Let’s have a real conversation — studio owner to studio owner.
Running a sustainable dance studio isn’t just a goal — it’s a necessity. If we want to keep doing what we love without burning out, we need a foundation that supports our lives, not just our students.
We’ve all said it:
🏋️ “I don’t do this for the money.”
🫱♀️ “It’s about the kids.”
🔥 “It’s about the passion.”
🎭 “I just love to teach.”
And all of that is true. Most of us didn’t open our doors to get rich — we opened them because we love dance and helping young people grow through movement.
However, if that passion isn’t backed by a sustainable dance studio, it will eventually cost you more than it gives.
💸 When Passion Stops Paying the Bills
You might find yourself saying:
-
“It’s okay if I don’t pay myself this week.”
-
“I’ll just take what’s left after everyone else.”
-
“That’s just part of being a studio owner, right?”
But when your business stops covering even the basics, things get serious.
Burnout creeps in.
You lie awake wondering how long you can keep going.
You start questioning your value — and whether your passion is enough.
Even though you love what you do, your energy has limits. Because of this, it’s important to shift your focus from just running a studio to building a sustainable business model.
📊 Let’s Talk Numbers — and What They Don’t Reveal
It’s easy to assume others have it sorted:
“Wow, they hit $1 million in revenue!”
“They’ve got 500 students — they must be killing it!”
But here’s the truth:
-
🔍 Revenue is not profit
-
🔍 Student numbers don’t show financial health
-
🔍 A full studio isn’t always a thriving one
A 2023 report from Xero and Accenture revealed that nearly half of Australian small business owners don’t pay themselves a regular wage — especially in passion-led fields like dance and education.
🧠 My Own Wake-Up Call
In 33 years of running my studio, the year I hit $1 million in revenue was actually one of the toughest.
Expenses were sky-high:
Wages. Rent. Costumes. Insurance. Competitions. Software. Production costs.
Despite the big number on paper, I personally brought home less than ever before.
I was exhausted. Overwhelmed.
And I knew something had to change.
That’s when I made the shift — from busy to sustainable.
I committed to building a sustainable dance studio that worked for me, not just because of me.
✅ What a Sustainable Dance Studio Really Looks Like
Let’s bust the myth:
More students ≠ more success.
📉 A studio with 200 students, solid systems, and a supportive team can be more profitable than a chaotic studio with 500 students.
📉 You can absolutely love what you do and be paid well for it.
📉 You can build a business that doesn’t burn you out — but lifts you up.
🧭 How to Build a Sustainable Dance Studio That Supports You
Here are three essential shifts:
-
Know your real numbers
Revenue is one thing — cash flow and profit are another. A sustainable dance studio starts with financial clarity. -
Create systems that replace you
If you’re doing the same task every week, systematize it. Build workflows for enrolments, costuming, class planning, and even customer communication. -
Develop a leadership-ready team
You need people who can step up so you can step back when needed. A sustainable dance studio isn’t dependent on your presence every second.
💡 Can Your Sustainable Dance Studio Support You Long-Term?
If your studio isn’t supporting:
-
Your financial wellbeing
-
Your physical energy
-
Your mental health
…it’s not sustainable.
You matter.
Your ideas. Your joy. Your creativity.
They are what make your studio alive.
Without you, none of it works.
While it’s tempting to push through and sacrifice, long-term success means prioritising yourself too.
So please — stop putting yourself last.
You don’t have to burn out to prove your dedication.
You don’t have to underpay yourself to “show it’s not about the money.”
You can still love what you do and earn a living that honours your value.
🌱 Redefining Success in Dance Studios
Success doesn’t have to mean: 🚫 Running a million-dollar operation
🚫 Taking home competition trophies
🚫 Being the biggest studio in town
It can mean: 📄 Paying yourself a consistent wage
📄 Working 4 days instead of 7
📄 Having a business you’re proud of — one that gives back as much as you put in
💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
If this message hit home, I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s normalize honest business conversations.
Because profit isn’t a dirty word. And neither is paying yourself.
And if you’re ready to build a sustainable dance studio that supports you every step of the way?
✨ Studio Business Academy is here to help.
External Source:
A 2023 report by Xero and Accenture revealed that nearly half of small business owners don’t pay themselves regularly.
