Episode 004: Studio Success Starts with Branding: Insights from Weissman Experts
Release Date: 05/27/2025
Episode 027: Bob Singh on Building Smarter Dance Studios Through AI Innovation
Step Up Your Studio
In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico sits down with Bob Singh, tech entrepreneur, professor, dance studio owner, and principal product manager at CircleRam. With a unique blend of tech expertise and firsthand studio experience, Bob shares how AI can revolutionize the way studios operate, from class scheduling and parent communication to marketing and student growth tracking. Bob also opens up about his journey from software engineering to studio ownership, why identity matters in business, and how his team is helping studio owners save time, increase efficiency, and embrace...
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Episode 026: Raising Dancers Right: Lessons from Emmy-Winner Liz Imperio
Step Up Your Studio
In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Angela and Steve D’Valda Sirico sit down with the legendary Liz Imperio—Emmy Award-winning director and choreographer who has worked with icons like Jennifer Lopez, Michael Jackson, Gloria Estefan, Madonna, and more. Liz shares her journey from the big stage to her passion for shaping the next generation of dancers, with a special focus on the vital role parents and teachers play in a dancer’s growth. She dives into themes from her new book Parenting Their Passion, offering powerful insights on how parents can support their children in dance...
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Episode 025: No Fear, All Preparation: Inside TAPS with Don Miirault & Jamie Tinevez
Step Up Your Studio
In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, host Angela sits down with Don Mirault—Broadway veteran, performer, and founder of Theater Arts Preparatory School (TAPS)—and Jamie Tenbass, former professional dancer and agent, who will be leading TAPS East Coast in 2026. Don shares why he created TAPS as a “trade school” for dancers, designed to prepare them for the realities of the professional job market. Jamie offers her perspective from years as a talent agent, explaining why TAPS graduates stand out—not just for their technique, but for their professionalism, marketing savvy, and...
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Episode 024: From Toilet Paper Rolls to Top Designs: Tanya Hamilton’s Dance Journey
Step Up Your Studio
In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with Tanya Hamilton, the powerhouse behind Hamilton Theatrical Supply. From her early days in her mother’s dance studio—handling everything from picture day to changing toilet paper rolls—to running one of the most respected costume companies in the industry, Tanya’s journey is equal parts inspiring and insightful. She shares: How growing up in a studio shaped her approach to business and design The importance of functionality and style in costume creation How pop culture and performance trends influence her designs Why building...
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Episode 023: Building a Studio That Lasts: Gaynelle Costner on Community, Commitment & Care
Step Up Your Studio
In this heartfelt episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with Gaynelle Costner, founder of First Class Dance Studio in Temple Hills, Maryland. Gaynelle shares how a spontaneous opportunity at age 13 ignited a lifelong passion for teaching—and how a single mailed letter helped her register 98 dancers on day one of her now 27-year-old studio. Gaynelle opens up about: Transitioning from assistant teacher to studio owner Taking smart, steady growth steps without stretching her community too far Building her team by hiring former students she mentored Leading with compassion, especially...
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Episode 022: Discipline, Drive & Dance Wellness with Dolly Kelepecz
Step Up Your Studio
In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Angela D’Valda Sirico welcomes longtime friend and industry icon Darlene “Dolly” Kelepecz —a celebrated performer, educator, author, and creator of the DK Body Balancing Method. Currently a full-time professor at UNLV and lead instructor for Dance Teacher University, Dolly shares powerful insights from her decades-long journey in ballet, Pilates, and dance education. They dive deep into: The shift in dancer discipline and studio culture over the years The risks of overstretching and the importance of joint health Why Pilates is essential for...
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Episode 021: Modern Teaching for Modern Dancers: Ian Howe’s Studio Strategies
Step Up Your Studio
In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, host Steve Sirico sits down with Ian Howe, artistic director of Pacific West Performing Arts and co-founder of Influx Dance. With decades of experience as an educator, performer, MC, and judge, Ian shares deep insights on how the dance world—and its students—have evolved post-COVID. From managing early childhood separation challenges to navigating students’ sensitivity to corrections, Ian breaks down the shifts educators must make to stay effective and connected. He also explores: Setting healthy classroom boundaries for students and parents...
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Episode 020: Kim McSwain on Studio Culture, Teaching with Purpose, and True Impact
Step Up Your Studio
In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we welcome industry veteran Kim McSwain, founder of KM Agency and longtime educator, choreographer, and mentor to dancers and teachers alike. From touring with Britney Spears and Michael Jackson to becoming a leading voice in teacher training and studio consulting, Kim shares how a career-ending injury led her to discover her greatest gift: teaching young dancers with heart and intention. She dives into: What studios often miss when it comes to teacher hiring How to reach and uplift every child, even the “hard to reach” Creating a classroom culture...
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Episode 019: The Power of Studio Relationships with Hedy Perna
Step Up Your Studio
In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with the incredible Hedy Perna, owner of Perna Dance Center in Haslet, NJ. With over 37 years of experience, Hedy brings heart, humor, and hard-won wisdom to the mic as she shares what it really takes to build a lasting, values-driven studio. From her childhood obsession with Fred Astaire to launching Dance Friends on Zoom during the pandemic, Hedy dives into: Her old-school roots and modern-day lessons How to stay energized after decades in the industry The importance of sticking to your policies and trusting your studio’s "flavor" How...
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Episode 018: Movement, Meaning & Mentorship with Simone DePaulo
Step Up Your Studio
In this heartfelt and wisdom-packed episode, Step Up Your Studio welcomes Simone DePaulo, veteran performer, choreographer, and passionate educator. From Alvin Ailey training to Afro Jazz choreography, Simone’s journey spans continents, disciplines, and decades. She shares how dance chose her, the life-changing impact of international touring, and how she connects movement with meaning for students of all ages. You’ll hear: Her approach to teaching young children through story and imagination Insights into curriculum development that’s rooted in connection and creativity Honest...
info_outlineIn 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 audit
- Tools Weissman offers to streamline and inspire your costume selection
- Actionable advice for enhancing parent communication and studio loyalty