Life Coaching for Dance Studio Owners

Life Coaching for Dance Studio Owners, with host Ginger Haithcox, features life coaching and financial coaching for Dance Studio Owners. Each week we talk money, mindset and self care to help you live a more peaceful life and run a profitable business. Learn to overcome overwhelm, make money as a Dance Studio Owner, and live a peaceful life as you confidently delegate work to your staff while enjoying regular days off.

79| Don’t Undervalue Your Studio: What to Know Before Setting Tuition Rates 05/01/2025

78| Why Dance Studio Owners Need Emotional Resilience 04/24/2025

77| Finding Peace, Overcoming Fear, and Aligning Your Business with Purpose – Featuring Erin Pompa 04/17/2025

77| Finding Peace, Overcoming Fear, and Aligning Your Business with Purpose – Featuring Erin Pompa This episode of 'Life Coaching for Dance Studio Owners' features Erin Pompa, a dynamic speaker, and former dance educator from New Jersey. Discovered serendipitously on LinkedIn by the show's host, Erin shares her journey from running a high school dance program to becoming a full-time public speaker focused on youth resilience. She discusses her struggles with finding alignment in her career, the impact of her spiritual journey, and her love-hate relationship with social media. Erin elaborates on her transition from dance education to public speaking and introduces her company, Truth Speaks 365, which amplifies underrepresented voices. Offering practical advice, she speaks on the importance of acceptance and gratitude in overcoming life's challenges. The conversation highlights real-life challenges and the importance of internal work over external validation, providing valuable insights for anyone navigating career changes and personal growth. 00:20 Meet Erin Pompa: From Dance to Public Speaking 01:28 Erin's Journey: From Dance Educator to Coach 03:03 The Shift to Public Speaking 08:52 Navigating Social Media and Business Growth 09:44 Spirituality and Business: Finding Alignment 17:07 Practical Tips for Finding Peace and Resilience 25:36 Erin's Programs and How to Connect 27:30 Final Thoughts and Recommendations About Erin Erin Pompa – Speaker|Educator A native of New Jersey, Erin Pompa has dedicated over 20 years to education, empowering both students and educators to shift negative thoughts, build resilience, and strengthen mental well-being. With a Master’s in Dance Education from New York University, she spent 14 years as the Dance Director at Rosa L. Parks School of Fine & Performing Arts and served as an adjunct professor at Berkeley College, where she taught The Art of Creativity.Erin is also certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid and trained in DCR Recognizing and Responding to Microaggressions. Erin’s extensive background in education, the arts, and curriculum design uniquely equips her to deliver engaging, high-impact presentations that inspire action. She has worked with thousands of youth, teens, and college students across the country, helping them develop resilience, navigate challenges, and make positive decisions. Her signature keynote, "Awakening Your Warrior Spirit," has reached over 100 schools, equipping students with the tools to overcome adversity and take charge of their mental well-being. In recognition of her exceptional speaking skills, Erin won the Toastmasters Area and District 83 Table Topics Competition in 2022 and 2023. During the 2023-2024 school year, she was awarded the Mental Health and Leadership Bid by Paterson Public Schools, where she helped students strengthen their resilience and develop leadership skills. She also partners with Partners in Prevention and the NJ4S Grant, bringing mental health, social-emotional learning, and leadership programming to K-12 schools across New Jersey. Beyond her work in schools, Erin is also presentes to educators, school counselors, SAC’s... Her professional development session for school counselors in Bayonne, NJ, was so impactful that it was expanded to all educators in the district. She understands first hand the challenges of supporting students while navigating burnout and emotional exhaustion, and she equips professionals with the tools to care for both themselves and those they serve. Erin’s impact extends beyond the classroom. She has spoken at youth conferences, colleges, professional development workshops, and leadership events nationwide. She is the founder of TruthSpeaks 365, a company specializing in resilience and positive decision-making presentations for students and educators alike. 🔗 To learn more about how Erin can serve you: 🌐 Website: Erinpompa.com 📸 IG: @erinpspeaks 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Pompa /episode/index/show/cd6039f6-bc89-4445-b26c-a2b93370c20b/id/35445985

76| Overcoming Crappy Days: Practical Tips for Dance Studio Owners 04/10/2025

75| Mastering Recital Management: Streamlining Check-Ins, Backstage Organization & Communication with Joe Naftal 04/03/2025

75| Mastering Recital Management: Streamlining Check-Ins, Backstage Organization & Communication with Joe Naftal Managing dance recitals can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can turn chaos into a well-oiled machine. In this episode, I chat with Joe Naftal, a recital management expert and lifelong recital veteran, about how to streamline your check-in process and improve communication with parents, staff, and dancers. Joe shares practical tips to help studio owners avoid common pitfalls, delegate effectively, and ensure a smooth, stress-free show experience. Plus, he introduces ShowSculptor, an innovative recital management platform designed to simplify backstage logistics and parent communication. ✨ In this episode, we discuss: ✔️ The biggest challenges studio owners face with recital management ✔️ Strategies for organizing backstage spaces and volunteer roles ✔️ How to improve communication with parents and staff (without the overwhelm) ✔️ The power of delegating tasks so you’re not doing everything yourself ✔️ Tech solutions that make recital logistics easier than ever 💡 Links & Resources: ✅ Try ShowSculptor: ✅ Connect with Joe Naftal on Instagram: @joenaftal @showsculptor ✅ Work with me through coaching: ✨ If you found this episode helpful, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow studio owners! Let’s make recital season stress-free and successful! About Joe A serial entrepreneur, Joe Naftal is a second generation dance studio owner, theatre maker, brand and marketing expert, technology guru, and educator. By his mid-20s, Joe had founded a portfolio of companies that collectively help dance studios across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, including ShowSculptor, Standby in the Wings, and Penny Prima. He is a published author, a production designer for theatre and dance, a member of the board of directors for a performing arts center and a modern dance company, and an adjunct professor of theatre design. A product of arts education and a staunch advocate of business in the arts, he is committed to helping studio owners realize their dreams and grow their businesses into the future. /episode/index/show/cd6039f6-bc89-4445-b26c-a2b93370c20b/id/35446000

74| More Enrollments, Same Struggles: Why Growth Isn't the Answer 03/27/2025

74| More Enrollments, Same Struggles: Why Growth Isn't the Answer In this episode of Life Coaching for Dance Studio Owners, Ginger Haithcox shares a heartfelt message about a common misconception in the dance studio industry—believing that more students will solve all your business challenges. While marketing is important, it’s not a magic fix for deeper issues like financial mismanagement, high staff turnover, leadership struggles, or poor pricing strategies. Ginger breaks down why studio owners often fall into the trap of thinking that growth equals success and offers a fresh perspective on what truly creates a thriving, sustainable business. She shares practical strategies for optimizing operations, refining pricing structures, and strengthening leadership so that growth doesn’t lead to burnout. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to constantly enroll more students, this episode will help you shift your focus to building a business that supports both your financial goals and your well-being. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why adding more students won’t fix financial, staffing, or leadership issues ✅ The hidden cost of marketing when retention and systems aren’t in place ✅ How mindset impacts your success and financial stability ✅ Why pricing correctly is more powerful than just increasing enrollment ✅ The importance of optimizing before scaling Key Takeaways: 👉 You don’t have to wait until you hit a “magic” number of students to feel successful. 👉 More students won’t fix broken systems—they will only magnify existing problems. 👉 Small, strategic changes in pricing, staffing, and leadership can make a huge impact. 👉 Sustainable growth starts with optimizing your business first, then scaling. Work with Me: If you’re ready to create a profitable, peaceful business without the burnout, I’d love to coach you! Visit to learn more. 🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! It helps other dance studio owners find the support they need. /episode/index/show/cd6039f6-bc89-4445-b26c-a2b93370c20b/id/35621955

73| Turning the Page: How Jenny O'Brien Transitioned from Studio Owner to Author 03/20/2025

73| Turning the Page: How Jenny O'Brien Transitioned from Studio Owner to Author In this episode, I sit down with Jenny O'Brien, a former dance studio owner who made the bold decision to sell her thriving studio and pursue a new path. Jenny shares her inspiring journey—how she transitioned from a corporate career to studio ownership, grew her business from a traveling dance program to a full-fledged studio, and ultimately made the life-changing decision to move on. We also dive into the lessons she learned about managing staff, navigating burnout, and redefining success. Plus, we talk about her exciting new chapter as an author, including the release of her first children's book, Poppy Goes to Dance Class. If you're a studio owner questioning your next steps or an entrepreneur looking for encouragement, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Jenny built and sold a successful dance studio ✅ The mindset shifts that helped her navigate big transitions ✅ Lessons in leadership and managing different personalities ✅ Why she redefined her definition of success beyond financial gain ✅ How to embrace change and trust your gut when it’s time for something new ✅ The story behind her new children's book Poppy Goes to Dance Class About Jenny O'Brien: Jenny O'Brien has been living her dream out loud for as long as she can remember. After a decade-long career in Marketing and Communications—while also teaching dance part-time—she founded Dreams Dance Academy in 2012. Over the next 12 years, she built the studio into a highly sought-after and respected business. In 2024, she made the decision to sell the studio in order to pursue her next dream, though Dreams Dance Academy remains close to her heart. Ensuring the continued success of the business and the well-being of its students remains a top priority for her. Jenny is now channeling her passion into Live Your Dream Out Loud, a brand that encompasses her work as an author, workshop presenter, and freelance consultant. This new chapter allows her to fully focus on her creative and professional aspirations, and she is excited to see where this journey takes her next. Resources & Links Mentioned: 📖 Get Jenny’s book, Poppy Goes to Dance Class → 🌐 Visit Jenny’s website: 📱 Connect with Jenny on Social Media: Facebook: Jenny O'Brien Instagram: 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more inspiring conversations like this. /episode/index/show/cd6039f6-bc89-4445-b26c-a2b93370c20b/id/35445955

72| The Pillars of My Coaching Program | How Business Owners Can Use Their Values in Decision Making 03/13/2025

71| What is Life Coaching? | The difference between life coaching and therapy 03/06/2025

70| The 6 Best Decisions I've Made So Far This Year 02/27/2025

69| Overcoming Catastrophic Thinking with Brittany Milan | How Business Owners Can Handle Anxiety That Keeps Them from Moving Forward 02/20/2025

68| Dismantling Distraction: How Business Owners Get Off Track 02/13/2025

67| Studio Staffing Success Series | Developing Leaders in Your Dance Studio Business 02/06/2025

66| Studio Staffing Success Series: Our Relationship With Our Staff 01/30/2025

65| The Stages of Business Ownership Framework 01/23/2025

64| Students Are Dropping Class! How Dance Studio Owners are Trying to Stop the Drop 01/16/2025

63| The Worst Number in Business 01/09/2025

62| How to Make Money as a Dance Studio Owner 01/02/2025

61| 5 Mistakes Dance Studio Owners Make (That Cost Them Time and Money) 12/26/2024

60| Earn All You Can | How an 1800s Sermon Gives Practical Money Advice For Business 12/19/2024

59| 5 Financial Fixes for Dance Studio Owners 12/12/2024

58| Dance Studio Website Design Tips with Jill Tirone 12/05/2024

57| Changes Behind the Scenes 11/28/2024

56| It's Not Their Job: What Your Dance Studio Customers and Staff Are Not Responsible For 11/21/2024

55| Amazing Grace: How Grace Mayfield Leads with Love over 43 Years in Business as a Dance Studio Owner 11/14/2024

55| Amazing Grace: How Grace Mayfield Leads with Love over 43 Years in Business as a Dance Studio Owner In today's epidsode, I speak with Grace Mayfield, Dance Studio Owner for over 40 years, about her experiences, successes, and lessons learned. Grace is the founder of Hamilton Academy of the Arts. About Grace A graduate of the University of Louisiana with a BS in Business Administration and a minor in choreographic design. Advanced studies in dance at Texas Women’s University. Founder of Hamilton Academy of the Arts since 1981. Grace served as a Dance Educator for 15 years with the St. Landry Parish School Board, working with Special Needs Children. She served as the president for the Louisiana Alliance for Dance. Served on dance grants review panels locally, statewide and nationally. She’s been appointed to many boards and commissions. . The City of Lafayette has named June 9th as Hamilton Academy of the Arts Day for her many years of service in the community. She was the first female of color to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Louisiana, College of the Arts. She also founded Hamilton Academy Performance Company in 1988 and they have performed for tens of thousands of people locally and throughout the US at festivals, conferences and other events. Grace and Her business has received numerous local, state and national awards. Grace has been a guest speaker for many events. As a dance advocate she has been an invited guest on all local CBS, ABC and FOX news affiliates. Her company has sponsored many events highlighting the importance of dance in our community. She continues to be and advocate for Arts and Culture and a living legend in her community for over 40 years. She is celebrating Season 44 on June 10, 2025 and was selected as one of the 12 Studios of color for the docuseries And the Beat Goes On, a beautiful series capturing the story of these hidden gems across the US. Grace also has a children’s book that she’s currently working on. /episode/index/show/cd6039f6-bc89-4445-b26c-a2b93370c20b/id/33705517

54| My Dance Studio Journey: Reverse Interview with Dustin Ciano 11/07/2024

53| Starting Over with Victoria Szeplaki 10/31/2024

53| Starting Over with Victoria Szeplaki Have you been in the position of wanting to close your business and start fresh? Maybe you've been faced with the prospect of relocating and needing to figure out if its worth it to start over from square one with building a business. In today's episode, I talk with Vickie of Kidz Gym and Dance about her experience of closing her business and then starting over after raising a family. Her studio journey shows us that starting over can be possible and profitable, and that you have the chance to reset and fix all the things you wanted to get to the first time around. About Vickie Victoria Szeplaki, owner of Kidz Gym and Dance, holds a BFA in Dance Education from the University of the Arts, with Training in the Vaganova/Kirov Syllabus, and a degree in Elementary Education from Caldwell College with Advanced Standng. Victoria holds a Level 3 Certification (highest level) in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). Victoria studied extensively with Gabriella Taub Darvash in the Vaganova/Kirov Curriculum, in NYC. Victoria also studied at the Broadway Dance center, NYC, Burklyn Ballet Theater in Vermont, Pennsylvania School of Ballet, Philadelphia, and New jersey School of Ballet. Her instructors included Frank Hatchett, Judith Fugate, Cherie Noble, Lupe Serrano and many more. Her vast performing experience includes Whitney Ballet Company, Burklyn Ballet Company, and Classical Ballet of Northern Virginia. Jazz and Tap performances in "Las Vegas Revue", "Best of Broadway", and "World Cruising Tour" in Japan. Her Musical Theater experience includes shows such as Will Rogers Follies, Fiddler on the Roof and Funny Girl at the Bucks County Playhouse. Victoria's teaching experience includes over 30 years of teaching dance throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including being on the faculty of Broadway Dance Center with Frank Hatchett and the University of the Arts with Andrew Pap. Victoria was the Artistic Director of the Allworthy School of Dance located in Flemington NJ for 10 years. She has been, and currently is, the Director of the River Ballet Company for 20 years. Victoria is a Paraprofessional at South Hunterdon Elementary School in the Preschool Classroom. /episode/index/show/cd6039f6-bc89-4445-b26c-a2b93370c20b/id/33010997

52| Decades of Wisdom: 40 Years with June Lawrence 10/24/2024

51| Winter Marketing with Bryce and Kristian of Dance Motion Marketing 10/17/2024

50| Decades of Wisdom: 30 Years with Tammy Bolduc 10/10/2024

50| Decades of Wisdom: 30 Years with Tammy Bolduc Decades of Wisdom is my tribute to the folks that have been in this business for the long haul. I've met some incredible Studio Owners that have stayed the course, and weathered the storms. Hear their stories and be inspired with Decades of Wisdom. About Tammy Miss Tammy began her career as a dance educator at North Shore Dance Academy in 1987 and became the owner of NSDA in 1994. She has enjoyed every minute of her time, sharing her joy of dance with young ladies and gentlemen throughout the North Shore Area. Although Miss Tammy is no longer in the classroom, she spends her time at the studio improving the overall programming and spreading a culture of kindness and family among the staff, students and parents. Miss Tammy feels her greatest accomplishment at the studio is the mutual love and respect that she shares with her students and their parents. Her greatest joy as a dance educator is the privilege of watching students grow to be strong successful and accomplished human beings who go over and beyond in everything that they do. As a member of Dance Teacher Club of Boston, Dance Masters of America, IDEA (International Dance Entrepreneurs Association), Dance Studio Owner.com, and Wingman for Dance Miss Tammy keeps current in the styles and trends that keep moving dance forward and help make NSDA a special place to be. Miss Tammy is continuously impressed and encouraged by the talented and dedicated staff at NSDA who inspire her to be the best studio owner she can be. After raising three sons and becoming and a nana to two adorable grandchildren, she understands how hard parents are working to offer their children “the best.” As a result, she will always value your time and works hard to make things convenient and rewarding for studio families while still offering a quality dance education and a “feels like home” experience to all. Special Thanks to Dustin Ciano, Podcast Editor /episode/index/show/cd6039f6-bc89-4445-b26c-a2b93370c20b/id/32974737

Life Coaching for Dance Studio Owners

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