Dance Studio 411

Episode Description In this episode, Jill sits down with veteran studio owner and mentor Samantha Bower to talk about navigating the pressures of leadership with humor, heart, and flexibility. From tackling unexpected challenges and staff burnout to building joyful culture and sustaining creativity, Sam shares stories and strategies that are equal parts inspiring and practical. Key Takeaways Create Space for Rest and Recovery: Rest isn't just helpful, it's critical. The studio is intentionally closed during holidays to encourage genuine time off. Humor Is a Leadership Tool: Leading with humor builds trust and fosters a fun, supportive culture for staff and students alike. Meetings Matter When They’re Meaningful: Plan meetings well in advance and make them engaging with food, games, and personal connection. Intentional Curriculum = Confident Kids: Giving kids space to grow at their own pace builds confidence that lasts through their entire studio journey. Don’t Do It Alone: Studio ownership can feel isolat