Amanda and Bec are going unfiltered as they reflect on some of the toughest situations they've faced as studio owners: from heartbreaking student departures to challenging staff dynamics and one very expensive legal wake-up call. This one’s for every studio owner who's been there, or is there right now.

You’ll hear us talk about:

• What it really feels like to lose a long-term student you've poured your heart into

• Why letting go of toxic team members might be the best move you ever make

• How Amanda turned staff sabotage into an opportunity (and met the teacher who would one day buy her studio!)

• Bec’s $40,000 lesson in misclassifying staff and why every studio owner needs to hear this cautionary tale

• Why we must stop bending over backwards to keep people who are already halfway out the door

• “Pause on a positive”: the perspective shift that’ll change how you handle the hard stuff

A must-listen for:
Studio owners navigating hard conversations, tough team calls, or the aftermath of hurtful exits — and anyone ready to take their power back and grow through what they go through.

📣 SPECIAL OFFER FOR LISTENERS:
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Amanda and Bec sit down in person (yes, together in the same room!) to share the real behind-the-scenes moments that changed the course of their studios forever. From rock bottom bank accounts to million-dollar property deals, they’re unpacking the highs, the lows, and the big lessons learned along the way. If you're a studio owner looking for clarity, inspiration, or just a reminder that you're not alone on this wild ride this episode is for you. You'll hear: The pivotal moment Amanda’s mentor gave her some tough love (and what she did next that changed everything) Why shifting focus to preschoolers helped scale her numbers like crazy The surprising turning point that started with a need to prove everyone wrong The big scary risk of buying a commercial studio property with a newborn and no backup plan Bec's journey to owning a home solo (and how it made her rethink every financial decision) The unfiltered truth about going “all in” on competitions and why she’s still unsure it’s the right move Special Listener Offer Love what you’re hearing? We’ve got something just for you! Podcast listeners get 2 weeks FREE inside Dance Principles United Tribe - click here to claim yours! DPU Tribe | Studio Growth Club #DancePrincipalsUnited #DanceStudioLife #PodcastForDancers #StudioGrowth #DanceCommunity #DanceStudioSuccess #MarketingForDanceStudios #IdealClient #GrowYourStudio

This week Amanda and Bec dive deep into the importance of identifying, training, and supporting young assistant teachers in your studio. From early conversations to ongoing feedback, they share practical ways to build confident, capable leaders who often become the heart of your teaching team.

Here’s what they covered:

• Start young and be intentional: Don’t wait until a student is “ready.” If you see potential in a 12–14-year-old, start the conversation early. Give them encouragement and let their parents know you see something special.

• Training is non-negotiable: Assistant teachers should never be thrown into classes without guidance. Ongoing training, feedback from lead teachers, and regular check-ins are vital to helping them thrive.

• Body language matters: Smile! Young students interpret resting or serious faces as anger or disapproval. Teach your assistants how their facial expressions and posture affect the energy of the class.

• Use your team: You don’t need to do all the training yourself. Bring in superstar teachers who model the right energy and attitude to run short workshops or lead sessions with your junior team.

• Create a clear pathway: Talk regularly with your assistants about what they want to do long term, whether it’s choreography, studio management, or teaching full-time. Help them see that a career in dance is both real and rewarding.

• Get parents on board: Keep parents informed about the growth you see in their child. It builds trust and helps them view dance teaching as a valid and meaningful profession.

• It’s also a retention strategy: Students who feel seen, valued, and involved, especially teens, are more likely to stay with your studio. Leadership opportunities like assisting or running events give them a reason to stay connected.

• Tailor roles to strengths: Not every great assistant is a top technical dancer. Some excel because they’re confident, nurturing, or naturally great communicators. Celebrate and develop those strengths too.

Remember: the assistant teacher you nurture today might just become your most loyal and passionate team member for the next decade.

DPU Tribe | Studio Growth Club

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In this episode of the Dance Principles United Podcast, we're diving deep into creative ways to boost revenue in your studio without needing to add more weekly classes. From birthday parties to discos, corporate team building to holiday workshops, these strategies aren't just about income, they also build community, create memorable experiences, and help your team shine.

Key Takeaways:

• Uniforms & Costumes – Learn how to simplify, profit from, and streamline uniform and costume orders while making life easier for families.
• Birthday Parties – Whether you’re all-in or prefer a “set and forget” system, birthday parties can generate income and get new kids into your space.
• Corporate Team Building – Tap into a surprising market by offering creative workshops for corporate teams, even just by word of mouth.
• Staff-Led Initiatives – Empower your team to lead events and classes outside the normal schedule, generating extra income for them and your business.
• Holiday Workshops – From Taylor Swift themes to Mermaid Days, rinse-and-repeat school holiday workshops are a game-changer with the right systems.
• Discos & Parent Date Nights – Turn a fun event for kids into a night off for parents and a new enrolment funnel for your studio.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, this episode is packed with practical tips and proven strategies to help you build smart, scalable income streams around your existing operations.

DPU Tribe | Studio Growth Club

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In this episode, Bec chats with Trudy Skippen, a much-loved studio owner and member of the Studio Growth Club. Trudy shares her story of taking over Belmont Dance Centre in 2018 and the ups and downs of running a dance business.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Trudy’s move from teacher to studio owner

• The biggest challenges she faced early on

• How working on her mindset made a big difference

• Why community and connection are so important in her studio

• The way she supports nervous preschool parents and children

• How her new preschool readiness program helps kids feel more confident and prepared

This episode is a must-listen if you want to create a warm, welcoming space for families and grow a strong, supportive business.

DPU Tribe | Studio Growth Club

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Join Bec and Nathan for a dive deep into the world of Facebook and Instagram advertising for your dance studio.

They break down complex marketing strategies into simple, actionable steps, showing you how to effectively attract new students through targeted social media ads.

This episode is packed with practical advice, real-world examples, and insider tips to help you grow your dance business in an increasingly competitive market.

Key Takeaways:

• Marketing is crucial for dance studios in 2025

• Students are more likely to switch activities, so view this as an opportunity

• Social media is your "shop window" to attract new clients

• Facebook/Instagram ads are an affordable way to reach local families

DPU Tribe | Studio Growth Club

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Join us as Nathan breaks down the mysteries of Facebook ads for dance studio owners, sharing practical insights on how to effectively market your studio online.

Key Takeaways:

• Social media is your modern "shop window" - most people are scrolling on their phones daily
• Major brands are investing more in paid social media advertising - it works!
• Facebook/Instagram ads are most effective for local area marketing
• Don't just "boost" posts - create strategic, focused ad campaigns

Top Tips for Facebook Ads:

1. Understand the basic structure: Campaigns → Ad Sets → Ads
2. Choose clear campaign objectives (like lead generation)
3. Create simple, distraction-free landing pages
4. Use lead forms that keep potential clients on the platform
5. Test different ad creatives and don't get hung up on perfection
6. Commit to spending a small budget to learn and experiment

DPU Tribe | Studio Growth Club

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Let’s be real – dealing with difficult parent conversations is one of the toughest parts of running a dance studio. In this honest and relatable episode, Amanda and Bec dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster that comes with handling parent (or client) complaints, and why it can feel so overwhelming – especially when you're deeply invested in your studio community.

They share personal stories from their own early days of studio ownership (cue: overthinking and sleepless nights), and walk you through practical tips that have helped them shift their mindset, protect their mental health, and create stronger boundaries.

From why you shouldn't email back to why reframing parents as "clients" can change everything, this episode is packed with real talk and smart strategies to help you manage these conversations with more confidence, calm, and clarity.

Whether you’re new to studio ownership or a seasoned pro, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone – and you can handle this better.

🎧 Tune in now and take the drama out of difficult convos.

DPU Tribe | Studio Growth Club

#DancePrincipalsUnited #DanceStudioLife #PodcastForDancers #StudioGrowth #DanceCommunit #DanceStudioSuccess #MarketingForDanceStudios #IdealClient #GrowYourStudio