Q: I want to celebrate what our former students are up to, so parents see the many things you can do with a dance background. What are some ways to highlight our alumni?

A: Regardless of whether students pursue careers in dance, they will develop character, discipline and a strong work ethic to serve them in their future. Let parents see that firsthand by implementing any of these ideas:

• Use social media to share former students’ dance-related news and accomplishments with your fans and followers.
• Create an alumni spotlight page on your website. Have former students answer questions about how their dance training at your studio made a difference in their lives. Ask what advice they would give current students as they work toward their own career aspirations.
• Compile a list that shows the many paths alumni have taken: teaching, theater, therapeutic fields and more. Ask alumni for specific examples of how dance has helped them develop the resiliency and determination to keep working toward a goal.
• Invite alumni who have professional dance careers to present an in-studio workshop that includes a master class and Q&A. Have them share tips on auditioning and handling disappointment. Your students will benefit from hearing about their direct experiences.
• Ask your former students to recommend summer intensives or college degree programs that will deepen students’ experiences beyond what your studio can provide.

Your studio will benefit from staying connected to past students—some may even come back as faculty.

Kathy Blake is the owner of Kathy Blake Dance Studios in Amherst, New Hampshire. She and Suzanne Blake Gerety are the co-founders of DanceStudioOwner.com.

Photo by B Hansen Photography, courtesy of Suzanne Blake Gerety