Categories are pivotal in personalizing your Dance Studio Manager and should be one of the initial setup steps. For each category, set up options that best fit your dance studio. Below are tips, tricks, and explanations of each category option and its application in the software.
Blue highlight – This means the setting is especially crucial to consider.
Creating & Editing Categories:
- Navigate to “Settings” and click on “categories”.
- To edit, choose the category from the upper-left dropdown menu.
- Click on the pencil icon beside each row to modify an existing category.
- To archive a category, click on the trash can icon.
- To add a NEW category, click the “new category” box on the upper right.
A dialogue box will appear where you can:
- Select the appropriate “Top Category” type.
- Name your new category.
- Decide the sequence of appearance for the new category relative to others.
Here is an example of the editing screen, and you can see here we have selected to edit Class Genres.
Note: Only for “Member Categories” should you adjust the “Icon Settings”. See Membership Icons.
Types of Categories for Dance Studio Manager
Billing Schedules
This category is integral to the tuition system in DSM. Typical values would be Monthly, Quarterly, Term 1, and Annually. These are arbitrary amounts in that they are just the “name” of the billing schedule, and the admin still needs to run global tuition at the appropriate time.
Charge Categories
Set this up to display categories essential for your summary reports. Typical charge category names would be January 2025 tuition, late fee, registration fee, and merchandise. Often when people use Billing Schedules and global tuition, they will create a charge category for each global tuition session (ex. January 2025, February 2025, etc.)
Class Categories
Designate categories for the various types of dance classes offered, such as drop-in, punch card, members only, etc. Class categories are often used with Sales Items (not billing schedules).
Class Genres
When creating a class, select the genre it falls under. This aids in filtering options for both students and instructors. Typical class genre values would be Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Ballroom, Kinder Combo, Lyrical, Creative Movement, Acro, Strength and Stretch, etc.
Class Levels
Assign a level when setting up a class, like beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Also, for class levels are often used for age groups like ages 4-6, ages 7-10, etc.
Class Locations
Indicate where each class takes place. This is especially useful if your studio offers both in-person and online classes. You can also use this for different rooms at the same studio, but note DSM also has a separate rooms feature.
Class Programs
Define different dance programs offered at your studio, ensuring a structured learning pathway for students. Typical vales might be Adult, Rec, Recital, Senior Company, and Summer Series. Note: there is a setting in the online client and the DSM app such that when displaying classes, the classes can be shown in different tabs, each program having its own tab.
How Hear Items
Track your marketing efforts by allowing students or guardians to specify how they learned about your dance studio. Typical values may include Walk-in, Friend, Internet, Google, Groupon, Yelp, and Other.
Inventory Colors
If your studio sells dancewear or manages inventory, use this category to organize items by color.
Inventory Sizes
For dancewear size management, ensuring every dancer gets the right fit.
Member Categories
Dance Studio Manager’s versatile membership system can be tailored here. Memberships can unlock special content, discounts, and class types.
Message Categories
Organize communication within your dance studio, from general announcements to special events.
Payment Methods
Add payment methods besides the default credit card, ACH, and account.
Payment Schedules
Specify different payment plans for dance classes or sessions, giving flexibility to students or their guardians.
Pricing Levels
Customize pricing tiers for different services and classes offered.
Private Lesson Categories
Tailor private lessons for students who want one-on-one training.
Purchase Items Categories
Organize sales items under specific categories to facilitate efficient purchases.
Size Systems
If you offer costumes or dance attire, this category helps you manage size charts and measurements.
Time Clock Categories
Manage staff and instructor hours efficiently by tracking their in and out times.
Video Categories
For any on-demand dance tutorials or class recaps, ensure they’re well-organized for easy student access.