Transform My Dance Studio – The Podcast For Dance Studio Owners

One of the most important skills a studio owner can develop is knowing when to say no. In this episode, Inner Circle Studio Growth Coach Elisa Finney shares how defining a clear brand mission and set of values transformed the way she runs her studio, builds partnerships, and makes business decisions. From costumes and choreography to sponsorships and strategic partnerships, Elisa explains how a strong brand becomes a decision-making filter that helps you protect your reputation, attract the right families, and create consistency across every aspect of your business. If you've ever struggled with setting boundaries, evaluating opportunities, or staying true to your vision, this episode will give you practical exercises and real-world examples to help you strengthen your brand and make decisions with confidence. What You'll Learn Why strong brands require strong boundaries How to use your brand as a decision-making filter What studio owners should say no to How Elisa evaluates business partnerships The role brand values play in programming decisions Why consistency builds trust and credibility How to identify brands that align with your mission Ways strategic partnerships can elevate your studio The exercise Elisa used to define her brand How greater brand clarity leads to better business decisions Alisa Finney is an Inner Circle Studio Growth Coach and the Director of the Melbourne Ballet Company in Australia. She leads both a professional touring ballet company and a thriving dance studio serving students from age two through eighty-nine. Elisa is known for her expertise in branding, strategic partnerships, leadership, and building mission-driven dance organizations that stand out in their communities. Explore our partners Get ahead of next season with Limelight Teamwear. Visit limelightteamwear.com to learn more Try our Daily Decision Compass - dsoa.com/compass Sign up for Studio Sync - dsoa.com/syncmembership Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join! Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation

https://gostudiopro.com/transformAre your financial decisions driven by strategy, or by a money story you've been carrying for years? Many dance studio owners start with a passion for changing lives, but struggle to balance purpose with profitability. In this conversation led by Katie Wilber (DSOA Operations Specialist), financial strategist Mel Abraham shares how our beliefs, habits, and behaviors around money shape the way we run our businesses and why building wealth has far more to do with mindset than math. You'll learn how to break free from limiting financial beliefs, create a healthier relationship with money, and build a studio business that supports both your mission and your life. What You'll Learn How childhood money stories influence business decisions Why wealth-building is primarily about behavior and habits The truth behind the "starving artist" mindset How to connect profit with purpose without guilt Why owning your value is essential for growth The difference between making money and building wealth How wealthy people prioritize investing differently Strategies to avoid emotional spending and instant gratification How money can create (or reveal) tension in relationships Why defining your version of "enough" is critical for long-term success How to align your financial decisions with your values and life goals Mel Abraham is a CPA, entrepreneur, financial strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Building Your Money Machine. He helps entrepreneurs and leaders remove financial constraints, build lasting wealth, and create systems that separate income from effort. Mel has worked with organizations including AbbVie, the IRS, NACVA, and the Financial Planning Association, and is one of the few speakers worldwide to earn the Certified Speaking Professional designation. Explore our partners: Get ahead of next season with Limelight Teamwear. Visit limelightteamwear.com to learn more. Sign-up for a FREE 30-day Trial of Studio Pro at gostudiopro.com/transform Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join! Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation

What makes families stay at a dance studio for years and what causes them to quietly walk away? In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, relationship marketing expert Barb Betts shares why retention is built through emotional connection, authentic culture, and meaningful relationships. Guided by reflections from the DSOA's operations specialist Katie Wilber, this conversation explores the deeper human side of studio leadership and the moments that make families feel like they truly belong. Barb unpacks how studio owners can strengthen loyalty, improve communication, build stronger relationships with teachers and parents, and create a studio culture families never want to leave. From practical retention strategies to the power of authenticity and connection, this episode will challenge studio owners to think differently about what truly drives long-term growth and referrals. What You'll Learn: Why retention is rooted in belonging and emotional connection The difference between unavoidable attrition and preventable departures Why studio owners can never fully delegate relationships How stronger teacher relationships improve retention Practical ways to create community outside of dance classes Why authentic studio culture attracts the right families The power of intentional communication and personal connection How relationship-based leadership drives referrals and long-term growth The "small moments" that create lasting studio loyalty Why trying to be everything for everyone hurts retention About Barb Betts Barb Betts is a keynote speaker, CEO, relationship strategist, and author of The Relationship Advantage. With more than 23 years of experience building businesses through trust-based relationships, Barb teaches leaders how authentic human connection drives growth, loyalty, and long-term success. Her work has been featured in outlets including ABC, KTLA, and Us Weekly. Explore our partners: Try our Daily Decision Compass with a Free 7-Day Trial: dsoa.com/compass Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join! Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation

If your studio's marketing sounds like everyone else's… this might be why. In this episode, branding expert Bruce Turkel shares why standing out has nothing to do with what you offer and everything to do with how people experience your brand. From understanding what today's customers actually care about to breaking free from outdated "features-based" marketing, this conversation will challenge the way you position your studio and help you connect in a way that drives real growth. Bruce explains why function is simply the "cost of entry" in today's market and how the studios that truly thrive are the ones creating emotional connection, memorable experiences, and meaningful differentiation. If you're tired of blending in and ready to build a brand families feel, this episode is a must-listen. What You'll Learn Why most dance studio marketing sounds the same The difference between function and brand value How emotional connection influences buying decisions Why customer experience matters more than features The branding lesson dance studios can learn from Tiffany & Co. How to make your studio stand out in a crowded market The key difference between good brands and great brands Bruce Turkel is an internationally recognized branding expert, speaker, and author who helps businesses create more valuable and memorable brands. He has worked with major companies including Discovery Channel, Hasbro, Bacardi, and Miami, and is the author of several books on branding and customer experience, including All About Them, named one of Forbes' top business books of the year. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join! Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association: Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation

Marketing is essential—but it doesn't have to take up all your time. In this episode, Shawna Kwan walks you through how to outsource social media, advertising, and content creation without losing your brand's voice. Learn what tasks to delegate first, how to vet the right marketing professional, and the key systems that make outsourcing seamless. If you've been hesitant to let go of marketing, this episode will give you the confidence to take the leap!

Feeling overwhelmed by admin work? A Virtual Assistant (VA) could be the game-changer your dance studio or business needs. In this episode, host Shawna Kwan, Inner Circle Community Leader and powerhouse studio owner of Elan Dance Arts, breaks down what a VA can do for you—from managing emails and scheduling to customer service and social media. She'll also dive into how to find the right VA, what to delegate first, and how to set up a successful working relationship. If you're ready to free up your time and focus on what you do best, this episode is for you!

In this episode, Recital Cost Savers and Money-Makers, Sharon Uyar, CEO of Fusion Dance Center and Inner Circle Mentor, shares practical tips to reduce production costs and maximize profitability. Discover smart ways to save money without compromising quality and explore new revenue streams to make your recitals a financial success.

In this episode of Mastering Recital Planning, IC Mentor Sharon Uyar is breaking down Recital 101 and how to schedule for success. Learn how to create a detailed planning timeline and streamline your workflows with tools that will help you deliver your most organized and seamless recital yet.