Episode 002: From Studio Owner to Mentor: Julie Kay’s Secrets to Building a Thriving Dance Studio Team
Release Date: 05/14/2025
Episode 010: Studio to Spotlight: The Harlequin Floors Story with Steve Gough & Chrissy Ott Richter
Step Up Your Studio
In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we're joined by Steve Gough, General Manager at Harlequin Floors, and Chrissy Ott Richter, Director of Marketing and Communications. Together, they share Harlequin’s journey from a small California startup to an internationally trusted name in dance flooring. We explore: Harlequin’s mission to promote dancer safety The evolution of flooring products for studios of all sizes Branding tips and actionable marketing advice for studio owners Studio trends, including flooring financing, social media tips, and cleaning must-dos How Harlequin supports...
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Episode 009: How Misty Lown & Mandy Yip Are Shaping the Future of Dance Education
Step Up Your Studio
In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we’re joined by two industry legends: Misty Lown, founder of More Than Just Great Dancing, and Mandy Yip, founder of Acrobatic Arts. Together, they share the highs and hurdles of building internationally recognized dance education brands, their inspiring journeys through entrepreneurship, and how they’re now helping shape the next generation of studio leaders through their work with Ensemble Performing Arts. We dive into: The origin stories behind Acrobatic Arts and More Than Just Great Dancing Misty and Mandy’s views on industry trends,...
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Episode 008: From Studio Floors to Social Scores: Marissa Powers’ Rise in Dance & Digital
Step Up Your Studio
In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, host Steve sits down with powerhouse dance educator and social media sensation Marissa Powers. From her early days at a small studio in Massachusetts to choreographing for NYU and teaching across NYC, Marissa shares how she built a dance brand that now inspires over 100K followers across TikTok and Instagram. She opens up about her creative process, how a viral Harry Styles tap rehearsal changed everything, and offers real-world tips for dance teachers and studio owners who want to grow their reach online. Plus, get a sneak peek into the exciting class...
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Episode 007: How Power Duo Renee and Jason Are Revolutionizing the Dance Trade Show Scene
Step Up Your Studio
In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with industry veterans Renee Stojec of A Wish Come True and Jason Neuwirth. of 42nd Street Tours to discuss the launch of their exciting new venture: Dance NYC. Learn how their years of experience and collaboration led to the creation of this one-of-a-kind event, featuring exclusive liquidation deals, top-tier vendors, and unbeatable networking opportunities for dance studio owners. They also share juicy behind-the-scenes details about the upcoming Costume Liquidation Sale in partnership with Dance Teacher Web, why this event is a...
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Episode 006: Dance Competition Edge: Expert Advice from Courtney Ortiz
Step Up Your Studio
In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve welcomes the dynamic Courtney Ortiz — professional dancer, seasoned competition judge, educator, and host of Making the Impact – A Dance Competition Podcast. Courtney shares her incredible journey from Broadway to adjudication, dives into current trends in the competitive dance world, and offers actionable advice for studio owners and teachers navigating competitions, student growth, and creative integrity. 🎧 Topics covered include: The evolution of jazz and musical theatre in today’s competitions What judges are really looking for —...
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Episode 005: From Basement to Thriving Studio: Jamie Adams' Growth Journey
Step Up Your Studio
In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with Jamie Adams, founder of Gotta Dance in Eagle Mountain, Utah. Jamie shares her incredible 18-year journey—starting a dance studio in her basement and growing it into a thriving, state-of-the-art facility that now serves as a cultural hub for her entire community. Whether you're just starting your studio or looking to scale, this episode offers inspiration and actionable insights on: What it takes to build and own your studio space How to stay true to your vision and values Creating retention and marketing magic through family-centered...
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Episode 004: Studio Success Starts with Branding: Insights from Weissman Experts
Step Up Your Studio
In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with Claudia Reed (SVP of Sales) and Lorianne Hagen (Senior Sales Manager) from Weissman—one of the most trusted names in dance wear and costuming for over 65 years. Together with hosts Steve and Angie, we explore what it truly means to build a studio brand that resonates—from your logo and communication style to the customer experience and beyond. What you'll learn in this episode: How to define and refine your studio’s brand identity Why customer experience is your studio’s best marketing tool Tips for performing an effective brand...
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Episode 003: Audition Like a Pro: Tips from Broadway’s Ashley Andrews
Step Up Your Studio
In this powerful episode of Step Up Your Studio, we’re joined by the incredible Ashley Andrews - Broadway choreographer, performer, and creative leader behind major productions like King Kong, Diana, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Sunset Boulevard. Ashley brings decades of industry experience and unfiltered advice for aspiring performers, studio owners, and dance educators. From how to nail a Broadway audition, to the importance of being a triple threat, and why your attitude offstage is just as important as your talent, this conversation is packed with golden insights. What You’ll Learn in...
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Episode 002: From Studio Owner to Mentor: Julie Kay’s Secrets to Building a Thriving Dance Studio Team
Step Up Your Studio
In this inspiring episode of Step Up Your Studio, we welcome the incredible Julie Kay Stallcup, a beloved veteran of the dance education world and longtime friend of Dance Teacher Web. Julie shares her journey from building one of the most successful studios in California - Revolution Dance Center with over 1,300 students and 30+ employees - to transitioning out of ownership and stepping into a mentorship role. Discover how she grew her business with intention, built a strong team culture, and learned to let go with love by passing on her legacy. Inside This Episode: The unexpected way Julie...
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Episode 001: Welcome to Step Up Your Studio
Step Up Your Studio
Step Up Your Studio is the go-to podcast for dance studio owners and teachers ready to grow, thrive, and lead with impact. Hosts Steve Sirico and Angela D’Valda Sirico share actionable tips, expert interviews, and real-world strategies on marketing, leadership, teaching, and more — all to help elevate your studio to new heights.
info_outlineIn this inspiring episode of Step Up Your Studio, we welcome the incredible Julie Kay Stallcup, a beloved veteran of the dance education world and longtime friend of Dance Teacher Web.
Julie shares her journey from building one of the most successful studios in California - Revolution Dance Center with over 1,300 students and 30+ employees - to transitioning out of ownership and stepping into a mentorship role. Discover how she grew her business with intention, built a strong team culture, and learned to let go with love by passing on her legacy.
Inside This Episode:
- The unexpected way Julie entered studio ownership
- How she scaled to 144 weekly classes and two studio spaces
- Tips for hiring a strong team (Hint: Hire people smarter than you!)
- Why vision board meetings changed everything
- The importance of preserving your studio’s culture and community
- How to keep students and teachers creatively inspired—even during the “grind season”
- And the beautiful parallels between studio leadership and planting seeds for growth
Whether you're a seasoned studio owner or just starting out, Julie’s story will remind you why you started - and how to lead with heart, passion, and purpose.
🎧 Subscribe to the podcast for more inspiration, stories, and strategies to help you step up your studio!
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