Rhee Gold's DanceLife

Hosted by Rhee Gold in association with Roar Success

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Apr 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Rhee Gold is passionate about dance education and the business of teaching dance. He is a pioneer in the field, launching the first business (and motivational) seminar for dance teachers in the mid-90s and is now the director of the DanceLife Teacher Conference and the DanceLife Retreat Center attracting hundreds of teachers and studio owners from around the world. Gold’s mission is to inspire dance people to appreciate the gift that dance offers all who experience it. He encourages teachers to be unique, make their own mark on the field and to have the confidence to follow the path that best suits their goals for success. His entrepreneurial and leadership skills have had a long-lasting impact on the dance community, he is the author of the Complete Guide to Teaching Dance, served as the publisher of Dance Studio Life magazine for 14 years and has served as the President of Dance Masters of America, the United Dance Merchants of America, the founding co-chair of UNITY and is now the Director of the International Dance Entrepreneurs Association, also known as I.D.E.A. When given the chance to “talk dance,” Rhee is all about it and that’s what this podcast is all about. We’ll crisscross everything about teaching dance from business to classroom success and we’ll definitely hit on the heart and soul of what being a dance teacher is all about.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

April 12, 202635 min

Big, Bold & Brave: Setting Goals That Actually Excite You

In this episode of Rhee Gold's Dance Life Podcast, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold take a step back from the day-to-day chaos of studio life to talk about something many studio owners neglect: big, meaningful goal setting. Inspired by a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with Mel Robbins , Stacey shares the power of identifying your “wild card” goal — the one you’ve been putting off, downplaying, or convincing yourself is for someone else. Together, they explore what it really means to be brave and courageous in business — not just in starting a studio, but in evolving it, challenging the norm, and dreaming beyond your current reality. In this episode, they discuss: Why studio owners often stop setting new goals once they’re “busy” The difference between running your business and intentionally growing it How to identify the big goal you’ve been avoiding (and why it matters) The importance of scheduling time to think, dream, and plan Why courage and creativity are essential in choreography, teaching, and leadership How the pandemic shifted mindsets and opened up new possibilities Balancing systems and structure with innovation and evolution Why “what’s next?” should always be part of your mindset The power of saying your goals out loud and making them real Rhee reveals his journey of writing a long-awaited book for dance parents. This episode is a reminder that while running a studio can feel repetitive and overwhelming, there is always space to dream bigger, think differently, and evolve. Because the truth is:You’re already living the dream you once had — now it’s time to decide what comes next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 12, 202628 min

Stop Leaving Money on the Table: How to Attract New Students Mid-Season

In this episode of Rhee Gold's Dance Life Podcast, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold challenge one of the most common mindsets in dance studio ownership: “It’s too late in the season to bring in new students.” As recital season approaches and studios are deep in choreography, costumes, and competitions, many studio owners close their doors to new enrolments. But Stacey and Rhee argue that this approach is leaving significant revenue and opportunity on the table. Instead, they explore how studio owners can think differently about their business model — creating flexible entry points, short-term programs, and alternative customer journeys that not only generate income now but also build a stronger foundation for the next season. In this episode, they discuss: Why turning away new students mid-season is a missed opportunity How short-term programs (4, 6, or 8 weeks) can become powerful revenue streams Creating a great customer experience for new students without forcing them into recital How to use mid-season enrolments as a lead generation strategy for the following year The importance of planning and marketing these programs well in advance Why experimenting with different formats, styles, and age groups is key to growth The concept of “up-serve vs upsell” and how to better serve your current families Using themed programs (like K-pop or musical theatre) to drive engagement Listening to your community and letting the market tell you what it wants Understanding modern customer behaviour and how it differs from traditional studio models Why flexibility, accessibility, and online registration are essential in 2026 Stacey shares a real-life example of launching a short-term “Hot Mama Hip Hop” class that filled quickly — proving that sometimes the best ideas come directly from your community. Rhee reinforces the importance of evolving your business model, reminding studio owners that the industry is changing rapidly — and those who stay open to new ideas will thrive. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t only happen at the start of the season. With the right mindset and strategy, opportunities are everywhere — even in your busiest months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March 29, 202630 min

Competition Weekend Leadership: How Teachers Shape the Experience for Dancers

In Part Two of their conversation on competition culture, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold continue exploring how studio owners and teachers can create healthier, more inspiring competition experiences for their dancers. Building on the themes of mentor, leader, and teacher, this episode focuses on the role teachers play during competition weekends — from the way they speak to their dancers, to the choreography choices they make, to how they react to results. Rhee and Stacey discuss the importance of professionalism, emotional leadership, and thoughtful choreography that showcases dancers’ strengths rather than exposing their weaknesses. They also address common competition pitfalls, including over-rehearsing in hallways, negative commentary about judges or events, and social media reactions that can damage studio culture. This conversation is a reminder that competition weekends are about far more than trophies or scores. They are opportunities for dancers to grow, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing — and teachers play a critical role in shaping that experience. In this episode, Stacey and Rhee discuss: Why competition weekend should never become a high-stress rehearsal environment The importance of teachers modeling professionalism and emotional control How choreography should highlight what dancers do well rather than what they cannot yet execute The role of language in the classroom and how it impacts dancers’ confidence Why teachers must be mindful of how they react to judges, results, and competition logistics The dangers of venting frustrations on social media after a competition weekend Understanding the subjective nature of dance judging and competition scoring Why exposing dancers to strong competition ultimately helps them grow How competition weekends should reinforce community, mentorship, and joy Rhee closes the episode with a powerful reminder: many teachers once dreamed of sitting in the audience watching their students perform at competitions. The key is remembering that dream and approaching every competition weekend with gratitude, professionalism, and perspective. Because in the long run, dancers rarely remember the trophies — but they will always remember the mentors who believed in them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March 15, 202632 min

Competition Season Mindset: The Role of the Mentor, Leader and Teacher

Competition season can be one of the most exciting — and sometimes most stressful — times of the dance year. In this episode of Rhee Gold's Dance Life Podcast, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold dive into the realities of competition culture and the powerful role studio owners play in shaping the experience for their dancers, parents, and teachers. From the joy of competition weekends to the pressure of results, the conversation explores how leadership, mindset, and communication can either elevate the experience or create unnecessary stress within a studio community. Rhee reflects on how dance competitions have dramatically raised the standard of dance education, choreography, and technical training over the past several decades. Stacey shares her own experiences as a dancer and now as a studio owner navigating competition season with her students and team. Together they unpack the most important factor that determines whether competition weekends become inspiring experiences or drama-filled ones: the attitude and philosophy of the studio owner. In this first in a two part series, they discuss: How dance competitions have elevated choreography, technique, and training across the industry Why competition weekends were such formative experiences for dancers growing up The pressure modern studios face with larger competition teams and more routines The importance of choosing teachers who can nurture dancers emotionally as well as choreograph effectively Why studio owners must model the mindset they expect from their staff and families How a leader’s reaction during competition weekends can influence the entire studio community The powerful ripple effect of language, expectations, and attitude backstage Why the roles of mentor, leader, and teacher should come before choreography and competition strategy How studio owners can create a healthier, more inspiring competition culture for dancers Stacey also shares how her studio communicates clearly with parents about the decision-making process behind casting and choreography, helping build trust and transparency around competition teams. This episode is a powerful reminder that while competitions showcase dancers on stage, the true leadership performance happens behind the scenes — in rehearsals, conversations, and the example set by the studio owner. The conversation continues in the next episode, where Stacey and Rhee explore more strategies for managing expectations, communication, and competition culture within your studio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March 1, 202645 min

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Systems, Camps & Profit with Jackrabbit Dance

In this special episode of Rhee Gold’s Dance Life Podcast, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold welcome their first-ever guests to the show after more than seven years of hosting together. Joining them behind the microphone are Molly Stroud and Jayme Bell from Jackrabbit Dance, the long-time sponsor of the podcast. Together, they unpack what studio owners are facing right now — and how smart systems can bring more ease, clarity, and profit back into studio life. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why studio owners are still feeling the ripple effects of post-pandemic enrollment shifts, and what parents now want from commitments How Jackrabbit Dance’s Client Success team supports studio owners through low enrollment seasons by listening first, then building practical solutions Why the dance industry has proven especially adaptable — the “show must go on” energy, innovation, and fast pivots The features that can save time immediately, including: Online registration and parent portal access Automated billing and payment processing (so you’re not chasing money) Better website-to-registration workflows Centralised communication through Jackrabbit Plus (branded app, groups, push notifications) Resources tabs for costumes, hair, videos, and quick answers parents actually use What’s “hot” right now for summer programming — including the rise of more flexible, creative camps (and why studios should experiment) A look at Jackrabbit Camps, including policies, deposits, session selection, and ongoing product updates based on real studio timelines A powerful studio-owner money conversation: why too many discounts can quietly drain profitability — and how studio owners can stop “discounting themselves out of business” The mindset shift studio owners need: it’s okay to run a studio that makes a good profit, pays you well, and supports your future This episode is equal parts practical and energising — a reminder that dance studio owners don’t start businesses to do admin all day. With the right systems and support, you can reclaim time, improve customer experience, and build a studio that truly serves your life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

February 15, 202632 min

From Project Motivate to Dance Life: 30 Years of Growth, Grit & Community

In this episode, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold reflect on the evolution of the Dance Life Teacher Conference as it celebrates its 30th anniversary — and what its journey reveals about leadership, vulnerability, and the power of community in dance education. Rhee shares the early beginnings of the conference (then called Project Motivate), when only a handful of studio owners were willing to attend business-focused training. From starting with 20 attendees, dropping to six, and then growing into a global movement, the conversation highlights how persistence, belief in purpose, and honest connection built something far bigger than a seminar. Together, Stacey and Rhee explore: Why studio owners once resisted business education How vulnerability and shared struggle changed studio culture The shift from competition to collaboration Why “blinders on” is still the best mindset for studio owners How community fuels confidence, growth, and leadership The long-term impact of training teachers alongside owners They also dive into what’s new at the upcoming Dance Life Teacher Conference, including: Leadership and management training Hiring for culture (not convenience) Mid-year retention strategies Studio size “Owner’s Huddles” Expanded movement offerings including ballroom and dance on camera Stronger pathways for faculty development This episode is a reminder that success doesn’t come from copying the studio down the street — it comes from knowing your purpose, investing in your people, and staying focused on your own vision. Whether you’re a new studio owner or a seasoned leader, this conversation will leave you inspired to stop looking sideways, start building forward, and reconnect with the passion that brought you into the studio in the first place.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

February 3, 202631 min

What are you avoiding?

In this episode, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold kick off the new year by tackling a topic every dance studio owner and teacher knows too well: procrastination. As studios return to full swing and workloads ramp up, Stacey and Rhee explore why we put important tasks off — especially the big ones that feel overwhelming or uncertain. They unpack how pressure can sometimes spark creativity, but also how constant delay leads to unnecessary stress. Together, they share practical tools to help studio owners move forward with confidence, including: Using a brain dump to clear mental clutter Separating personal and business tasks Prioritising what truly matters Breaking large projects into manageable action steps Creating better file systems and organisation habits Rewarding progress to build momentum They also discuss how leadership styles, preparation habits, and different working personalities impact productivity — and why perfectionism, self-doubt, and decision fatigue often sit at the heart of procrastination. Whether you’re avoiding your timetable, recital order, marketing plan, or newsletter, this episode offers encouragement and realistic strategies to help you stop putting things off and start moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January 4, 202631 min

Rugged Up & Ready: Clear Communication, Calm Customers, and Enjoying the Journey

Welcome to Rhee Gold’s Dance Life Podcast, hosted by Stacey Morgan and joined by the fabulous (and very “rugged up”) Rhee Gold—broadcasting from a freezing North Carolina cold snap that has him bundled up and learning new Aussie vocabulary fast. In this practical and timely episode, Stacey and Rhee dive into one of the biggest make-or-break skills for dance studio owners: clear communication. They unpack why miscommunication happens so easily—especially when you’re busy, juggling timetables, rehearsals, one-on-ones, and parent expectations—and how “dance language” can accidentally leave families confused. Stacey shares a real studio example of a small timetable change that created big frustration, and how she handled it: owning the mistake, apologising, and then following up about respectful behaviour and boundaries. Rhee opens up about a recent moment where his intention didn’t land the way he meant it to—and why sometimes the best path forward is a sincere apology rather than defending or over-explaining. Together, they explore the reality of 2025 customer expectations: parents are busy, life is full, and confusion creates cranky customers—even when you’ve communicated multiple times. You’ll also hear: Why an apology isn’t always “enough” when a parent has a backlog of unresolved grievances How creating structured feedback pathways can prevent blow-ups later Why studio communication must be multi-channel (email, socials, newsletters, in-hand notes, reminders… all of it) When using ChatGPT can help remove emotion from tough emails—while still keeping your voice How the post-pandemic world has gotten even busier, and why that impacts both studio owners and families A reminder that personal growth is part of entrepreneurship—and learning communication is part of the journey This episode is your encouragement (and your challenge) to build communication systems that are robust, consistent, and two-way—so you can reduce misunderstandings, protect your team, and keep your studio culture strong. Because when communication improves, stress reduces… and everyone gets to enjoy the journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

December 21, 202519 min

Happy Holidays from Rhee & Stacey!

In this special holiday episode of Rhee Gold’s DanceLife Podcast, Rhee Gold and Stacey Morgan slow things down to reflect on the year that was — and the memories that truly matter. From unforgettable career highlights (including tap dancing with Hugh Jackman!) to meaningful moments at events like Dancers Against Cancer, Rhee and Stacey share what stood out most over the past 12 months and why taking time to reflect is just as important as moving forward. The conversation weaves through holiday traditions, travel plans, family time, and the realities of being a dance studio owner who is always “on.” Stacey opens up about why the beach is her place to reset and simply be herself, while Rhee shares his love of long drives, country music, and heading home for Christmas — plus a few confessions about snooping for presents as a kid. They also talk downtime (or the lack of it), background noise vs. music, Netflix habits, and yes… Ted Lasso makes another appearance. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder to pause, breathe, and truly enjoy the journey — especially during the holidays. It’s about creating lifetime memories, embracing fresh starts, and giving yourself permission to rest before the new year begins. ✨ Whether you’re a dance teacher, studio owner, or simply someone who needs permission to slow down, this episode is your invitation to reflect, reset, and move into the new year with gratitude and intention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 16, 202532 min

Rest Is Not a Reward — Reclaiming Your Time, Values & Sanity

Do you ever feel like you're stuck in the loop of always being busy? Like rest is something you’ll earn “one day” when you’ve ticked off every last task? In this honest, warm, and wonderfully real episode, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold explore the dopamine-driven habits we all fall into—especially as studio owners—and how we can rewire our routines to prioritise what really matters. From addiction to Instagram scrolling, to running ourselves ragged trying to “do it all,” Stacey and Rhee talk about: ✨ The impact of our phone habits on productivity, presence, and parenting✨ How rest (yes, actual rest!) became one of Stacey’s core values✨ What you might be missing when you constantly chase “the next thing”✨ Rhee’s insights on the joy of doing nothing, and the guilt that sometimes comes with it✨ The truth about studio ownership: the hamster wheel, the pressure, and the need to pause✨ Practical ways to realign your time with your values—and lead by example If you've been craving space, clarity, and permission to slow down, this is your sign. Because rest isn’t a reward for working hard—it’s the fuel you need to keep showing up for the things you care about most.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.