Step Up Your Studio

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

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with the incredible Hedy Perna, owner of Perna Dance Center in Haslet, NJ. With over 37 years of experience, Hedy brings heart, humor, and hard-won wisdom to the mic as she shares what it really takes to build a lasting, values-driven studio.

From her childhood obsession with Fred Astaire to launching Dance Friends on Zoom during the pandemic, Hedy dives into:

• Her old-school roots and modern-day lessons
• How to stay energized after decades in the industry
• The importance of sticking to your policies and trusting your studio's "flavor"
• How meaningful relationships drive student retention and long-term success
• What she's learned from leading new studio owner sessions at the Dance Teacher Web Conference

Whether you're brand new or a decades-deep studio veteran, Hedy's stories and strategies will remind you why dance education is a calling and why community matters now more than ever.

• Explore the upcoming Dance Teacher Web Conference & Expo: DanceTeacherWeb.com

In this heartfelt and wisdom-packed episode, Step Up Your Studio welcomes Simone DePaulo, veteran performer, choreographer, and passionate educator. From Alvin Ailey training to Afro Jazz choreography, Simone's journey spans continents, disciplines, and decades. She shares how dance chose her, the life-changing impact of international touring, and how she connects movement with meaning for students of all ages.

You'll hear:

• Her approach to teaching young children through story and imagination
• Insights into curriculum development that's rooted in connection and creativity
• Honest reflections on overcoming personal and professional challenges
• The importance of community, mentorship, and continued education in dance

Simone also opens up about her husband's health journey and how faith, resilience, and the studio continue to be her creative and emotional anchor.

Whether you're a studio owner, dance teacher, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode is a must-listen for re-centering your purpose and passion in the dance world.

🔗 Connect with Simone on Dance Teacher Web

Watch her exclusive class content and more at: 👉 www.danceteacherweb.com

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we're joined by the incredibly accomplished Jessica Stafford—dancer, educator, choreographer, and founder of Rebel Wellness. Jessica shares her journey from performing in West Side Story and Guys and Dolls to becoming a transformative educator who guides dancers with purpose and authenticity.

You'll hear about:

• Her early beginnings in Brooklyn and what sparked her love for dance
• How her teaching evolved from performance-focused to student-centered
• The biggest pitfalls for young choreographers—and how to avoid them
• Her thoughts on setting age and level-appropriate choreography
• Tips for getting students more engaged, accountable, and invested
• The birth of her Rebel Wellness venture and how it's helping dancers and teachers alike
• A sneak peek at her sessions during this year's Dance Teacher Web Conference

Jessica also offers practical advice for studio owners, teachers, and choreographers who want to elevate their impact in and out of the studio. Whether you're struggling with student engagement or feeling burned out yourself, this episode will help reignite your passion and purpose.

Learn more about the Dance Teacher Web Conference & Expo: DanceTeacherWeb.com