Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.

9-minute read

“Print gives so much more value to our families, so we see it as an essential communication investment.” Aimee Chamberlain, Owner

Transcripts from Behind The Print with Aimee Chamberlain, Owner of Turning Point Dance Studio

Welcome back to Behind The Print podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds behind businesses in the professional printing world. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources to elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and print.

Today’s episode is Print Meets Purpose at Turning Point Dance, and I’m here today with Turning Point
Dance Studio’s Owner, Aimee Chamberlain

Aimee Chamberlain: Hi everyone. So happy to be here!

Zoe Fisher: Can you start by telling us about Turning Point Dance Studio and what inspired you to start it?

Aimee Chamberlain: We founded Turning Point Dance 11 years ago. I had taught all the way from Southern California to Oregon and loved being a teacher for 17 years. Over time, I developed strong values about teaching high-caliber technique while taking care of the human first. It was hard to find spaces that combined both. Either technique was emphasized at the cost of wellbeing or classes were just for fun. I was ready to walk away when a parent encouraged me to open a single class. She promised 12 students, and the next day she had them. Three months later, I had 73 kids. It grew organically into a studio serving over 500 families a year with a staff that shares the same philosophy, teaching great dance while caring for the person first.

Zoe Fisher: That is so important, especially because injuries and motivation challenges are a real part of dance.

Aimee Chamberlain: For sure. Dance has historically been hard mentally. All my staff is WPA certified, Youth Protection Advocates in Dance, meaning they are trained in mental health as well. We are very mindful about injury prevention, the language we use, the lyrics we select, and making sure our costumes and performances are age-appropriate. It is a full, intentional approach to creating a healthy environment.

“We treat every student with love and build trust with families through strong communication.” Aimee Chamberlain, Owner​​​

Zoe Fisher: That is an amazing rebrand for dance, creating a joyful, inspiring, and safe space.

Aimee Chamberlain: Our mission is that everybody can dance, and dance is for everybody.

Zoe Fisher: Is that what makes your community of dancers so unique?

Aimee Chamberlain: We are extremely community-focused. Our dancers engage in service projects and we emphasize making the world a better place through our art. We treat every student with love and build trust with families through strong communication. We have grown mostly through word of mouth. Communication across multiple platforms, including print, has been key.

Zoe Fisher: Yes, keeping messaging consistent across platforms is huge for business success. How do you balance creativity, technique, and confidence-building?

Aimee Chamberlain: It is a constant growth process. My team meets weekly to review what is working and what can improve. We are always adjusting to better support the dancers and their families. I am also part of an incredible community called More Than Just Great Dancing, led by Misty Lown, where studio owners support each other, share resources, and collaborate on growing in healthy ways.

Zoe Fisher: Collaboration without judgment is so important.

Aimee Chamberlain: Exactly. We can approach each other with problems and solutions because we all lead with love and growth. That mindset strengthens the business and the community.

Zoe Fisher: Tell me how print shows up in your business.

Aimee Chamberlain: In 2020 when everything went online, we realized quickly how isolating it was for kids. We created printed booklets with dance history, injury prevention, anatomy, and exercises, and personally delivered them to each student. The kids’ morale lifted immediately. It reminded us how tangible materials build real connection. From there, we expanded into yearbooks, now going on our fourth year, and seasonal handbooks outlining the full year’s events, policies, and staff bios. Parents love them because they can easily reference everything without digging through emails or websites. It has been a game-changer for communication and community building.

Zoe Fisher: I bet parents appreciate having something physical they can use all year.

Aimee Chamberlain: They absolutely do. Our staff uses the handbooks too. When questions come up, they can quickly point families to the right information. And our dancers feel like superstars seeing themselves in print.

Zoe Fisher: I love that. Do you have a favorite memory from Turning Point’s journey?

Aimee Chamberlain: Definitely when we had to pivot during the 2021 lockdown. Our big recital was almost canceled because of gathering limits, so we built a stage on my ranch property. We created a silo backdrop, printed banners, and hosted small, safe performances for every class. It took a week of shows, but it brought our community together in love and resilience. It will always be one of the most special memories.

Zoe Fisher: That is so beautiful. It really shows how art and community can change lives.

Aimee Chamberlain: It taught us so much about the power of showing up for each other.

Zoe Fisher: That is so important to have. How do you approach fundraising?

Aimee Chamberlain: We do not fundraise separately for print. Instead, we budget printed materials into our operating costs, the same way others might budget for Facebook ads or digital marketing. Print gives so much more value to our families, so we see it as an essential communication investment.

Zoe Fisher: That is amazing that it is fully integrated into your business plan.

Aimee Chamberlain: PrintingCenterUSA is literally a line item in our budget now.

“We created printed booklets and personally delivered them to each student. The kids’ morale lifted immediately.” Aimee Chamberlain, Owner​​

Zoe Fisher: We love you for that. Tell me, what does it cost to run a professional dance studio like yours?

Aimee Chamberlain: It varies. Last year, between printing, performances, facility costs, and staff training, it cost us over 500,000 dollars to run the studio. We recently bought a 63,000-square-foot building, so our budget is growing as our community grows.

Zoe Fisher: That is amazing. All your materials show the level of care you put into it.

Aimee Chamberlain: Thank you. We love what we do and it shows.

Zoe Fisher: What is something people might not realize about running a dance studio?

Aimee Chamberlain: You wear a lot of hats. You are a leader, a teacher, a nurse handing out ice packs, and a counselor when kids need support. It is truly a labor of love. I work 75 hours a week sometimes, but because it is rooted in purpose, it is completely worth it.

“When you build around purpose, it fuels the long hours and hard work with real meaning. I would not trade a single minute of working with these kids. It is my heart’s work.” Aimee Chamberlain, Owner

Zoe Fisher: That is amazing. What advice would you give to small business owners building brands around kids, art, or movement?

Aimee Chamberlain: Get clear on your philosophies and your greater mission. What do you want your space to stand for beyond just selling a product or service? When you build around purpose, it fuels the long hours and hard work with real meaning.

Zoe Fisher: So important! I love that. If you had a full free day, what would you do?

Aimee Chamberlain: I would love a sunny beach day. Living in Oregon, we are always craving sun. But honestly, I would not trade a single minute of working with these kids. It is my heart’s work.

Zoe Fisher: That is so special. Where can people find you online?

Aimee Chamberlain: You can visit turningpointdance.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook at Turning Point Dancer. We are also on TikTok, though I admit the teens say I am not the best TikToker.

Zoe Fisher: Thank you Aimee. And thank you to our listeners.

“Our mission is that everybody can dance, and dance is for everybody.” Aimee Chamberlain, Owner​

That’s a wrap on another episode of Behind The Print. Thanks to our listeners for joining us as we explore the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, have a strong vision, build the right strategy, and use tools like print to amplify your message and make your brand stand out.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to get your sample pack today from PrintingCenterUSA.com and share it with your fellow business enthusiasts. Until next time, keep your creative sparks flying, and remember, there’s always more to discover behind the print.

Where Print Builds Community

At Turning Point Dance Studio, Aimee Chamberlain and her team are showing how printed materials do more than inform. They strengthen trust, celebrate milestones, and create lasting connections that digital tools alone cannot replace. Through yearbooks, handbooks, and personal touches, they prove that print can elevate a brand’s mission far beyond a moment. If you are ready to deepen the relationships at the heart of your business, discover how high-quality printing can help you build a stronger, more connected community. Order today!

The post Behind The Print: Print Meets Purpose at Turning Point Dance appeared first on PrintingCenterUSA.

Design for Readability

• Clear hierarchy is key. Guide the reader’s eye with a logical flow of information. The recital title, performance order, and dancer names should be prioritized visually.
• Choose legible fonts. Stick to 2-3 easy-to-read fonts. Avoid overly decorative fonts that might be difficult to read, especially at smaller sizes.
• Give your text space. Use generous spacing between lines and sections of text to avoid a cramped look.

Images that Shine

• Use high-quality photos. Blurry or pixelated images detract from the overall feel of your dance recital program. Invest in professional photography if possible, or carefully select well-lit, sharp images from rehearsals.
• Action shots are captivating. Capture the energy of the dance with photos of dancers in motion.
• Don’t forget about candids. Backstage moments or group shots during rehearsals add a layer of personality to your dance recital program.

Color and Theme for Stunning Dance Recital Programs

• Align with your studio branding. Use your studio’s colors for a cohesive look. If your recital has a specific theme, let that be a guide for your color choices.
• Less is more. A limited color palette (2-3 colors) creates a more polished look.
• Use color strategically. Highlight important information or create visual breaks between sections of your dance recital program.

Beyond the Basics for Your Dance Recital Program

• A memorable cover. Design a simple yet striking cover that features your studio’s logo, the recital title, and a beautiful photo.
• Dancer bios or spotlights. Include short profiles of dancers, especially graduating seniors. This adds a personalized element to your dance recital program.
• “Thank you” section. Acknowledge sponsors, teachers, volunteers, and anyone who helped make your recital happen.

Practical Printing Tips

• Choose the right paperweight. A slightly heavier paper stock makes the program feel more substantial.
• Explore different formats. Consider a folded booklet for longer programs or a simple double-sided format for shorter recitals.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread! Get multiple people to check for typos before you send your dance recital program to print.

Dance Recital Program FAQs

• Q: When should I start designing my dance recital program?
  • A: The earlier the better! Give yourself plenty of time to gather photos, finalize the performance order, and work through several drafts of your design. Aim to have a basic design ready at least a month before your recital date.
• Q: Do I need fancy design software?
  • A: You can create beautiful programs without the need for expensive software. PrintingCenterUSA offers a free online design tool that’s easy to use and perfect for creating your recital program. Check it out: https://www.printingcenterusa.com/printing/program-printing
• Q: How can I get affordable printing for my program?
  • A: PrintingCenterUSA offers small quantities, starting at just 10 copies! Consider a smaller-sized program such as 5.5×8.5 instead of full page 8.5×11, or a black and white version to save on costs. You can get an instant quote anytime at PrintingCenterUSA and take advantage of our convenient design tool!

We’re Here to Help!

Need help turning your design vision into a reality? PrintingCenterUSA offers a variety of printing and design services for dance recital programs. Contact us for a quote and let’s transform your program into a keepsake!

The post Design Tips for Creating Eye-Catching Dance Recital Programs appeared first on PrintingCenterUSA.

DanceAspen’s ‘Limitless’ performance pushed the boundaries of dance, captivating audiences at the historic Wheeler Opera House. We were thrilled to play a part in this artistic success, collaborating with DanceAspen to create a program booklet that mirrored the elegance and energy of their production.

Aspen’s dance community knows that DanceAspen consistently delivers high-caliber performances. ‘Limitless’ at the Wheeler Opera House was no exception.

DanceAspen’s program booklet was more than just a guide; it was a keepsake for their dedicated audience. From the elegant cover design to the detailed dancer biographies and performance notes, we ensured every page exuded artistic elegance. The booklet was printed on 100# gloss text to create a tactile experience that would help preserve the memory of this performance for years to come.

A Comprehensive Guide to the Performance

DanceAspen’s program booklet wasn’t merely a guide, but a true keepsake of the event. Inside, audiences found a vibrant mix of elements: stunning photos capturing the dancers’ artistry, engaging advertisements from local supporters, insightful biographies of the dancers and director, a heartfelt thank you to donors, and a detailed performance guide. These elements seamlessly combined to enhance the audience’s connection to the performance and the community that made it possible.

The Vision at Dance Aspen is for the city of Aspen and the greater Roaring Fork Community to have a thriving resident dance company that cultivates relationships among local artists and other arts organizations through the dedication and collaboration of high caliber performing arts. Learn more about DanceAspen here.

DanceAspen’s ‘Limitless’ was highlighted in this Aspen Times article with truly captivating photos. Their vibrant energy and meticulous artistry matched perfectly with our printing expertise.

Inspired by how DanceAspen captured the magic of dance in their program booklet? Whether you’re an artist, business owner, or planning a special event, PrintingCenterUSA can help you tell your story through exceptional print materials. Contact us today for a free quote and let’s make your vision a reality! Contact us today for a free quote, and let’s make your project the next highlight in our Customer Showcase!

Ready to showcase your business? I would love to hear your story as an artist, business owner, and entrepreneur, how print has brought your vision to life and impacted your audience.

Schedule a time with me today for a one on one interview, and let’s turn your story into a headline! Book now and join the movement

The post Bringing Dance to Life Through Print: The DanceAspen Program appeared first on PrintingCenterUSA.

Designing Your Dance Recital Program: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choose the Perfect Size:

• Portrait Options: 8.5 x 11″, 5.5 x 8.5″, 6 x 9″, 7.5 x 10″ for a classic look.
• Landscape Formats: 8.5 x 5.5″, 9 x 6″ for a modern twist.
• Square Variants: 6 x 6″, 8 x 8″ for compact elegance.

Embrace Creativity with Our Online Design Tool: Our user-friendly design platform empowers you to effortlessly craft your dance recital program. Whether you’re aiming for an affordable saddle stitch booklet, or a luxurious soft cover photo book, our tool simplifies the design process. Drag and drop your images, insert your text, and watch as your program comes to life with a professional look.

Opt for Professional-Quality Printing: Select from glossy or matte finishes on 100# text for vibrant, eye-catching pages. Add an 80# gloss or matte cover for extra durability and a touch of sophistication with optional UV coating or soft touch laminate. Start with as few as eight pages, including the cover, with the flexibility to add more in multiples of four, ensuring you have ample space to feature every dancer and detail.

Content That Dazzles: Your program should be as dynamic as your recital, including the following elements:

• Event schedules and performer listings
• Stunning photos to engage your audience
• Director and staff acknowledgements
• Costume and music credits
• Special autograph sections for lasting memories
• Sponsorship advertisements to support your vision

Start Your Dance Recital Program Design Now

Leveraging Your Program for Fundraising

Attract Sponsors with Style: Use your program to draw in sponsors by clearly communicating the benefits of their support. Highlight your organization’s mission, how the funds will be utilized, and the visibility sponsors will receive. A compelling program can serve as the cornerstone of your fundraising efforts, opening doors to partnerships that benefit both your dance company and the community.

Make sure the sponsors know:

• What organization they will be supporting
• What the money will be used for
• Size of the ads, where they will be in the program and how much they will cost

Innovative Fundraising Ideas

Beyond traditional program ads, consider also printing fundraising calendars. This offers another avenue for raising funds and engaging with your audience year-round. Equip your team with the know-how to secure ad sales, enhancing your fundraising potential.

Making Your Program a Showcase of Local Talent

Incorporate local advertisements to not only boost revenue but also foster a sense of community around your event. Our online tools make it simple to design spaces for ads, ensuring your program supports both your needs and those of local businesses.

A Keepsake to Remember

Capture the essence of your dance recital with a program that reflects the beauty and excitement of the performance. From the first step to the final bow, ensure every moment is preserved for participants and attendees alike. With our comprehensive design tool and printing options, creating a program that stands out has never been easier.

Dance Recital Program Printing FAQs

Can I print a program if I have no design experience? Absolutely! Our online design tool is made for users of all skill levels, with intuitive drag-and-drop functionality to ease the design process.

What is the minimum order for custom programs? You can start with as few as 10 program copies, and a minimum of 8 pages in a saddle stitch booklet.

How can I make my dance recital program stand out? Focus on high-quality images, clear and engaging content, and unique design elements that reflect your event’s theme and energy.

Ready to make your dance recital unforgettable? Start designing your program today that captures the essence of your event, celebrates your dancers, and delights every attendee.

The post How to Write & Design a Dance Recital Program appeared first on PrintingCenterUSA.