I'll be honest, this time of year can be bittersweet.

It's exciting and fun because of all the performances, recitals, and special events for dancers.

At the same time stress can be at an all time high because personalities start to conflict on the dance team, over training injuries set in, and everything feels like a big deadline. Including that tomorrow is tax day here in the states! Can you relate?

I'm convinced that these stresses and demands are what can sap your energy and passion for owning and running a business. It's important to get present to WHY you're doing what you're doing in the first place.

My friend and colleague Nichelle Strzepek, founder of the DanceAdvantage Blog has created a virtual rally to bring the greater dance community together to answer, "Why Dance Matters" from now until May 3rd.

As dance studio owners and teachers we are so passionate about dance and dance education but often times in our busy day to day lives we don't share our 'why' with our own studio community and beyond.

This week's tip: Share why dance matters! When you do you'll be inspired and re-energized. Even better, be a part of this virtual rally to connect with one another to show that dance matters. Have fun with this...there are some wonderful posts on the even page already. Your voice makes a difference.

Here's how you can get all the details and participate in this virtual event.

--> Visit the Facebook Event Page: http://tinyurl.com/dancematters Some people are writing posts and sharing them on the event page, updating their status with Why Dance Matters, adding the badge to your profile and more.

--> Looking for a great National Dance Week activity? You can encourage your students to participate as well. Download the student essay or drawing forms here http://danceadvantage.net/2010/04/08/why-dance-matters/

I made a quick 90 second video at the studio on Friday, you can watch it here: http://www.dancestudioowner.com/public/Why_Dance_Matters.cfm

Equation for Growth: Recalculating Problems With Parents At Your Studio

What do you get when you add the parents at your dance studio plus the myriad of problems that can arise? Some people would say headaches! However, we owe much of our accomplishments and innovation at our dance studio to parent complaints and concerns.

Read three tips on how to transform problems with parents here in the blog post by Suzanne Gerety on Dance Advantage

http://danceadvantage.net/2010/04/14/problems-with-parents/

DanceStudioOwner.com to Help Build Technique, Confidence with Releve' Interactive Dance Art

Posters with Ballet Positions, Class Prep and Standard Messages Sold at Discount to Dance Studio Owners Worldwide

Read the full story from our newsroom here and find out how about big savings for teachers and studio owners on this great resource.

http://www.dancestudioowner.com/public/department82.cfm