How We Became Million Dollar Dance Studio Owners

Ever felt like your studio is flat-out busy, but not really growing?

We’ve been there. Full classes, packed days, always doing more—but the numbers didn’t reflect the effort. And the exhaustion? Next level.

Here’s the truth: when we finally hit seven figures in annual revenue, it wasn’t because we added more. It was because we stopped doing the things that were keeping us stuck.

In this post, we’re sharing the six habits we had to quit to become million-dollar studio owners. Some of them might sting (they did for us). But we’re sharing them with love—because if we can do it, so can you.

1. Stop trying to be everything to everyone

It feels good to say yes to everyone. But when you’re constantly adding cheer for one parent, then hip-hop for another, and bending your values just to keep a student—it’s a recipe for burnout and blurry branding.

We had to learn how to say, "That’s not what we do here," and be okay with not being the right fit for everyone.

Big tip: Get clear on what your studio stands for. Then stick to it—even when people push. You can’t be all things to all people and still grow sustainably.

2. Stop relying on word of mouth

Once upon a time, parents chatted at school pickup or ballet waiting rooms. But now? Everyone’s head is down in their phones.

Word of mouth is lovely, but it’s not enough to grow a seven-figure business.

What works: Paid advertising, great social media, and smart marketing funnels. Think of your phone screen as your new shopfront—it’s where new families find you first.

3. Stop thinking you can (or should) do it alone

We don’t expect our senior dancers to stop training. Why would we expect ourselves to know how to run a business without help?

Investing in coaching changed everything. It gave us strategy, systems, and most importantly—support from people who actually get it.

Action step: Surround yourself with other studio owners who are growing. Don’t wait until you’re on the brink of burnout to ask for help.

4. Stop sweating the small stuff

That parent complaint? The email you’re rereading 12 times? It can derail your whole day.

We’ve learned to handle issues quickly and calmly—then move on. Don’t give away your energy to things that won’t matter in a week.

Studio owner tip: Make a rule: respond once, solve it, and let it go. Your energy belongs in big-picture thinking, not petty dramas.

5. Stop playing small

If you’ve ever said “I’m just a dance teacher,” we get it. But playing small kept us stuck for years.

You’re running a business. You’re leading a team. You’re impacting lives. It’s time to own that.

Mindset shift: Start calling yourself a CEO. Read business books. Ask big questions. Dream a little scarier. The money follows the mindset.

6. Stop ignoring your preschoolers

Preschoolers are your future—but they’re often last on the priority list. We used to fill our feeds with elite dancers and comp teams. Now? Every third post is preschool. No exceptions.

Why it matters: New families need to see themselves in your studio. And a thriving preschool program is one of the fastest ways to scale.

Final thoughts:

Growth isn’t always about more. Sometimes it’s about less—but better.

So if you’re stuck in the busy, try pressing pause. What can you stop doing, so you can start truly growing?

We’re cheering you on, always.

And if you’re ready for extra support, tools, and sisterhood—come join us in The Tribe. You get your first two weeks free, just for being a podcast listener.