In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico sits down with Terry Mangi, 30-year studio owner, business coach, creator of NSYNC Action Plans, and newly appointed Vice President of Schools at Ensemble.

Terry shares how she built systems that allowed her studio to thrive (and eventually partner with Ensemble), why getting your "season on a spreadsheet" is a game-changer for reducing stress and enabling delegation, and how studio owners can make their businesses more valuable, whether for sale, succession, or simply peace of mind.

You'll also hear Terry's take on 2026 trends, including the explosion of dance studio marketing tech, the importance of investing in teacher training, and how to capitalize on the growing visibility of college dance team nationals.

Plus, she shares her own origin story, from UDA camp instructor to accidental studio owner. Whether you're overwhelmed by your to-do list or ready to scale, this episode is packed with practical wisdom.

Register for the expo today! - https://danceteacherweb.regfox.com/2025-dtw-conference-expo 👉

Follow Dance Teacher Web: Instagram: @danceteacherweb Website: https://www.danceteachersummerexpo.com/

Follow Terry: Website: https://www.insyncactionplans.com/

#DanceStudioSuccess #StudioOwnership #DanceTeaching #DanceCommunity #StudioGrowth #DanceTeacherLife #DanceStudioTips #StudioSystems #DanceTeamNationals #DanceBusinessCoach

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico welcomes back the first-ever returning guest of the podcast – the dynamic, high-energy, and always inspiring Julie Kay Stalcup.

Julie shares what she's seeing in studios right now – from the rise of free trial classes to the growing demand for fun, experience-driven dance education. She breaks down the mindset shift studio owners and teachers must make to attract today's families, convert trial students into enrollments, and create an environment where kids can't wait to come back.

You'll hear real classroom stories, practical strategies, and powerful reminders about why magic, connection, and heart matter more than ever.

Julie and Steve also announce an exciting collaboration at the upcoming Dance Teacher Web Conference in Las Vegas, including:

✨ Tap Roots Certification (Primary through Level 6)
✨ A live, in-person certification experience
✨ "Julie Kay Unfiltered" – an interactive, real-time classroom teaching experience where educators can observe, reflect, and grow

Learn More & Register

Explore Tap Roots, Julie Kay Unfiltered, and the Dance Teacher Web Conference at DanceTeacherWeb.com

Follow Julie Kay at juliekstalcup.com and on Instagram @jkstallcup for more classroom inspiration.

What does it really take to go from a competition studio in Texas to performing on the world's biggest stages with Cirque du Soleil?

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, we welcome Allison Burke, performer in Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil, master teacher, choreographer, and Dance Teacher Web Conference faculty member.

Allison shares her journey from a young dancer in Dallas to signing with MSA Talent in Los Angeles, performing with global artists like J.Lo, and ultimately landing in Las Vegas as a featured performer in two major Cirque productions.

But this conversation goes far beyond credits and accomplishments.

We dive into:

✨ Why natural talent isn't everything and how work ethic can change your trajectory
✨ The power of celebrating individuality over chasing "perfect technique"
✨ How college shaped her artistry and expanded her creative voice
✨ What today's dance students truly need from their teachers
✨ Leading with kindness (not just niceness) in the classroom
✨ Real-world professional habits that determine longevity in the industry
✨ Recovering from a major hip injury and returning stronger than ever
✨ The unforgettable on-stage proposal that surprised her during a live performance

Connect with Allison Burke:

Instagram: @allison__burke
(Watch her incredible on-stage proposal moment there!)

Explore her educational content at DanceTeacherWeb.com