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Latest / Dance Studio Owner Life Coaching

88 | A Conversation with Samantha O'Neil of DECA Dance Competition

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Samantha O'Neil, founder of DECA Dance Competition and Unconvention, to explore how her values-driven, family-oriented approach is reshaping the competition experience for dancers, teachers, and parents alike.

From creating events that reduce stress for studio owners to offering live critiques, meaningful awards, and culturally diverse classes like African and Bollywood dance, Samantha shares the story behind DECA's rise as a true outlier in the dance industry.

We talk about:

Why DECA feels different—and easier—for studio owners and families

How…

The skinny

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