Living the Dream

Today we sit down with Michelle Soutier, owner of Miller Street Dance Academy in North and South Carolina. We’ll dig into how she grew from a small-town studio with a few hundred students to serving 3,000+ dancers each week - the decisions, systems, and mindset that made it possible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Canada to NYC, tap stages to jazz festivals, and generations of rhythm in his blood - Ryan Foley is carrying the legacy forward while forging his own path. Today we sit down with Ryan, a second-generation dance artist, educator, and performer who has made his mark across North America’s tap dance scene. From his family-owned Performing Dance Arts studio to performances with the Toronto Rhythm Initiative and festivals around the globe, Ryan’s journey is one of artistry, mentorship, and pure passion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for a powerful episode featuring the board members of Dancers Against Cancer. For over a decade, D.A.C. has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to dancers, educators & their families battling cancer. We discuss the history & mission of D.A.C, how your studio can get involved, teaching young dancers to use their healthy bodies to help others, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What started with just a few students in 1997 has grown into a thriving performing arts business serving over 700 children. Wayne and Muffy Hoover share how they built it—together. Topics include: Building a multi-disciplinary arts center, making a husband-wife team work, and much more. If you're in the dance, music, or theater world—this one’s for you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sit down with Mary Bridgette Mele, owner of IndepenDance Studio in Gainesville, FL—where she’s been shaping young dancers and building community since 2009. Recently, Mary Bridgette turned her longtime dream into reality by building her own custom studio space—and we’re diving into the full story. From vision to blueprint, challenges to triumphs, this is a journey every studio owner will want to hear. Discover what it really takes to bring a dream studio to life—and what she’s learned along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She’s not just preserving a legacy—she’s building one of her own. We sit down with Nan Giordano, Artistic Director of Giordano Dance Chicago and daughter of jazz dance icon Gus Giordano. With 40 years at the helm, Nan has become the world’s leading authority on the Giordano Technique—educating dancers across the globe and mentoring the next generation of artists and educators. From founding a game-changing certification program to bringing dance education into under-resourced schools through GDC’s Jazz Dance/Science & Health outreach initiative, Nan’s impact is felt in classrooms, on stages, and in communities worldwide. Legacy. Vision. Purpose. This conversation will leave you inspired to lead with heart and give back through your art.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out our high-energy, heart-filled conversation with Reggie Oliver—a dynamic force in the hip hop and commercial dance world! From dancing with The Weeknd at the Super Bowl halftime show to working with stars like Toni Braxton, Pitbull, Macklemore, and Keke Palmer, Reggie has done it all—and he’s just getting started. But it’s not just about the credits. Reggie is a mentor, motivator, and role model who’s passionate about shaping the future of dance and inspiring young artists—especially in his home state of Pennsylvania.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re thrilled to welcome Joe Lanteri, the visionary founder of New York City Dance Alliance! Joe’s impact on both the national and international dance scene is undeniable. From shaping the future of young dancers to elevating professional opportunities, his passion and leadership have left a lasting mark on our industry. Join Rhee Gold and Laura Giacomelli for an unforgettable conversation full of insight, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stacey is a dynamic force—four-time business owner (including two dance studios), dance educator, podcast host, mom, wife, and business coach from Australia. She's also been a key part of the Rhee Gold Company and serves as a lead mentor for the Gold Alliance. Join us as we grow, learn, and explore what it means to lead with purpose and passion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we’ll talk with Amanda Herring, Deb Steele, Kim Davis, Melissa Hoffman, and Ginette Guimond—former studio owners who’ve moved on to new chapters. What’s life like after selling a studio? Let’s find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is customer service just a nice extra—or is it the secret weapon of a thriving dance studio?Join Rhee and Laura as they sit down with studio owners Tammy Bolduc and Vicki Wallace to explore how a thoughtful, consistent customer service strategy has transformed their businesses. We’ll talk about the balance between nurturing great dancers and building strong relationships with the families who support them.This isn’t just about smiles at the front desk—it’s about building loyalty, trust, and long-term success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rhee and Laura sit down with Pam Simpson—studio owner, entrepreneur, and true expert in what it takes to run a successful dance studio.Pam brings decades of experience, real talk, and smart strategies for studio ownership. Whether you’re new to the business or a seasoned owner, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable takeaways.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rhee & Laura are joined by Ashley Litwin, Ashley Canterna-Hardy, and Heather Wanner as they dive into what it really takes to balance family life while running a successful studio—the challenges, the wins, and how they make space for both.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming soon the latest podcast by Rhee Gold, Living the Dream, sponsored by Jackrabbit Dance, is the newest go-to podcast for dance educators, studio owners and industry leaders looking for real conversations, inspiration, and insights into the dance world. Hosted by Rhee Gold & Laura Giacomelli, each episode brings authentic, unfiltered discussions with top professionals who are shaping the future of dance education and business. Whether you're a studio owner striving for success, a dance teacher passionate about making an impact, or simply someone who loves the art and industry of dance, this podcast is for you. Join us as we dive deep into the realities of studio life, artistry, and leadership—all with a touch of humor, heart, and wisdom. Follow and Subscribe to be the first to find out when new episodes drop, listen wherever you get your podcasts. Find out more about Jackrabbit Dance at https://www.jackrabbitdance.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.