As the end of the season comes in sight we all know how busy this time of year is. Rehearsing for the end of year performances, making sure all the evaluations are out to the parents, meeting with parents to discuss their childs progress and a multitude of other duties. It really can be overwhelming even for the most organized of us! For us the showcase performances are the termination of our semester and we then have two weeks before our summer programs start.

Of course, after the show we always feel pretty exhausted and we make it a habit to go away somewhere relaxing for at least a couple of days. As we relax our weary bodies in the jacuzzi invariably we come up with the ideas for next years show. This happens for two reasons, we are usually feeling exhilarated at the end of the performance and by immediately relaxing our brains are able to come up with all kinds of ideas. We write them down and can then start the planning process for the following year. Another way to certainly put your mind at rest is to have your student registration early so that over the summer you are not worrying about who is going to sign up for the fall. Also, having the registration money in your bank account before the summer break will give you a tremendous peace of mind. It will give you a much better idea of how to promote your business over the summer months. Do try to go away somewhere for a period of time. Even if it is only for a few days, it will make a huge difference to your outlook. When you are away you will probably come up with all kinds of ways to improve your business because you are not under stress or a time constriction.

One of the ways that I like to renew my spirit is to devote some extra time to myself. As a studio owner we do not get a lot of opportunities to indulge ourselves. I absolutely love going to Yoga and Pilates classes because it is something I do not take the time to do when I am busy. It is so wonderful to be told what to do for a change and not have to be in charge! I love to take walks in the fresh air and sit and read a novel or just close my eyes and listen to my favorite music. Your personal renewal is vitally important to your business and your mental and physical health. By taking time to work on yourself you will be able to bring new energy, ideas and inspiration to your business.

So what can we do over the summer to re-energize ourselves? Probably the most effective thing to do is try to go to as many classes, teacher training courses and shows as possible. What better way to get new ideas than to be with our peers and dance professionals who have years of experience behind them. As a dance teacher it is important to keep training in dance and to be constantly learning and keeping up with the latest trends. As studio owners, it is extremely important if we want to continue to grow, to not only learn more about what we teach but also to bring ourselves up to date by taking the time to learn more about effectively running our business. There are a variety of business seminars available. If your studio is in a more remote area try to go to your closest big city or make a plan to visit New York, London or some other dance metropolis to catch up on your training. Obviously, depending on where you live will depend on where you will go. The point is, try to go somewhere in the quest of more knowledge!

Finally, our creativity will always benefit from seeing shows. No matter what the show is it somehow always seems to stimulate the mind. When your mind is exposed to other peoples creativity it can only help to put new thoughts and energy into your work. I like to see as many Dance Companies that I can of as many dance styles as possible. Even if you only benefit from a couple of ideas it will be helpful to you and your studio. So, take a few minutes now to sit down and plan your summer renewal program. If you dont make a plan it probably wont happen and you will find yourself at the beginning of the season frazzled and lacking the necessary stamina to get you successfully through the year. Good luck and have a wonderful summer!