I know the opinion on whether studios should offer birthday parties or not is very split here on DDN - but I am considering offering them this next season to help cover expenses of our new location and was wondering from those of you who do offer them - What do you offer, what do you charge, any tips or ideas you may have for me?

I think offering Birthday Parties is not a bad idea, but from what I have read here, the opinion is split on the results. I'm guessing schools in more affluent areas can charge a bigger fee, make more profit, and get some new students out of it.

I've done a few, but they were too small for me to make enough money considering all of the work. I have to drag up tables and chairs from my basement storage, dust and set them up, then break them down. And I have never gotten one student from them, despite my handing out free comp coupons in their goodie bags. (This doesn't just happen to me, but to other local dance teachers that I know, and we don't know why.)

The kids seem to have a good enough time and join in the dance part, and even like using our karaoke machine. It bothers me to see the little girls arriving in pink dance attire (not from my school, but obviously they've attended someone else's dance studio) and having fun, then disappearing from the face of the earth. Needless to say, I'm not in an affluent area.

I've done a few dance birthday parties. I know girls like it when you have different themes such as hannah montana, princess, camp rock, etc. An hour and a half to two hour party is perfect. Have time for dance games, cake, and choreograph a special birthday dance to teach.

I work at a cheerleading gym and we offer birthday parties. Anything to get more kids in the gym/studio is a good idea. You also might consider getting in touch with a church to to lock-ins, mom day out and youth events.

For birthday parties at our studio, aside from the dancing obviously, we also do a photo shoot/make your own picture frame activity. First, we take a photo of each girl (or one group photo and make many copies) on a digital camera and then print it out immediately using one of those portable photo printers. Then, each girl gets her own plastic picture frame (from the $ store) and various craft pieces ( fun foam shapes, glitter glue, stickers, jewels, etc) to decorate the frame with. It takes up about a half an hour, and in the back of the frame goes a business card for the studio. Our birthday parties are pretty popular!

Do not think of it as just another way to raise money for your school but as a marketing tool. I received new students from birthday parties. Here is what the school where I now work offers...

THE XXX XXX
STAR QUALITY DANCE INSTRUCTION
FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
###409-5622
THEXXXXXX.COM
EMAIL:INFO@THEXXXXXX.COM

The XXX XXX’s
Birthday Party Experience/Adventure

Here at The XXX XXX, we love to celebrate birthdays! We can create a birthday party full of magic and surprises for your child AND make it a “piece of cake” for mom and dad! Choose from our complete packages below or we can design a customized party to fit your needs. Each party lasts 2 hours and is led professional instructor and 1 assistant. Your child will experience their most exciting birthday party ever at The XXX XXX!

Princess Party
Girls ages 3-6
Celebrate your special day through the enchanted world of a princess.
Dance “under the sea” with Ariel, travel “a whole new world” with Jasmine, and learn how to dance like Belle and Snow White. The birthday girl can wear the most beautiful Princess dress and her guests will love dressing up in tiaras, tutu’s, and fabulous jewelry. This party includes sparkly princess make-over and a private princess dance class.

Fantasy Garden Ballet Party
Girls ages 3-6
Flying fairies, leaping frogs, and fluttering butterflies…
The birthday girl will wear her very own Tinker bell skirt and shimmering wings. Her guests will be dressed in a fairy skirt and crown of flowers to wear as they explore this beautiful fantasy garden. This party includes glittery fairy make-over, private fairy dance class, and games for a mystical birthday celebration!

Pirate Party
Boys ages 3-6
Arrrg! You’ll be the coolest pirate in town when you celebrate your Pirate Birthday party at The XXX XXX. Each boy will be supplied the pirate essentials while they walk the plank, jump over hungry crocodiles, and even go on a treasure hunt!
The Pirate Party includes pirate face painting (no pirate is complete without an eye patch and mustache!), exciting games for all ye swabs. And, the birthday boy will receive his very own Pirate hat! It’s a treasure-filled birthday celebration.

Neverland Party
Boys and Girls ages 3-6
The Neverland Party is a combination of our Fantasy Garden and Pirate party. This is the perfect choice for a girl – boy birthday party. It includes everything you see in our Fantasy Garden and Pirate party.

Hip Hop Party
Boys and Girls ages 6+
So you think you can dance? Bring your moves and your coolest threads to this party. Learn a hip hop dance and perform it with cool party lights, fog effects, and more!
Everyone gets an awesome Hip Hop make-over, private hip hop dance class, glow-in-the-dark bling, and all the rage games. Go home with a new dance routine that will impress your friends!


Prices

Basic Package
The XXX XXX’s Basic Party Package includes everything you see above, plus a goody bag for each guest that includes a coupon for a free dance class, festive decorations, and all the party paper goods you will need. You supply the drinks, cupcakes, and pizza (optional).
$225 for up to 10 guests………. $10 for each additional guest



PACKAGE UPGRADES

Premium Package
Upgrade to our Premium Package and we will supply the cupcakes and juice. You supply the pizza
$250 for up to 10 guests…..…. $10 for each additional guest

Supreme Package
Let The XXX XXX do EVERYTHING!
We supply the cupcakes, juice and pizza!
$275 for up to 10 guests………$10 for each additional guest


Crafts
For $5 per child you can add the following fun craft projects to the party!
Picture Frame – Beautify a princess Picture Frame and add a group picture from the party.
Tote Bag –Decorate a super cute tote bag to take home!
Door Hanger – Make a cool door hanger to hang in your own bedroom!
Princess Tiaras – Sparkle it up and make it fancy!
Treasure Chest – Perfect for the Pirate Party. Fill it with treasure!
Beaded Bracelet – Create your own glamorous butterfly or beach jewelry!
Tote Bag – Carry books or dance shoes with style!

Additional Information
~You can book your 2-hour party on Fridays from 4:00 – 7:00 pm or Saturdays from 12:00 to 5:00 pm.
~Confirm your party date by making a $25 (non-refundable) deposit.
~Please arrive no earlier than 30 minutes prior to your party guests.
~Guests may wear comfortable clothes, (dressing to the theme is always fun, but not required).
~Sneakers for hip-hop and ballet shoes or slippers for princess and fantasy parties are recommended, but not required.
~Other party themes are available upon request.


For more information or to schedule your party call ###409-5622
Or email info@theXXXXXX.com

I work birthday parties. I have had a party up to 15 kids for some of our themed parties. I do work with another girl, so we split the pay. Plllleeaassseee, put something at the bottom that tipping is awesome. I did a Pretty Princess party, in which I prep the room (set up tables), teach a dance, serve cake and ice cream, do dance games, and clean up. 15 girls between 3-6. No tip. And since I split the pay, which is a flat $30 dollars. I only made $15 for 2 hours of work.