This week Amanda and Bec dive deep into the importance of identifying, training, and supporting young assistant teachers in your studio. From early conversations to ongoing feedback, they share practical ways to build confident, capable leaders who often become the heart of your teaching team.

Here’s what they covered:

• Start young and be intentional: Don’t wait until a student is “ready.” If you see potential in a 12–14-year-old, start the conversation early. Give them encouragement and let their parents know you see something special.

• Training is non-negotiable: Assistant teachers should never be thrown into classes without guidance. Ongoing training, feedback from lead teachers, and regular check-ins are vital to helping them thrive.

• Body language matters: Smile! Young students interpret resting or serious faces as anger or disapproval. Teach your assistants how their facial expressions and posture affect the energy of the class.

• Use your team: You don’t need to do all the training yourself. Bring in superstar teachers who model the right energy and attitude to run short workshops or lead sessions with your junior team.

• Create a clear pathway: Talk regularly with your assistants about what they want to do long term, whether it’s choreography, studio management, or teaching full-time. Help them see that a career in dance is both real and rewarding.

• Get parents on board: Keep parents informed about the growth you see in their child. It builds trust and helps them view dance teaching as a valid and meaningful profession.

• It’s also a retention strategy: Students who feel seen, valued, and involved, especially teens, are more likely to stay with your studio. Leadership opportunities like assisting or running events give them a reason to stay connected.

• Tailor roles to strengths: Not every great assistant is a top technical dancer. Some excel because they’re confident, nurturing, or naturally great communicators. Celebrate and develop those strengths too.

Remember: the assistant teacher you nurture today might just become your most loyal and passionate team member for the next decade.

DPU Tribe | Studio Growth Club

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