How to Get Parents Excited & On Board for a Dance Performance Cruise

Taking your dance studio on a performance cruise is an incredible opportunity, but getting parents fully on board can sometimes be a challenge. Concerns about cost, logistics, and time commitment may make some hesitant to commit. The good news? With the right approach, you can address concerns, highlight benefits, and generate excitement that leads to strong family participation.

Here’s how to get parents excited and ready to sign up for your next dance performance cruise!

1. Host a Parent Information Meeting

The best way to introduce the idea is with a dedicated meeting to explain what a performance cruise is and why it’s a valuable experience. Parents may have questions, and having an open discussion helps alleviate concerns.

📌 What to Cover in the Meeting:

✅ Overview of the cruise itinerary and performance details

✅ What’s included (lodging, food, entertainment, and performance experience)

✅ Payment plans & fundraising ideas to make the trip affordable

✅ Q&A session to address any concerns upfront

💡 Pro Tip: Provide a printed or digital info packet with key details so parents can refer back later.

2. Highlight the Value Beyond the Cost

Cost is often the biggest concern for parents, so it’s important to frame the cruise as an investment rather than just an expense. Instead of focusing on the price tag, emphasize the incredible value they’re getting:

🎭 A Professional Performance Opportunity – Dancers perform on a world-class cruise ship stage with a built-in audience.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A Unique Family Vacation – Parents get to enjoy a relaxing getaway while supporting their child’s passion.

🤝 Community & Team Bonding – Strengthens relationships between dancers, parents, and instructors.

✨ More Affordable Than Many Dance Competitions – No expensive hotel stays, travel costs, or multiple competition fees.

💡 Pro Tip: Break down the cost per day so parents can see how much value they’re getting for their money.

3. Offer Flexible Payment Plans

Large upfront costs can make parents hesitant, but a structured payment plan can make it much easier to say yes.

📅 How to Structure Payments:

✔ Low initial deposit to secure their spot

✔ Monthly or bi-monthly payments to spread out costs

✔ Final payment due well before departure for stress-free budgeting

💡 Pro Tip: Present the payment plan at the first meeting so parents know it’s manageable from the start.

4. Share Testimonials & Success Stories

Nothing is more convincing than hearing from families who have already experienced a dance cruise. If you’ve taken a performance cruise before, share videos, photos, and testimonials from past participants.

📢 Powerful Ways to Share Success Stories:

✅ Invite past cruise parents to speak at your meeting

✅ Create a short highlight video with clips from a past trip

✅ Share social media posts with student testimonials and performance moments

💡 Pro Tip: If this is your first performance cruise, reach out to other studio owners who have done one before and ask if you can share their feedback.

5. Address Common Concerns Head-On

Some parents will have reservations about the trip. The best way to handle these concerns? Proactively address them with clear answers!

😨 Concern: “It’s too expensive.”

✅ Solution: Show the value of the trip, offer a payment plan, and discuss fundraising opportunities.

😨 Concern: “Is it safe for my child?”

✅ Solution: Explain the cruise’s security measures, including chaperone policies, onboard staff, and safety procedures.

😨 Concern: “What if my child gets seasick?”

✅ Solution: Most modern cruise ships have stabilizers to minimize motion, and seasickness remedies are available if needed.

💡 Pro Tip: Have a “Common Questions” handout ready to reassure parents with factual answers.

6. Promote Fundraising Opportunities

If cost is a concern, offering fundraising options can encourage more families to sign up. Many studios successfully offset travel costs with creative fundraisers.

💰 Popular Fundraising Ideas:

✔ Dance-a-thons – Students collect pledges based on dance time.

✔ Studio Merchandise Sales – Sell branded studio apparel & gear.

✔ Local Business Sponsorships – Partner with businesses in exchange for advertising.

✔ Social Media Crowdfunding – Set up a group fundraiser for families to share.

💡 Pro Tip: Assign a parent fundraising coordinator to help organize efforts and keep things running smoothly.

7. Keep the Excitement Going!

Once parents are on board, keep the momentum and enthusiasm high leading up to the trip!

🎉 Fun Ways to Keep Families Engaged:

📅 Countdown Calendar with milestone updates

📢 Private Facebook Group for trip updates & discussions

💃 Pre-cruise dance rehearsals & bonding events

💡 Pro Tip: Use weekly email updates to keep parents in the loop and remind them about deadlines, cruise highlights, and upcoming rehearsals.

Final Thoughts: The Key to Getting Parents on Board

The more you educate, excite, and reassure parents, the easier it is to get their support. By presenting the value, offering payment options, and addressing concerns upfront, you’ll increase sign-ups and create an experience that families will never forget.

🎭 Key Takeaways:

✔ Start with an informational meeting to answer questions.

✔ Highlight the value beyond just the cost.

✔ Provide a payment plan to make it affordable.

✔ Share testimonials & past success stories.

✔ Address concerns upfront with clear solutions.

✔ Offer fundraising opportunities to offset costs.

✔ Keep families engaged with ongoing updates and excitement.

🚢💃 Ready to plan your studio’s next performance cruise? Submit a Performance Request to learn more about upcoming performance cruise opportunities and secure your studio’s spot!