Thoughts on Scheduling (From a Dance Educator)

By Danielle Jeal (Originally posted on Instagram in 2024)

Every Dance Educator I have encountered is enamoured with their work. We have the privilege of being in a creative endeavour with reliable (ish) income, and we spend our time sharing our passion with up and coming dance artists. What a joy! The gratitude this career inspires can make us reluctant to share our hopes and wishes with studio directors in regards to working conditions. So today I am here to help you out! Let's discuss scheduling (you can just send this link to your boss if it helps!).

I believe there are 5 Things That Every Dance Educator Needs in a schedule. While every situation is unique, these are consistently desired by my colleagues.

1. Enough Hours! Each time a dance instructor comes to your studio they have mapped out travel time, and said no to other opportunities. There's a cost to this. Which means coming to your studio for less than 3hrs+ may be a no for some teachers. 

2. Full Classes! Teaching small classes is undoubtedly more work, and while this is rarely a deterrent, as an instructor a small class means risky income! Small classes are more susceptible to cancellation and unexpected low attendance. Therefore, most dance instructors want classes with 5+ dancers.

3. Scheduled Closures Notice! As with any job, instructors want to plan their personal lives as well and ensure they can be present for all of their classes. Knowing scheduled closures before the start of the season is ideal. 

4. Sub Security/Clarity! Every dance studio has different requirements for subs, and that is a-ok! Communicating your requirements to teachers in advance is so important. Something to keep in mind, not every absence can be anticipated and as teachers we hope to know that in an emergency our classes will be cared for. This is where flexible studio owners, floating TAs, and schedule swap teachers is helpful!

5. Variety! In my experience most instructors want a little variety in their classes. It's nice to work with littles, as well as test our chops with mature dancers. Making space for all teachers to work with many dancers in the studio serves the students and the staff!

With the above 5 in place, most Dance Educators are very content. Here are some final thoughts specifically for those Dance Educators, Administrators, and Studio Directors tasked with creating the season schedules:

Schedules are a lot of work! There is no perfect system as each studio and instructor and group of dancers are unique. To get the best result I would: 

• Plan my studio schedule based on dancer development needs and space available.Then approach Teachers with an offer (ideally in April/May so they know if they need to find more work elsewhere in time to apply).

• Adjust the schedule mildly to accommodate Teacher’s needs and wants if possible, and send out contracts. 

• Confirm Schedule Swap Teachers, Substitute Possibilities or Floating TAs (this is important to clearly communicate in case other teachers are working elsewhere on those dates). 

• Develop Sub List and bring out of studio subs in to teach choreography or summer camps in the off season so dancers are familiar.

• Then plan my personal schedule to ensure I am available when the studio has highest needs.

As a Dance Instructor I can tell you, we are GRATEFUL for Studio Directors! Thank you for your hard work. 

Goodluck Everyone!