In episode 74 of Make Dance Fun, we are SO excited to have a Confetti Conversation with Melissa McGhee, studio owner and Head Coach of The Ohio State Dance Team!

If you do not already know Melissa, you are in for a treat to learn about her background, how she became head coach of the nation's top dance team, and all about her own studio which is now in its third season! You'll also get to here the fun story of how we came to know Melissa!

We had so much to talk about with her that we had to break up the episode into two parts! So stay tuned for Part 2 of this episode next week!

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In this podcast episode, we introduce our new TWIST program, sharing why we created it and how it fits into our dance studio, along with the many class options we offer for our K-2 dancers.

We start by giving an update on our "State of Confetti" meeting, an annual planning session for our 9th Confetti season. During this meeting, we planned two Camp Confetti events, chose our marketing theme for the year (which you'll have to wait to see!), organized a photo shoot and trade shows, and reviewed what worked well last year and where we can improve. We also discussed customer engagement ideas like Halloweek on the Dance Floor and top customer gifts. Becca and Dani each shared their favorite part of the planning retreat and set goals for Confetti.

Now, on to the TWIST program. We created this program to offer more class variety for our Kindergarten dancers. Some of the classes we offer include:

1. TWIST – a tap class featured in our show
2. Fairytale Ballet
3. Hip Hop and Pop
4. TWIST Petite Pizzazz – an invite-only class with tap and jazz
5. K-2 Ballet/Tap
6. K-2 Jazz/Hip Hop
7. Acro
8. Musical Theater Dance
9. Marquee Magic
10. Pre Petite Spotlight (K-1)
11. Petite SL (1st-2nd grade)

We know this age group has a wide range of skill levels, so we wanted to provide plenty of options to meet their needs.

TWIST was created to replace our previous Twirl Agua program for Kindergarten. After noticing that Agua had lower enrollment compared to our other Twirl levels, we realized these dancers were ready for something more challenging and different. That’s when we developed TWIST, specifically designed for Kindergarten but also perfect for K-2 dancers.

TWIST works similarly to our Twirl program. We provide a teacher guide with detailed lesson plans, but you can customize it to fit your classes and studio. The program focuses on Jazz and Tap, incorporating a themed obstacle course into each lesson. We use fun tools like confetti cones, hula hoops, a balance beam, and “tracks” for spot markers to keep the kids engaged. There are also Twist Tumblers (dice games) and hopscotch patterns to add even more excitement.

When you purchase TWIST, you get:

• A Teacher Guide with 10 themed lesson plans (5 for jazz, 5 for tap)
• Colorful graphics and templates for activities like Twist Tumbler dice, Twist Tracks spot markers, a Twist Certificate, and more
• A Twist Bag Tag for dancers’ bags
• 10 Activity/Coloring Sheets reinforcing jazz and tap terminology
• Two Twist Trackers (one for jazz, one for tap) to help dancers track their progress
• A source list for optional products to enhance the program
• A Spotify Playlist with music suggestions for each theme
• Decor Suggestions for each theme

If you're already using our Twirl Preschool Program, you'll be happy to know that the themes for TWIST align perfectly with Twirl, making it easier to decorate your studio for both programs. TWIST is easy to implement, but we recommend purchasing it at least five days before starting so you have time to review the materials and gather any supplies.

Add a colorful twist to your K-2 tap and jazz classes by ordering your download today!

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Episode 72: From Year-End to Start Over Again: A Big Recap!

- **Welcome Back!**
- After a long break, we’re excited to return with Episode 72! Our last podcast was about planning your summer, and now we're sharing what came next—a lot has happened in the past six months!

- **CAMP CONFETTI Success**
- Launched our most successful camp ever, “In My Sparkle Era.”
- Other popular camps included "Pink Pajama Party" and "Dancing in My Dreams."
- “Perfectly Pink Destination Dream Vacation” was also a big hit.
- We loved seeing how great everything looked, and we're so proud of how everyone nailed it!

- **Rhythm Nation Barbie Dream Vacation**
- Produced the opening number for our show with 75 dancers.
- This production set the tone for our year-end shows and was a collaboration of our company faculty and guest choreographers.
- Came together in about 10 days before hitting the stage.

- **Company Auditions**
- Over 300 dancers auditioned, and we successfully cast 11 companies.
- We used our tried-and-true formula, which we shared in Episode 42.
- Auditions were held in April, allowing us to organize schedules for the season.

- **Company Party**
- Hosted two giant Barbie-themed parties, highlighting our graduating seniors and recognizing every dancer with awards.
- The event was filled with all things PINK.

- **Year-End Shows**
- Faced a few more technical difficulties than usual, particularly with media on the LED wall, but everything worked out in the end.
- We elevated the lobby experience with custom setups, including a “Hotel Rhythm” registration desk, balloons, and banners.
- We went full out with props and sets but plan to scale back this year to cut costs.

- **Summer Camps at Rhythm**
- This summer was our biggest ever, with 2-3 camps running each week.
- Camp Rhythm, our full-day musical theater camp, was so successful that we’re considering adding a third session next season.

- **The Dance Awards**
- Enjoyed seeing our students perform their best routines of the season.
- Recorded a special two-part podcast episode with an amazing guest—stay tuned!

- **Welcome Back Party & Staff Kickoff**
- Themed around the Olympics with "TEAM RHYTHM - Let The Games Begin!"
- Activities included a pennant craft, obstacle course, and a step and repeat.
- We kicked off the season with new staff members, custom shirts, and notebooks during a catered dinner at the studio.

- **Energize and Other Conventions**
- Attended Rhee Gold’s Dance Life and Dance Teacher Web with Shelley and Beth.
- Introduced new WOW Cards and a subscription service—more info coming soon!
- Gained inspiration at Revolution’s “ENERGIZE” conference in Chicago, where we previewed new costumes and attended seminars.

- **Season 32 Begins!**
- Last Monday marked the start of Rhythm’s 32nd season.
- We have several exciting podcasts planned for the fall—stay tuned for more consistent episodes!

- **Closing**
- Thank you for listening! We hope you’re having a great start to your season. Have a fantastic week—bye!

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Welcome to Episode 71 of Make Dance Fun! Today, we're diving into summer planning.

• Summer Launch
  • Introduce theme with decorative elements
  • Fun game and prizes for engagement.
• Next Steps:
  • Use a Google Form to gauge teacher interest and skills, allowing for new opportunities and assistant training.
  • Maintain weekly promotion of camps via email schedules, posters with QR codes, and coordinated social media posts.
  • Employ Facebook ads for lesser-registered camps and include in newsletters.
  • Schedule Summer planning meetings to organize camp details and tasks.
• Summer Planning Meeting:
  • Set up working sessions to organize crafts, schedules, playlists, etc.
  • Communicate details with staff involved in specific camps.
• Promotional Content:
  • Capture fun photos with studio dancers for camp promotion.
  • Keep announcing Summer Company Dates and other requirements clearly.
• Camp Confetti Planning:
  • Plan a detailed session in May with Camp Confetti teaching team to outline activities and schedules.
• Preparation Importance:
  • Early planning ensures filled camps, staff readiness, and smooth operations.
• Reminder:
  • Camp Confetti new themes are still on special; grab yours now!
• Conclusion:
  • Thanks for tuning in! If you're at SOU, come say hi!

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In this episode, we are sharing details on our amazing "team behind the scenes" and their roles! We share a short description of our ELT (Executive Leadership Team) and how each person's role contributes to Rhythm. These employees are key in our success and keeping the studio running smoothly!

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In Episode 69, we're covering our busy holiday season and our focus for launching summer at our studio in early 2024!

Things to Focus on for Summer Preparations:

1. Summer Camp Planning Meetings:
   • Scheduling camps and determining closed weeks.
   • Identifying camp types and durations.
   • Emailing staff for summer availability.
   • Initial discussions on communication and marketing strategies.
2. Determine What Camps and Themes You will Offer:
   • Here's what we are doing!
     • Pink Pajama Party: Dancing in My Dreams (Preschoolers - Barbie themed).
     • Perfectly Pink Destination Dream Vacation (Elementary - Barbie themed).
     • In My Sparkle Era (Taylor Swift themed).
   • Return of other our other popular camps like Fierce Fashionistas & Very Vogue Villains, Brightfeather Academy Magic, Twirltopia Princess Academy, DJ Dino's Hip Hop Stomp, WOWza LUAUza, The Enchanted Confetti Casita, Pom Pom Unicorn's Magical Carnival on a Cloud, The Fancy Freeze: A Frozen Adventure
   • Emphasizing the versatility of Camp Confetti for various camp durations and event types. You can use it for a 3-day, 5-day or single day play party! Our themes are so versatile and flexible!
3. Save the Date - Announce Dates Early:
   • We stress the importance of releasing dates early for summer camps.
   • Try sending out a preliminary "save the date" flyer before the holiday break.
   • Preparing for a Summer Launch week in February, involving the entire studio and offering discounts on camp registrations. We make it fun, very themed and involve our Year-End Show characters!

Check out all 35 of our Camp Confetti Themes to get your summer planning organized and ready to go f

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Episode 68 of the Make Dance Fun podcast is a special Q&A episode inspired by your DMs and emails!

• Studio Wall Creativity: We delve into our studio's vibrant walls, offering insights on creating a fun wall space. From seamless photo backdrop paper to teachers' bulletin board paper and fabric, we share different bases and tips to make your studio walls pop.
• Summer Dance Camps Sneak Peek: Get the inside scoop on our Summer Dance Camps planning! Discover the significance of early announcements and registrations, our tradition of Summer Launch week in February, and this year’s theme: Barbie! Plus, a teaser about the exciting new Camp Confettis.
• Guiding Young Dancers to Practice: Encouraging home practice for our 6-8-year-old company dancers is a journey! We discuss starting the conversation early, gentle reminders during classes, and using Dropbox for routine videos, involving parents in the practice process.
• Crafting Engaging Social Media: Navigating social media content for our studio can be a whirlwind! We share insights into our strategy, from thematic planning to adapting content based on studio events. Dive into our use of Reels, TikToks, and the playful #rhythmphotodump technique for an authentic online presence.
• Resources and Future Insights: We highlight the need for dedication in social media management and share favorite podcasts and resources for inspiration.

Let's Get Social!

• Join our FREE Confetti Circle
• Request to join our private Facebook Group
• Follow us on Insta, Facebook and Pinterest

Let's Get Social!

• Join our FREE Confetti Circle
• Request to join our private Facebook Group
• Follow us on Insta, Facebook and Pinterest

In episode 67, we're pulling back the curtain to reveal the magic that went into our recent photoshoot extravaganza! We cover what we did, how we did it, how it all went, and what's coming up next.

What We Did:

• A comprehensive overview of the various scenes and setups we created.
• Highlighting key moments and campaigns, including a Taylor Swift-themed backdrop.
• Shelley's dedication to crafting the Swift-inspired social media campaign.

How We Did It:

• The incredible effort that went into making it all happen in a short timeframe.
• Coordinating with 20 different models, scheduling, styling, and more.
• The hard work and reward of bringing it all together and capturing great photos.

How It Went:

• An overview of the successful execution and outcome of the photoshoot.

What's Coming Up:

• Teasers for upcoming content, including the Camp Confetti promo and In My Confetti Era.
• Planning for the rest of the season with the shots we've gathered.

Discussion Questions:

• Exciting aspects of the shoot and favorite moments.
• Challenges faced during the shoot.
• Anticipation for the upcoming season and what to look forward to.

Join us as we delve into the highs and hurdles of our photoshoot journey, offering a glimpse of what's on this season's creative horizon for us at Confetti on the Dance Floor!

For more fun tips, check out these other episodes where we covered photo shoot details:

• Episode 11: Photo Shoot Fun!
• Episode 46: Fast + Fun Photo Shoots

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• Join our FREE Confetti Circle
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