Dance Studio Owner Life Coaching

One hundred episodes. Can you believe it? When I first dreamed of creating this podcast, I had no idea what I was doing — only that I felt called to give it a try. Sitting in an airport lounge with hours to spare, I jotted down my first 52 episode ideas and decided that even if no one listened, it was something worth putting into the world. Fast forward to today, and here we are together at episode 100. In this special reflection, I share the journey of taking a tiny spark of inspiration and choosing to bring it to life — even when fear, doubt, and uncertainty whispered reasons to stop. From learning that most podcasts don’t make it past five episodes, to pushing past the fear of rejection when inviting guests, I’ve discovered that growth doesn’t come from waiting for perfect timing. It comes from steady, faithful steps. This episode is about: Why making a decision feels so hard — and why it matters. The story of how this podcast began (and why I refused to let it fizzle out). Lessons I’ve learned after 100 episodes about courage, consistency, and following through. An invitation for you: what small idea have you been ignoring that might be the start of something big? My hope is that as you listen, you’ll feel inspired to say yes to the sparks that have been tugging at your heart. Because maybe, just maybe, your next big thing is waiting on you to take that first step. Thank you for being part of these first 100 episodes — I can’t wait to see what comes next for both of us.

After a long night of teaching, do you find yourself snacking mindlessly or binging on whatever’s easiest? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck in that cycle. In this episode of Life Coaching for Dance Studio Owners, Ginger sits down with Nan (Nadège) Saysana, The Binge Eating Coach, who helps women stop overeating, beat cravings, and create a healthy relationship with food. Nan shares her personal journey from late-night binge eating to becoming a certified Life and Weight Loss Coach—and even a bodybuilder at 50!—and explains how studio owners can make small shifts that fuel their bodies and strengthen their leadership. You’ll learn: The difference between true hunger and emotional or habitual eating Why late-night snacking is so common for entrepreneurs Simple planning strategies to avoid end-of-day binges How self-compassion is a key tool for lasting change The connection between food habits, energy, and stronger leadership in your studio Nan’s approach is simple, kind, and rooted in mindset work—helping her clients stop overeating without shame, guilt, or deprivation. About Nan Nan is a certified Life and Weight Loss Coach through The Life Coach School and Corinne Crabtree’s No BS Weight Loss University. Based in Paris, she helps women feel better about food and their bodies through practical, compassionate coaching. When she’s not coaching, she enjoys walking around Paris, lifting weights, reading, and watching The Big Bang Theory with her family. Links and Resources Free Webinar: Binge at Night? Here’s Why (and How to Break the Cycle) Website: thecravingscoach.fr Instagram: @Nan.Saysana.Coaching Contact: nscoaching@outlook.fr

Do you ever feel like you’re frozen in place, unable to take action on the things you know would move your studio forward? You’re not alone. In this episode, Ginger Haithcox explores the three most common reasons studio owners get stuck in inaction and offers practical strategies to help you break free. From the freeze response to the fear of failure to the mental overload of trying to do it all, Ginger provides clarity, compassion, and actionable tips that will help you move forward with confidence. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why the freeze response can keep studio owners stuck (and how to take small steps forward). How the fear of failure shows up in studio ownership—and how to reframe it as feedback instead of defeat. Why overwhelm and mental load lead to paralysis, and simple ways to reset your mind and body so you can regain clarity. Resources and Next Steps: Share this episode with another studio owner who might be feeling stuck. Want more support? Book a free 15-minute breakthrough call with Ginger: gingerhaithcox.com/coaching

Feeling like your to-do list never ends? Between studio responsibilities, family commitments, and personal priorities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and reactive. In this episode of Dance Studio Owner Life Coaching, I’m walking you through my Focused Calendar Method — a simple, intentional way to plan your week so you can get things done, protect your personal time, and actually enjoy life. You’ll learn: Why starting with a thought download clears mental clutter and creates calm. How to schedule both your personal and business priorities without overcommitting. The surprising truth about how much time you really need for tasks (and how to avoid procrastination traps). How to set up focus blocks that move the needle on your business’s bottom line. The weekly reflection process that keeps you on track and celebrating wins. If you’ve been meaning to get more organized — and actually stick to your plan — this episode will give you a practical, repeatable system to make it happen. Resources & Links: Order your Studio Owner Life Coach Planner (featuring the Focus Calendar Method) here: https://thestudioownerlifecoach.com/planner

As studio owners, we often get caught in the race for more—more students, more programs, more recognition—without stopping to ask if those things are what we truly want. In this episode, Ginger explores the hidden gap between our deepest desires and the goals we chase, why so many women struggle to name what they want for themselves, and how the “improvement trap” can rob us of joy in the present. Through personal reflection, real-life examples, and a powerful self-audit exercise, you’ll be challenged to pause, look at what you’ve already built, and consider what truly matters for your life—not just your business.

Are you lying awake at night worrying about your studio's cash flow? Skipping your own paycheck to keep the doors open? You're not alone – and there's a way out. In this episode, Ginger gets real about the financial struggles that so many studio owners face but rarely talk about. From credit card debt to personal loans keeping your business afloat, she shares the painful truth about what happens when we keep making the same financial mistakes... and the exact moment everything can change. What You'll Discover: The "pivot point" that transforms everything (and why most owners never reach it) Why being "bad with money" is a dangerous lie you're telling yourself The hidden emotions driving your worst financial decisions How to separate your identity from your studio's success A proven debt elimination strategy that actually works for small businesses Real Talk Alert: This episode doesn't sugarcoat the financial reality many studio owners face. Ginger shares her own story of financial stress, emergency credit card use, and the decision that changed everything for her studio. If you're tired of the summer slowdown anxiety and ready to build a financially stable studio that doesn't depend on your personal credit cards to survive, this episode is your starting point. Ready to tackle your studio finances head-on? Visit gingerhaithcox.com to schedule your breakthrough call.

In this episode, Ginger shares her personal journey of writing a book and provides actionable strategies for dance studio owners ready to tackle their own big projects. She breaks down the process from initial idea to execution, emphasizing the importance of progress over perfection and doing things even when you're scared. Ginger emphasizes that humans are "gifted, beautiful beings" with all the capabilities needed to accomplish major projects. She encourages listeners to bet on themselves and remember that everyone has the power within them to create and achieve their dreams.   If you're ready to get coached, visit https://www.gingerhaithcox.com/ and schedule your breakthrough call with Ginger.

As we head into the busiest time of year for dance studios, Jenny shares her essential summer prep checklist to help studio owners get organized before the fall registration rush hits. What You'll Learn The #1 task Jenny's clients are requesting this summer (and why it matters) Website essentials that parents expect to find (hint: mobile optimization is crucial!) Planning strategies for winter performances that start NOW Why simple systems often work better than expensive software The calendar mistake that creates unnecessary parent emails What to do when your fall schedule isn't ready yet Key Takeaways Get your handbooks updated and visually appealing Refresh your website for mobile users (80% of your traffic!) Create your studio calendar through December at minimum Plan your winter show timeline month by month Use the tools you'll actually stick with Connect with Jenny Website: 5678assist.com Services: Virtual assistant support for dance studio owners Don't wait until September to get organized - your future self will thank you for the prep work you do now!

In the final episode of the Unapologetically Wealthy series, we get specific about building wealth as a dance studio owner. Learn how to price your programs without guilt, create multiple revenue streams in the dance industry, and handle pushback when you start charging what you're worth. This episode is packed with practical strategies for dance entrepreneurs who want to build financial success while making a positive impact on their communities.   Connect & Share If this episode resonated with you, please: Share it with another woman who needs to hear this message Leave a review! Book your breakthrough call at https://www.gingerhaithcox.com/

In Episode 2 of the Unapologetically Wealthy series, we're exposing the harmful myths and stereotypes about wealthy women that keep us small. From media portrayals to societal narratives, we'll break down the "evil wealthy woman" trope and replace it with the truth about who successful women actually are. Reality beats stereotypes: Research shows women leaders prioritize employee well-being, long-term impact, and community development Wealth building is survival: Women live longer, earn less, and face greater financial vulnerability—building wealth is essential, not optional Female wealth benefits everyone: Countries with greater gender wealth equality see higher GDP, better education, and improved healthcare Connect & Share If this episode resonated with you, please: Share it with another woman who needs to hear this message Leave a review! Book your breakthrough call at https://www.gingerhaithcox.com/

In this first episode of the Unapologetically Wealthy series, we dive deep into the guilt complex that keeps women small when it comes to money. Discover why society conditions women to feel guilty about financial success, how this guilt is actually harming us and our communities, and practical steps to rewrite your money story. It's time to stop apologizing for your financial ambitions and start embracing your worth.   Connect & Share If this episode resonated with you, please: Share it with another woman who needs to hear this message Leave a review! Book your breakthrough call at https://www.gingerhaithcox.com/

Discover the essential lessons learned from this year's dance recital season. Key insights include the benefits of minimalism, the importance of effective communication tools, leveraging volunteers, maintaining backups, fostering relationships with other studio owners, and the significance of recapping and celebrating with your staff. These lessons aim to help studio owners streamline their processes, improve their recitals, and build a supportive community in the dance industry.     00:10 Reflecting on Recital Success 01:40 Lesson 1: The Power of Less is More 04:34 Lesson 2: Leveraging Volunteers 06:33 Lesson 3: Always Have a Backup 08:01 Lesson 4: Sharing the Joy of Shows 08:57 Lesson 5: Recapping and Celebrating 11:01 Invitation to Life Coaching

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Samantha O’Neil, founder of DECA Dance Competition and Unconvention, to explore how her values-driven, family-oriented approach is reshaping the competition experience for dancers, teachers, and parents alike. From creating events that reduce stress for studio owners to offering live critiques, meaningful awards, and culturally diverse classes like African and Bollywood dance, Samantha shares the story behind DECA’s rise as a true outlier in the dance industry. We talk about: Why DECA feels different—and easier—for studio owners and families How Samantha’s own dance and teaching experience shaped her vision What it means to run a truly family-run business DECA’s unique “Unconvention” and its focus on live music and underrepresented dance styles The intentional feedback, fairness, and educational integrity built into every event What’s next for DECA, including new offerings for dance parents Whether you’re a studio owner, dance teacher, or parent, this conversation will leave you hopeful about the future of dance competitions—and how compassion, values, and creativity can lead the way. Connect with DECA Dance: 🌐 decadancecompetition.com 📷 Instagram: @decadancecomp ▶️ YouTube: DECA Dance Comp

Is email marketing really dead? Not even close. In this episode, Ginger breaks down why email is still one of the most effective (and underused) marketing tools for dance studio owners. While many are chasing algorithms and likes on social media, you could be building relationships—and boosting revenue—directly in your customers’ inboxes. From segmenting your list to increase relevance, to running successful email campaigns that result in real sales (yes, even last-minute program sign-ups!), this episode is packed with actionable advice you can start using right away. What You’ll Learn: Why email marketing outperforms social media for actual enrollment and engagement How to use email to promote specific offerings like birthday parties, private lessons, and camps The power of list segmentation (and how it keeps people from unsubscribing) How to test interest in a new program—before you spend time building it Real results from a last-minute email campaign that saved a summer program How to integrate email with your paid ads for better lead conversion Key Takeaway: You don’t need to go viral to grow your studio—you need a strategy. And email is a powerful, cost-effective one that leads directly to sales.

What’s it really like to run a nonprofit dance studio—and keep it thriving for over four decades? In this episode of Life Coaching for Dance Studio Owners, Ginger is joined by Darla Lemay, Artistic Director and Theatre Director of Stageworks Academy of the Performing Arts in Alberta, Canada. Darla brings over 43 years of experience leading a nonprofit studio that’s deeply rooted in community, collaboration, and the arts. We unpack the unique structure of nonprofit dance studios, the pros and cons of having a board of directors, and how Darla transitioned from wearing every hat to building a sustainable leadership team. Whether you're exploring nonprofit status or simply looking for ways to delegate and lead more effectively, this conversation is full of wisdom you won't want to miss. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll hear: Why Stageworks Academy was founded as a nonprofit from the very beginning The different types of nonprofit boards and how they impact studio operations How Darla structured her team to support leadership succession The realities of fundraising and applying for grants (and why it shouldn’t be your only strategy) Tips for raising tuition without guilt—even as a nonprofit Why a clear mission and strong board relationships make all the difference 💬 Darla's advice to overwhelmed studio owners: “Pick your right team—people who you trust, who don’t have a personal agenda, and who understand the responsibility you carry. You can’t do this alone.”   Darla Lemay is the Artistic Director and Theatre Director of Stageworks Academy of the Performing Arts, where she has been a guiding force for over 33 years. As a seasoned leader in arts education, Darla has dedicated her career to building and sustaining a thriving nonprofit performing arts organization that provides accessible, high-quality arts programming for youth. A graduate of Grant MacEwan University with a Certification in Arts and Culture Management, Darla brings a deep understanding of both the artistic and administrative aspects of nonprofit leadership. She is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities for young people to grow through performance, and she works tirelessly to ensure Stageworks remains a vibrant, community-centered hub for creative expression. Under her leadership, Stageworks Academy has grown into a respected institution known for excellence in theatre and dance education, all while operating with the heart and mission of a nonprofit dedicated to serving its community. 🌐 Visit: www.stageworksacademy.com  

Are you tired of doing it all alone in your studio business? In this episode, Ginger shares a big shift: the launch of her 9-week group coaching pilot for dance studio owners. She gets real about why she created this program and how group coaching offers not only affordability—but transformation through connection, perspective, and shared growth. Ginger also reflects on the powerful message from Psalm 46:10—“Be still and know.” This isn't just a spiritual reminder—it's a call to slow down, trust yourself, and take aligned action in your business. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why Ginger is expanding into group coaching How slowing down can actually move you forward What to expect from the 9-week group coaching pilot A reminder that you are not alone in this work My 9-week group coaching program is open—and it’s designed just for dance studio owners who are ready for real change. We start in July and you’ll get: 8 live 90-minute coaching calls Unlimited Q&A access in our “Ask A Coach” portal A private, non-Facebook community Bonus access to my signature trainings Support from a coach who actually gets studio life This is coaching for your business and your life—and we’re keeping it small so you actually get the attention you need. Apply now and let’s make this your season of peace, profits, and progress. 👉 Learn more about group coaching and join the pilot here: https://thestudioownerlifecoach.com

In this honest and heartwarming episode, I’m joined by Florida-based studio owner Jessica Canino, who shares her journey of raising her son while running a thriving dance studio. From babywearing at the barre to navigating recital season as a solo parent, Jessica opens up about the shifts in mindset, the lessons in time management, and the power of setting boundaries that have shaped her as both a mom and a business owner. Whether you're preparing to start a family, deep in the toddler trenches, or just trying to figure out how to show up fully in both business and motherhood, this conversation is packed with relatable stories, real-world strategies, and encouragement for studio owners doing both.  Key Topics: How Jessica organically grew her studio from an after-school program to a full-time business What changed when she became a mom—and later, a single mom How she learned to be intentional with her time (and what that looks like in real life) Creating core memories for kids and families while preserving her own Studio systems that support freedom and flexibility Why boundaries with clients, staff, and time matter so much The power of support systems: from family to studio community   About Jessica Jessica Canino is the owner of Creative Dance Studio in South Florida and a passionate entrepreneur who’s been building community through dance for over a decade. She’s also a single mom, content creator, and big believer in living life by design—not default. Whether she’s running her studio, chasing her son Xander, or helping other business owners get intentional, Jessica brings creativity, heart, and a strong sense of purpose to everything she does. www.creativedancestudio.org ---------------------------------------------- My 9-week group coaching program is open—and it’s designed just for dance studio owners who are ready for real change. We start in July and you’ll get: 8 live 90-minute coaching calls Unlimited Q&A access in our “Ask A Coach” portal A private, non-Facebook community Bonus access to my signature trainings Support from a coach who actually gets studio life This is coaching for your business and your life—and we’re keeping it small so you actually get the attention you need. Apply now and let’s make this your season of peace, profits, and progress. 👉 Learn more about group coaching and join the pilot here: https://thestudioownerlifecoach.com

Think AI is just for tech bros and sci-fi movies? Think again. In this episode, Ginger pulls back the curtain on how she’s using AI tools—like ChatGPT—to streamline systems, create better communication, and save serious time in the studio. Whether you’ve never used AI before or you’ve already asked it to write a recital email or two, this episode is packed with practical ways to make your life easier using the power of automation and smart prompts. You'll hear how Ginger uses AI to: Refresh and standardize job descriptions Draft high-converting landing pages (without sounding like a robot) Create consistent, helpful email series for new families Analyze survey data and pull out ready-to-use testimonials Define her ideal customer avatar and write more targeted marketing Edit and improve studio handbooks (even the ones from 2014) ✨ This isn’t about replacing your voice—it’s about amplifying it. If you’re ready to take the first step into using AI in your studio—or want fresh ideas on how to get more from it—this episode is for you. My 9-week group coaching program is open—and it’s designed just for dance studio owners who are ready for real change. We start in July and you’ll get: 8 live 90-minute coaching calls Unlimited Q&A access in our “Ask A Coach” portal A private, non-Facebook community Bonus access to my signature trainings Support from a coach who actually gets studio life This is coaching for your business and your life—and we’re keeping it small so you actually get the attention you need. Apply now and let’s make this your season of peace, profits, and progress. 👉 Learn more about group coaching and join the pilot here: https://thestudioownerlifecoach.com

Recital season doesn’t have to mean chaos, late nights, and constant stress. In this episode of Life Coaching for Dance Studio Owners, I’m joined by Abby Stewart and Kali Ashe of Prosody Arts Management—two seasoned pros who have lived through recital mayhem and now help studio owners simplify it all. Together, we talk about: ✔️ Why most recital stress is completely avoidable ✔️ How to set up backstage systems that actually work ✔️ What to communicate to staff and parents—and when ✔️ Easy ways to plan ahead (even if it’s your first show) ✔️ How to protect your energy and keep the joy in your work Whether your show is around the corner or already behind you, this episode will help you lead your studio with more confidence and a lot less chaos. About Abby Abby Stewart grew up in her Mom’s dance studio and continued with her love of dance into the professional dance world as a dancer for the Glen Campbell show and multiple musical theater performances. With extensive experience as both a director and Artistic Director, Abby has led numerous performance companies to success. Her lifelong passion for dance and performance shines through in her choreography, which she both creates and teaches with enthusiasm. As a dedicated educator and sought-after guest choreographer, Abby continues to inspire and shape the next generation of performers. In addition to her extensive performance and teaching career, Abby co-founded Prosody Performance Arts Management, where she has channeled her passion for dance and the arts into helping other dance studios. Abby’s commitment to the arts is ever-present, as she continues to inspire, mentor, and provide platforms such as Prosody Backstage for the dance community. About Kali Kali Ashe has dedicated her life to dance and performance, earning recognition as an award-winning choreographer and educator. Renowned for her innovative, intricate choreography, Kali’s unique style has made a significant impact in the dance community. Her extensive experience as a company director, studio manager, and recital coordinator has established her as a leading expert in the field. With a bachelor’s degree in teaching and a deep passion for education, Kali is committed to inspiring and nurturing the next generation of dancers and dance educators. In addition to her accomplishments in choreography and education, Kali co-founded Prosody Performance Arts Management, where she has expanded her influence in the dance world by providing support and guidance to dance educators and studio owners. Kali continues to fuel her passion for education and performance by mentoring future generations and shaping the future of the dance community with her vision and dedication. About Prosody Prosody Backstage, Where Dance Meets Organization. Take the stress out of managing your studio. Prosody Backstage is the all-in-one software designed to simplify your business operations and streamline your performances, so you can focus on what you love: the art of dance. https://www.prosodyperformancearts.com/products **Full studio management features, complete with enrollment and billing, coming this summer** Download our FREE Prosody Dance Notebook App! Easily manage all of your classes, dances, and choreography notes. Available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Get Expert Support with Prosody Access valuable resources—from in-depth articles and engaging workshops to one-on-one sessions with industry professionals. Prosody is your trusted partner in studio management and performance planning. https://www.prosodyperformancearts.com/recital-workshop Plan Your Recital with Confidence! Get the Recital Planning Notebook—your step-by-step guide to organizing a seamless recital, with expert support included. Available now on Amazon or as a digital download from our website. https://a.co/d/bmBXGA0 Find them on Instagram at @prosodyperformancearts

Ginger explores “the void” — that nagging feeling that something is missing even when your to-do list is complete. She dives into how dance studio owners often overwork, buffer, and ignore their own needs, even after building a successful business. If you’ve been asking, “What am I forgetting?” — this episode might reveal the surprising answer: you. What You’ll Learn: Why progress still feels exhausting How to recognize if you’re buffering with work, food, or alcohol Signs you’re neglecting your physical or emotional wellness How to reconnect with yourself and reclaim your well-being Why no studio can thrive if the owner is just surviving