Free Trials, Discounted Trials or Paid For Trials? What Should A Dance Studio Offer?
Brooke Bowser
June 18 2025
6 min read
Free Trials, Discounted Trials or Paid For Trials? What Should A Dance Studio Offer?
Brooke Bowser
June 18 2025
6 min read
Free Trials, Discounted Trials or Paid For Trials? What Should A Dance Studio Offer?
Brooke Bowser
June 18 2025
6 min read
So you’ve decided to offer class trials at your dance studio, but have you figured out whether to make them free, discounted, or full price for prospective students?
It can be a tough decision, especially if you're unsure which approach will work best for your studio. But don't worry, Class Manager is here to help break down the options, dispel common myths, and provide the insight you need to make the right call for your dance studio.
So you’ve decided to offer class trials at your dance studio, but have you figured out whether to make them free, discounted, or full price for prospective students?
It can be a tough decision, especially if you're unsure which approach will work best for your studio. But don't worry, Class Manager is here to help break down the options, dispel common myths, and provide the insight you need to make the right call for your dance studio.
So you’ve decided to offer class trials at your dance studio, but have you figured out whether to make them free, discounted, or full price for prospective students?
It can be a tough decision, especially if you're unsure which approach will work best for your studio. But don't worry, Class Manager is here to help break down the options, dispel common myths, and provide the insight you need to make the right call for your dance studio.
So you’ve decided to offer class trials at your dance studio, but have you figured out whether to make them free, discounted, or full price for prospective students?
It can be a tough decision, especially if you're unsure which approach will work best for your studio. But don't worry, Class Manager is here to help break down the options, dispel common myths, and provide the insight you need to make the right call for your dance studio.
So you’ve decided to offer class trials at your dance studio, but have you figured out whether to make them free, discounted, or full price for prospective students?
It can be a tough decision, especially if you're unsure which approach will work best for your studio. But don't worry, Class Manager is here to help break down the options, dispel common myths, and provide the insight you need to make the right call for your dance studio.
What's covered in this blog post: (Click on the section be taken straight to it)
What's covered in this blog post: (Click on the section be taken straight to it)
What's covered in this blog post: (Click on the section be taken straight to it)
What's covered in this blog post: (Click on the section be taken straight to it)
Types of Dance Class Trials (and Their Pros and Cons)
Types of Dance Class Trials (and Their Pros and Cons)
Types of Dance Class Trials (and Their Pros and Cons)
Types of Dance Class Trials (and Their Pros and Cons)
Types of Dance Class Trials (and Their Pros and Cons)
There are a few ways or set up your class trials (and we discussed what class trials are and how they work in a previous blog, ‘Should You Offer Trial Dance Classes As A Dance Studio Owner?’
‘Like with most things, trials aren’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, and what works for one dance studio may not work the same for another.
There are a few ways or set up your class trials (and we discussed what class trials are and how they work in a previous blog, ‘Should You Offer Trial Dance Classes As A Dance Studio Owner?’
‘Like with most things, trials aren’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, and what works for one dance studio may not work the same for another.
There are a few ways or set up your class trials (and we discussed what class trials are and how they work in a previous blog, ‘Should You Offer Trial Dance Classes As A Dance Studio Owner?’
‘Like with most things, trials aren’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, and what works for one dance studio may not work the same for another.
There are a few ways or set up your class trials (and we discussed what class trials are and how they work in a previous blog, ‘Should You Offer Trial Dance Classes As A Dance Studio Owner?’
‘Like with most things, trials aren’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, and what works for one dance studio may not work the same for another.
There are a few ways or set up your class trials (and we discussed what class trials are and how they work in a previous blog, ‘Should You Offer Trial Dance Classes As A Dance Studio Owner?’
‘Like with most things, trials aren’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, and what works for one dance studio may not work the same for another.
Discounted Dance Class Trials
Discounted Dance Class Trials
Discounted Dance Class Trials
Discounted Dance Class Trials
Discounted Dance Class Trials
Trials work well because they tap into basic psychological principles, such as:
Loss aversion: People are more likely to act when they feel they might miss out on something valuable. (This can work if you only offer class trials during certain times of the year).
Commitment bias: Once someone has participated in a class, they’re more likely to continue if the experience is positive.
Belongingness: After attending even one or two classes, students (and parents) start to feel emotionally connected to the environment and the people in it. And are therefore less likely to leave.
Trials work well because they tap into basic psychological principles, such as:
Loss aversion: People are more likely to act when they feel they might miss out on something valuable. (This can work if you only offer class trials during certain times of the year).
Commitment bias: Once someone has participated in a class, they’re more likely to continue if the experience is positive.
Belongingness: After attending even one or two classes, students (and parents) start to feel emotionally connected to the environment and the people in it. And are therefore less likely to leave.
Trials work well because they tap into basic psychological principles, such as:
Loss aversion: People are more likely to act when they feel they might miss out on something valuable. (This can work if you only offer class trials during certain times of the year).
Commitment bias: Once someone has participated in a class, they’re more likely to continue if the experience is positive.
Belongingness: After attending even one or two classes, students (and parents) start to feel emotionally connected to the environment and the people in it. And are therefore less likely to leave.
Trials work well because they tap into basic psychological principles, such as:
Loss aversion: People are more likely to act when they feel they might miss out on something valuable. (This can work if you only offer class trials during certain times of the year).
Commitment bias: Once someone has participated in a class, they’re more likely to continue if the experience is positive.
Belongingness: After attending even one or two classes, students (and parents) start to feel emotionally connected to the environment and the people in it. And are therefore less likely to leave.
Trials work well because they tap into basic psychological principles, such as:
Loss aversion: People are more likely to act when they feel they might miss out on something valuable. (This can work if you only offer class trials during certain times of the year).
Commitment bias: Once someone has participated in a class, they’re more likely to continue if the experience is positive.
Belongingness: After attending even one or two classes, students (and parents) start to feel emotionally connected to the environment and the people in it. And are therefore less likely to leave.
Pros of Discounted Dance Class Trials
Cons of Discounted Dance Class Trials
✅ People are more likely to value and commit to something they’ve paid for (even a little)
❌ Some people may still be discouraged by any upfront cost if they're unsure
✅ Filters out low-quality leads who are unlikely to enroll
❌ Could reduce trial uptake compared to a free option, particularly for price-sensitive families
✅ Great incentive for those interested but hesitant to commit financially
❌ Can create confusion or questions if not communicated in your pricing structure
Pros of Discounted Dance Class Trials
Cons of Discounted Dance Class Trials
✅ People are more likely to value and commit to something they’ve paid for (even a little)
❌ Some people may still be discouraged by any upfront cost if they're unsure
✅ Filters out low-quality leads who are unlikely to enroll
❌ Could reduce trial uptake compared to a free option, particularly for price-sensitive families
✅ Great incentive for those interested but hesitant to commit financially
❌ Can create confusion or questions if not communicated in your pricing structure
Pros of Discounted Dance Class Trials
Cons of Discounted Dance Class Trials
✅ People are more likely to value and commit to something they’ve paid for (even a little)
❌ Some people may still be discouraged by any upfront cost if they're unsure
✅ Filters out low-quality leads who are unlikely to enroll
❌ Could reduce trial uptake compared to a free option, particularly for price-sensitive families
✅ Great incentive for those interested but hesitant to commit financially
❌ Can create confusion or questions if not communicated in your pricing structure
Pros of Discounted Dance Class Trials
Cons of Discounted Dance Class Trials
✅ People are more likely to value and commit to something they’ve paid for (even a little)
❌ Some people may still be discouraged by any upfront cost if they're unsure
✅ Filters out low-quality leads who are unlikely to enroll
❌ Could reduce trial uptake compared to a free option, particularly for price-sensitive families
✅ Great incentive for those interested but hesitant to commit financially
❌ Can create confusion or questions if not communicated in your pricing structure
Pros of Discounted Dance Class Trials
Cons of Discounted Dance Class Trials
✅ People are more likely to value and commit to something they’ve paid for (even a little)
❌ Some people may still be discouraged by any upfront cost if they're unsure
✅ Filters out low-quality leads who are unlikely to enroll
❌ Could reduce trial uptake compared to a free option, particularly for price-sensitive families
✅ Great incentive for those interested but hesitant to commit financially
❌ Can create confusion or questions if not communicated in your pricing structure
Free Dance Class Trial
While this may be a less popular option, offering full-price trials can be a financially safer approach for your studio. It ensures that your time, space, and resources are compensated, even during the trial phase, and it can help attract more committed and serious students from the start.
However, it’s not for everyone, and with anything comes pros and cons.
Free Dance Class Trial
While this may be a less popular option, offering full-price trials can be a financially safer approach for your studio. It ensures that your time, space, and resources are compensated, even during the trial phase, and it can help attract more committed and serious students from the start.
However, it’s not for everyone, and with anything comes pros and cons.
Free Dance Class Trial
While this may be a less popular option, offering full-price trials can be a financially safer approach for your studio. It ensures that your time, space, and resources are compensated, even during the trial phase, and it can help attract more committed and serious students from the start.
However, it’s not for everyone, and with anything comes pros and cons.
Free Dance Class Trial
While this may be a less popular option, offering full-price trials can be a financially safer approach for your studio. It ensures that your time, space, and resources are compensated, even during the trial phase, and it can help attract more committed and serious students from the start.
However, it’s not for everyone, and with anything comes pros and cons.
Free Dance Class Trial
While this may be a less popular option, offering full-price trials can be a financially safer approach for your studio. It ensures that your time, space, and resources are compensated, even during the trial phase, and it can help attract more committed and serious students from the start.
However, it’s not for everyone, and with anything comes pros and cons.
Pros of Free Dance Class Trials
Cons of Free Dance Class Trials
✅ Removes all financial barriers, encouraging higher trial sign-up rates
❌ May attract people who aren’t serious or committed, but are “freebie hunters”
✅ Creates a welcoming, no-pressure environment
❌ Can result in higher no-show rates since there's no financial commitment
✅ Great for marketing and promotional campaigns
❌ More difficult to filter quality leads without additional follow-up or qualifying steps
✅ Great incentive for those interested but hesitant to commit financially
❌ Doesn’t generate revenue from the trial itself, which could impact cash flow if volume is high
Pros of Free Dance Class Trials
Cons of Free Dance Class Trials
✅ Removes all financial barriers, encouraging higher trial sign-up rates
❌ May attract people who aren’t serious or committed, but are “freebie hunters”
✅ Creates a welcoming, no-pressure environment
❌ Can result in higher no-show rates since there's no financial commitment
✅ Great for marketing and promotional campaigns
❌ More difficult to filter quality leads without additional follow-up or qualifying steps
✅ Great incentive for those interested but hesitant to commit financially
❌ Doesn’t generate revenue from the trial itself, which could impact cash flow if volume is high
Pros of Free Dance Class Trials
Cons of Free Dance Class Trials
✅ Removes all financial barriers, encouraging higher trial sign-up rates
❌ May attract people who aren’t serious or committed, but are “freebie hunters”
✅ Creates a welcoming, no-pressure environment
❌ Can result in higher no-show rates since there's no financial commitment
✅ Great for marketing and promotional campaigns
❌ More difficult to filter quality leads without additional follow-up or qualifying steps
✅ Great incentive for those interested but hesitant to commit financially
❌ Doesn’t generate revenue from the trial itself, which could impact cash flow if volume is high
Pros of Free Dance Class Trials
Cons of Free Dance Class Trials
✅ Removes all financial barriers, encouraging higher trial sign-up rates
❌ May attract people who aren’t serious or committed, but are “freebie hunters”
✅ Creates a welcoming, no-pressure environment
❌ Can result in higher no-show rates since there's no financial commitment
✅ Great for marketing and promotional campaigns
❌ More difficult to filter quality leads without additional follow-up or qualifying steps
✅ Great incentive for those interested but hesitant to commit financially
❌ Doesn’t generate revenue from the trial itself, which could impact cash flow if volume is high
Pros of Free Dance Class Trials
Cons of Free Dance Class Trials
✅ Removes all financial barriers, encouraging higher trial sign-up rates
❌ May attract people who aren’t serious or committed, but are “freebie hunters”
✅ Creates a welcoming, no-pressure environment
❌ Can result in higher no-show rates since there's no financial commitment
✅ Great for marketing and promotional campaigns
❌ More difficult to filter quality leads without additional follow-up or qualifying steps
✅ Great incentive for those interested but hesitant to commit financially
❌ Doesn’t generate revenue from the trial itself, which could impact cash flow if volume is high
Full Price Dance Class Trial
While this may be a less popular option, offering full-price trials can be a financially safer approach for your studio. It ensures that your time, space, and resources are compensated, even during the trial phase, and it can help attract more committed and serious students from the start.
However, it’s not for everyone, and with anything comes pros and cons.
Full Price Dance Class Trial
While this may be a less popular option, offering full-price trials can be a financially safer approach for your studio. It ensures that your time, space, and resources are compensated, even during the trial phase, and it can help attract more committed and serious students from the start.
However, it’s not for everyone, and with anything comes pros and cons.
Full Price Dance Class Trial
While this may be a less popular option, offering full-price trials can be a financially safer approach for your studio. It ensures that your time, space, and resources are compensated, even during the trial phase, and it can help attract more committed and serious students from the start.
However, it’s not for everyone, and with anything comes pros and cons.
Full Price Dance Class Trial
While this may be a less popular option, offering full-price trials can be a financially safer approach for your studio. It ensures that your time, space, and resources are compensated, even during the trial phase, and it can help attract more committed and serious students from the start.
However, it’s not for everyone, and with anything comes pros and cons.
Full Price Dance Class Trial
While this may be a less popular option, offering full-price trials can be a financially safer approach for your studio. It ensures that your time, space, and resources are compensated, even during the trial phase, and it can help attract more committed and serious students from the start.
However, it’s not for everyone, and with anything comes pros and cons.
Pros of Full Price Dance Class Trials
Cons of Full Price Dance Class Trials
✅ Positions your studio as premium and confident in its value
❌ May discourage first-timers who are hesitant to commit without trying first
✅ Attracts highly motivated, serious prospective students
❌ Risk of lower uptake compared to free or discounted trials
✅ You’re still being compensated for your time and resources
❌ Doesn’t capitalize on psychological motivators like exclusivity or time-limited offers
✅ Simplifies admin—no need to apply discounts or track trial-specific pricing
❌ Less competitive if other studios nearby offer free or discounted trials
Pros of Full Price Dance Class Trials
Cons of Full Price Dance Class Trials
✅ Positions your studio as premium and confident in its value
❌ May discourage first-timers who are hesitant to commit without trying first
✅ Attracts highly motivated, serious prospective students
❌ Risk of lower uptake compared to free or discounted trials
✅ You’re still being compensated for your time and resources
❌ Doesn’t capitalize on psychological motivators like exclusivity or time-limited offers
✅ Simplifies admin—no need to apply discounts or track trial-specific pricing
❌ Less competitive if other studios nearby offer free or discounted trials
Pros of Full Price Dance Class Trials
Cons of Full Price Dance Class Trials
✅ Positions your studio as premium and confident in its value
❌ May discourage first-timers who are hesitant to commit without trying first
✅ Attracts highly motivated, serious prospective students
❌ Risk of lower uptake compared to free or discounted trials
✅ You’re still being compensated for your time and resources
❌ Doesn’t capitalize on psychological motivators like exclusivity or time-limited offers
✅ Simplifies admin—no need to apply discounts or track trial-specific pricing
❌ Less competitive if other studios nearby offer free or discounted trials
Pros of Full Price Dance Class Trials
Cons of Full Price Dance Class Trials
✅ Positions your studio as premium and confident in its value
❌ May discourage first-timers who are hesitant to commit without trying first
✅ Attracts highly motivated, serious prospective students
❌ Risk of lower uptake compared to free or discounted trials
✅ You’re still being compensated for your time and resources
❌ Doesn’t capitalize on psychological motivators like exclusivity or time-limited offers
✅ Simplifies admin—no need to apply discounts or track trial-specific pricing
❌ Less competitive if other studios nearby offer free or discounted trials
Pros of Full Price Dance Class Trials
Cons of Full Price Dance Class Trials
✅ Positions your studio as premium and confident in its value
❌ May discourage first-timers who are hesitant to commit without trying first
✅ Attracts highly motivated, serious prospective students
❌ Risk of lower uptake compared to free or discounted trials
✅ You’re still being compensated for your time and resources
❌ Doesn’t capitalize on psychological motivators like exclusivity or time-limited offers
✅ Simplifies admin—no need to apply discounts or track trial-specific pricing
❌ Less competitive if other studios nearby offer free or discounted trials
Dance Studio Management Software Can Help With Setting Up Trials
So, you’ve decided that you 1) want to offer trials to potential students and 2) you’ve decided how you want to charge (or not charge) for them. The next step is to get your trial classes set up and then out into the real world.
This is where Class Manager comes in. Not only does our dance studio management system offer various ways that you can set up trial classes, but we also provide free resources and guides to help you market them too.
Want to see the software in action? Book a demo with our dedicated team here.
Want some more information about running a dance studio, planning lessons, and more?
See our blog posts
Dance Studio Management Software Can Help With Setting Up Trials
So, you’ve decided that you 1) want to offer trials to potential students and 2) you’ve decided how you want to charge (or not charge) for them. The next step is to get your trial classes set up and then out into the real world.
This is where Class Manager comes in. Not only does our dance studio management system offer various ways that you can set up trial classes, but we also provide free resources and guides to help you market them too.
Want to see the software in action? Book a demo with our dedicated team here.
Want some more information about running a dance studio, planning lessons, and more?
See our blog posts
Dance Studio Management Software Can Help With Setting Up Trials
So, you’ve decided that you 1) want to offer trials to potential students and 2) you’ve decided how you want to charge (or not charge) for them. The next step is to get your trial classes set up and then out into the real world.
This is where Class Manager comes in. Not only does our dance studio management system offer various ways that you can set up trial classes, but we also provide free resources and guides to help you market them too.
Want to see the software in action? Book a demo with our dedicated team here.
Want some more information about running a dance studio, planning lessons, and more?
See our blog posts
Dance Studio Management Software Can Help With Setting Up Trials
So, you’ve decided that you 1) want to offer trials to potential students and 2) you’ve decided how you want to charge (or not charge) for them. The next step is to get your trial classes set up and then out into the real world.
This is where Class Manager comes in. Not only does our dance studio management system offer various ways that you can set up trial classes, but we also provide free resources and guides to help you market them too.
Want to see the software in action? Book a demo with our dedicated team here.
Want some more information about running a dance studio, planning lessons, and more?
See our blog posts
Dance Studio Management Software Can Help With Setting Up Trials
So, you’ve decided that you 1) want to offer trials to potential students and 2) you’ve decided how you want to charge (or not charge) for them. The next step is to get your trial classes set up and then out into the real world.
This is where Class Manager comes in. Not only does our dance studio management system offer various ways that you can set up trial classes, but we also provide free resources and guides to help you market them too.
Want to see the software in action? Book a demo with our dedicated team here.
Want some more information about running a dance studio, planning lessons, and more?
See our blog posts
Planning an event or recital?
Visit our sister company, Stage Stubs
for all your ticketing needs.
Free for studios.
© Class Manager 2025, All Rights Reserved
Resources
Planning an event or recital?
Visit our sister company, Stage Stubs
for all your ticketing needs.
Free for studios.
© Class Manager 2025, All Rights Reserved
Email Us
Contact Sales
Planning an event or recital?
Visit our sister company, Stage Stubs
for all your ticketing needs.
Free for studios.
© Class Manager 2025, All Rights Reserved
Email Us
Contact Sales
Planning an event or recital?
Visit our sister company, Stage Stubs
for all your ticketing needs.
Free for studios.
© Class Manager 2025, All Rights Reserved