In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve welcomes the dynamic Courtney Ortiz — professional dancer, seasoned competition judge, educator, and host of Making the Impact – A Dance Competition Podcast. Courtney shares her incredible journey from Broadway to adjudication, dives into current trends in the competitive dance world, and offers actionable advice for studio owners and teachers navigating competitions, student growth, and creative integrity.

🎧 Topics covered include:

• The evolution of jazz and musical theatre in today’s competitions
• What judges are really looking for — and what turns them off
• The truth about competition levels and category placement
• The rising issue of choreography plagiarism and how to protect your work
• Behind-the-scenes insight into the judging process
• Why investing in your teaching staff pays off
• A preview of Courtney’s sessions at this year’s Dance Teacher Web Conference

Whether you're a studio owner, teacher, choreographer, or aspiring judge — this episode is packed with honest insight and expert advice you can apply right away.

🔗 Visit DanceTeacherWeb.com to get access to hundreds of resources, online classes, and info on the Dance Teacher Web LIVE Conference. Your blueprint for studio success starts here!