Dance Studio 411

What if your next costume order came with a built-in bonus? In this episode, we sit down with Jenn Brisebois, Revolution's Lifecycle & Loyalty Marketing Manager, to break down Revolution Rewards — a brand-new, completely free loyalty program with no membership fees and no order deadlines. Jenn walks us through how studios earn points automatically on every costume and tights purchase, how those points turn into real RevCash, and the easy extra ways to rack up points before your next order. If you're a studio owner who wants more value out of every purchase you're already making, this one's for you. Key Moments Revolution Rewards is free and automatic for all approved customers. The more you buy, the more you earn, with five reward levels. Spend $5,000 on costumes during the July 1-June 30 season to unlock major rewards. Order on your own timeline. There are no early-order deadlines or requirements. Turn RevCash into studio revenue by using it to purchase inventory you can sell to your families. Earn bonus points without spending money through social follows, email signup, and updating your Studio Profile.  Rewards include Energize benefits, including free tickets at higher levels.   Time Stamps [00:00:28] - Guest Introduction and Episode Overview [00:01:17] - Jenn Brisebois Background and Bio [00:02:40] - What Is Revolution Rewards [00:04:39] - How Earning Works and the Five-Level Structure [00:07:20] - The Rewards Calculator Tool [00:08:03] - Redeeming Points: RevCash and Its Applications [00:11:34] - The Opportunity in Studio Dancewear Sales [00:12:29] - Earning Bonus Points Without Making Purchases [00:14:22] - Energize Dance Studio Conference Benefit [00:16:58] - Closing Remarks and Call to Action   Links Mentioned In This Episode https://www.revolutiondance.com/revolution-rewards https://www.revolutiondance.com/rewards/   About Our Guest Jenn's Bio: Boston-based marketer with a broad range of experience.  Built up the customer education and digital customer experience functions at one of the leading marketing technology companies I've run digital marketing strategy + execution for many niches: ABA therapy centers, motivational coaches, and Revolution Dancewear! University of New Hampshire graduate with a B.A. in Dance and a B.S. in Marketing A lifelong dancer, studio kid, dance teacher, and professional dancer, she understands the world you operate in every day.  Rate, Review & Subscribe! If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring valuable content to the dance community!

Back-to-school season is one of the biggest opportunities for dance studios. But, it's also one of the busiest. In this episode, Jill Tirone shares why belonging is one of the most powerful drivers of retention. Learn how dress code, branded merchandise, and easy-to-use systems can help create a stronger studio culture while simplifying the experience for families. If you're looking to increase retention, strengthen studio culture, and set yourself up for a smoother fall season, this episode is for you.   Key Takeaways Belonging is a retention strategy. Your most loyal families feel like insiders. Branded merchandise builds identity. Dress code reduces friction. Convenience matters. Preparation creates a calmer fall season. Start with one thing.   Episode Timestamps [00:00 - 02:20] - Why now is the time to start planning for back-to-school season, even during recital chaos. [02:20 - 04:23] - Belonging as a retention strategy. [04:23 - 07:32] - How branded merchandise builds identity, community, and word-of-mouth marketing. [07:32 - 09:39] - Why dress code works. [09:39 - 11:29] - Simplifying dress code purchases and creating a seamless back-to-school experience. [11:29 - 13:24] - Why June and July are the ideal months to prepare for fall enrollment and operations. [13:24 - 15:15] - Final takeaway. >Links Mentioned in This Episode Revolution's Studio Merch Nimbly Online Storefront Contact Revolution for a Demo or Consultation Rate, Review & Subscribe! If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring valuable content to the dance community! Running a dance studio is hard work, and growing your studio is even more of a challenge. No matter if you're just starting out—or perhaps you're a well-established owner; we understand that it's a uniquely demanding and personal business to own and operate. Be more effective and productive. Join us at the Energize Conference this July!

Recitals can feel unpredictable when your tiniest dancers take the stage, but they're also one of your most powerful retention tools. In this episode, Jill Tirone and Patty Rielley share practical, real-life strategies to help your youngest students feel confident, prepared, and proud. From pre-recital prep to backstage management, this conversation is packed with ideas to create a positive, memorable experience for both dancers and their families. Key Takeaways Success = Fun, Not Perfection Expect the Unexpected Your Youngest Dancers Are Your Future Familiarity Builds Confidence The Experience Is the Product Episode Timestamps [00:00 - 04:35] - Introduction and redefining recital success [04:35 - 10:47] - Preparing young dancers: familiarity, costumes, and confidence [10:47 - 18:16] - Practice strategies and recital day readiness [18:16 - 22:17] - Backstage management: safety, staffing, and engagement [22:17 - 27:01] - Leadership mindset and creating a lasting experience Links Mentioned in This Episode Join us at the Energize Conference https://energizeconference.com Submit a question for the podcast https://dancestudio411.com/ Dance Studio Owner: https://www.dancestudioowner.com/public/joinnow.cfm Rate, Review & Subscribe! If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring valuable content to the dance community! Running a dance studio is hard work, and growing your studio is even more of a challenge. No matter if you're just starting out—or perhaps you're a well-established owner; we understand that it's a uniquely demanding and personal business to own and operate. Be more effective and productive.- Join us at the Energize Conference this July!

Running a dance studio means investing deeply in your students and families. Caring and giving it your all means you also are at risk of feeling betrayed or disappointed when they move on to another studio or step away from dance. In this heartfelt episode of Dance Studio 411, hosts Jill Tirone and Suzanne Blake Gerety explore how to lead with confidence even when loyalty isn't returned or guaranteed. Come away grounded, resilient, and empowered to keep leading with heart no matter what changes come your way. Key Takeaways Strong Systems Build Stronger Connection Personal Connection Matters More Than Ever Flexibility Is Crucial in Recreational Environments Performances Don't Need to Be Expensive to Be Magical Small Gestures Have Big Impact Inclusion Is the Heart of Community Programming   Episode Timestamps [00:00 - 01:27] - Introduction and episode overview  [01:27 - 03:23] - Understanding customer loyalty in dance: Personal nature of the dance industry and emotional vs. transactional loyalty  [03:23 - 06:44] - Key #1 - Embody Your Why: Customers are loyal until they're not, importance of mission bigger than any single departure [06:44 - 11:54] - Key #2 - Building Wings: Great studios prepare dancers for opportunities beyond studio walls  [11:54 - 14:53] - Key #3 - Work Harder on Yourself: Self-care and confidence building practices for studio owners  [14:53 - 15:01] - Closing and resources    Links Mentioned in This Episode Join us at the Energize Conference https://energizeconference.com Submit a question for the podcast https://dancestudio411.com/ Dance Studio Owner: https://www.dancestudioowner.com/public/joinnow.cfm Rate, Review & Subscribe! If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring valuable content to the dance community! Running a dance studio is hard work, and growing your studio is even more of a challenge. No matter if you're just starting out—or perhaps you're a well-established owner; we understand that it's a uniquely demanding and personal business to own and operate. Be more effective and productive.- As studio owners ourselves, we've been there. But, it's also very possible to be a happy owner of a thriving dance business that you love. Learn More About Membership: https://www.dancestudioowner.com/ Join us at the Energize Conference this July! Connect with other studio owners, gain access to resources and tools, and walk away feeling refreshed for the upcoming season. Learn more at energizeconference.com.  

In this inspiring conversation, Lora Vodicka shares how she's built thriving community-based dance programs across Chicagoland, without a brick-and-mortar studio. With years of experience working inside park districts, libraries, and community centers, Lora offers practical strategies for communication, retention, curriculum design, and budget-friendly performances that still feel meaningful and magical. Whether you run a traditional studio or teach in non-traditional spaces, you'll walk away with simple, doable ideas to strengthen relationships, support recreational dancers, and create an inclusive environment where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated. Timestamps [00:00–01:23] Welcome & Introduction [01:24–02:47] Why This Conversation Matters [02:48–05:03] Lora's Background & Journey [05:04–07:47] What Park District Programs Actually Are [07:48–10:18] Registration, Systems, and the Contractor Model [10:19–12:31] Who Handles Promotion? [12:32–16:19] Communication Systems That Work [16:20–19:58] In-Person Touchpoints & The Power of a Call Board [19:59–22:38] Staying Connected When Parents Don't Come Inside [22:39–24:47] The One-Sheet: Lora's Must-Have Communication Tool [24:48–28:40] Curriculum, Structure & Mixed-Level Classes [28:41–31:25] Planning With Clear Goals and Flexibility [31:26–34:58] Performances: Meaningful, Memorable, and Budget-Friendly [34:59–38:39] Creating Magic on a Budget [38:40–40:33] Making Dancers Feel Special & Seen [40:34–42:13] The Power of Personalized Touches [42:14–44:09] Closing Thoughts Key Takeaways Strong Systems Build Stronger Connection Personal Connection Matters More Than Ever Flexibility Is Crucial in Recreational Environments Performances Don't Need to Be Expensive to Be Magical Small Gestures Have Big Impact Inclusion Is the Heart of Community Programming   About our guest: Lora Vodicka is a passionate advocate for park district dance programs. She began her dance journey at the West Chicago Park District and returned at the age of 16 when she secured her first teaching position. Early in her career, Lora worked as both an educator and coordinator at several Chicagoland community centers. During this time, she identified a gap in dedicated dance programming within the park district model, leading her to found Innovation Arts Connection, LLC (IAC). IAC is a traveling dance studio that partners with local park districts and community centers to provide progressive, community-based dance programs with a studio-like feel. Lora has earned a strong reputation for her exceptional classroom management, creative curriculum development and effective communication strategies. Her passion for arts education is unwavering. She is also the resident choreographer for West Chicago Community High School, a member of the DiscoverDance Experience, a Rhythm Works and YPAD trained educator, a certified AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, and a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Illinois State University, where she earned a degree in Theatre Education.   Links Mentioned in This Episode Join us at the Energize Conference https://www.energizeconference.com/ Submit a question for the podcast https://dancestudio411.com/ Dance Studio Owner: https://www.dancestudioowner.com/public/joinnow.cfm Rate, Review & Subscribe! If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring valuable content to the dance community! Running a dance studio is hard work, and growing your studio is even more of a challenge. No matter if you're just starting out—or perhaps you're a well-established owner; we understand that it's a uniquely demanding and personal business to own and operate. Be more effective and productive.  As studio owners ourselves, we've been there. But, it's also very possible to be a happy owner of a thriving dance business that you love. Learn More About Membership: https://www.dancestudioowner.com/  Join us at the Energize Conference this July! Connect with other studio owners, gain access to resources and tools, and walk away feeling refreshed for the upcoming season. Learn more at energizeconference.com.