A Culture of Cheering Each Other On

September 1, 2025

At Smartt Steps, we’re more than just a dance studio—we’re a community that cheers each other on, in every sense of the word. Yes, our families show up with carpools, help zip costumes, and make sure everyone has a snack, but our culture of support runs much deeper. It’s not just about helping out—it’s about modeling kindness, encouragement, and community-mindedness in a space that can sometimes feel competitive.

In the world of youth activities, it’s easy for competition to creep in—not just between dancers, but between parents, too. Everyone wants their child to succeed, and when awards are involved, emotions can run high. But at Smartt Steps, our goal is bigger than trophies. We want to raise dancers who are not only skilled, but also respectful, grounded, and compassionate. That starts with the environment we create, and the tone set by the adults around them.

Even on the most intense competition days—solo awards, team rankings, long weekends away—we are so proud of how our dancers treat each other. They offer high-fives, hugs, and encouraging words no matter the outcome. That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a reflection of the values our parents are modeling every day. From the sidelines to the studio lobby, our families know that how we treat others matters just as much as how we perform.

So how can we keep building this culture of support?

Here are a few things our Smartt Steps families do well—and ways we can all keep growing:

Cheer for every dancer. Whether it's your child on stage or someone else’s, clap loud and smile big. Every kid notices.
Celebrate effort, not just outcome. Win or lose, remind your dancer how proud you are of their hard work.
Stay positive in the lobby. The way we talk about classes, costumes, teachers, and other dancers shapes the culture.
Be generous with your help and your praise. Grab the hair spray, offer a ride, or compliment a performance that moved you.
Lead with kindness. Especially when things feel hectic or emotional. Our kids are always watching.

At Smartt Steps, support isn’t just something we say—it’s something we do. And when we all commit to creating that kind of environment, our dancers grow into the kind of people who lift others up, both on and off the stage.

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