Living the Dream
Living the Dream Episode 22 – Exploring Asase Yaa
In this episode we welcome two inspiring leaders from Brooklyn’s Asase Yaa School of the Arts: Zakiya Harris, Artistic Director, and Kofi Osei Williams, CEO of Asase Yaa Entertainment Group. Through dance, music, and cultural exploration, they’re nurturing young people with confidence, creativity, and heart.
Living the Dream Episode 21 – A Teacher’s Approach
Debbi Dee is a teacher’s teacher and a true technician with unstoppable energy. We’ll explore her approach to teaching, choreography and master‑teaching work. Plus favorite stories from a career on stage, on camera, and in the studio.
Living the Dream Episode 20 – Building a Career with Purpose
From viral stages to international tours, Jason Pickett is bringing real talk on building a career with purpose. Jason is a professional dance educator, choreographer, and founder of No Starving Artists, a company that mentors dancers with mindset, business, and performance strategies.
Living the Dream Episode 19 – More than Steps
From Radio City Music Hall to the BBC, Dre Torres is a tap force to be reckoned with—and she’s joining us for a powerful new episode of Living the Dream. Dancer. Choreographer. Educator. Mentor. Dre brings rhythm, energy, and heart to everything she touches—and now she’s sharing her story with us. We’ll dive into her path to international stages, what drives her as a teacher and mentor, why tap is more than steps—it’s confidence, freedom, and community.
Living the Dream Episode 18 – Positivity and Purpose
We’re at the perfect time of year to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate your dance spirit. Join us for a special Living the Dream edition filled with positivity and purpose.Featuring Meredith Powell, Kiana Simler, Lauren Ritchie and Rebecca Brettingham-Filice – these inspiring voices will explore how to build positive mindsets in the dance classroom and share real tools for bringing mindfulness into our teaching, and our lives.
Living the Dream Episode 17 – Leading By Example
We’re heading north for our next Living the Dream as we sit down with successful Canadian studio owner and longtime dance education leader, June Lawrence! From studio stories to leadership lessons, we’re going up close and personal to hear June’s journey, her philosophies, and what she’s learned in a lifetime of living the dream.
Living the Dream Episode 16 – The Magic of the Minis
Join Rhee and Laura for a deep dive with Andrea Trench, creator of Discover Dance, a leading early‑childhood and preschool dance program used worldwide. We’ll talk about her journey as a teacher, business-woman and discover why this is the age level we should be our best at. And we’ll talk about the classroom, too.
Living the Dream Episode 15 – Big Vision, Bigger Impact
Today we sit down with Michelle Soutier, owner of Miller Street Dance Academy in North and South Carolina. We’ll dig into how she grew from a small-town studio with a few hundred students to serving 3,000+ dancers each week – the decisions, systems, and mindset that made it possible.
Living the Dream Episode 14 – Continuing the Legacy
From Canada to NYC, tap stages to jazz festivals, and generations of rhythm in his blood – Ryan Foley is carrying the legacy forward while forging his own path. Today we sit down with Ryan, a second-generation dance artist, educator, and performer who has made his mark across North America’s tap dance scene. From his family-owned Performing Dance Arts studio to performances with the Toronto Rhythm Initiative and festivals around the globe, Ryan’s journey is one of artistry, mentorship, and pure passion.
Living the Dream Episode 13 – Studio Giving Edition
Join us for a powerful episode featuring the board members of Dancers Against Cancer. For over a decade, D.A.C. has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to dancers, educators & their families battling cancer. We discuss the history & mission of D.A.C, how your studio can get involved, teaching young dancers to use their healthy bodies to help others, and more!
Living the Dream Episode 12 – Studio Spotlight: Canada Edition
For over 52 years, The Studio in Brampton has shaped dancers, built community, and proven the power of strong leadership—times three! Join us for a special Living the Dream episode as we sit down with directors Ann Bettonvil, Kristi Breen, and Susie McColl to explore what makes their leadership trio thrive after decades in business. They discuss how they share responsibility and support each other, as well as what’s happening in Canadian dance education today.
Living the Dream Episode 11 – Husband and Wife Duo
What started with just a few students in 1997 has grown into a thriving performing arts business serving over 700 children. Wayne and Muffy Hoover share how they built it—together. Topics include: Building a multi-disciplinary arts center, making a husband-wife team work, and much more. If you’re in the dance, music, or theater world—this one’s for you!
Living the Dream Episiode 10 – Building the Dream Studio
Join us next Monday as we sit down with Mary Bridgette Mele, owner of IndepenDance Studio in Gainesville, FL—where she’s been shaping young dancers and building community since 2009. Recently, Mary Bridgette turned her longtime dream into reality by building her own custom studio space—and we’re diving into the full story. From vision to blueprint, challenges to triumphs, this is a journey every studio owner will want to hear. Discover what it really takes to bring a dream studio to life—and what she’s learned along the way.
Living the Dream Episode 9 – A Dance Legacy Like No Other
She’s not just preserving a legacy—she’s building one of her own. We sit down with Nan Giordano, Artistic Director of Giordano Dance Chicago and daughter of jazz dance icon Gus Giordano. With 40 years at the helm, Nan has become the world’s leading authority on the Giordano Technique—educating dancers across the globe and mentoring the next generation of artists and educators. From founding a game-changing certification program to bringing dance education into under-resourced schools through GDC’s Jazz Dance/Science & Health outreach initiative, Nan’s impact is felt in classrooms, on stages, and in communities worldwide. Legacy. Vision. Purpose. This conversation will…
Living the Dream Episode 8 – Shaping the Future of Dance with Reggie Oliver
Check out our high-energy, heart-filled conversation with Reggie Oliver—a dynamic force in the hip hop and commercial dance world! From dancing with The Weeknd at the Super Bowl halftime show to working with stars like Toni Braxton, Pitbull, Macklemore, and Keke Palmer, Reggie has done it all—and he’s just getting started. But it’s not just about the credits. Reggie is a mentor, motivator, and role model who’s passionate about shaping the future of dance and inspiring young artists—especially in his home state of Pennsylvania.
Living the Dream Episode 7 – Joe Lanteri’s Impact on the Dance World
We’re thrilled to welcome Joe Lanteri, the visionary founder of New York City Dance Alliance! Joe’s impact on both the national and international dance scene is undeniable. From shaping the future of young dancers to elevating professional opportunities, his passion and leadership have left a lasting mark on our industry. Join Rhee Gold and Laura Giacomelli for an unforgettable conversation full of insight, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.
Living the Dream Episode 6 – Lead with Purpose & Passion
Stacey is a dynamic force—four-time business owner (including two dance studios), dance educator, podcast host, mom, wife, and business coach from Australia. She’s also been a key part of the Rhee Gold Company and serves as a lead mentor for the Gold Alliance. Join us as we grow, learn, and explore what it means to lead with purpose and passion.
Living the Dream Episode 5 – Where Are They Now?
In this episode, we’ll talk with Amanda Herring, Deb Steele, Kim Davis, Melissa Hoffman, and Ginette Guimond—former studio owners who’ve moved on to new chapters. What’s life like after selling a studio? Let’s find out.
Living the Dream Episode 4 – Customer Service in the Dance Studio
Is customer service just a nice extra—or is it the secret weapon of a thriving dance studio? Join Rhee and Laura as they sit down with studio owners Tammy Bolduc and Vicki Wallace to explore how a thoughtful, consistent customer service strategy has transformed their businesses. We’ll talk about the balance between nurturing great dancers and building strong relationships with the families who support them. This isn’t just about smiles at the front desk—it’s about building loyalty, trust, and long-term success.
Living the Dream Episode 3 – Running a Successful Dance Studio
Rhee and Laura sit down with Pam Simpson—studio owner, entrepreneur, and true expert in what it takes to run a successful dance studio.Pam brings decades of experience, real talk, and smart strategies for studio ownership. Whether you’re new to the business or a seasoned owner, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable takeaways.
Living the Dream Episode 2 – Dance Educators & Authors
On this episode we’re talking with Jodi Fera, Brittany Milan, and Jenny O’Brien—dance studio owners who became published authors in the last year. How did they make time between teaching, owning a business, and living full lives? How long had they dreamed of writing a book? What finally made them commit? This is a conversation about going for the dream you’ve been holding on to—and how to make it real.
Living the Dream Episode 1 – Balancing Family Life & Running a Successful Studio
Rhee & Laura are joined by Ashley Litwin, Ashley Canterna-Hardy, and Heather Wanner as they dive into what it really takes to balance family life while running a successful studio—the challenges, the wins, and how they make space for both.