Living the Dream

Suzanne’s story is the definition of long-term impact. She’s been educating dancers for four decades, built RealDance into a community powerhouse, and helped students reach Broadway, TV, cruise lines, films, and national tours, plus top university programs. She’s also a DanceLife Magazine contributor, a respected competition judge, and a leader who believes dance training can sha...

We're joined by Cris Rodriguez, who went from running a top-performing martial arts school to building the largest digital marketing agency in the martial arts industry. She’s also an EOS Implementer who helps entrepreneurs build real systems. We’re digging into what dance studios can borrow from martial arts to increase enrollment, improve retention, and market with confidence. See om...

We’re going live with our friends at Jackrabbit Dance for the next Living the Dream. Join us as we talk all things dance, what Jackrabbit has planned, and how they continue to support studios everywhere. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Studio owners who are building a business while raising a family won’t want to miss this conversation. Connie O’Reel and Dee Reusch join us for an honest discussion about women’s business ownership, motherhood, confidence, and real studio life. They’ll share what confidence looks like on an ordinary Tuesday, how they manage doubt without falling apart, how they set boundari...

In this episode, Lisa Schmiedeke of Ms. Lisa’s Dance shared how she built a preschool program that truly feeds her studio. She broke down what drives parent buy-in, keeps families enrolled, and creates sustainable class structures that support long-term growth. Sponsored by Jackrabbit Dance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we sit down with April Nelson of Spisak Dance Academy—Arizona's longest-running dance school with a legacy that spans generations. From 1960 to today, Spisak Dance Academy has embraced timeless values and evolving trends. April will share stories of inheriting the studio from her mother, building a loyal team of homegrown educators, and what it means to serve multiple generat...

In this episode we welcome two inspiring leaders from Brooklyn’s Asase Yaa School of the Arts: Zakiya Harris, Artistic Director, and Kofi Osei Williams, CEO of Asase Yaa Entertainment Group. Through dance, music, and cultural exploration, they’re nurturing young people with confidence, creativity, and heart. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debbi Dee is a teacher’s teacher and a true technician with unstoppable energy. We’ll explore her approach to teaching, choreography and master‑teaching work. Plus favorite stories from a career on stage, on camera, and in the studio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From viral stages to international tours, Jason Pickett is bringing real talk on building a career with purpose. Jason is a professional dance educator, choreographer, and founder of No Starving Artists, a company that mentors dancers with mindset, business, and performance strategies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Radio City Music Hall to the BBC, Dre Torres is a tap force to be reckoned with—and she’s joining us for a powerful new episode of Living the Dream. Dancer. Choreographer. Educator. Mentor. Dre brings rhythm, energy, and heart to everything she touches—and now she’s sharing her story with us. We’ll dive into her path to international stages, what drives her as a...

We’re at the perfect time of year to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate your dance spirit. Join us for a special Living the Dream edition filled with positivity and purpose. Featuring Meredith Powell, Kiana Simler, Lauren Ritchie and Rebecca Brettingham-Filice - these inspiring voices will explore how to build positive mindsets in the dance classroom and share real tools for bringing mindfulness...

We’re heading north for our next Living the Dream as we sit down with successful Canadian studio owner and longtime dance education leader, June Lawrence! From studio stories to leadership lessons, we’re going up close and personal to hear June’s journey, her philosophies, and what she’s learned in a lifetime of living the dream.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

Join Rhee and Laura for a deep dive with Andrea Trench, creator of Discover Dance, a leading early‑childhood and preschool dance program used worldwide. We’ll talk about her journey as a teacher, business-woman and discover why this is the age level we should be our best at. And we'll talk about the classroom, too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

From Canada to NYC, tap stages to jazz festivals, and generations of rhythm in his blood - Ryan Foley is carrying the legacy forward while forging his own path. Today we sit down with Ryan, a second-generation dance artist, educator, and performer who has made his mark across North America’s tap dance scene. From his family-owned Performing Dance Arts studio to performances with the Toronto...

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

For over 52 years, The Studio in Brampton has shaped dancers, built community, and proven the power of strong leadership—times three! Join us for a special Living the Dream episode as we sit down with directors Ann Bettonvil, Kristi Breen, and Susie McColl to explore what makes their leadership trio thrive after decades in business. They discuss how they share responsibility and support each...

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

We sit down with Mary Bridgette Mele, owner of IndepenDance Studio in Gainesville, FL—where she’s been shaping  young dancers and building community since 2009. Recently, Mary Bridgette turned her longtime dream into reality by building her own custom studio space—and we’re diving into the full story. From vision to blueprint, challenges to triumphs, this is a journey...

She’s not just preserving a legacy—she’s building one of her own. We sit down with Nan Giordano, Artistic Director of Giordano Dance Chicago and daughter of jazz dance icon Gus Giordano. With 40 years at the helm, Nan has become the world’s leading authority on the Giordano Technique—educating dancers across the globe and mentoring the next generation of artists and e...

Check out our high-energy, heart-filled conversation with Reggie Oliver—a dynamic force in the hip hop and commercial dance world! From dancing with The Weeknd at the Super Bowl halftime show to working with stars like Toni Braxton, Pitbull, Macklemore, and Keke Palmer, Reggie has done it all—and he’s just getting started. But it’s not just about the credits. Reggie is a me...

We’re thrilled to welcome Joe Lanteri, the visionary founder of New York City Dance Alliance! Joe’s impact on both the national and international dance scene is undeniable. From shaping the future of young dancers to elevating professional opportunities, his passion and leadership have left a lasting mark on our industry. Join Rhee Gold and Laura Giacomelli for an unforgettable convers...

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

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

Is customer service just a nice extra—or is it the secret weapon of a thriving dance studio? Join Rhee and Laura as they sit down with studio owners Tammy Bolduc and Vicki Wallace to explore how a thoughtful, consistent customer service strategy has transformed their businesses. We’ll talk about the balance between nurturing great dancers and building strong relationships with the fami...