Rhee Gold's DanceLife Blog

By Dance Teachers for Dance Teachers

As all that we are about, the DanceLife Blog is another opportunity to support and inspire dance teachers and studio owners. You'll discover business ideas, self-care advice, awesome classroom tips, along with some witty stories . . . by dance teachers for dance teachers!

Bettonvil, Ann

Ann Bettonvil is the Artistic Director/Co-Owner of The Studio in Brampton, Ontario and is a graduate of the Music Theatre Program at Sheridan College where she graduated at the top of her class. Ann is a triple threat who is trained in singing, acting and dance; and is the recipient...

Haithcox, Ginger

Ginger Haithcox is a dual-certified Life Coach and Financial Coach, dedicated to helping dance studio owners build peaceful lives and lead profitable businesses. She is the host of Life Coaching for Dance Studio Owners, where she shares insights on mindset, money, and self-care to empower studio owners in achieving sustainable success. With...

Herring, Amanda

Amanda Herring LOVES her job! She is passionate about sharing the love of dance while inspiring and encouraging everyone who walks through her door. She loves BIG and has a heart for new dancers joining a class for the first time. She takes pride in offering stellar service to dance...

Simpson, Pam

Pam Simpson has been the founder, president, and driving force behind Forte Arts Center, for the past 31 years. In addition to building her business from a small, one-room studio to a large, multi-location organization that offers dance, tumbling, and leadership programs as well as private music lessons, Pam is...

Trench, Andrea

Andrea Trench is dedicated to helping dance teachers create and deliver content that is research-based and developmentally appropriate. Her primary focus is classroom management, conceptual teaching, and foundational movement skill development in early childhood dance education. In addition, Andrea uses her 12 years of experience as a partner in a...

DanceLife Blog & Vlog

6 Ways to Combat Spring Fever

Pam Simpson, with her years of experience, knows that these last weeks of classes and recital prep can be difficult to get students to focus. She shares some tips to increase focus and motivation during this time of year.Pam is the owner of Forte Arts Center in Morris, IL and has over 30 years experience.

Preschool Recital Success: The Backstage Experience

Waiting for our big moment on stage can oftentimes be the most challenging part of the entire day. Today, Andrea Trench is sharing what I always pack in my backstage busy bag to help the time fly by and make it a fun part of the experience, as well. Andrea is an expert in early childhood education and owner of Discover Dance.

Studio Traditions that Build Community

Traditions are a big part of many our lives and they also are a big part of our studio’s culture and community. Ginger Haithcox shares a few of the traditions that have been part of her studio and help to build community and create excitement. Ginger is the Executive Director of Modern Motion in Somerset, NJ, which she started in 2005.

One More Push

Ann Bettonvil knows that there are times when creativity is more of a struggle than an art. We all go through “dry spells,” and how we care for ourselves can go a long way in getting creative energy flowing again. Ann shares some helpful ways to make agreements with ourselves that will help in mind, body and spirit. Ann directs The Studio in Brampton, ON with her two business partners.

Spring Into Dance: Inspiring Growth and Motivation in Your Students

With competitions coming to a close, recitals around the corner, end-of-year at school and warmer weather, our dancers’ attention spans are short. Pam Simpson sees this every year and has developed tactics and ways to help with dancer motivation and a growth mindset. Pam is the owner of Forte Arts Center in Morris, IL and has over 30 years experience.

Redirect Recital Madness w/ “3 Before Me”

Excitement and joy surround recital time, but as we all now it can also be a time of much work and some stress. Andrea Trench shares her “3 Before Me” rule to help both students and parents take responsibility to get their recital questions answered without bombarding you or studio staff. Andrea is an expert in early childhood education and owner of Discover Dance.

Financial Goal Setting

Talking about and looking at finances is a difficult thing for many business owners and the same is true for studio owners. Ginger Haithcox suggests starting slowly, making lists and developing goals for your business’s finances to help get you on the right track and take away some of the fear. Ginger is the Executive Director of Modern Motion in Somerset, NJ, which she started in 2005.

Organization 101

Ann Bettonvil saw at her own studio that more organization and documented systems were needed for efficiency, so she and her partners took the needed steps. Ann shares some helpful tips and insights into what she has done that can help you get started and feel better organized in your business. Ann directs The Studio in Brampton, ON with her two business partners.

Empowering Dance Students

Pam Simpson sees the privilege that we, as dance educators, have in forming young dancers to not only learn skills but be resilient and confident individuals. She shares the “EAR” means of empowering both dance teacherss and students. Pam is the owner of Forte Arts Center in Morris, IL and has over 30 years experience.

What it Costs to Replace You as CEO

What would you need to pay to get someone to do your role? Ginger Haitchcox asks this question to help us separate ourselves from what we do and have a new perspective on things. Your business is now in the business of supporting you and the other employees vs. you working tirelessly with no end in sight. Ginger is the Executive Director of Modern Motion in Somerset, NJ, which she started in 2005.

Give Them Something to Talk About

Excitement in the classroom is what we all want, but sometimes with that excitement, especially with our youngest students, there comes a very chatty class. Andrea Trench shares some clever and helpful ways to use the “chattiness” to help your students learn and engage. Andrea is an expert in early childhood education and owner of Discover Dance.

Boost Revenue

Ann Bettonvil reminds us that dance education and studio ownership have become year-round ventures. As the days of taking a “summer vacation” are behind us, Ann shares some new, exciting ways to boost revenue in the summer and throughout the year. Ann directs The Studio in Brampton, ON with her two business partners.

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