Summer is Coming!

Summer Workshop fun..check out the costumes we made!

With the beautiful spring weather comes visions of wonderful summer plans for young children's programs!  Be sure to not miss out on a great opportunity to offer camps, classes, workshops, parties, etc---that maybe you are not able to offer throughout the school year.  Parents are looking for neat, new learning opportunities for their children this summer.

Summer is a great time to continue learning; creativity is always needing to be nurtured in young children---and dance and theatre are wonderful ways to do that.  Physical fitness and agility, creative thinking, critical thinking, and expression---just a few of the skills that are covered in this art form.


Check out Little People's Creative Workshop's summer program opportunities!

Are You Ready to Ride the Wave?

There have been many articles lately by top business authorities acknowledging how wise it is to start a business now while all the economic turmoil spins about.  Looking through history these are the times that the most prosperous and successful businesses begin.  So many people wait until "things appear optimum" and "good times" arrive----this is quite often a mistake.  The businesses that begin in not so optimum economic times are the ones that are fully prepared and ready for the WINDFALL of business that always follows a recession/economic decline.

Children's services are doing very well, despite the economic climate.  Parents will choose to cut out many other things from the budget before cutting out a special enrichment activity for their children.  When the economy begins to rebound---these types of classes experience a complete FLOOD of new students and business.

Don't hesitate to follow your dream based on all the negative media that we are constantly bombarded with daily.  We encourage you to move forward and take action---so you can be ready in the near future when demand will be amazing for children's activities.

Just as we saw in the 30's---people always turn to art/entertainment to soothe themselves in hard times----they want to do the same for their children.  

If more of our leaders had been trained and had experience in the arts---they would be much more creative thinkers out there making better decisions!  :)

Parents Not Giving Up on the Arts, Even in Bad Times

Numerous polls have shown that parents are not giving up and cutting out the arts in the family budget when it comes to their children.  Most parents see and experience the benefits that dance, theatre, and music provide in their child's life.  In our own program we have seen a great jump in enrollment this early spring; and continue to receive inquiries of new families that want to get their young ones involved in dance.  One positive of hard economic times is that we get to really see what is important to people---and it is obvious that arts enrichment stands out above the others!  Bravo!

Polls Show Dance Class Enrollment Holds Steady With Young Children

Several polls that have been conducted throughout the nation and on the internet show that parents are not cutting back when it comes to dance classes for their children.  They are finding other ways to cut back on their monthly budget.  Parents of older children that take 4-5 days per week are cutting back on the number of classes taken per week---but not cutting it out completely.

Dance for young children is a relatively inexpensive activity for parents to invest in---the very kind that in these tight times parents desire.  Young children only take one class per week and the average monthly tuition hovers around $45 per month.  That is an expense that most families can add to their budget without sacrificing much at all.  

While large studios that teach all ages and have huge overhead are feeling the negative side of this economy---mobile dance programs that concentrate on young children are not being effected.  Their overhead is extremely low and the cost of the classes is within reach of American families.

Encouraging Words for Monday......

We all hear of the constant budget cuts and layoffs these days.  It is important to not get bogged down with all the negative---successful individuals choose to see the positive in the negative.  For our industry we see that dance and theatre classes are being cut out in public school systems because there are not the funds to hire the staff to teach these classes.  That is a shame for our young children.  BUT, it opens an avenue for independent business owners to offer their services to these schools and organizations.  We can independently contract with school systems to offer these much-needed classes at a much lower fee than the added staff member would generate.  School become excited that they can still offer these classes to their students and individual businesses grow due to the demand and increased business.  (Quite often causing businesses such as ours to have to hire additional staff to cover the classes that we are having to add to our schedule.)  Choose to see the opportunity that always exists in bad times or bad news.

Schools Desiring Dance & Theatre Programs...

Many schools - public and private - lack the funding the have a dance or theatre program.  They are very welcoming to well-known programs offering to contract their services out to them.  This saves the schools money (much cheaper than hiring staff and buying curriculum and materials); and it is a wonderful opportunity for programs of reputation to increase their student base and programs.  Little People's Creative Workshop is well-known for contracting with schools to teach their dance and acting programs.  A great expansion opportunity---especially now, as school budgets and staff positions are being cut.

The Best Time to Start A New Business.....

USA Today ran a great article today about the worst of times is the BEST time to start a business. During economic hardship everyone seems to sit around and do nothing---which means NO COMPETITION!  USA Today interviewed several top business owners that started their businesses in hard economic times---and it actually helped them rise to the top and STAY there once the economy turned around.  It's a great article---check it out:

http://usat.me/?34232046

Children's Service Industry Continues to Grow Even in Hard Times

Franchise Gator --- a leading franchise authority and web portal --- states that children's services, especially in the arts category, continue to grow and be the most requested and popular of business buyers.  The children's dance and service industry consistently seem to slip away from the woes felt by many other businesses in hard times.  Starting a children's dance franchise, such as Little People's Creative Workshop, is a super low cost start-up and a proven business system.  Many individuals that desire to own their own business are wise enough to seek out and invest in such franchises when looking to own their own business.

Invest in Yourself.......

With many stock investments pretty shaky these days--invest in something that will always bring a great return:  yourself!  If you have always wanted to start your own business and be your own boss--now is the perfect time.  Do some research and invest in a grand future for you and your present or future family.  What are you waiting for?  The market is ripe for more programs for young children in dance and theatre.

Requests Constantly Coming in for Children's Dance Programs

There are so many hungry regions and areas of the US that greatly desire a strong, excellent young children's dance and theatre program.  Parents see the benefits and desire to have the opportunity for their children.  Here in the US there are many untapped territories and regions that are ready to consume such a program and flood it with students.  We are continually receiving calls and e-mails from parents and organizations desiring a good program to be offered in their communities.  It's a wonderful time for this industry to grow and take advantage of the need.

It's a Great Time to Think About Starting a Business....

Contrary to what it may seem---while a recession is going on it is a great time to work toward opening a new business.  When the recession passes you will be in working order and ready to enjoy the windfall that always follows such times.  There are many individuals that think they should not start a business until a recession is over; but then when the great windfall happens they are just beginning to get things together and do not get to enjoy it!  Be shrewd and wise by starting  a new business now---and you will already be open and working when the big times come around!  "Don't be so preoccupied with losing your frisbee that you never throw it!" (Or are caught unaware when someone is ready to catch!)

The Dance Business in a Recession...

No one can deny the state of our present economy here in the US.  BUT dance is dance---no matter what the economy.  It is a personal expression and creative outlet for all who choose to participate.  We do not have any exports or imports.  We do not have to worry about inventory or suppliers going under.  The economy does not effect the dance industry as it does other industries.

Dance classes for young children are a relatively low cost activity in which families can invest.   A huge part of this business is looking upon the past and being able to see that dance has come through many other hard economies---always at the top.  Families will always put services for their children--especially the arts--as a priority in their budget.  

Reminding ourselves of these facts amid all the negative media these days is very encouraging---because for the most part it does not pertain to what we do.  Quite often bad economies have made the arts grow stronger in the public eye.  These are the things that we must remind ourselves.

Forward Thinking......

So many people let the past hold them back--they need to move forward in order to find success.  What is your current career situation?  Is it in the unstable world of corporate America--where you never know if you will have a job when you wake up?  Is it in the school systems---where positions in dance, theatre, and music are being cut right and left (or non-existent in the first place)?  Don't get stuck in a rut feeling that you have no choices.

Do a life assessment, decide to be a conqueror, don't be a complainer, learn new habits, choose to help others, consider moving in a new direction.  These short ideas are the beginning of a possible new life and career change for anyone that is ready to move on into a great opportunity!  If your heart love children and you would like the control and freedom that comes from owning your own business---move toward making that happen.  The most successful individuals are those that do what they love and love what they do.  Today's the day!

Flexible Working Options for Moms......

Many women these days come to a point in their lives that they must make a choice.  It doesn't involve heels vs. flats or whether to make a dinner at home or order takeout.  It is the much more important choice of whether to go to work or raise a family.

Many women would rather not have to make that choice---family should always be priority; but with the economic situation as it is, many moms must work in order to help with the family's budget needs.  

Our industry is such a blessing in this situation.  By teaching dance classes to young children moms are able to work a few hours a day and make a wonderful living---while working mostly from their home, and being home in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends.   Our dance teachers and administrators get to have both----a stay-at-home mom status as well as a paycheck and the flexibility of creating their own schedule around the needs of family.  

So, for those of us choosing this option---we can say good-bye to long work hours and corporate demands---as well as the uncertainty of job security that is so prevalent in the corporate world today.  We can fully embrace the joy of being there for our children and spouses while owning our business---one in which we love and have a passion.

Even in the Worst of Times--Children's Dance Grows!

Our nation is so focused on its children that, even in the worst of times, franchises and businesses serving children's needs continue to grow.  "America will always have a soft spot for its offspring." states Entrepreneur Magazine in the January 2009 issue.  www.entrepreneur.com   Many times in hard economic seasons people think that there is no way they can do what they love as a career---BIG MISTAKE!!   That is where many go wrong.  It is IN what you love and have a heart for that will be your most successful career.  There have been some wonderful articles in business magazines and trade magazines on this very fact.  The most successful and fulfilled individuals are following their heart's desires and putting the talent and passion they possess to work.  People are leaving their corporate and other jobs to take on the excitement of owning their own business doing what is near and dear to their heart.   I am sure their are many dance instructors out there that are not investing their passion each day.  What a shame.  I hope that some of these entries over the past several days have offered inspiration and encouragement ---- that this is a wonderful, thriving industry that needs passionate educators, artists, and administrators.  The need is out there---just the right people need to fill the positions!

New Year Business Stats.....

A quick look at the growth of the children's dance industry shows that enrollment in dance and theatre classes for young children has risen approximately 13% just in the first couple of weeks of 2009.  What a great sign!  Usually growth continues throughout the month of January, and will spurt again in the spring.

Reflecting on Children's Dance and Arts Classes in 2008........

2008 has definitely had its highs and lows----whatever profession we find ourselves taking part.  BUT, it is refreshing to see that parents really do SEE how important it is to invest in their children's lives through the arts.  In our industry of instructing young children we can certainly only see positives.  The economy may be low; but our investment in the lives of the future generations offers a priceless return.  It is great to see that classes for children offered in dance and theatre have seemingly not been effected by the downturn of our nation's finances.  Reports show that numbers in these types of classes are a bit lower than normal---but by no means struggling.   Feedback from parents across the nation reflect that they will sacrifice a luxury for themselves before withholding the opportunity for their young child to participate in dance, acting, or music classes.   So, here's to a great year in the wonderful industry of children's educational services-----and lots to look forward to in 2009!