Transform My Dance Studio – The Podcast For Dance Studio Owners

Behind every great studio is a story of transformation. The Transform My Dance Studio Podcast is your weekly lifeline for leadership, clarity, and community. This podcast is for studio owners at any stage of their journey who are ready to build profitable businesses that support their lives. Each episode sparks inspiration and strategies to transform your studio and your life. You’ll hear real-life stories from studio owners, mentors, and coaches who’ve been in the trenches, candid solo episodes that explore the personal and professional growth of studio leadership, and thoughtful deep dives with industry experts offering practical insight for studio owners. This show is designed to help studio owners move beyond survival mode and into a more intentional way of leading that supports financial growth without sacrificing joy, energy, or fulfillment. If you’re building a studio you care deeply about, but know there’s a better way to do it, Transform My Dance Studio is here to support you every step of the way.

The Secret to a Truly United Dance Studio 08/17/2026

The Secret to a Truly United Dance Studio Can a stronger studio culture be the difference between families who stay for one season… and families who stay for a lifetime? Today we are resharing one of our most-loved episodes, because every studio owner can benefit from its message. In this inspiring episode, guest host Kim McSwain shares practical leadership strategies for building a dance studio where students, parents, teachers, and staff all feel connected and valued. From strengthening communication and empowering your faculty to giving students a voice, Kim shares simple, actionable ideas to help you create more than just a dance studio—you'll build a community where families feel they truly belong. What You'll Learn Why studio owners must lead by creating connection, not just managing operations How being visible and available strengthens your studio culture Practical ways to build stronger relationships with parents and families Why your teachers need to be present beyond the classroom How clear communication builds trust and loyalty Why giving students a voice creates deeper engagement Simple activities that strengthen parent-child connections through dance How your studio can become a safe place and true community for everyone Kim McSwain is an internationally respected dance educator, mentor, and speaker with decades of experience training dancers, teachers, and studio owners. After performing professionally with artists including Britney Spears, NSYNC, and Michael Jackson, Kim dedicated her career to developing exceptional educators and helping dance studios build stronger cultures through her Changing Lives program. Explore our partners: Sign up for Studio Sync - Claim s exclusive offer for new studio partners by emailing and mentioning DSOA podcast! Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: | TikTok: | Facebook: /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/42278555

Delegation is About Empowering Someone Else! 08/10/2026

Delegation is About Empowering Someone Else! Making your first hire can feel overwhelming, especially when you've built your studio with your own two hands. We're bringing back this insightful conversation from our podcast archives because its lessons on hiring, leadership, and delegation remain timeless for studio owners. In this episode, Mary Giattino shares the personal story of taking over her family's dance studio, hiring her very first studio manager, and learning that true delegation isn't about giving away tasks. It's about empowering others to lead. Through honest reflections on hiring, trust, systems, and leadership, Mary offers practical insights to help studio owners build stronger teams and create a business that can grow beyond themselves. What You'll Learn Why your first hire is one of the biggest leadership decisions you'll make How Mary transitioned from Broadway to owning her family's dance studio What to look for when hiring a studio manager Why delegation is about empowerment—not just assigning tasks How to build trust while maintaining accountability The importance of systems and clear communication Why culture fit matters just as much as skill set How delegation allows studio owners to focus on vision and growth Lessons Mary learned from growing her admin team over the past 12 years Why leadership and delegation are continual learning processes Mary Giattino is a Broadway choreographer, educator, and longtime dance studio owner. She owns Stage Door School of Dance in Long Island, New York, serves as a DSOA Inner Circle Studio Growth Coach, and has worked on numerous Broadway and national touring productions, including Billy Elliot, Dear Evan Hansen, Fun Home, and White Christmas. Today, Mary combines her professional performing arts experience with decades of studio leadership to help dance studio owners build stronger businesses and teams. Explore our partners: Try Studio Pro FREE for 30 days: Try our Daily Decision Compass: Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: | TikTok: | Facebook: /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/42244490

The #1 Hire You Need To Staff Up & Stress Down! 08/03/2026

The #1 Hire You Need To Staff Up & Stress Down! Are you leading your team the way you want to be remembered? We're resharing one of our favorite episodes from Kelli Leighton's Innovate to Thrive series because its leadership lessons are just as relevant today as when it first aired. If you've ever felt frustrated by staff performance, struggled with accountability, or found yourself carrying too much of the workload, this episode will challenge you to look at leadership from a new perspective. Kelli shares the mindset shifts and practical strategies that helped her build a stronger, more innovative team. You'll also hear about the unique role she introduced in her studio—the Director of Removing Friction—and how it's helped streamline operations, improve communication, and reduce stress for both her team and her clients. What You'll Learn Why your team is a direct reflection of your leadership How to perform an effective team audit The importance of accountability without sacrificing culture How innovation starts with leadership, not creativity alone Why your team needs a mindset shift—not just new systems How to separate emotional feedback from real business data The difference between macro and micro client pain points Why empowering staff leads to better decision-making What a "Director of Removing Friction" does—and why every studio needs one Practical ways to build a forward-thinking, innovative team Whether you're growing your team or refining the one you already have, you'll walk away with actionable ideas to become a more confident leader and build a studio culture that supports long-term success. Kelli Leighton is the owner and Artistic Director of Leighton Dance Project in California and a longtime member and coach inside the Dance Studio Owners Association Inner Circle. Passionate about helping studio owners embrace innovation, Kelli combines creativity with practical leadership strategies to build thriving businesses, strong teams, and exceptional studio cultures. Through her Innovate to Thrive series, she encourages studio owners to think differently, lead confidently, and turn big ideas into meaningful action. Explore our partners: Try Studio Pro for FREE for 30 Days - Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: | TikTok: | Facebook: /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/42194135

Values Don't Build Culture. Your Actions Do with Lauren Ritchie 07/27/2026

Values Don't Build Culture. Your Actions Do with Lauren Ritchie Your studio culture isn't created by your mission statement—it's built in the hundreds of small moments your dancers, teachers, and families experience every single day. In this episode, Katie chats with mental performance coach and leadership educator Lauren Ritchie to explore how studio owners can intentionally create environments where dancers feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow. Together they discuss why values alone aren't enough, how everyday interactions shape the experience inside your studio, and why emotional regulation may be one of the most important leadership skills a studio owner can develop. What You'll Learn Why culture is created through daily actions—not mission statements The difference between aspirational values and lived values How leadership energy shapes your studio environment Why "high challenge + high support" creates better dancers How fear-based coaching impacts long-term development The importance of emotional regulation as a leader Why predictable leaders build safer learning environments Practical ways to communicate with parents and staff How boundaries strengthen relationships Small leadership habits that transform studio culture Lauren Ritchie is a mental performance coach, educator, and speaker who specializes in resilience, conscious coaching, and leadership. She has developed international training programs and mental performance curricula for dancers, athletes, and coaches, helping leaders build supportive, high-performing environments where people can thrive. Explore our partners: Get your 3-Step International Dance Day Campaign: Sign up for Studio Sync - Try Dance Photo Pro - Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: | TikTok: | Facebook: /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/42172960

How Curiosity Creates More Revenue with Diana Kander 07/20/2026

Derick Grant On The Identity Shift Every Leader Has To Make 07/13/2026

Derick Grant On The Identity Shift Every Leader Has To Make What if the biggest thing standing between you and your next level of growth… isn't your business? It's your identity. In this thought-provoking episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Katie Wilber sits down with former Harlem Globetrotter, performance coach, and DG Mindset founder Derick Grant for a conversation that reaches far beyond studio ownership. Together, they explore what it truly means to grow—not just as an entrepreneur, but as a person. From identity shifts and self-trust to pressure, purpose, and the stories we tell ourselves, Derick shares why the version of you that built your business may not be the version that will lead it into the future. This isn't a conversation about better marketing or stronger systems. It's about becoming the leader your next season requires. If you've ever felt caught between who you've been and who you're becoming, this episode offers a powerful reminder that lasting transformation begins from the inside out. It may just change the way you think about growth—both in your studio and in yourself. What You'll Learn Why your identity determines your business results How self-worth impacts long-term success The difference between confidence and self-trust How to recognize when you've outgrown an old version of yourself Why growth requires letting go, not just learning more How to overcome pressure and stop seeking outside validation Practical questions to help uncover limiting beliefs Why entrepreneurship is ultimately a journey of self-development How to lead your studio from alignment instead of fear A simple mindset practice for creating your next level of success Derick Grant is a former Harlem Globetrotter, entrepreneur, author, performance coach, and founder of DG Mindset. Through speaking, coaching, retreats, and educational content, he helps leaders break through limiting beliefs, strengthen self-trust, and create lasting personal and professional transformation. Explore our partners: Try our Daily Decision Compass - Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: | TikTok: | Facebook: /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/42007565

What Happens When You Finally Trust Your Team 07/06/2026

What Happens When You Finally Trust Your Team Have you built a successful dance studio... but somehow you're still doing everything? If you're constantly answering every question, making every decision, and wondering why your studio can't function without you, this episode is the wake-up call you've been waiting for. In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, led by Katie Wilber (DSOA Operations Specialist) Inner Circle mentor Sharon Uyar talks about one of the biggest leadership transformations a studio owner can make: letting go of control so your business can truly grow. After building her New Jersey studio to more than 1,200 students and a team of 45 staff members, Sharon shares the hard-earned lessons that helped her move from exhausted studio owner to confident CEO. She opens up about burnout, micromanagement, hiring mistakes, learning to trust her team, and why the future of your business depends on developing leaders, not creating more dependence on yourself. Whether you're leading a team of three or thirty, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership, delegation, hiring, and building a studio that gives you both freedom and sustainable growth. You'll Learn: You'll Learn: Why studio growth eventually requires a complete leadership shift The hidden cost of trying to make every decision yourself How micromanagement hurts both your team and your business The mindset changes required to become the CEO instead of the manager Why empowering leaders creates stronger staff retention Sharon's biggest hiring lessons after years of trial and error How to build accountability without controlling every detail Why trust is the foundation of a thriving leadership team Practical ways to delegate with confidence How building the right team gives you back your time, energy, and passion for studio ownership /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/41936330

The Marketing Habit Every Studio Owner Needs 06/29/2026

The Marketing Habit Every Studio Owner Needs Do you find yourself only focusing on marketing when enrollment drops? If so, you're not alone. In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Lisa DeMaio sits down with marketing expert and former studio owner Maureen Craig of Creative Branding Studio. After owning a dance studio for 10 years, Maureen now helps studio owners simplify their marketing, build stronger visibility, and create systems that support enrollment all year long. Together, they unpack one of the biggest challenges facing studio owners today: staying consistent with marketing when you're already wearing a hundred different hats. From social media and email marketing to content calendars and planning systems, Maureen shares practical strategies to help studio owners stop reacting to enrollment dips and start building sustainable visibility in their communities. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by marketing, struggled to post consistently, or wondered how successful studios seem to stay top-of-mind year-round, this episode will give you a practical roadmap for creating marketing habits that support predictable enrollment and long-term growth. What You'll Learn: • Why marketing should be treated like a marathon, not a sprint • The "vitamins for your business" mindset every studio owner needs • How consistency impacts visibility and enrollment • The Rule of Seven and why repetition matters in marketing • Ways to become the studio everyone recommends in your community • Why email marketing is still one of the most valuable tools available • How to create and use a content calendar effectively • Strategies for building a content bank during slower seasons • How to market your studio without feeling salesy • Why viewing your marketing through a parent's eyes changes everything • The connection between visibility, stability, and predictable enrollment Check out Creative Branding Studio and the Dance Content Club at Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Explore our partners: Try our Daily Decision Compass - Sign up for Studio Sync - Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: | TikTok: | Facebook: /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/41751075

The Studio Owner's Guide To Saying NO! 06/22/2026

The Studio Owner's Guide To Saying NO! One of the most important skills a studio owner can develop is knowing when to say no. In this episode, Inner Circle Studio Growth Coach Elisa Finney shares how defining a clear brand mission and set of values transformed the way she runs her studio, builds partnerships, and makes business decisions. From costumes and choreography to sponsorships and strategic partnerships, Elisa explains how a strong brand becomes a decision-making filter that helps you protect your reputation, attract the right families, and create consistency across every aspect of your business. If you've ever struggled with setting boundaries, evaluating opportunities, or staying true to your vision, this episode will give you practical exercises and real-world examples to help you strengthen your brand and make decisions with confidence. What You'll Learn Why strong brands require strong boundaries How to use your brand as a decision-making filter What studio owners should say no to How Elisa evaluates business partnerships The role brand values play in programming decisions Why consistency builds trust and credibility How to identify brands that align with your mission Ways strategic partnerships can elevate your studio The exercise Elisa used to define her brand How greater brand clarity leads to better business decisions Alisa Finney is an Inner Circle Studio Growth Coach and the Director of the Melbourne Ballet Company in Australia. She leads both a professional touring ballet company and a thriving dance studio serving students from age two through eighty-nine. Elisa is known for her expertise in branding, strategic partnerships, leadership, and building mission-driven dance organizations that stand out in their communities. Explore our partners Get ahead of next season with Limelight Teamwear. Visit to learn more Try our Daily Decision Compass - Sign up for Studio Sync - Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: | TikTok: | Facebook: /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/41625915

Breaking Free From the Success Trap with Mel Abraham (Part 2) 06/15/2026

Breaking Free From the Success Trap with Mel Abraham (Part 2) In Part 2 of our conversation with financial strategist, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Mel Abraham, we move beyond financial strategy and into the emotional realities of entrepreneurship. Together, Lisa and Mel explore the hidden relationship many business owners have with success, achievement, identity, self-worth, and burnout. They discuss why so many entrepreneurs tie their value to business performance, why reaching the next milestone rarely creates lasting peace, and how defining your version of "enough" may be one of the most important business decisions you'll ever make. This conversation is a powerful reminder that building a successful studio is only part of the journey. The ultimate goal is building a life you actually enjoy living. What You'll Learn Why success doesn't automatically create fulfillment How entrepreneurs become addicted to achievement The dangers of tying your identity to your business Why burnout should never be a badge of honor How to align your business with your personal values What adversity can teach you about resilience Why defining "enough" matters for long-term happiness How to stop living in comparison and start living intentionally Why time is the ultimate currency How to build a business that serves your life instead of consuming it Mel Abraham is a CPA, entrepreneur, business advisor, and bestselling author of Building Your Money Machine. He helps entrepreneurs build businesses that generate wealth, freedom, and fulfillment while creating a life aligned with their values and purpose. Through decades of experience helping business owners grow and scale, Mel has become a trusted voice on wealth creation, financial independence, and living a fully expressed life. Explore our partners: Get ahead of next season with Limelight Teamwear. Visit to learn more Try our Daily Decision Compass - Sign up for Studio Sync - Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: | TikTok: | Facebook: /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/41589525

Breaking Free From Limiting Money Beliefs with Mel Abraham 06/08/2026

Breaking Free From Limiting Money Beliefs with Mel Abraham Are your financial decisions driven by strategy, or by a money story you've been carrying for years? Many dance studio owners start with a passion for changing lives, but struggle to balance purpose with profitability. In this conversation led by Katie Wilber (DSOA Operations Specialist), financial strategist Mel Abraham shares how our beliefs, habits, and behaviors around money shape the way we run our businesses and why building wealth has far more to do with mindset than math. You'll learn how to break free from limiting financial beliefs, create a healthier relationship with money, and build a studio business that supports both your mission and your life. What You'll Learn How childhood money stories influence business decisions Why wealth-building is primarily about behavior and habits The truth behind the "starving artist" mindset How to connect profit with purpose without guilt Why owning your value is essential for growth The difference between making money and building wealth How wealthy people prioritize investing differently Strategies to avoid emotional spending and instant gratification How money can create (or reveal) tension in relationships Why defining your version of "enough" is critical for long-term success How to align your financial decisions with your values and life goals Mel Abraham is a CPA, entrepreneur, financial strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Building Your Money Machine. He helps entrepreneurs and leaders remove financial constraints, build lasting wealth, and create systems that separate income from effort. Mel has worked with organizations including AbbVie, the IRS, NACVA, and the Financial Planning Association, and is one of the few speakers worldwide to earn the Certified Speaking Professional designation. Explore our partners: Get ahead of next season with Limelight Teamwear. Visit to learn more. Sign-up for a FREE 30-day Trial of Studio Pro at Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: | TikTok: | Facebook: /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/41537015

The Hiring Mistake That Impacts Retention Later 06/01/2026

Why Belonging Is The Real Retention Strategy 05/25/2026

Why Belonging Is The Real Retention Strategy What makes families stay at a dance studio for years and what causes them to quietly walk away? In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, relationship marketing expert Barb Betts shares why retention is built through emotional connection, authentic culture, and meaningful relationships. Guided by reflections from the DSOA’s operations specialist Katie Wilber, this conversation explores the deeper human side of studio leadership and the moments that make families feel like they truly belong. Barb unpacks how studio owners can strengthen loyalty, improve communication, build stronger relationships with teachers and parents, and create a studio culture families never want to leave. From practical retention strategies to the power of authenticity and connection, this episode will challenge studio owners to think differently about what truly drives long-term growth and referrals. What You’ll Learn: Why retention is rooted in belonging and emotional connection The difference between unavoidable attrition and preventable departures Why studio owners can never fully delegate relationships How stronger teacher relationships improve retention Practical ways to create community outside of dance classes Why authentic studio culture attracts the right families The power of intentional communication and personal connection How relationship-based leadership drives referrals and long-term growth The “small moments” that create lasting studio loyalty Why trying to be everything for everyone hurts retention About Barb Betts Barb Betts is a keynote speaker, CEO, relationship strategist, and author of The Relationship Advantage. With more than 23 years of experience building businesses through trust-based relationships, Barb teaches leaders how authentic human connection drives growth, loyalty, and long-term success. Her work has been featured in outlets including ABC, KTLA, and Us Weekly. Explore our partners: Try our Daily Decision Compass with a Free 7-Day Trial: Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: | TikTok: | Facebook: /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/41351060

The Risk That Nearly Cost Everything… But Changed Everything 05/18/2026

3 Expert Tips for Branding Beyond the Dance Studio with Bruce Turkel 05/11/2026

3 Expert Tips for Branding Beyond the Dance Studio with Bruce Turkel If your studio’s marketing sounds like everyone else’s… this might be why. In this episode, branding expert Bruce Turkel shares why standing out has nothing to do with what you offer and everything to do with how people experience your brand. From understanding what today’s customers actually care about to breaking free from outdated “features-based” marketing, this conversation will challenge the way you position your studio and help you connect in a way that drives real growth. Bruce explains why function is simply the “cost of entry” in today’s market and how the studios that truly thrive are the ones creating emotional connection, memorable experiences, and meaningful differentiation. If you’re tired of blending in and ready to build a brand families feel, this episode is a must-listen. What You’ll Learn Why most dance studio marketing sounds the same The difference between function and brand value How emotional connection influences buying decisions Why customer experience matters more than features The branding lesson dance studios can learn from Tiffany & Co. How to make your studio stand out in a crowded market The key difference between good brands and great brands Bruce Turkel is an internationally recognized branding expert, speaker, and author who helps businesses create more valuable and memorable brands. He has worked with major companies including Discovery Channel, Hasbro, Bacardi, and Miami, and is the author of several books on branding and customer experience, including All About Them, named one of Forbes’ top business books of the year. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: | TikTok: | Facebook: /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/41218905