Start with the workflows that feel different in ballroom. A ballroom studio often runs private lessons, group classes, parties, couples, packages, and public offers in the same week.
Can the schedule show instructors, rooms, students, couples, and lesson types clearly? Can staff answer lessons-remaining questions without side math? Can intro offers and gift certificates connect back to follow-up? Compare daily staff confidence, not feature count. A long feature list matters less than whether the front desk, instructors, and owner can trust the daily path.
What does the desk need to answer in ten seconds? What does an instructor need before teaching? What does the owner need to review weekly? Watch for disconnected workarounds. If staff keep a separate spreadsheet for packages, gifts, notes, or recurring lessons, the main system may not be carrying the ballroom-specific work.
Package balances outside the system. Gift certificate redemption notes in an inbox. Instructor schedule changes communicated manually. Be careful with direct comparisons. Software changes over time, and each studio uses tools differently. Keep the comparison grounded in your own workflows rather than broad claims.
List your must-trust records. Walk through one real studio day. Ask what still requires a manual side process. Choose around adoption. The best fit is the one staff can actually use during busy studio hours.
Start with the workflow causing the most confusion. Bring staff questions into the evaluation. Avoid rushing public sales before internal records are trusted.