Transform My Dance Studio – The Podcast For Dance Studio Owners

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 Together, Olivia and Lisa explore how outdated processes create unnecessary stress for studio owners, staff, families, and photographers and how the right workflows can turn one of the most chaotic days of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!

In this practical and powerful episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with strategic growth expert Roland Frasier to unpack the science, structure, and psychology behind offers that actually convert. If you've ever felt stuck in the "feast or famine" cycle, struggled with free trials, or wondered why some offers fall flat while others take off, this conversation will completely reframe how you approach enrollment. Roland breaks down the nine emotional drivers that influence families to choose your studio, the core objectives behind irresistible offers, and how to build a system that eliminates guessing forever. From redefining the free trial to creating micro-success moments that spark immediate commitment, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to craft offers that feel aligned, supportive, and effective. What You'll Learn: The nine emotional dimensions that drive families to choose a dance studio Why great offers aren't art, they're architecture and data How to avoid offer fatigue and the feast-or-famine cycle The real objective of a free trial (hint: it's not what you think) How to turn a free trial into a high-converting event Why a small deposit increases commitment and reduces no-shows The power of scarcity and limited space in your enrollment strategy The importance of personal onboarding and connection How to guide families with a clear and compelling next-step script The magic of a micro-success moment and how a single photo boosts enrollment Whether you're gearing up for a new season or looking to strengthen your enrollment process, this episode delivers practical strategies you can implement today without demanding more time, energy, or burnout from you. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!

In this powerful episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, CEO and DSOA mentor Olivia Mode-Cater dives into the Black Friday strategies that actually work for dance studios and why most studio owners miss this massive opportunity. Using the nostalgic example of Build-A-Bear's holiday marketing genius, Olivia breaks down how to shift from forgettable discounts to irresistible experiences that spark emotion, build loyalty, and bring in new dancers before the new year even begins. You'll explore the psychology behind seasonal spending, the danger of blending into the marketing noise, and three proven Black Friday offers used by top-performing dance studios inside the Inner Circle. Whether you want to boost retention, increase enrollment, or simply bring more joy into your studio this season, this episode will give you the tools, scripts, and inspiration to make Black Friday a true revenue driver — without discounting yourself into the ground. What You'll Learn: Why Black Friday is one of the biggest family-spending moments of the year How Build-A-Bear creates holiday magic (and how you can steal their strategy) The dangerous mistake studio owners make with "blanket discounts" How to create a holiday experience bundle families feel excited to buy The exact steps for offering a Tutu or Costume Bundle that sells How to turn leftover recital costumes into profitable holiday gifts Why high-value/low-cost Seven-Day Class Passes convert new dancers fast How to price and position value using Black Friday psychology The reason events should be part of your revenue strategy (and easy event ideas!) Your action step: choose ONE proven offer and run with it If you're ready to stop skipping Black Friday and start tapping into a season of emotion, excitement, and family spending — this episode is your roadmap. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  

In this inspiring episode of Transform My Dance Studio, Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with Inner Circle mentor and long-time studio owner Loren Specht to explore how the holiday season can be your biggest opportunity to build connection and loyalty. Together they unpack Barrett Brooks' framework of trust and excellence—and how those two words can transform your culture, customer experience, and retention. From creating beloved traditions like the Nutcracker and Holiday Showcase to small-moment magic at the front desk, Loren shares how intentional consistency, community, and care can turn the busiest time of year into your most powerful season for growth. If you're ready to move beyond holiday stress and step into a season of culture-building, connection, and retention, this episode will show you how to make it happen. Oliva and Loren dive into: Why November and December are the months to strengthen family loyalty. The two cornerstones of studio culture—trust and excellence—and what they look like in practice. How predictable traditions create belonging and retention. Easy, low-stress event ideas that delight families and spark community. How your front desk can build loyalty with a single "hello." Ways to anticipate family stress and design a smoother December. How holiday events naturally boost word-of-mouth and social-media reach. Turning festive events into January enrollment momentum. Why consistency, reliability, and emotional connection outperform discounts every time. Loren's "bold move" challenge for studio owners this holiday season. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!

In this heart-warming and strategy-packed episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with Inner Circle mentor and Los Angeles studio owner Jodi Shilling to talk about one of the toughest seasons for studio owners—the holidays.  When attendance dips and families get busy, Jodi shares how she keeps her dancers coming back year after year through community, simplicity, and a little festive magic.  From The Cracked Nut to pajama week, discover how to transform your December from stressful to joyful—and why "easy" might be your most powerful retention tool yet.  What You'll Learn:  The honest truth about why holiday retention is always a challenge—and how to plan for it  Simple, high-impact ways to create festive fun inside class instead of adding more events  How to balance fun and technique without sacrificing progress  Why "everyone needs a break"—including your teachers—and how to lead with empathy  The difference between attendance gimmicks and genuine community-building  How mentoring and "big-little" programs turn students into lifelong team members  The "third-space" concept and how to make your studio a true safe haven  How anticipation, communication, and small delights boost year-round loyalty  Easy ideas like kindness bingo boards and grateful trees to reinforce gratitude and connection  Why retention isn't luck—it's leadership    This episode is perfect for: Studio owners ready to trade holiday chaos for connection—and keep their dancers thriving into the new year.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!

In this insightful and relatable episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with Rosina Andrews, author, educator, and host of The Dance Smarter Podcast, to unpack one of the biggest challenges in the studio calendar—the November slump. Together, they break down why student motivation dips, how family schedules and burnout collide, and the practical ways to protect retention and community when stress levels are high.  You'll walk away with strategies to keep your students showing up, your parents communicating, and your team thriving through the busiest season of the year—without losing your sanity or the studio magic.  What You'll Learn:  Why November is the "make or break" month for student retention  The subconscious stress families and students feel before the holidays  Early warning signs of disengagement (and how to catch them early)  How to plan smarter rehearsals and avoid burnout and injuries  The secret to boosting belonging and progress during slower months  How to turn family chaos into community connection  Creative ideas for spirit days, parent weeks, and holiday events  Why over-scheduling kills motivation—and what to do instead  The importance of communication handbooks and clear systems  How to keep joy, consistency, and connection front and center all season long  If you're ready to make November a month of connection, not chaos, this episode is your roadmap to higher retention and a happier studio.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!

In this empowering solo episode, Transform My Dance Studio host and DSOA CEO Olivia Mode-Cater flips the script on recital season. What if your recital wasn't just a show—but your studio's biggest retention and revenue driver? Olivia dives into how to make your recitals a celebration that's as profitable as it is meaningful. You'll learn exactly how to turn your biggest event into a loyalty-building, memory-making machine that keeps families coming back year after year. From tiered ticket pricing to program shout-outs and backstage busy bags, Olivia shares five simple yet powerful strategies to boost your bottom line and create a more joyful, stress-free experience for families. If you've ever said, "My recital just breaks even," this episode is your permission slip to think—and charge—like a CEO. You'll learn: Why "break-even" recitals are costing you money and momentum The psychology behind premium seating and tiered ticket pricing How to use your recital program as prime real estate for new revenue The genius of "on-stage shoutouts" and why families love them Creative ways to involve teens while adding value for parents How to design "Backstage Busy Bags" that delight dancers and drive profit The mindset shift that transforms your recital from event to experience How every upsell can also increase loyalty and reduce family stress Why the small details are what keep families coming back year after year Olivia's one action step to make this your most profitable recital yet If you have been just breaking even or losing money on your recitals, this one is for you! Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  

In this empowering and refreshingly honest episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with Inner Circle mentor Nadine Selinger to talk about a topic many studio owners would rather avoid: their numbers.  Nadine shares her journey from "QuickBooks was like poking me in the eyeballs" to celebrating her Financial Fridays, proving that mastering your finances isn't about being a math person. It's actually about about confidence, systems, and clarity.  Together, Olivia and Nadine unpack how studio owners can move from financial avoidance to financial control, and why profitability doesn't make you less passionate, it makes your purpose sustainable.  Whether you're terrified to open QuickBooks or already tracking every dollar, this conversation will help you face your numbers, strengthen your team, and build a studio that serves you, not the other way around.  You will learn:  Why most studio owners avoid their finances — and how to break the cycle  The four financial habits that shift you from chaos to control  How to make budgeting as creative as choreography  The mindset shift that turns "bad news" into better decisions  How to calculate your profit margins — and what 20% really looks like  Why "it's not personal, it's business" is a form of leadership, not coldness  Practical ideas for getting your team invested in revenue goals  How to gamify finances to motivate staff and celebrate wins  The ultimate reason to get your money right: freedom for your family and your future Whether you're terrified to open QuickBooks or already tracking every dollar, this conversation will help you face your numbers, strengthen your team, and build a studio that serves you, not the other way around.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  

In this game-changing episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with Inner Circle mentor Nadine Selinger, owner of Dance City in Regina, Saskatchewan. Nadine opens up about her wake-up call moment, when running on exhaustion and relying only on tuition was no longer sustainable. She shares the practical (and profitable) revenue streams that transformed her studio, her team, and her financial future. Whether you're stuck at "tuition covers the bills" or ready to stack new streams of income, this episode will show you that profitability doesn't mean nickel-and-diming—it means adding real value for your families. What you'll learn: Nadine's turning point from burnout to growth Why tuition should never be your only reliable source of income The first additional revenue streams Nadine added—and why they worked How events, summer camps, and merch became huge profit drivers Why private lessons and daytime programs can unlock hidden revenue How to avoid burning out your staff with too many new ideas The difference between "charging more" vs. "adding more value" Transparent pricing strategies that stop families from feeling nickeled-and-dimed Why investing in team is the real key to scalability How to systemize new streams so they become rinse-and-repeat If you're ready to stop hustling harder and start getting smarter with your revenue, this conversation is a must-listen. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!

In this insight-packed episode, Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with Andy Seely, CEO of Creatively Disruptive, to reveal how dance studios can grow profits without piling on the stress. If you've ever felt trapped in the cycle of "doing it all" and still hitting a revenue ceiling, this conversation is your wake-up call. Andy shares how the most successful studio owners stop thinking like technicians and start thinking like CEOs — building teams, pricing for value, and embracing technology that keeps them ahead of the curve. You'll hear: Why staying the "hub of the wheel" in your studio guarantees burnout The pricing strategy that actually attracts more students when you charge more How to stop chasing shiny new revenue streams and maximize what's already working Why "marketing" is really just "communicating with your community" How AI tools are changing the game for lead conversion and parent communication The single mindset shift that unlocks hundreds of thousands in revenue growth Why you don't need more students — you need more profit per student How to build a team that carries your culture, values, and mission with you What to do when it's 3am and you feel like you're carrying the studio alone One bold step you can take today to transform from stressed teacher to confident CEO If you're ready to step off the hamster wheel and build a studio that thrives without draining you, this episode is your roadmap. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  

In this solo episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, host Olivia Mode-Cater reveals why most studios lose nearly half of their students every year—and how the top-performing studios break the cycle with retention strategies that actually work. Drawing lessons from gyms, preschools, and Inner Circle members, Olivia shares practical, real-world tactics that you can apply immediately to stop "leaky bucket syndrome" and grow with confidence. Whether you've been stuck on the enrollment hamster wheel or scrambling to re-recruit at recital time, this episode will challenge you to rethink your retention and give you simple, doable steps to keep more students for the long haul. What You'll Learn: Why focusing only on new enrollments creates "leaky bucket syndrome" Retention secrets borrowed from gyms and fitness studios The surprising role preschools and childcare centers can play in your retention strategy How to use newsletters, milestone celebrations, and theme months to boost loyalty Why your onboarding system matters more than your trial week The "plus-one / minus-one" scorecard every parent keeps in their head How to track retention month-to-month to spot patterns before it's too late Examples of Inner Circle studios crushing retention with creative ideas Why small, doable actions matter more than grand plans The one next step you should take today to strengthen your studio's future Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  

In this insightful deep dive episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, host Olivia Mode-Cater is joined by Inner Circle mentor and powerhouse studio owner, Kelli Leighton, to unpack the strategies that keep dancers and their families coming back year after year. From rec students to competitive teams, Kelli reveals the systems and mindset shifts that have helped her studio create a fiercely loyal community. Forget scrambling for last-minute re-enrollments, this episode shows you how to weave engagement and retention into every part of your season. You'll hear: Why re-enrollment is never a one-day event (and what to do instead) How to run an "Epic Week" that celebrates progress and builds confidence The one-on-one goal setting strategy that keeps competitive dancers engaged Why welcome bags aren't just fun—they're a retention powerhouse How to turn your End-of-Season Bash into your biggest re-enrollment driver The simple language shift that reframes "retention" into "engagement" Data-driven insights to help you plan smarter and market better Mindset shifts that make retention feel like offense, not defense Whether you're just starting out or scaling a multi-program studio, you'll walk away with practical tools and fresh inspiration to keep your families committed for the long haul. If you're ready to transform your feed into a retention powerhouse, this episode is your invitation to take the leap.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  

In this short and powerful episode of the Transform My Dance Studio In this candid and empowering episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, host Olivia Mode-Cater is joined by Inner Circle mentor Kelli Leighton for a real talk on student retention, re-enrollment strategies, and building a culture families can't imagine leaving.  Kelli opens up about her early years as a studio owner—when she didn't even know the word "retention"—and the wake-up call that forced her to rethink everything. From creating inclusive pathways for beginners to structuring engaging programs for teens, Kelli shares how she built a thriving studio community where every dancer feels they belong.  Whether you're struggling to keep recreational dancers, facing parental pressure about level placements, or wondering how to engage senior students, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to build loyalty season after season.  What You'll Learn In This Episode:  Why focusing on why kids stay matters more than why they leave  How to design programs that serve both recreational and competitive dancers  The secret to building belonging: "It's brave to be a beginner"  Why letting some families go is essential for protecting your community  Practical strategies to boost re-enrollment before recital  How to handle parent expectations about leveling up each year  Engagement tips that actually work for teens (and why music & trends matter)  The role of brand identity in building loyalty and confidence  Why clear communication beats assumptions with parents every time  How retention transforms not just your business, but your culture   If you're ready to stop the enrollment hamster wheel and finally build a studio families stay with year after year, this episode is for you.  Kelli Leighton is the owner and artistic director of Leighton Dance Project in Folsom, California. A mom of four and an Inner Circle mentor, Kelli is known for building a studio culture rooted in connection, community, and belonging. She's passionate about creating pathways for every dancer—whether recreational or competitive—and helping studio owners strengthen retention through systems, engagement, and heart-led leadership. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!

In this short and powerful 10 Minute Marketing episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater drops a marketing truth bomb that could transform the way you approach your social media.  If your posts only speak to strangers, your current families will start to feel like strangers too. Olivia shares her own lessons learned about balancing recruitment with retention, and how showcasing community, student wins, and behind-the-scenes stories builds trust, belonging, and loyalty.  Through practical examples and easy-to-implement strategies, you'll discover how to stop chasing new enrollments with every post and instead nurture the thriving community that fuels long-term growth.  What You'll Learn in This Episode:  The critical 80/20 social media balance every studio owner should follow  Why "nurture content" (not constant selling) actually drives more enrollments  The difference between transactional posts and transformational storytelling  How to capture and share student wins that boost belonging and retention  The power of micro-influencers in your own community—and how to leverage them  Simple recurring post ideas ("Family Friday," "Why We Dance Wednesday") to build consistency and connection  Why belonging content creates ripple effects of trust, shares, and referrals  The marketing audit every studio owner needs to do on their feed—today   If you're ready to transform your feed into a retention powerhouse, this episode is your invitation to take the leap.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!

  In this high-impact episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with Inner Circle coach and veteran studio owner Paige Sayegh, who has mastered the art of student retention at scale. With 715 students and a thriving culture built over 31 years, Paige reveals the exact systems, touchpoints, and community-building strategies that keep families coming back year after year.  From surveys that actually get answered to the small details that make every child feel seen, Paige proves that retention isn't luck—it's intentional. If you've ever blamed drop-offs on cost or scheduling, this episode will challenge you to look deeper and rethink how you connect with students, parents, and staff.  You'll hear:  The surprising (and subtle) reasons students really leave dance studios  Why belonging and transformation matter more than pricing or scheduling  How to design a customer journey that keeps families engaged for years  Paige's "breadcrumb strategy" that ensures students always have a next step  Real examples of community events that build loyalty outside the studio walls  How to engage your staff so retention becomes everyone's responsibility  The bold program shifts that stopped enrollment drop-offs in their tracks  Why today's families crave "quick wins" and how to deliver them without sacrificing quality  Paige's #1 bold move every studio owner should take if retention is struggling   If you're ready to stop crossing your fingers at re-enrollment time and start building a culture of loyalty, this episode is your playbook for retention that lasts.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!