Step Up Your Studio

Episode 34: Building a Hip Hop Foundation with Geo Hubela

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico sits down with Geo Hubela, studio owner of Icon Dance Complex in New Jersey, convention veteran, and choreographer who has worked with Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, NSYNC, and more. Geo shares his journey from breaking in the streets of Brooklyn to performing at Disney and on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew, and why he eventually came back east to open a studio with his family. He dives deep into why hip hop needs real curriculum and foundations, just like ballet and jazz, and how he's building resources to help teachers bring authentic hip hop into their classrooms. You'll also hear Geo's take on judging UDA Nationals, the importance of first, second, and third place competition culture, and his best tip for getting students to open up and freestyle. Plus, learn about his free Facebook community, Hip Hop Pro with Geo, where he drops weekly content to support dance educators. Whether you're intimidated by teaching hip hop or looking to level up your program, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tools. Register for the expo today! - https://danceteacherweb.regfox.com/2025-dtw-conference-expo [https://danceteacherweb.regfox.com/2025-dtw-conference-expo] 👉 Follow Dance Teacher Web: Instagram: @danceteacherweb Website: https://www.danceteachersummerexpo.com/ [https://www.danceteachersummerexpo.com/] 👉 Follow Geo Hubela: Instagram: @geohubela Website: https://www.icondancecomplex.com/ [https://www.icondancecomplex.com/] Facebook Group: Hip Hop Pro with Geo #DanceStudioSuccess #StudioOwnership #DanceTeaching #DanceCommunity #StudioGrowth #DanceTeacherLife #DanceStudioTips #HipHopDance #HipHopCurriculum #DanceEducation

Episode 033: Systemize Your Studio for Success with Teri Mangiaratti

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico sits down with Teri Mangiaratti, 30-year studio owner, business coach, creator of NSYNC Action Plans, and newly appointed Vice President of Schools at Ensemble. Teri 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 Teri'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/ [https://www.danceteachersummerexpo.com/] Follow Teri: Website: https://www.insyncactionplans.com/ [https://www.insyncactionplans.com/] #DanceStudioSuccess #StudioOwnership #DanceTeaching #DanceCommunity #StudioGrowth #DanceTeacherLife #DanceStudioTips #StudioSystems #DanceTeamNationals #DanceBusinessCoach

Episode 032: Turning Trial Classes into Lifelong Dancers with Julie Kay

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.

Episode 031: From Studio Kid to Cirque Star: Allison Burke on Artistry, Resilience & Leading with Heart

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

Episode 030: What It Really Takes to Succeed as a Hip Hop Dancer with Joshua Bluhm

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, host Steve Sirico sits down with hip hop dancer, choreographer, and educator Joshua Bluhm for an honest and inspiring conversation about building a sustainable dance career – from the studio to the stage. Joshua shares his journey from basketball and community dance training in Southern California to performing on America's Got Talent, dancing professionally in Las Vegas, and teaching the next generation of dancers. Together, they dive into what dancers and teachers often overlook: connection, adaptability, grace, and energy. In this episode, you'll learn: * How Joshua transitioned from sports into professional dance * Practical tips for teaching hip hop with clarity and confidence * Why quality over quantity matters in choreography and training * How dancers can stand out in auditions beyond technique * The importance of grace, adaptability, and connection in today's classrooms This episode is packed with real-world insight for studio owners, teachers, and dancers who want to grow with intention and stay inspired for the long run.