The Transformative Dance Podcast - with Melanie Gard

On this episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast, we chat with Sally Prendergast, marketing guru and former dance studio owner with over 30 years in the dance industry.

As the founder of Dance Studio Marketing and creator of programs like the Dance Studio Accelerator, Sally shares her expertise on:
✅ Boosting enrolments with smart social media strategies
✅ Adapting to a post-COVID world of neurodiverse classrooms
✅ Building sustainable and thriving studios

💡 Discover how to stay ahead of the curve in the evolving dance industry and why inclusivity and listening to your customers are the keys to long-term success.

This week on the Transformative Dance Podcast, I’m joined by the powerhouse behind Dance Informa and Victorian Dance Festival (VDF)—the incredible Deborah Searle!

Deb’s journey is one of passion, innovation, and leadership in Australian dance. From starting Dance Informa to ensure dancers were always in the know, to leading VDF—Australia’s favourite dance festival—Deb has transformed the way our industry connects, learns, and grows.

In this episode, we chat about:
💡 How missing a single audition inspired Deb to create Dance Informa
🎭 The evolution of VDF and why it remains a community over competition event
🌍 Bringing global dance opportunities to Australia—including RWS, Norwegian Cruise Lines AND an exciting NEW GUEST at this year’s VDF!
🎶 The power of networking and how dancers can create their own pathways

This conversation is packed with insights, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of Australia’s most influential dance leaders.

Book Tickets for the Victorian Dance Festival 23-25 May 2025 here: https://www.victoriandancefestival.com/

Check out DANCE INFORMA here: https://danceinforma.com.au/

On this episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast, Mike Harrison-Lamond, Director of the Australian Academy of Dance and founder of Calibrate Dance, shares his groundbreaking approach to dance education and studio management. From advocating for safer industry standards to empowering studio owners with innovative tools, Mike's insights are reshaping the dance community.

💡 Discover how Mike’s strategic mindset and passion for the arts are helping studio owners thrive while keeping students safe and inspired.

Tune in now to hear how Mike is making waves in the dance world—and how you can too!

Find out more about Mike's work here:
www.calibratedance.com.au

Discover how Natalie Yates, Director of NY Dance, grew her values-based dance studio into a community hub with over 500 students.

In this inspiring episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast, Natalie shares her journey, the secrets to fostering a family-like studio atmosphere, and how she created thriving side businesses like Little Dance Stars and The Dancer's Warehouse. Whether you're a dance professional or an aspiring entrepreneur, you’ll find actionable insights and heartfelt stories in this episode.

What do pirouettes and Pulitzer-worthy prose have in common? Just ask Vivienne Pearson, the incredible freelance writer whose bylines light up publications like The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and Good Weekend.

In the latest episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast, Vivienne shares the untold story of how her love for dance paved the way for her thriving writing career. Starting in a ballet class at just three years old, Vivienne’s journey took her from the stage to the page, with a few surprising detours along the way—including stints as an occupational therapist and researcher.

Discover how the discipline, creativity, and resilience she honed in the dance studio have shaped her storytelling craft. From school fundraising exposés to her heartfelt dance photography, Vivienne’s diverse career proves that the lessons of dance extend far beyond the studio.

💡 Read the highlights and listen to the full episode to learn:
- Why a compliment about her feet changed her perspective on dance forever
- How being “thrown in the deep end” at 16 shaped her teaching philosophy
- Her advice for finding confidence in your unique strengths—both in dance and life

Jen Dalton’s story is nothing short of remarkable. From humble beginnings teaching a few students in a garage to running a studio with over 1,000 students, Jen’s journey as a dance studio owner has been one of passion, perseverance, and purpose.

In the latest episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast, Jen shares how her family’s love for dance shaped her early years and inspired her to start teaching at just 12 years old. With the support of her community, Jen built a thriving dance school while simultaneously juggling a career as a police officer.

In our conversation, Jen dives into:
How her dual career shaped her approach to child safety and transparency in the dance industry.

Now the founder of the Dance Studio Scaled Mastermind, Jen works closely with high-achieving studio owners, helping them simplify their operations, grow sustainably, and avoid burnout. Her philosophy? Success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about culture, mental health, and impact.

Whether you're a studio owner, teacher, or someone passionate about dance education, Jen’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you lead with heart.

*Trigger Warning* This episode contains brief discussions of abuse. If you or anyone you know needs help please reach out to one of the resources listed at the end of the show notes, or call 000 in an emergency.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast! Today, we are thrilled to feature Rachael Shiels, a trailblazer in dance education and the director of Theatre De La Danse, an award-winning studio in Brighton, Melbourne.

With over 35 years of dedication to the dance industry, Rachael has cultivated a thriving community and a studio renowned for its exceptional culture and commitment to positive, inclusive dance education. Her journey began at just five years old when ballet became her prescribed therapy and lifelong passion.

Rachael’s candid reflections on the challenges she faced as a young dancer—including harsh critiques and outdated teaching methods—are both relatable and inspiring. She used these experiences to fuel her mission to create a nurturing and empowering environment for her students.

In this episode, Rachael discusses:

How her unique childhood experience in dance shaped her teaching philosophy.

Whether you're a dance educator, studio owner, or simply someone who loves the transformative power of dance, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

If this podcast brought up difficult emotions or you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the resources below:

Mental Health Resources in Australia:

Lifeline Australia: 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.

Kids Helpline: Free 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

• Call 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au

1800 Respect: A national sexual assault, domestic family violence counseling service that provides support and information.

• 1800 737 732 or visit https://www.1800respect.org.au/ 

The Butterfly Foundation: Support for those experiencing eating disorders and body image issues. Call 1800 33 4673 or visit butterfly.org.au

Last week’s episode was just the beginning! Jason Teasdale and I had such a rich, meaningful conversation that we couldn’t stop at one episode. So, we’re back with Part Two, diving even deeper into the realities of the dance world, the challenges of teaching, and the wisdom that comes with two decades of experience.

In this episode, Jason shares insights into the resilience required for a career in dance, the shifting dynamics of our industry, and what it means to inspire the next generation of dancers. We laugh about the quirks of being dance teachers (hello, Kmart earrings and clear nail polish hacks!) and tackle the big questions: diversity, inclusivity, and leadership in the arts.

We also touch on the beauty of finding "your people" in dance and how vital it is to create spaces where students, particularly male dancers, can truly belong. Jason’s humour, honesty, and dedication to the craft shine through, and I promise you’ll come away inspired.

So, grab your headphones and join us for Part Two of this unforgettable conversation. Whether you’re a dancer, teacher, or someone who loves the art form, this episode will resonate with you.

Hear Melanie Gard interview dance studio owner and educator, Jason Teasdale, in Part 1 of a very interesting deep dive into the world of pre-professional dance and the issues often holding young dancers back in the dance industry. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this riveting conversation!

WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE Welcome to the Transformative Dance Podcast! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with the incredible Holly Diggle, founder and director of Dance Northside in Canberra. Holly’s dance journey began in Edinburgh, where she fell in love with the power of movement in a vibrant, community-oriented space. From these beginnings, she’s crafted a studio culture of inclusivity and joy, providing a safe haven for over 400 dancers at Dance Northside.

Since purchasing the studio in 2006, Holly has dedicated herself to creating an environment where students can find belonging and thrive, no matter their background or skill level. With certifications in dance, yoga, acrobatics, and now pursuing a Diploma in Counselling, Holly is committed to personal growth and supporting others on their journey.

Tune in as we explore her story, her passion for neurodivergent inclusivity, and her innovative Neurostars program, which caters to students with unique sensory needs. Holly’s dedication to building a safe, joyful dance space is a true inspiration!