How to Create a Standout Experience for New Dance Students: Lessons from After-School Activities

When it comes to after-school activities, parents today have an abundance of choices.

Whether it's dance, basketball, soccer, or swimming, each activity is ultimately vying for a place in a family's weekly schedule. As a dance studio owner, finding ways to stand out can make all the difference in attracting and keeping new students.

Here are some key aspects you can apply to your studios, enhancing the experience for new students and their families.

1. Ease the Enrollment Process

A seamless registration experience is the first touchpoint for any activity, and it sets the tone for what’s to come. In this instance, I had to call the basketball program for details, and they followed up by emailing me a link for registration—a process that felt more complicated than it needed to be. Consider how your studio can simplify things by offering a streamlined online registration system with immediate confirmations and helpful information.

Could your studio benefit from offering an all-inclusive starter pack, where parents pay upfront for essentials like a uniform, dance bag, or water bottle? This approach not only saves parents from making multiple decisions but also creates a sense of belonging from the get-go.

2. Guide New Students Through the First Visit

When we arrived at the basketball stadium, the lack of clear directions left us feeling disoriented. Imagine being a first-time visitor to your studio—do they know where to go and what to expect? Providing an email with a helpful map, arrival tips, or even a short “what to expect” video can go a long way in making new families feel welcome.

If your studio has limited resources, even a welcome banner or signage can make a difference. Consider how you can make a child’s first visit memorable, warm, and simple to navigate.

3. Pair Newcomers with Buddies

In our experience, Phoenix felt left out, and it affected his enthusiasm for the class. The solution? A buddy system can ensure each new student feels included right from the start. Whether it’s pairing them with a class assistant or assigning a teacher to stay close during their first class, this can make a huge difference in setting a positive tone for the experience.

This sense of attention and care, especially during their first weeks, can help a young dancer build confidence and enthusiasm that may carry through their entire dance journey.

4. Ongoing Training for Staff

Handling first-time nerves is not always intuitive, so regular staff training is key. Role-playing with your staff on how to greet new students, how to handle a crying child, or how to address a parent’s concerns can build their confidence in delivering top-notch service.

In any successful business, training isn’t a one-time thing—it’s continuous. Providing staff with ongoing training opportunities will help ensure that every new family gets a consistently great experience, no matter who’s on duty.

5. Follow Up and Build Confidence

At the end of the basketball session, no one came to talk to us or to encourage Phoenix to try again. Simply having a staff member check in with a parent or student, even for a few moments, can turn a shaky first day into a positive experience. A quick “We loved having Phoenix today!” message or encouragement to return next week can make a huge difference in a family’s commitment to your studio.

In a world where after-school activities are increasingly competitive, it’s essential to find ways to make your studio the place families want to return to week after week.

Small adjustments can create a memorable experience for new students, helping them feel valued, confident, and excited to keep coming back. By embracing these principles, you’ll be setting your studio apart and building lasting relationships with the families in your community.