Love makes the world go round.   And I LOVE to dance!

I came across some tips called 10 simple steps to a healthier happier you - on Yahoo! today that really made this Broadway classic song title come alive for me.

In the Shape Magazine article, the author Jene' Luciani says, "It may sound cliche', but love truely does make the world go round."

The #8 Tip is -  Find ways to get more LOVE in your life.  Make time in your schedule to see the people you love.  Play with a child, hug your friends, tell someone you love them, and smile at someone you don't know.  These small gestures can make a big difference!

I love this advice.  We all need to bring more LOVE into our lives.  As dance teachers we get multiple chances to hug a child, play with a child, and smile at people!   What a great profession we are in.  

I think the basis of love is also rooted in confidence and that is one of the most important things we can instill in our dancers.   Personal confidence - the ability to love themselves, so they in turn can share love with others.  

At the end of every class I teach (and those that my staff teaches) we say our mantra:   I'm Smart. I'm Strong and I LOVE to Dance.   For the past 11 years we've been saying this after every class in our studio.  I'm proud of it.   This motivational statement is based in self-confidence and love.  And it works.   Even when I'm having a bad day I can say to myself "I'm Smart. I'm Strong and I LOVE to Dance!"  

A few years ago, Dance Studio Life let me publish an article on our use of this positive psychology in our dance studio.  It's linked on my website at Releve' dance posters if you wanto read it.  It's titled Winning from the Inside Out.

You should hear our backstage at the start and end of recials, when the halls and stage ring aloud with this chant from every dancer!  Gives me goosebumps every time!

Go ahead say it out loud right now....

I'm Smart.  I'm Strong and I LOVE to Dance!


It feels good doesn't it?   :)  (there's a smile from me to you)

Take some time for you today and read these tips! 

Dancingly yours,

Ms. DeAnne

The ripple effect of dance in a small town

As a dance school owner in a small town, population less than 4,000-- in rural Wisconsin I have a very typical dance program. Over the past 10 years I've had the privalage to share my love of dance with more than 200 students each week. Well, last weekend our local high school hosted a Show Choir Invitational with high school show choir teams from all around the state. As I sat there watching I realized what an impact my program has had on the kids in our town. You see some of my first dancers are now in high school - so it was really cool for me.

All of the choreography for the Middle School and first level High School choirs was created by 3 of my dancers. High school students themselves, two of the girls are or have been assistant teachers and the third was a long time student. Those three girls took what I taught them and shared it with 50 more kids. And they did great!

Then, when I looked at the front rows of both these choirs I see them filled with my dancers too. Some past, some present, but all students we've touched in someway through our dance academy.
It was proud moment.

I know many dance school owners struggle with keeping the high school age kids in their programs, we do too. There's so much competition for their time. But now I see how those first foundational years in dance can impact a high school in both their show choirs and other extra curricular events. So, I'm ok with letting these kids fly away from a weekly dance class to strut their stuff in school plays, musicals, sports and show choir. The confidence, poise and technical abilities we gave them will last a lifetime. And right now, high school is the most important part of their world. I'm grateful that they are using all their talents to represent their school and make our community proud.

Anniversary Posters are Ready!

Remember I said I had a cool idea for my 10th anniversary show? Well I did it.

With the help of a parent with graphic design skills, we created a "Growing Up in Dance" poster for our students to customize with 3 photos of themselves growing up as dancers.

The theme of our recitial is of course "Growing up in Dance" with a garden backdrop from Backdrops Fantastic. (I can't wait to see it) So, in keeping with that theme we created a poster with three large flowers with the center of the flower blank (insert photo). When done the dancers will have a keepsake to hang in their bedrooms and remember how much they love to dance.

I wrote a cute little poem that runs up one of the flower stems. It says, "From my first little sprout to my long straight stem. I'm a dancer now and that will never end."

I hope they enjoy customizing their posters. We are going to display all 220 of them at the show in the entrance. I'll take a picture and post when I can.

Feel free to use this idea in your own studio. I'll let you know how it's received by the parents and students. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

If you need a printer/designer my friends at Kramer Printing in Madison, Wis. can work with you from anywhere in the USA.

SillyBanz and other rewards

Rewarding dancers in the studio is a constant challenge for dance teachers. What's the best way? Praise.

One thing I've learned is the single greatest reward you can give is praise - direct praise with the child's name. "Nice plie' Brooke" or "Great leap Blake", those words go a long way to keeping your dancers motivated. It's easy to start generalizing your praise to the whole group - how many times have you said, "Nice work ladies!" Sorry, but that doesn't cut it for individual motivation. You have to be direct and at the time of implementation. When I have a little one that has really worked hard, I'll walk out to the waiting room with my hand on her shoulder and tell her mom or dad - "Abie worked really hard today, she's doing just great in class." Try that sometime for a huge smile from both parent and dancer.

As teachers, it's easy to get lost in direct corrections and sometimes hard to remember to praise even when they don't get it perfect. Remind yourself often that the words that come out of your mouth are like pieces of sweet candy! The more they hear them the more they want! And the harder they will work to hear it.

For special holidays, I do usually give out candy treats and on most nights a sticker to the little ones- this year for Halloween I ordered the ART themed SillyBanz online and they were a HUGE HIT! I decided that I'd set a healthy eating example and skip the candy, no one complained, they love collecting the SillyBanz.

Another Year Done.

Well, it's recital season and that means that dance teachers across the country are beginning to breathe a sigh of relief...another year well done! Whew!


You already know this, but your end of the year recital is your biggest marketing tool for the next season. I hope you remembered to invite your local newspaper in to take photos, sent a press release before/after with audience results, and included an annual summary along with your registration dates for the next season with the release. I also hope you put your URL for your website and Facebook contact info in your show program. These are just some simple steps to expand your marketing opportunities at no cost. (If you didn't, put it on your list for next time!)


This year our class photos were posted on our Facebook page which people really enjoyed. Also, I encouraged students/parents to post their own snapshots on our site and asked them "What was your favorite performance?" Asking questions in your Facebook account is very helpful to start discussions.


Of course parents love to show off their photos and dancers love to tag their photos and share with friends. Creating buzz after the show is important to keep your successful show at the tip of their tongue when they are socializing online or in the local cafe.


I hope you all get a small break before summer classes begin. Breathe! :) Congratulations on another successful year. I'll be off for the summer from teaching, but working on fulfilling orders from dance teachers around the globe of my Releve' Dance Posters.

Forty and Fabulous

Well it happened I turned 40 this week. And in truth it wasn't all that bad. I guess it really is true, "you're only as old as you feel" - and I feel fabulous. My studio was decorated with window paint on all the mirrors much to my chagrin, but the kids really seemed to enjoy helping me celebrate my big day. Of course it helped that I brought birthday treats to share, just like they do for their special days.

I really think dancing will keep me young and I hope I can keep dancing for a long time. I had the pleasure of attending Ms. Virginia Davis' recital in Beleville Wis. last weekend. She was a dear friend of my own teacher Ms. Ginger, so she has seen me grow up in dance since I was a child. Dance has certainly kept her young- she looks amazing! The tradition of dance is so important, passing from generation to generation - teacher to student. I would encourage you to invite your former dance teachers to your own recitals, even if they are far away, you never know when a road-trip is in order. Think of the rewarding experience it would be to have one of your own students invite you to their recital 20 years from now.

I Love to Dance

Since it's Valentine's Day week I thought I'd reflect and share a technique we use at our school. I call it positive psychology - each of our classes ends with a statement, a chant - it goes like this... I'm Smart. I'm Strong and I LOVE to Dance! For the past 10 years my students have been saying this same statement at the end of class, at the start of a recital and behind the closing curtain. We have it on our waiting room wall and our kids even have arm and hip movements they created for it. Some people may call it brainwashing... I'd call it a motivational mantra. And you know what? It works. Positive self talk has powerful meaning to many people and even when I'm having a tough day I say this statement to myself and I feel better. Try it, say it to yourself -- right now, say it out loud. "I'm Smart. I'm Strong and I Love to Dance!"

I give you permission to use it in your studios too. Share the love of dance and use positive psychology techniques like this to make your dance program even stronger. And for an extra boost, join DanceStudioOwner.com to get cool coloring book pages that also say I Love to Dance!

SCORE a business plan for your school

Do you have a working business plan for your dance school or retail shop? If you are like most small business people the answer is yes and no. Yes- I have one (or should we say HAD one), when we started, but we haven't looked at it in a while. If it has dust on it you really can't say you have a business plan now can you?

The Small Business Administration has a very helpful website at www.sba.gov on it you can spend hours finding resources you may have never known you had available. One I'm excited about is SCORE. It's a group of retired, executives that will sit with you and build a business plan, or simply just talk through your most recent trials and tribulations. And I know as independent-minded dance teachers we often feel we are alone or maybe afraid to ask for help. Well, here's help and it's FREE. Recently, I visited our local SCORE office in Wisconsin to talk about my Releve' Dance Poster business and they were very helpful, so tomorrow I'm going back to talk about my dance academy.

You'd be shocked at how quick they can get to the root of your problem. Business is business and these people know the business of it all. I go tomorrow to review my "old" plan and make a new financial plan with a specialist in that area. Did I mention this service is FREE! If you are thinking of expanding, contracting or even selling your business I think they are worth a step on your to do list before the dance season goes back into full swing.

Another option is to certify your business as a women owned business, check for that on the SBA site too. Find your state's resources and use them, that's what your tax dollars have been funding you may as well get your money's worth.

Hello Spring, time to spruce up the dance studio.

I'm going to take a minute to remind all our dance teachers that spring cleaning isn't just for our homes. Busy schools start to look a bit worn and torn this time of year. If you have a spring break at your school consider investing in a little bit of paint and wall hangings to spruce up your space. I know we all usually wait until summer to do this, but consider that parents are going to be making resistration decisions soon and you want to make sure to have your best dress on, so to speak. Especially now in this financial turmoil many families are facing.

A fresh coat of paint and a few new interactive art posters from Releve’ dance posters can make the studio shine. And for less than $100.00 you can make parents and students see that you are investing in your business and in them. And make it a place they want to come to for a bit of a reprive.

Your walls talk. Do you know what they are saying about your business? Roll up your sleeves and let's get to work.

(if you want to order Releve' posters, go to http://www.instructdance.com/) Sorry, a little shameless self promotion for my company. These are the 5 positons for ballet and other dressing room type posters to get kids dressed right for class.

The little gifts a teacher receives

Had another "Smile" moment this week at class when a student gleefully pranced into my studio to give me a gift. She made it herself, a necklace of colorful beads made just for me - her Dance Teacher. She asked me if I'd wear it, so of course I did. She was proud as a peacock.

I love little moments like that -- the pretty drawings we get, the occassional wilted tulip or silk bouquet-- all are lovely just the same. Gifts from the heart. That's where dance comes from too, we've awakened a spot in thier hearts so bountiful they can't help but share it with us. That's truely something you and I can be proud of.

Enjoy the gifts my fellow teachers. The love always returns to us.

Experiencing the "Flow" - Create Your Happiness

Have you ever just listened to a piece of music and the dance just appeared in your mind? Maybe it was just a combination that struck you to a particular part of the refrain? I love it when that happens! It's called being in the "flow."



Over the years I've learned to wait for it. I'll listen to music that I need to choreograph for my student recital over and over again until the movement appears to me. Now, please don't stop reading because you think I'm crazy. It really does work for me. When people ask "how do you choreograph all those dances" I tell them that after awhile the dance sort of just "appears" to me. I can start to see it happen on stage, feel it as I move around and then I write it down quick. Does this happen for you?

If it does, psychologists would tell you that you are IN THE FLOW. You are linked with the moment, the motivation and the talent to make it happen and you are totally in sync with yourself. I think we all need to find more "In the flow moments."


You've heard the term "go with the flow" well this is a new look at that idea. It's probably where that catch phrase came from, now that I think of it.


Here's an excerpt from the research...There is a state that psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi writes about called flow. The Experience of Flow:

"My own addition to this list is the concept of the autotelic experience, or flow, and of the autotelic personality. The concept describes a particular kind of experience that is so engrossing and enjoyable that it becomes autotelic, that is, worth doing for its own sake even though it may have no consequence outside itself. Creative activities, music, sports, games, and religious rituals are typical sources for this kind of experience. Autotelic persons are those who have such flow experiences relatively often, regardless of what they are doing.

Of course, we never do anything purely for its own sake. Our motives are always a mixture of intrinsic and extrinsic considerations. For instance, composers may write music because they hope to sell it and pay the bills, because they want to become famous, because their self-images depends on writing songs—all of these being extrinsic motives. But if the composers are motivated only by these extrinsic rewards, they are missing an essential ingredient. In addition to these rewards, they could also enjoy writing music for its own sake—in which case, the activity would become autotelic. My studies (e.g., Csikszentmihalyi, 1975, 1996, 1997) have suggested that happiness depends on whether a person is able to derive flow from whatever he or she does.

A brief selection from one of the more than 10,000 interviews collected from around the world might provide a sense of what the flow experience is like. Asked how it felt when writing music was going well, a composer responded,

You are in an ecstatic state to such a point that you feel as though you almost don't exist. I have experienced this time and time again. My hand seems devoid of myself, and I have nothing to do with what is happening. I just sit there watching in a state of awe and wonderment. And the music just flows out by itself. (Csikszentmihalyi, 1975, p. 44)

This response is quite typical of most descriptions of how people feel when they are thoroughly involved in something that is enjoyable and meaningful to the person. First of all, the experience is described as “ecstatic”: in other words, as being somehow separate from the routines of everyday life. This sense of having stepped into a different reality can be induced by environmental cues, such as walking into a sport event, a religious ceremony, or a musical performance, or the feeling can be produced internally, by focusing attention on a set of stimuli with their own rules, such as the composition of music.

If you are still reading, Congratulations! You made it through a college course on flow. It's a bit of a tough read, but its interesting and note how old the research is...this is not new stuff. I bet I was in pre-ballet class when this research was written.

So, go find your flow! I bet it's some place with music and an empty stage nearby...

What's in a name? Taking Attendance a new way

After reading the most recent issue of Dance Studio Life from Rhee Gold I was inspired to find a more fun and interesting way to take attendance. We've always sat in circle in the youngest classes and I've called their names off. Mostly I do it so I can remember thier names... little do they know. But the article I read talked about how taking attendance is important so the dancer learns responsibility to come to class etc. and it encouraged teachers to make a big deal about taking attendance.

So, I began thinking on my drive to the studio, "What could I do to make it more fun?" When I arrived I pulled out a 99 cent princess wand out of my trusty, secret closet and wall-a instant fun... well almost. I decided to have the kids pass the wand around the circle and they could say "My name is ...." and it was fun! Not only did it get each childs voice heard during the class it gave them an additional public speaking opportunity! It really brought out thier personalities too, which in just a few short seconds is enlightening. Some look egar and take it really seriously, some say thier name in one big motion as they try to get rid of wand and limelight as quickly as possible. And I had 2 girls that night who gladly grabbed that wand and then FROZE! They couldn't say thier own name. Now, for me that's great to know. I will focus on getting those girls comfortable saying thier name in a few weeks. I'm always up for a challenge.

In tap class they stated thier name and gave me three shuffles. I guess we could add ballet turns or curtsies to ballet class. The options are endless.

If you have ideas that have worked for you please share them with us.

Dance Online. What will the New Year bring?

In just the past 5 years alone the Internet has impacted our profession like nothing before. There are so many cool sites now providing resources for teachers and students alike. And don't get me started on Youtube what a site for sharing dances and inspiring young dancers the world over!



Someone told me in 2005 when I was starting my Releve' dance poster business that dance teachers we not online yet, they were slow adopters. Well, that may have been the case in 2005, but it's all changed now. I'm hoping that all dance teachers now have access to the web and are using it to build their business and communicate with their clients. If you don't have a site yet, there are many places to go. I did a very simple site for my studio using http://www.vistaprint.com/, give it a try.



I've encountered a few sites I thought I'd share with you...

Dance Advantage http://danceadvantage.net/

Dance Advantage Interactive Companion Network http://danceadvantage.ning.com/

http://www.zazzle.com/ - you can build a shop and have logoed items to sell to your dancers.

http://www.gendance.com/ - for the hip dance crowd





http://www.dancemedia.com/





http://www.danceteacherweb.com/- a paid subscription site, but worth the price.





http://www.danceartfx.com/- t-shirts,tickets and more for your shows.







There are thousands of other sites, if you have one you like post it in the comments and share it!

Creating "Priceless" Moments That's Your Job

Visitors filled our studios this week for our first "Visitors Day" of the season. It is always fun and exhausting. For the teacher it's like being on stage for the entire night of teaching. And for the student it's also full of joy and trepidation.

This year with Christmas so close to our special day I created a little number to "Santa Baby" a fun classic tune. The kids wore Santa hats and looked so cute. But the best part was getting the parents to follow along and dance beside their student. It is so cool to see that little girl look up at her Dad with a giggle and have Dad smile right back, the moment is one they will cherish forever. As I watched special moment after special moment unveil itself each night I thought to myself ... "that's how to keep customers" -- give them moments they couldn't possibly pay for anywhere else. Dance classes then become priceless. (And thankfully, "For everything else there's MasterCard.") As the economy changes I'm going to work hard to create more priceless moments for my parents, I suggest you think about how priceless your program is to your parents too.

Happy Holidays.

Must haves -- hand sanitizer, chiropractor, massages

I'm attributing this blog post to the fact that I just recovered from a 48 hour bout with the flu along with the rest of my household. It certainly didn't make for a pretty weekend. Thankfully I didn't have to miss any classes, but it did help me learn to appeciate my general good health. Have you all supplied your waiting rooms and studios with klennex tissues and hand sanitizer?, if not run to the store now. (Flu season is here and no I didn't get a shot, thank you for asking.)

I'm not even 40 yet (just to set the record straight), but dance takes a toll on your body even at an early age. I've come to love my chiropractor and "extreme" massage therapist for all the work they do to keep me doing what I love. Now, this "cocktail team" I have to keep me in alignment is a rare gift. Over the years I've had other chiropractors and various "fu-fu" massages, so I know the difference and appreciate what I have available to me. I'm very grateful for their knowledge and abilities and the fact they work as a team on me even from different practices.

As a teacher I may know the kinetics of movement and other muscle structures, as I'm sure you do too, but it's a whole new ball game when it comes to taking out the knots and stress from these areas caused by the odd things we do to our body in dance.

Professional dancers I'm sure would tell you they too love their chiropractors and massage therapists. So, treat yourself like the professional dancer you are! Don't discredit teaching dance as less important than dancing professionally. It takes a toll on your joints and muscles in many of the same ways and often for more years.

I would encourage all of you to make sure you have a strong team of natural healers to keep your body working for you. Try to avoid taking lots of pain meds. Instead, get monthly adjustments and massages. It will help you be a better dance teacher, reduce stress and keep you healthy for longer. I'm sure I could find some fancy source or something to link to here if I went to find it, but for now you'll have to take my word for it.

And if your relatives are looking for a great gift idea tell them you could use a good, deep tissue massage. No fu-fu massages for you either Sister!

Enjoy. And remember to Breathe.

Thank you for being my student

So often we forget to give thanks to our real customers. Sure we say "thank you for being our customer" to the parents, after all they pay the bills. But when was the last time you really showed gratitude to your students just for giving you the chance to be their dance teacher?

Thank you for coming to class and for wanting to learn.
Thank you for making me be a better teacher.
Thank you for making me exercise each week.
Thank you for making me laugh.
Thank you for accepting my love of dance as a gift - from me to you.
Thank you for wanting to be a dancer.
Thank you for being so cute in your little pink outfit.
Thank you for thinking I'm your hero, when in truth I'm just a normal person.

Let's take this Thanksgiving opportunity to remember to thank the students in our lives for making us dance teachers. I wonder... just who would we be without any students?

As one of my favorite inpirational books "The Secret" says, Gratitude is the most powerful feeling there is.

Hire a housekeeper. Really.

I'm a huge fan of Penelope Trunk she writes for many major newspapers but most importantly is a blogger and owner of BrazenCareerist. In much of her work she writes about her life with juggling family, work and a new love life, or not as the case may be now. Like many career types she preaches about doing what you love, which is what I do by owning my Dance School. But she also advises to hire help to get ahead. So, I did. I hired a personal coach and a housekeeper all in the same month. And can I just tell you that not having to worry about the toilets being clean or the floors being vacuumed has completely changed my home life- the guilt and late night cleanings are a thing of the past!

Penelope was right- my time is better served doing anything but cleaning a toilet! I'm in a small town. Every other week I can have someone come into our home for just 40 bucks! Others of you may not be so lucky, but even if it costs you more I would proclaim that it would be worth it! As my coach would say, "lets find things we can leverage" (off of your plate.) I'm all for that! Now, go ahead- hire a cleaning lady-- you'll be glad you did. Heck it could even be a tax deduction, if you do it right! And have them clean the studio too while they are at it. You have more important things to do.

Just in case you missed this article

This article is what landed me the opportunity to help write the new American Girl book "Dance!" - thought I'd share it with you in case you missed it.



Use the power of positive psychology to differentiate your school.
Written by: DeAnne Boegli, owner BHF Dance Academy and Releve’ LLC. Published in Dance Studio Life Magazine, August 2007


Recently, positive psychology stories have been hitting the news and bookshelves. Positive psychology experts recommend thinking positive thoughts to get a positive outcome. Some take this to the extreme saying they can imagine a parking spot and get it. But in general, this is not a new concept. Motivational speakers have been pitching the power of positive thinking to their audiences for years, so why now is it getting mainstream attention?


Positive attitudes can make a difference between struggling with a challenge and tackling it head on. If we are not confident we can not make good things happen. Adapting to change takes confidence and we live in a world of change. So today more than ever we need to think positive.


How does this impact dance teachers?


We’ve been teaching self-confidence for years. We tackle the world’s greatest fear -- public performance or public speaking every year, recital after recital. As a dance teacher, I’ve always prided myself in preparing young students for their first stage performance. That first exposure is critical to long term success. Training students to feel the adrenaline rush rather than the fear is what is so important. What a huge gift we give to our students -- freedom from fear. And the ability to use that “rush” to perform to the best of their abilities. After a positive stage experience self-confidence starts to grow and they can’t wait to get back up there.


In college I majored in psychology and journalism at the University of Wisconsin. My goal was to become a public relations professional. I’ve accomplished my goals. I’m still active in the profession and enjoy it daily. But along the way I found a need to listen to my creative voice, so I started a dance school in our small town in Brodhead, Wis. I wanted my daughters to have all of the gifts dancing provided to me. (thank you Ms. Ginger) And a school was born.


At my school we are all about teaching self-confidence. It’s my single goal. Our tag line is “Life is a Stage. Start Dancing™.” And I mean this. I want to raise confident young students with great attitudes. Sure, if we grow some amazing dancers along the way I’ll consider it a great success, but it won’t be my crowning achievement. Seeing a successful person with exceptional confidence in everyday life will be my reward.


Each class we put a twist on the Reverence tradition. We state our Reverence verbally. And through the years the kids have added their own choreography to it from time to time. We say at the end of each class… “I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance!™.” For five years my students have been repeating this and they believe it. (And so do their parents.) Go ahead; say it to yourself out loud.


“I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance.” Doesn’t that make you feel good? That is positive psychology in the works. Repetitive self-affirmation is good for your soul.


At first, I had young girls who couldn't say it because they didn’t believe it. I would have them stand in front of the mirror and tell themselves “I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance.” Some couldn't look themselves in the eye. It was a sad moment for me, but it made me even more dedicated to this activity with the students. If no one else in their life was going to tell them they were smart and strong then I certainly wanted to teach them how to tell it to themselves.


I had a good laugh when the senior class took some artistic license to our statement. They chanted “I’m hot, I’m tired and I want to go home” with a few giggles. I had to admire their creativity, I was tired too.
Before each recital back stage while the kids are anxiously waiting, I shout “I’m going out now to open the curtain for you… let me here it!” Then young voices say in unison “I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance!” I get goose bumps each time. It calms the dancers down. It equalizes them. From the youngest to the oldest they all say it together. They are a team, even though some of them have never met. They are in control of their emotions. They are building self-awareness.

I had some staff that doubted this technique until they saw it in action backstage. They are believers today. And we even say it at the end of the grand finale’ of the final performance as a way to say goodbye until the next season starts.


I encourage you to find your own statement.
Say what comes naturally and fits with your teaching style. I’m confident you will find success. As it becomes part of your brand it will help you differentiate your school from competitors programs. One hint: don’t change the statement often. It’s something that you need to drill over time. Something that when they are 40 they will still remember….I’m Smart. I’m Strong and I Love to Dance!


It’s fun. Try it.

Eating Animal Crackers

You all know the song "animal crackers in my soup" a Shirley Temple favorite. I have always used this diddy with my pre-ballet students. We sing the whole thing with puppets etc.
So, here's the issue...
I have a family that for religious reasons won't let their children accept a treat at the end of class or let me use holiday tunes etc. I'm not exactly sure what religion they practice, but I do my best to honor their requests. They have been long time customers.

This week at class I brought in Animal Crackers, so the kids could eat one and bring some greater understanding to the song. Well, when this child got back to her Mom after class she explained that she had eaten a treat and I could tell from the look on the Mom's face that she was really displeased. I didn't consider it candy or a "treat" it was a teaching lesson, although I did give it at the end of class to avoid the mess. So, I guess it could be considered a treat.

I observed the Mom gently scolding the child in the waiting room and of course quickly turned back into work with the next class as to not to create a scene. (I know, I'm a chicken) I'm considering sending the girl's Mom an email to explain, or should I just let it go? I feel so bad for the child I don't want her not to trust me. Perhaps someone on the post can explain this type of religion and why a little girl can't have a snack?

Making your community stronger

Many times we as small business people get so caught up in running our own businesses that we forget to step back and remember to work more for the community live in. I'm currently working within my community of Brodhead Wisc. leading a group called Forward Brodhead. We are working to make sure our community is strong for the future of our kids and our businesses. Are you living in a community that's struggling to push ahead and provide a unique, branded experience? A book called 90 days to a winning community inspired our group you should check it out. The author is James Dittoe. We as dance teachers can bring our creativity to the cities we live in by organizing and leading in addition to supporting and growing the Arts in our communities.

You have many gifts as a dancer. Make the community your stage and choreograph your business' future by creating a strong community. It may take more than 90 days, but it will be a great investment in your business future. If the community stays strong, so will your business.