Inclusion is more than just a buzzword. It is a powerful philosophy for fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome, acknowledged, respected, and celebrated. Creating an inclusive environment is one of the most important parts of running a dance studio, as it provides a safe haven for anyone who wants to express their creativity and move their bodies.
Part of cultivating inclusion is using people’s preferred gender pronouns, both in face-to-face conversations and in written communication (including within your studio management software).
Inclusion doesn’t have to be difficult to achieve—in this article, we will discuss why inclusion is important for dance studios and offer some simple ways to help advance it at your business.
The Importance of Inclusion
Small business owners benefit from creating inclusive atmospheres. A welcoming place of business casts wider nets for both potential customers and more talented employees. And when your clients know that they’re in a safe space to be themselves, they are free to focus on the opportunities for self-expression (and self-improvement) that your studio provides.
Diversity Boosts Creativity
Dance is a universal language that brings people together, and having a diverse group of dancers only adds to the conversation. An inclusive atmosphere opens doors to various perspectives and styles, as dancers from different backgrounds and communities bring new rhythms and movements with them. This gives your studio access to a range of experiences that can inspire new dance pieces and choreography and lead to more innovative performances.
Advocating for inclusion requires the creation of an environment where everyone feels comfortable enough to learn, practice, and grow. When students feel included, they are more likely to participate, interact with their peers, and excel in their dance skills. Moreover, when teachers embrace inclusion, they can create lesson plans that cater to all students’ learning styles and needs. All of this will help your studio earn a reputation as one of the best around.
Inclusion Supports Mental Health and Well-being
Dancing offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. However, dance studios that exclude individuals based on their appearance or identity can cause stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation—the exact opposite of mental health benefits. An inclusive studio instills a sense of belonging and pride in all your students, which helps promote a healthy body image, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
Dance studios that are known for their inclusivity foster a positive reputation in the community. They also give themselves the means to expand their customer base and increase revenue. And it isn’t hard to make your studio one that keeps the dance floor open to everyone.
Choose the Right Dance Studio Software
Modern dance studio software is capable of embracing inclusivity and diversity by offering choices for gender and preferred pronouns beyond male and female. Studio members who identify as non-binary or use non-traditional pronouns will appreciate being represented by the software you choose. Offering such options during enrollment will set the tone for their entire experience with your studio.
Chances are that the pronouns and personal identifiers used in your studio software will inform the language used by your studio in emails and other marketing materials. Getting the right pronouns in your studio management software will allow you to continue using them whenever you reach out to your clients, fostering a sense of inclusion and respect.
Choosing Pronouns in The Studio Director
If you currently use The Studio Director software, these options are available to you already! Setting up preferred gender pronoun options is extremely easy—just follow the instructions listed in this help article.
We make this easy because we know it’s important. Diversity and inclusion are a major part of running a business, especially one focused on the creative arts like a dance studio. Creating that environment starts with choosing software like The Studio Director that can accommodate non-binary and non-traditional pronouns and a diverse spectrum of gender identities.
The Bottom Line
Bringing together a variety of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences creates a melting pot of perspectives and a vibrant community where everyone feels welcome and included. An inclusive dance studio provides a space for individuals to express themselves, learn from each other, and expand their horizons. It cultivates a sense of mutual respect, empathy, and understanding that goes beyond dance classes.
Moreover, a diverse dance studio allows for a broader range of dance styles and techniques to be taught and appreciated. This means students are exposed to new forms of dance that they may not have discovered otherwise, forming the foundation of a flourishing dance community.
Software needs to continue to evolve in order to keep up with new social norms and cultural changes. The developers behind The Studio Director are always actively working to stay ahead of these important shifts, promoting diversity and inclusion for all while providing a leading solution for owning and operating a successful dance studio.
