Step Up Your Studio

50 Years of Dance and Circus Magic with Robin Dawn Ryan

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico sits down with Robin Dawn Ryan, owner of Robin Dawn's Dance Academy in Cape Coral, Florida, and a true industry legend celebrating over 50 years in business.

Robin shares her incredible journey, from gymnastics in Indiana to the Sarasota Sailor Circus (where she discovered her great-grandfather was a high-wire walker and her grandparents were clowns!), to trick bareback riding, aerial work, and eventually opening her studio at just 18 years old with $200 and two students.

She trained in NYC with greats like Charles Kelly, Phil Black, Henry LeTang, and Gregory Hines, and she's poured all of that knowledge into building a thriving studio now serving over 500 students.

You'll hear Robin's golden nuggets on staying true to yourself as a teacher, building a lasting studio culture, setting boundaries with parents, and why real acrobatics technique is more important than ever. Plus, get a sneak peek at her upcoming acro curriculum featuring over 300 tricks organized into "families," launching at the Dance Teacher Web Conference this summer.

Whether you're a new studio owner or a seasoned pro, Robin's story and wisdom will inspire you to keep pushing forward.

Register for the 2026 Conference & Expo! - https://danceteacherweb.regfox.com/2026-dtw-conference-expo

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

#DanceStudioSuccess #StudioOwnership #DanceTeaching #DanceCommunity #StudioGrowth #DanceTeacherLife #DanceStudioTips #AcroDance #CircusArts #DanceEducation

Connecting Dance Teachers Worldwide with Sue Whybrow In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico chats with Sue Whybrow, founder of PopDance and the Dance Teacher Directory, live from St. Albans, England.

Sue shares how a desire to dance to cheesy 80s pop music after having her second child turned into a global dance brand spanning the UK, US, Spain, Cyprus, and beyond. What started as one fun class in 2009 has grown into programs for adults, kids, toddlers, seniors, special needs, corporate team building, and more.

Now Sue is tackling a new challenge: helping dance teachers get paid what they're worth and connecting them directly with customers, studios, and each other through the Dance Teacher Directory. You'll learn how the platform works on three levels, helping consumers find classes, teachers find work and fair pay, and studio owners find cover teachers or expand their faculty.

Whether you're looking to grow your network, find subs, or discover new opportunities across the globe, this episode shows how collaboration and community can open doors.

Register for the 2026 Conference & Expo! - https://danceteacherconference.com/

👉 Follow Dance Teacher Web:

Instagram: @danceteacherweb

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

👉 Connect with Sue Whybrow:

Website: https://www.danceteacherdirectory.com/

Website: https://www.popdanceworld.com/

#DanceStudioSuccess #StudioOwnership #DanceTeaching #DanceCommunity #StudioGrowth #DanceTeacherLife #DanceStudioTips #DanceTeacherDirectory #PopDance #DanceNetworking

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