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 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/

This episode is one of those "you don't know what you don't know" conversations… and wow, it's a good one.

Bec is joined by Zoe and Kristy from Act It Out - two powerhouse women with seriously impressive careers across dance, acting, TV, and beyond. But what they're sharing today isn't just about performing… it's about what our students are missing.

Because let's be real - our industry is overflowing with incredible dancers. Like, insanely talented. But the opportunities? Still limited.

So what actually sets students apart?

In this episode, we dive into why drama training might be the missing piece, not just for booking jobs, but for building confident, capable, well-rounded humans (which honestly… matters even more).

From communication skills to confidence, auditions to eye contact (yep, we go there), this chat will get you thinking about how you're preparing your students for the real world, not just the stage.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Why being just a dancer isn't enough anymore
• How adding acting skills can massively expand career opportunities
• The real-life skills drama teaches (hello confidence + communication!)
• Why so many teens struggle with eye contact and conversations
• How drama helps kids find their voice, on stage and in life
• The gap in training (and why it's showing up later)
• A simple way to add drama into your studio, without hiring a specialist

If you've ever wondered how to better support your students' future (and maybe even add a new income stream), this episode is for you!

Connect with Dance Princiapls United and Act It Out at Dance Teacher Expo: https://www.danceteacherexpo.com.au