COVID made many of us reconsider how we had always done things. As we get stuck into a new dance season, it's time to think about how we are going to handle situations that used to be a big deal for us, in the light of the new normal. 

What will you be changing? What will stay the same? How will you handle those situations that used to scare you?

COVID made many of us reconsider how we had always done things. As we get stuck into a new dance season, it's time to think about how we are going to handle situations that used to be a big deal for us, in the light of the new normal.&nbsp;
What will you be changing? What will stay the same? How will you handle those situations that used to scare you?

Rhee Gold is passionate about dance education and the business of teaching dance. He is a pioneer in the field, launching the first business (and motivational) seminar for dance teachers in the mid-90s and is now the director of the DanceLife Teacher Conference and the DanceLife Retreat Center attracting hundreds of teachers and studio owners from around the world.

Gold’s mission is to inspire dance people to appreciate the gift that dance offers all who experience it. He encourages teachers to be unique, make their own mark on the field and to have the confidence to follow the path that best suits their goals for success.

His entrepreneurial and leadership skills have had a long-lasting impact on the dance community, he is the author of the Complete Guide to Teaching Dance, served as the publisher of Dance Studio Life magazine for 14 years and has served as the President of Dance Masters of America, the United Dance Merchants of America, the founding co-chair of UNITY and is now the Director of the International Dance Entrepreneurs Association, also known as I.D.E.A.

When given the chance to “talk dance,” Rhee is all about it and that’s what this podcast is all about. We’ll crisscross everything about teaching dance from business to classroom success and we’ll definitely hit on the heart and soul of what being a dance teacher is all about.

Inspiring the next generation of dance educators from around the world

Rhee Gold's DanceLife

Rhee Gold's DanceLife Podcast

COVID made many of us reconsider how we had always done things. As we get stuck into a new dance season, it's time to think about how we are going to handle situations that used to be a big deal for us, in the light of the new normal.   What will you be changing? What will stay the same? How will you handle those situations that used to scare you?

What are you going to change this season?

In Part Two of their conversation on competition culture, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold continue exploring how studio owners and teachers can create healthier, more inspiring competition experiences for their dancers.

Building on the themes of mentor, leader, and teacher, this episode focuses on the role teachers play during competition weekends — from the way they speak to their dancers, to the choreography choices they make, to how they react to results.

Rhee and Stacey discuss the importance of professionalism, emotional leadership, and thoughtful choreography that showcases dancers’ strengths rather than exposing their weaknesses. They also address common competition pitfalls, including over-rehearsing in hallways, negative commentary about judges or events, and social media reactions that can damage studio culture.

This conversation is a reminder that competition weekends are about far more than trophies or scores. They are opportunities for dancers to grow, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing — and teachers play a critical role in shaping that experience.

In this episode, Stacey and Rhee discuss:


Why competition weekend should never become a high-stress rehearsal environment


The importance of teachers modeling professionalism and emotional control


How choreography should highlight what dancers do well rather than what they cannot yet execute


The role of language in the classroom and how it impacts dancers’ confidence


Why teachers must be mindful of how they react to judges, results, and competition logistics


The dangers of venting frustrations on social media after a competition weekend


Understanding the subjective nature of dance judging and competition scoring


Why exposing dancers to strong competition ultimately helps them grow


How competition weekends should reinforce community, mentorship, and joy

Rhee closes the episode with a powerful reminder: many teachers once dreamed of sitting in the audience watching their students perform at competitions. The key is remembering that dream and approaching every competition weekend with gratitude, professionalism, and perspective.

Because in the long run, dancers rarely remember the trophies — but they will always remember the mentors who believed in them.

In Part Two of their conversation on competition culture, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold continue exploring how studio owners and teachers can create healthier, more inspiring competition experiences for their dancers.
Building on the themes of mentor, leader, and teacher, this episode focuses on the role teachers play during competition weekends &mdash; from the way they speak to their dancers, to the choreography choices they make, to how they react to results.
Rhee and Stacey discuss the importance of professionalism, emotional leadership, and thoughtful choreography that showcases dancers&rsquo; strengths rather than exposing their weaknesses. They also address common competition pitfalls, including over-rehearsing in hallways, negative commentary about judges or events, and social media reactions that can damage studio culture.
This conversation is a reminder that competition weekends are about far more than trophies or scores. They are opportunities for dancers to grow, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing &mdash; and teachers play a critical role in shaping that experience.
In this episode, Stacey and Rhee discuss:
<ul data-start="1303" data-end="2058">
<li data-section-id="yz88o" data-start="1303" data-end="1386">
Why competition weekend should never become a high-stress rehearsal environment
</li>
<li data-section-id="j0iz6i" data-start="1387" data-end="1464">
The importance of teachers modeling professionalism and emotional control
</li>
<li data-section-id="1xqggag" data-start="1465" data-end="1564">
How choreography should highlight what dancers do well rather than what they cannot yet execute
</li>
<li data-section-id="187et07" data-start="1565" data-end="1645">
The role of language in the classroom and how it impacts dancers&rsquo; confidence
</li>
<li data-section-id="1b65fdy" data-start="1646" data-end="1742">
Why teachers must be mindful of how they react to judges, results, and competition logistics
</li>
<li data-section-id="1no02vy" data-start="1743" data-end="1826">
The dangers of venting frustrations on social media after a competition weekend
</li>
<li data-section-id="1i68vs1" data-start="1827" data-end="1907">
Understanding the subjective nature of dance judging and competition scoring
</li>
<li data-section-id="15lmu61" data-start="1908" data-end="1981">
Why exposing dancers to strong competition ultimately helps them grow
</li>
<li data-section-id="bxdin4" data-start="1982" data-end="2058">
How competition weekends should reinforce community, mentorship, and joy
</li>
</ul>
Rhee closes the episode with a powerful reminder: many teachers once dreamed of sitting in the audience watching their students perform at competitions. The key is remembering that dream and approaching every competition weekend with gratitude, professionalism, and perspective.
Because in the long run, dancers rarely remember the trophies &mdash; but they will always remember the mentors who believed in them.

In Part Two of their conversation on competition culture, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold continue exploring how studio owners and teachers can create healthier, more inspiring competition experiences for their dancers.  Building on the themes of mentor, leader, and teacher, this episode focuses on the role teachers play during competition weekends — from the way they speak to their dancers, to the choreography choices they make, to how they react to results.  Rhee and Stacey discuss the importance of professionalism, emotional leadership, and thoughtful choreography that showcases dancers’ strengths rather than exposing their weaknesses. They also address common competition pitfalls, including over-rehearsing in hallways, negative commentary about judges or events, and social media reactions that can damage studio culture.  This conversation is a reminder that competition weekends are about far more than trophies or scores. They are opportunities for dancers to grow, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing — and teachers play a critical role in shaping that experience.

Competition Weekend Leadership: How Teachers Shape the Experience for Dancers

Marker 01

Competition season can be one of the most exciting — and sometimes most stressful — times of the dance year. In this episode of Rhee Gold's Dance Life Podcast, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold dive into the realities of competition culture and the powerful role studio owners play in shaping the experience for their dancers, parents, and teachers.

From the joy of competition weekends to the pressure of results, the conversation explores how leadership, mindset, and communication can either elevate the experience or create unnecessary stress within a studio community.

Rhee reflects on how dance competitions have dramatically raised the standard of dance education, choreography, and technical training over the past several decades. Stacey shares her own experiences as a dancer and now as a studio owner navigating competition season with her students and team.

Together they unpack the most important factor that determines whether competition weekends become inspiring experiences or drama-filled ones: the attitude and philosophy of the studio owner.

In this first in a two part series, they discuss:


How dance competitions have elevated choreography, technique, and training across the industry


Why competition weekends were such formative experiences for dancers growing up


The pressure modern studios face with larger competition teams and more routines


The importance of choosing teachers who can nurture dancers emotionally as well as choreograph effectively


Why studio owners must model the mindset they expect from their staff and families


How a leader’s reaction during competition weekends can influence the entire studio community


The powerful ripple effect of language, expectations, and attitude backstage


Why the roles of mentor, leader, and teacher should come before choreography and competition strategy


How studio owners can create a healthier, more inspiring competition culture for dancers

Stacey also shares how her studio communicates clearly with parents about the decision-making process behind casting and choreography, helping build trust and transparency around competition teams.

This episode is a powerful reminder that while competitions showcase dancers on stage, the true leadership performance happens behind the scenes — in rehearsals, conversations, and the example set by the studio owner.

The conversation continues in the next episode, where Stacey and Rhee explore more strategies for managing expectations, communication, and competition culture within your studio.

Competition season can be one of the most exciting &mdash; and sometimes most stressful &mdash; times of the dance year. In this episode of Rhee Gold's Dance Life Podcast, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold dive into the realities of competition culture and the powerful role studio owners play in shaping the experience for their dancers, parents, and teachers.
From the joy of competition weekends to the pressure of results, the conversation explores how leadership, mindset, and communication can either elevate the experience or create unnecessary stress within a studio community.
Rhee reflects on how dance competitions have dramatically raised the standard of dance education, choreography, and technical training over the past several decades. Stacey shares her own experiences as a dancer and now as a studio owner navigating competition season with her students and team.
Together they unpack the most important factor that determines whether competition weekends become inspiring experiences or drama-filled ones: the attitude and philosophy of the studio owner.
In this first in a two part series, they discuss:
<ul data-start="1540" data-end="2385">
<li data-section-id="1mkzl1h" data-start="1540" data-end="1638">
How dance competitions have elevated choreography, technique, and training across the industry
</li>
<li data-section-id="ehht7c" data-start="1639" data-end="1722">
Why competition weekends were such formative experiences for dancers growing up
</li>
<li data-section-id="z9mbu4" data-start="1723" data-end="1807">
The pressure modern studios face with larger competition teams and more routines
</li>
<li data-section-id="x5d7p9" data-start="1808" data-end="1918">
The importance of choosing teachers who can nurture dancers emotionally as well as choreograph effectively
</li>
<li data-section-id="1ol6swv" data-start="1919" data-end="2005">
Why studio owners must model the mindset they expect from their staff and families
</li>
<li data-section-id="166drv9" data-start="2006" data-end="2103">
How a leader&rsquo;s reaction during competition weekends can influence the entire studio community
</li>
<li data-section-id="1oao07m" data-start="2104" data-end="2184">
The powerful ripple effect of language, expectations, and attitude backstage
</li>
<li data-section-id="k05oqa" data-start="2185" data-end="2294">
Why the roles of mentor, leader, and teacher should come before choreography and competition strategy
</li>
<li data-section-id="aq3pyx" data-start="2295" data-end="2385">
How studio owners can create a healthier, more inspiring competition culture for dancers
</li>
</ul>
Stacey also shares how her studio communicates clearly with parents about the decision-making process behind casting and choreography, helping build trust and transparency around competition teams.
This episode is a powerful reminder that while competitions showcase dancers on stage, the true leadership performance happens behind the scenes &mdash; in rehearsals, conversations, and the example set by the studio owner.
The conversation continues in the next episode, where Stacey and Rhee explore more strategies for managing expectations, communication, and competition culture within your studio.

Competition season can be one of the most exciting — and sometimes most stressful — times of the dance year. In this episode of Rhee Gold's Dance Life Podcast, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold dive into the realities of competition culture and the powerful role studio owners play in shaping the experience for their dancers, parents, and teachers.  From the joy of competition weekends to the pressure of results, the conversation explores how leadership, mindset, and communication can either elevate the experience or create unnecessary stress within a studio community.  Rhee reflects on how dance competitions have dramatically raised the standard of dance education, choreography, and technical training over the past several decades. Stacey shares her own experiences as a dancer and now as a studio owner navigating competition season with her students and team.  Together they unpack the most important factor that determines whether competition weekends become inspiring experiences or drama-filled ones: the attitude and philosophy of the studio owner.

Competition Season Mindset: The Role of the Mentor, Leader and Teacher

In this special episode of Rhee Gold’s Dance Life Podcast, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold welcome their first-ever guests to the show after more than seven years of hosting together.

Joining them behind the microphone are Molly Stroud and Jayme Bell from Jackrabbit Dance, the long-time sponsor of the podcast. Together, they unpack what studio owners are facing right now — and how smart systems can bring more ease, clarity, and profit back into studio life.

In this episode, you’ll hear:


Why studio owners are still feeling the ripple effects of post-pandemic enrollment shifts, and what parents now want from commitments


How Jackrabbit Dance’s Client Success team supports studio owners through low enrollment seasons by listening first, then building practical solutions


Why the dance industry has proven especially adaptable — the “show must go on” energy, innovation, and fast pivots


The features that can save time immediately, including:


Online registration and parent portal access


Automated billing and payment processing (so you’re not chasing money)


Better website-to-registration workflows


Centralised communication through Jackrabbit Plus (branded app, groups, push notifications)


Resources tabs for costumes, hair, videos, and quick answers parents actually use


What’s “hot” right now for summer programming — including the rise of more flexible, creative camps (and why studios should experiment)


A look at Jackrabbit Camps, including policies, deposits, session selection, and ongoing product updates based on real studio timelines


A powerful studio-owner money conversation: why too many discounts can quietly drain profitability — and how studio owners can stop “discounting themselves out of business”


The mindset shift studio owners need: it’s okay to run a studio that makes a good profit, pays you well, and supports your future

This episode is equal parts practical and energising — a reminder that dance studio owners don’t start businesses to do admin all day. With the right systems and support, you can reclaim time, improve customer experience, and build a studio that truly serves your life.

In this special episode of Rhee Gold&rsquo;s Dance Life Podcast, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold welcome their first-ever guests to the show after more than seven years of hosting together.
Joining them behind the microphone are Molly Stroud and Jayme Bell from Jackrabbit Dance, the long-time sponsor of the podcast. Together, they unpack what studio owners are facing right now &mdash; and how smart systems can bring more ease, clarity, and profit back into studio life.
In this episode, you&rsquo;ll hear:
<ul data-start="857" data-end="2440">
<li data-start="995" data-end="1136">
Why studio owners are still feeling the ripple effects of post-pandemic enrollment shifts, and what parents now want from commitments
</li>
<li data-start="1137" data-end="1291">
How Jackrabbit Dance&rsquo;s Client Success team supports studio owners through low enrollment seasons by listening first, then building practical solutions
</li>
<li data-start="1292" data-end="1410">
Why the dance industry has proven especially adaptable &mdash; the &ldquo;show must go on&rdquo; energy, innovation, and fast pivots
</li>
<li data-start="1411" data-end="1841">
The features that can save time immediately, including:
<ul data-start="1471" data-end="1841">
<li data-start="1471" data-end="1521">
Online registration and parent portal access
</li>
<li data-start="1524" data-end="1600">
Automated billing and payment processing (so you&rsquo;re not chasing money)
</li>
<li data-start="1603" data-end="1649">
Better website-to-registration workflows
</li>
<li data-start="1652" data-end="1749">
Centralised communication through Jackrabbit Plus (branded app, groups, push notifications)
</li>
<li data-start="1752" data-end="1841">
Resources tabs for costumes, hair, videos, and quick answers parents actually use
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-start="1842" data-end="1981">
What&rsquo;s &ldquo;hot&rdquo; right now for summer programming &mdash; including the rise of more flexible, creative camps (and why studios should experiment)
</li>
<li data-start="1982" data-end="2125">
A look at Jackrabbit Camps, including policies, deposits, session selection, and ongoing product updates based on real studio timelines
</li>
<li data-start="2126" data-end="2302">
A powerful studio-owner money conversation: why too many discounts can quietly drain profitability &mdash; and how studio owners can stop &ldquo;discounting themselves out of business&rdquo;
</li>
<li data-start="2303" data-end="2440">
The mindset shift studio owners need: it&rsquo;s okay to run a studio that makes a good profit, pays you well, and supports your future
</li>
</ul>
This episode is equal parts practical and energising &mdash; a reminder that dance studio owners don&rsquo;t start businesses to do admin all day. With the right systems and support, you can reclaim time, improve customer experience, and build a studio that truly serves your life.

In this special episode of Rhee Gold’s Dance Life Podcast, Stacey Morgan and Rhee Gold welcome their first-ever guests to the show after more than seven years of hosting together.  Joining them behind the microphone are Molly Stroud and Jamie Bell from Jackrabbit Dance, the long-time sponsor of the podcast. Together, they unpack what studio owners are facing right now — and how smart systems can bring more ease, clarity, and profit back into studio life.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  What’s new for Stacey’s studio in Australia — record enrollment, stronger socials, and a major upcoming Kylie Minogue spectacular  Why studio owners are still feeling the ripple effects of post-pandemic enrollment shifts, and what parents now want from commitments  How Jackrabbit Dance’s Client Success team supports studio owners through low enrollment seasons by listening first, then building practical solutions  Why the dance industry has proven especially adaptable — the “show must go on” energy, innovation, and fast pivots  The features that can save time immediately, including:  Online registration and parent portal access  Automated billing and payment processing (so you’re not chasing money)  Better website-to-registration workflows  Centralised communication through Jackrabbit Plus (branded app, groups, push notifications)  Resources tabs for costumes, hair, videos, and quick answers parents actually use  What’s “hot” right now for summer programming — including the rise of more flexible, creative camps (and why studios should experiment)  A look at Jackrabbit Camps, including policies, deposits, session selection, and ongoing product updates based on real studio timelines  A powerful studio-owner money conversation: why too many discounts can quietly drain profitability — and how studio owners can stop “discounting themselves out of business”  The mindset shift studio owners need: it’s okay to run a studio that makes a good profit, pays you well, and supports your future  This episode is equal parts practical and energising — a reminder that dance studio owners don’t start businesses to do admin all day. With the right systems and support, you can reclaim time, improve customer experience, and build a studio that truly serves your life.

What are you going to change this season?

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