DanceFit Biz Builders

Hosted by Real Strategies to Get More Students, Earn More, and Build a Thriving Biz

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119

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

If you're a dance or fitness instructor who wants to grow your classes, increase your income, and turn your passion into a real business, you’re in the right place. Each week, I’ll break down the exact strategies, lessons, and behind-the-scenes truths I learned from building a thriving bellydance fitness brand. No fluff, no guessing, just real talk on instructor marketing tips, how to fill your classes, student retention, branding and class growth, so that you can build a profitable instructor career. Lace up those dance and fitness shoes — it’s time to build the business you deserve. Let’s do this Hit subscribe now and for kick-ass business success! #BellydanceBiz #BusinessMomentum #DanceEntrepreneurship #Podcast Links DanceFit Biz Builders group facebook.com/groups/bellydancebizbuilders SharQui Instructor Academy sharqui.kartra.com/page/sia My Dance Channel youtube.com/channel/UCHiBfVYhmOPhTYr948ShiEA SharQui Virtual Studio sharqui.kartra.com/page/online Facebook facebook.com/SharQuiworkout Instagram instagram.com/sharquiworkout TikTok tiktok.com/@sharquiworkout oreet.substack.com

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 12, 202615 min

The Grit Of True Growth For Dance & Fitness Instructors | 119

If you caught Marisa’s first solo episode, you already know she has a way of making you stop, think, and look at your life from a completely different perspective. And this episode is no exception.Growth sounds exciting... until you’re actually in the middle of it. Am I right?Because real growth isn’t always graceful. It can be uncomfortable, messy, frustrating, and full of moments where you wonder if you’re making any progress at all.In this episode, Marisa talks about The Grit of True Growth and why the challenges you’re facing may not be signs that you’re failing - they may actually be signs that you’re becoming.So grab a cup of coffee, take a walk, or settle in wherever you’re listening, and dive into this episode with Marisa.🔹 Grab your seat for my FREE training on how to cut your prep time in half, at: https://sharqui.kartra.com/page/SBB🔹 Learn more about SharQui Beat & Block coaching so that you get more people staying in your classes, at: https://sharqui.kartra.com/page/SBBScoaching🔹 Need a boost of joy, sweat, and community? Dance with us in the SharQui Virtual Studio! Get started at sharqui.com/online (https://sharqui.com/online)🔹 Stop hustling and start filling your classes: sharqui.com/teach (http://sharqui.com/teach) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oreet.substack.com

August 5, 202610 min

Why Your Fitness & Dance Business Won't Grow Until You Do | 118

Have you ever felt like your business has hit a plateau, no matter how hard you’re working?In this honest solo episode, I share a moment when I questioned everything. After more than 30 years in the fitness industry, I found myself wondering if anyone was interested in what I had to offer anymore. That experience led me to an unexpected realization: maybe my business wasn’t the problem. Maybe I had simply outgrown the version of myself that built it.In this episode, we’ll talk about why business growth often requires personal growth, how self-worth influences the decisions we make as entrepreneurs, why what helped you succeed in the beginning may now be holding you back, and the powerful questions that can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.Whether you’re a dance instructor, fitness instructor, studio owner, or entrepreneur, this conversation will challenge you to stop searching for the next strategy and start asking a much more important question:Who do I need to become to build the business I truly want?🔹 Grab your seat for my FREE training, How I Teach 7 Classes Per Week Without Memorizing An Ounce of Choreography, https://sharqui.kartra.com/page/SBB🔹 Need a boost of joy, sweat, and sisterhood? Dance with us in the SharQui Virtual Studio! Get started at sharqui.com/online (https://sharqui.com/online)🔹 Stop hustling for pennies — start teaching with power. Your journey starts at sharqui.com/teach (http://sharqui.com/teach) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oreet.substack.com

July 29, 202614 min

The Cost of Staying Quiet - Why Fear Holds Instructors Back | 117

In this solo episode, Marisa explores the hidden cost of avoiding difficult conversations - and how fear of rejection, conflict, or getting hurt can quietly shape your teaching, your business, your relationships, and even your health.If you’re a dance instructor, fitness instructor, or entrepreneur who’s ever struggled with setting boundaries, asking for what you deserve, or trusting your own voice, this episode will challenge you to think differently.Sometimes the hardest conversation is the one you need most.🔹 Grab your seat for my FREE training, How I Teach 7 Classes Per Week Without Memorizing An Ounce Of Choreography , https://sharqui.kartra.com/page/SBB🔹 Need a boost of joy, sweat, and community? Dance with us in the SharQui Virtual Studio! Get started at sharqui.com/online (https://sharqui.com/online)🔹 Stop hustling and start filling your classes: sharqui.com/teach (http://sharqui.com/teach) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oreet.substack.com

July 22, 202637 min

The Future of Group Fitness - An Industry Conversation with Amy Boone Thompson | 116

Where is the fitness industry headed - and what does that mean for group fitness instructors?In this episode of DanceFit Biz Builders, I sit down with Amy Boone Thompson, Owner and CEO of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, for a candid conversation about the future of fitness, group fitness, instructor education, and leadership.With more than 30 years in the fitness industry, Amy has served as a group fitness instructor, presenter, entrepreneur, media executive, and now leads one of the world’s largest organizations supporting fitness professionals. Her perspective goes beyond what happens inside a single class and looks at the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of fitness.Together, we discuss:* The future of the fitness industry* The future of group fitness* The biggest challenges facing fitness instructors today* What separates great instructors from good instructors* Why teaching quality matters more than ever* Group fitness retention and participant success* The skills fitness professionals will need in the years ahead* Leadership, continuing education, and the conversations our industry should be havingWhether you’re a group fitness instructor, dance fitness instructor, personal trainer, studio owner, or fitness professional, this episode will challenge you to think beyond choreography and workouts—and consider what it really takes to create lasting impact, improve member retention, and build a successful career in fitness.If you’re passionate about group fitness, instructor development, fitness leadership, teaching, member retention, and the future of the fitness industry, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.For more info on IDEA, Amy and her new book… go here: https://www.ideafit.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oreet.substack.com

July 15, 202649 min

Performance, Teaching and the Future of Fitness with Keli Roberts | 115

What does it take to stay relevant in the fitness industry for decades?In this episode, I sit down with fitness industry veteran Keli Roberts to talk about longevity, reinvention, and the evolution of teaching. From the early days of step aerobics to today’s social media-driven fitness landscape, Keli shares what she’s learned from a career that has spanned multiple generations of fitness trends.We discuss how teaching has changed over the years, why great instructors continue to evolve, and what today’s fitness professionals need to understand if they want to build a sustainable career.We also explore the balance between performance and teaching, the importance of helping students feel successful, and why the fundamentals of connection, safety, and effective instruction matter now more than ever.Whether you’re a new instructor or a seasoned fitness professional, this conversation is packed with wisdom from someone who has not only survived industry changes—but continues to thrive through them.In this episode, we discuss:• How the fitness industry has evolved over the decades• What keeps instructors relevant long-term• The balance between performance and teaching• Why student success matters• Reinvention and longevity in fitness careers• What today’s instructors may be missing about effective teaching• Lessons learned from a lifetime in fitnessIf you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a lasting career in fitness, this conversation is for you.🔹 Grab your seat for my FREE training, How I Teach 7 Classes Per Week Without Memorizing An Ounce of Choreography, https://sharqui.kartra.com/page/SBB🔹 Need a boost of joy, sweat, and sisterhood? Dance with us in the SharQui Virtual Studio! Get started at sharqui.com/online (https://sharqui.com/online)🔹 Stop hustling for pennies — start teaching with power. Your journey starts at sharqui.com/teach (http://sharqui.com/teach) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oreet.substack.com

July 8, 202637 min

What If the Dance Style You're Best Known For Isn't What Excites You Anymore? | 114

What happens when the dance style you’ve built your reputation on no longer excites you?In this episode, I sit down with Tirra, a SharQui instructor, dancer, and artist, to talk about the challenges of creative evolution. We discuss feeling torn between different dance styles, the pressure of expectations, teaching movement that students struggle to grasp, and what happens when your passion starts pulling you in a new direction.If you’re a dance instructor, fitness instructor, or creative entrepreneur who has ever wondered whether it’s okay to change course, this honest conversation is for you.Because sometimes growth means giving yourself permission to evolve.🔹 Grab your seat for my FREE training, The 4 Things I Do To Sell Out Every Class (that other instructors don’t), https://sharqui.kartra.com/page/SBB🔹 Need a boost of joy, sweat, and sisterhood? Dance with us in the SharQui Virtual Studio! Get started at sharqui.com/online (https://sharqui.com/online)🔹 Stop hustling for pennies — start teaching with power. Your journey starts at sharqui.com/teach (http://sharqui.com/teach) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oreet.substack.com

July 1, 20266 min

The Math Fitness & Dance Instructors Never Do | 113

If you’re spending hours every week memorizing choreography, building playlists, and stressing over transitions… this episode is for you.In this episode, I break down the math most dance and fitness instructors never actually do — and why so many talented instructors are burning out from unpaid prep work.We talk about:* the hidden labor behind choreography-heavy classes* why memorizing nonstop routines lowers your real hourly pay* how the fitness industry normalized instructor burnout* and why the instructors who last long-term build systems instead of reinventing every classBecause teaching smarter isn’t laziness.It’s sustainability.If you’ve ever found yourself panic-prepping classes every Sunday night for one hour of pay, this conversation is going to hit hard — and probably feel very familiar.This episode is a real look at instructor burnout, class prep overwhelm, and how to create a more sustainable dance & fitness teaching career.🔹 Grab your seat for my FREE training, How I Teach 7 Classes Per Week Without Memorizing An Ounce Of Choreography , https://sharqui.kartra.com/page/SBB🔹 Need a boost of joy, sweat, and community? Dance with us in the SharQui Virtual Studio! Get started at sharqui.com/online (https://sharqui.com/online)🔹 Stop hustling and start filling your classes: sharqui.com/teach (http://sharqui.com/teach) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oreet.substack.com

June 24, 20264 min

Why Your Students Aren't Coming Back (Even If They Like You) | 112

Your students might love your energy, your music, and your class… and still not come back.In this episode, we talk about the real reason student retention struggles in dance and dance fitness classes - and why it’s usually not a personality problem or motivation issue. It’s a confidence issue.I break down what actually keeps students coming back, how inconsistency and over-complication quietly destroy confidence, and why repetition, structure, and clear teaching create stronger retention than constantly changing choreography.If you’re a dance instructor or dance fitness instructor trying to grow your classes and improve retention, this episode will completely shift the way you think about confidence, repetition, and the student experience.Because students don’t return just because they like you.They return because they feel successful.🔹 Grab your seat for my FREE training, How I Teach 7 Classes Per Week Without Memorizing An Ounce Of Choreography , https://sharqui.kartra.com/page/SBB🔹 Need a boost of joy, sweat, and community? Dance with us in the SharQui Virtual Studio! Get started at sharqui.com/online (https://sharqui.com/online)🔹 Stop hustling and start filling your classes: sharqui.com/teach (http://sharqui.com/teach) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oreet.substack.com

June 17, 20264 min

Why MORE Isn't Helping Your Dance Fitness Class (And What To Do Instead) | 111

Have you ever explained something in class over and over… and your students still looked completely lost?In this episode, we’re talking about the real reason students struggle to follow in dance and dance fitness classes - and why explaining more often makes it worse.I break down the concept of cognitive overload, how over-cueing overwhelms students, and why layering movement step by step creates faster learning, more confidence, and better retention. We also talk about the difference between giving students more information versus giving them information in the right order.If you’re a dance instructor or dance fitness instructor who wants students to feel more successful, engaged, and confident in class, this episode will completely shift the way you think about teaching and cueing.🔹 Grab your seat for my FREE training, The 4 Things I Do To Sell Out Every Class (that other instructors don’t), https://sharqui.kartra.com/page/SBB🔹 Need a boost of joy, sweat, and sisterhood? Dance with us in the SharQui Virtual Studio! Get started at sharqui.com/online (https://sharqui.com/online)🔹 Stop hustling for pennies — start teaching with power. Your journey starts at sharqui.com/teach (http://sharqui.com/teach) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oreet.substack.com

June 10, 202641 min

How Fitness Professionals Can Diversify Their Income and Stay Relevant in the AI Era | 110

In this episode, I’m joined by Lindsey Passamonte - personal trainer, educator, and AI app developer - for a conversation about what it really means to grow and diversify as a fitness professional.We talk about building multiple income streams beyond teaching classes, adapting to technology and AI in the fitness industry, and why relying on one revenue stream can leave instructors burned out and stuck. Lindsey shares her journey from personal training into education and tech, along with insights on staying relevant, curious, and sustainable in a rapidly changing industry.If you’re a dance or fitness instructor wondering how to grow beyond trading time for money, this episode will expand the way you think about your business and what’s possible for your future.Lindsey’s FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583434777644Lindsey’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/lindseypassamonte/Lindsey’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseypassamonte/Lindsey’s AI app for Fitpros: https://app.aifitpro.io/score🔹 Grab your seat for my FREE training, The 4 Things I Do To Sell Out Every Class (that other instructors don’t), https://sharqui.kartra.com/page/SBB🔹 Need a boost of joy, sweat, and sisterhood? Dance with us in the SharQui Virtual Studio! Get started at sharqui.com/online (https://sharqui.com/online)🔹 Stop hustling for pennies — start teaching with power. Your journey starts at sharqui.com/teach (http://sharqui.com/teach) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oreet.substack.com

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About the show

Listen to episodes

The Grit Of True Growth For Dance & Fitness Instructors | 119

Why Your Fitness & Dance Business Won't Grow Until You Do | 118

The Cost of Staying Quiet - Why Fear Holds Instructors Back | 117

The Future of Group Fitness - An Industry Conversation with Amy Boone Thompson | 116

Performance, Teaching and the Future of Fitness with Keli Roberts | 115

What If the Dance Style You're Best Known For Isn't What Excites You Anymore? | 114

The Math Fitness & Dance Instructors Never Do | 113

Why Your Students Aren't Coming Back (Even If They Like You) | 112

Why MORE Isn't Helping Your Dance Fitness Class (And What To Do Instead) | 111

How Fitness Professionals Can Diversify Their Income and Stay Relevant in the AI Era | 110

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