose of [Dance Studio] is to create an inclusive, fun and inspiring atmosphere where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together to learn and develop their dance skills and express themselves through movement. We will also strive to create a safe space for dancers to be creative, experiment and grow in their craft.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Dance Studio Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your dance studio business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your dance studio business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your dance studio business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your dance studio business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a dance studio business?

• Studio space or room (for classes and performances)
• Sound system
• Adequate lighting
• Ballet barres
• Flooring (for practicing steps)
• Stereo equipment or PA system
• Music CDs/DVDs or iPod with speakers
• Printer and computer for scheduling, billing, and marketing
• Business license/permit from federal and state government

5. Management & Organization of Your Dance Studio Business.

The second part of your dance studio business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your dance studio business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Dance Studio Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a dance studio business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a dance studio business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your dance studio business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your dance studio business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your dance studio business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dance Studio Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a dance studio business.

A business plan for a dance studio business provides a comprehensive outline for the development, implementation and execution of the business. It is important to have a well-thought-out plan in place to ensure that the business is properly managed, adequately funded, and properly promoted. The business should have clear objectives, revenue projections, marketing plans, budgeting plans, and risk management strategies identified. Additionally, a business plan can help guide decision-making and provide a roadmap for success.

Who should you ask for help with your dance studio business plan?

A business consultant or coach, accountant, lawyer and other experts in the field of business planning can all be valuable resources when creating a business plan for a dance studio. Additionally, local small business development organizations can offer resources for developing the business plan.

Can you write a dance studio business plan yourself?

Writing a business plan can be a daunting task, so it’s best to consult a professional such as an accountant or business consultant. They will be able to provide advice and guidance on how to create a comprehensive and effective plan that can help you achieve your goals for your dance studio.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

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Dance Studio Business Plan Template

Trusted by 300+ Downloaders

What You Get

• A compelling & detailed pre-written Dance Studio business plan template in WORD
• A full & automatic Dance Studio financial plan model in EXCEL you can easily customize
• Customized text tailored to the Dance school business
• The ability to paste advanced charts and tables within a click
• No accounting or specialized financial knowledge needed
• A truly cost-effective solution saving you time and money

Dance Studio Business Plan Template Description

Are you looking to launch a Dance Studio? If yes, then a solid business plan is key for the success of your project. Our ready-made dance studio business plan includes a pre-written business plan in Word and an automatic financial plan in Excel tailored to your dance academy project and thus, is all you need to get a robust business plan in record time. You will only need to customize these documents to make them perfectly fit your own dance school project. Check the full details below.

Dance Studio Business Plan Document in Word

Our ready-made Dance Studio business plan template is in Word format and includes 23 pages. The document is divided into multiple sections. Each section contains the essential points that are necessary to effectively present your Dance academy project. Each section and sub-section offer you a sample text that you can easily customize to make your business plan unique. Below is a small excerpt of our pre-written Dance Studio business plan document in Word.

Automatic Dance Studio Financial Plan in Excel

Our pre-populated financial model is in Excel format and includes multiples worksheets. You can easily edit the model’s inputs including changing costs and revenue assumptions to generate pro-forma financial forecasts including P&L, Cash flows and Balance Sheets. Below is a small extract of our automatic Dance Studio financial plan in Excel.

This Ready-Made Dance Studio Business Plan is For

• Entrepreneurs wishing to start a Dance Studio business
• Aspiring Dance academy owners who want to create a business plan fast and easy
• Dance instructors who wish to pitch their project to investors
• Dance professionals who wish to better understand the potential of the opportunity

Immediate Delivery by Email

• Once you complete the order, you will receive an email with links to download your documents
• Your order will contain the full pre-written business plan in Word
• Your order will contain the full customizable financial model in Excel

Your Dance Studio Business Plan Content

Executive Summary:  Our Dance Studio business plan template starts with a compelling Executive Summary. This key section is very important as it summarizes in 1 page your Dance Studio concept. It will introduce your business model, the key people behind the project as well as the unique selling proposition offered by your Dance Studio concept. This section will also mention how market conditions and consumer trends are favorable for launching your project.

The Problem Opportunity:  Next, your ready-made Dance Studio business plan will list a number of problems experienced by your prospects in your target market and will show how this presents a unique opportunity for your Dance Studio. These can include issues such as the lack of Dance studios in a certain location, undifferentiated offering by current actors in the market…etc.

The Solution:  This section explains how your Dance Studio will take advantage of the current problems in the market and will detail your innovative solutions.

Mission & Vision:  Your mission will explain in a couple of sentences your Dance Studio’s business ethos. In other words, it will summarize your unique value proposition and will explain how you are different than the competition. Your vision will explain the long-term plans for your Dance Studio concept. Are you planning to start with one branch today and expand to a multi-branch business model? Are you looking to transform your Dance Studio business into a franchise model?…etc.

Business Model:  This section details your Dance Studio concept using the business model canvas method. In a visually appealing table, we will detail your Dance Studio’s key partners, activities, resources, value proposition, customer segments, customer relationship plan, marketing channels, cost structure and revenue streams.

Products & Services:  Next, we will talk in detail about your various products and services. We will describe your various types of Dance classes, memberships, ancillary products and services…etc. We will also provide information about your pricing.

Market Analysis:  This important section describes the various market statistics and consumer trends in the Dance industry and explains how they support your own Dance Studio concept. The purpose of this section is to show that the market conditions are favorable for launching your new Dance Studio.

Global Market Trends:  In this sub-section of the market analysis, we will discuss the latest general market trends in the Dance industry. We will look at the global industry size, growth rate, growth diving factors and consumer trends.

Local Market Trends:  This sub-section explains the local market trends that are relevant to your specific Dance Studio business.

Target Customers:  In this section, we will describe your various customer profiles by providing information about their demographics, behavior and purchasing habits.

Competitive Analysis:  We will analyze key competitors active in your target market and provide insights about their strengths and weaknesses.

Competitive Advantages:  After looking at the competitive landscape, we will then show how your Dance Studio business is differentiating itself from the competition through a number of key advantages.

SWOT Analysis:  This section features a 4-quadrant table with explanations about how your Dance Studio intends to leverage its key strengths, mitigate weaknesses, capture opportunities and thwart any future threats.

Marketing Plan : This chapter provides detailed information about your go-to-market strategy. It includes a detailed action plan to help you build brand awareness and generate sales.

Branding & Awareness:  We will describe in this sub-section your choice of key marketing channels to build branding and awareness.

Customer Acquisition:  We will describe in this sub-section your choice of key marketing channels to acquire customers and increase sales.

Operating Plan:  This chapter provides information about your Dance Studio’s opening hours, internal processes and describes the interactions between various key departments and teams.

Management Team:  It is very important to present the key people behind your Dance Studio project and thus we have dedicated a section for this very purpose. It is also important to talk here about the founder’s vision, his past education and professional experience.

Hiring Plan:  No business can succeed without having on board the right team. This section lists all the key positions you plan to hire with information about their salaries and expected start dates.

Key Milestones:  To be able to launch and execute your Dance Studio project, you need to follow a set of actionable tasks with target deadlines. This section serves this purpose.

Financial Plan:  Without a robust financial plan, your Dance Studio business plan would be an incomplete document. This important section provides crucial information about your pro-forma financial projections and shows that you have really done your homework. The data mentioned in this and the following sections will be provided by the dynamic Excel financial model accompanying your Dance Studio business plan.

Projected Revenue:  This module shows your Dance Studio’s revenue projections over the next three years.

Projected Profit and Loss:  This module shows your Dance Studio’s income statement (also called profit and loss statement) over the next three years. Your income statement includes detailed projections about your sales and expenses and shows how your Dance Studio’s revenue is converted into a net profit.

Projected Cash Flows:  This module shows your Dance Studio’s cash flow projections over the next three years. The first year of operation is even detailed on a monthly basis. Your cash flow statement will detail the various cash inflows your Dance Studio will generate from its day to day operations and from funding sources, as well as the various cash outflows required to pay for operating expenses and business investments.

Projected Balance Sheet : This module shows your Dance Studio’s balance sheet projections over the next three years. The balance sheet will provide a summary of your Dance Studio’s short term and long term assets in addition to your short term and long term liabilities and capital.

Profitability Analysis:  In this section, we will provide information about your gross margin, net margin and discuss the profitability of your Dance Studio business.

Funding Requirement:  This module states the amount of funding your need to be able to comfortably launch your Dance Studio business. It also describes the planned allocation of the funds between Opex and Capex.

Conclusion : Finally, we will conclude your business plan by recapitulating the key points that make your Dance Studio project compelling and reiterate the rationale behind your business opportunity.

Why Use our Ready-Made Dance Studio Business Plan?

• Speed & Convenience:  Once you complete your order, you will receive the Dance Studio business plan directly in your mailbox. Since it is already pre-written with fully customizable financials, you will only need to spend a couple of hours to edit it and adapt it to your own Dance Studio project.
• High Quality:  Your Dance Studio business plan has been written by our professional team of business plan writers and experts from the Dance industry. You will receive a professional Dance Studio business plan template ideal for presenting to potential investors or banks.
• Low-Cost:  Our pre-written Dance Studio business plan template is the most cost-effective solution in case you need to build a solid and professional Dance Studio business plan. We are confident you will save hundreds if not thousands of dollars by ordering our premium business plan compared to hiring a consultant or subscribing to complicated and expensive software.

If you have any question regarding our ready-made Dance Studio business plan package,  do not hesitate to contact us , we are here to help.

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The Tututix Blog

Words from industry experts to make the most of your events and performances..

Dance Studio Business Plan: See A Real Example

• words by Eric Housh

Writing a dance studio business plan is a BIG project. But an important one! This plan will lay out your studio’s hopes and dreams, as well as the step-by-step process for getting from Point A to Point B. A few questions to ask yourself as you get started:

Where are you now?

Where do you want to be in three years? In five?

Who will help you get there?

The point of a dance studio business plan is to clearly lay out the aspects of a new company: strengths, challenges, and all of the minor details that will make the business a success. This document is an opportunity for entrepreneurs and hopeful business owners to put all of their ideas on paper, so that colleagues and other advisors can review the plan and offer any advice or criticism before the business is launched.

As an example, TutuTix has created a sample dance studio business plan for our imaginary dance studio, TIPS (the TutuTix Imaginary Performance Studios).

Feel free to use our guide’s ideas in your own plan, and please send us feedback about ideas we might not have that work particularly well in your studio! You can download the example dance studio business plan for free by completing the form below:

[formfuse id=”908″]

Download Here! 

The layout of a business plan follows a logical progression of topics that a company needs to have defined prior to opening for business.

That order of topics should look something like this:

Executive Summary

A concise description of your company, that acts as an overview of your goals and values. Keep it short but sweet! Why did you choose to build this kind of company?

Company Description

Here, you can flesh out your overview and touch on how your business will function. Talk a little about your customer base, marketing goals, and strengths of your company. Why are you the best? Is it because you have the best staff, the most experience, the best rates?

Market Analysis

Who are you competing against? How strong is that competition, and why do you think your studio can handle it? How will your business grow in this community over time?

There are lots of talented teachers and dancers who would be great studio owners. But in their current city or location, they would have a really hard time getting into the market and signing up students. That might be because of competition, lack of student interest in the area, or other reasons. How will your studio stand up to these tests?

Products and Services

Which dance classes will you offer? Will you rent out your space? Will you sell any retail items?

This section lists out your business functions: what do you offer, and how much will you charge? All of the items listed here will add up to be your studio’s income.

Marketing Publishing Strategy

How will people find out about your business, and how will you recruit additional students after your first season? What does your brand mean to you, and what do you want it to mean to others?

Operational Plan, Legal, and Startup Expenses

You can’t start a business from scratch: you’ll need funds and some professional consulting to get your company off the ground. How will you pay for your startup costs? Do you have that money already, or will you need to raise money with partners? Is a loan from the bank your best option?

By the time you get to writing this portion, hopefully you’ve talked to colleagues who might be opening the studio with you, or you’ve found a legal and/or financial professional who can advise you on the best way to move forward. Taking on debt to open a business is always risky, so you want to find funds the right way and have a plan to pay that debt back.

Most importantly: don’t be afraid to adapt! After the completion of the business plan, go back through and make adjustments based on information you’ve learned along the way! Ideas can and should evolve when they’re laid out on paper, so be sure to look for guidance from other teachers and business owners when putting together your plan.

TutuTix E-Book

This business plan is included in the FREE TutuTix E-Book, “Dance Studio Ideas and More: The Official TutuTix E-Book.” You can download our e-book here.

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Dance School Business Plan Template

Document description.

This dance school business plan template has 28 pages and is a MS Word file type listed under our business plan kit documents.

Sample of our dance school business plan template:

[IMAGE/LOGO] DATE [YOUR COMPANY NAME ] [YOUR ADDRESS/CONTACT INFO]

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6 Steps to Opening a Dance Studio Business

Caitlyn February 8, 2016 Dance Studio Business

Step 1: Decide on Studio Type

The popularity of dance programs on television has stoked the interest for people of all ages to take dance classes. When starting out, it’s important to decide the type of school you want to have. Will you only teach certain ages, perhaps specializing in elementary school children or adults? Do you want to teach a specific style of dance such as ballet or tap? Will yours be a competition or performance studio? Will you offer training for professionals or be open to recreational dancers?

Consider whether you will start with a new studio, or buy an established studio or franchise (such as Arthur Murray ). Decide on how much square footage you need (see Step 3 below), and whether you will buy or lease your space. Be sure to get all appropriate permits.

Step 2: Construct a Dance School Business Plan

Having a business plan is the most important part of starting your school. It will be the blue print and the road map as you begin and move forward with your business. It should detail:

• Your mission
• Projected financials (see How to Calculate Labor Costs in a Dance Studio )
• Plans for obtaining funding
• Sample budgets
• Analysis of the market
• Organizational structure
• Legal structure (such as partnership or incorporation)
• Business licenses and insurance
• Equipment and supplies
• Interior design

It can be helpful to reach out to other dance studio owners during this process. They may provide helpful information and/or be willing to mentor you as you begin.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides resources for writing effective business plans . We summarize the SBAs pages of information, and add helpful tips in our article on the format for writing a business plan . There, you’ll also find an actual sample dance studio business plan. Forbes magazine also provide helpful tips and templates .

Entrepreneur magazine estimates startup cost for a dance studio is between $10,000 and $50,000.

Step 3: Identify Facility Requirements

Deciding on square footage requires you to take into consideration more than just the dance space. Plan for the following:

• Locker room
• Business office

A good facility should also have convenient parking that can accommodate your target customers.

If the space you acquire was not already used as a dance school, you may have to make some renovations before opening. Consider the following:

• Good sprung floor to absorb shock
• Large wall mirrors
• Barres (if you teach ballet or other style that requires their use)
• Good sound system

Step 4: Determine Roles Needed for Teachers and Staff

If you are qualified to teach, you can begin by offering a few classes that you teach yourself. As your business grows, you may expand to offer a variety of classes with a large staff of dance instructors.

As you make your business plan, be sure to create a budget that includes salaries for your instructors and staff. You may recognize that at first you may not be able to pay yourself. However, paying a staff makes them more loyal, dedicated and reliable.

If you do not already have people in mind to teach classes, you might consider allowing potential teachers conduct trial classes. This allows you to access their skills.

Even if you are running the school on your own, it is helpful to have at least one other staffer. That person can help with tasks such as opening and closing, cleaning, answering the phones, attending to students, and office tasks.

Step 5: Getting Initial Students

In many instances, people decide to open a dance school because they have found their target audience and wish to fill the need for them. Others decide to open a school and look for students. To do so, consider:

• Put up a sign outside your new facility to advertise your “grand opening”
• Hold an open house
• Notify local media so you may get coverage
• Create a website
• Spread the word on social media
• Have your students perform at community events
• Participate in small business events where you can share information about the school
• Encourage word of mouth recommendations

Step 6: Marketing your Launch and Beyond

Make your launch an event. After your grand opening , publicize your dance school by:

• Offering performances for the community
• Participating in a community event such as a fashion show or concert
• Hosting a charity event where students participate or perform

Investing in business cards, brochures and promotional posters can be helpful for publicizing your school.

These days, having a website for your business is essential. Not only can potential students learn your address, contact information and hours, it’s a great place to post:

• Dates classes begin/end
• Dates of performances
• Calendar of special events
• Photos of dancers
• Videos of classes or performances

Consider dedicating a portion of the site to a shop where students can purchase promotional items such as t-shirts, duffle bags and other swag. If you don’t have a lot of other stock (such as dance shoes, leg warmers or other dance wear), consider partnering with, or linking to, reputable websites that carry items students will need for class.

As important as a website for a small business is, content marketing is equally important. It’s an easy way to engage your target audience. Use social media and post pictures, videos and articles about your dance school. Having a blog on your website will also drive interest. According to HubSpot , people who prioritize blogging for their business are 13 times more likely to enjoy positive return on investment. Taking just a little bit of time to tell the story of your dance school and becoming a resource for potential students allows them to get to know you, trust you and take steps to enroll.

Photo Credits:

Photo of ballet dancers on stage by zaimoku_woodpile , under the Attribution 2.0 Generic license

Feature photo by Garry Knight , under the Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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Dance Studio Business Plan Sample

Published Apr.15, 2018

Updated Apr.22, 2024

By: Jakub Babkins

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Table of Content

Dance studio business plan for your own dance school

Do you want to start a dance studio business? If you are passionate about learning and teaching dance then it is the perfect venture for you to invest in. Moreover, you can start this business with lower initial investments as compared to other businesses and can make it extremely profitable, provided that you plan and execute it successfully. If you are wondering how to open up a dance studio , the first step you should take is to develop a comprehensive business plan covering all aspects of your business. The business plan will not only help you in startup but will also form the basis of your company’s future policies. So, for assisting you with writing professional business planning , here we are providing the business plan for a dance studio business startup named ‘Emmy’s Studio’.

Executive Summary

2.1 the dance studio business.

Emmy’s Studio will be located at a ten minutes’ drive from the main residential district of Manhattan. The business will be owned by Emmy Jill, a famous American dance teacher. Emmy served in several dance institutes and has extensive experience in this industry spanning more than 10 years, that’s why she knows everything about how to start a dance studio business .

2.2 Management of Dance Studio

The company will hire a staff comprising of trainers, assistants and sales executives, all of which will be trained for one month prior to onboarding.

2.3 Customers of Dance School

Emmy’s Studio will be a licensed dance studio where people of age-groups will be taught various dances belonging to several parts of the world by the best trainers of the United States.

2.4 Target of the Dance Company

The business targets are to balance the cost of a startup within next 5 years of launch and to become the best dance studio in Manhattan. Our sales and revenue targets for next three years are summarized in the chart below:

Dance Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Emmy’s Studio will be owned by Emmy Jill, an American dance teacher. After completing her Master’s in Theatre and Dance from the University of Colorado, Emily remained associated with several dance institutes across the United States.

3.2 Why the Dance Studio Business is being started

Emmy has devoted her entire life to learning and teaching various dances. Her passion for dance is the ultimate motive behind her starting this business.

3.3 How the Dance School Business will be started

Before opening a dance studio business plan development, you must decide whether you will start everything from scratch or procure an existing facility because it will greatly affect the costs of startup. Emmy’s Studio will be started in an existing dance studio located at a ten minutes’ drive from the main residential district of Manhattan. The costs for startup are as follows:

The startup requirements are as follows:

Services for customers

The most important thing to decide before you think about how to open a dance studio business is the services you will provide to your customers. It is important because all subsequent components of your business plan depend on your provided services. Emmy’s Studio will be a licensed dance studio where people of age-groups will be taught various dances belonging to several parts of the world by the best trainers of the United States. We will provide training for the following five types of dance:

Marketing Analysis of dance studio business

The most important component of a dance studio business plan is its accurate marketing analysis because it decides whether a startup will become a success or end in failure. That’s why an accurate marketing analysis must be carried out before developing the business plan for a dance studio . If you are starting on a large scale then it is better to seek the help from the marketing experts.

If you are starting on a small scale, you can take help from this dance studio business plan template or other dance studio business plan sample available online.

5.1 Marketing Trends

Operational and strategic planning.

This  dance studio sample business plan  also presents detailed dance studio business marketing trends which will provide you a clear demonstration of the market potential of this industry. According to IBIS, there are approximately 70,000 dance studios or private dance trainers in the United States as of 2018. The industry is growing at 3.5% per year with annual revenue generation amounting to €3 billion. These stats clearly show that any business in this industry can become extremely profitable provided that you plan it successfully. Marketing segmentation of the  business plan dance studio  shows the various segments or groups of our prospective customers. Our target market is the residential community living nearby at the 10 minutes’ drive from our studio. The community consists of all types of people from varying backgrounds

There are currently more than 738,000 households in Manhattan out of which 17.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 25.2% are married couples living together and 10.9% are persons with 65 years of age or older. As per the financial position, nearly half of the community has a monthly income ranging from $40k to $50k while nearly 10% people have incomes even around $100,000. So nearly all of the people are well established and can easily afford our membership fees. Our experts have identified following target groups for our services:

The detailed marketing segmentation of our target audience is as follows:

5.2.1 Children (6-18):

The first group of our customers will be the children living in the vicinity of our dance studio. According to a recent census, nearly 70% of children living in Houston participate in dance classes or related activities. One of the significant reason behind parents sending their kids for learning dance is the health benefits associated with this activity that’s why this target group will constitute the bulk of our customers. These children belong to financially stable families who can easily afford our services.

5.2.2 Adults (18+):

The second category includes teens and individuals who themselves want to learn a dance for any reason and are aged above 18. Their dance practice will differ from other groups and they will be subjected to private training along with group classes.

5.2.3 Professionals:

The last category includes those individuals who have a passion for dance and want to pursue a career in it. This group will be trained at a completely different level under the direct supervision of Emmy and notable dance experts from the United States. The detailed market analysis of our potential customers is given in the following table:

5.3 Business Target

Our business targets are:

• To become the best dance studio in Manhattan
• To achieve the net profit margin of $10k per month by the end of the first year, $15k per month by the end of the second year, and $25k per month by the end of the third year
• To balance the initial cost of the startup with earned profits by the end of the first year

5.4 Product Pricing

Product pricing is also one of the main deciding factors in the success of a startup. To encourage sales, we have priced our services slightly lower as compared to our competitors. We will basically offer three types of packages to our students to choose from:

• Monthly membership for $1000 per month
• Semi-annual membership for $5000 per six months
• Yearly membership for $8000 per year

This fee includes the compensation for group classes as well as the individual training sessions. For professional dancers, membership fee is 40% more than our normal fee considering the expenses of special trainers arranged for them.

High Quality Business Plan and Professional Support

It was amazing to work with OGS Capital for our business plan. They promptly responded our enquires and delivered document on time.The document was well organized high quality and content.We succeded with Alex and his team support. We thank you guys again for professional approach and easy communication.

Like marketing analysis, sales strategy for business is also an important component of any business plan so it must be thought through before starting a dance studio business plan development. In case, you don’t know how to write a business plan for a dance studio with the incorporation of effective sales strategy, you can take help from this template or the dance studio business plan examples available online.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

Our competitive advantage lies in the power and dedication of our team. We have a team with excellent qualifications and experience in professional dance and choreography. Secondly, our prices are very reasonable and comparatively lower than the most of our competitors. Finally, our biggest competitive edge is the training of traditional Indian Kathak dance which is not taught by any dance studio present within 10 km radius of our studio.

6.2 Sales Strategy

• We will attract our customers towards us by various efforts, such as:
• We will advertise our studio in magazines, newspapers and social media
• We will offer discounts on the membership for the first three months of the launch
• We will arrange seminars and awareness sessions on the importance of dance and the accompanying health benefits
• We will arrange transportation facilities for our members and students
• Within 6 months of startup, we will start an online portal by which our members and students can access our dance training sessions and can practice at home

6.3 Sales Forecast

Our sales are forecasted in the following column charts:

The detailed information about sales forecast is given in the following table:

6.4 Sales Monthly

Our forecasted monthly sales for the first year of startup are given below:

6.5 Sales Yearly

Our forecasted yearly sales for the first three years of startup are given below:

Personnel plan

In case, you don’t have any idea about the staff required for starting a dance studio, you can take help from this sample dance studio business plan .

7.1 Dance Company Staff

The company will initially hire the following staff:

• 1 General Manager for managing the overall operations
• 2 Administrators/Accountants for maintaining financial records
• 4 Sales Executives responsible for marketing and discovering new ventures
• 7 Trainers for providing dance training to members
• 10 Assistants for undertaking day-to-day tasks
• 3 Drivers for providing transportation facility to members
• 4 Cleaners for cleaning the studio
• 1 Front Desk Officer for acting as a receptionist

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

The average salary of our staff is summarized in the following table:

Financial Plan

The last thing to do before thinking about how to open your own dance studio business is to develop a financial plan outlining the development of company over the next few years. The financial plan of Emmy’s Studio is as follows.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 brake-even analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

8.6 business ratios.

Download Dance Studio Business Plan Sample in pdf

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How to start a dance school

Our experts, written and reviewed by:.

When starting a dance school, these areas are essential to consider:

• 01 | Skills required
• 02 | Ideas and research
• 03 | Business model
• 04 | Regulations
• 06 | Potential earnings

What is a dance studio business and who is it suited to?

With the popularity of TV programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing and So You Think You Can Dance , demand for dancing lessons is on the rise. Whether betrothed couples hoping to hone their first dance or young professionals seeking a fresh way to keep fit and make friends, dance classes have enjoyed a contemporary renaissance and now remain a popular pastime for many – and that creates an opportunity for quick-footed entrepreneurs.

It goes without saying that if you’re thinking of starting a dance school, some prior dance experience is advisable. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean boxes of rosettes or a roll call of professional accolades. Mental fitness and stamina is more important that outstanding physical fitness.

A passion for dance is a must, but so is a passion for people – and a good level of patience. Could you welcome 20 strangers into your studio and teach a class where they all feel engaged and included? Could you tailor your dance classes to individuals and never show your frustration to slow learners? Do you have the creativity to devise custom dance routines?

Of course, as the owner of a dance studio, you don’t have to teach lessons yourself. However, in the early stages, not only is this cost-effective but it is a good way to get to know your customer and hone your customer-service skills. It also means you can step in if one of your teachers drops out at the last minute.

Although running a dance school can be a very sociable business, it also requires great personal discipline. You may want your dance school to have an inclusive, family feel – but remember, it can be hard to take money from friends. You need to be very organised, business orientated and able to draw the line between friends and clients.

After all, the social aspect is just one part of your business. You may teach 15 hours of dance classes a week, but spend another 50-70 doing admin – whether answering e-mail enquiries, writing training manuals for new teachers, paying invoices, arranging venue bookings or updating your website and social media. No matter how active your start-up, the back room business remains.

The planning and preparation involved in launching a dance school

The first question you need to answer is – what kind of dance do you want to teach?

If you have the skill-base to support it, there are definite advantages to offering a wide variety of classes. However, don’t feel you need to know every dance style yourself. You’ll never be able to answer all your customers’ requests, but can always hire freelance dance teachers to fill the gaps.

You may also want to look for specific growth opportunities. Is a new dance style in vogue? Or is a particular era enjoying a contemporary revival – such as rockabilly, folk or the forties? Recent trends include the rise of fitness-focused fusion dance styles, such as Zumba and Ceroc, and early years’ activities, such as Ballet Babes. This decision – and in particular whether you choose to focus on children or adults – will help you to define your target market.

Next you need to decide upon a location. This is where market research is crucial, as Lianne Weston-Mommsen, co-founder of Starz Academy UK in Hampshire, explains: “Areas that you’d think on paper should be brilliant, such as those with higher household incomes, sometimes don’t really work. But in other areas, there might be more demand than you’d expect.”

One way to decide if a location is appropriate is to look at whether there are any similar, successful dance schools operating in the area. If there are, you’ll know there is demand for your business type and you then need to make an assessment as to whether there is room for some healthy competition.

Research your competitors thoroughly and ask yourself: How could I do it better? Brainstorm a unique selling point and plan your branding carefully, to avoid stepping on your competitors’ toes. You could also test the water before you launch by offering short courses of lessons – for example at a local gym.

Indeed, you may want to continue to rent studio space, such as this, at least for the first year or so of your business. It’s a great way to keep costs down until you can afford your own studio.

Business models and structure

One option to consider is to buy into an existing franchise, such as Baby Ballet, diddi dance or – if you are interested in offering drama and singing classes too – performing arts franchise Razzamataz , which raised £85,000 investment from Duncan Bannatyne in the 2007 series of  Dragons’ Den.

This removes much of the risk from starting your own business, as you are buying into a tried and tested formula and your franchisor has already made their start-up mistakes and learnt the lessons. This means you can benefit from their years of skills and experience from day one, and will receive training to learn the tricks of the trade.

Joining an already-established business also means much of the back room work is done for you. Some franchisors employ efficient database systems to minimise franchisee paperwork, as well as providing support with licensing and legislation. That is not to mention the marketing benefits of being part of a high profile, trusted brand.

“It can be very lonely running your own business,” points out Denise Hutton-Gozney, founder of Razzamataz.

“Our franchisees receive a minimum of two Skype calls from our management team per term and we have an annual sit-down business development review. We also provide a weekly business newsletter, which keeps them up-to-date.”

She adds that Razzamataz further provides a website specifically for its franchisees, where they can find everything from teacher contracts and health and safety templates to PR and marketing tools – doing much of the legwork for you.

However, becoming a franchisee won’t be for everyone. If you don’t like following a structured system, this may not be for you. Of course, to buy into a franchise, you also need a sufficient body of capital saved up.

A dance or performing arts franchise in the UK will generally cost you between £5,000 and £25,000. This is likely to include your franchise licence, some initial training, merchandise and marketing support. Remember though, your start-up costs won’t end there.

You’ll also need to shell out for Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks, first aid courses and similar expenses. Your franchisor may also request you have a launch budget put aside of a few thousand pounds. Look carefully at your franchisee agreement and assess the total costs. Then decide whether you think the contract offers good value for money, or if you’d rather go it alone.

If you would prefer to cater towards adult dancers, one popular opportunity within the dance franchise space is Zumba Fitness®. This fusion of Latin dance with international music has boomed in the last few years, due to its focus on fitness and the party atmosphere it brings to classes.

Zumba is not a franchise in the traditional sense of the word – you’re not buying into a business as such, but Zumba is a registered trademark, created and owned by US company Zumba Fitness LLC. To start teaching it, you initially need to attend a one-day Zumba instructor training course (which usually start at around £200), then maintain an up-to-date instructor licence throughout the time you teach the class.

This is a relatively affordable franchise option, but a crucial one. Any dance teacher who includes ‘Zumba’ in their class titles (or teaches it) without having a current certificate of completion is in violation of trademark and copyright laws.

Marketing your dance classes and studio

Once you’re happy with your idea, you need to raise awareness of your business. Core to your marketing campaign will be the name you choose for your dance school. Get it wrong and you will find your start-up much harder to promote. Likewise, if your name is too similar to that of a competitor, you may have the same problem.

Consider where your business might be in five or 10 years’ time and try to choose a name that allows for expansion. For example, although Lianne Weston-Mommsen and her business partner Cheryl Dodd exclusively offered early years ballet classes when they launched their dance school in September 2010, 18 months on and they were able to expand into more unisex dance styles, because they chose a versatile name in ‘Starz Academy UK’.

Weston-Mommsen advises: “Go in expecting to succeed and with a very definite angle of what you want it to become. We wanted to go in with professional looking marketing and a full syllabus. That made us recognisable sooner than it would have done if we’d started small.”

Starz Academy UK has also benefited, Weston-Mommsen insists, from having joint founders. A partnership can allow you to split your workload between the creative and the business – with one founder focusing on teaching classes and writing syllabuses, while the other manages the books, admin and marketing.

The advent of social media provides scope for you to undertake a fair amount of online promotion for free. Similarly, there are various listing companies that you can provide your school’s location to, so that it ranks well in online searches. Most will not charge for this.

One marketing strategy, which may help to drive initial customers to your dance school, is to offer discounted classes through a daily deals site, such as Groupon. These can be controversial but Inspiration2Dance founder Viktoriya Wilton believes that, “if you’ve tried Groupon and failed, it’s because you didn’t manage it very well.”

She used the site to offer six-week beginners’ courses in a variety of dance styles and found it a successful way to get new customers and create momentum for her business. She advises that entrepreneurs can control demand for their deal through, “managing numbers yourself, by asking customers to book their dance type on your own website.”

Another way to raise awareness of your business – besides traditional PR and marketing – is to plan showcases, presentations and specialist workshops, where prospective customers can see what your existing students have learnt (and maybe even have a go themselves). After all, you can shout about your dance school all you like, but, as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words.

Rules and regulations when launching a dance school

There are very few restrictions to starting a dance school. You don’t need prior certification – on the contrary, the International Dance Teachers Association won’t actually accredit you as a dance teacher until you have at least two years’ teaching experience. The only exceptions are specialist franchises, such as Zumba, which do require you to complete training in advance.

As with most businesses, you will need public liability insurance to cover you against any accidents or injuries which may occur in your classes. If you are a member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, they can help to arrange this for you. You will also need a Public Performance Licence (PPL) for permission to legally play music. Most of the venues you hire will already have one of these, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

It is also sensible to do a health and safety assessment of your business and put a policy in place before you launch. You may want to consider completing a basic first aid course. Similarly, if you are planning to teach students who are under the age of 18, you will need to have intermittent Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks and request this of all teachers working with this age group.

You will also need to decide on the best legal structure for your start-up (whether you want to be a sole trader, form a partnership, or register a limited company), and make sure you comply with all the relevant legal requirements. For more information on the different business structures and your responsibilities regarding tax, administration, etc, read our article on how to choose the right legal structure for your start-up .

Dance school start-up costs

The main outgoings for a start-up dance school are renting venues and paying teachers. The cost of these will vary greatly according to the region you operate in, but the good news is that both should be payable by the hour, and if you later acquire a dance studio of your own, you can hire the space out for the same price to other dance teachers in your area – this will also help you increase the types of dance lessons you can offer without you having to undergo the training.

If you plan to provide your teachers with any kind of props to use in classes, that is another start-up cost you need to factor in and if you are going to provide refreshments, there will be a one-off cost to buy relevant equipment and minimal ongoing expenses, to replenish teabags, milk and sugar.

Then there are the practicalities. Quotes for Public Liability Insurance will vary but should be around the £120 mark (per annum) and a Public Performance Licence (PPL) is about £100 a year. Creating a website can be relevantly cheap enough but expect to pay for your website domain name and hosting – however again this shouldn’t be massively expensive. If you need someone to design and maintain your website for you, this will cost more, but there are plenty of basic web-builder tools online, which are free to use for a basic site, or cost up to around £25 per month for more advanced features.

If you are going to send out newsletters, promotional offers or product orders by snail mail, expect to spend on postage as well as the cost of printing and creating the leaflets. But, don’t forget that to build a brand you need a professional and compelling logo for your letterhead and other branding. Unless you spent your past life as a graphic designer, you need to budget for this and you may also want to invest in a copyright application, to protect your brand.

However, as your business grows, you may want to expand your marketing budget, perhaps hiring a freelance consultant to provide occasional advice and help you gain press exposure. If you can afford to put aside £1,000 a year to promote your dance school, you’ll be giving yourself a great chance of growth.

How much can a dance teacher potentially earn?

If successful, starting your own dance school could earn you a fair little income: upwards of around £30,000. Of course, how much you earn is completely dependent on how many dance classes you run. But – if you can keep your outgoings low – much of this income is your own to keep.

This was a major motivation for Wilton to start her dance school. Having started teaching evening classes as a hobby, she soon found that, “I could earn twice as much from running a dance school than I could from my London admin role.”

It is important to research venue and teacher fees in your local area before you start out, as these will play a significant role in dictating how much you charge your students. After all, it’s not worth running a class unless you turn a profit. You need to be sure you can achieve this, even if some weeks’ classes have poor attendance.

Starz Academy UK charges £4.60 per child for a 30-minute Ballet Babes class, followed by 30 minutes social, play and refreshment time – which is included in the price.

Each class has a maximum capacity of 16 children, however Starz Academy UK requires at least six children to attend in order to break even. One way to ensure this, is to ask parents to pay termly (Starz offer 12 week terms for £55), providing them with an incentive to attend each week, and safeguarding the business’s balance sheet if some students are absent for any reason.

Similarly, Wilton charges an upfront fee of £60 for a six-week dance course in central London, with a deal of £100 offered to couples. However, she also offers a drop-in price of £12 per class, to entice first-timers who might not be ready to commit to a full course or have unpredictable working hours. For private, one-to-one tuition your fee can be much higher: between £45 and £100 in the capital. London Zumba teachers typically charge between £7 and £12 per hour.

You could also boost the revenue generated at each class by selling a small selection of relevant stock, such as children’s tutus at a toddler ballet class or weighted toning sticks at Zumba (which can be used to boost the workout). As Weston-Mommsen points out, this can be a good money-spinner, because – in the case of early years ballet classes at least – “once someone sees one child in a tutu, they tend to want their own.” If you choose this route, that is another cost to factor into your business plan: buying up a supply of stock (and possibly paying for somewhere to store it). You also need to equip each teacher with a box of samples, so customers can view the products and then make an order – either online or to collect the next week.

To help formulate your dance school business plan you may find it useful to download our free business plan template .

As your brand develops, you may want to consider making your dance school into a franchise. This could be a great way to grow your business, while passing regional management to your franchisees.

Tips for dance school success and useful contacts

Hopefully by now you have all the tools to make your dance school a success. However, if you get stuck along the way, there are plenty of organisations out there to help you.

These include the Imperial Society for Teachers of Dancing, the International Dance Teachers Association and the Royal Academy of Dance – as well as Startups’ own site.

Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing http://www.istd.org

International Dance Teachers Association http://www.idta.co.uk

Royal Academy of Dance http://www.rad.org.uk

If you are still unsure about whether you could start a dance school, use these top tips from entrepreneurs who have opened their own. Lianne Weston-Mommsen, Starz Academy UK:

• “You get most people word-of-mouth so reputation is key. Your customer service must be excellent – address queries and issues immediately and don’t put customers under pressure to buy stock.
• There is always room to improve, so listen to your teachers’ feedback and never think you know it all. Listen to other people, because what works on paper might not work in reality.
• Launch in new locations – but then stop and grow what you’ve got. Fill your existing classes rather than opening more. Recruiting area managers can help deal with the most time-heavy bits of your business.
• Consider your business like a spider diagram. What can come out of your central bubble? Get the first bit right before you roll out other ideas. Learn from your mistakes so that you can be more efficient second time around.”

Denise Hutton-Gozney, Razzamataz Theatre Schools:

•  “Research your market and remember, location, location, location!
• Follow best practice – make sure your health and safety policy is up to date.
• Recruit a fabulous team. Never go for second best.
• Be organised and try to have fun along the way.
• Get a mentor (I went to The Prince’s Trust). They can seem nosy but they’re there to help you. They provide great advice and are much cheaper than turning to consultants! Mine also put me forward for some awards.
• Everyone loves a star. If you can get someone high profile in to launch your business or judge your competitions, it does help.”

Viktoriya Wilton, Inspiration2Dance:

• “Stay on top of your cashflow and make every penny count.
• Get out of your comfort zone.
• Don’t be scared. Fear is the only thing that prevents us from doing something. You might be surprised how easy it really is!”

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Dance and Body Image: Developing a Positive and Supportive Studio Environment with Amelia Fazio

My 13-year-old has been attached to her phone since she got it. I was surprised to see her happily leave it behind for a school dance.

• My daughter got a cell phone for Christmas last year, and she is attached to it.
• Her school said no phones were allowed for their 7th grade dance, and she was fine with it. 
• I was excited for her to have a night without phones, but also worried about how she'd reach me.

Parents, teachers, and school administrators know teens are tethered to their phones . After our middle school daughter received hers for Christmas last year, we saw only the top of her head for months.

That's why it was surprising to see her willingly, without hesitation, leave her beloved phone on the kitchen counter when she attended a middle school dance recently. But she knew the school policy — phones aren't allowed. And if she brought it, she'd have to hand it in upon entry anyway, so why bother? I knew the pickup time and she knew she could borrow an adult's phone or use the school phone to call me if need be.

So, dressed up in a baby blue summer dress with her favorite pearl earrings (and dressed down in Nike Blazers — because she's 13), my daughter bounced off excitedly to spend a couple of hours with her girlfriends, dancing and belting out lyrics to Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo hits .

She said it was the best night ever

And she did. She danced every song all night and came home breathless and happy, declaring the dance "the best night ever."

Upon returning home, she immediately resumed normal activity and started texting and SnapChatting her friends . But between 7 and 9 that night, there was just laughter, music, and dancing — and no one had phones in their hands.

No phones equals real, authentic fun for kids

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As a parent navigating a digital world that seems light-years away from the one we grew up in, I love this policy. I love that, for two hours, kids who chose to attend the dance were living in the moment, looking at each other's faces, and having real, authentic fun — not manufactured, filtered fun suitable for Snapchat or TikTok .

I love that my teenage daughter had that feeling of magical joy that doesn't happen very often — the kind you feel in the deepest part of your chest, the kind you remember for a lifetime. I can remember having that kind of fun at 13, dancing with my friends, screaming and singing "I'm Every Woman" by Whitney Houston, never imagining a world where we'd each have a tiny computer in our hands.

She could still reach me if needed

I shared about this policy on social media and was met with quite a bit of praise for our school administration. But the comments were also flooded with criticisms, specifically related to kids not being able to contact their parents if there was an emergency like a shooter or if they were being bullied, harassed, or felt sick and wanted to leave.

For the second set of critical comments, that's an easy solution. Kids who hand their phones in can ask for them back if they're leaving and then use them to call for a ride. They can also ask to borrow an adult's phone or use the school phone.

As for the gun violence issue, however, I see their point. I live in fear of my children facing an active shooter situation every single day.

It's a balancing act — raising kids in the digital world and also in a nation plagued with gun violence. I want my child to have these authentic, core memories — like I did as a kid. But I also know that our world isn't the same world I grew up in.

An evening without phones is worth the risk

I want my 13-year-old to enjoy being 13. I want her to feel free and untethered from a tiny computer in her hand. And sometimes, I want her to feel free and untethered from me.

That means sometimes she leaves her phone at home. And that she'll have to face whatever is going to happen around her without it, without me, for two hours so that she can lose herself in her favorite song. So that she can hold hands with her besties and sing "Getaway Car" at the top of her lungs. So that she can come home and tell me that she just had "the best night ever" — even if (or, perhaps especially because) none of her dance memories exist online, but instead, are just a memory in her mind and in her heart.

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LAUSD police deployment to 20 schools collapses after one day amid opposition, confusion

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A plan to return police to 20 troubled Los Angeles campuses amid an alarming crime spike — an action approved by schools Supt. Alberto Carvalho — began to collapse after one day amid opposition and confusion.

The deployment of officers would have marked the largest shift to date since a Los Angeles school board decision to ban officers from campuses and move toward eliminating the department.

Once they learned of the deployment, board members raised concerns not only about the action but about a confusing slew of memos, and questioned why they were not alerted in advance. In 2020 the board had voted 4 to 3 to ban police from campus, while also approving a 35% cut to the school police budget.

Anti-police activists reacted with outrage, while parents who support a police presence expressed guarded approval.

But the plan already is being scaled back, school board President Jackie Goldberg said Thursday.

“Basically it’s not going to continue,” she said, but “it is going to give us the opportunity to set a date — which I’m working on now with the various school board members — to actually have a public safety discussion.”

“We’re going to talk about, ‘What is your authority, Mr. Superintendent?’ That’s what the question will be, because I don’t think board members agree with what he thought he knew. However good or bad this week was — I don’t know. I’m less worried about that than the fact that it’s going to open up this real discussion that we need to have,” Goldberg said.

Deputy Supt. Pedro Salcido, who oversees business and operations and reports directly to Carvalho, answered questions from The Times on behalf of the superintendent. Salcido said he thought that the staff was operating properly under a combination of its own authority and with general agreement from the school board — based on comments made in past discussions about the discretion needed to deal quickly with serious safety issues.

“We’re very much still following the spirit of the board’s resolution, as well as the updated adjustments to deployment, that are responsive to those kind of ongoing threats,” Salcido said. “Any type of deployment of an officer is temporary in nature. It’s responsive to a school need.”

This latest action to make schools safer highlights the dispute over security in the nation’s second-largest school system, as fights on campus and other issues have shot upward since students returned from pandemic-related campus closures, according to district data.

Amid school crime spike, task force wants L.A. campuses to decide whether they need police

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May 6, 2024

On Monday morning officers were dispatched to 20 middle and high school campuses across the sprawling L.A. Unified School District, a deployment that was to last through the end of the school year on June 11, according to a district document.

The deployment — one officer per campus — was coordinated with the district’s operations division and included additional mental health workers and staff from the regional family and student engagement division. Another component included “critical training” for supervision staff such as unarmed campus aides and school climate advocates, whose role is to connect with students in positive ways to create a more nurturing and safer environment.

The schools were selected based on incidents on and near them, according to district documents obtained by The Times.

Schools on the list for the targeted action include:

• Washington Preparatory High School — where a student died in an April 15 off-campus shooting after a district safety worker allegedly refused to intervene to stop a fight.
• Northridge Middle School — where officers entered campus on May 3 to arrest two students carrying loaded semiautomatic handguns around school.
• San Fernando Middle School — where district sources report a high frequency of fighting that contributed to recent changes in the school administration.
• Panorama High School — which sits in a notoriously challenging area for rival gang activity. In 2017, students lured a classmate to a remote off-campus area, where he was killed . In the past, MS-13 gang members had periodically tried to infiltrate the campus.
• Franklin High School — where parents and students have complained about safety and locked bathrooms in an effort to control vaping and drug use.
• Bernstein High School — where in 2022 a student fatally overdosed on fentanyl bought from a fellow student. A nearby park has been a locus of drug activity.

“Schools were selected based on relevant ... data from calls and incidents related to firearms and crimes against persons, weapons, and fighting/physical aggression from the last 3 months,” according to a memo Carvalho emailed Wednesday night to the Board of Education. “The severity, recency, and location of the incidents was also a key factor in identifying the sites requiring targeted support.”

The Times obtained a list of the schools from other sources after the central administration declined to release that information Tuesday and Wednesday.

L.A. student dies after safety team member allegedly does not intervene to stop fight

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On Thursday, the district released the memo Carvalho had sent to the board Wednesday night, which contained the same list of schools.

It’s an open question whether telling school board members beforehand — or getting their approval — was necessary. In an early April school board meeting, a staff presentation noted that, as of that date, officers had been temporarily deployed to 41 campuses during the current school year for periods typically ranging from a day to a week to address ongoing concerns or in the aftermath of a serious crime on or near campus.

Before the ban, high schools typically had one officer each and middle schools shared an officer for every two campuses.

The board’s 2020 decision to remove police from campus responded to adult and student activists who wanted to eliminate school police. Since then, police have worked in patrols near schools, investigated crimes, made arrests and responded to calls, including emergency situations on campus. They also have teamed up with mental health workers when those workers are defusing difficult situations.

A Sunday night memo emailed to Los Angeles School Police Department officers from Deputy Chief Glenn Besunder gave them detailed instructions about the deployment and advised them to exercise discretion.

“We do not police students,” he wrote. “We protect students. We embrace opportunities for restorative practices and diverting criminal matters from the courts to supports. We believe in utilizing de-escalation tactics whenever possible to eliminate or reduce use of force. LASPD does not participate in student discipline matters. We understand that young people make mistakes. We, like other staff and faculty, are there to guide, mentor and pick them up when they fall.”

The internal police memo describes the on-campus assignment:

“Arrive at your campus at least 30 minutes prior to the start of school. Leave your campus no less than 30 minutes after dismissal ... Get a set of school keys for emergency response and routine access. Identify a desk or share office that you can use ... Be polite, friendly, professional, respectful and approachable ... Greet students and staff daily — get to know them.”

But Salcido said this police memo, which named the schools that would have officers, was unintentionally misleading — implying incorrectly that all the officers would be stationed on campus. He said that’s only the case at two campuses — Washington Prep and Northridge Middle.

In his Wednesday night memo to the school board, Carvalho said that the police document had “unfortunately not been reviewed nor approved by the appropriate staff. The communication provided information inconsistent with Board Policy and the directive outlined for enhanced safety supports for targeted schools. That communication issue is being addressed with the relevant leadership staff.”

But Carvalho had communication problems of his own.

Board member Tanya Ortiz Franklin, who chairs the school board’s safety committee, said she learned of the deployment Monday morning at a community safety meeting in Watts. She listened as a school police representative reassured participants by alerting them of the new school-support strategy. The school police officer assumed that Franklin already knew about it. She told The Times that she did not.

Franklin was not on the board when the 2020 policy was approved, but has generally been the strongest board advocate for eliminating the department.

Goldberg said that she learned of the deployment from The Times on Wednesday. That same day she said she had at least two conversations with Carvalho over the matter. Based on the first, she concluded that there was no deployment, merely a proposal. After a later conversation, she concluded that the deployment had occurred, but that neither she nor Carvalho had known that it had been rolled out.

Thousands rally over expected school cuts, a rebuke to LAUSD’s pledge to protect workers

L.A. Unified union leaders call Supt. Alberto Carvalho a liar and a coward. Carvalho says harm to students, workers has been minimized in difficult budget times.

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Her confusion — and that of other board members — was understandable. Carvalho had sent a memo at 4:36 p.m. Monday to the school board explaining that the initiative was in the planning stages — which conflicted with the Sunday police memo.

Carvalho’s Monday memo said the district “will identify a subset of schools (approximately 20 system-wide, with some variance for each Region based on size) to receive additional support. Schools will be selected based on relevant ... data from the last 3 months.”

In fact, the schools already had been selected and deployment had already begun that morning.

Principal Cindy Duong of Cleveland Charter High, which was among the schools listed, had known about the deployment even earlier and alerted her school community in a message she sent out the previous Friday:

“Our school will be receiving additional safety and well-being supports starting Monday, May 13. These supports will include mental health and supervision staff, as well as on-campus School Police staffing. We appreciate our Region North leadership for allowing us to supplement our existing school resources with these additional District personnel. These supports will remain in place until the end of the school year on June 11.”

Salcido acknowledged that Carvalho’s Monday memo to the school board — sent from the superintendent’s email address — was inaccurate. It used language — now out of date — that had been prepared for an earlier communication that was never sent, he said.

The central administration would not provide the Monday memo to The Times, which obtained it from other sources.

Anti-police activists immediately expressed anger over the deployment of officers.

“Carvalho made a unilateral decision with no input from students, parents, families, educators, school staff, school leadership or even the school board members who have been elected to set district policy,” said Joseph Williams, the director of Students Deserve, which recruits and assists student activists. “And all of this after three separate safety presentations were made to the board and the public last week — none of which included this updated deployment proposal.”

The student activists have said the presence of police creates a negative environment, turning students into potential suspects and making campuses feel less safe.

“It is clear that the superintendent is not centering the voices and experiences of students, not invested in creating safe, culturally and racially affirming school climates, and not invested in minimizing contact between students and police,” Williams said.

Parent leaders who are supportive of school police are waiting for more information, including Evelyn Aleman, the organizer of Our Voice, a Latino parents group.

“Our Voice parents feel that there is a complete disconnect with their asks of the district regarding school safety, and district response,” Aleman said. “While this is helpful, it isn’t enough. During COVID, when there was a risk that children might go hungry, the district responded immediately with drive-through food stations. That kind of urgency that springs the district into immediate action is what parents want to see when it comes to school safety.”

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Feb. 5, 2024

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Howard Blume covers education for the Los Angeles Times. He’s won the top investigative reporting prize from the L.A. Press Club and print Journalist of the Year from the L.A. Society of Professional Journalists chapter. He recently retired “Deadline L.A.,” a past honoree for best public-affairs radio program, which he produced and co-hosted on KPFK-FM (90.7) for 15 years. He teaches tap dancing and has two superior daughters.

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Finland to Present Plan to Push Back Migrants on Russian Border

FILE PHOTO: Migrants arrive with bicycles to the international border crossing at Salla, northern Finland, November 23, 2023. Lehtikuva/Jussi Nukari via REUTERS/File Photo

By Anne Kauranen and Essi Lehto

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Finland will propose a law next week allowing border agents to block asylum seekers trying to enter from Russia, the prime minister said on Sunday, a decision that could cause Helsinki to temporarily breach its international commitments.

Finland shut its border with Russia last year to stop a growing number of arrivals from countries including Syria and Somalia, and accused Moscow of weaponising migration against it and the European Union, an assertion the Kremlin denies.

Finland annoyed Russia last year by abandoning its long-held military non-alignment and joining the NATO alliance in response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. It has also signed a bilateral defence pact with the United States.

The draft law proposed by the right-wing governing coalition acknowledges that turning migrants back to Russia without processing their asylum applications would be in breach of Finland's international human rights commitments, but says its use will be temporary and limited.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the proposal would go to parliament next week, where it will be submitted to the constitutional committee for review.

It will need five-sixths of votes cast in parliament to pass - the high bar required for constitutional matters - and success is not certain.

"As this phenomenon is in Russia's hands - who comes, where from and when, to Finland's border - we cannot permit it. Therefore we have to augment our legislation," Orpo told reporters.    

Fewer than 40 migrants have crossed the border from Russia through the wilderness this year since Finland shut its land crossings, while some 1,300 arrived through the crossings last year, Border Guard data showed. One railway crossing remains open, for cargo only.

Finnish leaders say the legislation is still needed because migrants could start arriving again as warmer weather makes travel easier.

"There are still thousands of people in Russia ... who are waiting for an opportunity to reach the Finnish border," Orpo said, citing intelligence reports.

Finland shares a 1,340 km (830 mile) border with Russia.    

The bill would allow border authorities to turn back asylum seekers who cross from Russia, with or without using force. But it would not apply to children and disabled people, whose asylum applications Finland would continue to accept.

Contacted by Reuters on May 3, Finland's largest opposition group, the Social Democrats, said they would not commit to supporting the bill before parliament had discussed the final version. 

Finland's ombudsman for non-discrimination, Kristina Stenman, said it would be alarming if Finland refused to accept asylum applications from people arriving at its borders.

(Reporting by Anne Kauranen and Essi Lehto in Helsinki, Terje Solsvik in Oslo; editing by William Maclean and Kevin Liffey)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Photos You Should See - May 2024

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