In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we welcome industry veteran Kim McSwain, founder of KM Agency and longtime educator, choreographer, and mentor to dancers and teachers alike.

From touring with Britney Spears and Michael Jackson to becoming a leading voice in teacher training and studio consulting, Kim shares how a career-ending injury led her to discover her greatest gift: teaching young dancers with heart and intention.

She dives into:

• What studios often miss when it comes to teacher hiring
• How to reach and uplift every child, even the “hard to reach”
• Creating a classroom culture rooted in being seen, valued, and challenged
• Turning passion into purpose and building a healthy, thriving studio

With honesty, warmth, and years of experience, Kim reminds us what really matters in dance education, and how small shifts in mindset and communication can change everything.

Learn about Kim’s work at KM Agency
Discover exclusive training, tools, and community for studio owners and teachers at DanceTeacherWeb.com

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with the incredible Hedy Perna, owner of Perna Dance Center in Haslet, NJ. With over 37 years of experience, Hedy brings heart, humor, and hard-won wisdom to the mic as she shares what it really takes to build a lasting, values-driven studio.

From her childhood obsession with Fred Astaire to launching Dance Friends on Zoom during the pandemic, Hedy dives into:

• Her old-school roots and modern-day lessons
• How to stay energized after decades in the industry
• The importance of sticking to your policies and trusting your studio’s "flavor"
• How meaningful relationships drive student retention and long-term success
• What she’s learned from leading new studio owner sessions at the Dance Teacher Web Conference

Whether you’re brand new or a decades-deep studio veteran, Hedy’s stories and strategies will remind you why dance education is a calling and why community matters now more than ever.

• Explore the upcoming Dance Teacher Web Conference & Expo: DanceTeacherWeb.com

In this heartfelt and wisdom-packed episode, Step Up Your Studio welcomes Simone DePaulo, veteran performer, choreographer, and passionate educator. From Alvin Ailey training to Afro Jazz choreography, Simone’s journey spans continents, disciplines, and decades. She shares how dance chose her, the life-changing impact of international touring, and how she connects movement with meaning for students of all ages.

You’ll hear:

• Her approach to teaching young children through story and imagination
• Insights into curriculum development that’s rooted in connection and creativity
• Honest reflections on overcoming personal and professional challenges
• The importance of community, mentorship, and continued education in dance

Simone also opens up about her husband’s health journey and how faith, resilience, and the studio continue to be her creative and emotional anchor.

Whether you're a studio owner, dance teacher, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode is a must-listen for re-centering your purpose and passion in the dance world.

🔗 Connect with Simone on Dance Teacher Web

Watch her exclusive class content and more at:
👉 www.danceteacherweb.com

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we're joined by the incredibly accomplished Jessica Stafford—dancer, educator, choreographer, and founder of Rebel Wellness. Jessica shares her journey from performing in West Side Story and Guys and Dolls to becoming a transformative educator who guides dancers with purpose and authenticity.

You’ll hear about:

• Her early beginnings in Brooklyn and what sparked her love for dance
• How her teaching evolved from performance-focused to student-centered
• The biggest pitfalls for young choreographers—and how to avoid them
• Her thoughts on setting age and level-appropriate choreography
• Tips for getting students more engaged, accountable, and invested
• The birth of her Rebel Wellness venture and how it’s helping dancers and teachers alike
• A sneak peek at her sessions during this year’s Dance Teacher Web Conference

Jessica also offers practical advice for studio owners, teachers, and choreographers who want to elevate their impact in and out of the studio. Whether you're struggling with student engagement or feeling burned out yourself, this episode will help reignite your passion and purpose.

Learn more about the Dance Teacher Web Conference & Expo: DanceTeacherWeb.com

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve sits down with Jason New, JJ, and Emilee from 42nd Street Tours, a company dedicated to creating customized, memory-making travel experiences for dance studios. With destinations like New York City, Disney, Hawaii, Nashville, cruises, and more, they offer performance opportunities, workshops, and built-in bonding moments that go far beyond a typical dance season.

You’ll hear how these trips can boost enrollment, strengthen your studio brand, and even provide a new revenue stream. Plus, they share tips on making trips stress-free for studio owners, including how their team handles everything from payments to parent questions.

Ready to take your dancers on the trip of a lifetime?
👉 Visit 42ndstreettours.com to request a free, customized quote and explore destination options.

Looking for more ways to grow your studio and stay inspired year-round?
👉 Become a member of Dance Teacher Web and get instant access to tools, resources, and a supportive community that will help you succeed on and off the dance floor.

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we sit down with Noah Lands — founder and CEO of KAR Productions, the powerhouse behind some of the industry's most recognized dance competitions and conventions. Noah shares how his team runs over 170 live events a year, what it takes to maintain fairness in judging, and how they're setting new standards for leveling and training across the board.

He also opens up about Dancers Against Cancer, the nonprofit initiative he launched to provide direct support to dancers and families affected by cancer — and how studios can easily get involved and make a difference.

💡 Learn how your studio can make a difference at imadanceragainstcancer.org

In this insightful episode of Step Up Your Studio, we're joined by Dr. Linda Bluestein, a physician, former dancer, and one of the nation’s top experts on hypermobility and connective tissue disorders in performing artists.

If you’ve ever had students who are "too flexible" or struggle with recurring injuries, this is a must-listen. Dr. Bluestein breaks down the difference between healthy flexibility and hypermobility, the risks that come with it, and what every dance educator should watch for in their students.

You’ll learn:

• How to recognize hypermobility in dancers
• Why some students are more injury-prone than others
• Safer conditioning techniques for hypermobile performers
• The importance of interdisciplinary care in dance medicine

Dr. Bluestein also shares what inspired her to specialize in this field and how her own dance journey shaped her approach to care.

For more resources or to connect with Dr. Bluestein, visit HypermobilityMD.com

And don’t miss her session live at the Dance Teacher Web Conference this summer — an essential resource for every educator shaping the next generation of healthy dancers!

In this inspiring episode of Step Up Your Studio, host Angela sits down with acclaimed director, choreographer, and movement director Richard Hinds, whose work spans Broadway, the West End, and international stages. From his early days growing up in the studio to choreographing productions, Richard shares invaluable insights on:

• How to prepare young dancers for real-world auditions
• Why versatility is critical in today’s performance industry
• The power of work ethic and teamwork in a professional setting
• Why giving proper credit in choreography matters more than ever
• How studio owners and teachers can stay relevant and connected

Plus, Richard previews his upcoming appearance at the Dance Teacher Web Conference — including a not-to-miss session with Courtney Ortiz on choreography ethics in the digital age.

Whether you're a studio owner, teacher, or aspiring choreographer, this episode is packed with wisdom and heart.

👉 Learn more about the event at: DanceTeacherWeb.com

Episode 013: Richard Hinds on Building a Career in Dance, Choreography & Direction