A Letter from Dance Business Weekly’s New Editor in Chief

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Dear Dance Colleagues,

You and I have both been there—working incredibly long hours, dealing with demanding parents (like Sally’s mum who won’t stop texting you about her daughter’s tap solo), and worrying about those new pointe shoes that are still on backorder. But wait. Those finances won’t take care of itself and neither will those weekly newsletters and social media accounts.

Phew! I get it. Having been in the dance industry for 20+ years, I’ve worked with several dance business owners like you, and I know firsthand what it’s like to own and run a dance studio and store. That’s why I’m so delighted to introduce myself to you as Dance Business Weekly’s new editor in chief.

Dance professionals like you have shaped my path every step of the way—right from the time I learned to stand in first position in my baby ballet class, to picking my first pair of pointe shoes at the local dancewear shop, to finally taking the leap into becoming a dance writer. And through it all, I’ve pas de bourrée’d back and forth several times between some very challenging and inspiring moments.

Not many people may know about the highs and lows you’ve experienced in your business, but I see you. We at Dance Business Weekly see you (even through our face masks).
We see your grit and your resiliency in the face of adversity.
We see you weigh your accomplishments and disappointments evenly and still ask yourself, “What’s next?” 
We see you persevering through constantly shifting business models to ensure a solid future for your dance studio or store.
We see you speaking up against injustices and committing to make this world a better place for all your customers, students, and staff.

So frankly, nothing brings me and all of us here at Dance Business Weekly more joy than to advocate for you and your needs. And I’m excited to get to work! 

In the next few months, I’ll help you find the best moves for your small business—from bringing you dance business-related news and ideas, sharing informative and impactful content via social media, and introducing you to new and exciting small business tips, tricks, and resources so that your dance studio or store can continue to innovate and thrive. And yes, I’ll also continue to bring you more ideas and inspiration from your fellow dance retailers, entrepreneurs and studio owners.

So let’s get to know each other. Send me a note at rrodrigues@dancemedia.com and tell me about yourself and what you most look forward to reading on Dance Business Weekly. I’d love to hear your ideas, your stories, and your concerns.

I can’t wait to hear from you!

With excitement and gratitude,
Reanne Rodrigues