5 Things to Know Before You Open That Dance or Fitness Studio

Alright, pull up a chair. Grab a coffee. Because if you’re even thinking about opening your own studio? We need to have a real talk. Not the "congrats, my friend, follow your dreams!" kind of pep talk. I'm talking the "here’s what’s about to hit you like a surprise backflip when you weren't ready" talk.

Opening a studio is amazing. It's empowering. It's a full-body YES. But it's also a financial minefield if you don't know where the traps are. Most people think they're ready. (Spoiler: they're not.) Even the most "sorted" business owners miss stuff that nobody warns you about.

So, before you pick out your neon signs and funky yoga mats? Let's get you clear on the boring stuff that’s actually going to keep the lights on.

The Hidden Costs Nobody Warns You About

Everyone talks about rent. Everyone talks about mirrors and sound systems. Cute.

But you know what actually bleeds your bank account?

• Insurance premiums you didn't budget for
• Utility bills that hit harder than sprinting uphill after skipping leg day
• Booking systems and scheduling apps (surprise! they’re not free)
• Website hosting and maintenance fees (you don’t really need that but it adds credibility)
• Cleaning supplies because your gorgeous studio floor won’t mop itself
• Annual business licenses and random inspections
• Logo merch because suddenly everyone wants hoodies

Imagine this: You’ve just cut the ribbon. Your studio's packed. You're high on dopamine. Then… BAM… a renewal fee pops up. You’re scrambling, wondering if you can trade it for protein shakes and a promise to lift more. If you’re only planning for "the rent," you’re planning to go broke.

Plan for the boring stuff first. The glam can come after you survive the first year.

The Repair and Maintenance Trap

You land your dream space… and 6 weeks later, the heating dies right before your sold-out winter bootcamp.

Or your mate flies into the mirror practicing some acrobatic tricks seen on Insta. We all have a mate that likes to show off.

Or the toilets start leaking the day before your Christmas showcase.

Welcome to Small Business Ownership, my friend.

Maintenance is not "if." It's "when."

Real story: In 2022, a dance studio in Atlanta had to shut down for nearly three months after a sprinkler burst overnight. Repairs, flooring, lost income - the owner faced over $50,000 in total costs. Insurance helped, but didn't cover the full income gap.

She later said, "If I hadn't had a cash reserve and multiple revenue streams, we would’ve closed for good."

If you don't have an Emergency Fund sitting there BEFORE you open? You're one unexpected leak away from panic.

Pro tip: Park 5-10% of your launch budget in a savings account you swear on your firstborn to leave untouched.

Because "manifesting abundance" is cute, but plumbers still want real money.

And here’s the twist:

Most studio owners don’t realise how tight their margins are until something breaks and they’re already underwater.

That’s why you need to know your break-even point before you even teach your first class.

Breaking Down the Break-Even (Without the Finance Jargon)

Here’s what "break-even" means in simple words:

You're making just enough money to cover your bills. No profit. No champagne. No studio dog.

If your studio costs you £4,000 a month to run? You need to bring in £4,000 a month just to not drown.

Example:

Charging £10 per class = 400 bookings a month.

That’s 100 students taking 4 classes… or 50 students doing 8.

Not 400 "likes" on Instagram. Not 400 vibes. Actual paying humans.

Real growth starts AFTER you hit that break-even point. Know it like you know your favourite 8-count.

Guessing basically means broke. Clarity will get you to be booked and busy.

How Emotions Can Wreck Your Launch

Cue the sad music… The number one emotional mistake is undercharging.

"But I want it to be affordable for everyone!" you cry.

Bless your heart. But your landlord doesn't care.

When you price based on feelings instead of facts, you end up:

• Overworked
• Broke
• Bitter
• Burnt out

You deserve better. Your business deserves better.

Real Talk: Your dream clients aren't choosing you because you’re cheap. They’re choosing you because you’re damn good. Financial clarity lets you price like the CEO you are, not the desperate entrepreneur you’re scared to become.

Set prices that honour your work, your rent, your sanity.

The System You’ll Wish You Had

Want to stay afloat?

You need a money system so simple your sleepy nephew could run it.

• Track every single payment that comes in.
• Track every single expense that goes out.
• Look ahead: 3 months. 6 months. 12 months.

That’s it.

No spreadsheets from hell. No "good vibes only" financial planning.

If I were opening a studio?

I’d set up my finance tracking BEFORE I even picked out the wall paint.

Vision boards are cute. Cashflow is cuter.

Bonus Tip: The Seasonality Slap

Dance and fitness bookings slump hard in August and January.

Not because you suck. Not because your brand needs more glitter.

Because PEOPLE AREN'T AROUND.

• August = family trips, school holidays, chaos.
• January = dry bank accounts, SAD syndrome, "new year, new excuses."

If you don't plan for these times? You’ll be sitting in your beautiful empty studio wondering what went wrong.

You need seasonal offers. Lighter workshops. Mini resets. Summer pop-ups.

Plan for reality. Not fantasy.

What Happens If You Skip These Checks?

• Panic attacks
• Anxiety
• Negative cashflow
• Shutting the studio before your first birthday

You didn’t come this far just to come this far.

Your vision deserves to be sustainable.

Your people deserve to have you around.

Future you is either going to hug you for getting your numbers sorted… or haunt you every time you stress over rent.

Choose wisely.

How a Glow Check™ Actually Saves You’re A$$

Opening a studio without a Glow Check™? It’s like trying to freestyle a salsa class with two left feet and no music.

Could you wing it? Sure.

Will it be a hot mess? Also yes.

Glow Check™:

• Deep dive into your actual numbers
• Personalised revenue goals based on reality, not fantasy
• Pricing checks that save you from resentment later
• Cashflow maps that help you survive the quiet seasons

It’s like a financial dress rehearsal - without the 2AM meltdown.

So, when life throws you a curveball (and it will)? You’re ready.

No scrambling. No spreadsheet spirals. Just steady moves.

Final Real Talk (Because Someone Has To Say It)

Anyone can rent a room.

Building a profitable, sustainable studio? That's a different dance altogether.

It’s numbers. It’s energy management. It’s showing up when you’d rather nap.

You’re not "just a dancer." You’re not "just a fitness coach."

You’re a business owner.

Treat yourself like one.