Dance Studio Owners’ Back-to-School Checklist
Robert Howarth
Sep 04 2025
6 min read
Dance Studio Owners’ Back-to-School Checklist
Robert Howarth
Sep 04 2025
6 min read
Dance Studio Owners’ Back-to-School Checklist
Robert Howarth
Sep 04 2025
6 min read
UK-based dance studio owners, we know that you’ve been working hard all summer—marketing your studios, improving your business, learning new choreography, researching shows and competitions, re-enrolling students, and planning classes and schedules—with maybe a week or two off. But now it’s crunch time, and all of your hard work over the summer is about to pay off.
But before you can open the doors of your studio, here’s your back-to-school checklist for dance studio owners
UK-based dance studio owners, we know that you’ve been working hard all summer—marketing your studios, improving your business, learning new choreography, researching shows and competitions, re-enrolling students, and planning classes and schedules—with maybe a week or two off. But now it’s crunch time, and all of your hard work over the summer is about to pay off.
But before you can open the doors of your studio, here’s your back-to-school checklist for dance studio owners
UK-based dance studio owners, we know that you’ve been working hard all summer—marketing your studios, improving your business, learning new choreography, researching shows and competitions, re-enrolling students, and planning classes and schedules—with maybe a week or two off. But now it’s crunch time, and all of your hard work over the summer is about to pay off.
But before you can open the doors of your studio, here’s your back-to-school checklist for dance studio owners
UK-based dance studio owners, we know that you’ve been working hard all summer—marketing your studios, improving your business, learning new choreography, researching shows and competitions, re-enrolling students, and planning classes and schedules—with maybe a week or two off. But now it’s crunch time, and all of your hard work over the summer is about to pay off.
But before you can open the doors of your studio, here’s your back-to-school checklist for dance studio owners
UK-based dance studio owners, we know that you’ve been working hard all summer—marketing your studios, improving your business, learning new choreography, researching shows and competitions, re-enrolling students, and planning classes and schedules—with maybe a week or two off. But now it’s crunch time, and all of your hard work over the summer is about to pay off.
But before you can open the doors of your studio, here’s your back-to-school checklist for dance studio owners
1) Classes & Schedules
Classes and schedules, you’ve probably spent hours planning your new 2025/2026 class and schedule for the upcoming year. So now it’s more about checking a few things off:
1) Classes & Schedules
Classes and schedules, you’ve probably spent hours planning your new 2025/2026 class and schedule for the upcoming year. So now it’s more about checking a few things off:
1) Classes & Schedules
Classes and schedules, you’ve probably spent hours planning your new 2025/2026 class and schedule for the upcoming year. So now it’s more about checking a few things off:
1) Classes & Schedules
Classes and schedules, you’ve probably spent hours planning your new 2025/2026 class and schedule for the upcoming year. So now it’s more about checking a few things off:
1) Classes & Schedules
Classes and schedules, you’ve probably spent hours planning your new 2025/2026 class and schedule for the upcoming year. So now it’s more about checking a few things off:
Students
Student enrollment and management. Know which students will be attending your classes and make note of any new or returning enrollments. (And how many students are in a class?).
For new students, are there any special requirements or needs to be aware of?
For returning students, consider any important details, such as whether they still have friendship groups in class or if their friends have moved up or not returned.
Also, ensure your class schedule accommodates your students—for example, if some are enrolled in multiple classes per week, make sure those classes don’t overlap.
Students
Student enrollment and management. Know which students will be attending your classes and make note of any new or returning enrollments. (And how many students are in a class?).
For new students, are there any special requirements or needs to be aware of?
For returning students, consider any important details, such as whether they still have friendship groups in class or if their friends have moved up or not returned.
Also, ensure your class schedule accommodates your students—for example, if some are enrolled in multiple classes per week, make sure those classes don’t overlap.
Students
Student enrollment and management. Know which students will be attending your classes and make note of any new or returning enrollments. (And how many students are in a class?).
For new students, are there any special requirements or needs to be aware of?
For returning students, consider any important details, such as whether they still have friendship groups in class or if their friends have moved up or not returned.
Also, ensure your class schedule accommodates your students—for example, if some are enrolled in multiple classes per week, make sure those classes don’t overlap.
Students
Student enrollment and management. Know which students will be attending your classes and make note of any new or returning enrollments. (And how many students are in a class?).
For new students, are there any special requirements or needs to be aware of?
For returning students, consider any important details, such as whether they still have friendship groups in class or if their friends have moved up or not returned.
Also, ensure your class schedule accommodates your students—for example, if some are enrolled in multiple classes per week, make sure those classes don’t overlap.
Students
Student enrollment and management. Know which students will be attending your classes and make note of any new or returning enrollments. (And how many students are in a class?).
For new students, are there any special requirements or needs to be aware of?
For returning students, consider any important details, such as whether they still have friendship groups in class or if their friends have moved up or not returned.
Also, ensure your class schedule accommodates your students—for example, if some are enrolled in multiple classes per week, make sure those classes don’t overlap.
Registers
How do you manage your studio’s registers? Are they tracked through a class management software (like Class Manager), or do you still rely on printed copies?
Make sure you have the latest, up-to-date version of all class registers. If you’re using paper, have them printed and ready; if they’re online, ensure they’re current and that all relevant staff members have access. The last thing you want on the first day back is scrambling to find registers.
Ensure that these registers are distributed to your teachers in advance so they can familiarize themselves with class sizes and identify exactly which students are in each class.
Registers
How do you manage your studio’s registers? Are they tracked through a class management software (like Class Manager), or do you still rely on printed copies?
Make sure you have the latest, up-to-date version of all class registers. If you’re using paper, have them printed and ready; if they’re online, ensure they’re current and that all relevant staff members have access. The last thing you want on the first day back is scrambling to find registers.
Ensure that these registers are distributed to your teachers in advance so they can familiarize themselves with class sizes and identify exactly which students are in each class.
Registers
How do you manage your studio’s registers? Are they tracked through a class management software (like Class Manager), or do you still rely on printed copies?
Make sure you have the latest, up-to-date version of all class registers. If you’re using paper, have them printed and ready; if they’re online, ensure they’re current and that all relevant staff members have access. The last thing you want on the first day back is scrambling to find registers.
Ensure that these registers are distributed to your teachers in advance so they can familiarize themselves with class sizes and identify exactly which students are in each class.
Registers
How do you manage your studio’s registers? Are they tracked through a class management software (like Class Manager), or do you still rely on printed copies?
Make sure you have the latest, up-to-date version of all class registers. If you’re using paper, have them printed and ready; if they’re online, ensure they’re current and that all relevant staff members have access. The last thing you want on the first day back is scrambling to find registers.
Ensure that these registers are distributed to your teachers in advance so they can familiarize themselves with class sizes and identify exactly which students are in each class.
Registers
How do you manage your studio’s registers? Are they tracked through a class management software (like Class Manager), or do you still rely on printed copies?
Make sure you have the latest, up-to-date version of all class registers. If you’re using paper, have them printed and ready; if they’re online, ensure they’re current and that all relevant staff members have access. The last thing you want on the first day back is scrambling to find registers.
Ensure that these registers are distributed to your teachers in advance so they can familiarize themselves with class sizes and identify exactly which students are in each class.
2) Lesson Plans
Whether you’re teaching many of your classes yourself or have a teaching team to help, you and your teachers should have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve this year. Be that working towards a competition, exams, a specific curriculum, or a show.
Having a clear goal to work towards is essential, and make sure this is communicated to your teaching staff so they can plan their lessons effectively.
2) Lesson Plans
Whether you’re teaching many of your classes yourself or have a teaching team to help, you and your teachers should have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve this year. Be that working towards a competition, exams, a specific curriculum, or a show.
Having a clear goal to work towards is essential, and make sure this is communicated to your teaching staff so they can plan their lessons effectively.
2) Lesson Plans
Whether you’re teaching many of your classes yourself or have a teaching team to help, you and your teachers should have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve this year. Be that working towards a competition, exams, a specific curriculum, or a show.
Having a clear goal to work towards is essential, and make sure this is communicated to your teaching staff so they can plan their lessons effectively.
2) Lesson Plans
Whether you’re teaching many of your classes yourself or have a teaching team to help, you and your teachers should have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve this year. Be that working towards a competition, exams, a specific curriculum, or a show.
Having a clear goal to work towards is essential, and make sure this is communicated to your teaching staff so they can plan their lessons effectively.
2) Lesson Plans
Whether you’re teaching many of your classes yourself or have a teaching team to help, you and your teachers should have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve this year. Be that working towards a competition, exams, a specific curriculum, or a show.
Having a clear goal to work towards is essential, and make sure this is communicated to your teaching staff so they can plan their lessons effectively.
3) Safeguarding and Documentation
You’ll want to make sure all insurance and documentation for your studio, your teachers, and your students is up to date. Any renewals or changes should be completed ahead of the start of term to ensure you’re fully compliant.
DBS (or equivalent): Ensure your DBS and your teachers’ are fully up to date. Learn more in our blog post: “Dance Studio Certifications: What You Need to Stay Compliant.”
Emergency contact details: Confirm you have all necessary student emergency contacts and that they’ve been shared with relevant staff.
First aid and insurance: Verify that first aid training (if required) and insurance policies are valid and current.
Building & rental insurance: Protects your studio premises and rented spaces.
Contents insurance: Covers equipment, props, and other studio property.
Music licensing: Ensures you’re legally covered for playing music in classes and performances.
3) Safeguarding and Documentation
You’ll want to make sure all insurance and documentation for your studio, your teachers, and your students is up to date. Any renewals or changes should be completed ahead of the start of term to ensure you’re fully compliant.
DBS (or equivalent): Ensure your DBS and your teachers’ are fully up to date. Learn more in our blog post: “Dance Studio Certifications: What You Need to Stay Compliant.”
Emergency contact details: Confirm you have all necessary student emergency contacts and that they’ve been shared with relevant staff.
First aid and insurance: Verify that first aid training (if required) and insurance policies are valid and current.
Building & rental insurance: Protects your studio premises and rented spaces.
Contents insurance: Covers equipment, props, and other studio property.
Music licensing: Ensures you’re legally covered for playing music in classes and performances.
3) Safeguarding and Documentation
You’ll want to make sure all insurance and documentation for your studio, your teachers, and your students is up to date. Any renewals or changes should be completed ahead of the start of term to ensure you’re fully compliant.
DBS (or equivalent): Ensure your DBS and your teachers’ are fully up to date. Learn more in our blog post: “Dance Studio Certifications: What You Need to Stay Compliant.”
Emergency contact details: Confirm you have all necessary student emergency contacts and that they’ve been shared with relevant staff.
First aid and insurance: Verify that first aid training (if required) and insurance policies are valid and current.
Building & rental insurance: Protects your studio premises and rented spaces.
Contents insurance: Covers equipment, props, and other studio property.
Music licensing: Ensures you’re legally covered for playing music in classes and performances.
3) Safeguarding and Documentation
You’ll want to make sure all insurance and documentation for your studio, your teachers, and your students is up to date. Any renewals or changes should be completed ahead of the start of term to ensure you’re fully compliant.
DBS (or equivalent): Ensure your DBS and your teachers’ are fully up to date. Learn more in our blog post: “Dance Studio Certifications: What You Need to Stay Compliant.”
Emergency contact details: Confirm you have all necessary student emergency contacts and that they’ve been shared with relevant staff.
First aid and insurance: Verify that first aid training (if required) and insurance policies are valid and current.
Building & rental insurance: Protects your studio premises and rented spaces.
Contents insurance: Covers equipment, props, and other studio property.
Music licensing: Ensures you’re legally covered for playing music in classes and performances.
3) Safeguarding and Documentation
You’ll want to make sure all insurance and documentation for your studio, your teachers, and your students is up to date. Any renewals or changes should be completed ahead of the start of term to ensure you’re fully compliant.
DBS (or equivalent): Ensure your DBS and your teachers’ are fully up to date. Learn more in our blog post: “Dance Studio Certifications: What You Need to Stay Compliant.”
Emergency contact details: Confirm you have all necessary student emergency contacts and that they’ve been shared with relevant staff.
First aid and insurance: Verify that first aid training (if required) and insurance policies are valid and current.
Building & rental insurance: Protects your studio premises and rented spaces.
Contents insurance: Covers equipment, props, and other studio property.
Music licensing: Ensures you’re legally covered for playing music in classes and performances.
4) Registrations and Enrollments
September is usually a time of change in your enrollments. Older students may leave and move on, existing students re-register for the same classes or join new ones, and students may move up age groups, grades, or ability levels. You will also likely have an influx of new students.
Make sure you’re reaching out and communicating to all of these families and students, so they know when classes start. Check for any outstanding payments, so you can begin the new term and year with a clean slate. Additionally, ensure that any trial classes or enrollments from the previous year are properly closed for the new year.
You may also want to check any advertising and marketing you had going on over the summer holidays, especially paid advertising, is paused. (Or make adjustments to it so people are no longer enrolling…)
4) Registrations and Enrollments
September is usually a time of change in your enrollments. Older students may leave and move on, existing students re-register for the same classes or join new ones, and students may move up age groups, grades, or ability levels. You will also likely have an influx of new students.
Make sure you’re reaching out and communicating to all of these families and students, so they know when classes start. Check for any outstanding payments, so you can begin the new term and year with a clean slate. Additionally, ensure that any trial classes or enrollments from the previous year are properly closed for the new year.
You may also want to check any advertising and marketing you had going on over the summer holidays, especially paid advertising, is paused. (Or make adjustments to it so people are no longer enrolling…)
4) Registrations and Enrollments
September is usually a time of change in your enrollments. Older students may leave and move on, existing students re-register for the same classes or join new ones, and students may move up age groups, grades, or ability levels. You will also likely have an influx of new students.
Make sure you’re reaching out and communicating to all of these families and students, so they know when classes start. Check for any outstanding payments, so you can begin the new term and year with a clean slate. Additionally, ensure that any trial classes or enrollments from the previous year are properly closed for the new year.
You may also want to check any advertising and marketing you had going on over the summer holidays, especially paid advertising, is paused. (Or make adjustments to it so people are no longer enrolling…)
4) Registrations and Enrollments
September is usually a time of change in your enrollments. Older students may leave and move on, existing students re-register for the same classes or join new ones, and students may move up age groups, grades, or ability levels. You will also likely have an influx of new students.
Make sure you’re reaching out and communicating to all of these families and students, so they know when classes start. Check for any outstanding payments, so you can begin the new term and year with a clean slate. Additionally, ensure that any trial classes or enrollments from the previous year are properly closed for the new year.
You may also want to check any advertising and marketing you had going on over the summer holidays, especially paid advertising, is paused. (Or make adjustments to it so people are no longer enrolling…)
4) Registrations and Enrollments
September is usually a time of change in your enrollments. Older students may leave and move on, existing students re-register for the same classes or join new ones, and students may move up age groups, grades, or ability levels. You will also likely have an influx of new students.
Make sure you’re reaching out and communicating to all of these families and students, so they know when classes start. Check for any outstanding payments, so you can begin the new term and year with a clean slate. Additionally, ensure that any trial classes or enrollments from the previous year are properly closed for the new year.
You may also want to check any advertising and marketing you had going on over the summer holidays, especially paid advertising, is paused. (Or make adjustments to it so people are no longer enrolling…)
To Sum It Up:
Going back to dance is always an exciting time, and we know you can’t wait to get back in the studio. At the same time, after a long summer break, it’s normal to feel a little anxious about getting everything ready.
To help you start the term smoothly, here’s a concise Back-to-School Checklist for Dance Studio Owners:
1. Know your students and class schedules
Make sure you’re familiar with who’s in each class, any new enrollments, and any changes to returning students.
2. Have updated registers ready
Ensure all class registers—digital or printed—are current and accessible to your staff.
3. Plan your lessons and set clear goals
Have a few weeks of lessons planned and communicate overarching goals (shows, exams, competitions) to your teaching team.
4. Ensure safeguarding is in place
Confirm DBS checks, emergency contacts, and first aid/insurance are all up to date.
5. Check classes and schedules
Make sure all class times, locations, and levels are correct and reflect any student changes.
6. Review marketing and communications
Pause or update any marketing campaigns as needed to reflect the new term.
To Sum It Up:
Going back to dance is always an exciting time, and we know you can’t wait to get back in the studio. At the same time, after a long summer break, it’s normal to feel a little anxious about getting everything ready.
To help you start the term smoothly, here’s a concise Back-to-School Checklist for Dance Studio Owners:
1. Know your students and class schedules
Make sure you’re familiar with who’s in each class, any new enrollments, and any changes to returning students.
2. Have updated registers ready
Ensure all class registers—digital or printed—are current and accessible to your staff.
3. Plan your lessons and set clear goals
Have a few weeks of lessons planned and communicate overarching goals (shows, exams, competitions) to your teaching team.
4. Ensure safeguarding is in place
Confirm DBS checks, emergency contacts, and first aid/insurance are all up to date.
5. Check classes and schedules
Make sure all class times, locations, and levels are correct and reflect any student changes.
6. Review marketing and communications
Pause or update any marketing campaigns as needed to reflect the new term.
To Sum It Up:
Going back to dance is always an exciting time, and we know you can’t wait to get back in the studio. At the same time, after a long summer break, it’s normal to feel a little anxious about getting everything ready.
To help you start the term smoothly, here’s a concise Back-to-School Checklist for Dance Studio Owners:
1. Know your students and class schedules
Make sure you’re familiar with who’s in each class, any new enrollments, and any changes to returning students.
2. Have updated registers ready
Ensure all class registers—digital or printed—are current and accessible to your staff.
3. Plan your lessons and set clear goals
Have a few weeks of lessons planned and communicate overarching goals (shows, exams, competitions) to your teaching team.
4. Ensure safeguarding is in place
Confirm DBS checks, emergency contacts, and first aid/insurance are all up to date.
5. Check classes and schedules
Make sure all class times, locations, and levels are correct and reflect any student changes.
6. Review marketing and communications
Pause or update any marketing campaigns as needed to reflect the new term.
To Sum It Up:
Going back to dance is always an exciting time, and we know you can’t wait to get back in the studio. At the same time, after a long summer break, it’s normal to feel a little anxious about getting everything ready.
To help you start the term smoothly, here’s a concise Back-to-School Checklist for Dance Studio Owners:
1. Know your students and class schedules
Make sure you’re familiar with who’s in each class, any new enrollments, and any changes to returning students.
2. Have updated registers ready
Ensure all class registers—digital or printed—are current and accessible to your staff.
3. Plan your lessons and set clear goals
Have a few weeks of lessons planned and communicate overarching goals (shows, exams, competitions) to your teaching team.
4. Ensure safeguarding is in place
Confirm DBS checks, emergency contacts, and first aid/insurance are all up to date.
5. Check classes and schedules
Make sure all class times, locations, and levels are correct and reflect any student changes.
6. Review marketing and communications
Pause or update any marketing campaigns as needed to reflect the new term.
To Sum It Up:
Going back to dance is always an exciting time, and we know you can’t wait to get back in the studio. At the same time, after a long summer break, it’s normal to feel a little anxious about getting everything ready.
To help you start the term smoothly, here’s a concise Back-to-School Checklist for Dance Studio Owners:
1. Know your students and class schedules
Make sure you’re familiar with who’s in each class, any new enrollments, and any changes to returning students.
2. Have updated registers ready
Ensure all class registers—digital or printed—are current and accessible to your staff.
3. Plan your lessons and set clear goals
Have a few weeks of lessons planned and communicate overarching goals (shows, exams, competitions) to your teaching team.
4. Ensure safeguarding is in place
Confirm DBS checks, emergency contacts, and first aid/insurance are all up to date.
5. Check classes and schedules
Make sure all class times, locations, and levels are correct and reflect any student changes.
6. Review marketing and communications
Pause or update any marketing campaigns as needed to reflect the new term.
How Class Manager Can Help
Class Manager is designed to make running your dance studio easier and more efficient. With Class Manager, you can:
Simplify student enrollment – new students can sign up quickly online.
Manage classes and schedules – organize every class with ease.
Take online registers – track attendance digitally, reducing paperwork.
Maintain a professional look – streamline communications and branded materials.
Access from any device – manage your studio from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Automate billing and payments – handle tuition, fees, and recurring payments automatically.
Using a system like Class Manager helps keep everything running smoothly, giving you more time to focus on teaching and growing your studio.
For further information or for help with other aspects of dance studio owner life, see our blog posts:
How Class Manager Can Help
Class Manager is designed to make running your dance studio easier and more efficient. With Class Manager, you can:
Simplify student enrollment – new students can sign up quickly online.
Manage classes and schedules – organize every class with ease.
Take online registers – track attendance digitally, reducing paperwork.
Maintain a professional look – streamline communications and branded materials.
Access from any device – manage your studio from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Automate billing and payments – handle tuition, fees, and recurring payments automatically.
Using a system like Class Manager helps keep everything running smoothly, giving you more time to focus on teaching and growing your studio.
For further information or for help with other aspects of dance studio owner life, see our blog posts:
How Class Manager Can Help
Class Manager is designed to make running your dance studio easier and more efficient. With Class Manager, you can:
Simplify student enrollment – new students can sign up quickly online.
Manage classes and schedules – organize every class with ease.
Take online registers – track attendance digitally, reducing paperwork.
Maintain a professional look – streamline communications and branded materials.
Access from any device – manage your studio from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Automate billing and payments – handle tuition, fees, and recurring payments automatically.
Using a system like Class Manager helps keep everything running smoothly, giving you more time to focus on teaching and growing your studio.
For further information or for help with other aspects of dance studio owner life, see our blog posts:
How Class Manager Can Help
Class Manager is designed to make running your dance studio easier and more efficient. With Class Manager, you can:
Simplify student enrollment – new students can sign up quickly online.
Manage classes and schedules – organize every class with ease.
Take online registers – track attendance digitally, reducing paperwork.
Maintain a professional look – streamline communications and branded materials.
Access from any device – manage your studio from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Automate billing and payments – handle tuition, fees, and recurring payments automatically.
Using a system like Class Manager helps keep everything running smoothly, giving you more time to focus on teaching and growing your studio.
For further information or for help with other aspects of dance studio owner life, see our blog posts:
How Class Manager Can Help
Class Manager is designed to make running your dance studio easier and more efficient. With Class Manager, you can:
Simplify student enrollment – new students can sign up quickly online.
Manage classes and schedules – organize every class with ease.
Take online registers – track attendance digitally, reducing paperwork.
Maintain a professional look – streamline communications and branded materials.
Access from any device – manage your studio from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Automate billing and payments – handle tuition, fees, and recurring payments automatically.
Using a system like Class Manager helps keep everything running smoothly, giving you more time to focus on teaching and growing your studio.
For further information or for help with other aspects of dance studio owner life, see our blog posts:
Looking for Class Manager Classic?
Class Manager is a trusted class
management software used by
dance studios and business
owners across the
UK, United States, Australia,
and beyond.
Planning an event or recital?
Visit our sister company, Stage Stubs
for all your ticketing needs.
Free for studios.
Features
Email Us
Contact Sales
Contact Support
© Class Manager 2025, All Rights Reserved
Looking for Class Manager Classic?
Class Manager is a trusted class
management software used by
dance studios and business
owners across the
UK, United States, Australia,
and beyond.
Planning an event or recital?
Visit our sister company, Stage Stubs
for all your ticketing needs.
Free for studios.
Features
Email Us
Contact Sales
Contact Support
© Class Manager 2025, All Rights Reserved
Looking for Class Manager Classic?
Class Manager is a trusted class
management software used by
dance studios and business
owners across the
UK, United States, Australia,
and beyond.
Planning an event or recital?
Visit our sister company, Stage Stubs
for all your ticketing needs.
Free for studios.
Features
Email Us
Contact Sales
Contact Support
© Class Manager 2025, All Rights Reserved
Looking for Class Manager Classic?
Class Manager is a trusted class
management software used by
dance studios and business
owners across the
UK, United States, Australia,
and beyond.
Planning an event or recital?
Visit our sister company, Stage Stubs
for all your ticketing needs.
Free for studios.
Features
Email Us
Contact Sales
Contact Support
© Class Manager 2025, All Rights Reserved