True leadership isn't about holding a clipboard or wearing an captain's star. It’s about doing the daily work to make every single person on that floor feel seen, valued, and safe. When you focus on winning their hearts in June, you build the foundation they need to give you their whole minds, bodies, and best efforts when the pressure rises under the lights.

To help your student leaders put these exact habits into practice, I’ve created the Heart-Led Leadership Checklist for Captains.

Want a dance team culture that is high performance but low drama? June is the month to set the standard before choreography camp begins. Instead of top down lecturing and let your dancers co-create a "Team Sanctuary," a secure environment where the floor is safe to fail on and the circle is closed to gossip.

Download the free 1-page "Team Sanctuary Building Guide" for coaches and captains to run a quick, culture workshop during summer practices. Help your veterans anchor the room and your rookies strengthen the circle. Click to read the blog and grab your free Essential Culture Corner printable!

Use a reflection journal to help focus on the journey, keeping track of growth because looking at your success AS A WHOLE and not just an end goal, allows an individual to see the merit in even the tiniest improvements!

This holiday season, why not take a break from the grind and do an activity to show each person how they are VALUED as an individual in your dance program by creating APPRECIATION PARCELS.

Here’s a fun game to play with your team to work on communication!

“How do I get my team to turn together?”