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

👉 Follow Dance Teacher Web:

Instagram: @danceteacherweb

Website: https://www.danceteachersummerexpo.com/

👉 Follow Geo Hubela:

Instagram: @geohubela

Website: https://www.icondancecomplex.com/

Facebook Group: Hip Hop Pro with Geo

#DanceStudioSuccess #StudioOwnership #DanceTeaching #DanceCommunity #StudioGrowth #DanceTeacherLife #DanceStudioTips #HipHopDance #HipHopCurriculum #DanceEducation

In this episode of Step Up Your Studio, Steve Sirico sits down with Terry Mangi, 30-year studio owner, business coach, creator of NSYNC Action Plans, and newly appointed Vice President of Schools at Ensemble.

Terry 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 Terry'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/

Follow Terry: Website: https://www.insyncactionplans.com/

#DanceStudioSuccess #StudioOwnership #DanceTeaching #DanceCommunity #StudioGrowth #DanceTeacherLife #DanceStudioTips #StudioSystems #DanceTeamNationals #DanceBusinessCoach

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.