In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts

Robin Snyder-Wiencek

We’re diving deep into the transformative world of performing arts education. Twice a month, we chat with industry experts — from seasoned educators to acclaimed artists — who are passionate about nurturing responsible young leaders through the power of performing arts training. Twice a month we share a ‘What’s Happening At EMC’ segment so that you can hear all the amazingness going on as well as stay in the loop.. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or aspiring artist, you’ll discover actionable insights and inspiring stories that highlight how the arts can shape character, boost confidence, and cultivate leadership skills. Together, we’ll explore innovative techniques, share valuable resources, and celebrate the incredible impact of the arts in developing the leaders of tomorrow. Get ready to shine a light on the incredible journey of raising leaders in the performing arts!

  1. 6H AGO

    Ep 60: From Studio Brat to Nashville Stage: Brendan Wiencek on Growing Up in the Arts and Making a Life in Music

    What does it look like when a kid who grew up dancing, doing gymnastics, and playing guitar in a performing arts studio ends up playing professionally on Broadway in Nashville? Robin sits down with her son, Brendan Wiencek, known on stage as Gatlen Gunn, for an honest, warm, and funny conversation about the winding road from studio brat to full-time musician. They dig into what Brendan actually learned growing up inside a performing arts environment, not just technique, but the interpersonal skills, ego management, and communication that now make him a better bandmate and professional. Plus: how COVID derailed his plans for Berklee College of Music, why he chose Nashville over Boston, what it really takes to survive (and thrive) as an independent artist in today's music industry, and why he has zero interest in becoming a TikTok influencer. This episode is for any parent or young performer who has ever wondered what a performing arts education actually prepares you for. Brendan's answer might surprise you. Topics covered: Growing up as a "studio brat" and what that environment gave him Playing with his brothers in The Black Jacks and the bonds it built Navigating COVID, Berklee, and the pivot to Nashville Life playing covers on Broadway and building an original project (Gatlen Gunn) Why followers are now currency and why he refuses to play that game His definition of success at 40 Advice for the high schooler playing guitar in their basement right now Find Brendan: Search Gatlen Gunn on Spotify, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. If you're in Nashville, catch him live at JBJ's on 4th and Broadway. Let’s Connect on Socials: EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

    39 min
  2. MAY 12

    Ep 59: Robin's Interview with Living the Red Life

    This week, we're doing something a little different — Robin got to be the guest! She was recently featured on Living the Red Life, and the conversation was so good she had to bring it here for you. In this episode, Robin Snyder-Wiencek, dedicated dance educator and studio owner, opens up about the transformative power of dance and its role in shaping disciplined, creative individuals. The conversation traces Robin's journey from high school dancer to passionate educator and studio owner — including her candid realization that while she loves dance, her true calling lies in nurturing others within that world. She shares how tradition, discipline, and ceremony in ballet education form the foundation for so much more than technique. Robin also dives into what it really means to nurture a star in the performing arts — identifying the students who stand out not just for their talent, but for their dedication, respect, and ability to take a correction. She explores why loving the process matters more than loving the spotlight, and the life skills students carry far beyond the studio. She also gets real about the challenges of teaching in today's world, and why supporting both students and parents is essential to helping families truly understand the demands — and rewards — of a life in the performing arts. Let’s Connect on Socials: EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

    24 min
  3. MAY 5

    Ep 58: A Positive Place to Grow: Inside Etoile Dance Competition with Carrie Milliken-Euker

    Dancer, director, choreographer, and dance educator Carrie Milliken-Euker, joins todays episode for a wide-ranging conversation about building dancers, not just performances. Carrie shares her journey from a kid who knew she wanted to dance professionally to a leader shaping training environments where dancers of all abilities can thrive. We talk about what great ballet education really requires: intellectual engagement, clear communication, and helping students (and even parents) understand the “why” behind the work. Carrie also takes us behind the scenes of her inclusive, education-forward approach, from leading Susquehanna Youth Ballet to creating innovative performance experiences, to founding Etoile Dance Competition, a ballet and concert dance competition designed to be positive, constructive, and community-centered (with warm-up classes, repertoire sessions, and thoughtful audio/video feedback). If you care about raising confident, capable artists, and creating dance spaces where people feel seen, this episode is for you. Connect with Etoile Dance Competition: Website Facebook Page Instagram Page Let’s Connect on Socials: EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

    42 min
  4. APR 28

    Ep 57: Inside EMC: Open Marley Debrief: The Tea, The Triumphs, and Why This Night Matters

    In this candid “Open Marley Festival” debrief, Miss Robin sits down with Miss Elisabeth, Miss Meghann, and Miss Maria to unpack all the highlights from EMC Performing Arts Studio’s beloved March performance tradition. From student-created choreography and guest-artist feedback to the raw emotion that fills the room when dancers speak about their work, the team reflects on why Open Marley Festival is such a special, intimate celebration of artistry, without trophies, scores, or competition pressure. They share standout moments from the night (including the unforgettable “Arsonist’s Lullaby / Tied Up” piece), shout out dancers who took big creative risks, and talk about the power of giving students space to process real life through movement. You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories, like how injured dancers are still thoughtfully included, why the audience felt extra engaged this year, and the surprise “#1 pin” moment that had everyone in their feelings. Plus, Miss Robin plugs the next community performance fix: Free Form Friday: Dance & Desserts on Friday, May 1st at 7 PM at EMC, casual, in-studio, no charge, and full of works-in-progress. If you love dance, storytelling, and watching young artists grow into themselves, this episode is for you. Get Your Brick and Support the Podcast: For $10 off your brick and to give $10 to the podcast, click HERE.  Let’s Connect on Socials: EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram

    25 min
  5. APR 21

    Ep 56: The Art of Sustainable Studio Ownership with Holly Brucker

    In this episode, Robin sits down with Holly Brucker, owner and director of Saucon Valley Dance Conservatory, to explore what it really takes to build a sustainable, profitable dance studio without sacrificing your life in the process. At just 21 years old, Holly took over a small studio with 60 students and transformed it into a thriving business serving over 300 dancers weekly. Today, SVDC is known for its strong technical training, competitive excellence, and a culture that supports both recreational dancers and elite competitors. Her choreography has earned regional and national recognition, and her students have gone on to dance professionally and join top college programs, including national championship Division 1A teams. But what truly sets Holly apart isn't just the awards or the growth, it's how she's built her business behind the scenes. Through intentional systems, strong leadership, and a clear vision, Holly has created a studio that runs successfully without requiring her to be everywhere at once. In this conversation, you'll hear about: ➜ Holly's journey from college student to studio owner at 21 with no business background ➜ Why she believes competition dance builds resilience, drive, and life skills that extend far beyond the stage ➜ The art and science of cleaning choreography and keeping dancers engaged through tedious detail work ➜ How entrepreneurship in the dance industry can satisfy creative, analytical, and leadership desires all at once ➜ The importance of stepping back as a studio owner to let your team lead and solve problems ➜ Why getting out of the day-to-day "muck" actually makes your studio stronger ➜ Holly's passion for costume design and how creative hobbies fuel business innovation ➜ The relaunch of DSO Collective: a small, intimate community for studio owners who want real connection, mentorship, and support without the overwhelm of massive conferences Holly also shares candid reflections on raising three kids in the studio, the loneliness of studio ownership, and why continuing to educate yourself and build new ventures keeps you energized after decades in the industry. Whether you're a new studio owner trying to figure it all out, a seasoned director looking to scale back without losing quality, or simply curious about what it takes to run a dance business for 31 years and still love it, this episode is for you! Connect with DSO Collective:  Facebook Page Facebook Group Join for Wind Down Wednesdays, Coffee Chats, and intimate retreats designed for studio owners who want community, not just content. Let’s Connect on Socials: EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

    25 min
  6. APR 7

    Ep 54: Leading with Grace: Building Heart-Centered Dance Businesses with Robyn Tedesco

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Robyn Tedesco, founder of Move With Grace Dance Studio and a respected leader in the dance education industry for over two decades. As a CEO, author, speaker, and mentor, Robyn shares her wisdom on building sustainable, profitable dance businesses without sacrificing family or integrity. In this episode, Robin & Robyn, explore the evolution of dance education, the role of competition in artistic development, and the critical importance of core values in studio culture. Robyn opens up about her multi-faceted business ventures including Inspire Dance Challenge (Canada's premier dance competition), Amplify Dance Lab convention, and her innovative adjudication certification program developed in partnership with university researchers. They dive deep into topics that matter most to studio owners and dance parents: creating collaborative communities instead of competitive environments, coaching children through performance pressure, understanding the balance between technical excellence and artistry, and raising well-rounded humans through the performing arts. Robyn also shares personal stories about raising three children in the dance industry, including her son's journey as a hip-hop artist and her daughters' continued work in the family business. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom, heartfelt insights, and actionable strategies for anyone invested in dance education. Key Topics: Building abundance mentality in competitive markets The power of core values in studio culture Parental coaching before and after performances Competition culture: the good, the bad, and the potential Teaching resilience and emotional regulation through dance Creating multi-generational family businesses The importance of manners and personal accountability Avoiding perfectionism while maintaining high standards Perfect for: Dance studio owners, teachers, competition organizers, performing arts educators, and parents of young dancers. Connect with Robyn: Studio: Move With Grace Dance Studio on IG @‌mwgdance Competition: Inspire Dance Challenge Convention: Amplify Dance Lab Robyn Tedesco is the Founder of Move With Grace Dance Studio and a respected leader in the dance education industry for more than two decades. A CEO, author, speaker, and mentor, she believes leadership is an act of grace and entrepreneurship is an act of service. As a studio owner, competition judge, and community leader, Robyn is known for building people as intentionally as she builds programs. She champions high standards without losing heart and mentors other studio owners to grow sustainable businesses without sacrificing family or integrity. A mother of three and lifelong creative, Robyn blends business strategy with humanity. Whether guiding her team, speaking to entrepreneurs, or creating opportunities for dancers, her mission remains the same: raise others to shine. "I speak about leadership and the inner work required to become the kind of leader your classroom, team, or business truly needs. After more than two decades as a studio owner and raising three children while building a company, I’ve learned that growth requires identity shifts, emotional maturity, and the courage to evolve ahead of your people. I also share openly about motherhood and entrepreneurship from the long view, including what it means to lead through seasons rather than chasing the myth of balance. And I’m passionate about building heart-centered businesses that are both meaningful and financially strong." Let’s Connect on Socials: EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

    51 min

Ratings & Reviews

1
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

We’re diving deep into the transformative world of performing arts education. Twice a month, we chat with industry experts — from seasoned educators to acclaimed artists — who are passionate about nurturing responsible young leaders through the power of performing arts training. Twice a month we share a ‘What’s Happening At EMC’ segment so that you can hear all the amazingness going on as well as stay in the loop.. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or aspiring artist, you’ll discover actionable insights and inspiring stories that highlight how the arts can shape character, boost confidence, and cultivate leadership skills. Together, we’ll explore innovative techniques, share valuable resources, and celebrate the incredible impact of the arts in developing the leaders of tomorrow. Get ready to shine a light on the incredible journey of raising leaders in the performing arts!