How to run a dance school
Keep one register
Every dancer should have one record with their classes, contact details, consent and medical notes. Spreadsheets in three places are where mistakes start.
Make fees easy to pay
Most late fees are forgotten, not refused. Let parents pay online, send reminders before the due date, and offer termly or monthly options.
- ✓Online payment by card or phone
- ✓Reminders before and after the due date
- ✓Sibling discounts worked out automatically
- ✓Clear refund rules for missed terms
Talk to families in one place
Rehearsal changes, show details and closures should reach every parent at once. Pick one channel and stick to it so nothing is missed in a group chat.
Take safeguarding seriously
Keep consent forms, medical notes and emergency contacts up to date, and limit who can see them. Name a safeguarding lead and make it easy for families to raise a concern privately.
Plan shows and competitions early
Costumes, rehearsals and tickets take longer than you expect. Publish dates at the start of term and collect costume fees early.
Review every term
Look at class numbers, waiting lists and unpaid fees each term. Small changes, like moving a class or adding a level, keep dancers moving up and staying.
