Transform My Dance Studio – The Podcast For Dance Studio Owners

Dance Studio Owners Association

Behind every great studio is a story of transformation. The Transform My Dance Studio Podcast is your weekly lifeline for leadership, clarity, and community. This podcast is for studio owners at any stage of their journey who are ready to build profitable businesses that support their lives. Hosted by Olivia Mode-Cater, a lifelong dance educator and entrepreneur, each episode sparks inspiration and strategies to transform your studio and your life. You'll hear real-life stories from studio owners, mentors, and coaches who've been in the trenches, candid solo episodes that explore the personal and professional growth of studio leadership, and thoughtful deep dives with industry experts offering practical insight for studio owners. This show is designed to help studio owners move beyond survival mode and into a more intentional way of leading that supports financial growth without sacrificing joy, energy, or fulfillment. If you're building a studio you care deeply about, but know there's a better way to do it, Transform My Dance Studio is here to support you every step of the way. Olivia Mode-Cater is a CEO, entrepreneur and leader of the Dance Studio Owners Association, the world's largest community of studio owners, and helped scale 2 other major dance businesses into leaders in the industry. Known for her expertise in dance education, business growth, and marketing, she has trained and inspired thousands of studio owners.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    How Profitable Studios Think About Summer

    Does summer feel like the season where you hold your breath, cross your fingers, and hope fall enrollment fixes everything?  For so many studio owners, summer looks busy. Camps are running, kids are in the building, but behind the scenes, cash flow feels unpredictable, margins feel thin, and there's a quiet anxiety that summer might actually be hurting the business instead of helping it.  In this episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater is joined by Inner Circle coach and longtime studio owner Annie Leese to reframe summer completely. Annie shares how she stopped reacting to summer and started intentionally designing it, transforming what used to be a stressful season into a reliable, profitable part of her studio's year.  This conversation isn't about adding more programs or working longer hours. It's about meeting families where they actually are, making small strategic shifts, and building a summer structure that supports your studio year-round.  You'll hear:  Why summer often feels financially unstable even when camps are full  How Annie designed summer programs around real family needs  Why small, data-driven tweaks outperform full program overhauls  How flexibility, aftercare, and scheduling choices impact enrollment  What it takes to stop taking low enrollment personally and start responding strategically  How a thoughtful summer strategy can support both cash flow and freedom    If you've ever caught yourself saying "that doesn't work" when it comes to summer, this episode will challenge you to get curious and help you see what's actually possible.   Annie Leese is a seasoned studio owner and Inner Circle coach who has built an exceptional reputation in the dance industry. As the CEO and artistic director of Performing Arts Academy of Marin (PAM) in Mill Valley, California, she has turned her passion for dance and the performing arts into a thriving business that attracts students from all over the region. Through her work as an Inner Circle coach, Annie has helped countless studio owners achieve their goals and reach new heights of success.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here.   Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater

    40 min

  2. 9 FEB

    Posting Trendy Reels Doesn't Enroll Students – Here's What Does!

    In this clarity-packed episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, host Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with DSOA's Social Media Coach and Manager Sophie Mckie to unpack what's actually broken about social media for dance studios and why working harder isn't the answer.  From Canva templates and "pretty feeds" to random posting and constant second-guessing, Olivia and Sophie reveal why most studio owners feel burned out by social media — even when they're doing "everything right." This episode reframes social media as a system, not a chore, and shows studio owners how to translate the incredible work happening inside their studios into content that builds trust, connection, and enrollment.  You'll hear:  Why parents don't enroll based on aesthetics or templates  The difference between having a content problem and a translation problem  Why random posting leads to burnout (and poor results)  How a simple content system removes decision fatigue  What "human content" actually looks like for dance studios  Why social media should support your business goals — not distract from them  How systems make delegation possible without chaos  What changes when you stop chasing trends and start building intention  If social media has ever felt like one more thing on your plate, or one more place where your effort doesn't match your results, this conversation will help you finally see why.  Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater

    32 min

  3. 2 FEB

    The Cash Flow Wake-Up Call Dance Studio Owners Need

    In this candid solo episode, Olivia Mode-Cater tackles one of the most stressful realities of studio ownership: summer cash flow. If you've ever felt that pit in your stomach when June rolls around, this episode is your wake-up call. Olivia explains why summer doesn't create cash flow problems, it reveals the ones that already exist. Through real numbers, real talk, and zero sugarcoating, she walks studio owners through the simple math that determines whether your studio survives summer… or finally thrives through it. This isn't about fear or hustle. It's about clarity, predictability, and stepping out of the financial hamster wheel once and for all. You'll learn: Why summer exposes cash flow issues instead of causing them What your studio's burn rate actually is — and why most owners don't know it How weekly expenses quietly dictate your stress level The dangerous gap between being "open" and being profitable Why fewer summer classes make cash flow problems worse How to plan for a calm, flexible summer without panic The mindset shift required to stop avoiding your numbers How 10 minutes of math can change your entire year If you want a summer that feels stable, intentional, and aligned with your life — this episode is your starting point. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here. Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater

    17 min

  4. 26 JAN

    Stay Awkward: The Leadership Skill You're Avoiding (Interview with Henna Pryor)

    Do you ever label yourself as "awkward" and then use that as a reason not to take a risk?  In the first episode of Season 6 of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater is joined by workplace performance expert Henna Pryor to unpack one of the biggest hidden barriers to studio growth: the fear of awkwardness.  Together, they challenge the idea that confident leaders "have it all together" and reveal that confidence isn't about avoiding discomfort, it's about recovering faster. From perfectionism and approval-seeking to emotional avoidance and leadership burnout, this conversation gives studio owners language, science, and permission to lead imperfectly and more effectively.  If you've ever delayed a hard conversation, second-guessed a decision, or felt like success still doesn't feel good, this episode will help you reframe discomfort as a skill you can train.  What You'll Learn:  Why awkwardness is an emotion, not a personality trait  How confident studio owners build a fast comeback rate  The neuroscience behind social pain and why it feels so intense  How perfectionism fuels shame cycles in dance studio leadership  Why "positive mindset" can actually become emotional avoidance  How to create psychological safety for yourself and your team  The role of community in normalizing leadership missteps  Why white space is essential for long-term resilience and clarity  How reframing language (like "sacred time") changes behavior  A simple reflection practice to uncover the stories driving your decisions  Henna Pryor, CSP, is a globally recognized Workplace Performance Expert, Inc. Magazine columnist, and award-winning author of Good Awkward. Known for her science-backed approach to performance mindset, communication, and leadership under pressure, Henna helps high-performing leaders embrace discomfort to drive meaningful, sustainable change.   Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!  Watch our video episodes and subscribe on YouTube here.   Follow Henna Pryor: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hennapryor/ Follow The Dance Studio Owners Association:  Instagram: @dancestudioownersassociation | TikTok: @dsoaofficial | Facebook: @dancestudioownersassociation Follow Olivia Mode-Cater: Instagram: @olivia.modecater | TikTok: @olivia.modecater

    40 min

  5. SEASON 6 TRAILER

    Transform My Dance Studio: The New Era

    The Transform My Dance Studio Podcast is entering a new era and you're invited to join us. This new chapter of the podcast is recommitting to studio owners who want to build businesses that are successful, sustainable, and supportive of a joyfull life. This season brings a renewed focus on honest leadership, practical tools, and meaningful transformation, without pretending that running a studio is easy. For the first time ever, you can now watch full episodes on YouTube with new episodes dropping every Monday. In this new era, you can expect: Thoughtful solo episodes that explore leadership, clarity, and long-term sustainability Real-life stories from studio owners, mentors, and coaches who've been in the trenches, sharing challenges and lessons that shaped their leadersip In-depth conversations with respected experts offering practical insight for studio owners at every stage A video-first experience designed to be more engaging, relatable, and bingeable Success doesn't have to come at the expense of joy, energy, or fufillment. This podcast is here to help you move beyond survival mode and into a more grounded, intentional way of leading, where profitability and joy can exist together. Welcome to the new era of Transform My Dance Studio.

    2 min

  6. 19 JAN

    CEO Mode Starts With One Hard Boundary

    Being "good in chaos" doesn't mean you're meant to live there. In this powerful solo episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater invites studio owners into a leadership reset that goes far beyond productivity hacks. If you've been stuck in survival mode, constantly reacting, exhausted by meetings, and feeling like your time is leaking everywhere, this episode is your permission slip to lead differently. Olivia pulls back the curtain on how her calendar once trained her to stay busy but fragmented, and how intentional boundaries helped her step fully into CEO mode. This conversation isn't about squeezing more into your week. It's about aligning your time, energy, and leadership with the version of yourself you're becoming. You'll hear why discomfort is part of growth, how small weekly decisions shape your capacity, and why studio owners need structure that supports clarity, creativity, and calm. What You'll Learn Why survival mode becomes the default for so many studio owners How your calendar quietly trains you for who you're becoming The leadership cost of constant context switching Why protecting your time can feel uncomfortable and why it's necessary How to design a weekly rhythm that supports deep work and creativity The difference between productivity and alignment Why "being good in chaos" doesn't mean staying there forever How small, repeated decisions create CEO-level clarity and confidence If you're ready to stop wearing survival mode as a badge of honor and start leading with intention, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!

    20 min

  7. 12 JAN

    Reclaim Your Time: Fixing the Most Chaotic Day of the Dance Season

    What would change in your studio if picture day actually gave you time back instead of taking it away? Olivia Mode-Cater sits down with Lisa Mallis, Co-Founder and COO of PhotoDay, to unpack one of the most underestimated (and misunderstood) moments in the dance studio year: recital portrait day. What's often treated as a logistical headache is actually a powerful opportunity to elevate your brand, increase revenue, and reclaim your time. Lisa shares her journey from high-volume dance photography to building technology that transformed how studios and photographers handle picture day and why systems, transparency, and experience matter more than ever. Together, Olivia and Lisa explore how outdated processes create unnecessary stress for studio owners, staff, families, and photographers and how the right workflows can turn one of the most chaotic days of the season into a smooth, confidence-building, revenue-generating experience. This episode is a must-listen for studio owners who are tired of burnout, overwhelmed by logistics, and ready to grow their business while reclaiming their life. You'll hear: Why recital portrait day feels so overwhelming and why it doesn't have to The hidden revenue opportunity most studios are leaving on the table How systems and automation can dramatically reduce stress for owners and families Why "return on time" matters more than return on investment How transparency and feedback create stronger studio partnerships What recital photos really represent for families — and why that matters for your brand How to create an experience parents remember with love, not frustration If you're ready to stop dreading picture day and start using it as a strategic advantage in your studio, this episode will change how you see it forever. Discover how studios are upgrading picture day with PhotoDay at photoday.com Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!

    35 min

  8. 5 JAN

    I Fell Out of Love With My Business — Here's How I Found My Way Back

    In this raw, honest solo episode of the Transform My Dance Studio Podcast, Olivia Mode-Cater shares something many studio owners feel, but rarely say out loud: she fell out of love with her business.  After years of leadership, growth, and responsibility, the joy that once fueled her work quietly faded into exhaustion, pressure, and misalignment. In this episode, Olivia opens up about the emotional weight studio owners carry, the shame that often comes with success, and the subtle signs that something needs to change before burnout forces your hand.  This conversation isn't about blowing everything up or chasing the next tactic. It's about creating space, listening differently, and rebuilding your studio in a way that supports clarity, sustainability, and self-trust.  If you've ever thought, "I love my studio… but something feels off," this episode will remind you that you're not broken, and you're not alone.  You'll hear:  Why falling out of love with your studio doesn't mean you're failing  The hidden emotional load studio owners carry as leaders  How misalignment between effort and reward drains joy over time  Why you don't need to burn everything down to rebuild  The power of people, purpose, and perspective in restoring meaning  What it actually takes to lead with clarity, sustainability, and self-trust  How to give yourself permission to reset without guilt    This episode kicks off a new era of Transform My Dance Studio — one rooted in truth, humanity, and helping studio owners build businesses that work for them, not just because of them. Join our growing community of people just like you inside our free Facebook group. Click here to join!

    9 min
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About

Behind every great studio is a story of transformation. The Transform My Dance Studio Podcast is your weekly lifeline for leadership, clarity, and community. This podcast is for studio owners at any stage of their journey who are ready to build profitable businesses that support their lives. Hosted by Olivia Mode-Cater, a lifelong dance educator and entrepreneur, each episode sparks inspiration and strategies to transform your studio and your life. You'll hear real-life stories from studio owners, mentors, and coaches who've been in the trenches, candid solo episodes that explore the personal and professional growth of studio leadership, and thoughtful deep dives with industry experts offering practical insight for studio owners. This show is designed to help studio owners move beyond survival mode and into a more intentional way of leading that supports financial growth without sacrificing joy, energy, or fulfillment. If you're building a studio you care deeply about, but know there's a better way to do it, Transform My Dance Studio is here to support you every step of the way. Olivia Mode-Cater is a CEO, entrepreneur and leader of the Dance Studio Owners Association, the world's largest community of studio owners, and helped scale 2 other major dance businesses into leaders in the industry. Known for her expertise in dance education, business growth, and marketing, she has trained and inspired thousands of studio owners.

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