In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico sits down with Geo Hubela, studio owner of Icon Dance Complex in New Jersey, convention veteran, and choreographer who has worked with Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, NSYNC, and more.

Geo shares his journey from breaking in the streets of Brooklyn to performing at Disney and on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew, and why he eventually came back east to open a studio with his family. He dives deep into why hip hop needs real curriculum and foundations, just like ballet and jazz, and how he's building resources to help teachers bring authentic hip hop into their classrooms.

You'll also hear Geo's take on judging UDA Nationals, the importance of first, second, and third place competition culture, and his best tip for getting students to open up and freestyle. Plus, learn about his free Facebook community, Hip Hop Pro with Geo, where he drops weekly content to support dance educators.

Whether you're intimidated by teaching hip hop or looking to level up your program, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tools.

Register for the expo today! - https://danceteacherweb.regfox.com/2025-dtw-conference-expo

👉 Follow Dance Teacher Web:

Instagram: @danceteacherweb

Website: https://www.danceteachersummerexpo.com/

👉 Follow Geo Hubela:

Instagram: @geohubela

Website: https://www.icondancecomplex.com/

Facebook Group: Hip Hop Pro with Geo

#DanceStudioSuccess #StudioOwnership #DanceTeaching #DanceCommunity #StudioGrowth #DanceTeacherLife #DanceStudioTips #HipHopDance #HipHopCurriculum #DanceEducation

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico sits down with Teri Mangiaratti, 30-year studio owner, business coach, creator of NSYNC Action Plans, and newly appointed Vice President of Schools at Ensemble.

Teri shares how she built systems that allowed her studio to thrive (and eventually partner with Ensemble), why getting your "season on a spreadsheet" is a game-changer for reducing stress and enabling delegation, and how studio owners can make their businesses more valuable, whether for sale, succession, or simply peace of mind.

You'll also hear Teri's take on 2026 trends, including the explosion of dance studio marketing tech, the importance of investing in teacher training, and how to capitalize on the growing visibility of college dance team nationals.

Plus, she shares her own origin story, from UDA camp instructor to accidental studio owner. Whether you're overwhelmed by your to-do list or ready to scale, this episode is packed with practical wisdom.

Register for the expo today! - https://danceteacherweb.regfox.com/2025-dtw-conference-expo 👉

Follow Dance Teacher Web: Instagram: @danceteacherweb Website: https://www.danceteachersummerexpo.com/

Follow Teri: Website: https://www.insyncactionplans.com/

#DanceStudioSuccess #StudioOwnership #DanceTeaching #DanceCommunity #StudioGrowth #DanceTeacherLife #DanceStudioTips #StudioSystems #DanceTeamNationals #DanceBusinessCoach

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico welcomes back the first-ever returning guest of the podcast – the dynamic, high-energy, and always inspiring Julie Kay Stalcup.

Julie shares what she's seeing in studios right now – from the rise of free trial classes to the growing demand for fun, experience-driven dance education. She breaks down the mindset shift studio owners and teachers must make to attract today's families, convert trial students into enrollments, and create an environment where kids can't wait to come back.

You'll hear real classroom stories, practical strategies, and powerful reminders about why magic, connection, and heart matter more than ever.

Julie and Steve also announce an exciting collaboration at the upcoming Dance Teacher Web Conference in Las Vegas, including:

✨ Tap Roots Certification (Primary through Level 6) ✨ A live, in-person certification experience ✨ "Julie Kay Unfiltered" – an interactive, real-time classroom teaching experience where educators can observe, reflect, and grow

Learn More & Register

Explore Tap Roots, Julie Kay Unfiltered, and the Dance Teacher Web Conference at DanceTeacherWeb.com

Follow Julie Kay at juliekstalcup.com and on Instagram @jkstallcup for more classroom inspiration.

What does it really take to go from a competition studio in Texas to performing on the world's biggest stages with Cirque du Soleil?

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we welcome Allison Burke, performer in Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil, master teacher, choreographer, and Dance Teacher Web Conference faculty member.

Allison shares her journey from a young dancer in Dallas to signing with MSA Talent in Los Angeles, performing with global artists like J.Lo, and ultimately landing in Las Vegas as a featured performer in two major Cirque productions.

But this conversation goes far beyond credits and accomplishments.

We dive into:

✨ Why natural talent isn't everything and how work ethic can change your trajectory ✨ The power of celebrating individuality over chasing "perfect technique" ✨ How college shaped her artistry and expanded her creative voice ✨ What today's dance students truly need from their teachers ✨ Leading with kindness (not just niceness) in the classroom ✨ Real-world professional habits that determine longevity in the industry ✨ Recovering from a major hip injury and returning stronger than ever ✨ The unforgettable on-stage proposal that surprised her during a live performance

Connect with Allison Burke:

Instagram: @allison__burke (Watch her incredible on-stage proposal moment there!)

Explore her educational content at DanceTeacherWeb.com

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, host Steve Sirico sits down with hip hop dancer, choreographer, and educator Joshua Bluhm for an honest and inspiring conversation about building a sustainable dance career – from the studio to the stage.

Joshua shares his journey from basketball and community dance training in Southern California to performing on America's Got Talent, dancing professionally in Las Vegas, and teaching the next generation of dancers. Together, they dive into what dancers and teachers often overlook: connection, adaptability, grace, and energy.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Joshua transitioned from sports into professional dance
• Practical tips for teaching hip hop with clarity and confidence
• Why quality over quantity matters in choreography and training
• How dancers can stand out in auditions beyond technique
• The importance of grace, adaptability, and connection in today's classrooms

This episode is packed with real-world insight for studio owners, teachers, and dancers who want to grow with intention and stay inspired for the long run.

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