dance instructor

sales coordinator

general manager

franchise manager

operations manager

Tippi Toes Dance Company

The children, instructors, and school partners were the best part of working at Tippi Toes. Building relationships in the community and helping grow the program was genuinely rewarding.

Unfortunately, that’s where most of the positives end. Corporate tightly controls operational decisions, leaving General Managers with little real authority, autonomy, or ability to be creative. Expectations constantly increase, but compensation, resources, and support do not keep up. You’re held accountable for results without being given the tools or authority needed to achieve them.

Communication around advancement opportunities and organizational changes is also frustratingly poor. Career growth paths are discussed but not always followed through on, and important decisions often lack transparency. It’s difficult to invest in a long-term future with a company when leadership does not clearly communicate opportunities or direction.

The role is advertised as flexible, but the reality is a heavy administrative workload that makes that flexibility difficult to maintain. Instead of focusing on leadership, strategy, and territory growth, much of the job becomes paperwork, scheduling, and administrative tasks.

Perhaps the clearest sign of the problem is the company’s inability to keep managers for very long. Turnover in leadership roles speaks for itself. They have had 4 GMs in the last 6 months and schools, instructors, and parents have begun questioning credibility. When General Managers consistently leave, it should prompt serious reflection about how they are being supported and valued.

Tippi Toes has great people at the local level, but corporate leadership needs to take a hard look at its approach. Until General Managers are trusted, supported, compensated fairly, and given meaningful authority, retention and employee satisfaction will continue to suffer.

A typical day at Tippi Toes would begin in the office checking and returning voicemails and emails. If parents had an issue or question about their account or classes I would assist them with their concerns. Frequently I would mail out merchandise to customers and other Tippi Toes franchises. I would instruct dance classes that ran throughout the day either at our studio or pre-schools. 
I've learned that running a business is quite challenging; many issues can arise at one time. Managing at Tippi Toes has also taught me about skills I was not aware that I had such as Staff Management. I have learned to delegate tasks and responsibility, take charge, implement decisions and enforce policies.
Working with the staff at Tippi Toes has been wonderful- they are such a magnificent support system. They are full of imagination and have excellent problem solving skills. This job has been a fantastic learning experience.

First of all, leadership lacks values. Second, there's not enough training other than shadowing a couple of classes. Commutes are long and some classes are canceled last minute (you won't get paid). It takes time to go through the online portal, learn the dances and update the class program and that time is not compensated. I literally spent more time doing that "admin" part without getting paid than the actual time of my weekly classes. Plus, you have to purchase a speaker, tape and stickers.

Communication is one sided and almost non-existent. I quit and not even a thank you. 

The kids are amazing!! That's the only good part.

Some schools are harder to work with than others and want you to do things that aren't part of your role.

They hire you, have you learn only three dances for class then throw you in the deep in.  While we do have an app that is full of “resources” it’s unclear which of those resources we can use in class.

Most of my peers were working 5-6+ hour's a week and I was only working 2 total, and some of these employees had been hired after me. My hours had been decreased for unspecified reasons other than “not being excited enough”.

I have danced for over 16 years and felt like I was being treated as someone who had never danced a day before in their life. This job is good if your in high school and look to make an extra buck or two, but not for someone looking to get into the world of teaching dance.

disappointing—puts way  too much responsibility on underpaid dancers. A 4 hour weekly job doing what you love should not feel like a stressful FT job.

I have had lots of different jobs, and this one is by far the best I've ever had. Your experience really depends on your specific franchise locations. Personally, I love my management team. The owner is so sweet and cares about each and every one of us. The other teachers are also incredible. I've seen some reviews complain that they are not compensated for driving, and that they have to purchase their own supplies. This has not been my personal experience--I am compensated for driving and I am also given all the supplies I need for classes. 

I had been working there since around November December time and everything was great I loved it and it was so much fun!!!! Then we get a couple of new people and I was pushed off to the side I wasn't allowed to teach a class my manger had to be there and the kids did not listen ever. I have had a lot of family and medical stuff recently and then my manger fired me because I wasn't "Prepared enough for the recital coming up" She knew what had been going on. There was now support 

What is the best part of working at the company?
The kids are the best part. They are so excited to see you. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
You don’t get enough hours . And you can’t grow within this beach of the company 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Some of the coworkers are cool.. the schools are fine. The owner is a little spazzy and off..

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
You work one hour then have a 3 hour window then teach another class for an hour then you’re done for the day

This company overall has a great structure on paper,  but it’s just not sustainable. It’s a mobile dance company so you’re constantly driving and there’s no gas reimbursement or anything. Also, there is no way to move up in the company. There really is only dance instructor positions and that’s it. The pay is great, but the hours are few. When you factor in gas and everything it’s not worth the pay. Sometimes you have to come up with your own choreography too, and there is no extra pay for that. It would be a good job for high school/college students though. 

Would recommend for individuals with none to limited dance experience. Dance technique is not taught and you are following choreographed dances chosen at the top of the month. 

Not recommended for professional dance educators because the curriculum does not follow progression and leveling up of students. You will become frustrated with lack of foundation for skill building. 



Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Dance instructor 102 salaries reported	$21.45 per hour
Sales coordinator 1 salary reported	$25.00 per hour
General manager 3 salaries reported	$25.67 per hour
Franchise manager 5 salaries reported	$22.60 per hour
Operations manager 1 salary reported	$22.00 per hour

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