Creating more than one source, or stream, of revenue? It’s a super smart move for dance studios. Fall enrollment means a significant rise in cash flow, while mid summer may mean a dip of the same. By having several revenue streams, one source of cash flow can buoy up a dance studio even while other sources are temporarily slow. This continuity of cash flow isn’t present in a dance school with only one source of income.
Of course, your main focus is the running of your studio, which requires more than enough time and energy. You wouldn’t want to add too many other ventures, as they could become a distraction. If you keep this in mind and chose only those that are a good fit, additional revenue streams are worth considering, and may help you through the slow times.
Birthday Candles & Cash Flow:
One such way to increased cash flow is to host birthday parties at your studio. Do you have a birthday party offering in place? If so, do you actively market it? From simply renting out your studio space to hosting a fully themed dance party, the possibilities are many.
A dance studio is an excellent spot to throw a birthday party. You have the space, a ready supply of dance student prospects (each guaranteed to have one birthday a year), and an opportunity to turn the activity of a dance class into an advertising tool.
Having one of your staff teach a dance class at the birthday party does a few very positive things:
- It provides an excellent activity for the party-goers (even allowing them to work off the birthday cake),
- It gives the birthday girl, provided she is already a student at your school, a chance to share her wonderful studio with her friends,
- It gets new little girls (and hopefully, boys) not only into your studio, but taking a dance class. This lets them get comfortable with the studio, and if they’ve had a good time, they are likely to request dance classes from their parents. And three guesses which studio they’ll wish to join!
Birthday Party Menu:
Try offering different types of parties for different age groups. Little ones, age 3-6, will be thrilled with a Ballerina, Barbie, or Dancing Bear theme, while older children, say 6-12, will love a hula, hip hop or disco theme.
Have parents do the decorating, or if you’re inspired, spend a little time and money at your local party supply store. It will be another benefit for the parents if the studio is decorated to match the party theme, and the decorations can be reused.
Research online revealed prices such as:
- $150 for up to 10 children with $15 for each additional child
- $250 for 20 children and $40 additional up to 25 children maximum
- Party size under 8, one teacher: $150.00
Party size 8 to 15, two teachers: $200.00
Party size 16 to 20, three teachers: $250.00 - Price of $250 includes:
Use of two rooms for 2 hours, Teacher/Instructor teaching a half-hour class, and a small goodie bag
As you can see, prices vary. To determine what you would charge for your birthday parties, factor in your costs, what the market can bear, and what makes it worth your while.
Get the Word Out!
Once you’ve decided on the format, details and price, make sure to get the word out! After all, if no one knows you hold birthday parties, no one will book them.
Alert your customers by handing fliers to your students, mentioning the new offering in your newsletter, and of course, showcasing it on your website. Speaking of websites, here are a few studios that do an excellent job of advertising their birthday party offerings:
- At the website for The Dance Academy in Fall River, MA, they do a nice job of outlining their unique party options, and have a great call to action in conjunction with their online form.
- Groove Nation Dance in Vancouver, WA does a superb job of listing their birthday party packages and add-ons. They also feature a video showing a party in progress, which is smart.
- Urbanity Dance in Boston, MA outlines what you can expect at each of their three locations and has an inquiry form so obvious that will likely encourage people to make their move.
Don’t want kids spilling punch and birthday cake all over your wood floors? Try stating your description something like:
“Our Birthday Dance Parties are an ideal idea for kids ages 8-16. An instructor will be available to teach a fun and exciting dance combination and then lead a birthday activity or game. After the class and activities, you may choose to make arrangements at a nearby restaurant or head back to your house for refreshments and cake. For more information call…”
In the beginning, the adding of revenue streams such as birthday parties means more work, no doubt about it. But in the long run, it also offers greater peace of mind and greater financial security.
What have your experiences with birthday parties been like? Are they a worthy revenue stream for your studio, or not worth the bother?
Best wishes!
Stacey
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