It's the most chaotic, sparkly, high-energy weekend of the year… and it's nearly here.

In this special episode, Amanda & Bec are talking all things Dance Teacher Expo - happening April 11–12 at ICC Darling Harbour, Sydney - and why it's the one event that can genuinely re-energise you, upskill your team, and remind you why you do this whole studio life thing in the first place.

They share what they love most about Expo (the vibe, the learning, the connection), give you the inside scoop on presenters + classes they're excited about (hello Stephen Tannos, Shannon Atkins, Relative Motion + more), and chat about how studio owners can plan the weekend so they actually get value - not just overstimulation and sore feet.

Oh, and they're brainstorming their stall activation… ball pits, swings, balloon domes… and possibly a human claw machine?!

Key takeaways / discussion points

• Expo details: April 11–12, ICC Darling Harbour, Sydney (tickets selling fast).
• Why Expo is about more than "learning" - it's about community and connection (and making studio life feel less lonely).
• Movement room classes are designed for teachers and studio owners of all ages/levels - no judgement, just joy + skill-building.
• Presenters to watch: Relative Motion (safe training + results), Stephen Tannos (fear + creativity), Shannon Atkins (employable dancers), plus cutting-edge choreographers.
• Why it's smart to bring your team and split the timetable (everyone attends different sessions, then share takeaways).
• How Expo can boost your credibility with parents/students: "I learned this from XYZ industry expert."

Vendor hall + fashion show + cocktail party = networking + inspiration + fun.

Podcast listener offer: Get 2 weeks free inside the Dance Principles United Tribe https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

This one's a big conversation.

Bec sits down with Cara Dixon from Relative Motion to talk about something we're all feeling… but maybe not saying out loud.

The tricks.
The extremes.
The Instagram pressure.
The comp cycle that just keeps escalating.

We love seeing dancers achieve incredible things. We love excellence. But at what point are we pushing bodies beyond what's safe… for a trophy that won't even make it onto a resume?

Cara shares her journey from professional performer and faculty teacher to creating Relative Motion — a colour-based strength and alignment system that helps dancers actually understand their technique (instead of just forcing their bodies into shapes).

And wow… this conversation goes deep.

If you've ever felt stuck between:

Wanting your dancers to win

Wanting parents to be happy

Wanting to protect growing bodies

And wanting to prepare kids for real careers…

This episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.

💛 Inside this episode:

• Why just because a dancer can do a trick… doesn't mean they should
• The long-term damage that can happen when alignment is off (even by an inch)
• What judges really struggle with when it comes to choreography vs technique
• Why competition wins don't equal career preparation
• The importance of pelvic alignment (yes, we go there!)
• How to break bad muscle memory — even in older dancers
• Why teacher training is the real game-changer in studio growth
• How to lead with boundaries in a highly competitive environment

There's so much honesty in this one. And so much permission to think differently.

If you've been feeling the pressure of "more tricks, younger, higher, faster" — this conversation will ground you again.

And if you're coming to Expo this year, Cara will be there teaching — and you'll definitely want to experience Relative Motion in person.

Have a listen and let us know what lands for you 💛

https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/

School holidays are done, the kids are back at school… and if you're anything like us, you're equal parts relieved and READY.

In this episode, Amanda and Nath chat about how to squeeze a bit more magic out of that January/Feb enrolment momentum, even if you feel like you've "missed the window" (spoiler: you haven't).

If you've got inquiries sitting in your inbox, ex-students in your database, or a few classes that are looking a bit… empty, this one's your gentle kick up the bum to do a quick enrolment push that actually works.

Episode Highlights:

• Your database is a pot of gold. Cold leads, warm leads, ex-students - don't waste it.
• Keep emails short + punchy. Parents are time-poor and skimming everything.
• Use "you're not too late" messaging to remove that big mental barrier.
• Make the call-to-action frictionless: "Reply YES" beats "fill in this 12-step form."
• Follow up more than once (like… 5–6 times) and across different channels.
• Pick up the phone! Calls + texts can convert fast when parents finally have headspace.
• Check your basics: website timetable, contact links, IG bio links (no "2024 timetable" please 😭).
• Use your community + ask for referrals (personal 1:1 convos work best).
• Bonus: Google reviews can be an easy "quiet enrolment booster" too.

🎧 Listen in and choose just ONE thing to implement this week, then give it an hour and watch what happens!

https://danceprincipalsunited.com/dpu-tribe/