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.