To build or not to build that is the question

Our school is bursting at the seams! We added 35 new students putting our total to 190. For a small town this is a big school and we just keep growing! Problem is we need a new space, or at least I feel like I need my own space. We've been renting now for 7 years. I wish I had all that money invested in a place of my own looking back. The question is now with this down turn in the economy where does Dance fit in? Are there teachers out there that have weathered economic downturns in the past? What did you do to make it through? Is now the time to build, when I can get a better deal on the real estate? Or is it best to wait it out?

I would love to hear from Teachers with experience in this topic, I'm sure I'm not alone in this problem. To build or not to build that is the question!

Releve' in the news and on TV

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/10/prweb1533354.htm


Check out the press release from Releve' on HBO set design for dance studio!

Needs v.s. Wants in Today's Dance Economy

For parents determining Needs vs. Wants regarding Dance Class can be a challenge. As teachers our goal in these times must be to prove that Dance Class is a NEED, not just a want. And not just a need for students-- a need for parents too.

Every parent wants the best for their child. I was talking to one of my first year parents recently before classes started and I asked her "did you take dance when you were a little girl?" her response was... "No, but I always wanted too. So, when I found out I was having a girl I was so excited. I knew right away I was going to get her into dance class."

That's a powerful NEED. To be a good parent. To provide what you didn't get when you were little. To make sure your child has the best you can give her.

I congratulated my parent for giving her child this opportunity and thanked her for selecting our school. It was a unique moment for both of us and I was motivated to make sure class lived up to all our expectations.

It's a great question for any teacher to ask your parents... did you take dance when you were a little girl?

Lessons learned from a 3 year old

It only takes a little girl in a leotard to make me realize why I work so very hard to be a dance teacher and juggle my other career too. Last night, I had a little 3 year old, pre ballet student who simply didn't feel like coming into class, she fell apart on Grandma in the changing room. Well, turns out her mom and dad are getting a divorce, so there's lots of stress in the family right now. Grandma was welcomed into the class to be her special audience for the day - that along with a candy bribe got her into class. She loved class, smiled, danced great and participated with glee. The stress lifted off both her and Grandma. I got a hug after the treat was delivered at the end of class and a big smile from Grandma. Sometimes Dance class is like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a snowy night in Wisconsin. True comfort. And that's why I dance.

HBO Selects RELEVE' dance posters for show

My publishing company makes TV debut! HBO picks Releve!

When set designers for HBO’s upcoming “East Bound and Down” series needed to create a ballet studio set they called Releve’ Dance Posters. Crews will utilize the posters to create a life-like television set of a dance studio for some scenes.

HBO’s “East Bound and Down," is a comedy from Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. The show is about a former professional pitcher whose limited post-baseball career opportunities land him back in his hometown as a substitute gym teacher. Several scenes incorporate a young child’s dance studio in the community which is where Releve’s posters will make their TV debut. Well, at least we hope the scenes make it to the TV screen, one never knows in situations like this but you can bet I'll be watching for it.


Releve’ has been selling dance posters worldwide since 2006 to dance studios and schools. If you want to check out the products visit http://www.instructdance.com/; you can purchase direct online, or order from one of the many distributors that carry Releve’ dance posters including: DanceArtFX, The Barre Company, Vancouver Light and Sound and eNasco.

New Dance Book from American Girl

Happy to report that the new Dance! book is available from American Girl. Proudly, I helped author Apryl Lundsten with the book, serving as the official subject matter expert. My name is in the front of the book which is really cool! At my studio we'll be having AG night in December to celebrate! Every dancer needs an audience, my dolls were mine when I was little so I'm hopeful this idea will be a hit for the dancer's at my Academy.