Your School’s Journey Starts Here

Let’s make this about YOU

A Personalised Pathway Forward

At The Den, we’re all about understanding you—where you are now and where you dream of going. Your goals and aspirations are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Every dance, drama, music or performing arts school is unique, but the journey to success follows a similar path.

Start — building the foundations to an exciting new chapter. Maybe you’re just starting out, filled with excitement but wondering if you’ve got everything in place to begin.
Scale — growing your school with sustainability and success. Perhaps you’re juggling everything yourself, time-poor but eager to grow in a way that gives you both success and freedom.
Steer — focusing on business growth and development. You might have been running your school a while but feel stuck in a rut, craving consistency and struggling to let go of control.
Evolve — stepping into leadership and guiding to long-term success. Or maybe you’re ready to take the leap: expand, bring in management, or ensure your school is at its best before you do.
Legacy — long-lasting impact, inspiring and thriving for generations. Or maybe it’s time to retire or sell, and you want to do it on your terms.

Book A Call

Wherever you are in your journey, The Den is here to help.

Big dreams are built on small, intentional steps. Let me help you take the first one. Book a quick 15 min call, let’s personally connect and turn your challenges into opportunities and your vision into a reality.

Book a Call

“

From the moment I joined The Den, Sarah, has been an incredible asset to my journey as a dance studio owner. When I first joined The Den, I was seeking guidance to enhance my studio’s success, streamline operations, and navigate the unique challenges of this industry. Sarah’s support exceeded all expectations. Since joining The Den, I’ve achieved significant growth in my dance studio, refined my business strategies, and developed a clearer vision for the future. Sarah’s insights, strategies, and unwavering support have been instrumental in helping me overcome obstacles and thrive in this competitive field. The main reason I would wholeheartedly recommend The Den is Sarah’s unparalleled dedication to supporting dance studio owners. Her passion for helping us succeed is evident in every session, and her ability to tailor her guidance to our specific needs is exceptional. In one word, I would describe The Den’s coaching as “transformative.” My dance studio has been positively impacted in numerous ways since joining The Den. Sarah’s expertise has led to improved decision-making, increased profitability, and a stronger sense of community among my students and staff. My favorite part of being a part of The Den is the personal connection and the way Sarah has made my journey as a dance studio owner easier, more enjoyable, and ultimately more successful. Her coaching has truly been a game-changer for me in the business aspect of running my dance studio.

Claire Lloyd Base Dance Performing Arts Academy

“

Who am I and how can I help you?

I’m Sarah Gittins, Performance Business Mentor to dance, drama, music and performing arts school owners. For 24 years I ran my own multi-venue, 350+ student school, successfully selling in the summer of ’23. Having learnt the hard way through sheer grit, blood, sweat and tears, when I say I have the t-shirt in every colour, I really mean it. I retrained in 2016, qualifying with my postgrad in mentoring and entrepreneurial practice. I’m also the bestselling author of The Dance School Owner’s Survival Guide and sit on the Children’s Activity Association board.

My sole aim was to give back, to launch a company that helps other creative entrepreneurs walk a path that’s easier than mine. What makes The Den different is the step by step approach, everything is laid out for you in a roadmap that you follow with support. I’m proud of the community we’ve built. There is an easier way to run a dance, drama, music or performing arts school, and it starts with one simple step. Grab a coffee and come have a chat.

Book A Call

Time

Stop being the last one to leave and the first one in. “I’ve seen a direct improvement in my school as a result of following through with training and challenges”

Community

You’re not meant to figure this out solo, join owners in the same stage as you. “The Den is a fantastic place, really supportive and non judgemental”

Leadership

This isn’t tactics. It’s becoming the Creative Founder your school actually needs. “Since joining The Den, I’ve achieved significant growth in my dance studio, refined my business strategies, and developed a clearer vision for the future “

Money

Studio owners in The Den are implementing new revenue streams and profit boosters, not just finding hidden cash once. “I have learnt so much and implemented so many additional revenue streams/profit boosters”

SCALE UP YOUR STUDIO TODAY

My Success Stories

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Natasha Rose 
 30 September 2026
 
 
  Sarah is honestly the best. I’ve worked with various dance coaches over the years, but Sarah is the one who has stuck - and I think that says it all!

She is so personal, genuinely your biggest cheerleader, but she won’t let you off easily either! She holds you accountable, helps you set realistic goals, and at the same time encourages you to dream much bigger.

Her community is also something really special. It’s full of such relatable, encouraging dance bosses,  with no competition - just support, warmth and people who genuinely want to see each other succeed.

My biggest and most heartfelt thank you to Sarah is for helping me step into the business owner I always knew I could be. It’s been about so much more than getting more students through the door-  it’s changed how I see myself and my business.

She’s the best, and I will always recommend her!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Elaine Tomlinson 
 29 September 2026
 
 
  Attended The Den live and the support and encouragement was amazing. Sarah is so welcoming and gave individual tips and feedback to encourage everyone. I’ll definitely be back again, thank you.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Corraine COLLINS Dance Studios 
 27 September 2026
 
 
  Wow! Completely inspired by all the fantastic ideas for improving our client experience
Thanks to the Team
Corraine Collins
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   DEIRDRE FORRISTAL 
 19 September 2026
 
 
  I had a call recently with Sarah. It was excellent. She gave me lots of ideas and advice on how to move forward and keep working on my business. Very friendly, warm and encouraging. Well worth it. Thanks Sarah.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Sharon Weatherilt 
 9 March 2026
 
 
  Absolutely amazing business coach.
Sarah and her team have been such a steady, caring support for me and my business. They’ve helped me grow with confidence, given me clarity when I needed it most, and created the most inspiring workshop days, live events, and weekly meetings that I genuinely look forward to.

They don’t just guide you, they walk beside you.
They make you feel seen, encouraged, and capable.

If I could give 10 stars, I honestly would 🌟
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Claire Davies 
 10 November 2025
 
 
  Absolutely loved the 2 day course I attended with the den. It was so informative friendly and its really nice to meet other people that are all on the same mindset.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Motion Control 
 10 November 2025
 
 
  What a fabulous retreat - thank you Sarah, Cara & Rachel for giving me the inspiration in making my next showcase a WOW experience.  I loved spending time with all the amazing dance studio owners and getting nuggets of gold from you all - I feel so blessed x
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Academy Arts by Ebony&Jalisa 
 10 November 2025
 
 
  The most insightful two days.
Iv come away with a clear idea for 2026 and 2027 as well as being sure that I will be set up and ready for show in June with 6 month ahead.

Iv loved hearing from all the key note speakers. Especially Cara and Rachel from waters.

Very very insideful with so much detail.

I can’t wait to do it again next year and take in more information and plan ahead again and be surrounded by other someone who are looking to grow and level up.

Thank you Sarah!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   hannah kidd 
 5 June 2025
 
 
  Rambert Grades invited Sarah to deliver to our members and boy did she deliver! A fantastic session full of wit, energy and so much insightful advice. We look forwards to welcoming you back soon.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Catherine Casey 
 22 May 2025
 
 
  Working with Sarah at The Den has been one of the best decisions I have made for my ballet school.
Since joining, the annual revenue of the school has increased, the student numbers have increased and we have been able to add value to our customers experience with us. As well as that, the support, training and guidance have been invaluable, as well as the friendships that have developed with people who truly get you and your business.
Couldn't recommend it enough for anyone in the performing arts education industry/