Step Up Your Studio

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , we're joined by Steve Gough , General Manager at Harlequin Floors, and Chrissy Ott Richter , Director of Marketing and Communications. Together, they share Harlequin's journey from a small California startup to an internationally trusted name in dance flooring. We explore: Harlequin's mission to promote dancer safety The evolution of flooring products for s...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , we're joined by two industry legends: Misty Lown , founder of More Than Just Great Dancing , and Mandy Yip , founder of Acrobatic Arts . Together, they share the highs and hurdles of building internationally recognized dance education brands, their inspiring journeys through entrepreneurship, and how they're now helping shape the next generation of studio l...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , host Steve sits down with powerhouse dance educator and social media sensation Marissa Powers . From her early days at a small studio in Massachusetts to choreographing for NYU and teaching across NYC, Marissa shares how she built a dance brand that now inspires over 100K followers across TikTok and Instagram. She opens up about her creative process, how a...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , we sit down with industry veterans Renee Stojec of A Wish Come True and Jason Neuwirth . of 42nd Street Tours to discuss the launch of their exciting new venture: Dance NYC . Learn how their years of experience and collaboration led to the creation of this one-of-a-kind event, featuring exclusive liquidation deals, top-tier vendors, and unbeatable networkin...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , Steve welcomes the dynamic Courtney Ortiz — professional dancer, seasoned competition judge, educator, and host of Making the Impact – A Dance Competition Podcast . Courtney shares her incredible journey from Broadway to adjudication, dives into current trends in the competitive dance world, and offers actionable advice for studio owners and teachers naviga...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , we sit down with Jamie Adams, founder of Gotta Dance in Eagle Mountain, Utah. Jamie shares her incredible 18-year journey—starting a dance studio in her basement and growing it into a thriving, state-of-the-art facility that now serves as a cultural hub for her entire community. Whether you're just starting your studio or looking to scale, this episode offe...

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio , we sit down with Claudia Reed (SVP of Sales) and Lorianne Hagen (Senior Sales Manager) from Weissman—one of the most trusted names in dance wear and costuming for over 65 years. Together with hosts Steve and Angie, we explore what it truly means to build a studio brand that resonates—from your logo and communication style to the customer experience and beyo...

In this powerful episode of Step Up Your Studio , we're joined by the incredible Ashley Andrews - Broadway choreographer, performer, and creative leader behind major productions like King Kong , Diana , Jesus Christ Superstar , and Sunset Boulevard . Ashley brings decades of industry experience and unfiltered advice for aspiring performers, studio owners, and dance educators. From how to nail a Br...

In this inspiring episode of Step Up Your Studio , we welcome the incredible Julie Kay Stallcup , a beloved veteran of the dance education world and longtime friend of Dance Teacher Web. Julie shares her journey from building one of the most successful studios in California - Revolution Dance Center with over 1,300 students and 30+ employees - to transitioning out of ownership and stepping into a...

Step Up Your Studio is the go-to podcast for dance studio owners and teachers ready to grow, thrive, and lead with impact. Hosts Steve Sirico and Angela D'Valda Sirico share actionable tips, expert interviews, and real-world strategies on marketing, leadership, teaching, and more — all to help elevate your studio to new heights.