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Bill Johnson, Courtesy Just for Kix
Cindy Clough, executive director of Just For Kix, has been called the Queen of Fundraising by colleagues. A studio owner and high school dance coach with over four decades of experience, Clough is known for her smart and successful fundraising ideas.
Now, Just For Kix has created a new online tool to help everyone tackle their fundraising goals, whether you're raising money for uniforms, extra classes, or to cover the cost of travel for your dance team's next convention.
Clough shared a few of her best fundraising tips, including everything you need to know about the new tool:
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjAzMjIxMi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MDIwMDk0NH0.5Eo6bhrgVTR-6OowPcXiNn4RFO0iXEfbp3tq2w2dgcQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="9acc0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3304d29bd2de7f5e45ff7bad57313e92" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Bill Johnson, Courtesy Just for Kix
Get everyone involved.
<p>"It works best for each dancer to have an individual account. Money raised goes directly into their account, and we keep a ledger on each participant. It helps them be more motivated. I learned this early on: If you divide the earnings equally, the 'lazy people' are along for the ride and the 'workers' carry the weight."</p>Don't overdo it.
<p>"Do fewer, large-scale fundraisers. Early on in my career, I allowed parents to talk me into adding another one, and another one. It created additional work for me, and it divided the clients with some working on one and some on another. Start with a strong plan and stand firm on it."</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjAzMjIwOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNjM0MjQyMH0.SgDCRTAg4TZADZZ-8Ra3B3YRStJgl9MMDvYuceKB5kk/img.jpg?width=980" id="ba4f7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a1c503b253e7d38a6cf920910917690c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Bill Johnson, Courtesy Just for Kix
Simplify with an online tool.
<p>Just For Kix recently created an online fundraising tool called <a href="https://simplefundraising.com/" target="_blank">Simple Fundraising</a>. Clough shared <a href="https://simplefundraising.com/howtofundraise" target="_blank">how it works</a> and what it can do for you:</p>What is it?
<p>"It's a seamless method for students to earn money to go on trips and even to pay their dance bill. The great news is you do not have to touch it—the items are shipped right to customers. I had my students get their phones out at practice one day and make lists of relatives, alumni, supporters, neighbors. They sold a great deal in 15 minutes."</p>How do I get started?
<p>"<a href="https://simplefundraising.com/register" target="_blank">Create your account</a> as a team or an individual. If you're fundraising as a group, you will need to pick a group leader who will be in charge of your funds (this could be a teacher, coach, parent, etc). They will receive your group's monthly payouts. Once you're all signed up, our team will create your storefront."</p>How does selling work?
<p>"We will build an online store with a great selection of products for your supporters to choose from. From there, your group will use <a href="https://simplefundraising.com/" target="_blank">Simple Fundraising</a> tools to boost awareness of your campaign. Members can share the storefront as a whole or share individual items to Facebook, Twitter, email and text. All items that you sell are shipped directly to the buyer and you never have to touch them."</p>How do I earn money?
<p>"Every item sold earns your team member $10 towards their <a href="https://simplefundraising.com/" target="_blank">Simple Fundraising</a> account. All payments are processed through <a href="https://simplefundraising.com/" target="_blank">Simple Fundraising</a> directly so you don't need to worry about handling money. Earnings are paid out to your group leader on a monthly basis."</p>
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Ailey II artistic director Troy Powell teaching an Ailey Workshop at NYCDA. Courtesy NYCDA
Back in 2011 when Joe Lanteri first approached Katie Langan, chair of Marymount Manhattan College's dance department, about getting involved with New York City Dance Alliance, she was skeptical about the convention/competition world.
"But I was pleasantly surprised by the enormity of talent that was there," she says. "His goal was to start scholarship opportunities, and I said okay, I'm in."
Today, it's fair to say that Lanteri has far surpassed his goal of creating scholarship opportunities. But NYCDA has done so much more, bridging the gap between the convention world and the professional world by forging a wealth of partnerships with dance institutions from Marymount to The Ailey School to Complexions Contemporary Ballet and many more. There's a reason these companies and schools—some of whom otherwise may not see themselves as aligned with the convention/competition world—keep deepening their relationships with NYCDA.
Now, college scholarships are just one of many ways NYCDA has gone beyond the typical weekend-long convention experience and created life-changing opportunities for students. We rounded up some of the most notable ones:
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjAxMTQ2Ni9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0OTk0NTQ2N30.vLep4-Qov7t7GDQgdFAdHkpiGaOqYkxsPH1XVTR0Nrk/img.jpg?width=980" id="be561" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="03731683866e61e8be8a7ef9884b44c5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
NYCDA founder Joe Lanteri with the 2019 college scholarship recipients
Courtesy NYCDA
College Scholarships
<p>NYCDA has perhaps become most known for the massive amount of college scholarships they dole out every year. Both high school juniors and seniors have the opportunity to earn scholarship money: Juniors are recruited and offered scholarships directly from colleges, who participate in the annual NYCDA National College Scholarship Audition at their <a href="http://www.nycdance.com/nationals" target="_blank">New York City-based Nationals</a> every July. Seniors who already know where they're attending school can also receive funds from the NYCDA Foundation.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjAxMTQyNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0OTY0OTE4MX0.SrAm_yccOLs1KJEL2vEApSl_HwnhE_7YOGKHps7oy8Q/img.jpg?width=980" id="31254" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f377dd1efe79d9ef7efacc150baf36d6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
NYCDA's annual college audition
Courtesy NYCDA Foundation
<p>This past summer, NYCDA had 180 dancers auditioning for college scholarships and <a href="http://www.nycdance.com/foundation/college-partners" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">10 colleges</a>—including Marymount, Point Park University, Pace University and University of the Arts—in attendance. The schools' offers surpassed 10 million dollars, and the NYCDA foundation awarded $355,000. </p><p>Langan sees NYCDA as helping dancers gain a foundational building block in their career. "A college education is really important," she says. "NYCDA has put its stamp behind it with this enormous event."</p>
Training Scholarships
<p>Many conventions and competitions—NYCDA included—give scholarships back to their own organizations so that participants can attend a subsequent event. But what sets NYCDA apart is the fact that they also pay it forward, handing out training scholarships to other institutions at every single one of their <a href="http://www.nycdance.com/regionals" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Regionals</a>. Whether or not students win any titles, they have the opportunity to earn scholarships to programs like Steps on Broadway (which Lanteri also co-owns and directs), Peridance Capezio Center, Broadway Dance Center, BODYTRAFFIC (where 50% of dancers are NYCDA alums), the Perry Mansfield Performing Arts School and more.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjAyMzQ3Ni9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MDQxNjI4NX0.hm4R4e7_F3cESfehIMqX87ennZGyqe_Cax_SOL7YgZI/img.jpg?width=980" id="98a5c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4bbcdf8bbe876f69b6551639daeb6ad4" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Andy Blankenbuehler teaching at NYCDA
Courtesy NYCDA
Career Opportunities
<p>"NYCDA will put you in a room with people who will eventually pay you to dance," says veteran Broadway dancer <a href="http://www.nycdance.com/faculty/corey-snide" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Corey John Snide</a>, and he would know. Snide grew up doing NYCDA, earning the National Outstanding Dancer Award in the Mini, Junior and Teen age divisions, and is now on NYCDA's faculty.</p><p>Even more important than the titles were Snide's scholarship to Juilliard and introduction to <a href="http://www.nycdance.com/faculty/andy-blankenbuehler" target="_blank">Andy Blankenbuehler</a>—both thanks to NYCDA—which led to some of his most notable career highlights including dance captaining for <em>CATS</em> on Broadway, assisting on the upcoming <em>CATS</em> movie, and landing a gig in the upcoming Broadway production of <em>West Side Story</em>.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjAxMTQxMi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NzgyODQ0NH0.FJ5h58PrWBdhvLi0fkrMKRw4mHWqrCYfpAcz9NeuqMo/img.jpg?width=980" id="62fa4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a3d0cb6d8e02128e172898c23d4f6530" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Corey John Snide in CATS on Broadway
Courtesy NYCDA
<p>At Nationals each July, students participate in Broadway audition workshops—often with the casting director, dance captain and choreographer in the room. While the workshops are primarily meant to help dancers hone their audition skills, it's not unheard of for students to walk out of the room with a job. (When <em>Newsies</em> was on Broadway, the casting director even traveled with NYCDA to Regionals to scout talent!). At Nationals, real auditions for the Rockettes or to be Clara in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular are often held. </p><p>For Snide, friendships formed between participants are as valuable as those forged with faculty members and master teachers. "I can point to so many of my lifelong friends from NYCDA with outstanding careers," he says. NYCDA's alumni champion each other, often working together on projects later in their careers.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjAxMTQxNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MTU0NTY4M30.cLFfNv2C8iqkWTncMookWyITCxG8t4KM3EJzCtRTZQI/img.jpg?width=980" id="413c7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e3096e881a95feedfef6e61897e1e0b0" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
A CATS audition workshop at NYCDA
Courtesy NYCDA
Professional Development
<p>Growing up in Albany, NY, Snide says he wouldn't have even known being a professional dancer was a possibility for him without the exposure to the New York City dance scene that NYCDA provided him. While many conventions and competitions have moved their Nationals away from New York City, NYCDA has stayed—giving students of all ages the opportunity to learn from dance world giants. </p><p>Even at Regionals, NYCDA holds Friday Night Sessions, master classes with everyone from Tony nominees Joshua Bergasse and Warren Carlyle to principal dancers to artistic directors. "Dancers underestimate what it means to have the opportunity to be in the room with these people," says Lanteri. NYCDA faculty members, too, are a valuable source of knowledge, connections and resources for students. "They're incredibly caring and generous," he says. "They are invested in these kids—and not just for two days."</p><p>Ailey II artistic director Troy Powell has seen first-hand NYCDA's long-lasting impact on one student's career: A scholarship to The Ailey School led to an Ailey II offer which led to a contract with the main company. But before students can take advantage of these opportunities, Powell says that they need a first taste of what working in the professional dance world can be, starting with developing their own identities as dancers—which NYCDA also helps them do. "When I'm working with students and teaching them in New York City there's an energy," he says. "They come with such joy and excitement and willingness to be hungry and committed to dance and to becoming the greatest artist that they can become."</p>
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Essential info on more than 50 costume brands.
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<h2><a href="http://dadesignsdancewear.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DA DESIGNS DANCEWEAR</a></h2><p>Clovis, CA</p><p>866-650-0312</p><p>info@dadesignsdancewear.com</p><p><a href="http://dadesignsdancewear.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dadesignsdancewear.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://etsy.com/shops/daofftherack" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DA Off THE RACK</a></h2><p>Clovis, CA</p><p>559-299-0312</p><p>daofftherack@yahoo.com</p><p><a href="http://etsy.com/shops/daofftherack" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">etsy.com/shops/daofftherack</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://danceladesigns.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DANCELA DESIGNS</a></h2><p>Titusville, FL</p><p>321-747-3272</p><p>danceladesigns@yahoo.com</p><p><a href="http://danceladesigns.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">danceladesigns.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://dansco.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DANSCO</a></h2><p>Attleboro, MA</p><p>800-326-7365</p><p>info@dansco.com</p><p><a href="http://dansco.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dansco.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://diamondsandcrystalsdancecostumes.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DIAMONDS AND CRYSTALS DANCE COSTUMES</a></h2><p>Raleigh, NC</p><p>919-862-3940</p><p>l5clark@yahoo.com</p><p><a href="http://diamondsandcrystalsdancecostumes.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">diamondsandcrystalsdancecostumes.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://discountdance.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DISCOUNT DANCE SUPPLY</a></h2><p>Anaheim, CA</p><p>800-328-7107</p><p>info@discountdance.com</p><p><a href="http://discountdance.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">discountdance.com</a></p>
<h2><em><strong><a href="http://divawear.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DIVAWEAR</a></strong></em></h2><p><em><strong>San Marcos, CA</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>877-795-DIVA</strong></em></p><p><a target="_blank"><em><strong>info@divawear.com</strong></em></a></p><p><a href="http://divawear.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><strong>divawear.com</strong></em></a></p>
<h2><a href="http://dreamtimecreations.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DREAMTIME CREATIONS</a></h2><p>Aurora, MO</p><p>866-874-6748</p><p>info@dreamtimecreations.com</p><p><a href="http://dreamtimecreations.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dreamtimecreations.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://elitecostumes.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ELITE COSTUMES, INC.</a></h2><p>Yorba Linda, CA</p><p>714-905-6133</p><p>elitecostumes@yahoo.com</p><p><a href="http://elitecostumes.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">elitecostumes.net</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://eurotard.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EUROTARD DANCEWEAR</a></h2><p>Alpharetta, GA</p><p>770-475-3045</p><p>eurotard@eurotard.com</p><p><a href="http://eurotard.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">eurotard.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://fredfrankel.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FRED FRANKEL & SONS, INC.</a> </h2><p>Mamaroneck, NY </p><p>914-899-3388 </p><p>sales@fredfrankel.com</p><p><a href="http://fredfrankel.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">fredfrankel.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://fulloutdancewear.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FULLOUT DANCEWEAR</a></h2><p>Holbrook, NY</p><p>fulloutdancewear@gmail.com</p><p><a href="http://fulloutdancewear.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">fulloutdancewear.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://georgiegirlcostumes.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GEORGIE GIRL COSTUMES</a></h2><p>Houston, TX</p><p>800-292-1902</p><p>service@georgiegirlcostumes.com</p><p><a href="http://georgiegirlcostumes.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">georgiegirlcostumes.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://glambyadora.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GLAM BY ADORA</a></h2><p>Woodcliff Lake, NJ</p><p>glambyadora@gmail.com </p><p><a href="http://glambyadora.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">glambyadora.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://glamourcostumes.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GLAMOUR COSTUMES</a></h2><p>Hicksville, NY</p><p>855-203-0005</p><p>info@glamourcostumes.com</p><p><a href="http://glamourcostumes.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">glamourcostumes.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://glamourgoddessjewelry.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong><em>GLAMOUR GODDESS JEWELRY</em></strong></a></h2><p><strong><em>Boca Raton, FL</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>800-993-0961</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>sales@glamourgoddessjewelry.com</em></strong></p><p><a href="http://glamourgoddessjewelry.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong><em>glamourgoddessjewelry.com</em></strong></a></p>
<h2><a href="http://grishko.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GRISHKO</a></h2><p>New York, NY</p><p>917-262-0783</p><p>info@grishko.com</p><p><a href="http://grishko.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">grishko.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://idsdance.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">INTERNATIONAL DANCE SUPPLIES</a></h2><p>Devon, United Kingdom</p><p>866-939-8909</p><p>customerservices@ids.co.uk </p><p><a href="http://idsdance.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">idsdance.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://joandjax.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">JO+JAX</a></h2><p>New York, NY</p><p>212-966-2171</p><p>contact@joandjax.com</p><p><a href="http://joandjax.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">joandjax.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://justforkix.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">JUST FOR KIX</a></h2><p>Baxter, MN</p><p>800-450-DANC</p><p>catalog@justforkix.com</p><p><a href="http://justforkix.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">justforkix.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://karenevanetzstudio.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">KAREN EVANETZ STUDIO</a></h2><p>Holland, PA</p><p>215-431-6901</p><p>sewgracedesign@aol.com</p><p><a href="http://karenevanetzstudio.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">karenevanetzstudio.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://kellecompany.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">KELLÉ</a></h2><p>Minneapolis, MN</p><p>800-707-8333</p><p>info@kellecompany.com</p><p><a href="http://kellecompany.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kellecompany.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://kissmekatie411.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">KISS ME KATIE 411 LLC</a></h2><p>Colorado Springs, CO</p><p>425-231-2282</p><p>katie@kissmekatie411.com</p><p><a href="http://kissmekatie411.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kissmekatie411.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://leamarie.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">LEAMARIE</a></h2><p>Fresno, CA</p><p>559-431-5101</p><p>info@leamarie.com</p><p><a href="http://leamarie.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">leamarie.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://lebos.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">LEBO'S, INC.</a></h2><p>Charlotte, NC</p><p>800-283-0127</p><p>jkhoctor@lebos.com</p><p><a href="http://lebos.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lebos.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://thelineup.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">THE LINE UP</a></h2><p>Eden Prairie, MN</p><p>888-454-6387</p><p>info@thelineup.com</p><p><a href="http://thelineup.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">thelineup.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://lonasmithcreates.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">LONA SMITH CREATES</a></h2><p>Moreno Valley, CA</p><p>951-268-4452</p><p>info@hotmessdanceapparel.com</p><p><a href="http://lonasmithcreates.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lonasmithcreates.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://meekellecostumes.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MEEKELLE COSTUMES</a></h2><p>Lafayette, LA</p><p>337-288-1767</p><p>bmeekelle@aol.com</p><p><a href="http://meekellecostumes.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">meekellecostumes.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://monogramthebling.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MONOGRAM THAT</a></h2><p>Auburn Hills, MI </p><p>248-499-9303</p><p>info@monogramthat.com</p><p><a href="http://monogramthat.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">monogramthebling.com<br></a></p>
<h2><a href="http://moveu.us" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MOVE U</a></h2><p>Baxter, MN</p><p>877-450-4483</p><p>support@moveu.us</p><p><a href="http://moveu.us" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">moveu.us</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://notjusttutus.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NOT JUST TUTUS</a></h2><p>Island Heights, NJ</p><p>732-236-5225</p><p>awhitehill@aol.com</p><p><a href="http://notjusttutus.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">notjusttutus.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://nx3fashion.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NX3</a></h2><p>York, PA</p><p>888-480-1582</p><p>info@nx3fashion.com</p><p><a href="http://nx3fashion.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nx3fashion.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://perfectocostumedesigns.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">PERFECTO DESIGNS</a></h2><p>Millersville, MD</p><p>410-846-6221</p><p> sales@perfectocostumedesigns.com</p><p><a href="http://perfectocostumedesigns.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">perfectocostumedesigns.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://performbycc.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">PERFORM</a></h2><p>York, PA</p><p>888-808-0801</p><p>curtaincall@performgroupllc.com</p><p><a href="http://performbycc.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">performbycc.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://dancecostumestudio.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">PERFORMING OUTFIT DESIGN STUDIO</a></h2><p>Glen Allen, VA</p><p>performingoutfits@gmail.com</p><p><a href="http://dancecostumestudio.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dancecostumestudio.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://primadonnatutus.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">PRIMADONNA TUTUS</a></h2><p>Newport Beach, CA</p><p>800-677-7097</p><p>primadonnadance@aol.com</p><p><a href="http://primadonnatutus.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">primadonnatutus.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://pumpers.com/" target="_blank"><strong><em>PUMPERS, INC.</em></strong></a></h2><p><strong><em>Wichita, KS</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>316-263-1906</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>terri@pumpers.com</em></strong></p><p><strong><em><a href="http://pumpers.com/" target="_blank">pumpers.com</a><a href="http://pumpers.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://pumpers.com/" target="_blank"></a></em></strong></p><p><strong><em>At Pumpers, you can buy what you see, mix-match our styles & fabrics OR design your own. We even allow you to use fabrics we don't stock.(there are stretch requirements)<br></em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Designing your own print, on a fabric, is an option too.</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>You get exactly what you want at Pumpers Dancewear!</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>We manufacture in the USA. So if a child loses 1 mitt.... we can send you 1 mitt. (to a hotel, if necessary)</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>If you want a matching boy's top, outfit, tie..... that is all possible!</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Pumpers has been making dance costumes since 1986.</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Most of our employees have been with us for over 8 years. They don't let Terri sew anymore.... they actually panic when she sits at a machine... she says "it's a test, not going to the customer!" Then, they relax. They are very proud of their workmanship and so picky on what goes out the door.</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Pumpers would like to invite you to join our team and look your best in our costumes this year!</em></strong></p>
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMTA3Njc5Ni9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3MzcxOTgxN30.Bpqk9phHhkjsrYkDAs69K3Pd8xhZNhF8yR2AbdHHtCU/img.jpg?width=980" id="e1a56" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="70dbf6e3a91237519c00a7111b115852" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
<h2><a href="http://quinncouturedance.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">QUINN COUTURE DANCE</a></h2><p>Nashville, TN</p><p>718-288-0492</p><p>quinncouture@gmail.com</p><p><a href="http://quinncouturedance.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">quinncouturedance.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://reverencedance.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">RÉVÉRENCE DANCE APPAREL</a></h2><p rel="noopener noreferrer">Arlington, TX</p><p>877-749-0908</p><p>contact@reverencedance.com</p><p><a href="http://reverencedance.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reverencedance.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://revolutiondance.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">REVOLUTION DANCEWEAR</a></h2><p>Niles, IL</p><p>800-806-1157</p><p>info@revolutiondance.com</p><p><a href="http://revolutiondance.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">revolutiondance.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://therhinestoneplace.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">THE RHINESTONE PLACE</a></h2><p>Millersville, MD</p><p>410-846-6239</p><p>sales@therhinestoneplace.com<u></u></p><p><a href="http://therhinestoneplace.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">therhinestoneplace.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://rhinestonesu.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">RHINESTONES UNLIMITED</a></h2><p>Minneapolis, MN</p><p>952-848-0133</p><p>apeery@rhinestonesunlimited.com</p><p><a href="http://rhinestonesu.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">rhinestonesu.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://satinstitches.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SATIN STITCHES, LTD.</a></h2><p>Minneapolis, MN</p><p>763-323-9507</p><p>customerservice@satinstitches.com</p><p><a href="http://satinstitches.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">satinstitches.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://soffe.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SOFFE</a></h2><p>Fayetteville, NC</p><p>1-888-257-8673</p><p>customerservice@mjsoffe.com</p><p><a href="http://soffe.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">soffe.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://tracycostumes.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TRACY THEATRE ORIGINALS</a></h2><p>Hampton, NH</p><p>603-926-8315</p><p>info@tracycostumes.com</p><p><a href="http://tracycostumes.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tracycostumes.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://triplethreatdancewear.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TRIPLE THREAT DANCEWEAR</a></h2><p>Anaheim, CA</p><p>888-214-1470</p><p>triplethreatdancewear@gmail.com </p><p><a href="http://triplethreatdancewear.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">triplethreatdancewear.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://tutu4u.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TUTU4U</a></h2><p>Silver Spring, MD</p><p>301-529-8589</p><p>tutu4u@tutu4u.com</p><p><a href="http://tutu4u.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tutu4u.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://tutu.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TUTU.COM, INC.</a></h2><p>Charlotte, NC</p><p>877-888-8266</p><p>orders@tutu.com</p><p><a href="http://tutu.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tutu.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://tutuetoile.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TUTU ÉTOILE</a></h2><p>Phoenix, AZ</p><p>520-360-0416</p><p>tutuetoile1@gmail.com</p><p><a href="http://tutuetoile.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tutuetoile.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://ufojeans.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">UFO CONTEMPORARY</a></h2><p>New York, NY</p><p>212-226-5400</p><p>info@ufocontemporary.com</p><p><a href="http://ufojeans.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ufojeans.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://weruletheempire.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">URBAN EMPIRE</a></h2><p>San Diego, CA</p><p>610-550-2346</p><p>info@weruletheempire.com</p><p><a href="http://weruletheempire.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">weruletheempire.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://veryfineshoes.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong><em>VERY FINE DANCE SHOES</em></strong></a></h2><p><strong><em>El Monte, CA</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>626-575-8801</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>danceinfo@veryfineshoes.com</em></strong></p><p><a href="http://veryfineshoes.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong><em>veryfineshoes.com</em></strong></a></p>
<h2><a href="http://victoriadancewear.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">VICTORIA DANCEWEAR, INC.</a></h2><p>Lincolnshire, IL</p><p>847-849-1885</p><p>info@victoriadancewear.com</p><p><a href="http://victoriadancewear.com" target="_blank">victoriadancewear.com</a></p>
<h2><a href="http://weissmans.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WEISSMAN COSTUMES</a></h2><p>Saint Louis, MO</p><p>800-477-5410</p><p>info@weissmans.com</p><p><a href="http://weissmans.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">weissmans.com</a></p>
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMTEwNTQ4NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0OTA2MzY1Nn0.hy2IWaD9HDTpvju9y7VdveqK0vHoPYf2dLQ8rSNX6SE/img.jpg?width=980" id="9bc53" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6defcd15e554d9a366cc808d6555ea0b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><h2><br></h2>
<h2><a href="http://awishcometrue.com/" target="_blank">A WISH COME TRUE</a></h2><p>Bristol, PA</p><p>800-755-2248</p><p>wishweb@awishcometrue.com</p><p><a href="http://awishcometrue.com/" target="_blank">awishcometrue.com</a></p>
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Courtesy Just for Kix
As a teacher or studio owner, customer service is a major part of the job. It's easy to dread the difficult sides of it, like being questioned or criticized by an unhappy parent. "In the early years, parent issues could have been the one thing that got me to give up teaching," says Cindy Clough, executive director of Just For Kix and a teacher and studio owner with over 43 years of experience. "Hang in there—it does get easier."
We asked Clough her top tips for dealing with difficult parents:
Remember: You're all on the same team.
<p>"So many dance teachers see parents as the enemy. What if we started looking at it differently? We would be smarter to think of them as our customers. We also need to be able to differentiate a parent with a problem, and a problem parent. Parents have the right to advocate for their child. It turns into a problem when they have unrealistic expectations."</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMDU3OTQ4NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMzE3NzE0NH0.kAgfk8Uk2gxV5Mc3ETEckBa-7oxv7RK_x8S1V_Hd4XM/img.jpg?width=980" id="ecd1d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a8366f3c064233fd0bb28c7e6bd4fde3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Bill Johnson, Courtesy Just for Kix
Be on the offensive.
<p>"If you know there is going to be an uncomfortable conversation, call the parent rather than waiting for them to call you. For example, if Jane doesn't make the team, and she was on it last year, you know she and her parents are going to be upset. Instead of waiting for a phone call, give the parent a heads up before the list is published. Be honest about the reasons for your decision. They will hear how much you care."</p>Q.T.I.P.
<p>"A fellow coach shared this with me: Quit Taking It Personally. Many studio owners are automatically defensive when questioned by parents. It takes confidence and thick skin to be called on the carpet and not crumble. My mentor, Ron Stolski, who was an athletic director and football coach, would say that parents are entrusting you with their most valuable possession: their child. They have every right to question you. Expect it. Then you won't be blindsided."</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMDU3OTQ4Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1ODU3MTQ4MH0.YIHvex-Na5S5XO4m73thEc9bmYRdKHT6tpDmWWK9t6s/img.jpg?width=980" id="1c85e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="790f9afe936710cb8da22700d8ee02a2" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Bill Johnson, Courtesy Just for Kix
Hold Parent Meetings
<p>"Every year I hold a meeting for those on competitive teams. I cover expectations, rules, and our culture and norms. I always say, the kids buy into it and we hope to have our parents adopt our culture, too. We feel it's important to coach them in how to do so just as we do our dancers."</p>Talk About Trust
<p>"Tell parents that just as they do not want their parenting undermined, we need their support on our coaching decisions. They are not always going to agree with us. We are going to make mistakes, but if we are going to have any kind of teamwork, our students need to trust us."</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMDU3OTQ5NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2ODQ2MzA1OH0.b5FkhRmNfDXhS0pY2y-PDFnNbN25rw6moEogwXiBGi8/img.jpg?width=980" id="ce980" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="adae384fddd25ca50c43ed98baca0704" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Bill Johnson, Courtesy Just for Kix
Ask for Feedback
<p>"By opening ourselves up to criticism, we're able to build trust, particularly as we follow through on some of the parents' suggestions. This feed-back is incredibly valuable, and helps us to become better directors."</p>
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Aug. 19, 2019 08:58AM EST
Amanda Donahue, ATC, working with a student in her clinic in the Palladino School of Dance at Dean College. Courtesy Dean College
The Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance at Dean College is one of just 10 college programs in the U.S. with a full-time athletic trainer devoted solely to its dancers. But what makes the school even more unique is that certified athletic trainer Amanda Donahue isn't just available to the students for appointments and backstage coverage—she's in the studio with them and collaborating with dance faculty to prevent injuries and build stronger dancers.
"Gone are the days when people would say, 'Don't go to the gym, you'll bulk up,'" says Kristina Berger, who teaches Horton and Hawkins technique as an assistant professor of dance. "We understand now that cross-training is actually vital, and how we've embraced that at Dean is extremely rare. For one thing, we're not sharing an athletic trainer with the football players, who require a totally different skillset." For another, she says, the faculty and Donahue are focused on giving students tools to prolong their careers.
After six years of this approach, here are the benefits they've seen:
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMDU2OTYyNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NjAxMTcyNX0.F46UAO-wa9WSPZqKnR1EllweOOyPFHkSQ6v4eBg5amE/img.jpg?width=980" id="22282" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ebc0d383303ba9f0615638dd0431d3be" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Dean College students in "Albedo Rondo" by professor Kristina Berger
Scott May, Courtesy Dean College
Performance Enhancement and Injury Reduction
<p>"Normally, an athletic trainer in the collegiate dance setting would be in the athletic training clinic, where students could schedule an appointment for an injury evaluation or prevention assessment, or backstage during a performance run, where I manage acute injuries and emergency care," says Donahue. "But because I'm also in the classroom, I have the opportunity to see and understand exactly what their daily physical demands are." In the studio, she talks to dancers about the anatomy involved in executing a movement efficiently and equips them with exercises or warm-ups. Sometimes she helps to choreograph where students should inhale and exhale throughout the movement, and helps encourage a greater use of their core.</p><p>"Ours is a triple-track program in which students intensively study ballet, modern and jazz techniques, in addition to a number of related dance forms," says Marc Arentsen, dean of the Palladino School of Dance. "In a biomechanical sense, our dancers are not unlike elite athletes and we recognized that advanced dance training and injury prevention should go hand in hand. Now the integration of athletic training strategies with the outstanding technical preparation our dancers receive has become part of our culture." </p><p>Since Donahue joined the Dean College dance community as a full-time dedicated athletic trainer six years ago, the total percentage of students who sustain an injury each year has decreased from 65 percent to 35 percent. "When students understand what muscles they should be engaging and the basic biomechanics of the movement, it enhances their performance, too," says Donahue.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMDU2MjM2NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NzYyNjc5MX0.nB751d4YJIV763fGf3xUQXBpn8nA7TNXsAsK2HONty4/img.jpg?width=980" id="42986" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c02ffec13d70610f6690da4380d33a3c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Donahue teaches a student how to apply athletic tape.
Courtesy Dean College
Better Communication Between Teachers and Athletic Trainers
<p>"Having the ability to work with and not only for the dance faculty is really unique for an athletic trainer," says Donahue. "And I learn just as much from them as they do from me." She says watching the teachers give students external physical cues for movement or noting what warm-ups they use gives her information she can incorporate into rehab sessions. "I can say, 'Remember how you did this in class? Let's go back to where you're initiating that movement,' " says Donahue.</p><p>From working side by side with an athletic trainer, Berger has come to realize how much of Horton technique already incorporates cross-training. "Going from stag position to lateral T actually helps develop hip stabilization, and all the deep floor vocabulary can be directly connected to a lot of what you see in yoga, Pilates or strength training," she says. "Amanda will give the students an exercise and I think, 'That's just like Horton.' "</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMDU2MjM5MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNDAzMjM2NX0.oGz3xJW3lRL1GXvLa2-coF4QSVmgDSQWLdvLhBkFRPI/img.jpg?width=980" id="ee395" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f43a1f6928ef2f1182882083edbf068a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Kristina Berger infuses her Horton technique class with athletic training strategies.
Courtesy Dean College
More Fluent Dancers
<p>Donahue says Dean students have a greater understanding of healthy warm-up techniques, the importance of cross-training and how to manage injuries. "They start to use the same language I use to describe exactly where their pain is. They'll say, 'It hurts more in the peroneal tendon,' instead of, 'It hurts on the outside of my leg.' This especially helps if they're off-campus and seeing a doctor who doesn't normally treat dancers," she says.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMDU2MjQwMy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1Njk0NjYxM30.JIuFDpfmwwx3sR4KO5X0C3GyKSMSmaCwbyYZpV08-KM/img.jpg?width=980" id="83949" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="110bf7962be70eca65703674c9d07e2c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Courtesy Dean College
Ability to Personalize Training
<p>Dean guides students through a process of addressing their strengths and weaknesses, which might be something dancers are left to figure out on their own at other schools. "They might be coming from a studio where, unfortunately, no one taught them how to support something as simple as standing on one leg," she says. But, from day one at Dean, dancers have a one-on-one evaluation with Donahue, who helps them set up a training program based on their history, what injuries they might have right now and what they're struggling with in class. "I'm also given that information so I can try to address what I can in the studio," says Berger. "I can't formulate the class around one dancer, but everyone can benefit from some corrections that address an issue several students are working on."</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMDU2MjQxMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2OTM2NjE5MX0.dQMoCVoii1EhScKASgWXY_sgAWy_YERM11m-qG9owyI/img.jpg?width=980" id="936de" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e74dd204cb2a09ad2109e2f15117eb31" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Courtesy Dean College
Graduates with a Career Edge
<p>Berger believes that students leave Dean with the ability to set up their own training program tailored to what they'll face in the working world. "If they book a job on a cruise ship that's three shows a day, they have the tools to figure out that's X amount of leaps in each show and here's how I can prepare for that," she says. "These dancers know not only how to manage their time but also their bodies, even early in their careers."</p>
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Courtesy Alternative Balance
As a dance teacher, you know more than anyone that things can go wrong—students blank on choreography onstage, costumes don't fit and dancers quit the competition team unexpectedly. Why not apply that same mindset to your status as an independent contractor at a studio or as a studio owner?
Insurance is there to give you peace of mind, even when the unexpected happens. (Especially since attorney fees can be expensive, even when you've done nothing wrong as a teacher.) Taking a preemptive approach to your career—insuring yourself—can save you money, time and stress in the long run.
We talked to expert Miriam Ball of Alternative Balance Professional Group about five scenarios in which having insurance would be key.
Scenario: A student pushes herself too hard during a long competition rehearsal and tears a ligament, requiring surgery.
<p>Because this injury happened under the purview of your dance teaching expertise, you'd need <a href="https://alternativebalance.net/Dance_Insurance" target="_blank">professional liability insurance</a> to protect you against bodily injury claims.</p>Scenario: A dancer claims to have been sexually abused.
<p>Though you've probably never considered the need for insurance to cover allegations of sexual abuse, this coverage—<a href="https://alternativebalance.net/sexual-abuse-liability-insurance" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">offered as an optional add-on with an Alternative Balance policy</a>—is becoming more common, says Ball. "The biggest benefit would be that it covers defense costs," says Ball. "If someone brings a lawsuit against you, it's expensive to have to defend yourself in court." She says a typical sexual abuse case can cost anywhere from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars—and can go on for six months to two years.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTkyOTU2MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxOTM3MjkzMH0.dNVJyF2w_RxcZca1QuU3dH8YT_kOz9NRssMCCK8jYls/img.jpg?width=980" id="7f5c8" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e7bd95d54f5409515ee512092c24d0e9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="A girl sitting on the floor of a dance studio, clutching her stomach as if upset or in pain." />
Courtesy Alternative Balance
Scenario: A parent's credit card number gets hacked during an online payment.
<p>Cyber liability is another popular, <a href="https://alternativebalance.net/cyber-liability-insurance" target="_blank">optional Alternative Balance coverage</a>, says Ball, that can take a huge weight off your shoulders if you accept online payments. This type of liability insurance would cover you if a customer is hacked and their personal information is leaked. In the last year, she notes, data breaches for small businesses increased by 10 percent. "A lot of people don't know the details of what you have to do if your business is hacked," points out Ball. "Every state has their own reporting requirements, so cyber liability coverage jumps in to figure out what all needs to be done to comply, and then covers the associated costs."</p>Scenario: A Theraband you've provided to use after class malfunctions and snaps a student's foot, causing an injury.
<p>In this instance, you'd need product/completed operations coverage to protect you—it covers you for bodily injury and property damage claims that result from students using products you use to teach dance after class has ended. While the product itself might be defective and therefore the responsibility of the manufacturer, you could also be held responsible for providing the product to your student as part of your professional service.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTkyOTU1Ni9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1ODg2OTQyMH0.L5cq0zrJ2nnGf0lEbsasG2g0CucVNstPCd2wnZE9RD8/img.jpg?width=980" id="0478a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="672d4c871588a9a85ee55d2b60008c88" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="A girl sitting on the floor of a dance studio, wearing a leotard, tights and pointe shoes, clutching her ankle as if in pain." />
Courtesy Alternative Balance
Scenario: During a convention class you're teaching, a dancer trips on an extension cord and gets hurt.
<p><a href="https://alternativebalance.net/Dance_Insurance" target="_blank">General liability coverage</a> would protect you in this scenario. This type of coverage deals with claims of bodily injury that aren't specific to your profession. Because these situations are most often beyond your control—especially as a freelance teacher who rents her space from a studio owner or is a guest teacher at a convention—you'll be relieved to know that this coverage is mobile. It applies to all of your teaching gigs, regardless of location. Alternative Balance even insures <a href="https://alternativebalance.net/PoleFitnessInsurance" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pole fitness classes</a> and <a href="https://alternativebalance.net/nutritional-therapist-liability-insurance" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nutrition-related jobs</a>, along with over 500 other services in the health, beauty and wellness industry. One policy from Alternative Balance covers you for all of them, so if you have other teaching gigs, you're in luck.</p><p><a href="https://alternativebalance.net/Dance_Insurance" target="_blank">Learn more about Alternative Balance's dance instructor insurance here.</a></p>
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Photo by Rachel Papo
Judith Nelson led a Dance Teacher Summit session this summer in Anne Green Gilbert's rhyming BrainDance and other movement stories designed for early childhood dancers. The BrainDance is a great warm-up that strengthens neural pathways and helps to integrate the right and left sides of the brain.
Nelson danced professionally with the LimĂłn Dance Company and David Gordon's Pick-Up Performance Co. As an educator, she worked closely with Virginia Tanner in Utah, as well as Green Gilbert. Nelson is currently on the faculty of the Mark Morris Dance Center in Brooklyn and the Helen Keller Services for the Blind's Children's Learning Center.
Mark Your Calendar
Join us in Long Beach, CA, July 26–28, or in NYC, August 1–3, for our 2019 Dance Teacher Summit.
