Living the Dream
Living the Dream
🎙️ Living the Dream, sponsored by Jackrabbit Dance, it’s the newest go-to podcast for dance educators, studio owners, and industry leaders looking for real conversations, inspiration, and insights into the dance world. Hosted by Rhee Gold & Laura Giacomelli, each episode brings authentic, unfiltered discussions with top professionals who are shaping the future of dance education and business. Wh…ÂFollow the podcast:
Mothers in Business
Studio owners who are building a business while raising a family won’t want to miss this conversation. Connie O’Reel and Dee Reusch join us for an honest discussion about women’s business ownership, motherhood, confidence, and real studio life. They’ll share what confidence looks like on an ordinar…
1:05:06
Studio Owner Tips
In this episode, Lisa Schmiedeke of Ms. Lisa’s Dance shared how she built a preschool program that truly feeds her studio. She broke down what drives parent buy-in, keeps families enrolled, and creates sustainable class structures that support long-term growth. Sponsored by Jackrabbit Dance.
59:27
Growing Your Legacy
In this episode we sit down with April Nelson of Spisak Dance Academy—Arizona's longest-running dance school with a legacy that spans generations. From 1960 to today, Spisak Dance Academy has embraced timeless values and evolving trends. April will share stories of inheriting the studio from her mo…
46:36
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, …
55:16
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.
47:38
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.
50:07
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. …
49:27
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 t…
1:10:56
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…
48:13
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 th…
48:39