In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico sits down with master educator, performer, and tap specialist Tony Coppola for a powerful conversation on longevity, versatility, and what it truly takes to build a lasting career in dance.

Tony shares his unconventional path into dance through music, sports, and gymnastics, his years touring with Tremaine, and the lessons he's learned from decades of performing, teaching, and mentoring dancers at every level. From the importance of musicality and tap training to preparing students for auditions and professional life, this episode is packed with wisdom for studio owners and educators navigating today's fast-changing dance landscape.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Why versatility matters more than ever in today's dance industry
• How tap training strengthens musicality across all dance styles
• The difference between short-term success and long-term careers
• Preparing dancers for auditions, professionalism, and real-world expectations
• Teaching strategies that keep students engaged, motivated, and growing

🎧 Whether you're a studio owner, teacher, or lifelong learner, this episode offers timeless insight from someone who's truly lived every side of the dance world.

Looking for proven tools, training, and faculty support?

Visit DanceTeacherWeb.com to explore Tony Coppola's exclusive training videos, Dance Teacher University, live events, and resources built specifically for studio owners and educators.

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, host Steve Sirico sits down with professional dancer, educator, and choreographer Cindy Reid Bluhm to talk about what it truly takes to build a long, sustainable career in dance.

From her early training in Wisconsin to performing on cruise ships, moving to Las Vegas, working in major productions, and teaching across all levels, Cindy shares real-world insights on versatility, professionalism, and why technique and character will never go out of style. She opens up about navigating career pivots, staying ready between contracts, and helping today's students connect more deeply with their training through visualization, mindset, and intentional movement.

This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for studio owners and educators who want to develop not just strong dancers but confident, resilient, and hireable humans.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why technique remains the foundation for longevity in any dance career
• How visualization and mindset help students apply corrections more effectively
• The truth about trends like acro—and what really stands the test of time
• What directors and casting teams value beyond talent
• How educators can evolve while staying true to their teaching philosophy

🎧 Whether you're a studio owner, educator, or aspiring professional, this episode will shift how you think about training, teaching, and long-term success.

👉 Enjoying the show? Be sure to subscribe to Step Up Your Studio so you never miss an episode packed with real-world insights for dance educators.

💡 Want more tools, training, and expert resources to grow your studio? Visit DanceTeacherWeb.com to explore faculty programs, conferences, and marketing support designed specifically for dance studio owners.

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico sits down with Bob Singh, tech entrepreneur, professor, dance studio owner, and principal product manager at CircleRam. With a unique blend of tech expertise and firsthand studio experience, Bob shares how AI can revolutionize the way studios operate, from class scheduling and parent communication to marketing and student growth tracking.

Bob also opens up about his journey from software engineering to studio ownership, why identity matters in business, and how his team is helping studio owners save time, increase efficiency, and embrace innovation without fear.

You'll discover:

• The top ways AI can enhance studio operations and cut hours of admin work
• How studio owners can leverage online classes to grow enrollment fast
• Why community, service, and identity are at the heart of sustainable success
• A sneak peek into CircleRam's new Smart Studio Circle and upcoming tools

👉 Learn more and join the Smart Studio Circle at smartstudios.circleram.ai 👉 Explore more tools and strategies for studio success at DanceTeacherWeb.com

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Angela and Steve D'Valda Sirico sit down with the legendary Liz Imperio—Emmy Award-winning director and choreographer who has worked with icons like Jennifer Lopez, Michael Jackson, Gloria Estefan, Madonna, and more.

Liz shares her journey from the big stage to her passion for shaping the next generation of dancers, with a special focus on the vital role parents and teachers play in a dancer's growth. She dives into themes from her new book Parenting Their Passion, offering powerful insights on how parents can support their children in dance without losing sight of the bigger picture.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

• How parents' words and attitudes impact a dancer's confidence and performance
• Why self-awareness and critical thinking are as important as technique
• The difference between "dance parents" and "parents of dancers"
• How educators can better align with families to create lasting success
• Why the lessons of dance extend far beyond the studio and stage

👉 Explore more expert insights and tools to grow your studio at DanceTeacherWeb.com.

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, host Angela sits down with Don Mirault—Broadway veteran, performer, and founder of Theater Arts Preparatory School (TAPS)—and Jamie Tenbass, former professional dancer and agent, who will be leading TAPS East Coast in 2026.

Don shares why he created TAPS as a "trade school" for dancers, designed to prepare them for the realities of the professional job market. Jamie offers her perspective from years as a talent agent, explaining why TAPS graduates stand out—not just for their technique, but for their professionalism, marketing savvy, and readiness to work.

👉 Learn more about TAPS at theaterartsprepschool.com and tapseast.com 👉 Explore more tools to grow your studio at DanceTeacherWeb.com

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with Tanya Hamilton, the powerhouse behind Hamilton Theatrical Supply. From her early days in her mother's dance studio—handling everything from picture day to changing toilet paper rolls—to running one of the most respected costume companies in the industry, Tanya's journey is equal parts inspiring and insightful.

She shares:

• How growing up in a studio shaped her approach to business and design
• The importance of functionality and style in costume creation
• How pop culture and performance trends influence her designs
• Why building strong partnerships is the key to peace of mind for studio owners
• Her take on current industry challenges like tariffs and supply chain volatility

Tanya's passion for dance, dedication to community, and commitment to quality shine through in every story and piece of advice.

👉 Connect with Tanya and explore Hamilton's costumes at hamiltonstheatrical.com 👉 Discover more resources to grow your studio at DanceTeacherWeb.com

In this heartfelt episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with Gaynelle Costner, founder of First Class Dance Studio in Temple Hills, Maryland. Gaynelle shares how a spontaneous opportunity at age 13 ignited a lifelong passion for teaching—and how a single mailed letter helped her register 98 dancers on day one of her now 27-year-old studio.

Gaynelle opens up about:

• Transitioning from assistant teacher to studio owner
• Taking smart, steady growth steps without stretching her community too far
• Building her team by hiring former students she mentored
• Leading with compassion, especially when families face financial hardship
• Why she invests in continued education—for herself and her staff

Resources & CTA:

Explore the tools and training Gaynelle uses to grow her studio and support her team— 👉 Visit DanceTeacherWeb.com to level up your teaching and business strategy.

💡 Subscribe to Step Up Your Studio for more real stories, actionable advice, and inspiration from dance educators who lead with heart and hustle.

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Angela D'Valda Sirico welcomes longtime friend and industry icon Darlene "Dolly" Kelepecz —a celebrated performer, educator, author, and creator of the DK Body Balancing Method. Currently a full-time professor at UNLV and lead instructor for Dance Teacher University, Dolly shares powerful insights from her decades-long journey in ballet, Pilates, and dance education.

They dive deep into:

• The shift in dancer discipline and studio culture over the years
• The risks of overstretching and the importance of joint health
• Why Pilates is essential for today's dancers and teachers
• Point work readiness and why anatomical awareness matters
• Encouragement for teachers to stay strong, set boundaries, and nurture students' souls through the art of dance

🌐 Learn more and become part of the Dance Teacher Web community: 👉 https://www.danceteacherweb.com

Want more inspiration and resources? Subscribe to Step Up Your Studio for real conversations, teaching tools, and connection with fellow dance educators.

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, host Steve Sirico sits down with Ian Howe, artistic director of Pacific West Performing Arts and co-founder of Influx Dance. With decades of experience as an educator, performer, MC, and judge, Ian shares deep insights on how the dance world—and its students—have evolved post-COVID.

From managing early childhood separation challenges to navigating students' sensitivity to corrections, Ian breaks down the shifts educators must make to stay effective and connected. He also explores:

• Setting healthy classroom boundaries for students and parents
• Helping dancers understand and apply feedback without resistance
• When it's time for teachers (and students) to switch things up
• The importance of continuing education and staying creatively fresh
• His mission behind Influx Dance and empowering the next generation

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Explore Ian's work and get in touch: ianhowedancer.com
• Learn more about Influx Dance: influx.dance
• Join the most supportive community for dance educators at DanceTeacherWeb.com

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we welcome industry veteran Kim McSwain, founder of KM Agency and longtime educator, choreographer, and mentor to dancers and teachers alike.

From touring with Britney Spears and Michael Jackson to becoming a leading voice in teacher training and studio consulting, Kim shares how a career-ending injury led her to discover her greatest gift: teaching young dancers with heart and intention.

She dives into:

• What studios often miss when it comes to teacher hiring
• How to reach and uplift every child, even the "hard to reach"
• Creating a classroom culture rooted in being seen, valued, and challenged
• Turning passion into purpose and building a healthy, thriving studio

With honesty, warmth, and years of experience, Kim reminds us what really matters in dance education, and how small shifts in mindset and communication can change everything.

Learn about Kim's work at KM Agency Discover exclusive training, tools, and community for studio owners and teachers at DanceTeacherWeb.com