In this episode, Amanda and Bec dive deep into the sometimes messy, always emotional world of competition teams - and they're not holding back.

From parent tears at re-enrolment to evolving their own studio models, the girls share honestly how they've handled auditions vs invitations, the importance of inclusivity, and why letting go of control can be the best thing you do.

Whether you're running elite teams, just starting with junior groups, or figuring out how to set minimum requirements, there's something here for every studio owner juggling studio growth and sanity!

Here's what we chat about:

• Why Bec made the switch from "everyone's welcome" to invitation-only
• The parent backlash - and how she handled it with grace
• Amanda's 'performance team' structure and what worked well
• How to balance high standards with a nurturing environment
• Why letting go of micro-managing can actually be magic
• How FOMO can help build better buy-in
• What minimum requirements work for different age groups

🎁 Special Offer: Get 1 week free in the Dance Principles United Tribe! Tap the link below to join. https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

This week, Bec is joined by Chloe and Kirralee from KICO Dance Studios - two powerhouse young studio owners who've turned their childhood friendship into a thriving business (and total vibe).

They're sharing the real behind-the-scenes of buying a studio at 23 (yep!), surviving the Zoom era, launching a full-scale rebrand, and how they've used systems, time-blocking, and community love to build something truly special.

If you've ever thought "I should probably post on Instagram more..." or "Maybe it's time to finally rebrand," this ep is your nudge!

You'll hear about:

• The pink-and-orange rebrand that transformed their studio (and why it felt SO them)
• How time-blocking helps them do all the things without losing their minds
• Their seriously smart (and fun!) approach to social media
• What it's like running a studio with your best friend since childhood
• The mindset shifts that helped them handle hard decisions and trust their gut
• Their booming preschool program - and why splitting their concert was a game-changer
• Their team motto: Rinse, repeat and do better

This one's like a big warm hug with a side of practical magic. Studio owners, you're gonna LOVE it.

👉 Special offer for listeners: Get 1 week FREE inside the Tribe! Just hit the link and come join us - your future self will thank you: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

Ever felt like your studio was running you, not the other way around? This episode is for you.

We sat down with the fabulous Maree from Dancing With Maree, and let us tell you - her journey is the definition of transformation. From running three school halls (and crying in the car when they pulled the floor out from under her - literally) to running a thriving studio with 480 students, Maree shares it all.

You'll laugh, cry, and be reminded that change is absolutely possible - even if you've been doing things the same way for 15+ years.

In this episode:

• Maree's rocky start (no wage, no direction, lots of hustle)
• The storm - figuratively and literally - that forced her to pivot
• What SGC's 75 Hard did for her mindset and marketing
• Why moving into her own space was the game-changer
• Her staff training secrets (balloons, affirmations & all)
• How she gets her team to write their own critical paths (genius!)
• How Bec & Amanda's support helped her become the leader she is today

Maree's story proves you don't need to have it all figured out, you just need to take that first brave step.

👉 Special Offer: One Week Free in the Tribe! Our podcast listeners get exclusive access to try Tribe free. Click here to come join us: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

Pack your bags (mentally at least!) and join Amanda and Bec in this special episode recorded straight from sunny Fiji. While they were technically on a business trip (promise!), scouting the perfect venue for next year's Studio Growth Club retreat, they walked away with a whole lot more than tan lines and cocktail reviews.

This episode is a deep dive into the magic of unforgettable customer service: from 5-star resort treatment to small surprises that make a big impact back at your studio.

Here's what we chat about:

• The real reason we were sipping champagne in adults-only zones (spoiler: it was research!)

• What resort service taught us about first impressions in your studio

• The power of surprise and delight (and how a $5 coffee can be worth $50K)

• Why daily debriefs could be your studio's secret weapon

• Clever little ideas to make your studio parents feel truly seen

• Our favourite example from a Studio Growth Club member going the extra mile

• How to create VIP vibes on a not-so-VIP budget

• A sneak peek at our FIRST EVER international retreat

It's warm, it's honest, and it'll get you thinking about how you treat your studio families in a whole new way.

PS: Thinking about joining Studio Growth Club? Now's the perfect time. Applications are open, and you might just find yourself sipping cocktails with us in Fiji next year...
Apply here: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/studio-growth/

It's Christmas season, which means... absolute mayhem for studio owners!

But before you skip that local tree lighting or Santa parade, you need to hear why Bec says these events are studio gold.

In this festive (and slightly frantic) episode, Amanda and Bec dive into:

• Why Bec runs nine shows and still makes time for Christmas gigs
• How she turns parades into powerful marketing events
• What to sell at your stall (hint: light-up wands & dance gift vouchers!)
• How to keep your preschoolers safe and sane in big outdoor events
• Genius follow-up systems that actually convert leads
• Why not every costume is a good fit for a public event (yep, we said it!)
• Amanda's slight obsession with all things tinsel

If you've ever wondered whether those community events are worth the stress, this one's for you.

Special Offer: Want to kickstart 2025 with more support? Studio Growth Club applications are open now! Click here to apply and get prepped to soar next year: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/studio-growth/

Comp season is over, and Bec and Amanda are feeling every bit of that comp hangover! This week on the pod, they're deep-diving into everything that worked (and didn't) during a jam-packed competition season. From massive days and prop-hauling trucks to awkward award ceremonies and cranky comp staff, they spill it all.

This is a must-listen for any studio owner navigating the wild world of comps, whether you're all-in or dipping a toe.

Here's what you'll hear:

• Why comp burnout is real (for you AND your families)
• How Bec handles solo comps and keeps it scalable
• The awards drama: participation ribbons, photo ops, and who really wants the trophy
• Why some comps win at studio-owner experience (hello, Panadol packs!)
• Tales of dressing room nightmares, cranky ticket ladies, and judging chaos
• How costume choices can totally shift the tone of your routine
• Tips to make comps a better experience for everyone involved
  

Plus, they share practical, heartfelt ideas to help comp organisers lift their game (seriously, every comp director should listen to this).

Want to feel less alone in the madness of comp life? Hit play, have a giggle, and know we've all been there.

PODCAST EXCLUSIVE: Grab your 2 weeks FREE in the Tribe! If you loved this ep, come hang out with Amanda and Bec in the DPUnited Tribe. Click here to join the community that gets it: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

Amanda and Bec spill all the tea from their latest Studio Growth Club retreat, and trust us, this is NOT your average conference recap.

From blindfolded trust exercises and DIY wine pitching, to deep dives into studio systems and AI hacks, this weekend in the Hunter Valley was as jam-packed as a term four rehearsal week.

Whether you've been thinking about attending a live event or just need a fresh burst of inspo for your studio, this ep will have you nodding along and dreaming of your own glow-up getaway.

Here's what we cover:

• Why live retreats offer something no Zoom session can

• How fun + connection = serious studio breakthroughs

• Bart's epic trust-building exercise (and the surprising outcome!)

• Wine-making… dance studio style 🍷

• Customer journey mapping to fix your funnel holes

• Simple AI wins to save you time and sanity

• The real reason staffing might be draining your profits

• Fiji, here we come! Sneak peek at the next retreat

Want to experience this magic yourself? Podcast listeners can try the Dance Principles United Tribe FREE for 1 week. Click here to join: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

This one's for the studio owners with admin teams, or those thinking about hiring one. Amanda and Nathan unpack how to get the most out of your admin staff without micromanaging, overspending, or letting things fall through the cracks.

They answer a listener question from Bec about admin strategy, and dive into real, practical steps you can take to build a streamlined, cost-effective, and high-performing admin setup that actually helps you grow.

(Plus, Amanda admits to getting distracted by Amazon. Again.)

Key Takeaways:

• How admin staff costs can quietly eat up your profit if you're not paying attention
• Why you should do the admin first, even if it's not your favourite thing
• The importance of systemising tasks (and the free tool Nathan swears by)
• How to track how long things really take before handing them off
• Setting clear KPIs for admin roles (including examples for leads & accounts)
• How to keep staff accountable without micromanaging
• What weekly check-ins should look like (spoiler: it's just 10 minutes)
• The danger of putting "nice" teachers in admin roles they're not suited for
• How to start small with hours and build from there
• What true leadership (not just management) looks like with your team

Need help setting up better systems in your studio? Don't forget, podcast listeners get 1 week free inside the Dance Principles United Tribe: https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/