Step Up Your Studio

Connecting Dance Teachers Worldwide with Sue Whybrow In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico chats with Sue Whybrow, founder of PopDance and the Dance Teacher Directory, live from St. Albans, England. Sue shares how a desire to dance to cheesy 80s pop music after having her second child turned into a global dance brand spanning the UK, US, Spain, Cyprus, and beyond. What started as on...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico sits down with Geo Hubela, studio owner of Icon Dance Complex in New Jersey, convention veteran, and choreographer who has worked with Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, NSYNC, and more. Geo shares his journey from breaking in the streets of Brooklyn to performing at Disney and on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew, and why he eventua...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico sits down with Teri Mangiaratti, 30-year studio owner, business coach, creator of NSYNC Action Plans, and newly appointed Vice President of Schools at Ensemble. Teri shares how she built systems that allowed her studio to thrive (and eventually partner with Ensemble), why getting your "season on a spreadsheet" is a game-changer for reducing stre...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , Steve Sirico welcomes back the first-ever returning guest of the podcast – the dynamic, high-energy, and always inspiring Julie Kay Stalcup . Julie shares what she's seeing in studios right now – from the rise of free trial classes to the growing demand for fun, experience-driven dance education. She breaks down the mindset shift studio owners and teachers...

What does it really take to go from a competition studio in Texas to performing on the world's biggest stages with Cirque du Soleil? In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , we welcome Allison Burke, performer in Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil, master teacher, choreographer, and Dance Teacher Web Conference faculty member. Allison shares her journey from a young dancer in Dallas to signin...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , host Steve Sirico sits down with hip hop dancer, choreographer, and educator Joshua Bluhm for an honest and inspiring conversation about building a sustainable dance career – from the studio to the stage. Joshua shares his journey from basketball and community dance training in Southern California to performing on America's Got Talent , dancing professional...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , Steve Sirico sits down with master educator, performer, and tap specialist Tony Coppola for a powerful conversation on longevity, versatility, and what it truly takes to build a lasting career in dance. Tony shares his unconventional path into dance through music, sports, and gymnastics, his years touring with Tremaine, and the lessons he's learned from dec...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , host Steve Sirico sits down with professional dancer, educator, and choreographer Cindy Reid Bluhm to talk about what it truly takes to build a long, sustainable career in dance. From her early training in Wisconsin to performing on cruise ships, moving to Las Vegas, working in major productions, and teaching across all levels, Cindy shares real-world insig...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , Steve Sirico sits down with Bob Singh, tech entrepreneur, professor, dance studio owner, and principal product manager at CircleRam . With a unique blend of tech expertise and firsthand studio experience, Bob shares how AI can revolutionize the way studios operate , from class scheduling and parent communication to marketing and student growth tracking. Bob...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , Angela and Steve D'Valda Sirico sit down with the legendary Liz Imperio —Emmy Award-winning director and choreographer who has worked with icons like Jennifer Lopez, Michael Jackson, Gloria Estefan, Madonna, and more. Liz shares her journey from the big stage to her passion for shaping the next generation of dancers, with a special focus on the vital role p...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , host Angela sits down with Don Mirault —Broadway veteran, performer, and founder of Theater Arts Preparatory School (TAPS) —and Jamie Tenbass , former professional dancer and agent, who will be leading TAPS East Coast in 2026. Don shares why he created TAPS as a "trade school" for dancers, designed to prepare them for the realities of the professional job m...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , we sit down with Tanya Hamilton , the powerhouse behind Hamilton Theatrical Supply . From her early days in her mother's dance studio—handling everything from picture day to changing toilet paper rolls—to running one of the most respected costume companies in the industry, Tanya's journey is equal parts inspiring and insightful. She shares: How growing up i...

In this heartfelt episode of Step Up Your Studio , we sit down with Gaynelle Costner , founder of First Class Dance Studio in Temple Hills, Maryland. Gaynelle shares how a spontaneous opportunity at age 13 ignited a lifelong passion for teaching—and how a single mailed letter helped her register 98 dancers on day one of her now 27-year-old studio. Gaynelle opens up about: Transitioning from assist...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , Angela D'Valda Sirico welcomes longtime friend and industry icon Darlene "Dolly" Kelepecz —a celebrated performer, educator, author, and creator of the DK Body Balancing Method. Currently a full-time professor at UNLV and lead instructor for Dance Teacher University, Dolly shares powerful insights from her decades-long journey in ballet, Pilates, and dance...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , host Steve Sirico sits down with Ian Howe , artistic director of Pacific West Performing Arts and co-founder of Influx Dance. With decades of experience as an educator, performer, MC, and judge, Ian shares deep insights on how the dance world—and its students—have evolved post-COVID. From managing early childhood separation challenges to navigating students...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , we welcome industry veteran Kim McSwain, founder of KM Agency and longtime educator, choreographer, and mentor to dancers and teachers alike. From touring with Britney Spears and Michael Jackson to becoming a leading voice in teacher training and studio consulting, Kim shares how a career-ending injury led her to discover her greatest gift: teaching young d...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , we sit down with the incredible Hedy Perna , owner of Perna Dance Center in Haslet, NJ. With over 37 years of experience, Hedy brings heart, humor, and hard-won wisdom to the mic as she shares what it really takes to build a lasting, values-driven studio. From her childhood obsession with Fred Astaire to launching Dance Friends on Zoom during the pandemic,...

In this heartfelt and wisdom-packed episode, Step Up Your Studio welcomes Simone DePaulo, veteran performer, choreographer, and passionate educator. From Alvin Ailey training to Afro Jazz choreography, Simone's journey spans continents, disciplines, and decades. She shares how dance  chose her , the life-changing impact of international touring, and how she connects movement with meaning for stude...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , we're joined by the incredibly accomplished Jessica Stafford—dancer, educator, choreographer, and founder of Rebel Wellness. Jessica shares her journey from performing in West Side Story and Guys and Dolls to becoming a transformative educator who guides dancers with purpose and authenticity. You'll hear about: Her early beginnings in Brooklyn and what spar...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , Steve sits down with Jason New, JJ, and Emilee from 42nd Street Tours , a company dedicated to creating customized, memory-making travel experiences for dance studios. With destinations like New York City, Disney, Hawaii, Nashville, cruises, and more, they offer performance opportunities, workshops, and built-in bonding moments that go far beyond a typical...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with Noah Lands — founder and CEO of KAR Productions, the powerhouse behind some of the industry's most recognized dance competitions and conventions. Noah shares how his team runs over 170 live events a year, what it takes to maintain fairness in judging, and how they're setting new standards for leveling and training across the board. He also o...

In this insightful episode of Step Up Your Studio , we're joined by Dr. Linda Bluestein, a physician, former dancer, and one of the nation's top experts on hypermobility and connective tissue disorders in performing artists. If you've ever had students who are "too flexible" or struggle with recurring injuries, this is a must-listen. Dr. Bluestein breaks down the difference between healthy flexibi...

In this inspiring episode of Step Up Your Studio , host Angela sits down with acclaimed director, choreographer, and movement director  Richard Hinds , whose work spans Broadway, the West End, and international stages. From his early days growing up in the studio to choreographing productions, Richard shares invaluable insights on: How to prepare young dancers for real-world auditions Why versatil...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , Steve welcomes Michael Tasner, founder of the Parent Marketing Group and longtime supporter of businesses that serve families and children. With two daughters in dance and two decades in marketing, Michael dives deep into what it takes for dance studio owners to grow, retain students, and stand out in today's digital landscape. He shares: The most effective...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , we sit down with Brandy Vickers , longtime dance industry expert and Sales Manager at TutuTix , to talk all things recital prep. With over four decades of dance experience and a background in education, Brandy shares actionable tips on how studio owners can reduce stress, streamline ticketing, increase profits, and deliver an exceptional customer experience...