Creating a visual brand for your dance school
to read and suit the professionalism of dance education. Avoid overly trendy or ornate fonts that might look outdated in a few years. Tip: Use one primary font for headlines and a secondary, simpler font for body text. This consistency creates a polished look.
Does your visual brand reflect your school’s identity and the excellence of being an ISTD Registered Member? As a teacher of Latin American, Modern Ballroom, Sequence, or more, a polished and professional visual brand will help communicate your school’s identity, values, and the quality you bring as an ISTD Registered Member. Here are some top tips to help you create a visual brand that is both current and timeless while showcasing your professionalism and commitment to excellence: 1. Define your school’s personality Your visual brand should reflect the essence of your dance school. Are you known for nurturing young beginners? Perhaps your focus is on training competitive dancers for the ballroom floor. Defining your school’s unique identity is the first step in creating visuals that resonate with your audience. For example, at the heart of everything we do at the ISTD are our core values: quality, inclusion, innovation, passion, and integrity. These principles guide how we support and empower
4. Incorporate quality imagery Photos and videos are powerful tools for showing off the atmosphere of your classes and the achievements of your students. If you can, why not invest in professional photography or ensure your own images are well-lit, sharp, and engaging. (And always make certain you have full permission to share.) Tip: Show variety in your imagery, including action shots from lessons, group photos from events, and closeups of dance shoes or costumes.
our members, as we continually strive to be the leading authority in dance examinations and training. By staying true to these values, we aim to grow and retain our membership, ensuring they remain the foundation of our efforts. Tip: Write down five words that describe your school’s values and teaching style (for example, elegant, energetic, inclusive, innovative, or quality-driven – your choices will depend upon your core values and style). Make sure these words reflect the diversity of your students and the inclusive atmosphere of your school. Use these words as a guide for all design decisions, ensuring that your visual brand is welcoming and representative of everyone in your community. 2. Choose a cohesive colour palette Colours evoke emotions and help build recognition. Think about the mood you want to convey. For example, golds and deep blues might suggest tradition and quality, while bold reds and blacks can evoke passion and energy. Tip: Stick to two or three main colours and one or two complementary tones to ensure your materials always look polished. Think about accessibility – are the colours contrasting enough to be easy for everyone to read. 3. Select timeless fonts Typography can make or break your branding. Opt for fonts that are easy
44 Dance | Issue 504
5. Create a memorable logo A well-designed logo is the cornerstone of your visual brand. It should be simple, versatile, and instantly recognisable. Make sure the logo can be reproduced across different platforms and media such as studio signage, your website, social media posts, or uniforms. Tip: If you already have a logo, consider updating it to reflect modern design trends without losing its essence.
Your visual brand tells the story of your school – make sure it reflects your identity, values, and commitment to excellence. 6. Showcase your ISTD affiliation As an ISTD Registered Member, you have a mark of quality that sets you apart. Use the ISTD Registered Member logo on your website, brochures, social media, and even your email signature. It’s a clear sign to prospective students that you adhere to the highest standards in dance teaching. Tip: Pair the ISTD logo with a short tagline about your membership, such as, ‘Proud to be an ISTD Registered Member’ or ‘Teaching excellence with ISTD accreditation.’ 7. Consistency is key From your website to your social media and printed materials, consistency is essential. Use the same colours, fonts,
