
Today's studio families want more than just great classes — they want to see growth and feel the progress. In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Inner Circle Growth Coach Annie Leese reveals: - How strategic use of simple class videos can dramatically boost loyalty and re-enrollment - Easy ways to highlight student achievements without turning into a full-time content creator - How to use video to celebrate growth, strengthen parent trust, and build a studio culture students never want to leave Crucial tips for privacy, permission, and staying legally protected when using student videos Whether you are trying to keep more students after recital season or build a stronger studio brand, this episode will help you leverage video as one of your most powerful and underused retention tools. Plus, join our free Facebook group for studio owners for even more templates, strategies, and real-time examples: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theDSOA
May 26, 2025
15 min

Getting students through the door is just the first step — real growth comes from keeping them excited, motivated, and emotionally connected to your studio week after week. In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Inner Circle Growth Coach Annie Leese shares: - Why loyalty and retention are built in the small, daily moments — not just big performances - 5 simple, interactive tech tools you can use to boost connection without adding hours to your schedule - How gamification, feedback apps, and social media recognition can turn your classes into a highlight of your dancers' week Why retention — not just attraction — is the real measure of studio growth If you're ready to simplify your engagement systems, build loyalty faster, and stop fighting enrollment turnover every season, this one's for you. Plus: Want real examples, templates, and tools you can plug into your studio today? Join our free Dance Studio Owners Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/theDSOA
May 19, 2025
15 min

What starts as a simple across-the-floor jazz outline… ends up in a 2 a.m. TikTok spiral. We've all been there. This week on the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, we're breaking the cycle of burnout planning and giving you the ultimate shortcut to smarter, faster lesson design. Join Inner Circle Studio Growth Coach, Annie Leese, as she shares: - Her real-world tech workflow for building 30 weeks of lessons in minutes - How to use ChatGPT and your studio's core values to generate meaningful class content - Systems that help your teachers stay creative without starting from scratch every week - Why "record what you're already doing" is your new favorite strategy This isn't about working harder — it's about working smarter with the tools already at your fingertips. Want more tools like this every week? Join us inside the free DSOA Studio Owners Facebook Group: facebook/com/groups/theDSOA
May 12, 2025
17 min

Are you buried under endless admin tasks — chasing down attendance, payments, and scheduling issues — instead of focusing on what really matters in your studio? In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Inner Circle Growth Coach Annie Leese shares: - 5 simple tech tools to streamline your class management, registration, and communication - How to save hours of time each week (without hiring more staff) - Practical ways to set up automations for class reminders, payments, and team communication The truth about tech overwhelm — and why you only need one or two smart tools to see massive results Ready to feel like a CEO again instead of your studio's admin assistant? This episode will show you exactly where to start. Plus: Get access to real studio templates, tool kits, and daily tips inside our free Dance Studio Owners Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/theDSOA
May 5, 2025
17 min

In this episode, host Cara Poppitt shares her thoughts on the crucial role that empowered leadership plays in the success of a dance studio. As a dance studio owner herself, Cara knows firsthand the importance of having strong leaders within her team. In this episode, she explores what it means to be an empowered leader and how these leaders can inspire and drive their team to success. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Cara encourages dance studio owners to examine their own leadership styles and empower their team to take ownership of their roles within the studio. She shares her tips for creating a culture of empowerment, including setting clear expectations and providing opportunities for growth and development. If you're a dance studio owner looking to take your leadership skills to the next level and create a culture of empowerment within your studio, then this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover how empowered leaders can inspire greatness and drive your studio to success.
May 8, 2023
20 min

In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, guest host Cara Poppitt shares her passion for getting unstuck and helps you as a dance studio owner and business leader reflect on where you might be feeling stuck in your own life. She introduces four main reasons we typically get stuck in leadership and in life, and challenges you to think about what you're waiting for and what might be holding you back from taking action, while encouraging you to tap into your courage to move forward towards your goals. Tune in for key takeaways on how to get out of the wings and step onto the stage of your life, including: - You don't always need to feel ready before you take a risk or try something new. - Courage moves you forward enough to take action and take the next step, even if you don't feel confident. - Fear of the unknown and fear of change can hold you back, but it's normal to feel scared. - Insecurities can make you feel stuck, but you can overcome them by tapping into your courage and taking action towards your goals.
May 1, 2023
20 min

Join host Cara Poppitt as she explores the importance of effective communication and connection in the dance studio industry. In this episode, Cara will share her insights and expertise on how dance studio owners can build strong relationships with their students, parents, and staff through clear communication and genuine connection. Cara will discuss the challenges that dance studio owners face when it comes to communication and connection, and provide practical strategies and tips for overcoming them. You will learn about the importance of active listening, clear and concise messaging, and creating a culture of trust and respect in your dance studio. Whether you are a dance studio owner looking to improve your communication skills, or seeking to build stronger relationships with your students, parents, and staff, this episode will provide valuable insights and inspiration for your journey. Tune in and discover the power of communication and connection in building a thriving dance studio.
Apr 24, 2023
28 min

Join host Cara Poppitt as she shares her insights and expertise on how dance studio owners can transition from management roles to become visionary leaders and CEOs of their businesses. In this episode, Cara will discuss the key differences between managing and leading, and why making the shift from one to the other is crucial for the long-term success of your dance studio. Cara will share her personal journey of transformation from a manager to a CEO, the challenges she faced along the way, and the strategies she used to develop her leadership skills. You will hear about the importance of developing a clear vision for your dance studio, setting strategic goals, and building a strong team to help you achieve them. Whether you are a dance studio owner looking to take your business to the next level or a manager seeking to become a more effective leader, this episode will provide valuable insights and inspiration for your journey. Tune in and learn how to make the transition from management to leadership and become the CEO your dance studio needs to thrive.
Apr 17, 2023
20 min

Join host Cara Poppitt in this episode of "Leading the Dance," as she dives into the essential role of leadership in the success of dance studios. With a wealth of experience in dance education and studio ownership, Cara brings valuable insights and practical strategies to help dance studio owners unlock the power of leadership. From defining the characteristics of effective leadership to exploring ways to cultivate leadership skills, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their dance studio to new heights. So, put on your dancing shoes and tune in to "Choreographing Your Success: How Leadership Can Help Your Dance Studio Thrive."
Apr 10, 2023
23 min

Welcome to our unmissable new series "Leading the Dance: Empowered Leadership in Dance Studios" Throughout this series, Cara will explore the essential elements of leadership, and guide listeners on how to develop the skills and mindset needed to become an effective leader in your dance studio. Whether you're leading a team at work or simply looking to improve your personal leadership skills, join Cara as she takes you on a journey through the world of leadership, and discover what it takes to connect and collaborate to lead. Guest host Cara Poppitt is not only one of the DSOA's industry leading coaches inside the dance studio owners Inner Circle, she is also the Founder and Artistic Director of Soul Connexion in Calgary, and the founder and CEO of the Studio Fine Arts Club.
Apr 3, 2023
31 min
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