DanceWorks

Dance studio owners who want to run their admin from one web system can use DanceWorks, a studio management suite from Akada Software.

Registration that families complete online

Families enter or confirm the information the studio needs and choose their classes online. Staff then review and approve each selection, which the company says cuts registration time sharply. Studios can open class sessions to current and prospective customers for online registration.

Scheduling, conflicts and tuition

Classes can be scheduled and students enrolled in the same system, which also flags conflicts for rooms, instructors and students. The software calculates tuition and takes digital payments. Customers can update their card details, pay outstanding bills and review past billings from their own online accounts.

Messages, receipts and statements

Studios can email all accounts or selected families from the studio's own address, send notes to customer accounts, and send text messages. Receipts, account statements and confirmations of enrollment, recital and costume information can also be emailed. The company says free texting and two-way messaging are included.

Recitals, costumes and staff time

Recital scheduling, costume sizing and costume billing are handled in the same suite, so performance work does not need a separate system. Back-of-house staff management includes time tracking for the people who run the studio.

Reports and mobile apps

The company says the reporting library includes more than 200 reports on finances, enrollment and attendance. Akada Studio is a mobile app for owners who want to manage the studio on the go, and Akada Portal gives families their own access.

Track record

By its own account, Akada has supported studio owners for more than 30 years and designed its tools around studio routines instead of general business needs. The aim it states is to let owners concentrate on teaching rather than paperwork.