Step Up Your Studio

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve sits down with Jason New, JJ, and Emilee from 42nd Street Tours, a company dedicated to creating customized, memory-making travel experiences for dance studios. With destinations like New York City, Disney, Hawaii, Nashville, cruises, and more, they offer performance opportunities, workshops, and built-in bonding moments that go far beyond a typical dance season.

You'll hear how these trips can boost enrollment, strengthen your studio brand, and even provide a new revenue stream. Plus, they share tips on making trips stress-free for studio owners, including how their team handles everything from payments to parent questions.

Ready to take your dancers on the trip of a lifetime? 👉 Visit 42ndstreettours.com to request a free, customized quote and explore destination options.

Looking for more ways to grow your studio and stay inspired year-round? 👉 Become a member of Dance Teacher Web and get instant access to tools, resources, and a supportive community that will help you succeed on and off the dance floor.

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with Noah Lands — founder and CEO of KAR Productions, the powerhouse behind some of the industry's most recognized dance competitions and conventions. Noah shares how his team runs over 170 live events a year, what it takes to maintain fairness in judging, and how they're setting new standards for leveling and training across the board.

He also opens up about Dancers Against Cancer, the nonprofit initiative he launched to provide direct support to dancers and families affected by cancer — and how studios can easily get involved and make a difference.

💡 Learn how your studio can make a difference at imadanceragainstcancer.org

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.