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#FinanceYourDance : How To Fund Your Dance Dream And Be Financially Free
#FinanceYourDance:The Top 5 Ways To Build Wea…
Posted 2 days ago

This post is part of our #FinanceYourDance series that we've created to help support you in your pursuit to get financial support for your projects, and build financial stability and…

#FinanceYourDance:The Top 5 Ways To Build Wea…
Video: “Inside New York City Dance” TV Show Promo
Video: “Inside New York City Dance” TV Show P…
Posted 9 days ago

Our new dance television show is here! From Executive Producer, CEO, and host of The Kiner Hour radio show, Ashani Mfuko,  we present our brand new television show, "Inside New…

Video: “Inside New York City Dance” TV Show P…
Hip-Hopography Street Dance Photographer, Amanda Adams-Louis, Tonight On The Kiner Hour Radio Show
“Hip-Hopography” Street Dance Photographer, A…
Posted 12 days ago

Lafotographeuse Photo from The Ladies Of Hip-Hop Festival 2011
 

Tonight, on The Kiner Hour – Let’s Talk Dance with Ashani Mfuko radio show,  street dance photographer, Amanda Adams-Louis, A.K.A. "Lafotographeuse". Amanda is…

“Hip-Hopography” Street Dance Photographer, A…
Video: Joffrey Mavericks of American Dance – Exclusive Interviews From The Film Premiere In NYC
Video: Joffrey Mavericks of American Dance – …
Posted 28 days ago

Check out some exclusive interviews from the Joffrey Ballet movie premiere at Lincoln Center in NYC! Featured interviews include, Joffrey Ballet Artistic Director, Ashley C. Wheater, former principal of the…

Video: Joffrey Mavericks of American Dance – …
Video: Ailey II Artistic Director, Sylvia Waters Talks About Her Final Season With The Company
Video: Ailey II Artistic Director, Sylvia Wat…
Posted 30 days ago

Photo: Sylvia Waters with Ashani Mfuko, Host of The Kiner Hour Radio Show
 

Check out an intimate interview with Ailey II's Artistic Director of 38 years, Sylvia Waters, as she shares…

Video: Ailey II Artistic Director, Sylvia Wat…
Ailey II & The Joffrey Ballet Movie Stars, Tonight On The Kiner Hour Radio Show
Ailey II & The Joffrey Ballet Movie Stars, To…
Posted 33 days ago

Tonight on The Kiner Hour - Let's Talk Dance with Ashani Mfuko radio show, Ailey II Artistic Director, Sylvia Waters, Artistic Director Designate, Troy Powell, and Joffrey: Mavericks Of American…

Ailey II & The Joffrey Ballet Movie Stars, To…
Dance Marketing 101: The Top 10 Keys To An E-P-I-C Marketing Plan
Dance Marketing 101: The Top 10 Keys To An E-…
Posted 38 days ago

The fact that you’re reading this post says that you’re serious about growing your dance business or brand, and you recognize that Effective, Personalized, Intriguing, and Consistent marketing is an absolute MUST…

Dance Marketing 101: The Top 10 Keys To An E-…
Dance Marketing 101 Series: Part 2 – How To Conquer Your Marketing Fears
Dance Marketing 101 Series: Part 2 – How To C…
Posted 39 days ago

We all have goals for the year ahead, and hopes to reach new levels of success this year, that will surpass anything we’ve done in the past. We want to…

Dance Marketing 101 Series: Part 2 – How To C…
Dance Marketing 101 Series: Part 1- How To Master Your Marketing Message
Dance Marketing 101 Series: Part 1- How To Ma…
Posted 43 days ago

I recently took part in a wonderful free video series by a woman who I consider my “virtual mentor”, as I have never met her in person, but she has…

Dance Marketing 101 Series: Part 1- How To Ma…
Exit 12 Dance Company Artistic Director, Roman Baca, And Enforced Arch, This Sunday On The Kiner Hour Radio Show
Enforced Arch & Exit 12 Dance Company Artisti…
Posted 57 days ago

Enforced Arch Photo: "Please Don't Touch"
This Sunday, on The Kiner Hour Radio Show, Special Guest, Choreographer and Artistic Director of Exit 12 Dance Company, Roman Baca, and Enforced Arch Creative Directors,…

Enforced Arch & Exit 12 Dance Company Artisti…
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You are browsing the archive for 2011 September .

The #LetsTalkDance Tweetchat Moves To Mondays, 10-11 pm EST

September 30, 2011

Over the past year, our #letstalkdance Tweetchat has become the place to be on Tuesdays, for all dancers on Twitter! Our weekly, live chats, educate, encourage, and inspire all dance-related tweeps, and we have an awesome time getting to know each other, and sharing our stories and resources.

The #letstalkdance Tweetchat has a new time, and is now every Monday night, 10-11 pm EST.

We’re looking forward to connecting with even more dancers on Twitter at our new time, that weren’t able to participate during our afternoon chats, over the past year.

Join us each week as we talk about various topics of interest to dancers, dance teachers, and dance studio owners. Share your thoughts, feelings, and knowledge, and connect with other dance peeps on Twitter.

How To Join The Tweetchat

- Follow @kinerenterprise to get the questions and topics for the live chat.

- Add the hashtag, #letstalkdance, to each of your Tweets.

- Follow along with all of the Tweets in the chat by going to, http://tweetchat.com/room/letstalkdance.

- Reply to, and re-tweet (RT) each tweet that you see with the #letstalkdance hashtag, and get ready for a wonderful time connecting with other dancers on Twitter!

- SPREAD THE WORD!

- That’s it! You’re done!

Please share this post on Facebook, and on Twitter, and help us spread the word. I look forward to chatting with you!

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For Dancers and Artists: How To Overcome Performance Anxiety

September 29, 2011

Photo Credit: http://freestockphotos.biz

Whether you’re a professional dancer, singer, actor, comedian, or all-around entertainer, performance anxiety is real. It can happen as you’re preparing to go on stage, or on camera, or while you’re at an audition. Either way, it can really throw you off your game, if you don’t know why it’s happening to you, and what to do to overcome it.

I interviewed Jennifer Hamady, Vocal Coach, Consultant, and Counselor to performing artists, on our weekly radio show, and she shared some great tips on how to overcome performance and audition anxiety. Check out the video below, and leave a comment with your thoughts and feedback.

If you know someone who struggles with this, and you like the video, please share this post on Facebook and Twitter.

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How To Find A Great Dance Photographer

September 28, 2011



Photo by Tim Agler, from Nuevo School of Contemporary Dance

This is a guest blog post from our PR Intern, Jordon Cloud.

We all know that a good picture is worth a thousand words. This is especially true when it comes to dance photography. A great dance photograph can capture the emotion on a dancers face, the technical abilities that they carry, and the unique movement that they have been taught. Each of these facets can culminate to create a photograph that defines the overall vision and artistic appeal of a studio. The difference between a great dance photograph and a mediocre dance photograph is the difference between an emotive and expressive body on stage versus a faceless body that is simply moving in space.

While posed shots staged inside a photo studio are very popular amongst students and their family members, great action shots are just as important when it comes to sharing with the world what a company is all about. After all, the true heart of any dance studio should be the movement and the art that they create as well as the students who are trained to execute dance with passion and enthusiasm.

In this digital age, photographs are used in print as well as online media including company websites and social media. Several platforms should be utilized in order to reach a greater audience.

Photo by Erica Lynn Photography from Nicole Cote School of Dance

Where to post your great dance photography:

  • On the studio website. Create a easy-to-navigate gallery of your favorite dance shots. Photos should be included into the design of your website.
  • On the walls of your dance studio. Walking in, visitors should understand what you are all about including what level of technique your dancers have and what kind of people you work with.
  • In your Tweets, Facebook posts, blogs, and other social media platforms.
    • Post the cream of the crop online frequently. A tweet here and there will keep your studio pertinent and easy to remember.
    • Wish your students happy birthday along with photographs of them in action.
  • In posters and other print materials. Eye-catching photographs will invite more passersby to check out the details of your upcoming events and advertisements.Have each photo readily accessible for family members to print and expand.

Great videography should be considered in the same way as photography. Videos and photographs should be used and posted in a similar fashion. Both should be easy to find and descriptive without giving away too much of the event. Great videos and photos should excite viewers enough that they develop interest in coming to the next event that your company holds.

Photo by Reathy Geary of 5-D Creative from The Academy of Ballet Fantastique

Things to consider when choosing a great photographer:

  • Are they easy to communicate with? Do they have good reviews online or have you heard good things about their professionalism from your peers? Check websites such as Yelp and Angie’s List to see if a given photographer has any reviews online.
  • Does their portfolio impress you? Portfolios should be accessible online and offline. Upon meeting the photographer, be sure to see some of their best photographs in print. They may also have a connection to a great printing company online or in your area.
  • Can you find any of their work on other websites including dance or photography blogs? There are many blogs that highlight great photography and it is a great sign if a photographer has been recognized for their work.

Don’t know any great photographers? There are many useful platforms online that can help you find the right photographer for your studio. Of course, you can always ask those around you if they have had an exceptional experience with a photographer.  While many photographers are easy to find online, it may take a bit of research to find the right person. Searching for “dance photographers” specifically in your area is the best place to start. Facebook, Twitter, and the search engine of your choice are all great platforms that will take you to online portfolios. Checking out the photos of your competitors is not a bad idea, either.

When it comes to a talented and experienced photographer, you get what you pay for. Considering that you have had a chance to see their work and learn a bit about their professionalism, it should be easy to tell who would be the best choice for your studio. You want to find someone who is creative and can capture an action shot that isn’t blurry. When it comes to dance, photos should be taken at the height of the movement, rather than the middle of an action. While wedding photography is very different than dance photography, you should not rule these types of professionals out from your search. Although dance may not be their specialty, it is likely that they could capture some impressive shots.

Develop relationships with several photographers in your area that specialize in dance. If you are located near a college, it is likely that there are many aspiring photographers who are developing their portfolios. These people are likely new enough to the field that they don’t yet charge for their work and are eager to gain experience. Upon viewing their work, meeting with them, and assuring with your other photographers that it will be okay to have second shooters around the theater, invite these budding professionals to your dress rehearsals to see what they can do. Though they may not produce the same quality of work as the photographers you have hired, it is highly possible that they will share their work and in turn, help gain exposure for your studio.

It is a good idea to schedule a test shoot during rehearsal or class time. This will give you a chance to see if you will work well with the photographer and if they have the technical capabilities to capture an awesome action shot. Overall, it is very important that you feel comfortable with the capabilities of your photographer. Remember that you are investing in something that can be used over and over again. Be sure that you are confident with your decision! Photos can be endlessly captivating, and dance photography especially has the potential to tell a story about the art and the people involved with it.

What ways have you used to find great dance photographers? Do you have any recommendations? Please share and leave a comment below.

If you found this post helpful, please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

This is a guest blog post by Jordon Cloud, PR Intern at Kiner Enterprises Inc. You can check out her blog at, http://socialrhythms.wordpress.com.

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The #1 Key To Survival In The Dance Industry (And Any Other Industry)

September 27, 2011

Modeling Can Be A Great Way To Supplement Your Income As A Dancer (Photo Credit: http://freestockphotos.biz)

“You don’t have to be the smartest. Don’t have to be the strongest. But you MUST have heart, and you gotta learn to hustle!” ~ Marshawn Evans

What is the #1 key to survival in the dance industry? What is the #1 key to survival in any industry, and in the current economy? This is the $1,000,000 question! And the answer is one that artists have known about and figured out a long time ago, because we had no choice. But this key to survival really applies to everyone, no matter what industry you work in. Because if there’s one thing this economy has taught us, it’s that, there’s no such thing as “job security”.

The #1 Key To Survival In The Dance Industry (And Any Industry) is:

Multiple Streams of Income.

One stream of income just isn’t good enough. If you’re wondering why, here are two reasons for you.

  • There is no such thing as job security. Shows close, dance studios close, non-profits lose their funding, there are always cutbacks, lay-offs, outsourcing, etc. going on at any given moment. So if your entire livelihood is dependent upon one source of income, you’re in serious trouble.
  • Things happen. Sometimes dance studios, dance companies, and non-profit organizations, have financial challenges that cause them to delay your payroll for a certain amount of time. If that’s your only source of income, how will you survive when these unexpected situations arise? You have to have another source of income to fall back on (and no, your savings account does not count as a source of income).

One stream of income is not good enough. I don’t care how good it is. It’s not permanent. Think of your income the same way you would think of investing. You don’t want to invest all of your money in one thing, because if the value of that one thing decreases significantly, then you’re in serious trouble. Never put all of your eggs in one basket, no matter how good the situation or job may be at the moment. There is one thing that is guaranteed, and that is change. Things change, times change, people change, organizations change, climates change, leadership changes. So you have to always be set up in such a way that you’re able to adapt to change in as smooth a transition as possible.

So the first step to surviving in the dance industry is:

Diversify

Have different sources of income at all times, and always be open to adding side gigs, or one-time gigs to supplement your other steady forms of income.

Here Are 20 different Income Sources/Options For Dancers:

1. Dance Performing – This is by far one of the top choices for professional dancers, especially if you have the opportunity to perform on a consistent basis through a dance company, tour, Broadway, or Off-Broadway show.

2. Teaching Dance – Teaching Dance is a great way to earn a significant, steady income as a dancer. It’s one of the options that offer the most stability in our field.

3. Pilates/Yoga/Zumba Instructor – These are great because you have more options for who and where you teach. You’re not limited to only dance studios, you can teach at gyms, fitness centers, small groups, and private sessions.

4. Massage Therapy – This industry is huge, and I see more and more dancers getting involved with it everyday. That mind-body connection is something that we’re already in tune with, so it makes perfect sense for us.

5. Your own business. This is definitely one of my top 3 options (even though it’s #5 on this list). There is nothing like owning your own business. It’s about as secure as it gets when speaking of job security. If you have a great idea, and are willing to invest the time, energy, and hard work that it takes to bring it to life, go for it! Owning your own business has the potential to earn you more residual, and sizable income over time, than anything else on this list.

6. Coaching/Consulting – There are people all over the world who are willing to pay you to share your expertise in various areas, and help them to reach their personal or professional goals. You can charge by the hour, make your own schedule, and easily build a successful side hustle.

7. Competition Adjudicator – I honestly can’t even keep track of all of the dance competitions that are happening in the U.S., let alone, internationally. Although it takes a good amount of focus, patience, and perseverance, this is also a great  way to make some extra cash.

8. Dance Company Manager – Are you good with marketing, administrative work, planning, preparation, delegating, grant writing, stage managing, etc? You may be a great asset to a local dance company, as their manager, or assistant manager.

9. PR/Marketing Consultant – Some of us dancers, have experience in marketing or pr as a result of a major or minor in college, or through work experience, outside of dance. Or, you may just have a knack for PR. Whatever the case, every company or organization needs great pr and marketing in order to be successful. If you have the skills and experience to make it happen, then take advantage of that, and build another career, alongside your dance career.

10. Modeling (Art and commercial print) – Since dancers tend to be in excellent shape, modeling can be a great option for you. You may not be tall enough to walk the runways during NY Fashion Week, but commercial print modeling, or modeling for art studios/art students, can be a great way to supplement your income.

11. Paid Focus GroupsThese are great! And they are legit, believe me, I’ve done them before. You can actually get paid to give your feedback and opinions on different products and services. It’s some of the easiest money you’ll ever make, with the exception of #12…

12. Paid Audience MemberOkay, this is by far, the easiest money you’ll ever make! I’ve done it, and it’s great! Get paid to be in the audience for talk shows, or other tv shows, for a few hours. It won’t pay your rent, but, it can definitely buy your groceries for the week, by you some new dance shoes/clothes, or help to build up your savings account.

13. Live Hosting/Media Personality – The opportunities as a media personality are truly endless. You can host live events, dance or otherwise, you can host online tv shows, become a vlogger, be a radio personality, the list goes on and on. If you have the personality for it, and love being in front of the camera, this may be for you.

14. Writing/Editing – Dancers are smart people, and many of us write as well as we dance. Why not use your writing skills to bring in more income? You can write for dance-related publications, or for other industries, or write a book. You can also get paid very well for editing other people’s writing.

15. Commercials – All I have to say is residuals. Now that’s smart money! Do a commercial once, get paid over and over again for a year or two. You can’t beat that!

16. Acting – Whether you want to be a triple threat, do Musical Theater, or just do background work on tv shows and films, dancers can transition into acting very gracefully, given the proper training and practice. Hollywood, here you come!

17. Tutoring. Just because you chose to become a professional dancer, doesn’t mean that you weren’t a great student in school. There are always non-profits, and even parents in your local neighborhood, with kids who are in need of tutoring. Use your excellent writing, math, or science skills to help a young person become a better student, and add to your income along the way.

18. Dog-Walking. I will say that, this job is not as easy as it sounds, especially if you want to work for an actual company, and not just walk dogs on an independent basis. It requires knowledge about dog health and psychology, and can be very tiring. But hey, you’re a dancer, and you’re in great shape, so you should be able to handle it. If you’re looking for some extra cash to have at the end of every week/month, this is definitely something you should consider.

19. Social Media Management – Now that most everyone has jumped onto the social media bandwagon, and recognizes the actual, positive results it can bring to your business, organization, or personal brand, there is a huge opportunity. Many people and organizations don’t really know how to manage their social media presence successfully, and/or don’t have the time. That’s where you come in. Provide a freelance social media management service, and bring in some extra cash, using skills that you already use everyday.

20. Blogging – Who would’ve ever thought that you could actually make money blogging? But, you can. It won’t happen over night, but it is very possible.

These are just some of the many options for you to look into in order to build and maintain a stable, consistent income throughout your career. What other types of jobs have you tried? Please add your suggestions and comments to this post below.

If you liked this post, check out our How Dancers Can Build Wealth Series.

If you found this post helpful, please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

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For Dancers: Are You Building A Legacy Or Living In A Fantasy?

September 22, 2011

Building the Legacy

“If money is your only motivation, get ready to run out of steam.”

This past Tuesday, we discussed A Dancer’s Dreams Revealed as the topic of our weekly #LetsTalkDance Tweechat. We all shared what our dreams were for our dance career when we were kids, and how those dreams evolved, changed, and developed as we got older. It’s so wonderful to think back to when you were  a young dancer, and how you dreamed of performing on stage, on tv, on Broadway, in dance companies, in movies, etc., not knowing just how hard it is to make it in this business. But even more interesting is how your goals and desires change as you mature, and even got a taste of the life you thought you wanted so bad.

I was on the train yesterday speaking to another Dance Teacher, as we were both commuting back home from the dance studio, and our conversation was so enlightening. We both had similar upbringings and early experiences in our dance training. We both got a Bachelor’s of Arts in Dance from really great colleges, and went on to aggressively pursue our performance careers thereafter. Although we went on very different paths in our careers, one major thing that we have in common is an overwhelming desire to pursue our other passions outside of dance, while still being active as professional dancers. We both realize the importance of developing your other skills, gifts, and talents, taking risks, trying new things, and exploring opportunities to create and build something of your own. Basically, more of a business mindset, inside of an artistic person. The two can definitely work together if you’re willing to try it.

Here are some ways for you to discover and develop your talents and career in a well-rounded manner:

1. Take Risks. We talked about how so many dancers are afraid to try new projects or business ideas, because it’s outside of their comfort zone, and they might fail.  It’s understandable  that if you’re used to excelling all the time, and being great at what you do, that you may be hesitant to try something that you may not be good at. But you can’t let that stop you. You will never know what you’re truly capable of, until you try something new. Thinking about doing something, or talking about doing something, is not good enough. Just think, did you become a fabulous dancer by simply sitting around talking about dance everyday? Or did you get up and dance, train hard in the studio, practice, perform, and repeat? You have to take risks and take action in order to reach your full potential.

2. Build A Legacy. Sometimes people say that dancers are selfish. We spend all of our time working on our bodies, our craft, our careers, all because it feeds our own soul and passion. But I beg to differ. Although there are some of us who are in fact  little selfish, most of us find joy and purpose in sharing our passion with others in a way that challenges them, inspires them, makes them think or reflect, or simply makes others feel good. But we should take this a step further, and create a career that is actually part of a legacy. Focus your energy on building something that will have  a purpose and an impact, long after you’re gone. Don’t let your career only be about your extensive and impressive performance resume. You can do more than that. Build a legacy.

3. Give Back. This is one of the most important things I’ve learned throughout my life. It’s not all about me. It’s about how I can give back, and improve the lives of other people. That’s why I do what I do everyday. If you’re a Dance Teacher, you’re already doing this. But there are many ways that you can give back, whether it be through volunteer work, being involved with or raising money for charities, building awareness about certain issues that you’re knowledgeable about, etc. Figure out a way to take what you’ve learned, your success, your failures, your experiences, and use that to make other people’s lives better. Your dance career should not be about your ego, or the rush you get from being on stage, or in front of a dance studio. You have to give back. You are here today, because someone sowed a seed into your life. Someone gave, so that you could become who you are, now it’s your turn to pay it forward.

This post is a little different from what I normally write about, but I felt it was definitely worth sharing, and also a great way to spark some reflecting in your mind on your career, your vision, your mission, and your purpose.

Are you building a legacy and giving back through dance? If so, how? Please share your thoughts and experiences below.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

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How Dance Studios Can Use Public Relations To Grow Your Business

September 21, 2011

GIRL SCOUT LEADS NATIONAL DANCE DAY WORKSHOP

This is a guest blog post from our PR Intern, Jordon Cloud.

How Dance Studios Can Use Public Relations to Promote and Grow Your Business

What does PR (public relations) mean for a dance studio? Community building! Dance studios have the chance to become a vital and enriching aspect of any neighborhood, but this cannot be done without good communication and close involvement within the surrounding community.

It is more than imperative that dance studios participate in public relations to be sure that their company is an important part of the community around them. This can mean that the studio is meaningful and pertinent to those who live in a nearby neighborhood, or even that a students’ grandparents who live across the country know all about your upcoming events and fundraisers. It’s important not only that a dance studio be well known for the talented students that they teach, but also for what they give back to their students’ families.

There are some dance studios that have managed to stay busy even without extensive advertising plans. However, what these companies lack in advertising, they make up for in public relations and community building efforts. What these studios excel in is creating a unique environment for their students and their families that causes a word of mouth appeal. They also most likely make sure to perform and participate in community events and frequently go out of their way to connect with those who are not directly involved in the day-to-day happenings at their studio. This can mean anyone including the extended family members of students, nearby businesses, friends of students, local journalists, and even people online who can help to draw interest to a business that they see to be in important aspect of the community.

Here are ten ways your dance studio can participate in public relations to become a larger part of the community and in turn, receive more business:

1. Take your dancers to perform at community events such as art gatherings and county fairs. This will introduce both your art and your students to the neighborhood. Be sure to network with those who run community-based events in your neighborhood. Performance opportunities both inside and outside of the typical theater environment will gain a sense of exposure that the usual performance space will not allow for.

2. Create an environment in your studio that allows for communication between the dancers, their families, and the studio faculty. Be sure that there is always someone working in the office who can answer the phone during business hours. To avoid conflict, be sure that your rules and regulations are always available online and in print at the studio.

3. Bring in new teachers from different cities to conduct master classes. This will add a sense of networking to your business and will bring in new students who want to take class from a fresh new face. Make connections with people you’ve never met, or hire professionals that you have had longstanding relationships with.

4. Participate in social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook to reach out to potential business affiliates, clients, and community members. Utilizing social media as a PR tool will also allow you to create a voice and branded image for your company, as well as a platform for your clients to say good things about you! Send out tweets to your favorite businesses to make connections and reply to any questions or praise.

5. Create a monthly newsletter so that every family and prospective client has access to what’s new at your studio. Be sure to offer both hard copies and e-mail versions of the newsletter.

6. Allow for studio rentals when classes are not in session. This will generate revenue for your business and put you on the radar for smaller dance companies looking for space to rent.

7. Encourage your students to help organize an impromptu performance to raise money for a charity. This is a hands-on idea that may be appropriate to coordinate in a small scale within the boundaries of your business. Not every studio has the finances to conduct an event like this, however, if your students attach or relate to a specific story or organization they may feel inclined to organize the event with the help of your staff, of course.

8. If you feel that your students are ready, have them come along with a teacher that they look up to and take classes at a more “adult” studio. Be sure that whomever is teaching knows where your students come from and if they are impressed, they may point potential students in the direction of your studio.

9. Hold parents night out events and invite families that do not have students who belong to your studio. If the kids have fun they will likely want to come back! Show them a good time and create a theme that boys and girls within a specific age range will relate to and have fun with.

10. Be sure that all of the local newspapers and schools know about your performances and events. You can inform them in the form of a press release, poster or flyer. It is a great idea to make connections with local journalists. Let them know what is unique about your business and what you are doing to stand out in the community.

In addition to an educational and enriching teaching curriculum, it is vital that any dance studio utilize community-building tools available to them. Public relations allows for transparency and can be a great way to invite new students and business partners in to your studio. If community members can get an idea as to what your organization is all about, they will be more likely to participate in your upcoming events.

Dance is a very people-friendly business. While it is important to maintain a connection to people on social networks including Twitter and Facebook, it is also very important that people who are directly involved in your neighborhood community know all about your studio. These locals are your potential clients, donors, and event-goers so a vital aspect of public relations within dance studios involves connecting with these people on a personal level.

Have you used any of these techniques to promote your dance studio in your local area? What PR strategies have worked best for you? Please leave a comment below with your thoughts and feedback.

If you found this post helpful, please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

This is a guest blog post by Jordon Cloud, PR Intern at Kiner Enterprises Inc. You can check out her blog at, http://socialrhythms.wordpress.com.

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TenduTV’s Marc Kirschner, Tonight On The Kiner Hour

September 20, 2011

Tonight on the Kiner Hour – Let’s Talk Dance with Ashani Mfuko internet radio and Ustream.tv show, Special Guest, Marc Kirschner, General Manager of TenduTV. TenduTV is the leading aggregator and distributor of digital rights for the concert dance industry, with over 70 digital partnerships capable of reaching over 200 million devices in 10 countries.

TenduTV was founded on a simple belief: that the world would be a better place if more people had the chance to enjoy and understand dance. TenduTV delivers programming via Hulu, iTunes, Amazon, and soon will be on all major platforms, reaching nearly 500 million screens in 10 countries.

You don’t want to miss this show!

Tune in to the show tonight from, 7-8 pm EST at http://talkingalternative.com! Call in live at 877-480-4120!

Please share this on Facebook and Twitter,

ABOUT THE SHOW: “The Kiner Hour – Lets Talk Dance With Ashani Mfuko“ is an internet radio show on the Talking Alternative Radio Broadcasting Network, which is also streamed live from the studio in New York City on Ustream.tv, on Tuesday nights from 7pm-8pm, with archives available for download. This show covers hot topics in the dance world, the business side of the dance industry, how to be successful in the dance industry, health and wellness, advice on how to use social media for dance, and how to stay positive and motivated as a dance studio owner, dance teacher, and professional dancer, with special guest interviews from dance-industry leaders.

Dance Teacher Web is an official sponsor of the Kiner Hour – Let’s Talk Dance with Ashani Mfuko.
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For Dance Teachers: How To Use Online Videos To Get Jobs – Part 2

September 14, 2011

In Part 1 of this series, I shared with you how you can create a preliminary online video interview to share with dance studio owners, or other potential employers, as a great way to stand out from other dance teacher candidates.

Another way that you can use online videos to get dance teaching jobs is by having a personalized dance teacher testimonial video. What better way to find out what your students think about you and your teaching, than to hear it directly from them. This is by no means an absolute necessity to get hired for dance teaching jobs, but it’s a surefire way to stand out from other dance teachers, and highlight what makes you a great dance teacher.

I recommend including the following elements in your personalized, dance teacher testimonial video:

1) An Introduction. Introduce yourself, where you’re located, what you teach, and what people will see in the video.

2) Your Choreography/In-Class Dance Video Clips. It’s a great idea to include some video clips of your students dancing your choreography, whether it’s in class, or at a dance performance or competition. This will make the video more interesting, and also showcase your choreography, while highlighting what your students have to say about you.

3) Student Testimonials. Your students should introduce themselves, state what classes they take with you, and share what they love about your classes, and having you as their dance teacher. To make sure they look natural on camera, ask them questions, and then record their answers to the questions. If you have a wireless mic, it’s great to mic them, for the highest sound quality possible.

4) Parent Testimonials. The same format applies for having parents do a testimonial video for you. Parents are the bread and butter of any dance studio. They’re the ones who pay the tuition bills, and decide what classes, and how many classes their child will take. So, to have some awesome testimonials from actual parents of your students, adds another layer of uniqueness and credibility to your video, and your brand as a dance teacher. I mean, what dance studio owner wouldn’t want to hire a teacher who has awesome success stories from students and parents?

5) Your Conclusion/Outro. Add a very short conclusion at the end of the video, thanking your viewer for watching, and finish with a call to action to contact you through e-mail or your website (share your e-mail address and web address, and show it as text in the video while you’re saying it.)

More Tips

Let’s say you don’t have the means, for whatever reason, to get the video testimonials from your dance students/parents. Get creative! Have them e-mail their testimonials to you, or post them on your Facebook wall. Then, to create a video, take pictures that you have of you and your students, add their testimonials to the video as text, throw in some music, and BAM, you have a testimonial video (really a slideshow video). This is another alternative to the actual video footage of your dance students/parents talking. Animoto is perfect for this type of video, or any type of online video creation, that looks professional, creative, and edgy.

I would recommend keeping your video between 3-5 minutes long. Short videos get more views, and you have a better chance of people watching the entire video, beginning to end.

When To Create Your Testimonial Video

Generally speaking, the end of the school year is usually a good time to film a video like this one.  Even at a tech rehearsal, when students and parents are there, and there’s a lot of down time, might be a good time to shoot your video. I filmed my video backstage, before the end-of-the-year recital. But, it’s really up to you. You should also get clearance from the studio owner, and make sure they’re okay with you doing this, at their studio, with the students/parents.

It’s also a good idea to schedule it ahead of time, and choose who you’d like to have in your video, so that they can be prepared to be on camera, and look their best.

Again, a personalized, dance teacher testimonial video is by no means a necessity for any dance teacher. However, if you’re the type of dance teacher who likes to stand out from the crowd, is interested in building your own personal brand as a dance teacher, and is always looking for a competitive edge, then this is a great tool for you! Not only will it be helpful in booking dance teaching jobs, but it’s also a great way to document the impact that you’ve had on your students throughout your teaching career.

Do you think a dance teacher testimonial video is a good idea? Do you think dance teachers should use online videos to promote their personal brands, and get the jobs they want? Please leave your comment below, and let me know what you think.

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CLICK HERE to view my personalized dance teacher testimonial video.

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Hip-Hop Star, Anthony “Antboogie” Rue II of The Amount Boyz, Tonight on The Kiner Hour

September 13, 2011

Anthony "Antboogie" Rue II Hip-Hop Choreographer, Dancer, MC

Tonight on the Kiner Hour – Let’s Talk Dance with Ashani Mfuko internet radio and Ustream.tv show, Special Guest, Hip-Hop Choreographer, Dancer, and MC, Anthony “Antboogie” Rue II, of The Amount Boyz dance crew.

AntBoogie who hails from the inner city streets of Brooklyn, NY, has been dancing and choreographing professionally for over 10years, just recently wrapping up the second leg of the Queen of Pop, Madonna’s, Sticky and Sweet Tour. He is no stranger to the stage or sold-out arena’s, since he has been touring the country and world before even getting his highschool degree, from the “FAME” school, the world renowned, Fiorella La Guardia High School of the Performing Arts.
His first job was through “Making the Band” choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson, and is a member of the world-famous dance crew, “The Amount Boyz”.

The AmountBoyz are the premiere group of the 21st century, successors to the world famous “RockSteady Crew” as not only a ground breaking and well respected group in New York City, but also throughout the entertainment industry. Years before the commercial inception of the “dance crew” and MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew TV series, The Amount Boyz were regularly featured on National Television via BET’s 106 and Park. The group was initially formed in New York City in 1996 at Fiorello H. La Guardia high school, ” The Fame School,” and continued to expand from there. Their name “AmountBoyz” represents the collective diversity and varying degrees of talent that each member brings to the stage. Artist credits include : Madonna, Justin Bieber,Sade, Omarion, Keyshia Cole, Ryan Leslie, Toni Braxton, Jay- Z, P.Diddy, Black Eye Peas, etc. Film and Commercial credits include: “Justin Bieber: Never Say, Never”, STEP UP 1, 2, and 3, Stomp the Yard 1 and 2, Honey, Honey 2(forthcoming release), Dance Flick, HairSpray, DreamGirls, You Got Served, McDonald’s, Smirnoff, Jenny Craig, The crew isnt just limited to the dance industry, they are also actively solidifying themselves in the music and visual art industry, with 3 MC’s, a DJ, a R&B singer, and an Urban Graffiti artist.

You don’t want to miss this show!

Tune in to the show tonight from, 7-8 pm EST at http://talkingalternative.com , or watch the live stream on Ustream.tv! Call in live at 877-480-4120!

Please share this on Facebook and Twitter,

ABOUT THE SHOW: “The Kiner Hour – Lets Talk Dance With Ashani Mfuko“ is an internet radio show on the Talking Alternative Radio Broadcasting Network, which is also streamed live from the studio in New York City on Ustream.tv, on Tuesday nights from 7pm-8pm, with archives available for download. This show covers hot topics in the dance world, the business side of the dance industry, how to be successful in the dance industry, health and wellness, advice on how to use social media for dance, and how to stay positive and motivated as a dance studio owner, dance teacher, and professional dancer, with special guest interviews from dance-industry leaders.

Dance Teacher Web is an official sponsor of the Kiner Hour – Let’s Talk Dance with Ashani Mfuko.
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How To Use Online Videos To Get Dance Teaching Jobs (Part 1)

September 12, 2011
PART 1: HOW TO CREATE PRELIMINARY VIDEO INTERVIEWS
An online, pre-interview video is a great way to stand out from other dance teachers when applying for dance teaching jobs. It’s something that your average dance teacher would never do, and gives your potential employer the opportunity to connect with you in a more personal way, prior to your actual interview. Highlight your unique qualities, training, experience, and values as a dance teacher, and land the teaching jobs you want!

Here is the order and content for your pre-interview video:

1) Introduce Yourself - Start off with your name, where you’re from, what styles of dance you teach, what age groups, your educational & dance background and training, and a brief overview of your teaching experience. – 2 mins.

2) Share Your Teaching Philosophy – Talk about why you teach, and what your core values and beliefs are as a teacher. – 1 min. 30 secs

3) Explain What You Bring To The Table - Share what the benefits will be for a dance studio, arts organization, or school, when they hire you, and what makes you unique as a dance teacher. This is your chance to really stand out from your competitors, so take full advantage of it. Be concise, and don’t ramble on. Remember, this video should not be longer than 5 mins. – 1 min. 15 secs

4) Have A Professional Closing. Closing out your video with something like, “Thank you for taking the time to watch this video, and for considering me for this position. I look forward to meeting with you in person, and learning more about your organization. Take Care.” - 15 secs

Your video should be no longer than 5 mins., tops!

Record your video on your webcam, iphone, or video camera. Make sure you edit your video to present the highest form of professionalism. Feel free to add a few photos to your video, that you can show while you’re talking. I wouldn’t recommend adding more than 3 photos, since this is only a 5-minute video. If you have photos of you with your dance students, that is perfect!

Here are some additional pointers:

- Be bubbly, energetic, and enthusiastic.

- Speak loudly and clearly (If you have a wireless mic, that’s even better. Please use a microphone if you have one.)

- Smile while you’re speaking (but not to the point where you look crazy).

- Look directly into the camera (as you would look at your potential employer during an in-person interview).
- Present your best self. Get dressed in some nice clothing. Ladies, put on some make-up. Present yourself in the same manner that you would at a job interview, casting, or audition.

- Practice, and do multiple takes. Don’t worry about getting it right the first time. Take your time, and be sure that you’re sharing the best version of your pre-interview video. I wouldn’t recommend writing out a script, because it will seem very unnatural. However, you can write down some bullet points of things you definitely want to mention in your video.

Other than that, speak from the heart. The purpose of this video is for potential employers to get to know the real you. So be genuine, and be yourself.

I also recommend creating a short, 1-minute version of this video, just to introduce yourself, and share why you’re applying for a particular teaching position, and send it to potential employers in a video e-mail. It’s something unique, new, and different, and will definitely make you stand out from the other dance teacher candidates.

Do you think creating a video such as this one, will help you stand out from other dance teachers/choreographers when applying for jobs?

Did you find this post helpful?

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