07/08/2026
I got back late last night from a jam-packed few days in Birmingham at the Dance Business Conference 2026. This was my 4th conference and an event I look forward to every year- a chance to learn from different experts and speakers in the industry, exhibitors and Deborah Laws, the organiser and business coach who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. It's a fabulous opportunity each year to meet other dance bosses, and reconnect with friends made at previous conferences.
The life of a dance business owner can be lonely- most of us start out with a wealth of experience, knowledge and qualifications in dancing and dance teaching, but very little in running a business. Overnight, you have to become an expert in HR, customer services, accounting, systems , operations, marketing and sales. Most businesses have experts and teams to take all this on. And being a female centred industry, many of us are doing this alongside raising families.
When I started out 16 years ago, there was no guidance for me on this- I embarked on the steepest learning curve I had ever been on! Over that 16 years, the dance industry, the business world, people and the world in general have changed, and we must change with them, so continous learning is essential.
I am incredibly grateful to now have access to business experts, coaches and speakers, and 2 days per year in a room with other people who 'get it '.
Thanks for a fabulous 2 days, Dance Business Conference 2026, I leave with a head full of knowledge and ideas, and a heart full of the cheerleading of a room full of dance bosses. 🩷
Until next year. 🩰🩰🩰
