This week's episode is a little bit special… because it was recorded LIVE on stage at Dance Teacher Expo 2026.

And yep, you might miss the slides (and there are a couple of live-audio quirks), but trust us… the value in this one is HUGE.

Amanda dives into the world of AI, but not in an overwhelming, techy way. This is real, practical, "how does this actually help me run my studio better?" kind of stuff.

Because AI can feel like a lot. New tools every week, everyone saying you "should" be using it… and you're just trying to get through the day without forgetting snack day or costume orders.

This episode breaks it all down in a way that actually makes sense, and gives you tools you can start using straight away.

💡 Plus, there's a free guide with all the tools mentioned - just head to Instagram and comment "robots" to grab it!

This week's bonus episode is a special one, and it might just shift the way you see your studio's impact.

Amanda sits down with Namine from Ronald McDonald House Charities to chat all things Dance for Sick Kids: a feel-good, community-driven campaign that's doing some seriously life-changing work for families going through incredibly tough times.

From spontaneous dance parties in hospital common rooms to kids dancing on one leg (yes, really), this conversation is full of moments that will make you smile, and maybe tear up a little too.

If you've ever wondered how your studio could be part of something bigger (without adding more to your already full plate), this episode is packed with simple, creative ideas to get involved.

• What Dance for Sick Kids actually is (and how easy it is to join)
• The real, behind-the-scenes impact on families staying at Ronald McDonald House
• Why this campaign hits differently for dance studios and students
• Creative (and fun!) ways studios are getting involved—from crazy dress-up days to mum dance challenges
• How fundraising builds empathy, connection, and community in your studio
• The surprising power of a little healthy competition 👀
• What raising $20K+ actually means for a real family

Whether you go big or keep it simple, every bit makes a difference.

👉 Ready to get involved? Head to danceforsickkids.com and register your studio.

This week Bec's chatting with Candice from Footloose Studios in Hornsby, and honestly… if you've ever felt like a shy little mouse in a room full of "real business owners" (same), you're going to feel VERY seen.

Candice shares her journey from teaching at 15, opening a studio in a church hall with 12 students, and hitting that "something's gotta give" moment at 40 students… to investing in business coaching and growing to 160 in one year. Yep. A year.

But the real magic of this episode isn't just the numbers - it's the confidence shift, the imposter syndrome truth bomb, and how systems can genuinely give you your life back… especially when you're juggling kids, staff, and the never-ending admin pile.

Episode Highlights:

• Starting small is normal: church halls, 12 students, and figuring it out as you go.
• Why investing in support can be the thing that changes everything (even when you "can't afford it").
• The imposter syndrome moment at the first Studio Growth Club event that flipped Candice's confidence switch.
• "Growth doesn't sit in comfort" - and why leadership starts with you.
• The power of an all-in-one CRM to simplify marketing, enrolments, workshops, invoicing and comms.
• A genius extra income + feeder strategy: running school dance groups (before/after school) for $100/term.
• Staff training that actually motivates (not the drill sergeant version).
• The real talk on motherhood + studio life: sometimes the goal isn't "more growth"… it's sustainability.

Want more support like this? There's a special offer for podcast listeners: get one week free inside the Dance Principles United Tribe: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

This week Amanda & Bec are talking about the thing so many dance studio owners love to hate… social media.

If you've ever stared at your phone thinking, "What am I even meant to post?"—this episode is your permission slip to stop making it so hard.

They break down why social media is non-negotiable for studio growth these days (and why "I hate socials" isn't a strategy), what simple content actually works, how to involve your staff without paying someone 10 hours a week for two posts, and the big mistakes that quietly block enquiries—like having messaging turned off (!).

Plus: a spicy little rant about boring Canva posts… and a reminder that parents don't need perfection—they want real.

Episode Highlights

• Social media is where parents discover and "research" studios now—often before Google.
• You don't need a full-time social media person. Most studios can do it in 2–3 hours/week.
• Your studio already has the BEST organic content: happy kids, community, joy, behind-the-scenes.
• "Perfect" can actually scare parents off—realistic content builds trust.
• Train your staff on what to film (and make it easy to submit content).
• Don't block enquiries: public profile + DMs turned ON is essential.
• Be careful with AI: use it well, or don't use it (no weird hands/fingers please 😬).
• Time-block your content and keep it simple: 3–4 clips → reel → done.

Podcast listener offer: One week free inside the Dance Principles United Tribe: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

This week on the podcast, Bec sits down with the incredible Shannon Atkins for a chat that is equal parts inspiring, honest and wildly helpful for studio owners raising the next generation of dancers.

From growing up as a comp kid and opening her own studio in her early twenties, to building an international career as a choreographer, teacher and judge, Shannon shares the journey behind the success - and the pressure that came with it.

They chat about the realities of running a high-level studio, what judges are really looking for, why technique still matters more than ever, and how studio owners can better guide students who dream of a professional career.

It's a big conversation about comps, training, expectations, childhood, and remembering what actually matters.

In this episode, they chat about:

• Shannon's dance journey from a small town hall in Lismore to the international stage
• What it was really like owning a successful studio at a young age
• The pressure studio owners carry when parents want elite results
• Why comp success doesn't always translate to industry readiness
• What Shannon looks for when she's judging
• The difference between Australian and US comp culture
• Why ballet and strong technical foundations still matter
• How studio owners can help students make smarter full-time and career choices
• The reminder every studio owner needs: stay true to your vision

This episode is such a good one for any studio owner who's ever felt the weight of trying to do it all, keep everyone happy, and still lead with heart.

And if you'd love more support, connection and practical help in your studio owner journey, there's a special offer for podcast listeners.

Grab 1 week free in Dance Principles United Tribe: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

This episode is one of those "you don't know what you don't know" conversations… and wow, it's a good one.

Bec is joined by Zoe and Kristy from Act It Out - two powerhouse women with seriously impressive careers across dance, acting, TV, and beyond. But what they're sharing today isn't just about performing… it's about what our students are missing.

Because let's be real - our industry is overflowing with incredible dancers. Like, insanely talented. But the opportunities? Still limited.

So what actually sets students apart?

In this episode, we dive into why drama training might be the missing piece, not just for booking jobs, but for building confident, capable, well-rounded humans (which honestly… matters even more).

From communication skills to confidence, auditions to eye contact (yep, we go there), this chat will get you thinking about how you're preparing your students for the real world, not just the stage.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Why being just a dancer isn't enough anymore
• How adding acting skills can massively expand career opportunities
• The real-life skills drama teaches (hello confidence + communication!)
• Why so many teens struggle with eye contact and conversations
• How drama helps kids find their voice, on stage and in life
• The gap in training (and why it's showing up later)
• A simple way to add drama into your studio, without hiring a specialist

If you've ever wondered how to better support your students' future (and maybe even add a new income stream), this episode is for you!

Connect with Dance Princiapls United and Act It Out at Dance Teacher Expo: https://www.danceteacherexpo.com.au

This week on the podcast, Bec chats with Ellie from Carnival Dance Challenge - and honestly, this conversation is such a good one for any studio owner who's ever sat at a comp and thought, "Surely there's a better way to do this."

Ellie shares her own dance journey, from growing up in the Southern Highlands to training full-time at Brent Street and performing professionally, before a massive life pivot during COVID changed everything. With travel plans on hold and motherhood entering the picture, Ellie found herself reimagining what her future in dance could look like… and Carnival was born.

Beck and Ellie dive into how the comp world has changed over the years, what today's dancers really need, and why the future might actually be less about flashy tricks and more about artistry, performance quality and creating genuinely positive experiences for families and studios.

They also chat about Carnival's fresh approach to competitions, the importance of high-calibre judges, and why Ellie is passionate about creating more opportunities for dancers who want to sing, act and dance - not just nail six tricks in a row.

It's a warm, honest convo about big dreams, industry change, and building something that actually serves the dance community.

In this episode, they chat about:

• Ellie's journey from small-town dance student to professional performer
• How COVID and becoming a mum led to a huge career pivot
• Why Carnival was created and what makes it different from other comps
• How the standard of dancers has changed over the years
• Why the industry may need to pull back on tricks and refocus on dance
• The value of judges who are actively working in the industry
• Why Broadway performers and triple threats deserve more recognition
• How studio culture is shifting to become more connected and supportive

Meet with the team from Carnival and our incredible vendors at Dance Teacher Expo in Sydney! https://ticket.danceteacherexpo.com.au/

Mid-year concerts… let's talk about the underrated MVP of studio life.

In this episode, Amanda & Bec break down exactly what a mid-year concert is, why it's not just "another thing to add to your plate," and how it can seriously boost retention, parent buy-in, class upsells and even profit - without the chaos of full costumes and theatre-level stress.

They also chat about Bec's slightly unhinged (in the best way) Pep Rally setup for comp kids (think: red carpet, prizes, parents dressing up, giant cut-out heads… yep), plus why community matters more than we realise for keeping families around long-term.

Episode Highlights

• What a "mid-year concert" actually is (and what makes it good).
• Why uniform concerts are gold: cheaper, easier, less intimidating for new families, and better for promo photos.
• The "parents only get 2 games a year" problem - and why dance needs more performance windows than just end-of-year.
• Why mid-year concerts are often better than viewing week (and how to sell the benefits to parents).
• How to use the microphone to educate parents + upsell (ballet, acro, extra classes, exams, end-of-year opt-in).
• The Pep Rally model: dress rehearsal + community event + parent buy-in (and a sneaky marketing machine).
• The profit side: tickets, merch, uniforms, limited edition drops - with less admin than end-of-year.

It's not too late: even in March, you can still plan a simple mid-year concert and make it work.
Podcast listener offer: Get one week free inside the Dance Principles United Tribe: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/