Episode 006: Dance Competition Edge: Expert Advice from Courtney Ortiz
Release Date: 06/04/2025
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 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 — and what turns them off
- The truth about competition levels and category placement
- The rising issue of choreography plagiarism and how to protect your work
- Behind-the-scenes insight into the judging process
- Why investing in your teaching staff pays off
- A preview of Courtney’s sessions at this year’s Dance Teacher Web Conference
Whether you're a studio owner, teacher, choreographer, or aspiring judge — this episode is packed with honest insight and expert advice you can apply right away.
🔗 Visit DanceTeacherWeb.com to get access to hundreds of resources, online classes, and info on the Dance Teacher Web LIVE Conference. Your blueprint for studio success starts here!