In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts

Ep 63: The EMC Way (Part 1)

Before there was EMC, there was a girl who didn't dream of performing… she dreamed of teaching. This week, Robin tells us everything: the training that changed her, the rainy morning that stuck with her, the poor choices she made, and the vision that kept her going all the way to opening her own studio at 22. The EMC Way didn't come from a brochure. It came from this. Part 2 coming next! Get Your Brick and Support the Podcast: For $10 off your brick and to give $10 to the podcast, click HERE [https://getbrick.app/?_ab=0&_fd=0&_sc=1&snowball=ROBIN57558].  Let’s Connect on Socials: EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EMCPerformingArtsStudio/] EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/emcperformingartsstudio/] In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/InTheSpotlightPod/] In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/inthespotlightpod/]

Ep 62 - Building an Inclusive Dance Studio: Scholarships, Special Needs Programs & Student Leadership with Anna Rose

In this episode of In the Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts, Robin Snyder-Wiencek down with dance educator Anna Rose, founder of Dreamer's Dance Company in Dunedin, Florida, to talk about what it really looks like to build a studio where every student can belong. Anna shares her journey from early training (including seasons where finances were tight) to teaching in public schools, and ultimately growing Dreamer's Dance Company from an after-school program into a thriving studio serving around 380 students. A major focus of the conversation is Dreamer's scholarship model, including the Susan Rose Bonanno Memorial Fund, which supports dancers with financial need through a thoughtful application process and a culture of dignity and fairness. Anna breaks down how the fund is sustained through fundraising events, recital ticket sales, and community contributions, and how work-study opportunities help students build ownership, responsibility, and leadership. We also dive into accessibility for dancers with special needs; how Anna integrates many students into mainstream classes and how her dedicated special needs program is staffed and supported (including trained teachers and student assistants). Along the way, Anna shares practical strategies for parent communication, building a respectful studio culture, and developing student leaders who care for the community around them. You’ll also hear a few personal moments, like the story of Anna getting married at her studio recital, and what she’s building next with her new initiative, Dance Studio Audit, designed to support other studio owners with real, human mentorship. Find Dreamers Dance Co: Search Dreamers Dance Co on Facebook or Instagram. Let’s Connect on Socials: EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EMCPerformingArtsStudio/] EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/emcperformingartsstudio/] In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/InTheSpotlightPod/] In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/inthespotlightpod/] Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here [https://danceemc.com/]

Ep 61 - Inside EMC: Production Season

This week, the conversation between Robin and Santina, touches on the things that are happening at EMC. Join us as we chat all things Production Rehearsals, from what they are to how they differ from regular rehearsals, the types of rehearsals that happen during these two weeks and why each matters, why this is where real growth happens for performers, physical prep for performers and their families, mental prep and what to expect emotionally during this stretch, how parents can coach without fixing, how performers should receive notes and corrections, recognizing the difference between normal exhaustion and genuine burnout, reminding your performer how far they've come, and action items for every family including volunteer ways to get more involved. Get Your Brick and Support the Podcast: For $10 off your brick and to give $10 to the podcast, click HERE [https://getbrick.app/?_ab=0&_fd=0&_sc=1&snowball=ROBIN57558].  Let’s Connect on Socials: EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EMCPerformingArtsStudio/] EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/emcperformingartsstudio/] In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/InTheSpotlightPod/] In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/inthespotlightpod/]

Ep 60: From Studio Brat to Nashville Stage: Brendan Wiencek on Growing Up in the Arts and Making a Life in Music

What does it look like when a kid who grew up dancing, doing gymnastics, and playing guitar in a performing arts studio ends up playing professionally on Broadway in Nashville? Robin sits down with her son, Brendan Wiencek, known on stage as Gatlen Gunn, for an honest, warm, and funny conversation about the winding road from studio brat to full-time musician. They dig into what Brendan actually learned growing up inside a performing arts environment, not just technique, but the interpersonal skills, ego management, and communication that now make him a better bandmate and professional. Plus: how COVID derailed his plans for Berklee College of Music, why he chose Nashville over Boston, what it really takes to survive (and thrive) as an independent artist in today's music industry, and why he has zero interest in becoming a TikTok influencer. This episode is for any parent or young performer who has ever wondered what a performing arts education actually prepares you for. Brendan's answer might surprise you. Topics covered: * Growing up as a "studio brat" and what that environment gave him * Playing with his brothers in The Black Jacks and the bonds it built * Navigating COVID, Berklee, and the pivot to Nashville * Life playing covers on Broadway and building an original project (Gatlen Gunn) * Why followers are now currency and why he refuses to play that game * His definition of success at 40 * Advice for the high schooler playing guitar in their basement right now Find Brendan: Search Gatlen Gunn on Spotify, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. If you're in Nashville, catch him live at JBJ's on 4th and Broadway. Let’s Connect on Socials: EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EMCPerformingArtsStudio/] EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/emcperformingartsstudio/] In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/InTheSpotlightPod/] In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/inthespotlightpod/] Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here [https://danceemc.com/]

Ep 59: Robin's Interview with Living the Red Life

This week, we're doing something a little different — Robin got to be the guest! She was recently featured on Living the Red Life, and the conversation was so good she had to bring it here for you. In this episode, Robin Snyder-Wiencek, dedicated dance educator and studio owner, opens up about the transformative power of dance and its role in shaping disciplined, creative individuals. The conversation traces Robin's journey from high school dancer to passionate educator and studio owner — including her candid realization that while she loves dance, her true calling lies in nurturing others within that world. She shares how tradition, discipline, and ceremony in ballet education form the foundation for so much more than technique. Robin also dives into what it really means to nurture a star in the performing arts — identifying the students who stand out not just for their talent, but for their dedication, respect, and ability to take a correction. She explores why loving the process matters more than loving the spotlight, and the life skills students carry far beyond the studio. She also gets real about the challenges of teaching in today's world, and why supporting both students and parents is essential to helping families truly understand the demands — and rewards — of a life in the performing arts. Let’s Connect on Socials: EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EMCPerformingArtsStudio/] EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/emcperformingartsstudio/] In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/InTheSpotlightPod/] In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/inthespotlightpod/] Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here [https://danceemc.com/]