Show Notes
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.
More from 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.
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!
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.
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.
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