Don't Let Underfilled Classes Hold Your Studio Back

Running a dance studio is no small feat, and one of the biggest challenges many owners face is keeping their classes full. According to the Dance Studio Owners Association (DSOA) 2024 Dance Studio Owners Survey, nearly 60% of studios are under 75% capacity or don’t know their class capacity. That’s a lot of untapped potential just waiting to be unleashed! 

Why Underfilling Classes Is a Problem 

Underfilled classes aren’t just a missed opportunity for revenue—they can also affect the overall vibe of your studio. A sparsely populated class can lack the energy and excitement that keeps students engaged and coming back for more. Plus, the costs of running a class don’t change whether you have five students or 15, so every empty spot means lost income. 

The Good News: You Can Turn This Around 

The key to filling those empty spots lies in a two-pronged approach: bringing in new students and encouraging your current students to enroll in more classes. 

1. Attract New Students All Year Long 

It’s crucial to keep new students coming in throughout the year. Here are some effective strategies to ensure you have a consistent flow of new students eager to join your dance family:   

• Targeted Advertising: Use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to create targeted ads that reach potential students in your area. Tailor your ads to highlight your unique offerings, such as special classes, workshops, or community events.  

• Community Partnerships: Get involved in your local community by participating in events like fairs, parades, or school functions. Set up a booth where you can showcase your studio, provide free demonstrations, and hand out flyers or promotional materials. Engaging with the community not only increases visibility but also builds relationships that can lead to new enrollments. 

• Referral Programs: Encourage your current students and their families to refer friends by creating a referral program. Offer incentives such as discounts on tuition or free merchandise for both the referring student and the new enrollee. Word-of-mouth recommendations can be incredibly powerful, and a referral program turns your happy dancers into enthusiastic ambassadors for your studio. 

Make It Easy with the Right Tools 

Filling your classes doesn’t have to be a struggle, especially if you have the right tools in place. If you are working to attract new students to your studio, DanceStudio-Pro Elite’s Lead Center can be a game-changer. 

Here’s what it can do for you: 

• Capture and Convert Leads: The Lead Center lets you create landing pages to capture potential students’ details and automatically nurture them with a sequence designed to turn them into enrolled students. 

• Communicate Effectively: Did you know that 90% of text messages are opened within three minutes? The Lead Center’s two-way texting feature allows you to reach out to leads directly from DSP and get quick responses, making it easier to convert interest into enrollment. 

• Streamline Enrollment: Once a lead books a trial class, their account is already set up in the system. After the trial, enrolling them takes just a few clicks, making the process seamless and stress-free. 

2. Encourage Current Students to Take More Classes

Don’t overlook the students already in your studio! With 62% of them only enrolled in one or two classes, there’s a huge opportunity to boost your revenue by encouraging them to expand their dance repertoire. 

Here’s how: 

• Run Special Promotions: Offer your current students exclusive deals to try a new class. For example, give them a free month to try something different or host a “bring a friend” week where they can experience a new style together. 

• Teacher Swaps: Shake things up with a teacher swap week. Let your ballet students take a jazz class with your jazz instructor, then follow up with an offer to enroll in the extra class. It’s a fun way to create interest across different styles. 

• Make Ups: When students miss a class, offer make ups in a different style to give them exposure to something new. This not only helps them stay engaged but might spark their interest in enrolling in additional classes. 

• Student Evaluations: Use your student evaluations as a tool to recommend additional classes. When students see that you’re invested in their growth, they’re more likely to take your advice and sign up for more classes. 

Ready to Fill Your Classes? Try DanceStudio-Pro Free for 30 Days! 

If you’re ready to tackle your class capacity with ease, it’s time to give DanceStudio-Pro a try. Sign up for a 30-day free trial and discover how easy it can be to boost your enrollment and keep your classes full.