The Transformative Dance Podcast - with Melanie Gard

On this episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast , we chat with Sally Prendergast, marketing guru and former dance studio owner with over 30 years in the dance industry. As the founder of Dance Studio Marketing and creator of programs like the Dance Studio Accelerator , Sally shares her expertise on: ✅ Boosting enrolments with smart social media strategies ✅ Adapting to a post-COVID world of...

This week on the Transformative Dance Podcast, I’m joined by the powerhouse behind Dance Informa and Victorian Dance Festival (VDF)—the incredible Deborah Searle! Deb’s journey is one of passion, innovation, and leadership in Australian dance. From starting Dance Informa to ensure dancers were always in the know, to leading VDF—Australia’s favourite dance festival—Deb has transformed the way our i...

On this episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast , Mike Harrison-Lamond, Director of the Australian Academy of Dance and founder of Calibrate Dance , shares his groundbreaking approach to dance education and studio management. From advocating for safer industry standards to empowering studio owners with innovative tools, Mike's insights are reshaping the dance community. 💡 Discover how Mike’s...

Discover how Natalie Yates, Director of NY Dance, grew her values-based dance studio into a community hub with over 500 students. In this inspiring episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast , Natalie shares her journey, the secrets to fostering a family-like studio atmosphere, and how she created thriving side businesses like Little Dance Stars and The Dancer's Warehouse . Whether you're a dance...

What do pirouettes and Pulitzer-worthy prose have in common? Just ask Vivienne Pearson, the incredible freelance writer whose bylines light up publications like The Sydney Morning Herald , The Age , and Good Weekend . In the latest episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast, Vivienne shares the untold story of how her love for dance paved the way for her thriving writing career. Starting in a bal...

Jen Dalton’s story is nothing short of remarkable. From humble beginnings teaching a few students in a garage to running a studio with over 1,000 students, Jen’s journey as a dance studio owner has been one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. In the latest episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast , Jen shares how her family’s love for dance shaped her early years and inspired her to start te...

*Trigger Warning* This episode contains brief discussions of abuse. If you or anyone you know needs help please reach out to one of the resources listed at the end of the show notes, or call 000 in an emergency. Welcome to the latest episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast ! Today, we are thrilled to feature Rachael Shiels, a trailblazer in dance education and the director of Theatre De La Dan...

Last week’s episode was just the beginning! Jason Teasdale and I had such a rich, meaningful conversation that we couldn’t stop at one episode. So, we’re back with Part Two , diving even deeper into the realities of the dance world, the challenges of teaching, and the wisdom that comes with two decades of experience. In this episode, Jason shares insights into the resilience required for a career...

Hear Melanie Gard interview dance studio owner and educator, Jason Teasdale, in Part 1 of a very interesting deep dive into the world of pre-professional dance and the issues often holding young dancers back in the dance industry. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this riveting conversation!

WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE  Welcome to the Transformative Dance Podcast! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with the incredible Holly Diggle, founder and director of Dance Northside in Canberra. Holly’s dance journey began in Edinburgh, where she fell in love with the power of movement in a vibrant, community-oriented space. From these beginnings, she’s crafted a studio culture of inclusivity...

In this episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast , we chat with Samantha Grant, Director and Principal of Diamond Valley Dance Academy. With over two decades of experience and extensive training in Cecchetti Ballet, Sam shares her journey from student to studio owner; reflecting on the challenges and rewards of building a successful dance school. We dive into her passion for mentoring teachers,...

We are thrilled to welcome Kaitlin Hague, the brilliant founder and director of Bayside Dance, to the Transformative Dance Podcast ! After earning a Bachelor of Creative Industries in dance (with distinction) from QUT, Kaitlin toured extensively, performed in corporate settings, and developed a passion for teaching. With a career spanning over a decade in arts education and performance, she now ba...

In this episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast , host Melanie Gard sits down with her longtime friend and accomplished dance educator, Rachel Fuga. With over 40 years of dance experience and a deep passion for teaching, Rachel shares her inspiring journey from a young ballet student to becoming a professional ballroom champion and dance studio owner. She opens up about the unique challenges o...

In this episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast, host Melanie Gard chats with the dynamic Kym Degenhart, owner and director of Bom Funk Dance Studio in Canberra. With an impressive 10-year international career that includes performing as a Can Can dancer at the Moulin Rouge and leading dance productions in Tokyo, Kym’s story is a testament to resilience and passion. Kym delves into her journey...

In this heartfelt conversation, Stacey Morgan shares her inspiring journey in dance, reflecting on the powerful lessons she learned from her teacher, Miss Francesca. Stacey discusses the balance between genuine praise and tough love, emphasising the importance of authentic feedback to help dancers feel truly seen and valued. As studio owners and educators, Stacey and Mel explore how to maintain th...

In this insightful conversation with Jane Grech, dance educator, entrepreneur and industry trialblazer, we explore the personal journey of a passionate dancer who reflects on the responsibility of staying committed to her art. "It was my job to keep myself at dance," Jane shares, unpacking how her love for dance wasn't about external motivation but an internal drive that kept her returning to clas...

In this episode, we chat with Kiandra Harmen, a dedicated studio owner and dance educator, whose early dance experiences and memories have deeply shaped her approach to building a nurturing and supportive environment for young dancers. From her first dance class as an energetic toddler, influenced by her ballroom dancer mother, to her formative years of navigating different studios, Kiandra reflec...

*Trigger Warning* This episode contains brief discussions of abuse. If you or anyone you know needs help please reach out to one of the resources at the bottom of the show notes, or call 000 in an emergency. In this episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast , we dive into the incredible journey of Karen Malek, a trailblazer in the Australian dance community. From her early days as a young dancer...