Transform My Dance Studio – The Podcast For Dance Studio Owners

Hosted by Dance Studio Owners Association

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100

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Behind every great studio is a story of transformation. The Transform My Dance Studio Podcast is your weekly lifeline for leadership, clarity, and community. This podcast is for studio owners at any stage of their journey who are ready to build profitable businesses that support their lives. Each episode sparks inspiration and strategies to transform your studio and your life. You'll hear real-life stories from studio owners, mentors, and coaches who've been in the trenches, candid solo episodes that explore the personal and professional growth of studio leadership, and thoughtful deep dives with industry experts offering practical insight for studio owners. This show is designed to help studio owners move beyond survival mode and into a more intentional way of leading that supports financial growth without sacrificing joy, energy, or fulfillment. If you're building a studio you care deeply about, but know there's a better way to do it, Transform My Dance Studio is here to support you every step of the way.

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60 recent

June 15, 202647 min

Breaking Free From the Success Trap with Mel Abraham (Part 2)

In Part 2 of our conversation with financial strategist, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Mel Abraham, we move beyond financial strategy and into the emotional realities of entrepreneurship. Together, Lisa and Mel explore the hidden relationship many business owners have with success, achievement, identity, self-worth, and burnout. They discuss why so many entrepreneurs tie their value to business performance, why reaching the next milestone rarely creates lasting peace, and how defining your version of "enough" may be one of the most important business decisions you'll ever make. This conversation is a powerful reminder that building a successful studio is only part of the journey. The ultimate goal is building a life you actually enjoy living. What You'll Learn Why success doesn't automatically create fulfillment How entrepreneurs become addicted to achievement The dangers of tying your identity to your business Why burnout should never be a badge of honor How to align your business with your personal values What adversity can teach you about resilience Why defining "enough" matters for long-term happiness How to stop living in comparison and start living intentionally Why time is the ultimate currency How to build a business that serves your life instead of consuming it Mel Abraham is a CPA, entrepreneur, business advisor, and bestselling author of Building Your Money Machine. He helps entrepreneurs build businesses that generate wealth, freedom, and fulfillment while creating a life aligned with their values and purpose. Through decades of experience helping business owners grow and scale, Mel has become a trusted voice on wealth creation, financial independence, and living a fully expressed life. Explore our partners: Get ahead of next season with Limelight Teamwear. Visit limelightteamwear.com to learn more Try our Daily Decision Compass - dsoa.com/compass Sign up for Studio Sync - dsoa.com/syncmembershi Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join! Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation

June 8, 202635 min

Breaking Free From Limiting Money Beliefs with Mel Abraham

https://gostudiopro.com/transformAre your financial decisions driven by strategy, or by a money story you've been carrying for years? Many dance studio owners start with a passion for changing lives, but struggle to balance purpose with profitability. In this conversation led by Katie Wilber (DSOA Operations Specialist), financial strategist Mel Abraham shares how our beliefs, habits, and behaviors around money shape the way we run our businesses and why building wealth has far more to do with mindset than math. You'll learn how to break free from limiting financial beliefs, create a healthier relationship with money, and build a studio business that supports both your mission and your life. What You'll Learn How childhood money stories influence business decisions Why wealth-building is primarily about behavior and habits The truth behind the "starving artist" mindset How to connect profit with purpose without guilt Why owning your value is essential for growth The difference between making money and building wealth How wealthy people prioritize investing differently Strategies to avoid emotional spending and instant gratification How money can create (or reveal) tension in relationships Why defining your version of "enough" is critical for long-term success How to align your financial decisions with your values and life goals Mel Abraham is a CPA, entrepreneur, financial strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Building Your Money Machine. He helps entrepreneurs and leaders remove financial constraints, build lasting wealth, and create systems that separate income from effort. Mel has worked with organizations including AbbVie, the IRS, NACVA, and the Financial Planning Association, and is one of the few speakers worldwide to earn the Certified Speaking Professional designation. Explore our partners: Get ahead of next season with Limelight Teamwear. Visit limelightteamwear.com to learn more. Sign-up for a FREE 30-day Trial of Studio Pro at gostudiopro.com/transform Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join! Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation

June 1, 202631 min

The Hiring Mistake That Impacts Retention Later

Hiring teachers is one thing. Keeping great teachers long-term is something else entirely. In this throwback episode, Annie Leese and Lauren Kelly break down the leadership, systems, and culture shifts that help dance studio owners build teams that stay invested, supported, and committed for the long haul. Lauren shares how she transformed her mindset as a studio owner, what she learned inside the Inner Circle, and why personalized leadership matters more than ever. What you'll learn: How to hire based on studio mission and values Why feedback surveys can improve hiring decisions Creative ways to retain great staff The importance of compensation and financial stability How personalized leadership improves retention Why team culture starts with the owner What it means to lead like a CEO in the dance industry Lauren Kelly is the owner and artistic director of Music and Motion Dance Studio. Since taking over the studio from her mother, Lauren has focused on building a culture-driven team rooted in education, leadership, and long-term sustainability. Explore our partners: Sign up for Studio Sync - dsoa.com/syncmembership Try our Daily Decision Compass - dsoa.com/compass Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join! Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation

May 25, 202632 min

Why Belonging Is The Real Retention Strategy

What makes families stay at a dance studio for years and what causes them to quietly walk away? In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, relationship marketing expert Barb Betts shares why retention is built through emotional connection, authentic culture, and meaningful relationships. Guided by reflections from the DSOA's operations specialist Katie Wilber, this conversation explores the deeper human side of studio leadership and the moments that make families feel like they truly belong. Barb unpacks how studio owners can strengthen loyalty, improve communication, build stronger relationships with teachers and parents, and create a studio culture families never want to leave. From practical retention strategies to the power of authenticity and connection, this episode will challenge studio owners to think differently about what truly drives long-term growth and referrals. What You'll Learn: Why retention is rooted in belonging and emotional connection The difference between unavoidable attrition and preventable departures Why studio owners can never fully delegate relationships How stronger teacher relationships improve retention Practical ways to create community outside of dance classes Why authentic studio culture attracts the right families The power of intentional communication and personal connection How relationship-based leadership drives referrals and long-term growth The "small moments" that create lasting studio loyalty Why trying to be everything for everyone hurts retention About Barb Betts Barb Betts is a keynote speaker, CEO, relationship strategist, and author of The Relationship Advantage. With more than 23 years of experience building businesses through trust-based relationships, Barb teaches leaders how authentic human connection drives growth, loyalty, and long-term success. Her work has been featured in outlets including ABC, KTLA, and Us Weekly. Explore our partners: Try our Daily Decision Compass with a Free 7-Day Trial: dsoa.com/compass Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join! Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation

May 18, 202625 min

The Risk That Nearly Cost Everything… But Changed Everything

What if your studio isn't struggling… it's just misaligned? In this powerful episode, Jodi Shilling unpacks how authentic branding can completely transform your enrollment, culture, and confidence as a leader. Jodi Shilling is a dance studio owner in Los Angeles and a seasoned growth coach inside the DSOA Inner Circle. Known for her bold decisions and elevated brand, Jodi has helped studio owners redefine their identity, attract aligned families, and build thriving, values-driven businesses. This episode dives deep into what branding really means for dance studio owners and why it's often misunderstood. Jodi shares her journey from inconsistent, inauthentic branding to building a highly aligned studio that scaled from 250 to 800+ students. From losing 70% of her clients to creating a brand that fuels connection, trust, and growth, this conversation will challenge how you think about marketing, leadership, and identity. What You'll Learn: Why branding is NOT about logos, colors, or aesthetics How authenticity directly impacts enrollment growth The role of personal brand in building trust and sales Why repelling the wrong clients is essential How to create emotional connection through marketing The difference between polished vs. relatable content How to align your team with your brand values Practical ways to discover your personal brand Jodi Shilling is a Studio Growth Coach with the Dance Studio Owners Association and the founder of Relevé Studios in Los Angeles. With over 17 years of experience, she helps studio owners grow revenue, impact, and freedom through aligned leadership and authentic branding.

May 11, 2026Episode 1623 min

3 Expert Tips for Branding Beyond the Dance Studio with Bruce Turkel

If your studio's marketing sounds like everyone else's… this might be why. In this episode, branding expert Bruce Turkel shares why standing out has nothing to do with what you offer and everything to do with how people experience your brand. From understanding what today's customers actually care about to breaking free from outdated "features-based" marketing, this conversation will challenge the way you position your studio and help you connect in a way that drives real growth. Bruce explains why function is simply the "cost of entry" in today's market and how the studios that truly thrive are the ones creating emotional connection, memorable experiences, and meaningful differentiation. If you're tired of blending in and ready to build a brand families feel, this episode is a must-listen. What You'll Learn Why most dance studio marketing sounds the same The difference between function and brand value How emotional connection influences buying decisions Why customer experience matters more than features The branding lesson dance studios can learn from Tiffany & Co. How to make your studio stand out in a crowded market The key difference between good brands and great brands Bruce Turkel is an internationally recognized branding expert, speaker, and author who helps businesses create more valuable and memorable brands. He has worked with major companies including Discovery Channel, Hasbro, Bacardi, and Miami, and is the author of several books on branding and customer experience, including All About Them, named one of Forbes' top business books of the year. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join! Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation

May 4, 2026Episode 1519 min

If You're Still Managing Everything…This Is Your Next Step

What if the next level of your studio doesn't require more effort—but a different role? In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Cara Poppitt breaks down the critical shift every growing studio owner must make: moving from managing the day-to-day… to leading with vision as a CEO. Drawing from her own journey, Cara shares what it really takes to step out of the weeds, develop a clear direction for your studio, and build a team that can help carry it forward. Because long-term growth doesn't come from doing more—it comes from leading differently. If you've ever felt stuck in the operations of your business or unsure how to scale without burning out, this episode will challenge you to rethink your role—and step into the leadership your studio actually needs. What You'll Learn: The difference between management and true leadership Why staying in "task mode" keeps you stuck and overwhelmed How to hire and build a team aligned with your vision The role of culture in retention and team performance How to stop being the bottleneck in your business Why leadership is about people, not just systems How to develop the skills needed to lead effectively Cara Poppitt is a leadership expert, entrepreneur, and founder of two award-winning companies. She has helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs grow their businesses and is the author of the bestselling book Big Freakin' Change. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join! Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation

April 27, 2026Episode 142 min

Moving Forward Together: A Message to Our Community

In this special short episode, Lisa DeMaio, Inner Circle Program Director, shares an important update with the Dance Studio Owners Association community regarding a recent leadership change. This is a message of continuity, confidence, and forward momentum as we continue to evolve and support you. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join! Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation

May 26, 2025Episode 17115 min

Why Smart Studios Are Using Video to Double Their Retention Rates

Today's studio families want more than just great classes — they want to see growth and feel the progress. In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Inner Circle Growth Coach Annie Leese reveals: - How strategic use of simple class videos can dramatically boost loyalty and re-enrollment - Easy ways to highlight student achievements without turning into a full-time content creator - How to use video to celebrate growth, strengthen parent trust, and build a studio culture students never want to leave Crucial tips for privacy, permission, and staying legally protected when using student videos Whether you are trying to keep more students after recital season or build a stronger studio brand, this episode will help you leverage video as one of your most powerful and underused retention tools. Plus, join our free Facebook group for studio owners for even more templates, strategies, and real-time examples: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theDSOA

May 19, 2025Episode 17015 min

Interactive Tools That Make Dance Class Their Favorite Hour of the Week

Getting students through the door is just the first step — real growth comes from keeping them excited, motivated, and emotionally connected to your studio week after week. In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Inner Circle Growth Coach Annie Leese shares: - Why loyalty and retention are built in the small, daily moments — not just big performances - 5 simple, interactive tech tools you can use to boost connection without adding hours to your schedule - How gamification, feedback apps, and social media recognition can turn your classes into a highlight of your dancers' week Why retention — not just attraction — is the real measure of studio growth If you're ready to simplify your engagement systems, build loyalty faster, and stop fighting enrollment turnover every season, this one's for you. Plus: Want real examples, templates, and tools you can plug into your studio today? Join our free Dance Studio Owners Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/theDSOA