This episode is one of those "you don't know what you don't know" conversations… and wow, it's a good one.

Bec is joined by Zoe and Kristy from Act It Out - two powerhouse women with seriously impressive careers across dance, acting, TV, and beyond. But what they're sharing today isn't just about performing… it's about what our students are missing.

Because let's be real - our industry is overflowing with incredible dancers. Like, insanely talented. But the opportunities? Still limited.

So what actually sets students apart?

In this episode, we dive into why drama training might be the missing piece, not just for booking jobs, but for building confident, capable, well-rounded humans (which honestly… matters even more).

From communication skills to confidence, auditions to eye contact (yep, we go there), this chat will get you thinking about how you're preparing your students for the real world, not just the stage.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Why being just a dancer isn't enough anymore
• How adding acting skills can massively expand career opportunities
• The real-life skills drama teaches (hello confidence + communication!)
• Why so many teens struggle with eye contact and conversations
• How drama helps kids find their voice, on stage and in life
• The gap in training (and why it's showing up later)
• A simple way to add drama into your studio, without hiring a specialist

If you've ever wondered how to better support your students' future (and maybe even add a new income stream), this episode is for you!

Connect with Dance Princiapls United and Act It Out at Dance Teacher Expo: https://www.danceteacherexpo.com.au

This week on the podcast, Bec sits down with the incredible Shannon Atkins for a chat that is equal parts inspiring, honest and wildly helpful for studio owners raising the next generation of dancers.

From growing up as a comp kid and opening her own studio in her early twenties, to building an international career as a choreographer, teacher and judge, Shannon shares the journey behind the success - and the pressure that came with it.

They chat about the realities of running a high-level studio, what judges are really looking for, why technique still matters more than ever, and how studio owners can better guide students who dream of a professional career.

It's a big conversation about comps, training, expectations, childhood, and remembering what actually matters.

In this episode, they chat about:

• Shannon's dance journey from a small town hall in Lismore to the international stage
• What it was really like owning a successful studio at a young age
• The pressure studio owners carry when parents want elite results
• Why comp success doesn't always translate to industry readiness
• What Shannon looks for when she's judging
• The difference between Australian and US comp culture
• Why ballet and strong technical foundations still matter
• How studio owners can help students make smarter full-time and career choices
• The reminder every studio owner needs: stay true to your vision

This episode is such a good one for any studio owner who's ever felt the weight of trying to do it all, keep everyone happy, and still lead with heart.

And if you'd love more support, connection and practical help in your studio owner journey, there's a special offer for podcast listeners.

Grab 1 week free in Dance Principles United Tribe via the link in the show notes.

https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

This week on the podcast, Bec chats with Ellie from Carnival Dance Challenge - and honestly, this conversation is such a good one for any studio owner who's ever sat at a comp and thought, "Surely there's a better way to do this."

Ellie shares her own dance journey, from growing up in the Southern Highlands to training full-time at Brent Street and performing professionally, before a massive life pivot during COVID changed everything. With travel plans on hold and motherhood entering the picture, Ellie found herself reimagining what her future in dance could look like… and Carnival was born.

Beck and Ellie dive into how the comp world has changed over the years, what today's dancers really need, and why the future might actually be less about flashy tricks and more about artistry, performance quality and creating genuinely positive experiences for families and studios.

They also chat about Carnival's fresh approach to competitions, the importance of high-calibre judges, and why Ellie is passionate about creating more opportunities for dancers who want to sing, act and dance - not just nail six tricks in a row.

It's a warm, honest convo about big dreams, industry change, and building something that actually serves the dance community.

In this episode, they chat about:

• Ellie's journey from small-town dance student to professional performer
• How COVID and becoming a mum led to a huge career pivot
• Why Carnival was created and what makes it different from other comps
• How the standard of dancers has changed over the years
• Why the industry may need to pull back on tricks and refocus on dance
• The value of judges who are actively working in the industry
• Why Broadway performers and triple threats deserve more recognition
• How studio culture is shifting to become more connected and supportive

Meet with the team from Carnival and our incredible vendors at Dance Teacher Expo in Sydney! https://ticket.danceteacherexpo.com.au/