Are you in the process of having a new website designed for your dance studio? Or
desiring to improve your existing website? There’s an unsung fundamental design
principle that greatly enhances clarity and readability for all websites, including those of
dance studios. And this unsung hero is..? White space!
White space, also known as negative space, not only enhances the visual appeal of a dance studio’s website, but also improves functionality and user experience. From the macro level of margins to the micro level of text and images, white space ensures that the elements on the screen move in harmony. Let’s uncover the significance of white space and learn how to use it strategically for your studio’s website.
PRO TIP: In this post I’m focusing on studio websites, but the same holds true for your
promotional graphics, dance programs, and anything else you design – or a team
member designs – for use with your studio.
The Significance of White Space in Dance Studio Website Design:
Just as a choreographer considers the spacing and positioning of their dancers, and a dance studio’s physical space requires thoughtful arrangement, a studio’s website benefits from the strategic use of white space. Here are a few of the “pluses” of white space:
- Enhanced Readability: White space aids in preventing visual clutter, making it easier for users to focus on content such as your dance programs and classes. Having ample spacing around text and between paragraphs enhances readability, reducing eye strain for visitors.
- Highlighting Key Elements: When strategically applied, white space draws attention to crucial elements on a page. It acts as a spotlight, guiding users towards recital dates, calls to action, event announcements, and other important features.
- Visual Elegance: White space contributes to a sense of visual balance and elegance. It allows for a cleaner, more sophisticated design, creating a positive impression on visitors. It’s a major factor in “website stickiness” (aka: the amount of time website visitors remain on your website).
Ways to Use White Space in Website Design:
White space is not merely the absence of content. It’s a strategic design choice that
involves leaving areas intentionally unused.
Does this seem like a murky concept? Well, think in terms of the space between
paragraphs, around images, or even the margins on your webpages. Embracing white
space is like giving your design a breath of fresh air, allowing it to breathe and ensuring
a clutter-free presentation.
If you already have a dance studio website but are sprucing it up to stay with the times,
take a fresh look at your website’s page to discern whether there is ample white space
or whether your pages look cluttered. If they’re overcrowded with content, read on to
learn how to fix them!
“White space, or negative space, is not merely emptiness; it’s the breathing room that allows dance websites to perform with grace.”
Here are some specific ways to put white space to good use on your website, with visual examples:
1. Consider Your Audience's Reading Habits:
Thinking about how your dance parents and prospects read and process information, use white space strategically to guide their eyes through your page content naturally.
2. Margins and Padding:
Put generous margins around the edges of each webpage and between sections and elements to create a sense of spaciousness throughout your studio’s site.
3. Group Related Elements:
Use white space to logically group related elements. Whether it’s descriptions of your dance programs or images of your dancers in action, creating visual clusters with ample space in between helps convey a sense of order and coherence.
4. Prioritize Content Placement:
Identify key elements on your webpage and allocate sufficient white space around them. This ensures these elements stand out and receive the attention they deserve. A good example of this would be including ample white space around a bold “Register Today!” button to further emphasize its importance.
5. Line Spacing:
Be sure to use adequate spacing between lines of text. This means that sentences and paragraphs will be easily distinguishable and improve overall reading experience. Frustrated that your dance parents don’t read all the info you send out? This step will help with (but admittedly not cure) the issue.
6. Maintain Consistency:
Consistency is key in dance studio web design. Whether you’re creating promotional graphics, building your own website, or hiring someone to do so, maintain a consistent approach to the use of white space for a cohesive and polished look.
Whether you’re working with a brand new site or updating an existing design, use white
space wisely and you’ll create an online stage that captivates and resonates with visitors.
Studio owners whose don’t understand the white space piece of the puzzle often have
websites that are cluttered and user UN-friendly. Use the tips in this post, though, and
you’ll have a clean, appealing, and effective dance studio website!
Best wishes to you and your studio,
Stacey