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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Aug 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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September 7, 202639 min

How Studio Owners Can Use AI It to Save Time and Create More

What if AI could become another assistant in your dance studio—helping you strengthen your systems, communicate more effectively, spark new ideas, and get valuable time back? In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, we're sharing a talk from Tanya Neary, CEO of Stars of Tomorrow and a member of the DSOA Education Team, originally presented at the DSOA Inner Circle gathering in Orlando, Florida, in January 2024. Tanya challenges studio owners to rethink AI, not as something to fear, but as a tool that can support them as leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs. At the heart of Tanya's message is a powerful reframe: think of AI as "accelerating innovation." By embracing technology as an assistant rather than a replacement, studio owners can create more capacity, get valuable time back, and stay focused on the work that truly needs their creativity, intuition, and leadership. What You'll Learn How to think of AI as an assistant, not a replacement Ways AI can support your studio systems and SOPs How technology can help improve productivity and team communication A faster way to organize and share competition judges' feedback How AI can help pull useful information from studio documents and resources Ways to jump-start ideas for costumes, music, class plans, camps, and choreography How Tanya generated ideas for an entire five-day themed dance camp in seconds How AI can help identify costume-change conflicts and build a possible recital show order Why AI still requires human intuition and thoughtfulness How to start small by finding one tool that can give you—and your team—time back Some of the specific AI platforms and features discussed reflect what was available when Tanya originally gave this presentation in January 2024, but the bigger conversation remains an important one: How can studio owners use technology to work smarter without losing the creativity, relationships, and human intuition that make their studios special? Whether you're already experimenting with AI or still figuring out where it belongs in your business, this episode offers plenty of ideas to get you thinking about what's possible. Explore our partners: Don't miss the Drop! Head to LimelightTeamwear.com and start your free custom teamwear design today. 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

August 24, 202635 min

Beyond Dance: Programs That Transform Students

What would change in your studio if confidence, character, connection and leadership were intentionally built into every student's experience? This week, we're resharing a powerful conversation filled with practical ideas for building a dance studio experience that goes far beyond teaching steps. Jodi Shilling sits down with Loren Specht, founder of LoMastro Performing Arts Academy, Dance Mastery Institute and Virtuosity Dance Festival, to explore how intentional programming can support the whole child, strengthen faculty and improve retention. Loren shares how her WINGS character-development program, confidence coaching and behavior support systems help students feel seen, take risks and build life skills, while giving teachers practical tools to respond to classroom challenges. She also explains why positioning her studio as a curriculum-based school—not a transactional service—has changed how families perceive its value. The episode is a powerful reminder that lasting retention is built when students feel connected, teachers feel supported and parents see the studio as a meaningful partner in their child's growth. What You'll Learn How to intentionally weave studio values into your curriculum What Loren's WINGS character-development program includes How to adapt one program for different ages and dance subjects Why visible student activities help communicate value to parents How character-building programs can support connection and retention Why confidence needs to be developed like a muscle How confidence coaching can help dancers take more creative risks Why Loren begins confidence work before students reach middle school How journaling and reflection can reinforce confidence outside coaching sessions A simple end-of-class exercise that helps students recognize their progress How to find the right outside expert or community partner Why studio owners do not need to personally lead every new initiative How behavioral coaching can give dance teachers practical support Why "behavior is communication" How small classroom responsibilities can help students reset Why solution-focused support is more effective than venting How curriculum consistency strengthens the student experience Why positioning your studio as a school can increase perceived value How words such as "tuition," "classes" and "education" shape parent expectations Jodi Shilling is the owner of Relevé Studios, an award-winning studio recognized by the Dance Studio Owners Association, the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and the American Business Awards. She is also the founder of Elevate School Arts, a DSOA Inner Circle Studio Growth Coach and an accomplished television, film and improv performer. Loren LoMastro Specht is the founder and director of LoMastro Performing Arts Academy, Dance Mastery Institute and Virtuosity Dance Festival. An experienced instructor, choreographer and curriculum developer, she is dedicated to creating intentional, whole-child dance education and supporting teachers with the tools they need to help every student succeed. Explore our partners: Try our Daily Decision Compass: dsoa.com/compass Claim Limelight Teamwear' s exclusive offer for new studio partners by emailing info@limelightteamwear.com and mentioning DSOA podcast! 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

August 17, 202622 min

The Secret to a Truly United Dance Studio

C an a stronger studio culture be the difference between families who stay for one season… and families who stay for a lifetime? Today we are resharing one of our most-loved episodes, because every studio owner can benefit from its message. In this inspiring episode, guest host Kim McSwain shares practical leadership strategies for building a dance studio where students, parents, teachers, and staff all feel connected and valued. From strengthening communication and empowering your faculty to giving students a voice, Kim shares simple, actionable ideas to help you create more than just a dance studio— you'll build a community where families feel they truly belong. What You'll Learn Why studio owners must lead by creating connection, not just managing operations How being visible and available strengthens your studio culture Practical ways to build stronger relationships with parents and families Why your teachers need to be present beyond the classroom How clear communication builds trust and loyalty Why giving students a voice creates deeper engagement Simple activities that strengthen parent-child connections through dance How your studio can become a safe place and true community for everyone Kim McSwain is an internationally respected dance educator, mentor, and speaker with decades of experience training dancers, teachers, and studio owners. After performing professionally with artists including Britney Spears, NSYNC, and Michael Jackson, Kim dedicated her career to developing exceptional educators and helping dance studios build stronger cultures through her Changing Lives program. Explore our partners: Sign up for Studio Sync - dsoa.com/syncmembership Claim Limelight Teamwear' s exclusive offer for new studio partners by emailing info@limelightteamwear.com and mentioning DSOA podcast! 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

August 10, 202621 min

Delegation is About Empowering Someone Else!

Making your first hire can feel overwhelming, especially when you've built your studio with your own two hands. We're bringing back this insightful conversation from our podcast archives because its lessons on hiring, leadership, and delegation remain timeless for studio owners. In this episode, Mary Giattino shares the personal story of taking over her family's dance studio, hiring her very first studio manager, and learning that true delegation isn't about giving away tasks. It's about empowering others to lead. Through honest reflections on hiring, trust, systems, and leadership, Mary offers practical insights to help studio owners build stronger teams and create a business that can grow beyond themselves. What You'll Learn Why your first hire is one of the biggest leadership decisions you'll make How Mary transitioned from Broadway to owning her family's dance studio What to look for when hiring a studio manager Why delegation is about empowerment—not just assigning tasks How to build trust while maintaining accountability The importance of systems and clear communication Why culture fit matters just as much as skill set How delegation allows studio owners to focus on vision and growth Lessons Mary learned from growing her admin team over the past 12 years Why leadership and delegation are continual learning processes Mary Giattino is a Broadway choreographer, educator, and longtime dance studio owner. She owns Stage Door School of Dance in Long Island, New York, serves as a DSOA Inner Circle Studio Growth Coach, and has worked on numerous Broadway and national touring productions, including Billy Elliot , Dear Evan Hansen , Fun Home , and White Christmas . Today, Mary combines her professional performing arts experience with decades of studio leadership to help dance studio owners build stronger businesses and teams. Explore our partners: Try Studio Pro FREE for 30 days: gostudiopro.com/transform 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

August 3, 202621 min

The #1 Hire You Need To Staff Up & Stress Down!

Are you leading your team the way you want to be remembered? We're resharing one of our favorite episodes from Kelli Leighton 's Innovate to Thrive series because its leadership lessons are just as relevant today as when it first aired. If you've ever felt frustrated by staff performance, struggled with accountability, or found yourself carrying too much of the workload, this episode will challenge you to look at leadership from a new perspective. Kelli shares the mindset shifts and practical strategies that helped her build a stronger, more innovative team. You'll also hear about the unique role she introduced in her studio—the Director of Removing Friction—and how it's helped streamline operations, improve communication, and reduce stress for both her team and her clients. What You'll Learn Why your team is a direct reflection of your leadership How to perform an effective team audit The importance of accountability without sacrificing culture How innovation starts with leadership, not creativity alone Why your team needs a mindset shift—not just new systems How to separate emotional feedback from real business data The difference between macro and micro client pain points Why empowering staff leads to better decision-making What a "Director of Removing Friction" does—and why every studio needs one Practical ways to build a forward-thinking, innovative team Whether you're growing your team or refining the one you already have, you'll walk away with actionable ideas to become a more confident leader and build a studio culture that supports long-term success. Kelli Leighton is the owner and Artistic Director of Leighton Dance Project in California and a longtime member and coach inside the Dance Studio Owners Association Inner Circle. Passionate about helping studio owners embrace innovation, Kelli combines creativity with practical leadership strategies to build thriving businesses, strong teams, and exceptional studio cultures. Through her Innovate to Thrive series, she encourages studio owners to think differently, lead confidently, and turn big ideas into meaningful action. Explore our partners: Try Studio Pro for FREE for 30 Days - 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 22, 202613 min

The Studio Owner's Guide To Saying NO!

One of the most important skills a studio owner can develop is knowing when to say no. In this episode, Inner Circle Studio Growth Coach Elisa Finney shares how defining a clear brand mission and set of values transformed the way she runs her studio, builds partnerships, and makes business decisions. From costumes and choreography to sponsorships and strategic partnerships, Elisa explains how a strong brand becomes a decision-making filter that helps you protect your reputation, attract the right families, and create consistency across every aspect of your business. If you've ever struggled with setting boundaries, evaluating opportunities, or staying true to your vision, this episode will give you practical exercises and real-world examples to help you strengthen your brand and make decisions with confidence. What You'll Learn Why strong brands require strong boundaries How to use your brand as a decision-making filter What studio owners should say no to How Elisa evaluates business partnerships The role brand values play in programming decisions Why consistency builds trust and credibility How to identify brands that align with your mission Ways strategic partnerships can elevate your studio The exercise Elisa used to define her brand How greater brand clarity leads to better business decisions Alisa Finney is an Inner Circle Studio Growth Coach and the Director of the Melbourne Ballet Company in Australia. She leads both a professional touring ballet company and a thriving dance studio serving students from age two through eighty-nine. Elisa is known for her expertise in branding, strategic partnerships, leadership, and building mission-driven dance organizations that stand out in their communities. 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/syncmembership 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, 202627 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 4, 2026Episode 1518 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

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