How Bec Took 4 Weeks Off & Came Back to a Thriving Studio

How Bec Took 4 Weeks Off… and the Studio Didn’t Fall Apart

Let’s be honest: most dance studio owners can barely take a full weekend off without feeling a bit twitchy. What if something goes wrong? What if parents get cranky? What if nobody remembers the grade 2 ballet music?! 😅

We’ve all been there. The guilt. The pressure. That feeling that if you’re not in the building, everything might unravel.

But what if that didn’t have to be your reality?

This year, Bec did something wild. She booked a four-week holiday to Europe. Not a quick long weekend. Not a sneaky few days off after concerts. A proper, uninterrupted, four-week break. And here’s the kicker: she didn’t check in. No sneaky emails. No panicked texts. Just Aperol spritzes, family time, and trusting her team.

But… wasn’t she terrified?

Oh, absolutely.

But here’s the thing: this wasn’t something that happened overnight. It took years of planning, system-building, and most importantly, letting go of that deep studio-owner guilt that says, “You have to be there 24/7 or it’ll all fall apart.”

It won’t. Not if you build it right.

So how did she do it?

Let’s break it down.

1. Systems that actually work

These weren’t systems slapped together the week before she left. They were built up slowly over years. Things like clear concert checklists, enrolment flows, and teacher onboarding docs. It’s not sexy, but it’s what keeps things running smoothly.

2. Team training that goes deeper than a job description

The staff weren’t just told what to do, hey were taught why it mattered. Like: “Our concert goal is for every child to leave happy,” not just “Make sure everyone has lipstick on.” That mindset helps them make smart decisions when things go off-script.

3. A fix-it fund

Yep, a little $100 “fix-it fund” that empowered staff to make decisions on the spot. Forgot stockings? Need more toilet paper? They didn’t need to call Bec, they just sorted it. Total game-changer.

4. Clear communication boundaries

The team knew exactly when they should call (emergencies only!) and when they should trust themselves. Bec didn’t need 47 texts about glitter glue. And guess what? The studio still had an incredible open week and preschool program while she was gone.

5. Letting go of perfection

Things weren’t perfect. That’s okay. A mic might have been turned on too late. Someone might’ve forgotten a prop. But in the big picture? It was all fine. The kids danced. The parents smiled. And Bec got the reset she desperately needed.

You deserve a break, too

Look, we know it’s hard to step away. But you didn’t open your studio to be glued to it every minute of your life.

You opened it because you love dance. Because you love kids. Because you wanted freedom, not burnout.

So if the idea of taking even a few days off makes your stomach twist, let this be your sign to start small. Build one system. Empower one staff member. Take one step toward the life and business you actually want.

You don’t have to do it all alone, and you definitely don’t have to do it all the time.

💬 Want help building systems that give you back your time? Come join us inside the Studio Growth Club—we’re all about making the dream sustainable (and helping you finally take that holiday).

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.danceprincipalsunited.com/podcasts/dance-principals-united-podcast