By Ginger Haithcox
The podcast currently has 56 episodes available.
What do we do when our feelings get hurt? How do we process the hurt and dissappointment from other's decisions and our own mistakes? Today's episode reframes these feelings and thoughts in a new way - I talk about how it is our job as business owners to take care of our own thoughts and feelings and stop blaming others for how we feel.
www.gingerhaithcox.com
IG: @haithcoxbiz
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.
Today's episode is special because I'm the one being interviewed! My podcast editor, Dustin Ciano, asks me about my journey as an entrepreneur and as a leader. Dustin saw my studio first hand as my Manager of Business Operations at Modern Motion. Believe it or not, he was hired about two weeks before the closures of the COVID-19 Pandemic and we naviagated the ups and downs of money, staff, online and outdoor classes, and customer communication. Beyond that, we worked together with the other members of my amazing team to build a strong business.
I hope that bits of my journey will encourage or even inspire you along your way.
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.
www.kidzgymanddance.com
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.
What an honor it is to speak with June Lawrence on her 40 year journey of running her dance studio!
In this interview, June references episode 2, Letting Go to Let them Grow: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dance-entrepreneurs-podcast/id1710371952?i=1000630732066
About June
June Lawrence is the proud founder and visionary behind a successful dance studio in Mississauga, Ontario, which has been thriving for 40 years. Her dedication and hard work has built a business that inspires and nurtures students while fostering creativity, confidence, and a sense of community. As the studio's visionary, June now enjoys the freedom to explore new ways to share her extensive knowledge and experience with others. She has begun mentoring and guiding individuals both within and outside the dance industry. June is passionate about helping people live life with purpose and on purpose, encouraging them to reach their fullest potential through intentional and meaningful actions.
Website: https://junelawrenceschoolofdance.com/
IG: @theofficial_junelawrence
Special Thanks to Dustin Ciano, Podcast Editor
In today's episode I talk with Bryce and Kristian of Dance Motion Marketing about their thoughts on Winter Marketing. Whether its Black Friday deals, gift certificates and bundles or promotions for the new year, there's so many options for Studio Owners. How can we decide what diretion to go in with limited resources? Listen in.
Learn More and Book a Strategy Call with Dance Motion Marketing by visiting https://www.dancemotionmarketing.com
https://www.instagram.com/dancemotionmarketing/
Thank you to podcast editor Dustin Ciano
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
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.
Today I sit down with Daphne Williams of 3-D Dance Studios as we talk about her experience over 20 years in business.
About Daphne
Daphne Williams is the artistic director behind the 3-D Dance Studios (formely Daphne's Divine Dance) school. Williams has vast performing arts experience including; The National Black Theatre of Harlem, "Showtime At The Apollo" and Williams toured with Warner Brothers with David Peaston. Ms. Williams was one of four dancers asked to represent Long Island in the Huntington Arts Council's production of "From The Horses Mouth". She was the choreographer for "Platanos and Collard Greens" currently playing in Manhattan. She has worked with the award winning Long Island Voices with Mary Sharpe and the Gemini Chorale with Jerry Ulrich. She is also a member of the Long Island Dance Consortium. She has served as grant panelist for the New York State Council of the Arts Decentralization Program Suffolk County. Most recently Ms. Williams had the opportunity work with world-renowned choreographer, Rennie Harris on a film project. Williams became a professional performer while in high school living in her hometown of Detroit, Michigan as a member of the Clifford Fears Dance Theatre. Williams was a regular dancer on a local dance show in Detroit, "The Scene" and has worked for Broadway playwright the late Ron Milner's "Work or Don't Let Your Attitude Intrude". She received her BA in Telecommunications from Michigan State University and studied British Mass Media at the University of London Bedford College in London, England.
3D Dance Studio
http://www.3ddancestudios.com/
IG @3d_dance_studios
Special Thanks to Dustin Ciano, Podcast Editor
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 Christine
Christine began her dance training at the age of 3 and continued throughout her teenage years in Southern New Jersey. Christine taught her first dance class at age 16 and fell in love with sharing the art of dance with her students. While earning her Bachelor's Degree in Entrepreneurship at Rowan University and continuing to build her dance teaching skills, Christine was also a dancer for the Philadelphia KiXX Dance Team and performed in Atlantic City regularly at the Tropicana Casino. Christine choreographed and performed in the Philadelphia Mummers Parade and was the founder of the Camden Riversharks Dance Team.
Christine then realized it was time to chase her dream of owning a dance studio of her own and opened Jazz Hands Dance Academy in August of 2015 in 1 spare room of a karate school. Now, Jazz Hands Dance Academy operates 3 studio spaces, has won numerous awards, has been named a “Hope Studio” by Dancers Against Cancer, and has performed in Walt Disney World and at Philadelphia Phillies games.
Christine has also earned her certification in Barre Above and is an active member of the Dance Studio Owners Association, International Dance Entrepreneurs Association, and Associated Dance Teachers of New Jersey. Christine is looking to continue growing and expanding Jazz Hands Dance Academy and building her brand as the best preschool age dance program while inspiring children to believe in themselves and chase after their dreams.
Christine and her husband Brad have several real estate and business investments and continue to build their portfolio. In Christine’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Brad and their dog Blaze talking about their dreams and goals, working out, and going to their vacation home at the Jersey Shore.
Website: www.jazzhandsdanceacademy.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jazzhandsdanceacademy
Special Thanks to Dustin Ciano, Podcast Editor
My guests today are Michelle Loucadoux and Kristin Deiss of Danscend about mental wellness for dancers and educators of dance.
About Danscend
Danscend’s mission is to bring mental wellness to the forefront of dance training by providing a space for education, application, and community to dancers, educators, and professionals. Danscend resources are thoroughly researched, vetted by mental health professionals, and created from peer-reviewed scientific studies. Many dancers struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, depression, negative self-talk, and maintaining a positive body image. Danscend offers virtual courses, workshops, and community support to dance educators and dancers to discuss these issues and offer resources to help. Additionally, this work on creating a peak performance mindset has enhanced and improved the careers and lives of dancers and choreographers. Kristin Deiss and Michelle Loucadoux have a shared sixty years between them in the dance industry and after working together in the education field for many of those years, the idea of Danscend was born. No strangers to the need for mental health awareness, they have both wrestled with various issues in their own professional dance careers as well. With Danscend, Deiss and Loucadoux have created a resource that they wished had been available when they were beginning their dance careers; a resource that will now benefit not only their students, but also the dance industry as a whole.
IG: @danscendofficial
Website: danscend.com
Danscend's Institutional Mental Wellness Memberships - https://danscend.com/p/institutional-mental-wellness-membership
The podcast currently has 56 episodes available.