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/

Mid-year concerts… let's talk about the underrated MVP of studio life.

In this episode, Amanda & Bec break down exactly what a mid-year concert is, why it's not just "another thing to add to your plate," and how it can seriously boost retention, parent buy-in, class upsells and even profit - without the chaos of full costumes and theatre-level stress.

They also chat about Bec's slightly unhinged (in the best way) Pep Rally setup for comp kids (think: red carpet, prizes, parents dressing up, giant cut-out heads… yep), plus why community matters more than we realise for keeping families around long-term.

Episode Highlights

• What a "mid-year concert" actually is (and what makes it good).
• Why uniform concerts are gold: cheaper, easier, less intimidating for new families, and better for promo photos.
• The "parents only get 2 games a year" problem - and why dance needs more performance windows than just end-of-year.
• Why mid-year concerts are often better than viewing week (and how to sell the benefits to parents).
• How to use the microphone to educate parents + upsell (ballet, acro, extra classes, exams, end-of-year opt-in).
• The Pep Rally model: dress rehearsal + community event + parent buy-in (and a sneaky marketing machine).
• The profit side: tickets, merch, uniforms, limited edition drops - with less admin than end-of-year.

It's not too late: even in March, you can still plan a simple mid-year concert and make it work.
Podcast listener offer: Get one week free inside the Dance Principles United Tribe: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

This week's episode is a little different…

We're giving you a behind-the-scenes sneak peek inside a recent live coaching call from the Dance Principles United Tribe, and we're talking about something that can make or break your studio:

Your team.

Most studio owners spend all their time worrying about marketing, enrolments, comps, concerts, broken toilets… and staff becomes the "I'll deal with that later" category.

But staff isn't the side issue.

It's the whole game.

In this episode, Amanda & Bec dive into:

• Removing financial anxiety from your teachers (and why paying on time is non-negotiable)
• Why unclear expectations create resentment (on both sides)
• The power of regular check-ins and staff appraisals
• How to give feedback without it becoming awkward or scary
• Why upskilling your team is your responsibility
• How to align staff with your studio values
• What to do when classes aren't growing
• The leadership mindset shift that changes everything

This is honest, practical, no-fluff leadership advice - especially for studio owners who never actually planned on becoming "the boss"… but here we are.

If you've ever felt:

• frustrated with a teacher
• unsure how to have hard conversations
• exhausted from carrying everything alone
• scared to implement structure

This episode will feel like a deep breath and a gentle push forward.

And if you'd love access to the staff appraisal forms, jump-in training slides, and live coaching calls like this every month — grab one week free inside the Dance Principles United Tribe via the link in the show notes.

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

Dance for Your Life hits cinemas April 2, and this episode goes behind the scenes.

In this powerful conversation, Amanda is joined by Jade Barnes (producer) and Lucas Newland (Executive Producer, and Owner and Artistic Director of Brent Street) to talk about the journey from the Dance Life series to the brand-new feature film Dance for Your Life.

They dive into:

• How the movie came to life after the original series

• The emotional audition process (200 dancers down to 10!)

• Training in London with Janet Jackson's choreographer, Dean Lee

• The pressure of representing Australian dancers on screen

• The unspoken realities of beauty standards in the dance industry

• What it actually takes to "make it" professionally

• Why supporting this film in cinemas matters for the future of dance on screen

This episode is raw, honest, and deeply reflective about the responsibility of telling dance stories the right way; without sensationalising, without tearing down the industry, and without pretending it's easier than it is.

If you're a studio owner, teacher, dancer, or dance parent, this conversation matters.

🎬 Dance for Your Life – In cinemas April 2

(Go opening week. It matters.)

This one's a big conversation.

Bec sits down with Cara Dixon from Relative Motion to talk about something we're all feeling… but maybe not saying out loud.

The tricks.
The extremes.
The Instagram pressure.
The comp cycle that just keeps escalating.

We love seeing dancers achieve incredible things. We love excellence. But at what point are we pushing bodies beyond what's safe… for a trophy that won't even make it onto a resume?

Cara shares her journey from professional performer and faculty teacher to creating Relative Motion — a colour-based strength and alignment system that helps dancers actually understand their technique (instead of just forcing their bodies into shapes).

And wow… this conversation goes deep.

If you've ever felt stuck between:

Wanting your dancers to win

Wanting parents to be happy

Wanting to protect growing bodies

And wanting to prepare kids for real careers…

This episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.

💛 Inside this episode:

• Why just because a dancer can do a trick… doesn't mean they should
• The long-term damage that can happen when alignment is off (even by an inch)
• What judges really struggle with when it comes to choreography vs technique
• Why competition wins don't equal career preparation
• The importance of pelvic alignment (yes, we go there!)
• How to break bad muscle memory — even in older dancers
• Why teacher training is the real game-changer in studio growth
• How to lead with boundaries in a highly competitive environment

There's so much honesty in this one. And so much permission to think differently.

If you've been feeling the pressure of "more tricks, younger, higher, faster" — this conversation will ground you again.

And if you're coming to Expo this year, Cara will be there teaching — and you'll definitely want to experience Relative Motion in person.

Have a listen and let us know what lands for you 💛

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

It's the most chaotic, sparkly, high-energy weekend of the year… and it's nearly here.

In this special episode, Amanda & Bec are talking all things Dance Teacher Expo - happening April 11–12 at ICC Darling Harbour, Sydney - and why it's the one event that can genuinely re-energise you, upskill your team, and remind you why you do this whole studio life thing in the first place.

They share what they love most about Expo (the vibe, the learning, the connection), give you the inside scoop on presenters + classes they're excited about (hello Stephen Tannos, Shannon Atkins, Relative Motion + more), and chat about how studio owners can plan the weekend so they actually get value - not just overstimulation and sore feet.

Oh, and they're brainstorming their stall activation… ball pits, swings, balloon domes… and possibly a human claw machine?!

Key takeaways / discussion points

• Expo details: April 11–12, ICC Darling Harbour, Sydney (tickets selling fast).
• Why Expo is about more than "learning" - it's about community and connection (and making studio life feel less lonely).
• Movement room classes are designed for teachers and studio owners of all ages/levels - no judgement, just joy + skill-building.
• Presenters to watch: Relative Motion (safe training + results), Stephen Tannos (fear + creativity), Shannon Atkins (employable dancers), plus cutting-edge choreographers.
• Why it's smart to bring your team and split the timetable (everyone attends different sessions, then share takeaways).
• How Expo can boost your credibility with parents/students: "I learned this from XYZ industry expert."

Vendor hall + fashion show + cocktail party = networking + inspiration + fun.

Podcast listener offer: Get 2 weeks free inside the Dance Principles United Tribe https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/