Retention Isn’t Luck: How to Keep Students Year After Year with Retention Expert Paige Sayegh

 

In this high-impact episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with Inner Circle coach and veteran studio owner Paige Sayegh, who has mastered the art of student retention at scale. With 715 students and a thriving culture built over 31 years, Paige reveals the exact systems, touchpoints, and community-building strategies that keep families coming back year after year. 

From surveys that actually get answered to the small details that make every child feel seen, Paige proves that retention isn’t luck—it’s intentional. If you’ve ever blamed drop-offs on cost or scheduling, this episode will challenge you to look deeper and rethink how you connect with students, parents, and staff. 

You’ll hear: 

• The surprising (and subtle) reasons students really leave dance studios 

• Why belonging and transformation matter more than pricing or scheduling 

• How to design a customer journey that keeps families engaged for years 

• Paige’s “breadcrumb strategy” that ensures students always have a next step 

• Real examples of community events that build loyalty outside the studio walls 

• How to engage your staff so retention becomes everyone’s responsibility 

• The bold program shifts that stopped enrollment drop-offs in their tracks 

• Why today’s families crave “quick wins” and how to deliver them without sacrificing quality 

• Paige’s #1 bold move every studio owner should take if retention is struggling 
   

If you’re ready to stop crossing your fingers at re-enrollment time and start building a culture of loyalty, this episode is your playbook for retention that lasts. 

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