The Dance CEO Podcast

In this episode, Sophie McKie, creator of Milibelle, shares her inspiring journey through dance, her artistic ventures, and her insights on authenticity, community, and self-growth in the dance industry. HIGHLIGHTS Sophie McKay's dance journey and career evolution The intersection of art, dance, and advocacy Building inclusive communities through artwork The importance of authenticity and vulnerab...

On the eve of her 41st birthday, Audra Queen reflects on her 40th year, sharing the challenges she faced and the unforeseen outcomes that occurred. She also announces something exciting for what's ahead for The Dance CEO Coach. Highlights Recap of the challenging 40th year What time allowed for her Big changes in her business A renewed focus on what's ahead

In this episode, Andy Seeley shares his journey from sports coaching and owning a kids' activity center to founding Creatively Disruptive. He discusses the importance of mindset, strategic planning, building effective teams, and maintaining a long-term vision to grow and sustain successful dance and activity businesses. HIGHLIGHTS The importance of mindset and long-term vision in business Strategi...

Audra Queen reflects on how people pleasing impacts dance business owners, sharing personal insights and practical strategies to set healthy boundaries, overcome fears, and create a balanced, authentic life. Highlights The impact of people pleasing on dance business growth Strategies for setting healthy boundaries Overcoming fears of rejection and loss The importance of self-awareness and self-car...

Are you struggling to get dancers onboard or hesitant to sell your services? In this episode, dance CEO expert Audra Queen shares powerful insights into how scarcity mindset—particularly prevalent in the dance world—holds back growth and success. Learn how to shift your mindset, serve more effectively, and create a thriving dance business. HIGHLIGHTS The core characteristics of the scarcity mindse...

Are you putting everyone else before yourself? It's time to flip the script! In this episode, we dive into the crucial need for dance professionals to prioritize themselves in order to achieve true success. Remember, self-care isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity! The conversation delves into the importance of prioritizing oneself in the dance world, challenging the culture of putting oneself last...

In this episode, the host - Audra Queen, discusses the concept of a 'trust recession' impacting businesses, especially in the dance industry. As trust declines, it's becoming harder for businesses to convert potential clients. The rise of online businesses and AI has made trust a scarce commodity. To combat this, the host suggests being genuine, consistent, and transparent. Building long-term rela...

In this episode of Season 4, I answer the question "what happened to the rest of season 3?!" It's a story worth listening to. I share the details of my personal challenges and the mistakes I made in my business along the way. If you've been following along, thank you and thanks for continuing to be here even after a pause. If you're not so interested in the story, no worries. Just skip ahead to th...

So excited to share with you this weeks episode guests, Kristen Fraclas & Hannah Schayes, co-hosts of the Abun(dance) Podcast. In this dicussion we talk through the process of how their podcast came to be, their dance backgrounds and next steps for each of us. If you've wondered what it's like to be a podcast host, especially in the world of dance, this is the episode for you.    Highlights: H...

Today's epsiode dives into why clarity isn't coming, how to stop forcing it to come and what to do instead to make it a more easeful process.  Speaking from personal experience of trying to force clarity for years in all areas of my life, the shift into ease and trusting the process has been a game changer. And I invite you to do experience the same transformation I have.  Topics Discussed: What i...

Guest Shaté L. Hayes and I get real about the hustle culture and how it can lead to an entirely new career path, and what to about it. We also chat all things sustainable in your career and how strategy plays a key part in that. Join us to hear Shaté's journey that might seem familiar at first and then takes an unexpected turn.    Guest Bio: From professional dancer/choreographer to adjunct dance...

Today's epsiode answers the question "if you don't have a tradtional dance business (aka dance studio), why are you trying to run it like one?" I share my own personal experience of struggling to apply traditional business knowledge to my virtual business back in 2018, and how the dance world is so unique that we have to be unique in our approaches to serve our communities and increase our busines...

Guest Lauren Messina and I discuss what it's like to build your own community in the dance world, the unexpected changes in your life when you have children and what happens when you no longer dance full-time and how your identity changes. We both get deep and share personal expereinces and some of our "hows" of coming out on the other side. If you enjoy genuince conversation that organically find...

In this solo episode I pull back the curtain on my 30's. That may not seem like a big deal, but my 30's were frought with so many challenges that I am in awe of where I am at 40 today. I've shared a little of my story here and there, but now I go all in. I share this to help you grow on your journey and learn what you need to from my own experiences.  Running a dance business is not easy. Living l...

In this solo episode, I’m breaking down five common (and harmful) beliefs that too many dance business owners carry — often without even realizing it. These lies sound like truth until burnout creeps in, passion fades, and running your business starts to feel like a grind. We’re unpacking beliefs like: “I have to say yes to everything or I’ll miss opportunities.” “If I’m not constantly working, I’...

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day and is close to my heart because I am thriving with adult diagnosed autism and ADHD. In this episode I share education about autism, my personal story and how it connects to dance. You'll gain understanding and skills to improve how you show up to support others in the dance world, especially those with similar challenges. Highlights: Basic challenges of aut...

In this episode with guest Rachel Jenks, founder of Booty Kicking Ballerina, she shares an anything but ordinary journey from stopping being a professional dancer due to injury, to where she is now. We also talk deeply about internal healing and what it takes to embrace and love who you are regardless the title of dancer we are so used to embodying. Stick around til the end of the episode because...

This is usually one of the last things a dance business owner does for themselves, but is one of the most important! Becoming proactive in our rest is THE key to ensuring success and the ability to move our businesses and dreams forward. Listen on to learn the why and how to make this a realistic part of your life, without add to the burnout you're feeling.  Highlights: what is active rest and why...

  So many dance business owners go to the traditional business world to seek Information for themselves. But then struggle when what they learn isn't working in their own dance business. This is normal! And there is a way to work around this and even experience growth and success while you're at it.   Highlights: 4 traditional business practices that don't work How to adjust to what does work for...

  Season 3 is here! We are almost 60 episodes in and have had so many guests. I can't wait to share with you the guests lined up for this season! I share a quick recap of the holidays and all the exciting things to look ahead this season. I also divulge some workshops coming up and ways we can work together.   Highlights: New format for season 3 Permission granted to take time to need Quick recap...

It's time to reflect on this past year. And boy did it go so differently than I envisioned at the start of 2024. From coming out of survival mode, to launching a new membership and completing the practitioner AND mastery level of 3 certifications. So many things occurred. And I get into the juicy details about it. Also, this is the final episode for season 2. We are going on a holiday break and wi...

  An entrepreneurial mindset is often overlooked or not even recognized, especially in the dance world. But it is so crucially important to develop and have one. This week I share exactly what an entrepreneurial mindset is and how to develop it. And why it may be such a challenge for you and your dance business or career.   Highlights: Defining an entrepreneur  The unique approach in the dance wor...

  Kaley's story of not only recovering but thriving after she broke her back AND now runs a successful virtual dance business is one you don't want to miss. We dive deep into many passions of how to best live life and the sustainable way to build your life as a dancer.  Kaley is currently based in Dallas, Texas as a professional dancer, professor, mentor, and pilates instructor. She was introduced...

I wish I had learned the difference between 'easy' and 'ease' much earlier in my business journey. Grateful for it now and I want to help you understand what the difference is and how you can start to apply it to help both your life and business! I promise it is a game changer when you do. I also announce and share the new and never-before done Dance CEO Society™ membership! A one-of-a-kind place...

Seeing little to no results from the constant hustling? Feeling on the path to burnout? (or already there?) These are not the practices and results of a fulfilling life, which is what you want as the Dance CEO of your life and business/career. Learn how The Dance CEO Method™ came to be, why it's imperative that you start applying if you truly want a different life, and how you can get 4 days of fr...