You are here:

Ballroom Dancing/Owning/Running a Ballroom Dance Studio

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/9/2008


Question
David,

I am considering buying or opening a ballroom dance studio. I have an extensive business background and the necessary funding, I'm fairly new to dance so I wouldn't be the talent, my intent would be to hire the talent.

The studio will be located in a major metropolitan area.

My question to you is, based on your experience, what should a studio do/offer to be successful and what critical errors should be avoided.

I know it's a pretty general question, I hope not too general and I would sincerly appreciate your input.

Thanks,

Steve

Answer
STEVE;

    let me add this:
contact the sba small business admin to advise you.
do a business plan.
consult with bankers in you area for financial advice.
go on line for free legal incorporation advice.
got to the library and read 6-8 books on the subject.  
revise plan.
start scouting locations -main roads, demographics   start learning about websites, e mail, marketing,  
take a class  from local hs or jc or cc or univ in this.
who is your target market? young? middle age? couples?  
What kinds of dancing?
Who is the competition?
revise plan.
contact local teachers or take their classes.
observe. make mental notes. visit other similar business elsewhere and ask Q. Who is in the Tel book ?
what are the websites e mail addressees of marriage marketing firms?
Will you have contacts in the birthday/ Bride/wedding market? Will churches, social groups or individuals give you leads.
Have you joined the chamber of commerce, business groups, Kiwanis, rotary, elks, moose, singles clubs, What is your network> Who are your mentors
what will you charge?
revise plan.
do it right the first time. expect losses for the firs t year or 2. build word of mouth power.  plan flyers, cards, signs, mail outs, window ads, What will be you PC and software? advertise for the best teachers you can get. reward them well.
when you have more info contact me again

Ballroom Dancing

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

David Lynch

Expertise

I can answer questions on American Ballroom dancing, including EAST COAST, West Coast Swing, American Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot:( 5 STYLES), Cha Cha, Rumba, salsa, merengue, Charleston, lindy charleston, 2 Step C/W, Blues swing, , single, double, triple and combo swing, be bop, rock, and Mambo. Swing- especialy 50'S rock and swing, is my specialty. I cover MOST basic beginner type questions on steps, style,LEADING, etc. I slso take some FAQs on the borders of martial arts and dance. I do not try to answer questions about international, competition, gold level or folk styles or advanced dancing or argentine tango,punks, hip hop, break dancing,or any dancing beyond 24 months of dance training, Thank you.

Experience

I have been teaching ballroom dance since 1958, over 50 years. I atarted at Arthur Murrays dance studios. I teach at Intel to the employees at lunch hour. I teach at the Shelton Elks and Briggs YMCA

Organizations
YMCA, Dance club of Olympia, love to dance club, Te -Ken- Jutsu Kai, literally hand-fist, arts club. Bahai Faith, NORTH west Fruit and berry growers assoc.

Education/Credentials
I got a 2 year degree at Los angeles city college, and 2 years study at LA state university. majoring in Psychology, and sociology.

Past/Present Clients
Thousands of students in Minnesota, Los Angeles, and now Washington State, usually give me standing applause after my classes in basic ballroom dance. I have helped teens and adults all over the world.I teach and dance host on cruise ships like NORWEGIAN STAR TO ACAPULCO, , CARNIVAL SPIRIT AND CELEBRITY INFINITY TO ALASKA. Students come to me from Canada, Mexico, and all over the USA. They go on waiting lists. I teach atYMCA, dance clubs, private homes, country clubs, retirement centers, hospitals, re unions, Government offices, corporations, factories, churches, to workers and staff during lunch breaks. I do dance host, dj and parties. To find out more, ask me about my classes. TRY MY NEW 2010 WEBSITE AT www.olympiadancelessons.com, Or google me. at dance olympia or swing olympia.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.