Why fall is the best time to start planning your studio’s dance tour
Our take
## Our Take: Seizing the Fall – More Than Just Tour Planning
This Dance Informa piece on planning studio dance tours in the fall is spot-on, and frankly, it’s a message we all need to hear. It's so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of the dance year, reacting instead of proactively shaping it. The article rightly points out how quickly time slips away, launching us from summer into the frantic scramble of Nutcracker rehearsals, holiday performances, and recital preparations. Starting the planning process now – in those precious early fall months – isn't just about securing dates; it’s about creating a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone involved, especially the families who need ample time to budget and arrange schedules. It reminds me a little of how I approach my own life; I find that planning ahead, even for something as seemingly simple as my fitness routine, allows me to feel more in control and, honestly, more fabulous! And who doesn’t want to feel fabulous? I recently saw ‘Schmigadoon!’: Finding love – and laughter – and where everything’s a song and the joy on stage was infectious – planning something that brings that kind of feeling is worth the effort.
The broader significance here extends beyond just logistics. It speaks to a deeper shift in how we approach the dance world – moving away from a reactive, constantly-firefighting mentality towards a more strategic and empowering one. As Dance the Magic celebrates its global reach, Dance the Magic’s global reach: Sharing cultures and building connections demonstrates the power of intentional planning in creating world-class performance opportunities. This applies to all levels of dance, from a small local studio to a touring company. Thinking about the bigger picture – the impact on dancers, families, and the community – necessitates a proactive approach. And for those of us who believe in the transformative power of dance, that's a responsibility we should embrace. I firmly believe dance isn’t just about technique; it’s about building confidence, fostering creativity, and celebrating the joy of movement. It’s about feeling powerful, both on and off the stage, and that feeling comes from knowing you're prepared and in control.
My own experience as a performer, a mother, and a fitness enthusiast has taught me the importance of intentionality. Whether I'm choreographing a routine, planning a family dinner, or sculpting my physique with pole work (which, let's be honest, is a *fantastic* full-body workout!), a little foresight goes a long way. It’s not just about the end result; it’s about the process, the dedication, and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with knowing you’ve put in the work. And that resonates with the sentiment in Brooke Ivory’s work, Brooke Ivory: Integrating dance with social-emotional learning, reminding us of the innate joy and emotional expression that dance unlocks. It’s about cultivating a positive and supportive environment where dancers can thrive, not just as performers, but as individuals.
Ultimately, this isn't just about planning dance tours; it's about cultivating a culture of proactive planning within the entire dance ecosystem. It’s about empowering studios, teachers, and families to take ownership of their dance journey. So, as we head into fall, let’s embrace this opportunity to step back, assess our goals, and create a plan that not only maximizes our potential but also brings us joy and fulfillment. What innovative strategies will studios adopt to enhance the dancer experience and ensure a truly memorable season, both on and off the stage? And more importantly, how can we ensure that the planning process itself fosters creativity, collaboration, and a shared passion for the art of dance?
Every year, it always seems to happen. Summer just flies by. And then the new dance year begins. And then we all know that can fly by, too. Soon enough, it’s Nutcracker season, or holiday break, or even recital season again! So, take advantage of the early fall months and the excitement of back-to-dance season and plan your studio’s 2027 dance tour now. Not only will fall planning ensure your studio has the widest selection of dates before availability becomes limited, but it also makes it easier on the families, who need to plan ahead and save for expenses.
“Launching registration in the fall allows families to spread payments over many months,” says Emilee Anderson, Director of Group Travel Operations for 42nd Street Tours. “Families appreciate having advance notice. Lower monthly payments make tours more affordable and increase participation.”
In addition, the fall is when dancers return energized and excited for a new dance year. Take advantage of this enthusiasm! “Announcing the tour early gives dancers something exciting to work toward, increasing motivation, attendance and studio engagement all season long,” Anderson notes. “Once recital preparation begins, studio owners are juggling costumes, rehearsals, competitions and performances. Planning the tour in the fall allows most of the logistics to be completed before the busiest time of year.”
So what can you do now, in August, to prepare?
Decide where you want to tour! 42nd Street Tours offers so many great destinations – Walt Disney World, Disneyland, New York City, a performance cruise, even somewhere overseas like Paris. Have a clear vision, and settle on a place. This will boost the excitement and feeling of studio culture!
For a 2027 dance tour, Anderson recommends choosing a destination that combines meaningful dance experiences with unforgettable travel memories. “Walt Disney World Resort is always at the top of my list because it truly has something for everyone,” she says. “It’s a great blend of education, performance and fun, making it especially appealing for studios with dancers of all ages.”
And if your studio is celebrating a certain milestone or anniversary, Anderson says Hawaii is an exciting choice, as it offers beautiful scenery, cultural experiences and performance opportunities.
Anderson suggests looking at your overall calendar (competition schedule, recital dates, school breaks, school testing, holidays) and find the window of time that would work best for your studio’s travel. “Reach out to your travel partner to begin discussing itinerary ideas, estimated pricing, performance opportunities, workshops and available dates,” she adds. “The earlier this starts, the more options you’ll have.”
September hits…commitment begins.
Once September is here, you should have a better grasp of your studio dance tour vision and plan, and should be moving into the commitment phase. September is a really busy time for all. Families are settling into their fall and after-school routine, and dancers are hard at work in the studio.
“This is the ideal time to turn interest into registrations,” Anderson says. “Work with your tour company to confirm your itinerary, pricing, performance opportunities, workshops and accommodations so you have everything ready for families. Kick off your first fundraiser while enthusiasm is high. Starting in September gives dancers several months to earn toward their trip rather than trying to raise everything in the spring.”
Benefits of early fall planning
Planning your 2027 dance tour in the fall has many benefits, including:
#1. Best choice of dates. “Popular travel weeks and destinations can fill quickly, so early planning gives you first pick of the dates that work best for your dancers and families,” Anderson explains.
#2. Pricing. Early planning usually offers access to the best rates and room categories before space and inventory becomes limited. And for your families, earlier registration means smaller monthly payments and a more manageable tour financially.
#3. Performance opportunities. “Performance venues, Disney workshops, cruise entertainment schedules and other unique dance experiences often have limited availability,” Anderson says. “Beginning the planning process early increases the likelihood of securing your preferred performance opportunities and gives your travel partner more flexibility to build an itinerary that matches your studio’s goals.”
#4. Fundraising time. If you begin in the fall, dancers have many months to raise travel money over the course of multiple fundraisers. In turn, this helps reduce the out-of-pocket costs for families, and it also brings a sense of unity and community goal as students work toward their trip together.
Anderson points out that there are things that can make the difference between a good dance tour and an extraordinary one. Yes, the destination matters and budget is important, but it’s also important to consider the value of the experience and what students are going to get out of it. Focus on an inspiring workshop, exciting performance or unforgettable cultural experiences that the dance tour can offer. These cherished memories and amazing opportunities can make a long-lasting impression on the dancers, and can make the tour seem all that much more worth it to families.
“Parents are much more likely to commit when they understand the purpose of the trip,” Anderson says. “When families see the educational and personal value, the trip becomes much more than a vacation. Planning a dance tour is different from planning a typical group vacation. Working with a travel company that specializes in dance means you’ll have guidance on performances, workshops, rehearsal logistics, costume transportation, group communication and the countless details that make dance travel unique.”
To get started on booking your studio’s 2027 dance tour, visit www.42ndstreettours.com.
By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa.
The post Why fall is the best time to start planning your studio’s dance tour appeared first on Dance Informa Magazine.
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