In this insightful episode of Step Up Your Studio, we're joined by Dr. Linda Bluestein, a physician, former dancer, and one of the nation’s top experts on hypermobility and connective tissue disorders in performing artists.

If you’ve ever had students who are "too flexible" or struggle with recurring injuries, this is a must-listen. Dr. Bluestein breaks down the difference between healthy flexibility and hypermobility, the risks that come with it, and what every dance educator should watch for in their students.

You’ll learn:

• How to recognize hypermobility in dancers
• Why some students are more injury-prone than others
• Safer conditioning techniques for hypermobile performers
• The importance of interdisciplinary care in dance medicine

Dr. Bluestein also shares what inspired her to specialize in this field and how her own dance journey shaped her approach to care.

For more resources or to connect with Dr. Bluestein, visit HypermobilityMD.com

And don’t miss her session live at the Dance Teacher Web Conference this summer — an essential resource for every educator shaping the next generation of healthy dancers!

In this inspiring episode of Step Up Your Studio, host Angela sits down with acclaimed director, choreographer, and movement director Richard Hinds, whose work spans Broadway, the West End, and international stages. From his early days growing up in the studio to choreographing productions, Richard shares invaluable insights on:

• How to prepare young dancers for real-world auditions
• Why versatility is critical in today’s performance industry
• The power of work ethic and teamwork in a professional setting
• Why giving proper credit in choreography matters more than ever
• How studio owners and teachers can stay relevant and connected

Plus, Richard previews his upcoming appearance at the Dance Teacher Web Conference — including a not-to-miss session with Courtney Ortiz on choreography ethics in the digital age.

Whether you're a studio owner, teacher, or aspiring choreographer, this episode is packed with wisdom and heart.

👉 Learn more about the event at: DanceTeacherWeb.com

Episode 013: Richard Hinds on Building a Career in Dance, Choreography & Direction

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve welcomes Michael Tasner, founder of the Parent Marketing Group and longtime supporter of businesses that serve families and children. With two daughters in dance and two decades in marketing, Michael dives deep into what it takes for dance studio owners to grow, retain students, and stand out in today’s digital landscape.

He shares:

• The most effective ways to differentiate your studio in a crowded market
• Why platforms like TikTok and Reddit are underused marketing goldmines
• How to boost retention with small, personal touches
• Simple marketing math every studio should be tracking
• The importance of storytelling and emotional connection in marketing

Plus, hear a preview of the exclusive marketing sessions Michael will present at this year’s Dance Teacher Web Conference in Las Vegas.

If you're a studio owner looking for fresh marketing tactics that actually work, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with Brandy Vickers, longtime dance industry expert and Sales Manager at TutuTix, to talk all things recital prep. With over four decades of dance experience and a background in education, Brandy shares actionable tips on how studio owners can reduce stress, streamline ticketing, increase profits, and deliver an exceptional customer experience without standing in line for hours.

You’ll learn:

• Why ticketing is a reflection of your brand
• How to boost revenue through reserved seating & tiered pricing
• Easy ways to sell merchandise and collect donations
• How digital tools can save you time and energy

Plus, Brandy reveals how TutuTix makes it all easier for you—so you can focus on what matters most: your dancers and your show.

Ready to simplify your next recital? Learn more at www.tututix.com and explore the tools that thousands of dance studios trust!

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we're joined by Steve Gough, General Manager at Harlequin Floors, and Chrissy Ott Richter, Director of Marketing and Communications. Together, they share Harlequin’s journey from a small California startup to an internationally trusted name in dance flooring.

We explore:

• Harlequin’s mission to promote dancer safety
• The evolution of flooring products for studios of all sizes
• Branding tips and actionable marketing advice for studio owners
• Studio trends, including flooring financing, social media tips, and cleaning must-dos
• How Harlequin supports studios through customer service, education, and flexibility

Want to elevate your dance space with the industry’s most trusted flooring? Visit https://us.harlequinfloors.com to explore options, get a custom quote, or connect with a rep near you.

👉 And for more tools, training, and resources to grow your studio, join us at DanceTeacherWeb.com

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we’re joined by two industry legends: Misty Lown, founder of More Than Just Great Dancing, and Mandy Yip, founder of Acrobatic Arts. Together, they share the highs and hurdles of building internationally recognized dance education brands, their inspiring journeys through entrepreneurship, and how they’re now helping shape the next generation of studio leaders through their work with Ensemble Performing Arts.

We dive into:

• The origin stories behind Acrobatic Arts and More Than Just Great Dancing
• Misty and Mandy’s views on industry trends, leadership, and the “professionalization” of dance studios
• Why succession planning matters—and how studio owners can create lasting legacies
• The importance of collaboration, not competition, in the dance world
• Their top actionable tips to take your studio to the next level

Whether you're a seasoned studio owner or just getting started, this conversation is packed with insight, laughter, and wisdom you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Plus, get a sneak peek of what Misty and Mandy are bringing to this year’s Dance Teacher Web Conference!

Ready to elevate your studio all year long? Visit DanceTeacherWeb.com to access exclusive tools, training, and expert resources designed to help you grow your business and inspire your team.

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, host Steve sits down with powerhouse dance educator and social media sensation Marissa Powers. From her early days at a small studio in Massachusetts to choreographing for NYU and teaching across NYC, Marissa shares how she built a dance brand that now inspires over 100K followers across TikTok and Instagram.

She opens up about her creative process, how a viral Harry Styles tap rehearsal changed everything, and offers real-world tips for dance teachers and studio owners who want to grow their reach online. Plus, get a sneak peek into the exciting class she's bringing to the Dance Teacher Web Conference, where she'll guide attendees on filming and editing content that connects and converts.

🎧 Highlights:

• How Marissa went from teaching in Fairfield to choreographing in NYC
• The TikTok video that changed her career
• Simple, doable tips to grow your studio’s online presence
• Preview of her content creation workshop at DTW Conferenc

Ready to take your dance studio to the next level? 👉 Visit DanceTeacherWeb.com to discover top-tier training, business tools, and community support that help studio owners and teachers thrive—on and off the dance floor.

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with industry veterans Renee Stojec of A Wish Come True and Jason Neuwirth. of 42nd Street Tours to discuss the launch of their exciting new venture: Dance NYC. Learn how their years of experience and collaboration led to the creation of this one-of-a-kind event, featuring exclusive liquidation deals, top-tier vendors, and unbeatable networking opportunities for dance studio owners.

They also share juicy behind-the-scenes details about the upcoming Costume Liquidation Sale in partnership with Dance Teacher Web, why this event is a must-attend, and what attendees can expect—including up to $10,000 in prizes, themed swag baskets, and unforgettable industry connections.

🔗 CTA:

Explore all the resources Dance Teacher Web has to offer—from business tips to lesson plans—at www.danceteacherweb.com.

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve welcomes the dynamic Courtney Ortiz — professional dancer, seasoned competition judge, educator, and host of Making the Impact – A Dance Competition Podcast. Courtney shares her incredible journey from Broadway to adjudication, dives into current trends in the competitive dance world, and offers actionable advice for studio owners and teachers navigating competitions, student growth, and creative integrity.

🎧 Topics covered include:

• The evolution of jazz and musical theatre in today’s competitions
• What judges are really looking for — and what turns them off
• The truth about competition levels and category placement
• The rising issue of choreography plagiarism and how to protect your work
• Behind-the-scenes insight into the judging process
• Why investing in your teaching staff pays off
• A preview of Courtney’s sessions at this year’s Dance Teacher Web Conference

Whether you're a studio owner, teacher, choreographer, or aspiring judge — this episode is packed with honest insight and expert advice you can apply right away.

🔗 Visit DanceTeacherWeb.com to get access to hundreds of resources, online classes, and info on the Dance Teacher Web LIVE Conference. Your blueprint for studio success starts here!

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with Jamie Adams, founder of Gotta Dance in Eagle Mountain, Utah. Jamie shares her incredible 18-year journey—starting a dance studio in her basement and growing it into a thriving, state-of-the-art facility that now serves as a cultural hub for her entire community.

Whether you're just starting your studio or looking to scale, this episode offers inspiration and actionable insights on:

• What it takes to build and own your studio space
• How to stay true to your vision and values
• Creating retention and marketing magic through family-centered events
• The power of investing in your staff’s growth and education
• Why a non-competitive studio model works—and how it’s thriving
• Encouraging a studio culture rooted in joy, inclusion, and confidence

Jamie’s story is filled with honest reflections, smart strategies, and a powerful reminder: if the dream keeps calling, it’s time to take the leap.

🔗 Ready to take your studio to the next level? Get access to 1,000+ videos, lesson plans, business tools, and more at DanceTeacherWeb.com — the ultimate resource for studio owners and teachers.