In Episode 88, we’re diving into 5 Fun Things from our annual Staff Kick-Off—a tradition that helps us reconnect, realign on our mission, and set the tone for a great season. With our big move coming up, we kept this year’s meeting intentionally lighter, knowing a more intensive training is on deck soon.

1) Staff Lunch Away from the Studio
A cozy, cute space that keeps setup and cleanup simple—perfect for keeping the vibe relaxed and focused on connection.

2) Big Build Bash Theme Carryover
We love a theme for clarity and cohesion. With our new studio underway, the construction vibe we used at Open House made decor, slides, and materials easy and on-brand.

3) Fun, Organized Info Delivery + New Staff Resources
We used Canva slides and Rhythm visuals to make “important things” engaging. Faculty leads covered key areas: HR processes (payroll, time-off, sub logs), taking roll/Dancer of the month, assistant best practices, and more.
We paired this with Rhythmpedia—our new branded Enrollio landing page linking everything (policies, forms, calendars, schedules)—and a staff "BAND" in the BAND app for ongoing team communication.

4) Personalized Notebook with Staff Guidelines
Digital is great, but a printed, stickered, Rhythm-branded notebook helps everyone follow along. We added our Top 10 must-knows from our Staff Guidelines for quick reference and asked every team member to send their top 5 takeaways from the handbook.

5) Rhythm-Branded Bag with Fun Items
A last-minute win that felt personal: a cute tote with a Rhythm patch (heat-pressed!), plus fun goodies like a mini brush, hair ties, electronic wipes—and a colorful pouch with cash to purchase role-ready items (dance shoes, a class bag, hair supplies, leggings/dancewear). It’s practical, appreciated, and fun to see what everyone picks!

This was Part 1 of our season kick-off. -- a lighter version but still very necessary to bring everyone together and put us all on the same page at the start of a new season. A larger training will follow as we prep for our big move later this year.

Thanks for listening—we’ll be back soon with a brand-new episode!

Let's Get Social!

• Join our FREE Confetti Circle
• Request to join our private Facebook Group
• Follow us on Insta, Facebook and Pinterest

Episode 87 – Dance Teacher Summit Recap

In this episode of Make Dance Fun, Becca and Dani share a recap from Dance Teacher Summit in New York City.

Dance Teacher Summit Highlights:

• New York Energy: Being back in NYC was a highlight in itself—the food, style, and nonstop inspiration brought fresh energy to the experience.
• Connecting with Friends: They reconnected with industry friends, fellow teachers, and alumni. Meeting Melissa McGee and her Ohio State Dance Team in person was a highlight, and their staffs bonded over brunch and shared ideas.
• Garment District Becca and Dani, along with some staff, squeezed in a quick trip to the garment district.
• Creative Staff Outing: A fun trip to an Klein Designs embroidery studio in Brooklyn, run by a Rhythm alum, gave their staff a chance to personalize items and have a fun night out.
• ACE Awards: Rhythm alum Bella Mills presented choreography and they loved attending this event.

Becca and Dani presented two sessions:

1. “Summer Down to a Science” – using the scientific method as a creative framework for structuring fun and successful summer programs.
2. Branding & Social Media – tips, strategies, and reminders for keeping your studio’s presence strong and fresh.

Staff Takeaways

With a large group of their team in attendance, Rhythm was able to “divide and conquer” across multiple classes. The staff shared notes and insights in real time and are already implementing improvements, such as updating trial class processes and refreshing assistant teacher strategies. Their teachers especially loved the hip hop sessions and getting inspo for new class combos!

Becca & Dani’s Personal Favorite Classes

• Dani: A seminar with Lauren Ritchie on guiding kids through their emotional journey in dance.
• Becca: Classes with Shanna Kirkpatrick, especially Discipline Over Distraction, which offered practical time management tools.

Looking Ahead

The Summit energized them to bring new ideas back to Rhythm and continue implementing them with their staff. Next up - travel to Nashville for the Dance Educators Collective, where they’ll present again and serve as council members.

Let's Get Social!

• Join our FREE Confetti Circle
• Request to join our private Facebook Group
• Follow us on Insta, Facebook and Pinterest

In Episode 86, we welcome back Melissa McGee from Lineage Dance in Columbus, Ohio. Melissa has had incredible growth since opening her studio just a few years ago, and she’s here to continue our 5 Fun Things series and share what she’s doing at her studio right now that you might want to try, too!

1. Back-to-Dance Merchandise Boxes
Melissa noticed there weren’t many local dancewear shopping options, so she created an easy, branded “dancewear in a box” package. Parents can order or attend try-on nights, and each box includes everything dancers need—shoes, tights, leotards, and more—ready for pickup at the studio’s open house. It’s a huge time-saver for parents and ensures dancers are performance-ready from day one.

2. Choreo Camp with Clues
For their competition hip hop production, Melissa added extra excitement by mailing physical clues to dancers before camp. Each clue hinted at the theme, building anticipation and making the choreo week feel like a big reveal and team-bonding event.

3. Friday Night Lights Parents’ Night Out
Capitalizing on football season, the studio offers themed “Friday Night Lights” events so parents can enjoy the game while younger dancers have fun at the studio. These are offered a few times each fall, sell out quickly, and are a great way to provide a community service while bringing in extra revenue.

4. Studio Orientation Videos with Kids as Hosts
Melissa’s team created short, engaging social media videos featuring an adorable young dancer guiding viewers through the new studio space. This fun, shareable format communicates important information in a way parents and kids love—while also showing off the studio’s personality.

5. Academic Partnership Incentive (In the Works!)
Inspired by programs like Pizza Hut’s “Book It,” Melissa is working with a local business, Storyline, to create a reward system for academic achievements. The idea is to encourage dancers to excel both in the studio and at school, with incentives like dancewear or special perks for reaching reading or grade goals.

We love how Melissa combines smart business ideas, strong branding, and creative twists to make her studio experience stand out. Whether it’s streamlining the parent experience, building anticipation for big events, or finding new ways to connect with the community, these 5 Fun Things are full of inspiration you can adapt for your own studio!

Let's Get Social!

• Join our FREE Confetti Circle
• Request to join our private Facebook Group
• Follow us on Insta, Facebook and Pinterest

We’re heading back to New York City for Dance Teacher Summit, and we couldn’t be more excited! In this episode of the Make Dance Fun Podcast, we’re sharing the top 5 things we’re looking forward to as we prepare for this incredible event. Whether you’re attending DTS this year or just dreaming of a trip to NYC, this episode will inspire you with ideas and tips for making the most of your experience.

Here’s what we’re talking about:

1. Attending with our Executive Leadership Team
It’s been so long since we’ve been able to attend DTS together as a full team, and we know it will be energizing and inspiring.

2. Networking and Brainstorming
One of the best parts of DTS is connecting with other like-minded studio owners and educators. We can’t wait to brainstorm ideas and bring renewed energy and inspiration back to our team and students.

3. Confetti on the Dance Floor at DTS
NYC is where we first launched Confetti on the Dance Floor in 2016, so being back at this event is extra special. We’ll be debuting new WOW Cards, offering show specials, and hosting two seminars:

• Summer Down to a Science: Formulas for Fun & Success
• Confetti Worthy Content: Social Media & Branding

4. Hitting the Garment District
We only have one afternoon to explore, but we’ll make it count! We’ll visit our favorite fabric and trim stores, including MOOD, Hai Trim, and Spandex House, with Beth joining us for the first time.

5. Being Inspired by NYC
Broadway shows, unique restaurants, retail spaces, museums—the city itself is a creative reset. We’re excited to soak up all the inspiration NYC has to offer and bring it back home for the upcoming season.

We’re also sharing tips for making the most of Dance Teacher Summit, from how to stay organized, to making time for daily debriefs, to how to take what you’ve learned and put it into action when you return home.

If you’ll be at DTS, we’d love to see you! Stop by our booth, attend one of our seminars, or say hello in the hall. If you’re listening from home, we hope this episode gives you a peek into the magic of DTS and a little NYC inspiration for your next visit.

If you’re enjoying the Make Dance Fun Podcast, we’d love for you to leave a 5-star review! Your feedback means so much to us, and you might even get a shout-out or fun prize in a future episode.

Let's Get Social!

• Join our FREE Confetti Circle
• Request to join our private Facebook Group
• Follow us on Insta, Facebook and Pinterest

In Episode 84 of the Make Dance Fun Podcast, we're back with another edition of our “5 Fun Things” series—this time, highlighting some of our favorite resources that we use at our studio on the regular!

Here are 5 fun resources that make our studio lives easier, more creative, and more fun! Check out our blog post for links!

1. Canva Print Services
Yes, everyone uses Canva but have you explored their print services? We've used them for mugs, banners, flyers, and more. The quality is fantastic, the turnaround is quick, and it's so easy to design and order in one spot. Go to “Print Products” in Canva and browse. So much you can create and order!

2. Sticker Mule
We use Sticker Mule for nearly every event at Rhythm: stickers, magnets, car decals, you name it. While we usually upload our own designs, they’ve really improved their internal design tools too, so you can play around with their templates if needed. They’re reliable, fast, and the product always turns out great.

3. QR Code Monkey
We’re making QR codes constantly, and this is our favorite site. It's free, super easy, and gives you tons of fun options to customize the look—colors, logos, styles, and more. It’s a simple way to align your QR codes with your branding or campaign and help you stay organized by dropping your logo into the center.

4. Studio Shuffle
We discovered this amazing resource at Studio Owner University and were instantly sold. It has completely changed the way we build our class schedules. It offers drag-and-drop, visual layout, conflict alerts, color coding and more! We use it for full-year schedules, summer camps, and rehearsal planning. Bonus: it actually makes the whole process kind of fun?!

5. Custom Patch Experience
We’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating. We created our own designs in Canva and uploaded them to Ninja Patches. The quality is awesome, the turnaround is quick, and the options are versatile (iron-on, glue, or attach to merch). We’ve used patches for dress rehearsals, shows, open houses, team wear, even teacher gifts. We purchased our patch press machine from amazon and it even came in a fun pink color! Pro tip: use it on a sturdy table!

These are just a few of the ways we’re staying inspired and prepared for the season ahead. If you’re using a resource you love, let us know—we’re always on the hunt for fun and functional new finds!

Let's Get Social!

• Join our FREE Confetti Circle
• Request to join our private Facebook Group
• Follow us on Insta, Facebook and Pinterest

Welcome to Episode 83 of the Make Dance Fun Podcast! It’s the middle of summer, and while we’re all squeezing in a little time off between camps and competitions, it’s also a great window to knock out a few things around the studio—and actually make them fun!

We’re continuing our Five Fun Things series with this week’s topic: 5 Fun Things to Freshen Up Your Studio before the new season begins. These updates don’t have to be major or expensive, even small changes can bring fresh energy and boost excitement for both your staff and your dancers.

Here are the 5 Fun Things we talk about in this episode:

1. Refresh Your Branding
Summer is the perfect time to update your branding. Think logos, retractable banners, step and repeats, A-frame signs, neon signs, and business cards. Whether it's a full refresh or just a few new pieces, make sure your look is current and consistent across your studio, website, and social media. It’s a great way to reintroduce your brand with a fresh perspective.

2. Upgrade a Space (and Make It Fun)
Pick one area to give a little glow-up—your lobby, front desk, staff room, or even a customer space. A new coat of paint, some wallpaper, fresh desk accessories, or a fun vase with flowers can completely change the vibe. It doesn’t have to be expensive—just intentional and inviting.

3. Create a Kickoff Theme
Planning a theme for your season kickoff can set the tone in the best way. Carry it through your open house, team kickoff, first week of classes, and even into your decor and playlists. Some theme ideas we love:

• Go for Goals (Olympic theme)
• Team Rhythm
• Retro Rhythm Beach Bash
• Electric Garden Party
• Planet Rhythm Launch Party
• Rhythm Berry Bananza

Themes make everything easier to brand—from dress-up days to welcome gifts and social content.

4. Build a Selfie or TikTok Wall
Encourage engagement by creating a fun, on-brand photo or video wall. It could be a painted mural, a paper roll backdrop, felt cutouts, or anything creative. Add a sign or sticker incentive to get dancers posting and tagging your studio.

5. Drop Some Fresh Merch
Nothing says "new season" like new swag. Update your logo wear with things dancers and parents actually want...t-shirts, patch hats or bags, water bottles, ribbon elastics, scrunchies, pencils, car magnets, even jibbitz. These items help build excitement and create walking advertisements for your brand.

BONUS TIP
Now’s a great time to restock any resources you use throughout the season—like WOW Cards, 567cre8 Cards, Twirl, and Twist materials. A little prep now saves a lot of time later.

So… what are we working on right now?
We’re updating our website and refreshing our logo, and while we’re still nailing down the exact theme for our open house, we’re definitely in full-on planning mode—especially with our new studio on the horizon. Some of these projects will roll out this season, and others will debut with the big move, but it’s exciting to be laying the groundwork now.

Even one small update can boo

Let's Get Social!

• Join our FREE Confetti Circle
• Request to join our private Facebook Group
• Follow us on Insta, Facebook and Pinterest

Welcome to episode 82 of the Make Dance Fun Podcast! Today, we’re kicking off a brand-new series called Five Fun Things—a collection of episodes where we’ll share creative ways to bring more FUN into different parts of your dance season. Because, after all, our mission is to help you Make Dance Fun!

In this episode, we’re focusing on five fun things you can do during company intensives, summer camps, choreography weeks, or anytime your company dancers are spending extra time together. These ideas are geared specifically toward team bonding, motivation, and building studio culture—and they’ve all been tested and loved at our own studio.

Here are the 5 Fun Things we’re diving into:

1. Outside-the-Studio Adventures
From pool parties and popsicles to mini golf and roller skating, getting dancers out of the studio helps them connect in a totally different way. These casual hangouts create space for conversations and camaraderie. Add in a fun challenge like a scavenger hunt or team craft to encourage interaction with someone new.

2. Motivational Prizes
A little surprise can go a long way. Stock up on fun finds from the Target dollar aisle or similar spots, and hand them out as rewards for hard work, leadership, or positive attitudes. We’ve done custom prizes like the Happy Rhythm Hippo or Sharp Rhythm Shark, often paired with a snack and a fun graphic. These are great for staff to hand out—or even let dancers nominate each other!

3. Headshots & Posters
We love taking individual headshots of our company dancers and creating colorful, branded posters for display at events. It adds a level of professionalism and pride. Group shots are great too if time allows. We include this in our company fees and use the photos throughout the season.

4. Get-to-Know-You Games
A great icebreaker activity to build connections. You can DIY fun superlatives or prompts like “Most likely to win a tap battle” or “Always has snacks.” These spark laughter and help dancers get off their phones and into real conversations. We’re actually working on releasing this activity as a digital download soon!

5. Team Goal Setting & Vision Boards
Whether you're guiding individual dancers or small groups, vision boards are a meaningful way to set goals together. Give them a worksheet, or let them cut and paste from magazines, printouts, or Pinterest. We’ve done this at the studio and even off-site at art studios. The goal is for them to collaborate on something visual that can hang in the studio and remind them of their shared purpose. Group photos add a nice personal touch.

Our Favorite Team Bonding Memory?
A Barbie-themed night at Avalon—complete with dinner, a scavenger hunt, games, crafts, friendship bracelets, and a photo shoot. It was pink, fun, and unforgettable!

We hope today’s episode inspires you to incorporate a few of these ideas into your own intensives, rehearsals, or company gatherings. Not only do they build stronger teams—they also make for great content. Capture the moments and share them through a reel, TikTok, vlog, or photo carousel. These are the things that highlight your studio’s personality and set you apart.

Thanks so much for listening. We’ll be back next week with another fun and creative episode of the Make Dance Fun Podcast!

Let's Get Social!

• Join our FREE Confetti Circle
• Request to join our private Facebook Group
• Follow us on Insta, Facebook and Pinterest

Welcome back to Make Dance Fun! In episode 81, we’re diving into something BIG: our brand-new dance studio space!

Now that nationals are behind us, we’re shifting focus to prepping for the upcoming season—and at the top of our list is building out our brand-new studio!

This week, we’re sharing more about the journey that’s been 32 years in the making. We’re reflecting on where we started (hello, one-studio-one-bathroom days!) and how we’ve intentionally grown—saving, scaling, and setting goals every step of the way.

Here’s a peek at what we cover in this episode:

The New Studio Journey

• Initial plans began in 2020—just as we were navigating COVID
• Explored staying in our current space vs. finding something new
• 2023–24: started working with a broker and project manager to explore every option: renovating, buying, building, even shopping centers!
• May 2024: shifted to looking at lease options
• June 2024: toured what would become the space
• Hired an architect (after interviewing several!) and finalized the design vision
• Signed the lease in February 2025 and started the permitting and demo process
• Spoiler: lots of fun planning… and lots of not-so-fun budgeting

Our Must-Haves (aka solutions to our current pain points!)

• Parking! (finally)
• Storage, including a loading dock and lift
• Better layout for functionality—hello outlets and delivery zones!
• 9 total dance studios (including 4 big ones!)
• Better bathrooms, family-friendly options, and dedicated changing rooms (that won’t double as closets!)
• Dedicated costume/craft space + staff lounge + conference room
• Senior Edge hangout space upstairs

The FUN Stuff We’re Dreaming Up

• Eye-catching entrance and front desk (still designing this!)
• Merch area + podcast room + RHYTHM wall
• Gorgeous staircase that leads to an upstairs overlook
• A colorful, sparkly, personality-packed space that feels like us

This is truly going to be the most RHYTHM-y space we’ve ever created, and we cannot wait to bring it to life! There’s still a long road ahead, but we’ll keep you posted along the way—with lots more behind-the-scenes updates to come in future episodes.

Thanks for tuning in—and if you're dreaming of a new space for your studio someday, we hope our journey inspires you!

Let's Get Social!

• Join our FREE Confetti Circle
• Request to join our private Facebook Group
• Follow us on Insta, Facebook and Pinterest