Beyond the 8 Count

Paige and Brianne
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated 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.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Ep. 4 We Thought We Could Run a Dance Competition Better… So We Did

    What does it REALLY take to start and run a dance competition? Turns out… a lot more than we thought! In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Paige and Brianne are taking you behind the scenes of how Dance Nation Competitions actually started. From Paige sitting at a competition thinking, “I could run this better,” to somehow turning that thought into an actual business. And, of course, it didn't exactly go smoothly. We're talking about the things you DON'T see from the audience: finding venues, hiring judges, organizing awards, building schedules, dealing with studios, solving problems on the fly, and what happens when everything goes completely off the rails. Including the time Paige injured her knee and somehow ended up leaving the studio in an ambulance, with her first competition only a couple weeks away! In this episode, we're talking about: • How the idea for Dance Nation actually started• What nobody tells you about running a dance competition• The mistakes we made in the beginning• Why having the right people around you changes everything• The absolute chaos that can happen behind the scenes• What we've learned after years of running competitions If you're a studio owner, dance teacher, competition director, dance parent, or just someone who wants to know what REALLY happens behind the curtain, this one's for you. Because the dancers might see a stage, judges and trophies… But behind that curtain? It's a whole different story. Listen now to Beyond the 8 Count.

  2. Aug 8

    Ep. 3 The Story We've Never Told Until Now

    In the world of dance, betrayal can shatter not just careers but also the very passion that fuels them. In this gripping episode, our hosts delve into the emotional turmoil of navigating a studio filled with hidden agendas and loyalty tests. If you've ever faced betrayal in your professional life, this conversation is a must-listen. Join Paige and Brianne as they share their harrowing journey from trusted colleagues to unexpected rivals within the dance studio. They open up about a difficult transition period, revealing the complexities of managing relationships with instructors and parents while maintaining a clear vision for their students. With raw honesty, they discuss the red flags they ignored, the lessons learned, and how to rebuild from the ashes of trust broken. You'll discover: The critical signs of loyalty fractures and how to spot them before they escalate. Effective strategies for keeping instructor and student relationships professional to avoid conflicts of interest. Insight into the emotional weight of leadership and the importance of self-worth amidst external chaos. How to foster a supportive environment that encourages growth and respect among students and instructors alike. The stakes are high: ignoring these lessons can lead to not just a toxic work environment but a deep personal impact that can tarnish your passion for what you love. The opportunity to transform your approach to leadership and relationships in your studio is right here. This episode is essential listening for anyone in the dance community or any professional navigating the choppy waters of trust and leadership. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that not only addresses the pain of betrayal but also offers a roadmap to resilience and renewal.

  3. Aug 1

    Ep. 2 Running a Dance Studio: Boundaries, Backlash & Business

    Running a dance studio isn't just about teaching great dancers. It's about creating a culture where students, parents, and teachers can thrive. In this episode of Beyond the Eight Count, we're having an honest conversation about one of the biggest challenges studio owners face: navigating parent expectations while protecting the culture you've worked so hard to build. We discuss why clear policies matter, how to handle pushback professionally, and what happens when one toxic situation begins affecting an entire studio. We also share our own experiences as studio owners, including lessons we've learned about setting boundaries, making difficult decisions, and staying true to our mission, even when those decisions aren't popular. You'll discover: • Why having a clear mission statement is one of the most important tools a studio owner can have. • How to enforce policies without feeling guilty. • Why saying "no" gets easier, and why it's necessary for a healthy studio culture. • The impact one toxic parent can have on students, teachers, and the overall environment. • How to separate business decisions from personal emotions. • Practical advice for creating a studio culture built on respect, accountability, and trust. Whether you're a studio owner, dance teacher, parent, or someone passionate about the dance industry, this episode offers an honest look at the realities of running a studio and protecting the environment you've worked so hard to create. If you've ever struggled with boundaries, difficult conversations, or maintaining a positive culture, this episode is for you.

  4. Aug 1

    Ep. 1 Introduction: The Surprising Truth About Running a Dance Studio: Lessons from Two Sisters

    Introduction: Dance isn't just about performing on stage. It's about family, sacrifice, business, and sometimes surviving the unexpected. In this first episode of Beyond the Eight Count, sisters Paige and Brianne share the story behind their family's dance legacy, what it was really like growing up in the studio, and the unexpected journey that led Paige to purchase the studio from Brianne. They pull back the curtain on the realities of dance studio ownership, the parts people rarely talk about, including the emotional weight of leading a studio, the challenges of an ownership transition, and why running a successful dance business is so much more than teaching great classes. Along the way, they discuss how their family's dance legacy shaped who they are today, what really goes into owning and operating a dance studio, the emotional highs and lows behind the scenes, the story of how Paige unexpectedly became the studio owner, and the biggest misconceptions about studio ownership and the dance industry. They also share lessons they've learned that can benefit dance parents, teachers, studio owners, and anyone considering opening their own studio. Whether you're a dance parent, studio owner, instructor, competitor, or simply curious about what happens behind the curtain, this episode offers an honest look at the passion, challenges, and realities of life in the dance world. This is just the beginning of the conversations the dance industry has been waiting to have.

  • 4 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 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
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Paige and Brianne
  • Show Website
    Beyond the 8 Count