Beyond the 8 Count

Paige and Brianne
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Performing Arts
  • Weekly

Beyond the 8 Count is where the dance world gets real. Hosted by sisters, studio owners, and competition directors Paige and Brianne, we dive into the stories, challenges, and conversations that happen behind the scenes of dance. From studio ownership and competition life to teaching, choreography, and the moments nobody talks about, we're saying what everyone is thinking. Whether you're a dance teacher, studio owner, dancer, or dance parent, you'll find honest conversations, plenty of laughs, and an inside look at the industry we love.

  1. 1d ago

    What It REALLY Takes to Become a Professional Dancer | Riley Hackbarth

    What does it really take to go from competitive dancer to working professional? In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Paige and Brianne sit down with professional dancer, performer, and educator Riley Hackbarth to talk about the realities of pursuing a career in the dance industry. From growing up in Utah’s competitive dance scene to earning a spot on Hollywood Connection’s Teen Company, Riley shares the experiences, opportunities, and challenges that shaped her journey. She takes us behind the scenes of her training at Theater Arts Preparatory School (TAPS) in Las Vegas and her transition into the professional world, including landing a full-time performing position at Universal Horror Unleashed. We dive into what dancers aren't always prepared for when they enter the professional industry, including auditions, rejection, networking, social media, and the importance of being more than just a technically strong dancer. In this episode, we discuss: Riley's journey from competitive dancer to professional performer Auditioning for Hollywood Connection's Teen Company What professional training programs teach beyond dance technique The realities of auditions, rejection, and finding consistent work Why networking, professionalism, and versatility matter Whether dance studios are doing enough to prepare dancers for professional careers The lessons Riley wishes more young dancers understood before entering the industry This conversation is a reminder that being a talented dancer and building a successful dance career are two very different things. Whether you're a competitive dancer dreaming of going professional, a dance parent, or a studio owner preparing the next generation, this episode offers an inside look at what it actually takes to make it in the dance industry. Connect with Riley Hackbarth Follow Riley's professional dance journey, performances, and behind-the-scenes experiences! Instagram: @riley.hackbarth Riley Hackbarth (@riley.hackbarth) • Instagram photos and videos Follow Beyond the 8 Count Instagram: @beyond.the8countBeyond the 8 Count (@beyond.the8count) • Instagram photos and videos Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Beyond the 8 Count | Real conversations about the dance industry, the people behind it, and everything that happens beyond the stage.

  2. Oct 23

    Dance Burnout: Are We Praising Exhaustion Instead of Dedication?

    Long studio hours, endless rehearsals, demanding competition schedules, and the constant pressure to improve. At what point does dedication become burnout? In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Paige and Brianne tackle a difficult question facing the competitive dance industry: Are we pushing young dancers to reach their potential, or are we pushing them too far? As dance teachers, studio owners, and parents, we want our dancers to succeed. We want them to develop discipline, resilience, strong work ethics, and a genuine love for what they do. But are we sometimes confusing the number of hours spent in a studio with the quality of training they're actually receiving? We challenge the idea that more hours automatically create better dancers. We discuss the difference between healthy dedication and unhealthy expectations, the pressure young dancers feel to never miss class, and why taking time for family, school, friends, and other activities shouldn't automatically be viewed as a lack of commitment. We also explore how easily the dance industry can unintentionally reward exhaustion. When a dancer shows up tired, overwhelmed, or physically drained, we often praise their dedication. But are we teaching them perseverance, or are we teaching them to ignore what their bodies and minds are telling them? And what happens when a child who once loved dance suddenly doesn't want to be there anymore? We share personal experiences from both sides of this conversation, including the difficult reality of watching your own child begin to lose their passion for something that has been such a huge part of your life. This isn't an episode about lowering expectations, eliminating accountability, or suggesting that competitive dancers shouldn't work hard. We believe dedication, consistency, and discipline are essential parts of becoming a successful dancer. But we also believe there's a difference between challenging a child to reach their potential and pushing them to the point where dance no longer brings them joy. Can dancers train seriously while still having a childhood? Can studios maintain high standards without creating unnecessary pressure? And how do we recognize when a dancer needs encouragement to keep going versus permission to take a break? Whether you're a dance parent, teacher, choreographer, studio owner, or dancer yourself, this conversation challenges us to take a closer look at the expectations we've normalized in our industry. Because the goal shouldn't just be to create talented dancers who can push through anything. It should be to develop confident, hardworking, healthy individuals who still love dance years down the road. So we're asking the dance community one big question: Are we building dedication, or are we creating burnout? Join us for an honest conversation about finding the balance between hard work, high expectations, and allowing kids to be kids. Beyond the 8 Count — Real conversations about the dance industry, from the people living it. New episodes every Friday!

  3. Oct 16

    Do Dance Teachers Have Favorites? | Beyond the 8 Count

    In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Paige and Brianne get honest about favoritism. From the students we naturally connect with to the moments when our own teaching deserves a closer look. As dance teachers and studio owners, we’ve seen how differently students can experience the same classroom. A teacher might see a dancer earning an opportunity, while a parent sees preferential treatment. And sometimes, favoritism really is happening. We talk about: The difference between connecting with a student and giving them unfair advantages. Equal versus equitable treatment—and why every dancer won’t always need the same thing. How friendships and personal connections can affect classroom decisions. Why casting, corrections, and opportunities can feel personal. Taking accountability when our actions leave a dancer feeling overlooked. We’re asking ourselves these questions, too. Are we giving every dancer a chance to grow? Are we explaining our decisions clearly? And are we willing to listen when someone tells us we’ve missed the mark? An honest conversation for teachers, dancers, and parents about fairness, connection, and helping every student feel valued, even when their opportunities look different.

  4. Oct 9

    Working With Abby Lee Miller: Dance, Teaching & Madhouse | Dominic Rayman

    How did Dominic Rayman end up working with Abby Lee Miller? It started with taking a chance. For our first guest episode of Beyond the 8 Count, we’re joined by our friend Dom to talk about his journey as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer! The episode includes how he landed an opportunity to work with Abby and appear on Madhouse. Dom shares his first impressions of Abby, what it was like stepping into reality TV, and the behind-the-scenes experiences that came with it. Of course, we also share a few memories of our own, including the time Paige unexpectedly asked him to perform an improv solo for the dancers at her competition. The conversation gets personal as Dom opens up about losing his mother and the role dance played in helping him through that grief. He reflects on his unexpected path into teaching, the relationships he’s built with students, and why those connections mean so much to him. We also explore his approach to the classroom: helping dancers feel supported, making room for joy, and encouraging students to discover their own passion for dance. There are laughs, heartfelt moments, and honest conversations about teaching, taking chances, and finding your way in the dance industry. We’re so excited for you to get to know our friend Dom!

  5. Oct 2

    Dance Parents: What Your Studio Owner Wishes You Knew

    What do dance studio owners wish they could tell every dance parent? In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Brianne and Paige have the conversation studio owners everywhere can relate to. From team placements and parent communication to comparison, studio policies, and the decisions happening behind the scenes, they’re talking about the things dance parents may not always see. They explain why a placement is never a reflection of a dancer’s worth, why studio decisions can’t be made around one child, and why teachers often see more of a dancer’s progress, potential, and classroom behavior than parents realize. They also get into one of the biggest challenges in the dance world: communication. If something is bothering you, talk to your studio before talking about your studio. A misunderstanding can quickly turn into frustration, gossip, and unnecessary drama when a simple conversation could have cleared things up. Most importantly, Brianne and Paige share something they wish every dance parent knew: we really do want your child to succeed. Corrections, placements, boundaries, and policies aren’t meant to work against your dancer. They’re part of running a studio, building strong teams, and helping kids grow. If you’re a dance parent, teacher, or studio owner, this episode gives an honest look at what’s happening on the other side of the front desk, and how parents and studios can work together to give dancers the best experience possible.

  6. Sep 25

    Would We Hire You? Dance Teacher Interview Red & Green Flags

    What makes a great dance teacher? What should immediately raise a red flag during an interview? In this episode, Brianne and Paige break down the red and green flags they look for when hiring dance instructors. From teaching voice and communication skills to adaptability and genuine passion, they discuss what separates an impressive dancer from an effective teacher. They share how applicants should present their accomplishments without relying on someone else’s name or résumé, why personal accolades don’t always translate into teaching ability, and how a willingness to learn and collaborate can matter more than having the most impressive credentials. Paige and Brianne also explain why teachers must be willing to adapt to different ages, levels, and learning styles. Teaching dance isn’t about showcasing yourself. It’s about helping students grow, building their confidence, and contributing to a positive studio culture. Whether you’re a studio owner hiring instructors, a current teacher, or a dancer hoping to teach one day, this episode offers an honest look at what it truly takes to stand out in a dance teaching interview.... for the right reasons.

  7. Sep 18

    Dance Teachers Deserve Better Pay… But Are You Worth Hiring?

    A viral TikTok sparked a bigger conversation: Why are so many dance teachers still being underpaid? In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Paige and Brianne get honest about dance teacher pay, the challenges studio owners face when setting wages, and why passion alone doesn’t pay the bills. After asking their mom what she paid instructors more than 15 years ago, they were shocked to learn that some dance teachers are making the same amount.....or even less, today. They also share what studio owners actually look for when hiring, what belongs on a dance teaching résumé, and why listing the famous choreographers you’ve taken class from isn’t the experience you think it is. In this episode, we discuss: What dance teachers are really earning Why many instructors need multiple jobs The financial realities studio owners are balancing What makes someone a valuable dance teacher The biggest mistakes applicants make on their résumés Why teaching preschool and beginner dancers matters The difference between being a talented dancer and an effective teacher How the dance industry can begin treating teaching like the profession it is Whether you’re a dance teacher, studio owner, aspiring instructor, or dance parent, this conversation offers an honest look at the people responsible for training the next generation of dancers!  What their experience, time, and talent are truly worth.

  8. Sep 11

    I Never Wanted to Own a Dance Studio… Until I Found Out She Was Selling Hers

    In this episode, Paige and Brianne compare two very different paths to studio ownership. Brianne shares how it all began when she was asked to teach a small dance class for her friends’ children at a church building. What started as one simple class eventually grew into the decision to find a rental property, build out the space, and officially open her own dance studio. Brianne talks about what it took to build a studio from the ground up, including finding a location, attracting dancers, establishing a reputation, covering the financial obligations, and growing the business one step at a time. Paige shares the challenges she faced on the opposite path: purchasing an already-established studio. She never planned, or even wanted, to own a dance studio, but eventually made the decision to purchase Brianne’s business. While she didn’t have to start from zero, she had to navigate existing expectations, relationships, traditions, financial responsibilities, and the pressure of taking over a studio that already had its own identity. Together, they reveal that neither path is necessarily easier, they are simply challenging in completely different ways. They share what each experience taught them about leadership, change, financial risk, growth, and the realities of becoming a dance studio owner.

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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Beyond the 8 Count is where the dance world gets real. Hosted by sisters, studio owners, and competition directors Paige and Brianne, we dive into the stories, challenges, and conversations that happen behind the scenes of dance. From studio ownership and competition life to teaching, choreography, and the moments nobody talks about, we're saying what everyone is thinking. Whether you're a dance teacher, studio owner, dancer, or dance parent, you'll find honest conversations, plenty of laughs, and an inside look at the industry we love.

Information

  • Creator
    Paige and Brianne
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Paige and Brianne
  • Show Website
    Beyond the 8 Count

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