Affiliate marketing is an amazing thing! More teachers and studio owners should absolutely use this method to fundraise and earn for their studio. Imagine getting a check every month for anywhere from $100-1k that you can then pour back into your studio to use for costumes, upkeep, special events, a booster club, a scholarship, etc.

In this post, I'm going to break down how it works, and how you can use it to earn for your studio!

What is Affiliate Marketing?

An affiliate means you are connected to someone or a company in some way. Affiliate marketing means you promote someone else's product, and that company pays you a commission when someone you referred buys from them.

Say, for instance, this cute graphic:



When you click on it, it'll take you to an Etsy shop that I'm a huge fan of. Etsy has given me a special link with a tracker on it, and if you make a purchase anywhere on Etsy (not just from that shop) I'll get a 4% commission off your sale (so you buy a leotard for $30, I'll get about $1.20).

Now $1.20 isn't much, but $1.20 X 30 people is $36. That's more like it! And I didn't have to work that hard for that money. I didn't have to stand on the street and try to sell leotards. I didn't have to buy product and re-sell it. I just told you where to buy, you used my link, and now I have $36.

Maybe you buy a leotard for $30 but you also browse Etsy for some other fun gifts and accessories and end up buying $100 worth of product. Now I'm earning a bit more.

Multiply that by however many people need to buy dancewear for their kid for the beginning of the school year... you see where I'm going with this?

What are some ways I can use these earnings for my studio?

How can dance studios use affiliate marketing to their advantage?

There are a few different ways you can utilize affiliate marketing, but a web-page with recommended products is the easiest.

Here are 2 great example web pages on how to set this up.

Web page 1 - a simple straightforward list of items and links, and a classy disclaimer on the top.

Web page 2 - a more visual, enticing page of recommended products and services. This is a bit more work but allows you to gain more traffic from other sources, like Pinterest and Twitter.

You can also do something like my affiliate page, where I list all my affiliates, encourage people to shop through me, and keep my coupon codes up to date (many affiliate companies send out emails with coupons every few weeks, so you would have to keep up with the expiration dates and enter the new ones!)

Some companies even have a handy tool, such as ShareASale's Make-a-page, and Amazon's Influencer's program.



Once you have your webpage set up, here are a few extra ways to promote your page:

• Pin the graphics on Pinterest, which will lead people to your page who are outside of your studio. You will still get commission even if they aren't your students!
• Share the page to Facebook, and encourage parents to support the studio by shopping through your link
• Add a line to your emails or newsletters to remind people to shop through your link
• Ask relevant affiliate companies for special deals or coupons for your studio (Blue Apron, Graze, Naturebox, Bulldog Yoga, TRX, etc) For instance, I have a deal with Level UP Dance Supplies, who gives me a percentage any time someone uses my unique coupon code. This helps my dancers save money, and helps me earn. 
• If you're like me and have copious amounts of free time (not really) You can make graphics like the ones below, pin or share them, and use your affiliate link.

Affiliate Marketing - Compliance Matters!

In order to use affiliate links, you must agree to the client's terms. For instance, Amazon allows you to use affiliate links on web pages, but not in emails or e-books (so a document with a link printed out is not ok, or a pdf with a clickable link is not ok) so you would need to find a way to put your links on a webpage or blog post, and then send an email with a link to that blog post in order to be compliant.

Another example is deep links, or links to a specific product. Some clients allow this, others do not. Make sure you check the terms!

The most important compliance rule is disclosure. Ever wonder why I have that fine-print phrase at the top of every single blog post? The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has a rule about advertising, and if you're getting paid per article, or being paid to promote a product, you absolutely have to disclose that fact.

This is why a webpage with a disclaimer on the top is the easiest option for studios, websites, and blogs.

How do I get started? Which programs do I join?

Here is a great list of programs and companies to join that are somewhat relevant to dance. For some of these programs, you have to sign up for a "network," and then join individual programs from there. My top recommendations would be Amazon, Danskin, Danzia, Dancewear Solutions, Etsy, Stretch Strength, and KD Dance. This is enough to get you a well-rounded list of dance-related affiliates. The rest of the partners will depend on your studio or team, and what kinds of products they buy. 

For instance, do you have a lot of teenagers who love makeup? Join some makeup affiliate companies and add them to the list of suggested brands. Do your students go nuts over fashion leotards and handmade dancewear? Etsy is a great option. Are they big into nutrition, hydration, and pre-workout products? There are tons of affiliate companies in this category. And yoga pants? Oh, don't even get me started on the yoga pant companies and subscription boxes.

CJ - 

• Danskin
• Graze

Shareasale - 

• Dancewear Solutions
• Danzia
• Evolve Fitwear
• The Human Trainer

A note for dance moms

Would you like me to promote your store on my blog and social media? Please get in touch with me! 

Okay, I have a confession to make.

I'm wearing the same pair of tights today in class that I wore in high school. (*hides face*).

Most of them have zero holes, and they still hold their stretch. (though they're a bit rough around the crotchal region. But hey, skirts, right?)

Also, my leotards are the same ones I wore through high school... and the pink one in this video? That belonged to my ballet teacher when she was in high school, and she gave it to me while I was in high school. That leo has been through some sweat!

If you take care of your dancewear, it'll last you a long time (including your pointes!). Here are some tips on keeping your dancewear clean and in good condition so you get the longest use out of it possible.

While you're at it, check out Dancewear Solutions! They have 20% off sitewide and free shipping (in US) with code Fireworks!

Washing

Rule #1 - Your detergent matters. 

Did you know that for the past... FOREVER... people have been washing clothes with soap made from alkalis? Alkalis don't distinguish between fabric and food/sweat/dirt/etc stains, it just viciously attacks everything. If you use an alkalis-based detergent, your clothes will wear out faster and become dingy quicker.

The lint screen after washing with alkalis soap vs enzyme soap. Less lint = fewer clothing fibers destroyed!

Try using an enzyme-based detergent that dissolves and lifts dirt from the fabric without damaging it! The detergent I use is plant-based, highly concentrated, and comes out to $0.16 per load (whereas most storebought detergents are anywhere from $0.25-$0.50). Let me know if you'd like the link!

Rule #2 - Elastic doesn't like heat.

Wash your tights, leos, and elastic headbands in warm water, not hot. Always hang them to dry instead of putting them in the dryer.

This weekend was wash day for the dancewear! Make sure you wash your tights and skirts, and warmers, or your whole closet will stink !! 😳🙃 . .for tips on washing your dancewear, check out my article on The Care and Keeping of Dancewear! (Blog link in bio) . #dancerproblems #washday #delicates

A post shared by MissHaley (@beyondthebarres) on Aug 13, 2018 at 7:00am PDT

Hang your dancewear to dry instead of putting it in the dryer! This helps retain the elasticity of the fabric.

Rule #3 - Wash it in a bag. 

Washing your delicate dancewear in a lingerie bag or mesh bag helps keep it from snagging on anything in the wash! I like these open mesh bags because the water and soap get in just fine, but they still protect my clothes.

Did you know you can wash leather shoes? Just don't put them in the dryer or they'll shrink! Also, avoid using fabric softeners on them, as that will make them slippery.

Rule #4 - When washing shoes, don't put them in the dryer. 

Shoes are often best washed by hand with lukewarm water and a magic eraser, but ballet leather and canvas shoes can be thrown in the wash as well! Just make sure you stuff them with paper towels and put them on top of the dryer rather than putting them inside. They will shrink up a lot!

*also, don't use fabric softener in the load, it makes your shoes slick!

If you machine wash your shoes, don’t put them in the dryer! They’ll shrink ;) #learnedthatthehardway. Instead just stuff with paper or dry cloth towels and leave them in the sun, or on top of the dryer.

A post shared by MissHaley (@beyondthebarres) on Jun 16, 2018 at 12:57pm PDT

Rule #5 - Don't forget to wash your dance bag, too! 

You wash your dancewear, but do you wash your dance bag? Your bag will get nasty over time. If you can't wash it, make sure to empty it completely, vacuum/shake it out (outside!) and wipe it down with a rag and some disinfectant, and don't forget to put some Odor Eaters in there!

Wearing

Rule #6 - Check your nails and jewelry before putting on your tights. 

This seems obvious, but I picked a brand new pair of tights because it caught on my nail one time. And they were my nice Zarely tights! #devistated.

Rule #7 - If you get a pick on your tights, DON'T PULL IT. 

You can literally leave it there and nothing bad will happen. It will only be a problem if you pull at/on it. You can also put a dab of clear nail polish (hint - get it at the dollar store!) or fraycheck on the pick to keep it from getting worse. This is a great tip for young dancers.




Rule #8 - Even though it's more convenient, your dance clothing will last longer (especially the stretchy stuff) if you don't wear it under your regular clothes all day. 

Some dancers like to wear their tights/leo under their regular clothes during the day, to make changing easier and faster when it's time for dance. Unless you have less than 10 minutes between an academic and dance class, there's no reason to do this, as it will wear out the stretch in your dancewear faster.

Keeping

Rule #9 - Let your stuff (bag, shoes, skirts) air out between uses.

Sweat and moisture will build up in your dance bag, so it's important to let your supplies air out, even if your bag has mesh sections. Moisture will break down your shoes and will make your skirts nasty!

Rule #10 - Keep a deodorizer or moisture absorber in your bag and shoes at all times. 

Here is a handy tutorial on how to make an awesome shoe deodorizer. Make a few of them, and keep one in each shoe, and a few in the bottom of your dance bag! You can also take those Silacone packets that come in new shoes and new handbags and put a few of those in your dancebag (though I wouldn't do this for young children).



One method, that I call "moisture packing," involves taking paper towels lightly dusted with baking soda and packing your shoes with them. Let them air out for one day, then pack them for another day to absorb any other moisture in the shoe. This is awesome for making pointe shoes last longer!

Rule #11 - Have multiple pairs of shoes that you alternate. 

Especially for jazz and pointe shoes, this helps shoes last way longer! Between alternating, moisture packing, and letting them air out, your shoes could double their lifespan!



Rule 12 - Keep your dancewear organized in a way that separates the dirty from the clean. 

Try to avoid "the chair" or "the pile of not quite clean but not quite dirty." If it's too dirty to put back in your closet with your clean clothes, then it's dirty enough to be washed. This isn't really a tip to help you keep your dancewear nicer longer, but it does make everything easier to find.

And a bonus lucky #13 - Wash your skirts once in a while too! Put them in the tub with some of that special soap I mentioned above and swish them around. You will be amazed at how dirty they get!

Check out my articles on DIY De-Stink Spray, Odor Eaters, and Keeping Dancewear Organized!

Loving my new butterfly skirt from @balletskirtboutique ❤️❤️❤️ need to get a new leotard though. I’ve literally had this one for 9 years, and I got it used 🤦🏼‍♀️ check the blog soon for tips on making your dancewear last FOREVER. (Ok not forever but certainly a long time). . . Skirt : tinyurl.com/butterflyskirt #affiliate . . #balletskirt #wrapskirt #handmade #handmadedancewear #ballet #dancewear #shopsmall

A post shared by MissHaley (@beyondthebarres) on Jun 26, 2018 at 4:37pm PDT

Let's make an Odor Eater!

Step 1 - Cut 2 pieces of fabric (or use a scrap) large enough to fold over and make a small pouch. I like my stink patties to be about 2 inches wide and 4-5 inches long, so they can fit in any shoe. Honestly, it doesn't matter what size you make.





Step 2 - sew a little pouch (You can do this by hand or with a machine. If you sew by hand, use a backstitch so the filling doesn't leak out!)



Step 3 - Fill the bag 1/3 to 1/2 of the way full with baking soda. (Optional - add 2-3 drops of Essential Oil such as tea tree, rosemary, or peppermint to help kill odor and mold)

You can also add a few of the gel beads that come in new shoes or handbags, but I wouldn't recommend that for using around kids.



Step 4 - turn the edges over and sew it shut!



Stick one in each shoe in your dance bag, and in the bottom of your bag to catch any odors that might crop up. If you change out of your sweaty dancewear before going home, it's good to have a drawstring bag with an Odor Eater in it to separate your dirty dancewear from everything else.



Happy Crafting! And don't forget to check out the other DIYs!

The book is divided into 2 sections: Recreational Dance, and Competitive Dance. They are definitely two different worlds! It is full of everything you could possibly want to know, from graphs showing the average cost of dance training + recital fees for a year, stage makeup, health, stretching tools, finding the right studio, costume prepping/stoning instructions, and more.


Some of my favorite pages include:

Recital Readiness Checklist

2 full pages of dance bags and organizers (102-103)



A great section about picking the right studio, including points to consider and questions to ask (70)



A whole chapter on conventions!

A whole chapter on boys in dance!

Just got my copy of Bitten by the Dance Bug today! Expect a review soon! @thedancebug #ballet #dancemom #dancemomtips #competition

A post shared by MissHaley (@beyondthebarres) on May 26, 2018 at 2:46pm PDT

This book is designed for dance parents with little to no understanding of the dance world, which I think is really important. For instance, check out this little excerpt on technique:




And this graph showing the different forms of dance:



I also thought the section on competition scoring (in the competitive section) was really important! It breaks down how the score is calculated from one judge to another, and how final scores are calculated.

The only topic that I can think of that this book does not cover is conservatory or pre-professional ballet life. However, that is a highly-specific demographic and I think this book is more a catch-all for general dance students and competitive dance students, rather than those on a professional "three letter school" track.

>>>>You might like: Dance Class Etiquette + Recital Etiquette

My only complaint? There are a lot of colors. Personally, I like to keep formatting simple and uniform, and there is just so much happening on each page that it can be overwhelming. But I promise if you read the content, it'll help you a lot!

I think this book is an extremely valuable resource for recreational and competitive dance parents who need a reference guide of sorts. What an awesome item to have available for sale in your dance studio or dancewear boutique!

Get a copy of Bitten by the Dance Bug here! 

Are you someone or do you know someone who is new to the scene at local dance studios? The most current (published in 2018) and comprehensive parent's guide to recreational and competitive dance. This resource is ideal for new dance parents. This book provides a wealth of information and keen insight into the world of recreational and competitive dance at local dance studios, for children aged 2-18, to accelerate the learning curve for up-and-coming dance parents. Within this CONSOLIDATED resource, PARENTS will learn: - Practical dance basics, including dance genres, dress code, level progression, and the importance of technique. - Factors to consider when choosing a dance studio and its recreational and competitive dance programs. - All aspects of dance recitals. - The ins-and-outs of competitions and conventions. - Insight into expenses-time, energy, and costs. - Ideas for managing relationships with studio staff and other parents and dancers. - Tips to enhance you and your child's dance experience. Buy a copy @www.bittenbythedancebug.com!

A post shared by bittenbythedancebug (@thedancebug) on Jun 17, 2018 at 12:43pm PDT

Dance Bug Social Media:

When it comes to bodies falling apart, dance teachers take the cake. Unlike coaches of other sports, dance teachers continue to demonstrate and execute the steps and movements they teach throughout their teaching and coaching career, often on a daily basis.

Some of the side effects of dancing at this level for so long, with so much repetitive movement, is injury, tightness, muscle cramping, bulged/degenerative disks, and arthritis. Here are some excellent products to help you get through the rough parts and recondition yourself to extend your dance longevity!

1. If you don't have a T.E.N.S. Unit, you need one. Now.

One of my friends told me about this thing, and it sounded really scary - an electronic device with shock pads that send electric shocks through your body all day? No thanks. But I got a chance to try a free one for review, and I figured if I hated it, I'd just throw it away.

I still have it, almost 3 years later! This thing is awesome.

I've used a few different ones now and I've figured out that the best T.E.N.S units have the following features:

• A belt clip, or small enough to fit in a phone armband or pocket
• More than 2 pads (4 or 6 is best!) 
• Something covering the controls and buttons (so no touch screens or uncovered dials) - trust me this one is important. You're doing a cambré forward and all of a sudden your T.E.N.S. went from 3 to 15. *whole body spasms* 

Get it here

From Pro Source - get it here

Get it on Amazon

This one has trigger points, and it vibrates!

 3. Hot and Cold compact.

Sometimes the answer really is to ice or heat treat! It makes a huge difference. Here's a great one that I'm dying to try. It's a heat or cold pack, and can be put on any part of your body.

Get it here

Extra large heat/cold pack from Etsy.

4. Salts, Lotions, and Creams

Here is a roundup of some of my favorite soaking salts, lotions, and pain creams.

Pain A Trate is more effective than any other pain relief cream! Plus you can mix it with Blue Heat Essential Oils for added relief. Shoot me an email if you'd like some info on how to get it!

Muscle Balm from Dancing Maya Co

While browsing Etsy for more ballet skirts that I don't need but fawn over anyway, I discovered Dancing Maya Co, and I discovered they're having a sale right now. So that's exciting.

Here are some of my favorites from them!


Maya Kirk is a young dancer from England who loves wrap skirts (clearly as much as I do) and decided to find a way to create dancewear, in hopes that it helps pay for her training.

From their website:

"We are a Mother and Daughter team. I make the key rings and help with the knitting and my mum makes these lovely ballet skirts which are limited edition, just a few of each design will be made. I am a ballet dancer and love floral ballet skirts so last year we decided to make them as we are really passionate about crafts and all things ballet."

Roses n Cream

"Lovely designs and lovely and light to wear in your dance class. In fact they are so pretty we think they can be worn anytime by anyone of any age. We can also source a particular colour or pattern for you. All profits go towards my training and equipment. I am very grateful for all your support, Thank you." 

Summer Sky

Everything in the store is 15% off until June 22 (so you have 2 more days to get that CUTE skirt). 

(photo)

They also have muscle rub for sore dancers! I might have to pick some of this up...

Muscle Balm - with Daisy and Elderflower

Maya makes the keychains and the flower crowns...

Really want one of these! They look so warm.

How brilliant are these colors, though???

Shop small, and point your toes!