MEET & MINGLE, CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST & VISIT THE EXHIBITORS (Sponsored by Weissmans)

🥐 Morning Meet & Mingle: Complimentary Continental Breakfast ☕ Introduce yourself to new friends, take photos together and post on socials hashtag coming soon! Maybe we will do a first day selfie all at the same time! Get everyone who is nervous about being by themselves feeling comfortable and excited to spend the week with a huge group of like-minded individuals. We will be building community, excitement and getting people hyped for Rhee to take the stage! ✅ Network and share ideas with fellow attendees ✅ Explore exhibitor booths featuring products & services designed for you ✅ Enjoy a relaxed, energizing start to your conference day! 💡 Grab a coffee, make new connections, and discover fresh inspiration before the day begins! ☕🥐🎉

WELCOME TO DLTC 2025!

🎤 Opening Session: Ignite Your Passion with Rhee Gold 🎤

Kick off your conference journey with Rhee Gold, the visionary behind the DanceLife Teacher Conference. His inspirational words will set the tone for an unforgettable experience, motivating teachers, studio owners, administrators, and guests alike. ✨💃

✅ Be inspired by Rhee’s wisdom and passion for dance education
✅ Start the event with energy and purpose
✅ Celebrate the dance community and the impact you make every day

💡 Get ready to be energized, uplifted, and fully immersed in a transformative event that celebrates both dance and life! 🚀🎭

Rhee Gold

EXHIBITOR BOOTHS OPEN

🛍️ Explore the Exhibitor Hall: Discover the Latest in Dance! 🛍️

Take time to visit our exhibitors and explore the newest products and services in the dance industry! From costumes and footwear to studio management tools and training resources, find everything you need to elevate your studio and inspire your dancers. 💃✨

POWER SESSION: (Studio Owners & Administrators) From Interest to Enrollment: The Follow-Through Framework Every Studio Needs

🔥 2-Hour Power Session: From Interest to Enrollment: The Follow-Through Framework Every Studio Needs 🔥 Presented by Bryce Conlan of Dance Motion Marketing Essential training for studio staff to master conversations that move parents from ‘just looking’ to ‘ready to register.

Bryce Conlan

Tap: Int/Adv

Kaelyn Gray

Jazz: Int / Adv

Ray Leeper

POWER SESSION Children’s Ballet & Jazz

🎉 2-Hour Power Session: Ballet & Jazz for Young Dancers! 🎉

Get ready for an energizing and immersive workshop featuring two master teachers, Diane Gudat & Ashley Hardy! This dynamic duo is bringing their expertise together to deliver game-changing curriculum concepts and teaching strategies for working with young ballet and jazz dancers. 🩰✨

In this specialized power session, you’ll dive deep into creative, effective, and age-appropriate techniques designed to inspire and elevate your youngest students. Whether you're looking to refresh your approach, enhance engagement, or strengthen foundational skills, this session is packed with practical tools you can implement immediately. 🚀

💡 Because our youngest dancers aren’t just students—they’re the future! Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your teaching, spark new ideas, and transform your children’s classes! 🎭🎶

Ashley Canterna-Hardy

Diane Gudat

Improvisation

Sandi Duncan

Hip Hop: Int / Adv

Geo Hubela

VISIT THE EXHIBITORS

🛍️ Explore the Exhibitor Hall: Discover the Latest in Dance! 🛍️

Take time to visit our exhibitors and explore the newest products and services in the dance industry! From costumes and footwear to studio management tools and training resources, find everything you need to elevate your studio and inspire your dancers. 💃✨

My Business, My Boundaries (Studio Owners)

🚧 My Business, My Boundaries: Taking Back Your Time 🚧

Presented by Stacey Morgan

As studio owners, the pressure to be available 24/7 is real. Parents, faculty, and staff have endless ways to reach us, and before we know it, we’re answering texts at dinner, responding to emails on vacation, and putting our own well-being—and business vision—on the back burner. 📱💬

💡 It’s time to take control.

In this powerful and eye-opening session, Stacey Morgan will show you how to set personal and professional boundaries that protect your time, energy, and sanity—without sacrificing your studio’s success. Learn how to:

✅ Establish clear boundaries that support your well-being and leadership
✅ Communicate expectations effectively with staff, students, and parents
✅ Create space for both your personal life and the big-picture strategy that drives your business forward

🔥 You run your business—don’t let it run you. Join us and start setting the boundaries that will transform your studio, your leadership, and your life! 🔥

Stacey Morgan

Building a Rock-Solid Owner & Administrator Partnership (Administrators)

🤝 Building a Rock-Solid Owner-Administrator Partnership 🤝

For Studio Administrators & Managers

The relationship between a studio owner and administrator is one of the most critical partnerships in a dance studio’s success. A well-aligned administrator keeps the business running smoothly, allowing the owner to focus on growth and vision while ensuring exceptional customer service and daily operations. 📊✨

This session will explore how administrators can develop a strong, effective, and professional relationship with the studio owner—ensuring that expectations are clear, trust is built, and communication is seamless. 💡

🔑 Key Takeaways from This Session:
✅ Understanding the Owner’s Vision & Priorities – Align daily tasks with long-term studio success
✅ Proactive Communication – Keep the owner informed without overwhelming them
✅ Follow-Through & Accountability – Systems to ensure tasks are completed efficiently
✅ Balancing Independence & Collaboration – When to make decisions vs. when to seek input
✅ Handling Parent & Faculty Concerns – Filtering issues so owners aren’t overloaded with minor complaints
✅ Running Efficient Weekly Check-Ins – Structuring quick, effective meetings to stay aligned
✅ Setting Boundaries & Expectations – Maintaining professionalism while ensuring work-life balance

💡 When the owner-administrator relationship thrives, the entire studio flourishes! Walk away with practical tools and strategies to strengthen this vital partnership. 🚀

Pamela Simpson

Ballet: Int / Adv

Ashley Canterna-Hardy

Contemporary: Int / Adv

Brandon Beltran

Children’s Musical Theater

Billy Griffin

LUNCH

Enjoy lunch with friends and fellow attendees at one of the many available food outlets at Mohegan Sun.

Living the Dream (Studio Owners & Administrators)

🎤 Living the Dream: The Truth About Studio Success 🎤

Presented by Michelle Soutier

What does it really take to build a thriving, large-scale dance studio? Michelle Soutier, owner of two successful studios serving over 2,500 students weekly, pulls back the curtain on the real, raw, and often unpredictable journey of studio ownership. 🚀

In this powerful and inspiring keynote, Michelle shares the highs, lows, and unexpected turns of growing a studio of this scale—because success isn’t just about numbers, it’s about mindset. 💡✨

✅ Gain a fresh perspective on growth and resilience
✅ Learn from real experiences—both triumphs and challenges
✅ Discover why "living the dream" is about embracing the journey, not just the destination

🔥 Get ready for an honest, eye-opening, and motivating session that will redefine the way you see success! 🔥

Michelle Soutier

Musical Theater: Int / Adv

Billy Griffin

Acro Choreography Workshop

🤸‍♂️ AcroDance Choreography: Blending Strength & Fluidity 🤸‍♂️

This one-hour workshop explores the seamless integration of traditional dance and acrobatic movement in AcroDance. Participants will gain practical insights into choreographing captivating sequences that highlight the fusion of these two dynamic art forms. ✨💃

AcroDance is more than just striking tricks—it’s about maintaining fluidity, grace, and precision while executing complex acrobatic elements. This session focuses on achieving that balance to create routines that are both powerful and artistic. 🏆

✅ Learn how to blend acrobatic elements into choreography for a seamless fusion of styles
✅ Discover techniques to ensure strength, control, and artistic expression
✅ Gain choreography strategies that elevate your dancers' performance

💡 Walk away with the tools to choreograph AcroDance routines that captivate, inspire, and showcase the beauty of movement! 🚀

Leah Holliday

Children's Tap

Kaelyn Gray

Assistant Teachers: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (Studio Owners)

🌟 Creating Future Leaders: Student Assistant Programs That Work 🌟

Turn your students into confident leaders and future educators! In this session, Ginger Haithcox shares proven strategies for building a structured, impactful student assistant program that not only supports your studio but also develops leadership, teaching, and life skills in young dancers. 💡✨

🔑 What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to design a step-by-step leadership pipeline for student assistants
✅ Recruitment & training techniques to build confidence & skills
✅ Mentorship strategies to nurture future teachers & choreographers
✅ How to seamlessly integrate assistants into daily studio operations

💡 Walk away with actionable tools to create a sustainable, high-impact program that benefits both your students and your studio for years to come! 🎉

Ginger Haithcox

Making the Sale (Administrators)

💡 How to Make the Sale: Turning Inquiries into Enrollments 💡

Presented by Bryce Conlan

Studio administrators—you’re not just answering questions, you’re closing the deal! In this high-impact session, Bryce Conlan reveals the words, actions, and insider strategies that transform inquiries into enrollments. 🏆✨

✅ Master the language that earns parent trust and confidence
✅ Handle objections with ease and professionalism
✅ Use small but powerful actions to make a lasting impression
✅ Boost enrollment and build long-term relationships from the very first conversation

🚀 If you’re ready to turn interest into commitment, this session is a must-attend! 🎉

Bryce Conlan

Tap: 3 & a Break

Kaelyn Gray

Lyrical

Sandi Duncan

Creative Movement: Ages 2-3

Andrea Trench

EXHIBIT HALL OPEN

🛍️ Explore the Exhibitor Hall: Discover the Latest in Dance! 🛍️

Take time to visit our exhibitors and explore the newest products and services in the dance industry! From costumes and footwear to studio management tools and training resources, find everything you need to elevate your studio and inspire your dancers. 💃✨

VISIT THE EXHIBITORS

🛍️ Explore the Exhibitor Hall: Discover the Latest in Dance! 🛍️

Take time to visit our exhibitors and explore the newest products and services in the dance industry! From costumes and footwear to studio management tools and training resources, find everything you need to elevate your studio and inspire your dancers. 💃✨

💡 Connect with industry experts, discover innovative solutions, and take your studio to the next level! 🚀

PANEL DISCUSSION: Communication & Organization for Faculty & Staff

Stacey Morgan moderates this best-practices panel with members of the Gold Alliance Evolution, focused on building strong, professional studio teams. The session will explore effective communication strategies, how to set clear expectations, managing challenges with faculty and staff through leadership and professionalism, and fostering a studio culture grounded in consistency and mutual respect. Stacey Morgan Moderator: Komorowski, Bettonvil, Casey, Reusch, Schmiedeke

Rhee Gold

Gold Alliance Evolution

Stacey Morgan

(Administrators) Systems & Processes

Contemporary Progressions

Brandon Beltran

Broadway Hip Hop

Geo Hubela

Children's Improvisation

Sandi Duncan

DINNER

🍽️ Dinner & Networking: Dine with Fellow Attendees! 🍽️

Unwind and enjoy dinner with friends, colleagues, and fellow attendees at one of the many delicious dining options at Mohegan Sun. 🌟🥂

POWER SESSION: Choreography Workshop

🎭 2-Hour Power Session: Elevate Your Choreography with Ray Leeper 🎭

Join us for an unforgettable session with the legendary Ray Leeper—one of Hollywood’s premier choreographers whose work has illuminated TV, movies, and music videos. From FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance to Dancing With The Stars, Ray’s creative genius has shaped some of the most iconic performances of our time. 🎬✨

In this exclusive choreography session for dance teachers, Ray will reveal his innovative philosophies and creative secrets to help you elevate your artistry, push creative boundaries, and transform your teaching. 🩰🔥

✅ Explore Ray’s unique choreographic process and artistic vision
✅ Discover fresh movement ideas to inspire your dancers
✅ Learn how to create dynamic, impactful choreography that captivates audiences

💡 Don’t miss this rare opportunity to reimagine your choreography and inspire your students—this is your chance to shine with Hollywood-level creativity! 🚀🎶

Ray Leeper

POWER SESSION: Business Brainstorm First Inquiry to Lasting Impact (Studio Owners & Administrators)

🔥 POWER SESSION: Collaboration & Business Brainstorm 🔥

For Studio Owners & Administrators
Hosted by Rhee Gold & the Leaders of Gold Alliance Evolution

Join us for an energizing evening of collaborative brainstorming designed to generate real solutions you can put into action. In this fast-paced, interactive session, you'll stay at your table while experienced facilitators rotate every 15 minutes, each guiding a focused conversation around one of the following key topics: From Interest to Enrolment – Strategies to turn inquiries into committed students Building Rock-Solid Partnerships (between Owner and Admistrator) – How to create strong, lasting collaborations Meredith Assistant Programs – Effective ways to structure and grow leadership at your studio Connie Pricing Structures – Develop sustainable income strategies while maintaining accessibility for families. Kelly, Judy, Hiring Processes – Tips and tools to attract, hire and retain great team members Dee, Ashley After three engaging rounds, we’ll open the floor for a 45-minute group discussion—an opportunity to share top insights, ask questions, and learn from one another. Whether you're here to find inspiration, problem-solve with peers, or refine your own systems, this is the session for you. Come ready to think, share, and leave with fresh ideas!

Rhee Gold

POWER SESSION: Acro Workshop - Int / Adv

🤸‍♂️ Mastering the Multilevel AcroDance Class 🤸‍♂️

This workshop will provide essential instruction on planning a focused AcroDance class that accommodates students of diverse levels and abilities, while ensuring a safe and effective transition between skill levels. 💡✨

🔹 Part 1: Crafting the Perfect Multilevel AcroDance Class
Designing a structured, multilevel AcroDance class requires a strategic approach to ensure that every student, regardless of skill level, receives targeted guidance for safe and effective progress. This session will explore lesson planning, modifications, and instructional techniques for working with a diverse group of students. 📚💪

🔹 Part 2: AcroDance Progressions & Skill Building
AcroDance training relies on step-by-step progressions that help dancers transition smoothly from one skill to another. Learn how to break down complex skills into manageable steps while incorporating biomechanical and anatomical principles to deepen student understanding. 🏆🩰

💡 Walk away with the tools to plan and execute an AcroDance class that challenges, supports, and inspires students at every level! 🚀

Leah Holliday

NETWORKING, CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST & VISIT THE EXHIBITORS (Sponsored by Weissmans)

Networking Start your day with meaningful connections over breakfast. This relaxed morning meet-up is designed to give you space to network, chat with fellow attendees, and ease into the day’s sessions with fresh conversations and new ideas. Whether you're looking to meet collaborators, share experiences, or just enjoy good company, the breakfast meetup is the perfect setting. Grab some breakfast and spark a conversation—no pressure, just people. ✅ Network and share ideas with fellow attendees
✅ Explore exhibitor booths featuring products & services designed for you
✅ Enjoy a relaxed, energizing start to your conference day!

💡 Grab a coffee, make new connections, and discover fresh inspiration before the day begins! ☕🥐🎉

EXHIBIT HALL OPEN

🛍️ Explore the Exhibitor Hall: Discover the Latest in Dance! 🛍️

Take time to visit our exhibitors and explore the newest products and services in the dance industry! From costumes and footwear to studio management tools and training resources, find everything you need to elevate your studio and inspire your dancers. 💃✨

Studio Revenue Reimagined

💰 2-Hour Power Session💰
Presented by Rhee & Kiana Simler
It’s time to think bigger, earn smarter, and maximize your studio’s earning potential! In this game-changing power session, we’re bringing you bold, innovative revenue strategies that go beyond adding more classes.
🔥 Part 1: Unlock the Power of Sponsorship & In-Studio Marketing Discover a groundbreaking concept—creating a studio media kit to attract sponsors for your events, offer local businesses unique marketing opportunities, and turn existing studio assets into profit-generating tools.
🎤 Part 2: Panel Discussion—Unexpected Revenue Streams Join a panel of experts as we explore outside-the-box programs, events, and revenue ideas—both dance and non-dance related—that could completely transform the way your studio generates income.
💡 New ideas. More revenue. Less stress. Get ready to reimagine what’s possible and walk away with fresh, exciting income strategies you can start using right away!

Rhee Gold

Kiana Simler

Commercial Jazz

Brandon Beltran

POWER SESSION: Pointe Workshop

🔥 2-Hour Power Session: The Ultimate Pointe Workshop 🔥

Back by popular demand, this intensive, hands-on workshop is dedicated entirely to pointe work—spanning from beginner/intermediate to advanced levels.

Led by the incredible Ashley Canterna Hardy, this session will give you fresh insights, expert techniques, and practical strategies to elevate your students' pointe training. Walk away with real-world teaching tips, hands-on examples, and proven methods to refine technique, build strength, and prevent injury.

💡 Refine. Elevate. Inspire. Whether you're working with students just beginning their pointe journey or advancing seasoned dancers, this session will leave you energized and equipped with new tools to bring back to your classroom! ✨🩰

Ashley Canterna-Hardy

POWER SESSION: Preschool

🔥 2-Hour Power Session: Transforming the Preschool Dance Experience 🔥

Join Andrea Trench for an immersive session designed to revolutionize the way you approach preschool dance education—for both students and their families! With the right plan and tools, YOU can lay the foundation for a lifelong love of dance while creating meaningful connections inside and outside the studio.

Through Andrea’s proven classroom frameworks, creative teaching strategies, and passion for early childhood development, educators will learn how to engage young dancers and effectively communicate the "why we do what we do" to families with clarity and confidence.

DiscoverDance believes that dance and movement should be a part of every child’s life, not just for artistic expression, but for their overall development. The DiscoverDance Experience is rooted in science and best practices, ensuring that young dancers receive a high-quality, engaging, and developmentally appropriate foundation for their dance journey.

💡 Empower your teaching. Strengthen your program. Inspire a new generation of dancers! ✨👧🩰

Andrea Trench

Broadway Jazz

Billy Griffin

(Studio Owners) Charting Your Course

Pamela Simpson

Websites

🌐 Your Website: The 24-Hour Brochure That Sells! 🌐

Your website is more than just a page—it's your 24/7 marketing machine! Is it working hard enough for you?

Join Stephen Reinstein of Market Muscles, a specialist in high-converting websites for dance studios, as he shares exactly what you need to make your site a lead-generating powerhouse. In this session, you’ll learn:

✅ How to optimize your site for maximum registrations and new inquiries
✅ The key elements that turn website visitors into paying students
✅ Must-have features to create a site that stands out and makes an impact

💡 Don’t miss this essential session as you gear up for a successful new season—because the right website doesn’t just inform, it enrolls! 🚀

Stephen Reinstein

Tap: Nothing But Combos

Kaelyn Gray

Hip Hop: Progression Madness

Geo Hubela

Preschool Creative Movement

Becca Retter

VISIT THE EXHIBITORS

🛍️ Explore the Exhibitor Hall: Discover the Latest in Dance! 🛍️

Take time to visit our exhibitors and explore the newest products and services in the dance industry! From costumes and footwear to studio management tools and training resources, find everything you need to elevate your studio and inspire your dancers. 💃✨

🥗 Lunch & Networking: Connect Over a Great Meal! 🥗<

PANEL DISCUSSION: Keep More of What You Make

Stacey Morgan moderates this best-practices panel with members of the Gold Alliance Evolution, focused on making smart financial decisions for your studio. The session will explore tuition strategies, knowing when and how to raise rates, maximizing profit from costumes and competition fees, and evaluating where your money is going. It’s all about increasing profitability by working smarter, not harder. Stacey Morgan Moderator: Giacomelli, Canino, Litwin, McNamara, O’Reel, Sullivan

Rhee Gold

Gold Alliance Evolution

Stacey Morgan

Implementing a Choreography Curriculum in the Studio

🎭 Implementing a Choreography Curriculum in the Studio 🎭

Want to empower your dancers to become true artists? Choreography is more than just steps—it’s storytelling, creativity, and expression. This session will show you how to successfully implement a choreography course in your studio, helping dancers develop their own movement and artistic voice.

✅ Why teaching choreography matters—building confident, creative dancers
✅ How to introduce key choreography elements in a structured way
✅ Hands-on participation in mock lesson plans and strategy discussions

💡 Walk away with the tools to inspire your dancers and bring choreography education into your studio in a meaningful way. Get ready to ignite creativity and transform your students into movement makers! 🚀

Kali Ashe

Abby Stewart

Corrections Uncovered

💪 Fixing Corrections with Strength: Your Dancer’s Cheat Sheet 💪

Are you giving your dancers the same corrections over and over without seeing real change? What if you had a simple strength-training exercise to activate the exact muscles needed to fix the issue? 💡

This session is your ultimate cheat sheet for linking targeted exercises to common corrections like:
✅ “Hips under”
✅ “Stop hopping”
✅ “Straighten your legs”
… and more!

By understanding which muscles need strengthening, you’ll help your dancers correct technique faster, reduce frustration, and master skills with confidence. Get ready for practical, easy-to-implement solutions that will transform your corrections—and your dancers! 🚀

Katie Groven

Lyrical

Ray Leeper

Bring Acting to the Classroom

Thommie Retter

LUNCH

🥗 Lunch & Networking: Connect Over a Great Meal! 🥗

Take a break and enjoy lunch with friends, colleagues, and fellow attendees at one of the many delicious dining options at Mohegan Sun. 🍽️✨

DanceLife: A Bold, New Chapter

Rhee Gold

Tap: Warm-Up & Progressions

Kaelyn Gray

Jazz: Warm-Up & Combo

Sandi Duncan

Children's Hip Hop

Geo Hubela

EXHIBIT HALL OPEN

🛍️ Explore the Exhibitor Hall: Discover the Latest in Dance! 🛍️

Take time to visit our exhibitors and explore the newest products and services in the dance industry! From costumes and footwear to studio management tools and training resources, find everything you need to elevate your studio and inspire your dancers. 💃✨

5 Attraction Secrets for Dance Studios (Studio Owners & Administrators)

🚀 Marketing Secrets to Boost Studio Enrollment 🚀

Ready to attract more students and grow your studio like never before? Bryce Conlan is bringing his marketing expertise to share proven strategies for increasing enrollment and making a lasting impact in your community.

✅ Insider secrets to bring in new students fast
✅ Marketing strategies designed specifically for dance studios
✅ Easy-to-implement tips to maximize your reach

💡 If you're looking to kick off the new season with more dancers in your studio, this is a session you don’t want to miss! 🎉

Bryce Conlan

Hip Hop

Geo Hubela

Contemporary Warm-Up & Combo

Brandon Beltran

Strong Starts for Tiny Dancers

💪 Powerful Mini Dancers: Strength Training Through Play! 💪

What do The Hokey Pokey and Duck Duck Goose have in common? They’re both games you can use to introduce strength training to your mini dancers! 🎉

The earlier dancers develop muscle awareness and strength, the faster they’ll progress in skills and technique. This session will show you how to transform classic preschool games into fun, engaging, and effective strength-training activities for your youngest students.

✅ Creative ways to incorporate strength-building exercises into class
✅ How play-based training improves body awareness, stability, and coordination
✅ Simple, engaging techniques that keep mini dancers giggling while they grow stronger

💡 Between teamwork, laughter, and movement, your dancers will be developing essential strength—without even realizing it! Join us and learn how to turn playtime into progress! 🚀

Katie Groven

VISIT THE EXHIBITORS

🛍️ Explore the Exhibitor Hall: Discover the Latest in Dance! 🛍️

Take time to visit our exhibitors and explore the newest products and services in the dance industry! From costumes and footwear to studio management tools and training resources, find everything you need to elevate your studio and inspire your dancers. 💃✨

The Big Guns (Studio Owners)

📈 Leading Large: Inside the Studios with Massive Enrollments 📈

What does it take to run a high-enrollment, large-scale dance studio? Discover the strategies, successes, and challenges faced by studio owners who have built thriving businesses with exceptionally large student bases.

✅ Key growth strategies that drive massive enrollment
✅ The biggest wins—and toughest pitfalls of leading a large-scale studio
✅ How to manage operations, staffing, and culture at a high level

💡 Whether you're looking to scale up or simply curious about how these studios operate, this session will give you insider insights from those who’ve done it! 🚀

Michelle Soutier

Rhee Gold

Meredith Powell

Vicki Wallace

Chat GPT for Administrators

🤖 ChatGPT Secrets for Studio Administrators 🤖

Join Jessica Canino as she reveals game-changing ChatGPT strategies designed specifically for the administrative side of your studio. Learn how to save time, streamline tasks, and boost efficiency using AI-powered tools! 🚀

✅ Automate administrative tasks like emails, newsletters, and forms
✅ Enhance marketing with AI-generated content ideas
✅ Create professional correspondence in seconds
✅ And so much more!

💡 Bring your laptop and the ChatGPT app to follow along and start optimizing your workflow in real time. Work smarter, not harder! 🎉

Jessica Canino

The Science of Spotting & Turns

The Science of Spotting & Turns Presented by Diane Gudat Turns can be a dancer’s best friend—or biggest frustration. From beginners struggling with balance to advanced dancers chasing multiple pirouettes, mastering the mechanics of turning starts with understanding the science behind it. That’s where Diane Gudat shines! It’s time to decode the turn. ✅ Teach spotting in a way dancers truly understand and apply ✅ Identify common turning errors and how to correct them ✅ Incorporate drills and progressions that build turning power and control Great turns aren’t just talent—they’re technique and training. Join Diane for a deep dive into the science that unlocks every dancer’s turning potential!

Diane Gudat

The Power of the Pump Heels

Billy Griffin

Preschool Choreography Workshop

🩰 Choreographing for Preschool Dancers: Secrets to Success 🩰

What makes choreography engaging, memorable, and effective for preschool dancers? Join Becca Retter as she shares her expertise on what works best for young dancers and their families!

✅ How to create choreography that preschoolers will love—and remember!
✅ Strategies to help little dancers retain movement and perform with confidence
✅ Staging & formations that work best for this age group

💡 Take your preschool choreography to the next level and make next year’s show unforgettable with standout preschool performances! 🎉

Becca Retter

BREAK - PREPARE FOR GALA

🎉 Time to Refresh, Recharge & Celebrate! 🎉

Get ready to freshen up and prepare for an unforgettable evening filled with celebration, laughter, and fun! ✨

The night ahead is all about connecting, unwinding, and making memories—so shake off the day and step into the excitement! 🎶🥂

💃 It’s time to celebrate YOU! 🎊

EXHIBITOR RAFFLE & COCKTAIL HOUR

🍸 COCKTAIL HOUR: Fun, Music & Prizes! 🎶🎉

Kick off the evening with great company, lively music, and fabulous prizes! 🥂✨

Mingle with fellow attendees, connect with our amazing exhibitors, and get ready for your chance to win incredible raffle prizes! 🎟️🎁

🍹 Cash bar available—come sip, socialize, and celebrate! 🍾🥳

DanceLife Gala 2025

✨ DLTC GALA: A Night of Celebration & Inspiration ✨

For over two decades, the DLTC Gala has been a shining highlight for teachers, studio owners, and dance enthusiasts alike. 💃🎭

Enjoy an evening filled with thrilling performances, esteemed guests, and heartfelt tributes—all coming together to honor the art of dance and the incredible community that makes it thrive. ❤️

🌟 Join us as we celebrate the passion, dedication, and unity that define the dance world! 🎶🎉

HEART TO HEART, CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST & VISIT THE EXHIBITORS (Sponsored by Weissmans)

Heart to Heart Begin your morning with real conversations and genuine connection. The Heart to Heart breakfast is more than just coffee and pastries—it’s a chance to slow down, share stories, and engage in meaningful dialogue with fellow attendees. Share your take-aways from the conference, what the sessions sparked in you and what you are most excited to implement when you get back to the studio. ✅ Network and share ideas with fellow attendees
✅ Explore exhibitor booths featuring products & services designed for you
✅ Enjoy a relaxed, energizing start to your conference day!

💡 Grab a coffee, make new connections, and discover fresh inspiration before the day begins! ☕🥐🎉

EXHIBIT HALL OPEN

🛍️ Explore the Exhibitor Hall: Discover the Latest in Dance! 🛍️

Take time to visit our exhibitors and explore the newest products and services in the dance industry! From costumes and footwear to studio management tools and training resources, find everything you need to elevate your studio and inspire your dancers. 💃✨

POWER SESSION: Smarter Leadership; Bigger Impact

🚀 Mastering Communication, Delegation, Accountability & Productivity 🚀

In this fast-paced, two-hour session, we’ll tackle the essential skills that drive studio success and personal efficiency. Get ready for actionable strategies that will make an immediate impact!

✅ Communication That Clicks: Keep staff, parents, and students informed—without long emails no one reads!
✅ Delegation Without Fear: Learn how to trust your team while setting clear expectations.
✅ The Circle of Accountability: Build a culture where everyone follows through.
✅ Productivity Power Moves: Work smarter, not harder, with five game-changing strategies.

💡 Transform how you lead, communicate, and operate—so your studio runs smoother than ever! 🎯

Pamela Simpson

Impact Beyond What We Know

🎤 Special Keynote: Rhee Gold on the Heart of Dance Education 🎤

For the first time, Rhee Gold presents an informal, inspiring keynote exclusively for teachers in the movement program. His passion for dance education and deep commitment to the role of dance teachers has been his life’s work. 💃✨

Get ready to leave this session feeling reaffirmed, energized, and more confident than ever in your choice to inspire the next generation of dancers. Rhee will reignite your enthusiasm for every student you teach, reminding you why you do what you do—and why it matters. ❤️🎶

💡 A must-attend for every teacher who wants to teach with passion, purpose, and renewed excitement! 🚀

Rhee Gold

Ballet: Advanced Technique

Ashley Canterna-Hardy

Contemporary

Sandi Duncan

Preschool Acro

Andrea Trench

From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Thriving as a Studio Owner (Studio Owners & Administrators)

💖 Reignite Your Passion. Lead with Joy. Thrive in Your Studio. 💖 As dance studio owners, we wear all the hats—leader, teacher, mentor, business owner, and sometimes even therapist. We give endlessly to our students, their families, and our staff, often leaving nothing for ourselves. But what if the key to creating a thriving studio wasn’t working harder—but instead, leading with clarity, confidence, and balance? 🤯 Join Meredith Powell as she shares her eye-opening journey from burnout to joy, proving that when you prioritize yourself, your leadership transforms, and your studio flourishes. Walk away with practical mindset shifts, boundary-setting strategies, and leadership tools that will help you run your studio with less stress and more fulfillment. 💡 It’s time to ditch the burnout, reclaim your energy, and rediscover the joy of studio ownership. Because when you thrive, so does your studio! 💃✨

Meredith Powell

Chaos to Clarity: AI & Automation Hacks for Next Level Growth (Studio Owners & Administrators)

Amber Smith

Strength Training for Turns & Leaps

The Ultimate Guide to Turns, Jumps & Leaps

Want to take your dancers’ turns, jumps, and leaps to the next level? Join Katy Groven for a power-packed session on cutting-edge training techniques designed to build stability, strength, and power. 💪✨

✅ Smart warm-ups, strengthening & conditioning to maximize performance
✅ Beyond crunches & relevés—modern, science-backed exercises that work
✅ Targeted training from feet to shoulders for balance, height, and control
✅ Troubleshooting common issues like low relevé, imbalances, lack of power & flexibility

💡 Walk away with simple, effective tools you can implement immediately to transform your dancers’ technique! 🔥

Katie Groven

Building Dancers from the Inside Out

🌟 Building Dancers from the Inside Out 🌟

Great dancers aren’t just built on technique—they’re shaped by confidence, character, and empowerment. 💃✨

Join Heather Wanner for this transformative session where you’ll learn classroom techniques and strategies that do more than refine movement—they help dancers believe in themselves, build resilience, and grow into great citizens.

✅ Techniques to boost confidence & self-expression
✅ Empowering your dancers through mindful teaching
✅ Fostering respect, teamwork, and personal growth

💡 Leave this session ready to shape not only strong dancers—but strong individuals! 🚀

Heather Wanner

Tiny Dancer Combos & Routines

Tiny Dancer Combos & Routines Presented by Becca Retter Teaching our littlest dancers is one of the most joyful—and challenging—parts of being a dance educator. Tiny dancers need structure, creativity, and a whole lot of fun to stay engaged and inspired. That’s where Becca Retter comes in! In this upbeat and idea-packed session, Becca will share age-appropriate combos and full routines designed specifically for preschool dancers. Whether you’re brand-new to early childhood dance or looking to refresh your current curriculum, you’ll walk away with: ✅ Ready-to-teach choreography that sparks smiles and builds skills ✅ Classroom strategies that keep tiny dancers focused, moving, and happy Preschool dance should be magical—for your students and for you. Join Becca and leave with new inspiration, fresh routines, and a heart full of preschool joy!

Becca Retter

VISIT THE EXHIBITORS

🛍️ Explore the Exhibitor Hall: Discover the Latest in Dance! 🛍️

Take time to visit our exhibitors and explore the newest products and services in the dance industry! From costumes and footwear to studio management tools and training resources, find everything you need to elevate your studio and inspire your dancers. 💃✨

PANEL DISCUSSION: Planning Your Next Chapter

Stacey Morgan moderates this panel with members of the Gold Alliance Evolution, focusing on what comes next after many years of studio ownership. As seasoned leaders, do we want to evolve into the visionary role and continue leading the business while stepping back from teaching? Do we want to create more time for family or personal pursuits? Or is it time to begin preparing to sell or pass on the studio? This panel will explore the options available and inspire you to consider the next chapter with clarity and purpose. Stacey Morgan Moderator: Bolduc, Carroll, Kinsey, McColl, Powell

Rhee Gold

Gold Alliance Evolution

Stacey Morgan

Canadian Town Hall

Join us for a special gathering exclusively for our Canadian attendees, hosted by Rebecca Filice! This is your chance to network, share experiences, and exchange ideas with fellow studio owners and administrators who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of running a dance business in Canada.

💡 Whether you're looking to connect with like-minded professionals, discuss industry trends, or simply enjoy the company of your fellow Canadians, this is a must-attend event for fostering new relationships and strengthening our incredible dance community.

Let’s come together, celebrate our shared experiences, and inspire each other to keep pushing the industry forward! 🍁🇨🇦

Rebecca Brettingham-Filice

Jazz Technique

The Four Ways Students Learn: Praise & Encouragement

Diane Gudat

Children's Tap: Warm-Up & Progressions

Thommie Retter

LUNCH

🥗 Lunch & Networking: Connect Over a Great Meal! 🥗

Take a break and enjoy lunch with friends, colleagues, and fellow attendees at one of the many delicious dining options at Mohegan Sun. 🍽️✨

Managing Multiple Programs: Maximizing Space, Time & Revenue (Studio Owners)

Managing Multiple Programs: Maximizing Space, Time & Revenue
Speaker: Rebecca Brettingham Filice

Today’s most successful dance studios don’t rely on just one program—they build multiple streams of revenue by diversifying their offerings. In this session, Rebecca Brettingham Filice will share how she has taken her studio to the next level by structuring a variety of programs tailored to different age groups, skill levels, and interests.

From short-term sessions like Winter 12-Week Programs & Camps to ongoing commitments like Performance Teams & Dance Troupes, Rebecca has perfected the balance of scheduling, staffing, and marketing to maximize enrollment while making the most of her studio’s space and time.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to efficiently structure multiple programs without burnout
✅ Scheduling strategies to maximize space usage and increase revenue
✅ How to balance short-term and long-term programs for consistent cash flow
✅ Creative marketing techniques to fill every class and session
✅ The secret to staffing multiple programs effectively

This session is perfect for studio owners who want to expand their offerings, increase revenue, and optimize operations without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re just starting to diversify or looking to refine your current programs, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to implement right away! 🚀

Rebecca Brettingham-Filice

The Backbone of the Studio: Unlocking Your True Value (Administrators)

💼 The Backbone of the Studio: Unlocking Your True Value 💼

Studio administrators are more than just support—they are the heartbeat of the business, the keepers of the culture, and the driving force behind studio success. In this empowering session, Stacey Morgan will remind administrators just how vital their role truly is. 💡

✅ Discover how your leadership shapes the studio’s culture and daily operations
✅ Understand your impact on enrollment, retention, and overall success
✅ Gain confidence in your role as a key decision-maker and problem-solver

💡 When administrators thrive, the entire studio flourishes. Walk away with a renewed sense of purpose, practical tools, and the recognition that you are an essential part of the studio’s success! 🚀

Stacey Morgan

Tap Technique & Combo Int / Adv

Thommie Retter

Flexibility Secrets

🤸‍♂️ Flexibility Secrets: Unlocking Mobility & Strength 🤸‍♂️

Are your dancers struggling with splits, extensions, or tight hips? Do they have one side that’s more flexible than the other? Katie Groven is here to share the ultimate flexibility and mobility techniques to help dancers achieve balanced, pain-free movement. 💪✨

✅ Proven exercises to safely increase flexibility and mobility
✅ Techniques to fix imbalances and improve overall alignment
✅ Training strategies to strengthen key muscle groups for better control

💡 Help your dancers go beyond just stretching—teach them how to move with strength, control, and confidence in all their bendy skills! 🚀

Katie Groven

50 Preschool Class Activities

Andrea Trench

Chat GPT (Studio Owners)

🤖 ChatGPT for Studio Owners: Game-Changing Prompts & Strategies 🤖

Ready to work smarter, not harder? Join Jessica Canino as she unveils powerful ChatGPT prompts designed specifically for dance studio owners. Learn how to save time, streamline operations, and enhance creativity using AI-powered tools! 🚀

✅ Boost efficiency by automating time-consuming tasks
✅ Organize and lead with confidence using AI-driven strategies
✅ Create new programs and enhance marketing with ease
✅ Unlock game-changing ChatGPT prompts tailored for studio success

💡 Take control of your business, free up your time, and focus on what truly matters—growing your studio and inspiring your dancers! 🎉

Jessica Canino

Canva Tips & Tricks

🎨 Canva Tricks for Studio Marketing 🎨

Want to create stunning, professional-looking graphics without the hassle? Join Kiana Simler, Marketing Manager for the Rhee Gold Company, as she shares insider tips and tricks for using Canva to elevate your studio’s marketing! 💡✨

✅ Design eye-catching graphics that grab attention
✅ Time-saving Canva hacks to streamline your workflow
✅ Fresh ideas for social media, flyers, and branding
✅ Tips for both beginners and experienced Canva users

💡 No matter your skill level, this session will help you create polished, professional designs that make your studio stand out! 🚀🎭

Kiana Simler

The Year Starts Now: Teacher Goal-Setting Workshop

🚀 The Year Starts Now: Teacher Goal-Setting Workshop 🚀

Join Heather Wanner as we close out the conference by setting powerful, intentional goals for the 2025-26 season! This workshop will help you reflect, strategize, and take action to ensure next season is one of growth, inspiration, and success. 💡✨

✅ Review key takeaways and transform ideas into action
✅ Set clear, meaningful goals to elevate your teaching
✅ Walk away with a customized roadmap for your best season yet

💡 Bring a journal or device to capture insights—because your most successful season starts NOW! 🚀🩰

Heather Wanner

And One More Thing . . .

🎭 Final Gathering: Celebrating the DLTC Experience 🎭

Join us for one last gathering—a celebration of our shared passion for dance, education, and community. Expect laughter, tears, and inspiration as we reflect on this incredible journey together. ❤️✨

Rhee Gold will share his thoughts, and attendees will have the opportunity to express their experiences and takeaways from this unforgettable event. 💡

💡 Don’t miss this special moment to connect, reflect, and celebrate the magic of the DLTC experience! 🎉🚀

Rhee Gold