Wednesday, March 21, 2012

From School to Intern

I have graduated from Full Sail University with a Master's degree in entertainment business. In this exciting adventure I now have an Internship with Studio K Orlando. This new dance studio/agency is taking off! Kristin Weissman (owner)  has opened a beautiful studio. Her experience in dance and public relations will add a new element to the population of Orlando Florida. This dance atmosphere is warm and friendly with teachers of a professional caliber. With each step in learning the industry and experiencing each of the amazing classes. Each class has a new and improved spin on technique and personality. Studio K will become part of a new journey!
I will take readers along this journey. The information about the studio will advertise, as a personal twist is added to each aspect.
Looking forward to new adventures!
pic:googleimages/dance fitness.com

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The Dance Industry Blossom's


Dance Industry Trends

The records of dance history date back to the beginning of time. People used dance for celebration, worship, and art. People were able to dance in joy, sadness, and as a form of respect. As time progressed, dancing began to structure. The Greek performances evolved into Russian and French techniques, for classic ballet. The silhouette and timeless beauty of a ballerina carried on an ethereal standard, which normal people could not obtain.
Ballet opened doors for jazz, modern, tap, and musical theatre. These techniques set world wide artistic standards. Many people today still take dance classes. The beautiful part of movement is the ability to maintain classic beauty and advanced technology. The classics involve ballroom dance and street hip-hop. The newer styles open up the industry.
With the many forms of dance people are reliving the childhood dream. Ballet and jazz have morphed into aerobic workouts. Dance videos sweep the nation with moves that are fun and burn calories. Internet research shows dancefitness.com has multiple articles on dance and nutrition. The featured articles share nutrition and dance information. There are also connected sites on where to find classes, definitions, and specific diets that professionals have shared. Dance fitness features explain choreography and help advertise cardiovascular health all over the United States.
I have been dancing amateur and professionally for over 20 years. The best aerobic work out is Zumba. This Latin Dance fitness craze recently exploded over the last year. If done correctly, Zumba can burn up to 1000 calories in one class. The mixture of salsa, tango, merengue, and hip-hop moves take aerobics to the top level. Zumba is just one example of dance workouts. The creator Les Mills has also used experience to “body jam, body vive,” and many other classes. These sessions incorporate yoga techniques and hip-hop moves. There are new and fun ways to incorporate fitness. The dance industry has blossomed thanks to all of the new aerobic classes.
For more information go to:


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The passion in Business


A Business Opportunity; Built on a Passion

            There are so many new business opportunities. Many begin with a need, others will start and complete with a passion. The business idea in mind, is for a dance studio/ arts center. The most important step in this journey is research. As I search online, there are many ideas in how to begin.

            The best advice is to open a studio filling a need. Entertainment will have openings for new studios. The business will grow by following a trend. According to Clay Collins, business ideas. Net, open a studio based on what you are good at. If most of the training is in ballet, then open a ballet studio. Some of the best studios are the well-rounded ones. Also, catering to media will bring in students. Popular reality shows, So You Think You Can Dance, and Dancing with the stars have re-ignited dancing excitement.

            Right now, dance fitness is a popular trend. The studios that offer multiple classes for all ages are ones that gain a better clientele. Studios offering adult classes and a chance to network will bring in artist all around the state. The studio should offer multiple hours, classes and styles to represent the best. Varying teachers that will gain the students respect , will have people returning again.

            Finally Collins talks about the professionalism of the studio. Quality teachers with great resume’s, a clean and inviting facility, also the owner who is well versed in skill and technology will present the best studio. Proper business plans will show the preparation of the facility. Researching future financials and having a great staff will enhance the place. Marketing and advertising is important for a new studio. There are simple ways to introduce the studio. Social media is a great way for artists to interact. Establishing a new business with contacts will help in advertising. Working in an area that is well versed in entertainment helps to know the target audience.

            In the end, starting a business in an area you love, will require work and passion. This can and will be a rewarding service.

For more info:

Saturday, November 19, 2011

A Business Plan for a Dance Studio



Research Application
           
The previous blog post was about experts who write business plans. This next post is a continuation on the first. As I have researched specific to my field, there are all kinds of information about writing exact business plans. The information discovered, has convinced me to change and commit to my ideas of opening a dance studio/arts center. Some of the key factors, I would like to share in the post.
The first site, “Dance Studio Business Plan,” uses a hypothetical studio to model an expert plan. The document shows and advises how to put together a professional plan for any creative business. This page has shown me how to consolidate research. Although, I have been dancing over twenty years, there are factors I would not think to look at. For example, it is important to know all costs and projections. Each page has a break down of legal fees, and grand opening that are important to take into consideration. This website would be beneficial for anyone looking to open a creative practice.
The next key factor came from, “Fabjob.com, How to become a Dance Studio Owner.” This site advertises for opening a dance studio. Through the page I have learned how important the target market is. “The dance studio could offer children’s classes, have drop in classes, be geared toward fitness, and so much more.” In order to establish a foundational clientele the studio must know its audience. Orlando Florida is a central entertainment hub. The dance studio must meet specific qualifications for customers. I would want to narrow down my target audience. The arts center I would open would reach to professional dancers looking to network. A direct goal will help in the business plan.
Finally, there are creative ways to attract people to classes. However, this will figure into projections and financials. “Dancestudioowner.com” is a website with helpful advice. This site guides studio owners in new and creative ideas. Marketing tools that are important, are ideas that I can use. The dance owners have ideas of free give aways, discounted tuition, and community out reach to bring in new guests. It is important to reach out to the community. A dance studio should be about more than entertainment. People should come together in a creative environment and mold a new society. These sites have been helpful in guiding my new studio, as well as, other future endeavors.




Monday, October 31, 2011

Experts in Writing a Business Plan


Writing Business Plane Experts Tim Berry and Jeffery Edelheit

In writing a professional business plan, it is important to have all of the details. In researching experts, I was able to come across two names that will help in the writing process. Tim Berry and Jeff Edelheit have been experts in the field for years. Each man had done research and written books on how to write a successful business plan.
Tim Berry, According to the article, “His most recent book on Business Planning, CPA's Guide to Developing Effective Business Plans, was first published by Harcourt Brace in 1998 and is already in its second edition. His Hurdle: the Book on Business Planning is in its third printing (and is actually a subset of the manual to Business Plan Pro.) His earlier books were published by McGraw-Hill, Hayden Books, and Dow Jones-Irwin.” In the books, Berry is able to answer questions about how to write a plan. His expertise leads to research in Japan and work on apple software. Tim Berry also has an MBA and Ma from Oregon University. He can be reached online as well as through his books, with help and expertise.
Jeffery E. Edelheit was found on the same informational website. The website allows for information on writing as well as details on how to get ahold of the authors. (Site details will be posted at the bottom) According to Edelheit, “My specialty is assisting clients in formulating the best business plan possible by supporting their efforts to make the information presented realistic.” Jeffery E. Edelheit researches companies around the United States. He studies what would have made the business better, and how a person is able to get in on the ground floor of the business. Some of his most recent work online were, “What happens if I default on my SBA loan, and How to sell food products over the Internet.”
With the economy structure down right now, it is important to receive help from experts. People who have studied and learn ways to help any entrepreneur establish his or herself in the business world. This advice will help for any business from food to entertainment, I would recommend, “Asking the expert.”

For More information go to:

Sunday, October 16, 2011

The Cross-training Ballerina



Cross Training for the Technical Dancer

For those that love to dance, training begins at a young age. Many children begin at the age of five studying ballet and tap. These techniques develop many strong muscles in dancers. As ballet originated, it was important for the dancer not to participate in any other forms of athletics. Running would build up muscles that are no as important for ballerinas. As time progressed, studies have shown that cross training is important for dancers to excel. On the website of Suite 101, Professionals study the important elements of a dancer. According to Laura DiOrio,
When ballet dancers spend all day in fifth position, those turnout muscles become strong. When dancers start supplementing their classical technique with other exercise forms, however, a more well-rounded, stronger, healthier body will emerge. Yoga, Pilates, Gyro tonics and cardiovascular fitness are some of today's most popular and beneficial practices for dancers (¶ 1).
           
The exercises listed above allow for different results in cross training. Yoga, is known for its discipline in flexibility and focus. Pilates exercises the core stomach and back. Cardiovascular exercises benefit the performers heart and health. One of the favored trainings is Pilates. Joseph Pilates created exercise that wounded soldiers could perform lying down. These core-building routines advanced into an aerobic movement, which increases a dancer’s strength and flexibility.

Cardiovascular training slowly has become part of a technical dancers requirement. “Most ballet training is a static start and stop”(2010). The ballet class alone may only burn around 300 calories. If the dancers intend to keep the heart healthy, a constant aerobic workout is important. The silhouette and performance quality of a dancer are a specific part of the contract. It is imperative for the dancer to include more than classes.

The motto a ballerina “does not run,” is a thing of the past. Now it is crucial for a ballerina to run. As the world of dance progresses, the requirements will change as well. The classics will stay the same but the lead ballerina will be strong enough to run a marathon.

For more info go to:
http://laura-diorio.suite101.com/cross-training-for-ballet-dancers-techniques-for-a-stronger-body-a237511
 http://www.medicinenet.com/pilates/article.htm#origin

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Healthy Living Styles For Dancers

 Dance Nutrition.

Our culture has become very focused on diet and exercise. Increasing percentages of Americans have health and cholesterol problems. It is important for human beings to implement a healthy living style. However, more pressure is put on athletes and performers to live up to certain dietary expectations. The ideal dancer is viewed through talent and appearance. It is important to be thin and strong. Thin does not mean sick. The performer must know the basics of healthy eating, to keep muscles strong and active. Many studios have nutritionists. Some cannot afford a certified doctor and need other ways of reaching out.

            I have found a web site, “The Center for Dance Nutrition.  The Center is affiliated with Atlanta Ballet. The diet and nutritionists have formed an interactive website for dancers who do not have contacts close. The site is formatted for dancers to ask questions, set up meal plans, and be held accountable to a certified nutritionist all online. According to the article, “The vision of the Center for Dance Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles is to assist dancers, and dance companies in achieving the best possible performance with fewer injuries by ensuring that health and nutrition are an integral part of each dancer’s education and experience” (2011). The site sends out daily articles as well as having a page on Facebook.

            It is so important for dancers, or athletes, to take care of their bodies. The body is the tool used to perform. Because many people begin training at a young age, it is hard to follow proper nutrition as the body begins to mature. This website allows teenagers to be educated on proper eating, as their body changes. Many young dancers will go to extremes to keep up the perfect silhouette. If we can educate children and young adults early, the chances of eating disorders decrease.

For more info: http://www.dancernutrition.com/index.html