This week Amanda & Bec are talking about the thing so many dance studio owners love to hate… social media.

If you've ever stared at your phone thinking, "What am I even meant to post?"—this episode is your permission slip to stop making it so hard.

They break down why social media is non-negotiable for studio growth these days (and why "I hate socials" isn't a strategy), what simple content actually works, how to involve your staff without paying someone 10 hours a week for two posts, and the big mistakes that quietly block enquiries—like having messaging turned off (!).

Plus: a spicy little rant about boring Canva posts… and a reminder that parents don't need perfection—they want real.

Episode Highlights

• Social media is where parents discover and "research" studios now—often before Google.
• You don't need a full-time social media person. Most studios can do it in 2–3 hours/week.
• Your studio already has the BEST organic content: happy kids, community, joy, behind-the-scenes.
• "Perfect" can actually scare parents off—realistic content builds trust.
• Train your staff on what to film (and make it easy to submit content).
• Don't block enquiries: public profile + DMs turned ON is essential.
• Be careful with AI: use it well, or don't use it (no weird hands/fingers please 😬).
• Time-block your content and keep it simple: 3–4 clips → reel → done.

Podcast listener offer: One week free inside the Dance Principles United Tribe: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

This week Bec's chatting with Candice from Footloose Studios in Hornsby, and honestly… if you've ever felt like a shy little mouse in a room full of "real business owners" (same), you're going to feel VERY seen.

Candice shares her journey from teaching at 15, opening a studio in a church hall with 12 students, and hitting that "something's gotta give" moment at 40 students… to investing in business coaching and growing to 160 in one year. Yep. A year.

But the real magic of this episode isn't just the numbers - it's the confidence shift, the imposter syndrome truth bomb, and how systems can genuinely give you your life back… especially when you're juggling kids, staff, and the never-ending admin pile.

Episode Highlights:

• Starting small is normal: church halls, 12 students, and figuring it out as you go.
• Why investing in support can be the thing that changes everything (even when you "can't afford it").
• The imposter syndrome moment at the first Studio Growth Club event that flipped Candice's confidence switch.
• "Growth doesn't sit in comfort" - and why leadership starts with you.
• The power of an all-in-one CRM to simplify marketing, enrolments, workshops, invoicing and comms.
• A genius extra income + feeder strategy: running school dance groups (before/after school) for $100/term.
• Staff training that actually motivates (not the drill sergeant version).
• The real talk on motherhood + studio life: sometimes the goal isn't "more growth"… it's sustainability.

Want more support like this? There's a special offer for podcast listeners: get one week free inside the Dance Principles United Tribe: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

This week on the podcast, Bec sits down with the incredible Shannon Atkins for a chat that is equal parts inspiring, honest and wildly helpful for studio owners raising the next generation of dancers.

From growing up as a comp kid and opening her own studio in her early twenties, to building an international career as a choreographer, teacher and judge, Shannon shares the journey behind the success - and the pressure that came with it.

They chat about the realities of running a high-level studio, what judges are really looking for, why technique still matters more than ever, and how studio owners can better guide students who dream of a professional career.

It's a big conversation about comps, training, expectations, childhood, and remembering what actually matters.

In this episode, they chat about:

• Shannon's dance journey from a small town hall in Lismore to the international stage
• What it was really like owning a successful studio at a young age
• The pressure studio owners carry when parents want elite results
• Why comp success doesn't always translate to industry readiness
• What Shannon looks for when she's judging
• The difference between Australian and US comp culture
• Why ballet and strong technical foundations still matter
• How studio owners can help students make smarter full-time and career choices
• The reminder every studio owner needs: stay true to your vision

This episode is such a good one for any studio owner who's ever felt the weight of trying to do it all, keep everyone happy, and still lead with heart.

And if you'd love more support, connection and practical help in your studio owner journey, there's a special offer for podcast listeners.

Grab 1 week free in Dance Principles United Tribe: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/