Transform My Dance Studio – The Podcast For Dance Studio Owners

Most studios focus on marketing to get students in the door, but what if the real reason they leave is happening inside your classrooms?   In this episode, Olivia sits down with Katie Wilber, educator, operations specialist, and marketing expert, to unpack the powerful role teachers play in shaping your studio's brand and retention.  This conversation dives deep into the disconnect between external marketing and in-class experience and how that gap can make or break trust with families. Katie shares real classroom stories, actionable teaching strategies, and the mindset shifts both studio owners and teachers need to create consistency, loyalty, and long-term success.  What You'll Learn:  Why teachers are the true extension of your brand  How classroom experience directly impacts retention  The importance of consistency in teaching and communication  What parents actually perceive as "value"  How to balance creativity with curriculum  The small moments that build lifelong student loyalty  Katie Wilber is the operations specialist with the Dance Studio Owners Association and the Studio Sync member success specialist. With experience in classrooms, marketing, and studio systems nationwide, she brings a unique perspective on aligning teaching with brand and business growth.    Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here. Explore our partners: Get your 3-Step International Dance Day Campaign: dsoa.com/international-dance-day/ Sign up for Studio Sync - dsoa.com/syncmembership Try Dance Photo Pro - dancephotopro.com Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater

Your studio is growing… your students are growing… your team is growing…  So why does your brand suddenly feel off?  In this empowering solo episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater breaks down a moment every growing studio owner hits—but few know how to fix: when your business evolves, but your messaging doesn't keep up.  If you've ever looked at your social media, your website, or your team's communication and thought "this doesn't feel like us anymore"—this episode is your wake-up call.  Olivia dives deep into what branding actually is (hint: it's not your logo), why delegation often creates brand inconsistency, and the simple system she used to realign her messaging, scale her team, and build trust with the right customers.  This episode will challenge you to step into your role as CEO and take ownership of the one thing that drives trust, growth, and long-term success: your brand.  You'll hear:  Why branding is a feeling, not just visuals or design  The identity shift that happens as your studio grows  Why delegating marketing often creates brand misalignment  The real reason your messaging isn't attracting the right families  How inconsistent messaging breaks trust (and slows growth)  The exact system Olivia uses to align her team's messaging  How to define your customer avatar beyond surface-level insights  Why "generic" marketing will never cut through the noise  How to create scalable brand consistency across your business  The CEO-level responsibility most studio owners avoid  If your studio is growing but your messaging isn't keeping up, this episode will show you exactly how to realign, refocus, and scale with clarity.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here. Explore our partners: Get your 3-Step International Dance Day Campaign: dsoa.com/international-dance-day/ Sign up for Studio Sync - dsoa.com/syncmembership Try Dance Photo Pro - dancephotopro.com Try Studio Pro FREE for 30 Days - gostudiopro.com/transform Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater

What if the thing holding your studio back… is actually how you're showing up as the leader?  In this powerful and honest conversation, Olivia Mode-Cater is joined by Inner Circle Studio Growth Coach Shannon Westveer to unpack the identity shifts required to grow a sustainable, scalable dance studio. This episode goes beyond strategy—and into the real internal work that studio owners must face as they evolve from doing everything… to leading something bigger than themselves.  Shannon shares her journey from overwhelmed studio owner to confident CEO, revealing the mindset shifts, leadership challenges, and uncomfortable decisions that ultimately changed everything. Together, Olivia and Shannon explore why so many studio owners stay stuck—not because they lack tools, but because they haven't yet stepped into the next version of themselves.  If you've ever felt stretched thin, unsure how to grow, or like your studio depends entirely on you—this episode will challenge you to think differently about your role, your leadership, and what's truly required to scale.  You'll hear:  Why growth requires an identity shift—not just new strategies  The difference between operating as a teacher vs. a CEO  Why letting go feels so hard (and how to actually do it)  The hidden cost of staying in "control mode"  How to start building a studio that runs with you, not because of you  The mindset blocks that keep studio owners stuck in overwhelm  What it really takes to lead a team effectively  How Shannon redefined her role to create more freedom and growth  Why clarity and decision-making are leadership skills, not personality traits  The moment studio owners realize: "Something has to change"  If you're ready to stop doing everything yourself and start leading a studio that can grow beyond you, this episode is your wake-up call.  Shannon Westveer is a former dance studio owner and Inner Circle Studio Growth Coach known for helping studio owners step into stronger leadership, build sustainable businesses, and navigate the mindset shifts required for long-term growth.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here. Explore our partners: Studio Sync - dsoa.com/syncmembership Dance Photo Pro - dancephotopro.com Studio Growth Pathways - dsoa.com/pathways  Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater  

What if picture day wasn't a stressful, time-consuming obligation, but one of the most profitable and impactful parts of your studio? In this episode of Transform My Dance Studio, Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with studio owner, entrepreneur, and founder of Dance Photo Pro, Hilary Parnell, to completely reframe how studio owners think about dance photography. With over 25 years of experience, $3M+ in studio revenue, and hundreds of studio owners coached, Hilary shares how she turned a frustrating, low-value experience into a scalable revenue stream and how you can do the same. From losing money during picture week to generating $5,000–$50,000 in revenue, this episode breaks down how bringing photography in-house can transform not only your finances, but your branding, customer experience, and retention. If you've ever felt like you're doing all the work while someone else walks away with the profit, this conversation will change how you see picture day forever. What You'll Learn: Why most studios lose money on picture day (and how to fix it) How to generate $5,000 per 100 students in photography revenue The biggest mistake studio owners make with picture day mindset Why photography is a branding and marketing tool How to create a better customer experience through photos Ways to turn picture day into a culture-building event How to use photos for social media, enrollment, and retention The system behind running photography in-house (without being a photographer) How to layer photography into events, camps, and premium offers Why owning your images gives you full control of your brand Hilary Parnell is the owner of Academy for the Performing Arts and Preschool for the Arts in Apex, NC, where she has led and grown her studio for over 20 years. She has taught over 10,000 students, scaled her business to over $3M in revenue, and coached hundreds of studio owners. She is also the founder of Dance Photo Pro and Dancers In Balance, helping studio owners create profitable, balanced businesses through smart systems and leadership. For more information visit dancephotopro.com Register now for our free March 24 Studio Manager training at dsoa.com/studiomanager Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater

Are you running your recital strategically… or just hoping it works out?  For many dance studios, recital is the single biggest cash infusion of the year, yet most studio owners never actually plan it that way.   In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with DSOA Inner Circle finance coach Paige Sayegh, a studio owner of 32 years who runs a thriving 700-student studio in New Jersey. Through her work coaching studio owners around the world, Paige has reviewed hundreds of P&Ls and helped studios uncover hidden revenue opportunities they didn't even realize existed.  Together, Olivia and Paige break down how studio owners can transform recital from a stressful production into a strategic, predictable, revenue-generating part of the business. From optimizing ticket pricing and merchandise to thinking intentionally about audience spending and future enrollment opportunities, this conversation reveals how small changes can add thousands in revenue, without adding more stress.  If recital currently feels like chaos, guesswork, or simply a way to survive the summer months, this episode will challenge you to rethink how your recital can support the long-term stability and growth of your studio.  What you'll learn  Why most studios approach recital revenue the wrong way  How small pricing tweaks can add thousands to your recital profit  The hidden audiences at your recital who are ready to spend  How to calculate average revenue per student at recital  Why ticket pricing, bundles, and upsells matter more than you think  How to use recital to promote summer camps and future classes  Why recital can be your biggest retention and marketing event  The simple financial benchmarks studio owners should know  How to reverse engineer your recital revenue goals  Why studio owners should decide in advance what recital money is for  How profitable studios create generosity, stability, and freedom  The post-recital analysis every studio should do  If you're ready to stop guessing your recital numbers and start using recital as a strategic tool to strengthen your studio's finances, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can apply right away.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater

Are you running your studio… or is your studio running you?  For many dance studio owners, the business becomes more than a job.  It becomes identity, purpose, and sometimes pressure that's impossible to escape. When every challenge feels personal and every decision feels heavy, it can be difficult to lead with clarity and confidence.  In this powerful conversation, Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with entrepreneur, author, and mindset coach Cara Moeller Poppitt to explore the internal shifts studio owners must make in order to grow their business without losing themselves in the process.  Drawing from decades of experience as both a dancer and entrepreneur, Cara shares insights on leadership, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the emotional patterns that often show up in business ownership. Together, they unpack how studio owners can reclaim their power as CEOs, make difficult decisions with clarity, and create the space necessary for their studios, — and their lives, to thrive.  This episode challenges studio owners to look deeper: not just at their systems or strategies, but at the beliefs and habits shaping how they lead.  If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of running your studio, struggled with letting go of control, or wondered how to grow without burning out, this conversation will shift the way you think about leadership, success, and the role your business plays in your life.  What You'll Learn  Why many studio owners attach their identity to their business  The hidden cost of people-pleasing in leadership  How perfectionism can hold studio owners back  The mindset shift from studio owner to CEO  Why successful entrepreneurs regularly pivot and realign  How your business can reveal personal growth opportunities  The importance of creating space for clarity and better decisions  Why delegating and letting go is critical for growth  How to make hard decisions while protecting your studio culture  The leadership habit that helps entrepreneurs stay aligned and energized  Cara Moeller Poppitt is an entrepreneur, author, and leadership coach who helps professionals create bold transformation in their businesses and lives. A former dancer and choreographer with over 20 years of experience, she blends mindset coaching, business strategy, and creativity to help leaders unlock their full potential. Cara is the founder of two award-winning companies, host of the Big Freakin' Change Podcast, and the bestselling author of Big Freakin' Change.   https://caramoellerpoppitt.com/   Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater        

If recital season has ever meant long lines, confused parents, ticket stress, or that sinking feeling that your biggest event of the year could have run smoother, this episode is for you.  Because let's be clear: your recital isn't "just a show." It's your biggest brand statement, a major revenue driver, a powerful retention tool, and a defining leadership moment all wrapped into one.  In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia sits down with Leo Moore from DRT Performance Tix to unpack how studio owners can transform their recital from a logistical headache into a professional, profitable, CEO-level event. You'll hear why ticketing is the first impression of your show, how DIY systems quietly drain revenue, and what it looks like to treat recital planning like a business strategy, not an afterthought.  If you're ready to stop surviving the recital season and start leading it like a CEO, press play.  You will learn:  Why your recital ticketing experience directly impacts retention  How "we've always done it this way" is costing you money  The psychology behind first impressions and brand trust  Why digital ticketing elevates your professionalism  How to turn recital data into real revenue growth  What a 91% retention rate in ticketing tells us about change  How small pricing adjustments (even $1) shift your profitability  Why recital revenue planning should start months in advance  How young studio owners are scaling faster with better systems  Why recital season should fund your future, not exhaust you  Leo Moore is the Manager of Partnerships and Growth at DRT Performance Tix, the leading ticketing provider built specifically for dance studios. Working closely with client success teams and studio owners across North America, Leo helps studios create professional, profitable recital experiences through smart systems, revenue planning, and hands-on support. DRT now serves over 3,000 studios and continues to evolve through direct client feedback.  For more information visit https://www.drttix.com/ Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater    

You're working harder than ever… so why doesn't your studio feel more profitable? If you've ever looked at your numbers and thought, "Where is the money?"  this episode will shift the way you think about profit forever. In this powerful solo conversation, Olivia Mode-Cater challenges one of the most uncomfortable truths in entrepreneurship: profit is not natural. Your business will always find ways to spend money, especially in the name of care, growth, new ideas, team, and upgrades. That doesn't make you bad at business. It makes you human. But if you want long-term sustainability, profit must be protected on purpose. Olivia introduces her "Three Climbs" framework: viability, stability, and profitability. She explains why most dance studio owners get stuck in survival or systemization without ever fully stepping into true margin-building leadership. With summer approaching, she also breaks down why summer camps are one of the easiest places for profit to quietly disappear and how to build profitability into your planning before registration even opens. This is about more than spreadsheets. It's about stepping fully into your CEO role. Because you are not a teacher who happens to own a business. You are an entrepreneur. You Will Learn: Why "profit is unnatural" — and why that's empowering The 3 Climbs of entrepreneurship: viability, stability, and profitability How survival mode keeps profit off your radar What "systems bloat," "tech bloat," and "team bloat" are really costing you The different types of ROI every studio owner should evaluate Why summer planning must start with expenses and profit margin The industry's average profit margin — and why 15% should be your minimum goal How to forecast summer camps with clarity and intention The mindset shift from "teacher who owns a studio" to "entrepreneur" Why progress over perfection is critical for financial growth If you're ready to stop hoping for profit and start protecting it, this episode is your next climb. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Register for Stop The Scroll on Wednesday, July 29 in Washington, D.C: https://www.dsoa.com/sts Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater    

Does summer feel like the season where you hold your breath, cross your fingers, and hope fall enrollment fixes everything?  For so many studio owners, summer looks busy. Camps are running, kids are in the building, but behind the scenes, cash flow feels unpredictable, margins feel thin, and there's a quiet anxiety that summer might actually be hurting the business instead of helping it.  In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater is joined by Inner Circle coach and longtime studio owner Annie Leese to reframe summer completely. Annie shares how she stopped reacting to summer and started intentionally designing it, transforming what used to be a stressful season into a reliable, profitable part of her studio's year.  This conversation isn't about adding more programs or working longer hours. It's about meeting families where they actually are, making small strategic shifts, and building a summer structure that supports your studio year-round.  You'll hear:  Why summer often feels financially unstable even when camps are full  How Annie designed summer programs around real family needs  Why small, data-driven tweaks outperform full program overhauls  How flexibility, aftercare, and scheduling choices impact enrollment  What it takes to stop taking low enrollment personally and start responding strategically  How a thoughtful summer strategy can support both cash flow and freedom   If you've ever caught yourself saying "that doesn't work" when it comes to summer, this episode will challenge you to get curious and help you see what's actually possible.   Annie Leese is a seasoned studio owner and Inner Circle coach who has built an exceptional reputation in the dance industry. As the CEO and artistic director of Performing Arts Academy of Marin (PAM) in Mill Valley, California, she has turned her passion for dance and the performing arts into a thriving business that attracts students from all over the region. Through her work as an Inner Circle coach, Annie has helped countless studio owners achieve their goals and reach new heights of success.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here.   Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater  

In this clarity-packed episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, host Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with DSOA's Social Media Coach and Manager Sophie Mckie to unpack what's actually broken about social media for dance studios and why working harder isn't the answer.  From Canva templates and "pretty feeds" to random posting and constant second-guessing, Olivia and Sophie reveal why most studio owners feel burned out by social media — even when they're doing "everything right." This episode reframes social media as a system, not a chore, and shows studio owners how to translate the incredible work happening inside their studios into content that builds trust, connection, and enrollment.  You'll hear:  Why parents don't enroll based on aesthetics or templates  The difference between having a content problem and a translation problem  Why random posting leads to burnout (and poor results)  How a simple content system removes decision fatigue  What "human content" actually looks like for dance studios  Why social media should support your business goals — not distract from them  How systems make delegation possible without chaos  What changes when you stop chasing trends and start building intention  If social media has ever felt like one more thing on your plate, or one more place where your effort doesn't match your results, this conversation will help you finally see why.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater  

In this candid solo episode, Olivia Mode-Cater tackles one of the most stressful realities of studio ownership: summer cash flow. If you've ever felt that pit in your stomach when June rolls around, this episode is your wake-up call. Olivia explains why summer doesn't create cash flow problems, it reveals the ones that already exist. Through real numbers, real talk, and zero sugarcoating, she walks studio owners through the simple math that determines whether your studio survives summer… or finally thrives through it. This isn't about fear or hustle. It's about clarity, predictability, and stepping out of the financial hamster wheel once and for all. You'll learn: Why summer exposes cash flow issues instead of causing them What your studio's burn rate actually is — and why most owners don't know it How weekly expenses quietly dictate your stress level The dangerous gap between being "open" and being profitable Why fewer summer classes make cash flow problems worse How to plan for a calm, flexible summer without panic The mindset shift required to stop avoiding your numbers How 10 minutes of math can change your entire year If you want a summer that feels stable, intentional, and aligned with your life — this episode is your starting point. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater    

Do you ever label yourself as "awkward" and then use that as a reason not to take a risk?  In the first episode of Season 6 of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater is joined by workplace performance expert Henna Pryor to unpack one of the biggest hidden barriers to studio growth: the fear of awkwardness.  Together, they challenge the idea that confident leaders "have it all together" and reveal that confidence isn't about avoiding discomfort, it's about recovering faster. From perfectionism and approval-seeking to emotional avoidance and leadership burnout, this conversation gives studio owners language, science, and permission to lead imperfectly and more effectively.  If you've ever delayed a hard conversation, second-guessed a decision, or felt like success still doesn't feel good, this episode will help you reframe discomfort as a skill you can train.  What You'll Learn:  Why awkwardness is an emotion, not a personality trait  How confident studio owners build a fast comeback rate  The neuroscience behind social pain and why it feels so intense  How perfectionism fuels shame cycles in dance studio leadership  Why "positive mindset" can actually become emotional avoidance  How to create psychological safety for yourself and your team  The role of community in normalizing leadership missteps  Why white space is essential for long-term resilience and clarity  How reframing language (like "sacred time") changes behavior  A simple reflection practice to uncover the stories driving your decisions  Henna Pryor, CSP, is a globally recognized Workplace Performance Expert, Inc. Magazine columnist, and award-winning author of Good Awkward. Known for her science-backed approach to performance mindset, communication, and leadership under pressure, Henna helps high-performing leaders embrace discomfort to drive meaningful, sustainable change.   Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here.   Follow Henna Pryor: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hennapryor/ Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater    

The Transform My Dance Studio Podcast is entering a new era and you're invited to join us. This new chapter of the podcast is recommitting to studio owners who want to build businesses that are successful, sustainable, and supportive of a joyfull life. This season brings a renewed focus on honest leadership, practical tools, and meaningful transformation, without pretending that running a studio is easy. For the first time ever, you can now watch full episodes on YouTube with new episodes dropping every Monday. In this new era, you can expect: Thoughtful solo episodes that explore leadership, clarity, and long-term sustainability Real-life stories from studio owners, mentors, and coaches who've been in the trenches, sharing challenges and lessons that shaped their leadersip In-depth conversations with respected experts offering practical insight for studio owners at every stage A video-first experience designed to be more engaging, relatable, and bingeable Success doesn't have to come at the expense of joy, energy, or fufillment. This podcast is here to help you move beyond survival mode and into a more grounded, intentional way of leading, where profitability and joy can exist together. Welcome to the new era of Transform My Dance Studio.

Being "good in chaos" doesn't mean you're meant to live there. In this powerful solo episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater invites studio owners into a leadership reset that goes far beyond productivity hacks. If you've been stuck in survival mode, constantly reacting, exhausted by meetings, and feeling like your time is leaking everywhere, this episode is your permission slip to lead differently. Olivia pulls back the curtain on how her calendar once trained her to stay busy but fragmented, and how intentional boundaries helped her step fully into CEO mode. This conversation isn't about squeezing more into your week. It's about aligning your time, energy, and leadership with the version of yourself you're becoming. You'll hear why discomfort is part of growth, how small weekly decisions shape your capacity, and why studio owners need structure that supports clarity, creativity, and calm. What You'll Learn Why survival mode becomes the default for so many studio owners How your calendar quietly trains you for who you're becoming The leadership cost of constant context switching Why protecting your time can feel uncomfortable and why it's necessary How to design a weekly rhythm that supports deep work and creativity The difference between productivity and alignment Why "being good in chaos" doesn't mean staying there forever How small, repeated decisions create CEO-level clarity and confidence If you're ready to stop wearing survival mode as a badge of honor and start leading with intention, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!   

What would change in your studio if picture day actually gave you time back instead of taking it away? Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with Lisa Mallis, Co-Founder and COO of PhotoDay, to unpack one of the most underestimated (and misunderstood) moments in the dance studio year: recital portrait day. What's often treated as a logistical headache is actually a powerful opportunity to elevate your brand, increase revenue, and reclaim your time. Lisa shares her journey from high-volume dance photography to building technology that transformed how studios and photographers handle picture day and why systems, transparency, and experience matter more than ever. Together, Olivia and Lisa explore how outdated processes create unnecessary stress for studio owners, staff, families, and photographers and how the right workflows can turn one of the most chaotic days of the season into a smooth, confidence-building, revenue-generating experience. This episode is a must-listen for studio owners who are tired of burnout, overwhelmed by logistics, and ready to grow their business while reclaiming their life. You'll hear: Why recital portrait day feels so overwhelming and why it doesn't have to The hidden revenue opportunity most studios are leaving on the table How systems and automation can dramatically reduce stress for owners and families Why "return on time" matters more than return on investment How transparency and feedback create stronger studio partnerships What recital photos really represent for families — and why that matters for your brand How to create an experience parents remember with love, not frustration If you're ready to stop dreading picture day and start using it as a strategic advantage in your studio, this episode will change how you see it forever. Discover how studios are upgrading picture day with PhotoDay at photoday.com Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join! 

In this raw, honest solo episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater shares something many studio owners feel, but rarely say out loud: she fell out of love with her business.  After years of leadership, growth, and responsibility, the joy that once fueled her work quietly faded into exhaustion, pressure, and misalignment. In this episode, Olivia opens up about the emotional weight studio owners carry, the shame that often comes with success, and the subtle signs that something needs to change before burnout forces your hand.  This conversation isn't about blowing everything up or chasing the next tactic. It's about creating space, listening differently, and rebuilding your studio in a way that supports clarity, sustainability, and self-trust.  If you've ever thought, "I love my studio… but something feels off," this episode will remind you that you're not broken, and you're not alone.  You'll hear:  Why falling out of love with your studio doesn't mean you're failing  The hidden emotional load studio owners carry as leaders  How misalignment between effort and reward drains joy over time  Why you don't need to burn everything down to rebuild  The power of people, purpose, and perspective in restoring meaning  What it actually takes to lead with clarity, sustainability, and self-trust  How to give yourself permission to reset without guilt   This episode kicks off a new era of Transform My Dance Studio — one rooted in truth, humanity, and helping studio owners build businesses that work for them, not just because of them. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join! 

Dance education is evolving , and studio owners are standing right at the center of it.   As our industry evolves, the studios that will thrive are the ones willing to look beyond technique and toward something deeper: leadership, curiosity, collaboration, and belonging.   In this powerful conversation, Olivia Mode-Cater and Inner Circle Program Director Lisa DeMaio sit down with Alicia Graf Mack, newly named Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, to explore what it truly means to prepare dancers for the future, not just the stage. This conversation was originally recorded earlier in the Transform My Dance Studio journey and is being re-shared to close out the year, as Alicia steps into this powerful new chapter of leadership. This episode dives deep into what dance education must become in order to truly serve today's dancers and tomorrow's leaders. From pedagogical practices rooted in care and curiosity, to collaborative training models, to the role of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in dance spaces, Alicia challenges studio owners to think beyond technique and toward transformation.  This conversation is about legacy, not just in titles or institutions, but in the ripple effect studio owners create every single day through their teaching, leadership, and choices.  If you're ready to raise dancers who are confident, adaptable, and prepared for a changing industry, this episode will challenge and inspire you.  What You'll Learn in This Episode:  Why pedagogical approach matters more than the steps you teach  How curiosity and collaboration shape stronger, more resilient dancers  What it means to prepare dancers for a 21st-century career  How dance builds confidence, leadership, and life skills  Lessons Alicia learned from iconic mentors Arthur Mitchell and Judith Jamison  Why belonging is essential for excellence in dance education  How studio owners can take practical steps toward equity and inclusion  Where the dance industry is heading and how studios can lead the way  Why longevity in dance requires becoming a multi-hyphenated professional  Alicia Graf Mack is the Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and a former principal dancer with the world-renowned company. She previously served as Dean and Director of the Dance Division at The Juilliard School from 2018 to 2025, becoming the first Black person and youngest individual to hold the role. A celebrated artist, educator, and leader, Alicia has performed with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and collaborated with artists including Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and John Legend. She is the host of the podcast Moving Moments and is dedicated to shaping the future of dance through leadership, education, and storytelling.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!

You don't need more strategy. You need more capacity. If you've ever wondered why you're working harder than ever but not seeing the growth you expected, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Leadership mentor and capacity expert Lisa Fabrega returns for a conversation that every studio owner needs to hear before stepping into a new year of growth. Lisa breaks down the six "visibility levers" that determine how you show up as a leader, how you attract the right families, and how you sustain momentum without burning out. From pricing to team to positioning, she reveals why many studio owners aren't stuck—they're simply focusing on the wrong thing. If visibility feels exhausting… if you're attracting the wrong clients… if your big ideas collapse under the weight of execution… this episode will show you exactly where to look and how to find your next right step. You'll walk away with clarity, direction, and permission to stop doing everything and finally focus on what matters most. What You'll Learn: The "domino effect" and why solving one problem often solves 10 more The six visibility levers and how they directly impact your studio Why some visibility strategies drain you while others energize you How to identify your biggest bottleneck (your "Domino") The pricing and sales mistakes that quietly erode your confidence How misaligned messaging attracts the wrong clients Why capacity is the real key to sustainable growth How to stop leaking energy into comparison, overworking, and overwhelm What to focus on for the next 30 days to create real change Lisa Fabrega is a writer and inner-leadership mentor for high-performing womxn who are ready to step into the highest expression of their work. For 15+ years, she has coached Oscar nominees, 7-figure founders, transformational coaches, and corporate leaders who are shaping their industries from the inside out. Lisa specializes in expanding her clients' capacity with work that blends deep inner transformation and practical strategy. She leads global leadership retreats, runs her renowned Empress Circle mastermind, and writes powerful, soul-shifting teachings that activate leaders to step into their fullest potential. She is also the author of Love Cartography. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!

In this reflective solo episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater takes studio owners on a powerful journey through the biggest lessons of 2025—and the mindset shifts required to thrive in 2026. From the collapse of one-size-fits-all marketing to the rise of authentic content and the return of belonging, Olivia breaks down the trends shaping the dance industry and the internal leadership work every studio owner must embrace. She shares the three actions that helped top-performing studios escape hustle culture, the hidden truth about the "re-tiering" of your customer avatar post-COVID, and why leaning into video, humanity, and personal branding will become non-negotiable in 2026. Olivia also offers a vulnerable look at her own mistakes, the power of pruning, and a simple year-end exercise that will reshape your leadership for the year ahead. If you've felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, or unsure why this year felt different, this masterclass-style episode will bring clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose heading into the new year. What You'll Learn: Why 2025 marked a fundamental shift in student behavior, engagement, and expectations. The three things successful studios did to break free from busyness and burnout. How the "customer avatar reset" is impacting enrollment—and how to adapt your marketing. Why authenticity beats AI every time (and what kinds of content families trust now). How automation frees you to be more human—and why enrollment is now an emotional experience. Why Canva posts are dead and video is essential for visibility and connection. The key numbers every studio owner must know to make confident decisions. How belonging is becoming your biggest competitive advantage in a digital-first world. Why studio owners MUST develop a personal brand—and how to start without oversharing. The power of pruning: how to cut back to grow, reclaim your time, and step into CEO leadership. A simple end-of-year reflection ritual that sets the foundation for an intentional 2026. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!

This episode is Part 2 of our powerful two-part series with global business strategist and offer-creation expert Roland Frasier. And if Part 1 cracked open what studio offers can be, Part 2 is the masterclass that shows you how to actually build them. In this jam-packed final installment, Olivia Mode-Cater and Roland go deep into the psychology, structure, and strategy behind high-converting trial offers, premium incentives, and event-based enrollment systems that reliably turn curious families into committed students. If you've ever struggled with no-shows, low-quality leads, or families who want "just to try it out," this episode gives you a radically different way to enroll students AND protect your time, boost conversions and increase the perceived value of your programs. Roland pulls back the curtain on the same offer strategies he's used across multiple industries to generate explosive results — including the "Dance Deposit Strategy" that boosts conversion rates up to 11X, the premium framework that produced $1.2 million in six days, and the scalable relationship model that turns local fan groups and micro-communities into your most powerful marketing partners. This is a true masterclass in creating dance studio offers that are irresistible, data-driven, and profitable, without relying on discounts or devaluing your magic. Whether you run large trial events, 4–6 week mini-mesters, K-Pop pop-ups, adult socials, or full-season programming, this episode walks you through how to structure, price, and scale your offers with confidence and clarity. What You'll Learn:  The Dance Deposit Strategy and why refundable commitments convert 11X higher How to transform free trials into high-converting, benefit-driven events The psychology that gets families to actually show up How to structure 4–6 week programs that lead into full-season enrollment Roland's exact formula for offering credits without losing profit Why knowing your customer acquisition cost (CAC) changes everything The "scale factor": how to multiply what works using centers of influence The wildly effective premium strategy that generated $1.2M in six days How to choose premiums your families already want — without breaking the bank What hero stories, loyalty programs, and affiliate-style systems can do for retention How to turn your families into your studio's most powerful growth engine If you're ready for the kind of strategic, actionable insights that normally require a conference ticket or private consulting, this masterclass will transform the way you design offers forever. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!