Dance Studio Owner Confessions - Part Two!

There’s something oddly comforting about hearing someone say, “Yep, I’ve been there too.”

Whether it’s a bad day, a scary decision, or that all-too-familiar feeling of What am I even doing with this business?!—there’s power in knowing you’re not alone.

This week on the podcast, we sat down with four fabulous studio owners—Nikki, Chelsea, Marie, and Vicki—for a raw, honest chat about the real turning points in their studio journeys. And no, we’re not talking about the glossy “launch your dream” kind of moments. We’re talking about the gritty, gut-wrenching, I-might-just-quit-this-whole-thing kind.

And it was beautiful.

When Vulnerability Becomes a Superpower

One of the standout moments came when Nikki shared how showing just a little vulnerability with her studio families changed everything. Not in a “overshare every drama” way—but in a “hey, I’m human too” kind of way.

It’s something many of us struggle with. We feel like we have to hold it all together, all the time. But the truth is, when you let people in—just a little—it builds connection. Compassion. Loyalty.

Sometimes the best way to lead is to be honest.

The Cost of Not Knowing Your Numbers

Another powerful story came from a financial mistake that spiralled into courtrooms and barristers. It was a costly and painful experience—but it was also the catalyst for a total mindset shift. Owning a studio is not just about passion and pirouettes. It’s about knowing your business, facing the uncomfortable parts, and getting real about sustainability.

There’s no shame in making a mess. The shame is in pretending everything’s fine while silently drowning.

Trusting Your Gut... Even When It’s Terrifying

Chelsea’s story was a standout. She shared how she completely overhauled her class structure and dropped the syllabus she’d grown up with. It was scary. It felt like an identity crisis. But she knew in her heart it wasn’t aligned anymore.

The result? Less stress. More fun. And—surprisingly—zero pushback from parents.

Sometimes we wait so long to make a change because we assume people will resist. But if you lead with confidence and clarity, they’ll often follow your lead.

Letting Go of Perfection

Both Vicki and Chelsea touched on the emotional toll of chasing perfection—whether it’s in concert costumes, syllabus execution, or simply trying to look like you’ve got it all together.

Their big lesson? It’s not about perfect buns or matching stockings. It’s about feet, fun, and faces. (Vicki’s new studio motto, which we are obsessed with.)

Your impact isn’t in the glitter. It’s in how you make your students and families feel.

Clarity Brings Confidence

Marie shared a beautiful reflection on how getting clear on her studio values changed everything. It helped her attract the right families. It gave her staff clear direction. And it made tough decisions so much easier to navigate.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re constantly putting out fires, take a look at your values. Are you clear on what your studio stands for? Are you living those values out loud?

Because when you are, everything else starts to fall into place.

The Messy Middle is Still Part of the Story

Every studio owner has a moment (or twenty) where it all feels too hard. Where the dream looks more like a disaster. But as we were reminded in this episode, those moments don’t mean it’s over.

Often, they’re the beginning of something better.

So wherever you’re at—burnt out, fired up, or somewhere in between—we hope you’ll take this as a gentle nudge forward.

You’re doing better than you think.

And your next breakthrough might be closer than you realise.