"We do not remember days, we remember moments." Cesare Pavese

I hope this finds you well. If this is your first tip of the week, welcome! So glad you're reading. And a big hello to you, our readers who've been taking time twice a month to read our tips we appreciate you more than you know. Last month felt like it went by at warp speed, so here we are...it's June!

Which brings me to this week's tip. With all of the graduations, dance recitals, concerts, parties, events and celebrations it can often feel like we just want to press the pause button and truly slow things down to enjoy the moments.

Especially as dance studio owners and teachers we have hundreds of details and demands to manage on a day to day basis it can become overwhelming at times.

Over the Memorial Day Weekend I had a rare chance to clean out my attic. It was full of six years of baby gear, baby clothes, random household items, and other things I had been saving in case I might need them someday. Like everyone who has had kids before me warned, they will grow up fast! And here we are I'm feeling that moment when I want time to stop and keep my kids aged 3 & 5 forever.

This year we have twelve seniors graduating from high school that attend our dance studio. Many of whom have been dancing with us since they were just three years old, some are the stars of our dance company others have stayed with dance because of the fun and joy it brings them each week. This is the most students graduating in one year that we've ever had during our 36 year history of our dance studio.

We're both happy and sad all at the same time. Exactly how I felt cleaning out my attic...

Recital weekend for our studio is coming up at the end of June. I'll be in the audience as I watch my daughter dance in her first recital and I'll also be among some parents of the graduating seniors and for them - this will be the last dance recital their child will ever perform in. It's bittersweet because I truly get it now - the time goes by SO fast.

Lately the question has come up from both dance teachers and studio owners about how to say thank you, good luck, and good bye when one of their dancers graduates and moves on to what's next.

Like the quote says, 'We do not remember days, we remember moments'.

You've actually already given your dancers their gifts.

You've created and caused joy, magic, memories, and precious happy times for your dancers and their families throughout the years.

They've received such incredible gifts through their dance education - whether it's been a brief time or their entire childhood...thank you.

If you're looking for a couple of other ideas on how to acknowledge or show your appreciation for your dancers here are a few ideas with a sentimental touch.

--> A photograph in a nice picture frame - from a performance, or show, or even in your studio is a nice memory to capture
--> A scrapbook page with some fun quotes, stickers, pictures and a thoughtful note is a great gift
--> A journal or notebook with a page signed by you that they can take and use going forward is nice
--> A small framed piece of art or dance image or even a piece from a local artist is special
--> A book that you've found made a difference to you. Write a handwritten message inside, they'll have that to remind them of your gift.

Like I learned when I cleaned out my attic this weekend. It's the memories we're attached to - not the things. It's not so much about the gift at all, it's what you say to that person in writing or in person that is the true gift. They'll remember the moments...

How to Overcome Negativity, Rumors or Harsh Reviews of Your Dance Studio

What do you do if a negative comment from a parent or former student is posted online in a review or spread on social media? There are three important groups of people you communicate with that can have an impact on how you monitor and manage your online and offline reputation. Find out what to do if you face the unfortunate challenge of disgruntled former faculty, angry parents or past students posting negative reviews of your dance studio.

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