After the long summer break, you and your students are often raring to get back to dancing!
Of course, after any summer, it’s natural that some of your dancers will move on to new adventures — whether that’s because they’ve grown older, taken on new commitments, or simply found a different path. But as the new term approaches, there’s one key thing you’ll want to focus on: getting fresh faces through the door with new dance trial sign-ups.
We’re here to share some top tips and creative ideas to help you spark interest, fill your classes, and make your studio the go-to place for dance this term.
Want to find out more about trials, should you be offering them, and more? We have covered a lot about trials in previous blog posts:
Should you offer class trials: the benefits for dance studios?
Free trials, discounted trials, or paid trials? What should your dance studio offer?
1. Social Media Marketing
It might feel like every blog post about growing a business, attracting trials, or boosting marketing mentions social media — and that's because it works. You simply can't deny how powerful it is for reaching new people.
With the rise of social search (people using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to look for local businesses) and the fact that Instagram posts are now indexed in search engines, social media has become a key discovery tool for potential students.
So, yes — social media is one of the best ways to promote your dance trial lessons and help parents see whether your dance school is the right fit for their child. This could be through:
Organic posts that show what families can expect in a trial class and how your teachers support new students.
Paid ads targeted at your local community, with clear ways to book or make contact.
Encouraging current students (and their parents) to share your posts on their own profiles so other children can join, make new friends, and help spread the word.
The more visible you are online, the more likely you are to fill those trial spots.
2. Referral Programs
Your existing students are your BIGGEST advocates. They already love your classes, know your teaching style, and can vouch for the fun, welcoming atmosphere you create. So why not give them a reason to recommend a hobby other families will be happy to try?
Consider offering a reward — such as a discount on their next month's lessons, a free piece of studio merchandise, or another fun perk — if they bring along a friend (or two!) for a trial class, since trying a class can help a child build confidence.
Word-of-mouth and referrals are the most trusted forms of marketing. By tapping into this, you're not only showing appreciation to your current students but also helping parents decide whether a class suits their child after hearing from someone they trust.
Find out more about setting up a referral program in our blog post: ‘How to build a referral scheme for your dance studio'.
3. Community Outreach
This is a powerful strategy to use all year round — not just at the start of term. By becoming known in your local area as the dance school where children can learn in a low-pressure environment, you'll naturally increase the number of enquiries that come your way.
Here are some ways to make it happen:
Volunteer or perform at local care homes — it's a wonderful way to give back while showcasing your students' talents.
Offer workshops or taster sessions in local schools — help younger children get started and explore different dance styles.
Connect with local community groups — partnerships can help families find classes that fit each child’s age and skill level.
Share flyers in high-traffic spots like schools, cafés, pubs, and takeaways — include key booking details, a QR code that links directly to your website or trial sign-up form, and a prompt to book a trial for easy action.
4) Host An Open Day
There's no better way to showcase your dance studio than by letting people experience it firsthand.
Why not host a couple of open days throughout the year? Invite the community to drop in, meet you, your teachers, and your assistants, and watch your students perform the routines they've been working on. It's a chance for people to see the energy, passion, and sense of community your classes create, and how even shy children can feel confident from the moment they walk in.
Make it easy for visitors to take the next step — have a clear sign-up sheet (or a tablet/QR code for digital sign-ups) ready so they can confirm their interest and arrange a trial on the spot if the class feels like the right fit.
Find out more about how to organize a dance studio open day here.
5) Call Your Existing Leads
Sometimes, it's not just about chasing brand-new leads — it's about reconnecting with the people who've already shown interest. This could be anyone who:
Registered their interest in the past
Attended one or two trial classes but didn't continue, so you can follow up on what the child enjoyed and which style suited them best
Enquired but never booked a class, including families who seemed excited at first
Reaching back out to these warm leads is a powerful way to fill your classes. They already know who you are and what you offer — a thoughtful follow-up can help them decide on next steps and reassure them there’s no pressure to commit after a trial.
Give them a call, send a friendly email, or add them to a follow-up pipeline so no one slips through the cracks, and answer any questions about fees or class details. Book a demo with our team, or create your free account here.
