Economic Effect on Dance Classes

Hi Everyone!

I am really in a dilemma these days regarding my dance classes. Due to the economic downturn of the past few years, enrollment for my ballroom, swing, and Latin dance classes has bottomed out. In particular, my level II/III classes -- each of which has about three loyal and eager couples (thank you!) ready to take classes any time I offer them. Unfortunately, it has not made much business sense to go on as I have been. After advertising, room rental, and self-employment taxes, I sometimes lose money on these classes with just a few students. That wouldn't bother me so much (I love teaching these classes), except that I don't have a wealthy husband (or any husband, for that matter - lol) to support my habit!

Does anyone have any advice or ideas that might help increase enrollment for these classes? I used to teach three days a week when Dancing With the Stars first came out, then people started watching the show more for entertainment than incentive. I then went down to two classes a week. These days I only teach once a week and Beginning Ballroom is the only one that has been a consistent "go." There are usually a couple of people who want Beginning Swing or Latin classes, but these days never enough, and I hate to say, "no." Any advice would be welcome!

On a more upbeat note -- Happy 2012! I hope you all keep your dancing feet moving!!!

Melodie

Economic Effect on

New Year's

Happy 2009! I hope everyone found a dance on New Year's Eve! I didn't get asked to go out for New Year's : ((( but I thought of all you guys out there dancing. Wish I could have been dancing, too, but it was OK being home... alone. I was on the road sooooo much last semester, then Christmas came so fast, and I am just now catching up at home, so it was fine.

Melodie

January 2009 dance classes

Remember that new classes begin the week of January 11th! See my website for details (www.dancemuncie.com)

Melodie

Pam's comments

Thanks Pam! I appreciate all the nice comments! The Sunday night Super Singles' Dance is one of the few places to dance in this area. Anyone can come -- you don't have to be single... Remember, Sunday nights, 7-11pm, White River Plaza -- Mr. DJ's studio.

Spike & The Bulldogs in Muncie

The band Spike & The Bulldogs is going to be in Muncie this Saturday. Although I love this band, the venue leaves a lot to be desired. The dance floor is not very big, and if they move or remove tables for dance space, not very many people will be able to get in. At any rate, here is the info.

November 8, 2008

Bygones Bar & Grill
2108 N. Walnut, Muncie, IN

Tickets $8.00 in advance, $10.00 at the door
Or you can by tickets on line at bygonesonline.com
1-765-282-6498

9:00-11:30pm
The dance floor at Bygones is not very big.
I would suggest you get your tickets ahead of time.

More Dancing

Thanks Jason, for the wonderful comments! It was a lot of fun, whatever the outcome.

A new round of classes is about to start. It is always an exciting time. My "More Ballroom" and "More Swing" classes are for those who have already had some dance -- it is always fun and challenging to make sure everyone learns something new, whether they have taken 1 or 10 of my classes before! The beginning classes are always delightful, too. The turnaround at about week #4 always makes me smile -- the dancers really begin to smooth out as they have to think less and less about the basic rhythms.

There is a regular place to dance on Sunday evenings in Muncie now -- it is billed as a single's dance, but couples are also encouraged to come. It is at Mr. DJ & Co., White River Plaze (at the corner of White River Blvd. and Nichols Ave.) -- 7:00-10:00pm (or maybe 11:00 -- I'm not sure) -- $6.00/person. Enter under the "White River Plaza" sign on the White River Blvd. side of the building (the Bingo entrance). Go up the stairs (1 flight). The studio is on the left. Hope to see you there!

Melodie