How to Host a Memorable Friendsgiving for Your Baton Twirling or Dance Studio
The holiday season is a fantastic opportunity to bring your baton twirling or dance community closer with a Friendsgiving celebration. Not only does this event allow students to bond outside the studio, but it also fosters a warm, supportive environment where parents, instructors, and dancers or twirlers can connect. Plus, it's a great way to encourage student retention and show your appreciation for everyone involved in the program! Here are some tips to help you plan a memorable Friendsgiving for your studio.
1. Set the Date and Venue
Friendsgiving can be hosted at your studio if space allows, or you can rent a community center for a little extra room. Check the schedules of your students and families to find a date that accommodates most people. Hosting it in early or mid-November can help avoid the busier Thanksgiving season and maximize attendance.
2. Create a Festive Atmosphere
Decorating the space will add a touch of fun to the event. Consider fall-themed decor like pumpkins, leaves, fairy lights, and table runners in autumn colors. If you want to add a personal touch, you could display photos of recent performances, competitions, or even past Friendsgiving celebrations to remind everyone of all they’ve accomplished together.
You might also include a gratitude board where students can post what they’re thankful for this year. It’s a heartwarming way to highlight the supportive community your studio has created and helps students reflect on the positive impact the studio has had on their lives.
3. Plan a Potluck Feast
Friendsgiving is all about sharing good food with great people, so why not host a potluck? Ask each family to bring a dish, and encourage everyone to label any allergies or dietary restrictions. You can even organize dishes by categories like appetizers, main courses, and desserts to create a balanced spread.
Make it interactive by incorporating a food-based activity, such as a "Build-Your-Own" dessert station with items like cookies, cupcakes, or ice cream toppings. It gives students a fun, creative way to get involved and bond over food, and everyone loves a sweet treat!
4. Host Fun Activities and Games
Friendsgiving is more memorable with a few activities. You could organize a friendly “Turkey Trot” twirling or dance relay, where students compete in small groups for fun prizes. Another idea is a gratitude circle, where students can share a short message about what they appreciate in their teammates or instructors.
A photo booth station is also a big hit! Provide props like funny hats, scarves, and themed signs, and let students and families take photos together. It’s a fun, low-cost activity, and the pictures will be great for social media or as keepsakes for everyone who attended.
5. Express Gratitude to Your Studio Community
Take a moment during Friendsgiving to thank everyone for their dedication and support. A small speech or toast is a heartfelt way to let parents, students, and instructors know how much they mean to your studio. You could also prepare thank-you notes or small tokens of appreciation for each family to take home, like a holiday ornament with the studio logo or a personalized keychain.
6. End on a High Note with a Group Photo
Before everyone leaves, gather for a big group photo to capture the spirit of the day! Share it with your studio community later, or send it as a thank-you message. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to remember the Friendsgiving gathering and reinforce the sense of belonging your studio fosters.
Hosting a Friendsgiving celebration is a great way to show appreciation, build stronger relationships within your studio community, and kick off the holiday season on a high note. By prioritizing fun, gratitude, and connection, your Friendsgiving can become an annual tradition that everyone looks forward to!