Introducing NEW Revolution Rewards
Dance Studio 411
What if your next costume order came with a built-in bonus? In this episode, we sit down with Jenn Brisebois, Revolution's Lifecycle & Loyalty Marketing Manager, to break down Revolution Rewards — a brand-new, completely free loyalty program with no membership fees and no order deadlines. Jenn walks us through how studios earn points automatically on every costume and tights purchase, how those points turn into real RevCash, and the easy extra ways to rack up points before your next order. If you're a studio owner who wants more value out of every purchase you're already making, this...
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Build a Studio That Sticks
Dance Studio 411
Back-to-school season is one of the biggest opportunities for dance studios. But, it's also one of the busiest. In this episode, Jill Tirone shares why belonging is one of the most powerful drivers of retention. Learn how dress code, branded merchandise, and easy-to-use systems can help create a stronger studio culture while simplifying the experience for families. If you're looking to increase retention, strengthen studio culture, and set yourself up for a smoother fall season, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Belonging is a retention strategy. Your most loyal families feel like...
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Recital Tips for Dancers Under Six: Setting Them Up for Success
Dance Studio 411
Recitals can feel unpredictable when your tiniest dancers take the stage, but they’re also one of your most powerful retention tools. In this episode, Jill Tirone and Patty Rielley share practical, real-life strategies to help your youngest students feel confident, prepared, and proud. From pre-recital prep to backstage management, this conversation is packed with ideas to create a positive, memorable experience for both dancers and their families. Key Takeaways Success = Fun, Not Perfection Expect the Unexpected Your Youngest Dancers Are Your Future Familiarity Builds Confidence The...
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Leading with Heart When Loyalty Isn't Guaranteed
Dance Studio 411
Running a dance studio means investing deeply in your students and families. Caring and giving it your all means you also are at risk of feeling betrayed or disappointed when they move on to another studio or step away from dance. In this heartfelt episode of Dance Studio 411, hosts Jill Tirone and Suzanne Blake Gerety explore how to lead with confidence even when loyalty isn't returned or guaranteed. Come away grounded, resilient, and empowered to keep leading with heart no matter what changes come your way. Key Takeaways Strong Systems Build Stronger Connection Personal Connection...
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Building Community Through Dance: Lessons from Park District Programs
Dance Studio 411
In this inspiring conversation, Lora Vodicka shares how she’s built thriving community-based dance programs across Chicagoland, without a brick-and-mortar studio. With years of experience working inside park districts, libraries, and community centers, Lora offers practical strategies for communication, retention, curriculum design, and budget-friendly performances that still feel meaningful and magical. Whether you run a traditional studio or teach in non-traditional spaces, you’ll walk away with simple, doable ideas to strengthen relationships, support recreational dancers, and create an...
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Smart Studio Systems with Akada's Dance Studio Software
Dance Studio 411
In this episode, we sit down with Brett Stuckey from Akada to talk about systems, efficiency, and how to eliminate the admin overwhelm that dance studio owners face daily. Brett shares how Akada’s family-run roots led to building a platform that genuinely understands studio life, plus what’s new, what’s coming, and how to make the most of your management software. Whether you’re tired of chasing unpaid tuition, struggling with email communication, or just craving a more organized system, this episode offers relief and real-world advice. Episode Time Stamps: [00:29] Meet Brett Stuckey...
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Beyond Organized: Creating Extraordinary Recital Experiences with ShowSculptor
Dance Studio 411
What if recital season didn’t have to be stressful? In this episode of Dance Studio 411, we sit down with Joe Naftal of ShowSculptor, a proud Captivate Sponsor of the Energize Conference to explore how studio owners can level up their year-end shows from organized to unforgettable. We’ll talk about efficient backstage workflows, magical family moments, and how ShowSculptor is helping studios run smoother than ever. Episode Timestamps [00:28] – Welcome & Introduction [01:44] – The Birth of ShowSculptor [04:56] – Why Smooth Shows Matter More Than Ever [07:41] – What...
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More Than Marley: Creating Safer, Smarter Dance Spaces with Energize Captivate Sponsor, Gerriets
Dance Studio 411
In this episode of Dance Studio 411, Jill Tirone chats with Bill Brown from Gerriets, a global leader in dance flooring solutions for over 75 years. They cover everything from choosing the right Marley floor to preventing injuries, cleaning and maintenance tips, and the latest innovations from Gerriets. Bill’s technical theater background and passion for helping studios shine make this a must-listen for any studio owner. Episode Timestamps [00:28] – Meet Bill Brown from Gerriets Dance Floors [01:36] – Bill’s background in technical theater and his journey with Gerriets [03:52]...
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Studio Life, Setbacks & Success: Lessons in Leadership with Dotty Hancock
Dance Studio 411
In this episode of Dance Studio 411, host Jill Tirone sits down with Dotty Hancock, owner of Dance Arts Academy in Idaho. Dottie shares her 24-year journey of building a thriving studio while balancing family, health challenges, and a major studio relocation. From starting at age 21 to navigating cancer and COVID simultaneously, Dottie opens up about what it truly takes to lead with resilience. This episode is a must-listen for studio owners facing burnout or seeking renewed inspiration and leadership clarity. Key Takeaways Start Before You’re Ready: Dotty bought her studio at 21 with no...
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Grace Under Pressure: Leading Your Studio with Humor, Heart & Flexibility with Samantha Bower
Dance Studio 411
Episode Description In this episode, Jill sits down with veteran studio owner and mentor Samantha Bower to talk about navigating the pressures of leadership with humor, heart, and flexibility. From tackling unexpected challenges and staff burnout to building joyful culture and sustaining creativity, Sam shares stories and strategies that are equal parts inspiring and practical. Key Takeaways Create Space for Rest and Recovery: Rest isn't just helpful, it's critical. The studio is intentionally closed during holidays to encourage genuine time off. Humor Is a Leadership Tool: Leading...
info_outlineIn this episode, we sit down with Brett Stuckey from Akada to talk about systems, efficiency, and how to eliminate the admin overwhelm that dance studio owners face daily. Brett shares how Akada’s family-run roots led to building a platform that genuinely understands studio life, plus what’s new, what’s coming, and how to make the most of your management software.
Whether you’re tired of chasing unpaid tuition, struggling with email communication, or just craving a more organized system, this episode offers relief and real-world advice.
Episode Time Stamps:
- [00:29] Meet Brett Stuckey & Akada’s origin story
- [03:13] From desktop CDs to the cloud: Akada's evolution
- [05:02] Listening to studio owners: How Akada builds based on feedback
- [07:10] Studio owner pain points: Disorganization and poor communication
- [09:06] What Akada does to reduce admin time
- [14:08] Sneak peek: New studio attendance app and features coming soon
- [16:01] Big update: One flat monthly rate with no hidden fees
- [17:26] Onboarding and support: How Akada helps you get started
- [18:35] Biggest admin headache? Integrating too many tools
- [19:37] Two-word mission: “Time Savings”
- [20:26] Most underrated feature: Costume ordering system
- [20:49] What studios overlook: Personalized support
- [21:49] Biggest myth: That no one will help you learn the software
- [22:05] Most exciting feature in development: Studio app
- [22:55] Why try Akada? “It looks easy, and it is”
Key Takeaways:
- Simple is powerful. Akada is designed to help you spend more time teaching and less time chasing paperwork.
- Communication is key. Features like in-platform texting, emailing, and new app-based messaging help keep parents informed.
- Support matters. One-on-one training is available and encouraged for all users.
- Flat pricing. No confusing tiers or surprise charges. $60/month includes everything.
- Built for dance. With tools like recital scheduling, costume tracking, and attendance alerts, Akada helps you stay on top of every detail.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Akada Akada Software Website
Try Akada and pay $0 until December! Enter Code Energize2025 here to get started.
Contact Brett directly via email brett@akadasoftware.com
Join us at the Energize Conference https://www.energizeconference.com/
Submit a question for the podcast https://dancestudio411.com/
Dance Studio Owner: https://www.dancestudioowner.com/public/joinnow.cfm
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