In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts

Robin Snyder-Wiencek
  • 1.0 (7)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

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. 1D AGO

    Ep 51 - Inside EMC: Company Auditions & Accelerated Programs

    Join us this week for our Inside EMC segment where we chat all things Company Auditions, what to expect, why we do them, and how important they are to our dancers progress. Plus we chat about the Accelerated Programs available at EMC. 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

    27 min

  2. MAR 10

    Ep 50 - Trash the Trophies: What Dance Competition Gets Wrong and What to Do Instead with Chasta Hamilton

    In this episode, Robin sits down with arts entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker Chasta Hamilton, founder and CEO of Stage Door Dance Productions, and founder of the nonprofit Girls Geared for Greatness. Chasta shares how the performing arts became a stabilizing force after she lost both parents as a child, and how that experience shaped her mission to build dancers who are not only technically strong, but confident, resilient, and prepared to lead. Robin and Chasta dig into big industry questions, including: Why Chasta wrote Trash the Trophies and what competition culture can get wrong How studio owners and parents can rethink “success” in dance Building leadership programs for teens and creating stronger studio communities What parents should know about private equity and growing consolidation in the dance world This is a conversation about values, courage, and the kind of training that prepares young performers for the stage and for life. About Chasta: Orphaned as a child, Chasta found comfort in the creativity, play, and catharsis of the performing arts. This led to a life as an arts entrepreneur where she believes that everyone has the power to reach their fullest potential and disrupt the status quo in an empowering and inspiring way. She does this through her entrepreneurial endeavors, writing, corporate consulting and motivational speaking. This niche in change management developed through various personal and professional challenges that forced her to find optimism in her quest for success, happiness, and impact. A true Renaissance woman, thought leader, and disruptor, Chasta is the Founder and CEO of Stage Door Dance Productions and Founder and President of the non-profit Girls Geared For Greatness. She’s also a best-selling author (Trash The Trophies and Handle the Horrible as well as the children’s book The Trophy Trap) and speaker (TEDx: You Weren’t Built to Break). Chasta lives in Raleigh with her husband, John, their son, Bash, and their Scottish Terrier, Elvis. For more information, visitwww.chastahamilton.com. I deeply believe in helping others reach their fullest potential- in dance, and in life, on stage and off stage. I also know that movement has the power to push humanity forward in impactful and meaningful ways. I also love ideas, innovations, and activating conversations that provoke curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. I'm the Founder/ Owner/ CEO of Stage Door Dance Productions in Raleigh, NC, a speaker (TEDx, Fortune 500 Companies), author (Trash the Trophies, Handle the Horrible, The Trophy Trap), and thought leader. I'm also the Founder/ President of the nonprofit Girls Geared For Greatness, which is currently shifting to a think tank model. I live in Raleigh, NC with my husband, John, my 4-year old son, Bash, and our dog, Elvis. When I'm not dancing, I'm traveling, having conversations, watching a show, or creating new projects. 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

    45 min

  3. MAR 3

    Ep 49 - Inside EMC: Your Guide to Summer at EMC: Part 2

    Join us this week for our Inside EMC segment where we dive into part two of this two part Summer Guide: Mini Dance Intensive and how our Rising Leaders help facilitate the week, implementing what they’ve learned under supervision Imagine That! Camps Dance Intensive and how they week breaks up with technique and rehearsals Nutcracker Camp and the preparation throughout the whole week for main lead audition roles Dream Team Training Retreat; what it is and what it involves Hot Shots Training Camp and how we elevate young performers Cirque Programming Private Lessons Our Annual Pool Party Preview 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

    28 min

  4. FEB 24

    Ep 48 - From Rock Star Dreams: Supporting a Young Musician’s Journey in Nashville

    What happens when a 10-year-old drummer gets invited on stage at a bustling Broadway bar in Nashville? In this heartfelt episode, Robin sits down with Urzula Lazcano to talk about her son Lucca’s unforgettable moment playing drums at JBJ’s, and how that single experience sparked a family’s leap of faith toward Music City. The conversation weaves together life in Nashville, Lucca’s musical journey from banging on drums as a baby to performing with professional bands, and the realities parents face when supporting young artists in adult spaces. Robin and Urzula explore confidence-building through the performing arts, the importance of safe supervision, and how music uniquely fosters collaboration and leadership in young people. This episode is a must-listen for parents navigating big dreams, unconventional paths, and the delicate balance between protecting their children and letting them shine. It’s a reminder that sometimes, saying “yes” to opportunity (before everything feels perfectly planned) can change everything About Urzula: As a Nashville mom, Urzula is best known in the area as Lucca’s mom her young drummer whose standout performances light up Broadway stages. From her early dreams of a career in advertising, becoming a wife, and raising a family, Urzula is truly living her dream. Her background in advertising and public relations has helped build connections in the music community, paving the way for Lucca to share his gift and grow as a leader on and off stage. She intentionally nurtures independence, grit, joy, discipline, and perseverance in her kid transforming potential into purpose without pressure because she sees perseverance as the ultimate superpower. When not celebrating Lucca’s big moments, Urzula loves unwinding at home with baking and cooking, embracing the delicious chaos of family life. Follow Lucca @‌drumsthatkill on IG 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

    37 min

  5. FEB 17

    Ep 47 - Inside EMC: Your Guide to Summer at EMC: Part 1

    Join us this week for our Inside EMC segment where we dive into part one of this two part Summer Guide: Dance Technique Evening Classes Kreative Kidz and Tumblers Journey Into The Enchanted Forrest Dance Foundations Classes AcroGymnastics Classes Music Lessons and what’s available The Musical Experience and the Broadway Classics Rising Leaders Training Program 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

    22 min

  6. FEB 10

    Ep 46 - How Studios Can Become the Future of Talent Development with Josephine Lancuba

    What if dance and performing arts studios could become a direct bridge to professional opportunities without losing sight of confidence, character, and care for young artists? In this episode of In the Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts, Robin sits down with award-winning talent agent, studio owner, and founder of Studio Talent Collective, Josephine Lancuba, for a powerful conversation about talent management, access, and advocacy in the entertainment industry. Josephine shares her journey from performer to studio owner to representing over 500 young talents worldwide, and why she believes studio owners are uniquely positioned to support students beyond the classroom. Together, they explore the growing movement of in-house talent agencies and how studios can ethically and effectively prepare students for professional opportunities through self-taping skills, audition techniques, resume building, and regular headshot updates. They also dive into: Why parents often struggle to navigate auditions and industry platforms on their own How agents protect young performers from unfair contracts, scams, and predatory practices The importance of teaching students how to speak to camera and show up confidently on screen How audition experiences, booked or not, build resilience, confidence, and real-world skills Ways studios can create new revenue streams while increasing student retention and engagement At its core, this episode is about access with integrity. Josephine reminds us that talent management isn’t just about landing jobs, it’s about helping young performers grow into confident, informed, and empowered humans. Whether you’re a studio owner, educator, or parent supporting an aspiring artist, this conversation offers practical insight, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on what leadership in the performing arts can look like. About Josephine: Josephine Lancuba is an award-winning talent agent, podcast host, and the Founder of Studio Talent Collective. With a background as a performer for over 2 decades, Josephine spent years on stages and screens before moving behind the scenes. That lived experience shapes her work today as she supports talent and studios to better understand how the industry actually works, not just how it looks from the outside. Josephine now works with performing arts studio owners to build in-house talent agencies and create pathways for their students into professional work within the entertainment industry. She is the creator of Talent Manager Bootcamp, a world-first program designed to help people step into talent management with confidence, structure, and care. She also hosts the popular show, Studio Talent Collective ~ the podcast, from her home in Sydney, Australia. Josephine believes in the social, emotional and physical benefits of the performing arts. She is an advocate for creating inclusive, accessible and positive opportunities for talent and industry alike. Performing Arts Business Coach and Talent Agent Director of Studio Talent Collective Ph: 0410 621 791 hello@josephinelancuba.com SOCIALS: @‌studiotalentcollective and @‌josephinelancuba 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

    55 min

  7. FEB 3

    Ep 45 - Inside EMC: Understanding the Rungs of the Ladder

    This week, the conversation between Robin and Santina, touches on all things understanding the Rungs of the Ladder within EMC.  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

    26 min

  8. JAN 27

    Ep 44 - Everything You Need to Know About Showstoppers with Britt Mergler

    In this episode Robin sits down with Britt Mergler, Kreative Kidz Director at EMC Performing Arts Studio, for an in-depth conversation about Showstoppers, EMC’s youngest performing company. Together, they walk families through what Showstoppers really is: a carefully designed introduction to dance company life for young dancers, typically ages 7–10. Miss Britt explains how dancers are invited into the program (and why auditions aren’t part of the process at this age), what teachers are truly looking for in the classroom and on stage, and how performance quality, focus, kindness, teamwork, and leadership all play a role. They also break down: The structure of the Showstoppers class and how it fits alongside Dance Foundations Performance opportunities throughout the year, including Holiday Celebration, Spring Concert, Fall Tour, and more Attendance expectations and why consistency matters (with practical ways families can help dancers catch up when life happens) Summer requirements, including the Mini Intensive and why it’s such a cornerstone of the program How mentorship, community, and “big sister” relationships shape the EMC experience Perhaps most importantly, Robin and Miss Britt address what it means not to receive an invite, why “not yet” is not the end of the story, how families can seek feedback, and how perseverance, patience, and steady effort are central to a dancer’s long-term growth. Whether you’re an EMC family exploring Showstoppers for the first time or a parent at another studio curious about why performing companies are structured the way they are, this episode offers transparency, encouragement, and insight into how young dancers are supported, challenged, and prepared for what comes next, on and off the stage. 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
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Ratings & Reviews

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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!

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