Dance Principals United: Dance Studio Growth & Marketing Podcast

Hosted by Amanda Barr & Rebecca Liu-Brennan: Dance Studio Coaches & Growth Experts

Business Entrepreneurship Arts

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-AU

About the show

Do you want to grow your enrolments, make more profit, and find the time in your business to focus on the things that you love? Join hosts Amanda Barr & Rebecca Liu-Brennan as they share the secrets of their Million Dollar Dance Studios. On this weekly podcast, you will get practical, actionable tips how how to grow the BUSINESS of your Dance Studio.

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60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 21221 min

5 Reasons Your Dance Studio Isn't Growing - Part 2

This week on the Dance Principals United Podcast, Amanda and Bec are back with Part 2 of their chat about the real reasons some studios struggle to grow. This one might sting a little. From social media mistakes to leadership gaps, they're diving into the things studio owners often don't realise are quietly stopping growth behind the scenes. Bec shares the hilarious (and slightly horrifying) story of taking Tim to his very first dance event… and suddenly seeing the dance world through a normal parent's eyes. Let's just say fishnets and PVC on kids looked very different from the audience. The girls also unpack why so many studio owners are accidentally marketing to other teachers instead of actual parents, why your Instagram shouldn't look like a newsletter, and why proper staff training might be the thing that changes everything. This episode is honest, practical, funny, and packed with little mindset shifts that could completely change how you approach growth. In this episode, we chat about: Why parents don't see dance the same way studio owners do The social media mistake that's turning new families away How to make your Instagram feel welcoming instead of exclusive Why every post needs a clear call to action The truth about paid ads (and why you probably can learn them yourself) Why staff training is about more than "putting props away" How stronger leadership improves student retention The power of changing just ONE thing instead of overhauling everything The girls also share a special offer for podcast listeners - you can get one week free inside Dance Principals United Tribe. https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/ If you've been wanting more support, more training, and people who truly get studio life… this is your sign.

June 3, 2026Episode 21121 min

5 Reasons Your Dance Studio Isn't Growing - Part 1

Ever feel like you're doing everything in your studio… but growth still feels frustratingly slow? In this episode, Amanda and Bec unpack some of the biggest reasons dance studios get stuck - a few of them might hit a little close to home (in the best way possible 😅). From treating your studio like a passion project instead of a business, to spending way too much time answering emails instead of marketing, this chat is packed with practical mindset shifts and real talk for studio owners who are ready to grow without burning themselves into the ground. There's also a detour into unicorn birthday parties, giant comp props, and the possibility of needing two trucks for competition season… because obviously. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like you're working nonstop without seeing the results you want - this episode is for you. In this episode, we chat about: Why passion alone won't grow a sustainable studio The hidden guilt many studio owners have around making money How burnout happens when you constantly "give" without protecting yourself Why spending 95% of your time servicing current families is hurting your growth The importance of time blocking and protecting your focus What studio owners should actually be tracking every week The 3 key numbers every studio owner should know Why knowing your numbers gives you confidence and clarity How to stop being "busy" and start moving the needle in your business Special Offer for Podcast Listeners We've got a little something special for our podcast listeners 💛 Join the Dance Principals United Tribe and get 1 week free to come hang out with us, learn, grow, and feel supported alongside other studio owners who get it. https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

May 27, 2026Episode 21025 min

Simple Ways To Make More Money In Your Dance Studio - Part 2

If you've ever thought… "We're full, there's no more money to make…" "Facebook ads don't work for us…" "I don't want to feel salesy…" …this episode might lovingly call you out a little bit. In part two of this chat about making more money in your studio, we are diving into the BIG things that actually move the needle when it comes to revenue, growth, and profitability. From marketing that actually works, to running events your families rave about, to why private lessons aren't just for elite kids anymore - this episode is packed with practical ideas you can implement straight away. They also chat honestly about the mindset shifts studio owners need to make around money, value, and how they spend their time. Growing a profitable studio doesn't happen by accident. It happens when you stop hoping people magically find you… and start intentionally building a business that people can't stop talking about. In this episode: Why "word of mouth" alone isn't enough anymore The truth about Meta ads (and why they probably didn't work the first time) How one studio made $8,000 in holiday privates in just 30 minutes Why your events need more hype than a single Instagram story The simple organic marketing strategies studio owners overlook How to create a stronger sense of belonging for your studio families Why private lessons aren't just for elite dancers The difference between "$18 tasks" and "$100/hour tasks" as a studio owner One of our favourite takeaways: "If you want to affect more kids' lives positively… you have to be okay to sell." Such a good reminder that marketing and selling aren't gross when they're attached to something genuinely life-changing ❤️ Special Offer for Podcast Listeners Want more support growing your studio? We've got a special offer just for podcast listeners — you can get ONE WEEK FREE inside Dance Principals United Tribe. https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/ Come hang out with studio owners who get it, learn practical strategies that actually work, and stop trying to figure it all out on your own.

May 20, 2026Episode 20922 min

Simple Ways To Make More Money In Your Dance Studio - Part 1

Most of us didn't open a dance studio because we love spreadsheets. In this episode, Bec sits down with Nath to talk about the money side of studio ownership - but in a way that actually makes sense. No complicated accounting jargon. No scary finance talk. Just practical, real-world strategies that can help studio owners increase revenue without burning themselves out. From understanding the difference between revenue and profit, to why your pricing structure might be confusing families (and costing you money), this episode is packed with simple shifts that can make a huge difference. If you've ever avoided looking at your numbers because it all feels too overwhelming… this one's for you. In this episode, we chat about: The difference between revenue, profit, and cash flow Why "class placements" matter more than student numbers Simple ways to fill underperforming classes Why most studio owners are undercharging without realising it The problem with overly complicated discount structures Why simplifying your pricing can actually increase enrolments The surprising benefits of a mid-year price rise Nath's famous "Random Guy Test" for your price list Plus, Bec shares how simplifying her own studio pricing became a complete game changer, with fewer admin headaches and happier families. This episode ended up being SUCH a big conversation that we've split it into two parts… so make sure you come back next week for Part 2! ✨ Special offer for podcast listeners: We'd love to welcome you inside Dance Principals United Tribe. Head to the link i to grab your 1 week free and come hang out with us. https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

May 13, 2026Episode 20824 min

The Productivity Problem No One Talks About in Dance Studios

Ever finish the day wondering… what the heck did I actually achieve today? In this episode, Amanda and Bec are diving into one of the biggest struggles studio owners face: feeling constantly busy but never quite getting to the important stuff. From shiny object syndrome and endless scrolling to juggling kids, clients, staff, admin and trying to grow a business at the same time - this is a very real, very honest conversation about productivity, structure and why "doing it all" simply isn't sustainable. The girls chat about: why creatives struggle with distractions how elite dancers actually teach us about discipline the power of time auditing practical ways to time block your week how AI can help studio owners save serious time the emotional load of motherhood + business ownership why buying back your time isn't selfish There are also some BIG mindset shifts in this episode around mum guilt, productivity and being intentional with your time — especially if you've been feeling overwhelmed lately. In this episode: Why being "busy" doesn't always mean being productive The sneaky distractions stealing your time How to do a simple time audit in your studio business Why time blocking changes everything The importance of scheduling personal time too How AI tools like ChatGPT can support studio owners The truth about trying to run a business while parenting full-time How to stop being so hard on yourself Plus - podcast listeners can grab a special offer: Get 1 week FREE inside the Dance Principals United Tribe via the link: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

May 7, 2026Episode 20925 min

The #1 Dance Studio Owner Trap To Avoid

If you've ever looked at your studio bank account and thought, "I'll just pay everyone else first and see what's left for me…" this episode is for you. This week, Amanda, Bec and Nathan are having a very honest conversation about something so many studio owners avoid talking about… paying yourself. From the studio owners taking home nothing, to those building genuine wealth through their businesses, this episode dives into the mindset shifts, money habits, and practical changes that can completely transform how you see your studio. Because yes, we love the kids. Yes, we're passionate about dance education. But your studio should also support you and your family. The girls also share personal stories about underpaying themselves for years, the resentment that can quietly build when you're constantly sacrificing, and why treating your studio like a real business changes everything. In this episode, we chat about: Why so many studio owners accidentally work for free The dangerous "I'll just take what's left" money mindset Different ways studio owners pay themselves (and the pros/cons) Why paying yourself first changes your entire business psychology How underpaying yourself can lead to burnout and resentment The surprising Australian income statistics that put things into perspective Why studio owners need to think about superannuation and long-term wealth Simple first steps to start paying yourself properly If this episode hit home for you, start small. Even a $50 pay rise can shift your mindset and help you start building a healthier business. ✨ Special Offer for Podcast Listeners ✨ Come join us inside Dance Principles United Tribe and get 1 week free using the link in the show notes. https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

April 29, 202655 min

LIVE: AI Tools Every Dance Studio Owner Needs

This week's episode is a little bit special… because it was recorded LIVE on stage at Dance Teacher Expo 2026. And yep, you might miss the slides (and there are a couple of live-audio quirks), but trust us… the value in this one is HUGE. Amanda dives into the world of AI, but not in an overwhelming, techy way. This is real, practical, "how does this actually help me run my studio better?" kind of stuff. Because AI can feel like a lot. New tools every week, everyone saying you "should" be using it… and you're just trying to get through the day without forgetting snack day or costume orders. This episode breaks it all down in a way that actually makes sense, and gives you tools you can start using straight away. 💡 Plus, there's a free guide with all the tools mentioned - just head to Instagram and comment "robots" to grab it!

April 29, 202626 min

BONUS Episode - Dance For Sick Kids

This week's bonus episode is a special one, and it might just shift the way you see your studio's impact. Amanda sits down with Namine from Ronald McDonald House Charities to chat all things Dance for Sick Kids: a feel-good, community-driven campaign that's doing some seriously life-changing work for families going through incredibly tough times. From spontaneous dance parties in hospital common rooms to kids dancing on one leg (yes, really), this conversation is full of moments that will make you smile, and maybe tear up a little too. If you've ever wondered how your studio could be part of something bigger (without adding more to your already full plate), this episode is packed with simple, creative ideas to get involved. ✨ In this episode, we chat about: What Dance for Sick Kids actually is (and how easy it is to join) The real, behind-the-scenes impact on families staying at Ronald McDonald House Why this campaign hits differently for dance studios and students Creative (and fun!) ways studios are getting involved—from crazy dress-up days to mum dance challenges How fundraising builds empathy, connection, and community in your studio The surprising power of a little healthy competition 👀 What raising $20K+ actually means for a real family Whether you go big or keep it simple, every bit makes a difference. 👉 Ready to get involved? Head to danceforsickkids.com and register your studio.

April 22, 2026Episode 20524 min

How I Built a Dance Studio That Runs Without Me

This week Bec's chatting with Candice from Footloose Studios in Hornsby, and honestly… if you've ever felt like a shy little mouse in a room full of "real business owners" (same), you're going to feel VERY seen. Candice shares her journey from teaching at 15, opening a studio in a church hall with 12 students, and hitting that "something's gotta give" moment at 40 students… to investing in business coaching and growing to 160 in one year. Yep. A year. But the real magic of this episode isn't just the numbers - it's the confidence shift, the imposter syndrome truth bomb, and how systems can genuinely give you your life back… especially when you're juggling kids, staff, and the never-ending admin pile. Episode Highlights: Starting small is normal: church halls, 12 students, and figuring it out as you go. Why investing in support can be the thing that changes everything (even when you "can't afford it"). The imposter syndrome moment at the first Studio Growth Club event that flipped Candice's confidence switch. "Growth doesn't sit in comfort" - and why leadership starts with you. The power of an all-in-one CRM to simplify marketing, enrolments, workshops, invoicing and comms. A genius extra income + feeder strategy: running school dance groups (before/after school) for $100/term. Staff training that actually motivates (not the drill sergeant version). The real talk on motherhood + studio life: sometimes the goal isn't "more growth"… it's sustainability. Want more support like this? There's a special offer for podcast listeners: get one week free inside the Dance Principles United Tribe: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

April 15, 2026Episode 20426 min

10-Minute Social Media Hacks Your Dance Studio Actually Needs

This week Amanda & Bec are talking about the thing so many dance studio owners love to hate… social media. If you've ever stared at your phone thinking, "What am I even meant to post?"—this episode is your permission slip to stop making it so hard. They break down why social media is non-negotiable for studio growth these days (and why "I hate socials" isn't a strategy), what simple content actually works, how to involve your staff without paying someone 10 hours a week for two posts, and the big mistakes that quietly block enquiries—like having messaging turned off (!). Plus: a spicy little rant about boring Canva posts… and a reminder that parents don't need perfection—they want real. Episode Highlights Social media is where parents discover and "research" studios now—often before Google. You don't need a full-time social media person. Most studios can do it in 2–3 hours/week. Your studio already has the BEST organic content: happy kids, community, joy, behind-the-scenes. "Perfect" can actually scare parents off—realistic content builds trust. Train your staff on what to film (and make it easy to submit content). Don't block enquiries: public profile + DMs turned ON is essential. Be careful with AI: use it well, or don't use it (no weird hands/fingers please 😬). Time-block your content and keep it simple: 3–4 clips → reel → done. Podcast listener offer: One week free inside the Dance Principles United Tribe: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/