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. Hosted by Olivia Mode-Cater, a lifelong dance educator and entrepreneur, 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. Olivia Mode-Cater is a CEO, entrepreneur and leader of the Dance Studio Owners Association, the world’s largest community of studio owners, and helped scale 2 other major dance businesses into leaders in the industry. Known for her expertise in dance education, business growth, and marketing, she has trained and inspired thousands of studio owners.

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Stay Awkward: The Leadership Skill You’re Avoiding (Interview with Henna Pryor) 01/26/2026

Stay Awkward: The Leadership Skill You’re Avoiding (Interview with Henna Pryor) Do you ever label yourself as “awkward” and then use that as a reason not to take a risk? In the first episode of Season 6 of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater is joined by workplace performance expert Henna Pryor to unpack one of the biggest hidden barriers to studio growth: the fear of awkwardness. Together, they challenge the idea that confident leaders “have it all together” and reveal that confidence isn’t about avoiding discomfort, it’s about recovering faster. From perfectionism and approval-seeking to emotional avoidance and leadership burnout, this conversation gives studio owners language, science, and permission to lead imperfectly and more effectively. If you’ve ever delayed a hard conversation, second-guessed a decision, or felt like success still doesn’t feel good, this episode will help you reframe discomfort as a skill you can train. What You’ll Learn: Why awkwardness is an emotion, not a personality trait How confident studio owners build a fast comeback rate The neuroscience behind social pain and why it feels so intense How perfectionism fuels shame cycles in dance studio leadership Why “positive mindset” can actually become emotional avoidance How to create psychological safety for yourself and your team The role of community in normalizing leadership missteps Why white space is essential for long-term resilience and clarity How reframing language (like “sacred time”) changes behavior A simple reflection practice to uncover the stories driving your decisions Henna Pryor, CSP, is a globally recognized Workplace Performance Expert, Inc. Magazine columnist, and award-winning author of Good Awkward. Known for her science-backed approach to performance mindset, communication, and leadership under pressure, Henna helps high-performing leaders embrace discomfort to drive meaningful, sustainable change. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Watch our video episodes and Follow Henna Pryor: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hennapryor/ Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: | TikTok: | Facebook: Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: | TikTok: /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/39802315

Transform My Dance Studio: The New Era 01/25/2026

CEO Mode Starts With One Hard Boundary 01/19/2026

Reclaim Your Time: Fixing the Most Chaotic Day of the Dance Season 01/12/2026

Reclaim Your Time: Fixing the Most Chaotic Day of the Dance Season What would change in your studio if picture day actually gave you time back instead of taking it away? Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with Lisa Mallis, Co-Founder and COO of PhotoDay, to unpack one of the most underestimated (and misunderstood) moments in the dance studio year: recital portrait day. What’s often treated as a logistical headache is actually a powerful opportunity to elevate your brand, increase revenue, and reclaim your time. Lisa shares her journey from high-volume dance photography to building technology that transformed how studios and photographers handle picture day and why systems, transparency, and experience matter more than ever. Together, Olivia and Lisa explore how outdated processes create unnecessary stress for studio owners, staff, families, and photographers and how the right workflows can turn one of the most chaotic days of the season into a smooth, confidence-building, revenue-generating experience. This episode is a must-listen for studio owners who are tired of burnout, overwhelmed by logistics, and ready to grow their business while reclaiming their life. You’ll hear: Why recital portrait day feels so overwhelming and why it doesn’t have to The hidden revenue opportunity most studios are leaving on the table How systems and automation can dramatically reduce stress for owners and families Why “return on time” matters more than return on investment How transparency and feedback create stronger studio partnerships What recital photos really represent for families — and why that matters for your brand How to create an experience parents remember with love, not frustration If you’re ready to stop dreading picture day and start using it as a strategic advantage in your studio, this episode will change how you see it forever. Discover how studios are upgrading picture day with PhotoDay at photoday.com Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/39592640

I Fell Out of Love With My Business — Here’s How I Found My Way Back 01/05/2026

Building a Career from Dancer to Artistic Director with Alicia Graf Mack 12/29/2025

Building a Career from Dancer to Artistic Director with Alicia Graf Mack Dance education is evolving , and studio owners are standing right at the center of it. As our industry evolves, the studios that will thrive are the ones willing to look beyond technique and toward something deeper: leadership, curiosity, collaboration, and belonging. In this powerful conversation, Olivia Mode-Cater and Inner Circle Program Director Lisa DeMaio sit down with Alicia Graf Mack, newly named Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, to explore what it truly means to prepare dancers for the future, not just the stage. This conversation was originally recorded earlier in the Transform My Dance Studio journey and is being re-shared to close out the year, as Alicia steps into this powerful new chapter of leadership. This episode dives deep into what dance education must become in order to truly serve today’s dancers and tomorrow’s leaders. From pedagogical practices rooted in care and curiosity, to collaborative training models, to the role of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in dance spaces, Alicia challenges studio owners to think beyond technique and toward transformation. This conversation is about legacy, not just in titles or institutions, but in the ripple effect studio owners create every single day through their teaching, leadership, and choices. If you’re ready to raise dancers who are confident, adaptable, and prepared for a changing industry, this episode will challenge and inspire you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why pedagogical approach matters more than the steps you teach How curiosity and collaboration shape stronger, more resilient dancers What it means to prepare dancers for a 21st-century career How dance builds confidence, leadership, and life skills Lessons Alicia learned from iconic mentors Arthur Mitchell and Judith Jamison Why belonging is essential for excellence in dance education How studio owners can take practical steps toward equity and inclusion Where the dance industry is heading and how studios can lead the way Why longevity in dance requires becoming a multi-hyphenated professional Alicia Graf Mack is the Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and a former principal dancer with the world-renowned company. She previously served as Dean and Director of the Dance Division at The Juilliard School from 2018 to 2025, becoming the first Black person and youngest individual to hold the role. A celebrated artist, educator, and leader, Alicia has performed with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and collaborated with artists including Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and John Legend. She is the host of the podcast Moving Moments and is dedicated to shaping the future of dance through leadership, education, and storytelling. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/39430205

How Studio Owners Can Strengthen Their Visibility and Capacity in 2026 with Lisa Fabrega 12/22/2025

How Studio Owners Can Strengthen Their Visibility and Capacity in 2026 with Lisa Fabrega You don’t need more strategy. You need more capacity. If you’ve ever wondered why you're working harder than ever but not seeing the growth you expected, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Leadership mentor and capacity expert Lisa Fabrega returns for a conversation that every studio owner needs to hear before stepping into a new year of growth. Lisa breaks down the six “visibility levers” that determine how you show up as a leader, how you attract the right families, and how you sustain momentum without burning out. From pricing to team to positioning, she reveals why many studio owners aren’t stuck—they’re simply focusing on the wrong thing. If visibility feels exhausting… if you’re attracting the wrong clients… if your big ideas collapse under the weight of execution… this episode will show you exactly where to look and how to find your next right step. You’ll walk away with clarity, direction, and permission to stop doing everything and finally focus on what matters most. What You’ll Learn: The “domino effect” and why solving one problem often solves 10 more The six visibility levers and how they directly impact your studio Why some visibility strategies drain you while others energize you How to identify your biggest bottleneck (your “Domino”) The pricing and sales mistakes that quietly erode your confidence How misaligned messaging attracts the wrong clients Why capacity is the real key to sustainable growth How to stop leaking energy into comparison, overworking, and overwhelm What to focus on for the next 30 days to create real change Lisa Fabrega is a writer and inner-leadership mentor for high-performing womxn who are ready to step into the highest expression of their work. For 15+ years, she has coached Oscar nominees, 7-figure founders, transformational coaches, and corporate leaders who are shaping their industries from the inside out. Lisa specializes in expanding her clients’ capacity with work that blends deep inner transformation and practical strategy. She leads global leadership retreats, runs her renowned Empress Circle mastermind, and writes powerful, soul-shifting teachings that activate leaders to step into their fullest potential. She is also the author of Love Cartography. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/39369165

What 2025 Taught Us — And Where Dance Studios Are Headed in 2026 12/15/2025

What 2025 Taught Us — And Where Dance Studios Are Headed in 2026 In this reflective solo episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater takes studio owners on a powerful journey through the biggest lessons of 2025—and the mindset shifts required to thrive in 2026. From the collapse of one-size-fits-all marketing to the rise of authentic content and the return of belonging, Olivia breaks down the trends shaping the dance industry and the internal leadership work every studio owner must embrace. She shares the three actions that helped top-performing studios escape hustle culture, the hidden truth about the “re-tiering” of your customer avatar post-COVID, and why leaning into video, humanity, and personal branding will become non-negotiable in 2026. Olivia also offers a vulnerable look at her own mistakes, the power of pruning, and a simple year-end exercise that will reshape your leadership for the year ahead. If you’ve felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, or unsure why this year felt different, this masterclass-style episode will bring clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose heading into the new year. What You’ll Learn: Why 2025 marked a fundamental shift in student behavior, engagement, and expectations. The three things successful studios did to break free from busyness and burnout. How the “customer avatar reset” is impacting enrollment—and how to adapt your marketing. Why authenticity beats AI every time (and what kinds of content families trust now). How automation frees you to be more human—and why enrollment is now an emotional experience. Why Canva posts are dead and video is essential for visibility and connection. The key numbers every studio owner must know to make confident decisions. How belonging is becoming your biggest competitive advantage in a digital-first world. Why studio owners MUST develop a personal brand—and how to start without oversharing. The power of pruning: how to cut back to grow, reclaim your time, and step into CEO leadership. A simple end-of-year reflection ritual that sets the foundation for an intentional 2026. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/39291910

The Offer Blueprint Every Studio Owner Needs (Part 2) with Roland Frasier 12/08/2025

The Offer Blueprint Every Studio Owner Needs (Part 2) with Roland Frasier This episode is Part 2 of our powerful two-part series with global business strategist and offer-creation expert Roland Frasier. And if Part 1 cracked open what studio offers can be, Part 2 is the masterclass that shows you how to actually build them. In this jam-packed final installment, Olivia Mode-Cater and Roland go deep into the psychology, structure, and strategy behind high-converting trial offers, premium incentives, and event-based enrollment systems that reliably turn curious families into committed students. If you’ve ever struggled with no-shows, low-quality leads, or families who want “just to try it out,” this episode gives you a radically different way to enroll students AND protect your time, boost conversions and increase the perceived value of your programs. Roland pulls back the curtain on the same offer strategies he’s used across multiple industries to generate explosive results — including the “Dance Deposit Strategy” that boosts conversion rates up to 11X, the premium framework that produced $1.2 million in six days, and the scalable relationship model that turns local fan groups and micro-communities into your most powerful marketing partners. This is a true masterclass in creating dance studio offers that are irresistible, data-driven, and profitable, without relying on discounts or devaluing your magic. Whether you run large trial events, 4–6 week mini-mesters, K-Pop pop-ups, adult socials, or full-season programming, this episode walks you through how to structure, price, and scale your offers with confidence and clarity. What You’ll Learn: The Dance Deposit Strategy and why refundable commitments convert 11X higher How to transform free trials into high-converting, benefit-driven events The psychology that gets families to actually show up How to structure 4–6 week programs that lead into full-season enrollment Roland’s exact formula for offering credits without losing profit Why knowing your customer acquisition cost (CAC) changes everything The “scale factor”: how to multiply what works using centers of influence The wildly effective premium strategy that generated $1.2M in six days How to choose premiums your families already want — without breaking the bank What hero stories, loyalty programs, and affiliate-style systems can do for retention How to turn your families into your studio’s most powerful growth engine If you’re ready for the kind of strategic, actionable insights that normally require a conference ticket or private consulting, this masterclass will transform the way you design offers forever. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/39227815

The Offer Blueprint Every Studio Owner Needs (Part 1 ) with Roland Frasier 12/01/2025

The Offer Blueprint Every Studio Owner Needs (Part 1 ) with Roland Frasier In this practical and powerful episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with strategic growth expert Roland Frasier to unpack the science, structure, and psychology behind offers that actually convert. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the “feast or famine” cycle, struggled with free trials, or wondered why some offers fall flat while others take off, this conversation will completely reframe how you approach enrollment. Roland breaks down the nine emotional drivers that influence families to choose your studio, the core objectives behind irresistible offers, and how to build a system that eliminates guessing forever. From redefining the free trial to creating micro-success moments that spark immediate commitment, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to craft offers that feel aligned, supportive, and effective. What You’ll Learn: The nine emotional dimensions that drive families to choose a dance studio Why great offers aren’t art, they’re architecture and data How to avoid offer fatigue and the feast-or-famine cycle The real objective of a free trial (hint: it’s not what you think) How to turn a free trial into a high-converting event Why a small deposit increases commitment and reduces no-shows The power of scarcity and limited space in your enrollment strategy The importance of personal onboarding and connection How to guide families with a clear and compelling next-step script The magic of a micro-success moment and how a single photo boosts enrollment Whether you’re gearing up for a new season or looking to strengthen your enrollment process, this episode delivers practical strategies you can implement today without demanding more time, energy, or burnout from you. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/39182165

Forget 20% Off — Create an Experience They’ll Never Forget 11/24/2025

Forget 20% Off — Create an Experience They’ll Never Forget In this powerful episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, CEO and DSOA mentor Olivia Mode-Cater dives into the Black Friday strategies that actually work for dance studios and why most studio owners miss this massive opportunity. Using the nostalgic example of Build-A-Bear's holiday marketing genius, Olivia breaks down how to shift from forgettable discounts to irresistible experiences that spark emotion, build loyalty, and bring in new dancers before the new year even begins. You’ll explore the psychology behind seasonal spending, the danger of blending into the marketing noise, and three proven Black Friday offers used by top-performing dance studios inside the Inner Circle. Whether you want to boost retention, increase enrollment, or simply bring more joy into your studio this season, this episode will give you the tools, scripts, and inspiration to make Black Friday a true revenue driver — without discounting yourself into the ground. What You’ll Learn: Why Black Friday is one of the biggest family-spending moments of the year How Build-A-Bear creates holiday magic (and how you can steal their strategy) The dangerous mistake studio owners make with “blanket discounts” How to create a holiday experience bundle families feel excited to buy The exact steps for offering a Tutu or Costume Bundle that sells How to turn leftover recital costumes into profitable holiday gifts Why high-value/low-cost Seven-Day Class Passes convert new dancers fast How to price and position value using Black Friday psychology The reason events should be part of your revenue strategy (and easy event ideas!) Your action step: choose ONE proven offer and run with it If you’re ready to stop skipping Black Friday and start tapping into a season of emotion, excitement, and family spending — this episode is your roadmap. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/39039025

What Families Remember Most (and Why It Keeps Them Enrolled) 11/17/2025

Make December Your Most Joyful—and Profitable—Month Yet 11/10/2025

How To Avoid Holiday Burnout and November Drop‑Outs 11/03/2025

How to Turn Events Into Revenue Machines 10/27/2025

Why ‘It’s Not Personal, It’s Business’ Might Save Your Studio 10/21/2025

Why ‘It’s Not Personal, It’s Business’ Might Save Your Studio In this empowering and refreshingly honest episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with Inner Circle mentor Nadine Selinger to talk about a topic many studio owners would rather avoid: their numbers. Nadine shares her journey from “QuickBooks was like poking me in the eyeballs” to celebrating her Financial Fridays, proving that mastering your finances isn’t about being a math person. It’s actually about about confidence, systems, and clarity. Together, Olivia and Nadine unpack how studio owners can move from financial avoidance to financial control, and why profitability doesn’t make you less passionate, it makes your purpose sustainable. Whether you’re terrified to open QuickBooks or already tracking every dollar, this conversation will help you face your numbers, strengthen your team, and build a studio that serves you, not the other way around. You will learn: Why most studio owners avoid their finances — and how to break the cycle The four financial habits that shift you from chaos to control How to make budgeting as creative as choreography The mindset shift that turns “bad news” into better decisions How to calculate your profit margins — and what 20% really looks like Why “it’s not personal, it’s business” is a form of leadership, not coldness Practical ideas for getting your team invested in revenue goals How to gamify finances to motivate staff and celebrate wins The ultimate reason to get your money right: freedom for your family and your future Whether you’re terrified to open QuickBooks or already tracking every dollar, this conversation will help you face your numbers, strengthen your team, and build a studio that serves you, not the other way around. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/38541295

How to Add $40K+ Without Teaching More Classes 10/13/2025

The One Thing Keeping Your Studio Stuck (And Andy Seely’s Fix for It) 10/06/2025

Keeping Them Dancing: What Dance Studios Can Learn About Retention from Gyms, Music Schools & More 09/29/2025

Stop Treating Re-Enrollment Like a One-Day Event 09/22/2025

The Wake-Up Call That Changed My Studio Forever 09/15/2025

The Wake-Up Call That Changed My Studio Forever In this short and powerful episode of the Transform My Dance Studio In this candid and empowering episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, host Olivia Mode-Cater is joined by Inner Circle mentor Kelli Leighton for a real talk on student retention, re-enrollment strategies, and building a culture families can’t imagine leaving. Kelli opens up about her early years as a studio owner—when she didn’t even know the word “retention”—and the wake-up call that forced her to rethink everything. From creating inclusive pathways for beginners to structuring engaging programs for teens, Kelli shares how she built a thriving studio community where every dancer feels they belong. Whether you’re struggling to keep recreational dancers, facing parental pressure about level placements, or wondering how to engage senior students, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to build loyalty season after season. What You’ll Learn In This Episode: Why focusing on why kids stay matters more than why they leave How to design programs that serve both recreational and competitive dancers The secret to building belonging: “It’s brave to be a beginner” Why letting some families go is essential for protecting your community Practical strategies to boost re-enrollment before recital How to handle parent expectations about leveling up each year Engagement tips that actually work for teens (and why music & trends matter) The role of brand identity in building loyalty and confidence Why clear communication beats assumptions with parents every time How retention transforms not just your business, but your culture If you’re ready to stop the enrollment hamster wheel and finally build a studio families stay with year after year, this episode is for you. Kelli Leighton is the owner and artistic director of Leighton Dance Project in Folsom, California. A mom of four and an Inner Circle mentor, Kelli is known for building a studio culture rooted in connection, community, and belonging. She’s passionate about creating pathways for every dancer—whether recreational or competitive—and helping studio owners strengthen retention through systems, engagement, and heart-led leadership. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/38059520

Stop Selling, Start Nurturing: The 80/20 Rule for Studio Marketing 09/08/2025

Retention Isn’t Luck: How to Keep Students Year After Year with Retention Expert Paige Sayegh 09/01/2025

Transform My Dance Studio: The New Chapter 08/27/2025

The Surprising #1 Reason Employees Quit (And It’s Not Money) with best-selling author Joey Coleman 08/25/2025

The Surprising #1 Reason Employees Quit (And It’s Not Money) with best-selling author Joey Coleman In this powerful episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with Joey Coleman, best-selling author of Never Lose an Employee Again, to unpack how dance studio owners can transform their staff retention strategy. From the shocking reality that 4% of new hires quit after just one day to the real #1 reason employees leave (hint: it’s not money), Joey shares actionable tactics to create a workplace where your team doesn’t just stay, they will thrive. You’ll walk away with practical strategies for building connection, designing intentional onboarding, fostering culture, and reigniting passion in your employees and yourself. In this episode you will learn: Why the first 100 days are the most critical for employee retention. The surprising statistics behind why people really quit — and how to prevent it. How to connect deeply with part-time staff and make them feel valued. The difference between orientation and true onboarding (and why it matters). How to use the “Four Rs” framework — Role, Responsibilities, Requirements, Relationships. The power of building friendships at work for long-term retention. Low-cost, high-impact ways to create team bonding and culture. Why celebrating progress is as important as tracking performance. How to reframe leadership from “have to” into “get to.” The concept of “spark appointments” to reignite passion for your work. Joey Coleman is an award-winning speaker and author who has spent nearly 20 years helping organizations worldwide turn customers and employees into raving fans. Known for his engaging keynotes and actionable strategies, he’s shared the stage with top business leaders and bestselling authors. Joey is the author of the #2 Wall Street Journal bestseller Never Lose a Customer Again and Never Lose an Employee Again. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. /episode/index/show/studiosuccessformula/id/37800875

The Follow-Up Formula: How to Hire Fast & Keep Them Longer with Sharon U 08/18/2025

Burning Questions, Honest Answers: Hiring & Retention Truths From the Trenches 08/11/2025

Stop the Revolving Door: Build a Team That Stays 08/04/2025

Transform My Dance Studio – The Podcast For Dance Studio Owners

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