Dance Principals United: Dance Studio Growth & Marketing Podcast

Amanda Barr & Rebecca Liu-Brennan: Dance Studio Coaches & Growth Experts
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Do you want to grow your enrolments, make more profit, and find the time in your business to focus on the things that you love? Join hosts Amanda Barr & Rebecca Liu-Brennan as they share the secrets of their Million Dollar Dance Studios. On this weekly podcast, you will get practical, actionable tips how how to grow the BUSINESS of your Dance Studio.

  1. Stephen Tannos: The Wake-Up Call Every Dance Studio Owner Needs

    3d ago

    Stephen Tannos: The Wake-Up Call Every Dance Studio Owner Needs

    Have you ever looked at someone successful and thought, "They're just naturally confident"? Yep… this episode is here to completely bust that myth. This week, Bec sits down with the incredibly talented Stephen Tannos for one of the most honest conversations we've had on the podcast. From anxiety and imposter syndrome to panic attacks before speaking on stage, Stephen opens up about the fear that almost stopped him from stepping into bigger opportunities - and why pushing through it changed everything. Fear doesn't disappear when you become successful. You just learn how to move with it. This episode is packed with powerful mindset shifts for studio owners, creatives, teens, and honestly… anyone who's ever doubted themselves. It's raw, funny, vulnerable, and one of those episodes you'll probably want to send to your senior students too. In This Episode We Chat About: Why fear shows up most when you're about to grow The pressure of vulnerability vs "performing" How social media hides the messy middle Bec's business wake-up call that changed everything Why resilience matters more than confidence Letting go of people-pleasing in your studio Learning to stop waiting for permission "False evidence appearing real" and how fear tricks us The mindset shift behind "no one's coming to save you" Why every creative teen needs to hear this message Stephen is now sharing this powerful talk with dance studios and senior students around Australia, and we think every creative teenager should hear it. To enquire about bringing Stephen into your studio, contact: info@stephentannos.com Want More Support? If you're craving support, community, coaching, and real conversations with studio owners who get it…Come join us inside Dance Principles United Tribe. Podcast listeners get 1 week free to check it out. https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

    24 min
  2. Stephen Tannos: What REALLY Makes Dancers Stand Out

    Jun 24

    Stephen Tannos: What REALLY Makes Dancers Stand Out

    This week on the podcast, Bec sits down with choreographer, creative powerhouse, and longtime friend Stephen Tannos for one of those chats that feels equal parts nostalgic, inspiring, and wildly honest. From the early days of quirky choreography pieces that didn't place… to creating work that people still remember decades later… this episode is a reminder that originality matters more than trophies. Stephen shares the story of how he accidentally fell into teaching, the importance of giving young creatives freedom to experiment, and why chasing trends and "viral moments" can actually pull dancers further away from finding their own voice. It's a conversation every studio owner, teacher, parent, and young dancer needs to hear — especially in a world where social media can make everyone feel like they need to fit into the same mould. There's also a lot of laughing, old competition stories, giant stage skirts, bicycle choreography, and some very honest reflections on what actually creates lasting success in the dance industry. In this episode: How Stephen accidentally started teaching Why Bec gave him complete creative freedom from day one The choreography pieces that never won… but became unforgettable What dancers can learn from creatives like Paris Cavanagh and Bob Fosse Why originality is harder than ever in the TikTok era The truth about "going viral" How studio owners can better nurture creative students Why technique classes still matter (even when kids don't think they do) This episode is such a powerful reminder that the dancers who leave the biggest impact are usually the ones brave enough to be fully themselves. And that lesson applies way beyond dance too. Special Podcast Listener Offer We'd love to invite you into Dance Principles United Tribe!  https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/ Podcast listeners can grab 1 week free using the link in the show notes. Come hang out with studio owners who truly get it. 💛

    18 min
  3. We Asked ChatGPT to Run Our Lives As Dance Studio Owners… Here's What Happened!

    Jun 17

    We Asked ChatGPT to Run Our Lives As Dance Studio Owners… Here's What Happened!

    This week's episode is a little chaotic, very relatable, and full of those "WAIT… you can do THAT with ChatGPT?!" moments. Amanda and Bec are chatting all about the random, practical, hilarious and surprisingly helpful ways they're using ChatGPT in both studio life and everyday mum life - from planning birthday weekends and decorating rooms, to role-playing difficult parent conversations and figuring out what on earth to make for dinner from the contents of the fridge. There are laughs, tangents, accidental AI confessions, and a whole heap of ideas that might just save you time, mental energy, and maybe even your sanity as a busy studio owner. And if you've ever felt overwhelmed by AI or unsure where to even start… this episode is your permission slip to just play with it. In this episode, we chat about: Using ChatGPT to decorate rooms and visualise furniture Planning holidays, birthdays and family weekends with AI Parenting support, brainstorming and emotional reassurance Using voice mode safely while driving for brain-dumping ideas Role-playing difficult parent conversations and sales chats Writing concert scripts, pantomimes and studio storylines Costume sourcing and visualising costume changes Social media audits and brainstorming better marketing ideas Why ChatGPT is amazing for brainstorming… but not always for decision-making The AI tools Amanda is currently obsessed with beyond ChatGPT Mentioned in this episode: ✨ Dance Principals United Tribe Podcast listeners can grab 1 week free inside Tribe via the link in the show notes. https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

    25 min
  4. 5 Reasons Your Dance Studio Isn't Growing - Part 2

    Jun 10

    5 Reasons Your Dance Studio Isn't Growing - Part 2

    This week on the Dance Principals United Podcast, Amanda and Bec are back with Part 2 of their chat about the real reasons some studios struggle to grow. This one might sting a little. From social media mistakes to leadership gaps, they're diving into the things studio owners often don't realise are quietly stopping growth behind the scenes. Bec shares the hilarious (and slightly horrifying) story of taking Tim to his very first dance event… and suddenly seeing the dance world through a normal parent's eyes. Let's just say fishnets and PVC on kids looked very different from the audience. The girls also unpack why so many studio owners are accidentally marketing to other teachers instead of actual parents, why your Instagram shouldn't look like a newsletter, and why proper staff training might be the thing that changes everything. This episode is honest, practical, funny, and packed with little mindset shifts that could completely change how you approach growth. In this episode, we chat about: Why parents don't see dance the same way studio owners do The social media mistake that's turning new families away How to make your Instagram feel welcoming instead of exclusive Why every post needs a clear call to action The truth about paid ads (and why you probably can learn them yourself) Why staff training is about more than "putting props away" How stronger leadership improves student retention The power of changing just ONE thing instead of overhauling everything The girls also share a special offer for podcast listeners - you can get one week free inside Dance Principals United Tribe. https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/ If you've been wanting more support, more training, and people who truly get studio life… this is your sign.

    22 min
  5. 5 Reasons Your Dance Studio Isn't Growing - Part 1

    Jun 3

    5 Reasons Your Dance Studio Isn't Growing - Part 1

    Ever feel like you're doing everything in your studio… but growth still feels frustratingly slow? In this episode, Amanda and Bec unpack some of the biggest reasons dance studios get stuck - a few of them might hit a little close to home (in the best way possible 😅). From treating your studio like a passion project instead of a business, to spending way too much time answering emails instead of marketing, this chat is packed with practical mindset shifts and real talk for studio owners who are ready to grow without burning themselves into the ground. There's also a detour into unicorn birthday parties, giant comp props, and the possibility of needing two trucks for competition season… because obviously. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like you're working nonstop without seeing the results you want - this episode is for you. In this episode, we chat about: Why passion alone won't grow a sustainable studio The hidden guilt many studio owners have around making money How burnout happens when you constantly "give" without protecting yourself Why spending 95% of your time servicing current families is hurting your growth The importance of time blocking and protecting your focus What studio owners should actually be tracking every week The 3 key numbers every studio owner should know Why knowing your numbers gives you confidence and clarity How to stop being "busy" and start moving the needle in your business Special Offer for Podcast Listeners We've got a little something special for our podcast listeners 💛 Join the Dance Principals United Tribe and get 1 week free to come hang out with us, learn, grow, and feel supported alongside other studio owners who get it. https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

    22 min
  6. Simple Ways To Make More Money In Your Dance Studio - Part 2

    May 27

    Simple Ways To Make More Money In Your Dance Studio - Part 2

    If you've ever thought… "We're full, there's no more money to make…" "Facebook ads don't work for us…" "I don't want to feel salesy…" …this episode might lovingly call you out a little bit. In part two of this chat about making more money in your studio, we are diving into the BIG things that actually move the needle when it comes to revenue, growth, and profitability. From marketing that actually works, to running events your families rave about, to why private lessons aren't just for elite kids anymore - this episode is packed with practical ideas you can implement straight away. They also chat honestly about the mindset shifts studio owners need to make around money, value, and how they spend their time. Growing a profitable studio doesn't happen by accident. It happens when you stop hoping people magically find you… and start intentionally building a business that people can't stop talking about. In this episode: Why "word of mouth" alone isn't enough anymore The truth about Meta ads (and why they probably didn't work the first time) How one studio made $8,000 in holiday privates in just 30 minutes Why your events need more hype than a single Instagram story The simple organic marketing strategies studio owners overlook How to create a stronger sense of belonging for your studio families Why private lessons aren't just for elite dancers The difference between "$18 tasks" and "$100/hour tasks" as a studio owner One of our favourite takeaways: "If you want to affect more kids' lives positively… you have to be okay to sell." Such a good reminder that marketing and selling aren't gross when they're attached to something genuinely life-changing ❤️ Special Offer for Podcast Listeners Want more support growing your studio? We've got a special offer just for podcast listeners — you can get ONE WEEK FREE inside Dance Principals United Tribe. https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/ Come hang out with studio owners who get it, learn practical strategies that actually work, and stop trying to figure it all out on your own.

    26 min
  7. Simple Ways To Make More Money In Your Dance Studio - Part 1

    May 20

    Simple Ways To Make More Money In Your Dance Studio - Part 1

    Most of us didn't open a dance studio because we love spreadsheets.  In this episode, Bec sits down with Nath to talk about the money side of studio ownership - but in a way that actually makes sense. No complicated accounting jargon. No scary finance talk. Just practical, real-world strategies that can help studio owners increase revenue without burning themselves out. From understanding the difference between revenue and profit, to why your pricing structure might be confusing families (and costing you money), this episode is packed with simple shifts that can make a huge difference. If you've ever avoided looking at your numbers because it all feels too overwhelming… this one's for you. In this episode, we chat about: The difference between revenue, profit, and cash flow Why "class placements" matter more than student numbers Simple ways to fill underperforming classes Why most studio owners are undercharging without realising it The problem with overly complicated discount structures Why simplifying your pricing can actually increase enrolments The surprising benefits of a mid-year price rise Nath's famous "Random Guy Test" for your price list Plus, Bec shares how simplifying her own studio pricing became a complete game changer, with fewer admin headaches and happier families. This episode ended up being SUCH a big conversation that we've split it into two parts… so make sure you come back next week for Part 2! ✨ Special offer for podcast listeners: We'd love to welcome you inside Dance Principals United Tribe. Head to the link i to grab your 1 week free and come hang out with us. https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

    23 min
  8. The Productivity Problem No One Talks About in Dance Studios

    May 13

    The Productivity Problem No One Talks About in Dance Studios

    Ever finish the day wondering… what the heck did I actually achieve today?  In this episode, Amanda and Bec are diving into one of the biggest struggles studio owners face: feeling constantly busy but never quite getting to the important stuff. From shiny object syndrome and endless scrolling to juggling kids, clients, staff, admin and trying to grow a business at the same time - this is a very real, very honest conversation about productivity, structure and why "doing it all" simply isn't sustainable. The girls chat about: why creatives struggle with distractions how elite dancers actually teach us about discipline the power of time auditing practical ways to time block your week how AI can help studio owners save serious time the emotional load of motherhood + business ownership why buying back your time isn't selfish There are also some BIG mindset shifts in this episode around mum guilt, productivity and being intentional with your time — especially if you've been feeling overwhelmed lately. In this episode: Why being "busy" doesn't always mean being productive The sneaky distractions stealing your time How to do a simple time audit in your studio business Why time blocking changes everything The importance of scheduling personal time too How AI tools like ChatGPT can support studio owners The truth about trying to run a business while parenting full-time How to stop being so hard on yourself Plus - podcast listeners can grab a special offer: Get 1 week FREE inside the Dance Principals United Tribe via the link: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

    24 min
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About

Do you want to grow your enrolments, make more profit, and find the time in your business to focus on the things that you love? Join hosts Amanda Barr & Rebecca Liu-Brennan as they share the secrets of their Million Dollar Dance Studios. On this weekly podcast, you will get practical, actionable tips how how to grow the BUSINESS of your Dance Studio.

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