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What if the biggest thing standing between you and your next level of growth… isn't your business? It's your identity.
In this thought-provoking episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Katie Wilber sits down with former Harlem Globetrotter, performance coach, and DG Mindset founder Derick Grant for a conversation that reaches far beyond studio ownership. Together, they explore what it truly means to grow—not just as an entrepreneur, but as a person.
From identity shifts and self-trust to pressure, purpose, and the stories we tell ourselves, Derick shares why the version of you that built your business may not be the version that will lead it into the future. This isn't a conversation about better marketing or stronger systems. It's about becoming the leader your next season requires.
If you've ever felt caught between who you've been and who you're becoming, this episode offers a powerful reminder that lasting transformation begins from the inside out. It may just change the way you think about growth—both in your studio and in yourself.
What You'll LearnWhy your identity determines your business results
How self-worth impacts long-term success
The difference between confidence and self-trust
How to recognize when you've outgrown an old version of yourself
Why growth requires letting go, not just learning more
How to overcome pressure and stop seeking outside validation
Practical questions to help uncover limiting beliefs
Why entrepreneurship is ultimately a journey of self-development
How to lead your studio from alignment instead of fear
A simple mindset practice for creating your next level of success
Derick Grant is a former Harlem Globetrotter, entrepreneur, author, performance coach, and founder of DG Mindset. Through speaking, coaching, retreats, and educational content, he helps leaders break through limiting beliefs, strengthen self-trust, and create lasting personal and professional transformation.
Explore our partners:
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!
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Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation
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Have you built a successful dance studio... but somehow you're still doing everything?
If you're constantly answering every question, making every decision, and wondering why your studio can't function without you, this episode is the wake-up call you've been waiting for.
In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, led by Katie Wilber (DSOA Operations Specialist) Inner Circle mentor Sharon Uyar talks about one of the biggest leadership transformations a studio owner can make: letting go of control so your business can truly grow.
After building her New Jersey studio to more than 1,200 students and a team of 45 staff members, Sharon shares the hard-earned lessons that helped her move from exhausted studio owner to confident CEO. She opens up about burnout, micromanagement, hiring mistakes, learning to trust her team, and why the future of your business depends on developing leaders, not creating more dependence on yourself.
Whether you're leading a team of three or thirty, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership, delegation, hiring, and building a studio that gives you both freedom and sustainable growth.
You'll Learn: You'll Learn:
Why studio growth eventually requires a complete leadership shift
The hidden cost of trying to make every decision yourself
How micromanagement hurts both your team and your business
The mindset changes required to become the CEO instead of the manager
Why empowering leaders creates stronger staff retention
Sharon's biggest hiring lessons after years of trial and error
How to build accountability without controlling every detail
Why trust is the foundation of a thriving leadership team
Practical ways to delegate with confidence
How building the right team gives you back your time, energy, and passion for studio ownership
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Do you find yourself only focusing on marketing when enrollment drops?
If so, you're not alone.
In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Lisa DeMaio sits down with marketing expert and former studio owner Maureen Craig of Creative Branding Studio. After owning a dance studio for 10 years, Maureen now helps studio owners simplify their marketing, build stronger visibility, and create systems that support enrollment all year long.
Together, they unpack one of the biggest challenges facing studio owners today: staying consistent with marketing when you're already wearing a hundred different hats. From social media and email marketing to content calendars and planning systems, Maureen shares practical strategies to help studio owners stop reacting to enrollment dips and start building sustainable visibility in their communities.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by marketing, struggled to post consistently, or wondered how successful studios seem to stay top-of-mind year-round, this episode will give you a practical roadmap for creating marketing habits that support predictable enrollment and long-term growth.
What You'll Learn:
• Why marketing should be treated like a marathon, not a sprint
• The "vitamins for your business" mindset every studio owner needs
• How consistency impacts visibility and enrollment
• The Rule of Seven and why repetition matters in marketing
• Ways to become the studio everyone recommends in your community
• Why email marketing is still one of the most valuable tools available
• How to create and use a content calendar effectively
• Strategies for building a content bank during slower seasons
• How to market your studio without feeling salesy
• Why viewing your marketing through a parent's eyes changes everything
• The connection between visibility, stability, and predictable enrollment
Thank you for listening! Grab your FREE 26/27 Content Calendar, more freebies, and a discount code to join the Dance Content Club at https://www.creativebrandingstudio.com/dsoa
Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!
Explore our partners:
Try our Daily Decision Compass - dsoa.com/compass
Sign up for Studio Sync - dsoa.com/syncmembership
Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:
Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 BettsBarb 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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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What starts as a simple across-the-floor jazz outline… ends up in a 2 a.m. TikTok spiral. We've all been there. This week on the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, we're breaking the cycle of burnout planning and giving you the ultimate shortcut to smarter, faster lesson design.
Join Inner Circle Studio Growth Coach, Annie Leese, as she shares:
- Her real-world tech workflow for building 30 weeks of lessons in minutes
- How to use ChatGPT and your studio's core values to generate meaningful class content
- Systems that help your teachers stay creative without starting from scratch every week
- Why "record what you're already doing" is your new favorite strategy
This isn't about working harder — it's about working smarter with the tools already at your fingertips. Want more tools like this every week? Join us inside the free DSOA Studio Owners Facebook Group: facebook/com/groups/theDSOA
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Are you buried under endless admin tasks — chasing down attendance, payments, and scheduling issues — instead of focusing on what really matters in your studio?
In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Inner Circle Growth Coach Annie Leese shares:
- 5 simple tech tools to streamline your class management, registration, and communication
- How to save hours of time each week (without hiring more staff)
- Practical ways to set up automations for class reminders, payments, and team communication
The truth about tech overwhelm — and why you only need one or two smart tools to see massive results
Ready to feel like a CEO again instead of your studio's admin assistant? This episode will show you exactly where to start. Plus: Get access to real studio templates, tool kits, and daily tips inside our free Dance Studio Owners Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/theDSOA
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If parents in your area are searching for dance classes online, is your studio one of the first they find? In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio podcast, Inner Circle mentor Heather Jackson explains how studio owners can use SEO (search engine optimization) to increase their website's visibility and attract more students—without needing a tech background. Learn simple, actionable strategies to boost your search rankings and let your website do the work for you!
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Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most effective ways to grow your dance studio—but only if you have a system in place to encourage and reward referrals. In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio podcast, Inner Circle mentor Heather Jackson shares how to set up a referral program that practically runs itself. Discover simple, proven ways to motivate your current dance families to spread the word, leading to increased enrollment without additional marketing stress.
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Marketing your dance studio doesn't have to mean constantly creating new content. In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio podcast, Inner Circle mentor Heather Jackson, owner of Kaleidoscope Dance, joins us to break down the power of evergreen content—marketing materials that continue to attract and engage potential students long after they're published. Learn how to leverage this strategy to boost your studio's visibility, build trust with your audience, and bring in new enrollments with minimal ongoing effort.
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What if you could create something once and have your team use it over and over again? In this episode, Shawna Kwan explores how to build resources—like systems—that save you time in the long run. Learn the best formats, tools, and strategies for making sure your resources stay updated without you having to redo them constantly. Work smarter, not harder!
- Visa fler
