The Ultimate Dance Business Podcast

In this episode of the Ultimate Dance Business Podcast, Deborah Laws is joined by Hannah Hannon, founder of HVA, to discuss one of the most overlooked areas of running a successful dance school: business systems and operations. As a former performer turned business strategist, Hannah understands the unique challenges creative business owners face. Together, Deborah and Hannah explore why so many d...

The dance industry is changing faster than ever. With advances in AI, automation and technology transforming the way businesses operate, what will successful dance schools look like in five years' time? In this solo episode, Deborah shares her predictions for the future of dance studio ownership and highlights the key areas studio owners should be focusing on right now to stay ahead of the cur...

In this episode of the Ultimate Dance Business Podcast, Deborah Laws is joined by branding expert and Creative Sass founder JoJo Smith to discuss the mindset, confidence, and self-awareness needed to build a successful business and a lasting brand. JoJo explains why most business owners focus on the wrong aspects of branding, how limiting beliefs hold entrepreneurs back, and why building a busines...

In this episode of the Ultimate Dance Business Podcast, we’re talking about one of the biggest hidden issues holding dance schools and performing arts businesses back: being too nice. If you’re a people pleaser, avoid confrontation, struggle with late payments, over-give to parents and students, or constantly feel emotionally drained from trying to keep everyone happy, this episode is for you. Deb...

In this episode of The Ultimate Dance Business Podcast, Deborah Laws is joined by Dawni Baxter, founder of Beyond The Dawn Digital, for an honest conversation about business growth, social media marketing, burnout and building a business that actually works for your life. Dawni shares how she went from theatre kid and jewellery retail manager to running multiple businesses across digital marketing...

“We’ve always done it that way” might feel safe. But in business, it can quietly hold you back. In this episode, Deborah challenges dance studio owners to take an honest look at the systems, habits, and decisions they’ve been relying on for years. Just because something works does not mean it is still working well. From outdated class offerings to clunky payment systems, from old-school marketing...

What happens when you stop thinking of your dance school as just a dance school? In this episode of The Ultimate Dance Business Podcast, I’m joined by Debbie Elwell, dance studio owner, entrepreneur, and the driving force behind Showtime Future Stars. Debbie’s journey is anything but typical. From launching a children’s party company that delivered over 10,000 events, to building a thriving dance...

Owning your own dance studio is often seen as the ultimate goal. Your own space. Your own timetable. Your own rules. But is it always the right move? In this episode, we’re diving into the pros and cons of owning or leasing your own premises versus hiring venues. It’s a topic that comes up time and time again for dance school owners, especially here in the UK where dedicated studio spaces can be h...

In this latest episode of The Ultimate Dance Business Podcast Deborah sits down for a chat with studio owner Sarah Clements, who shares her entrepreneurial journey and how she built Unlimited Dance Company into the successful business it is today. As always this is essential listening for any dance school owner or principal. In the vast majority of cases parents of prospective students have alread...

Book an evolution call with Deborah⁠⁠ ⁠https://go.dancebusinesslab.com/dance-school-success-plan In this latest episode of The Ultimate Dance Business Podcast Deborah tackles the subject of social media and what it is REALLY for when it comes to your dance school's marketing strategy. If your marketing consists of social media posts and not a huge amount more than this episode is for you! As alway...

Book an evolution call with Deborah⁠⁠ https://go.dancebusinesslab.com/dance-school-success-plan In this episode, Deborah sits down with the passionate Amy Pryor, principal of Amy Greaves School of Dance. With nearly 20 years of experience as a studio owner, Amy joins the show to discuss a topic that has become a major talking point in the industry: true inclusivity. They dive deep into moving beyo...

In this episode of the The Ultimate Dance Business Podcast , Deborah tackles one of the hardest decisions dance school owners face: keeping low-attendance classes on the timetable. We all know the feeling. A handful of students love the class. It might be the highlight of their week. Cancelling feels personal. But when emotion leads the decision-making, your business often pays the price. Deborah...

Book an evolution call with Deborah⁠⁠ https://calendly.com/dancebusinesslab/30-minuteevolutioncall?month=2024-04  If your dance school relies on you remembering everything, chasing every enquiry, and holding the admin together, growth gets exhausting fast. In this episode, Deborah Laws is joined by business systems and process coach Leon Bubenicek to unpack a simple truth that changes how you run...

Running a dance studio shouldn’t feel like constant firefighting — but without a clear plan, that’s exactly where many studio owners end up. In this episode, I walk you through how to plan your entire dance studio year with intention, balance, and clarity. Whether your year starts in January, September, or any other point, this episode helps you step back and design a calendar that supports both b...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into one of the most overlooked areas of dance school growth: what happens next. From enquiries and follow-ups to exams, payments, uniforms and missed deadlines, this conversation explores how strong studios think in clear cause-and-effect systems rather than vague intentions. Using the simple but powerful idea of “if this happens, then this is what we do”, you...

What are people really saying about your studio when you are not in the room? In this episode, Deborah is joined by studio owner and culture super fan Heather Buelow to unpack what studio culture actually is and why it matters so much for retention, reputation and your own wellbeing as a dance business owner. Heather breaks down how core values, energy, traditions and everyday behaviours all work...

In this inspiring solo episode, Deborah explores what it really means to be bold, take risks, and fail forwards in your dance business. Drawing on the powerful message from Denzel Washington’s famous “Fall Forward” speech, she shares why every stumble, setback, or misstep is actually a step towards growth. Deborah challenges you to reflect on the moves you’d make if fear wasn’t holding you back —...

In this episode, Deborah sits down with the brilliant Rosina Andrews for her third (technically fourth!) appearance on the podcast — and this time they’re tackling a big topic many studio owners quietly wrestle with: What happens when competitions no longer feel right? Together they unpack: ​Why so many studio owners continue competing long after the joy has gone ​How algorithms distort our percep...

Has your once-beloved dance school turned into something that drains your time, energy, and joy? In this solo episode, Deborah Laws explores what she calls “the monster” — the business that’s grown so much it now feels like it’s running you . Deborah gently guides you through a series of reflections to help you reconnect with why you started, identify the tasks that have stolen your spark, and mak...

In part two of our competition mini-series, host Deborah Laws is joined once again by dance educator and entrepreneur Rosina Andrews to talk about what happens after you’ve launched your competition team. How do you keep energy, creativity, and parent enthusiasm high once the novelty wears off? Deborah and Rosina share candid insights on: Communicating progress to parents beyond trophies Staying i...

Do you really know what’s happening inside your dance school — or are you running with the headlights off? In this episode of The Ultimate Dance Business Podcast , Deborah Laws breaks down the essential numbers every studio owner should track to stay profitable and sustainable. From turnover and expenses to retention, churn, and customer satisfaction, Deborah explains how to shine a light on your...

In this first episode of a brand-new mini-series, Deborah welcomes back dance educator and choreographer Rosina Andrews to dive into the world of competitions. Together, they explore how to decide if competitions are right for your studio, what it really takes to get started, and how to prepare a year in advance. Rosina shares practical advice on choreography choices, time management, fees, and pa...

In this solo episode, Deborah reflects on an unexpected source of inspiration: a day of wine tasting in rural France. Visiting three very different vineyards highlighted the importance of first impressions, customer experience, and long-term loyalty — lessons that translate directly into the dance studio world. She shares how small details can make or break the way families feel about your school,...

Book an evolution call with Deborah⁠⁠ https://calendly.com/dancebusinesslab/30-minuteevolutioncall?month=2024-04  In this episode of The Ultimate Dance Business Podcast , Deborah Laws is joined by Tim Beynon , the powerhouse behind Elite —a flourishing martial arts and dance business operating across the southwest UK. Under the Elite umbrella, Tim directs several thriving companies, including Elit...

Book an evolution call with Deborah⁠⁠ https://calendly.com/dancebusinesslab/30-minuteevolutioncall?month=2024-04  In this guest-hosted episode, studio owner Heather Buelow from Dancer’s Edge in Alberta, Canada, takes over the mic to share her approach to branding and merchandise. Over the past 20 years, Heather has built a strong identity around her studio—most recognisably through the colour purp...