Build Quality Relationships with Parents.

The quality of the relationships with the parents of students at ballet schools can make or break a ballet school. One of the biggest mistakes ballet educators make is establishing a hierarchical dialogue with parents through the use of statements like “Well, you weren’t a ballet dancer so you don’t know.” While that statement may be true, at the end of the day, parents are paying for a service, and lack of information or communication often leaves a parent frustrated and/or unhappy are critical. Again, transparency is key.

Building relationships is important, but don’t get taken advantage of. Set up clear boundaries, and set up reasonable expectations. Sometimes, we want to overcompensate because we are afraid of losing clients so we bend over backwards. Don’t.

Find the right balance and communication between teacher and client.

photo by Ashley Lorraine Baker, Dancer: Rachel Loiselle