What Advice Would I Give Myself as a Dance Studio Owner 30 Years Ago?

Three decades ago, I opened the doors to my first dance studio with nothing but passion, a strong work ethic, and a belief that if I worked hard enough, I could figure everything out.
And while that attitude absolutely served me… it also came with unnecessary stress, long nights, and lessons learned the hard way.

If I could go back and sit with the 20-something version of myself — tired, excited, driven, and doing everything alone — here’s the advice I’d give her.

1. You don’t have to do everything yourself

Back then, I wore every hat. Teacher. Cleaner. Bookkeeper. Problem-solver. Marketer.
I thought “working harder” was the only path.
I’d tell her that hiring before you’re ready is not a risk — it’s the thing that creates breathing room and growth.

2. Your systems matter more than your stamina

I lived on hustle.
But hustle is a limited resource. Systems aren’t.
Documenting processes, creating structure and building predictable routines would have saved me years of overwhelm and emotional load.

3. Don’t wait until burnout to take a break

In the early years, rest felt… indulgent.
I’d remind myself that stepping away makes you clearer, sharper, and a better leader.
The studio doesn’t fall apart when you take a weekend off. In fact, it grows because you return stronger.

4. You teach people how to treat you

Boundaries weren’t a word we used back then.
If I could whisper in my own ear, I’d say:
“You can be kind and still be clear. You can be supportive and still say no.”
Strong boundaries protect your studio’s culture — and your mental load.

5. Pricing isn’t personal

For too long, I charged what I thought families could “handle,” not what the business needed.
I’d tell my younger self:
Price for sustainability. Not fear.
Your value comes from your expertise, not your discomfort around money.

6. Relationships matter more than choreography

Your retention has nothing to do with the perfect routine and everything to do with how dancers and families feel in your studio.
I’d tell her to focus on communication, community, belonging and clarity from day one.

7. Not every idea is a good idea — and that’s okay

The younger me wanted to try everything.
New classes. New programs. New merch. New events.
I’d tell her:
“Test small. Track results. Let go quickly.”
Not every idea becomes a pillar — some are just experiments.

8. Build your studio for the life you want — not the life you think you should live

For years, I let the studio shape my life instead of designing a business that supported my family, my downtime, and my goals.
I’d remind her that the studio should fuel your freedom, not take it away.

9. Invest in mentors sooner

I didn’t know what I didn’t know.
Having someone who had walked the path before me would have collapsed years of trial and error.
You don’t need to prove you can do it alone — you need to position yourself to grow strategically.

10. Trust yourself — you know more than you think

Even in the early years, the instincts were there.
The leadership was there.
The vision was there.
I’d tell her to trust that inner whisper more often, instead of waiting for permission or certainty.

A final note to my younger self

You’re going to build something extraordinary.
You’re going to impact thousands of dancers, families, and teachers.
You’re going to grow more than you ever thought possible — personally and professionally.
And one day, you’ll look back and realise every challenge shaped you into the businesswoman you are today.