Shows / In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts
We’re diving deep into the transformative world of performing arts education. Twice a month, we chat with industry experts — from seasoned educators to acclaimed artists — who are passionate about nurturing responsible young leaders through the power of performing arts training.
Twice a month we share a ‘What’s Happening At EMC’ segment so that you can hear all the amazingness going on as well as stay in the loop..
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or aspiring artist, you’ll discover actionable…
Episodes
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 82: From Breaking to B-Roll: Ricky Huff on Building a Filmmaking Business Rooted in Dance
Robin talks with Maryland native Ricky Huff, a rec studio kid turned breaker turned entrepreneur, whose production company, Huff Productions, still keeps dance…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 81: Inside EMC: Hot Topic: Is Dance An Art Or A Sport?
Robin's latest DSO Collective Instagram video, "dance is not a sport," went further than expected and pulled in some pushback along with it. In this episode…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 80: Molly Beichler on Guest Teachers, Self-Advocacy, and Raising Confident Dancers
Why does the teacher a dancer clicks with the least sometimes turn into the one who pushes their training the furthest? And what does it actually take to build…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 79: Inside EMC: A Real Story of Student Advocacy in Action
Robin and Santina follow up on their earlier conversation about parents and studio owners being on the same team, this time with two stories fresh from the…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 78: From Miss Wyoming to Studio Owner Raising Five Kids in the Business with Tamara Howe
Robin sits down with Tamara Howe, owner of Tamara Howe School of Dance and founder of Ballet Salina in Salina, Kansas, for a conversation that covers her full…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 77: Inside EMC: Dancing in the Street: Fall Tour Logistics
Robin and Santina break down the Fall Tour, EMC's two-stop community performance series at the New Freedom Fest and the Shrewsbury Fireman’s Fall Fest. Robin…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 76: Reading the Room: Angela Hartley-Drube on ADHD, Flexibility, and Letting Dancers Lead
Robin talks with Angela Hartley-Drube, who has run Live 2 Dance in a small Wyoming town for 20 seasons, built a multi-purpose venue during the pandemic, earned…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 75: Inside EMC: We're on the Same Team: Rethinking Studio and Parent Communication
Robin and Santina tackle a topic that's been landing in Robin's DSO Collective Instagram DMs all season: dance parents venting about how they or their kids…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 74: Stepping Back Without Losing the Studio: Marty Roberts on Succession and Teen Teaching Assistants
Robin sits down with fellow studio owner and friend Marty, who gave up an engineering acceptance at the University of Washington for a community college…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 73: Inside EMC: The Dream Team Training Retreat: Behind the Scenes
Robin sits down with Santina to break down the Dream Team Training Retreat, EMC's annual four-day team event held at a rented Airbnb outside the studio. She…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 72: From the Barre to the Boardroom: Jess Keller on Resilience, Reinvention, and Raising Dancers Who Are Ready for the World
What happens when a professional ballet career ends before you're ready and how do you turn that heartbreak into your greatest strength as a teacher and studio…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 71 - Inside EMC: Everything Extra: A Walk Through EMC's Specialty Classes for the New Season
This week, Miss Robin walks you through every Specialty Class EMC is offering for the upcoming season, the extras that go beyond your regular package and give…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 70 - Tara's Story, What We Carry and What We Build From It, with Shawn Gladden
This is the episode Robin has been building toward for years. For a long time, the name Tara Gladden has appeared quietly at EMC Performing Arts Studio, on…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 69: Inside EMC: Understanding the Rungs of the Ladder
This week, the conversation between Robin and Santina, touches on all things understanding the Rungs of the Ladder within EMC. Get Your Brick and Support the…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 68: Beyond the Stage: Building a Sustainable Dance Career with Ian Howe
In this episode, Ian Howe shares his dynamic journey through the dance industry, from competitive dancer to cruise ship performer, and ultimately to studio…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 67 - Why We Don't Compete and Why Our Dancers Thrive
Robin and Santina go head-to-head with dance's most polarizing topic! They chat about why EMC has spent 35 years intentionally staying out of the competition…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 66: Flipping the Script with Will Tijerina: When a Veteran, an Actor, and a UPS Driver Turn Dance Studio Owner
Will Tijerina had no dance background when he became co-owner of Dance 360 Orlando. What he did have: military discipline, corporate logistics experience, and…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 65: The EMC Way (Part 2)
In Part 2, Robin picks up the story in Pennsylvania; the historic hardware store she knew was hers the second she walked in, the nail-biting negotiation her…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 64: From First Solo to Full Circle: Meghann Potter's Journey Through Dance, Injury, and Coming Home
What happens when a little girl who fell in love with the stage grows up to become one of your most beloved teachers? In this episode, Robin sits down with…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 63: The EMC Way (Part 1)
Before there was EMC, there was a girl who didn't dream of performing… she dreamed of teaching. This week, Robin tells us everything: the training that changed…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 62 - Building an Inclusive Dance Studio: Scholarships, Special Needs Programs & Student Leadership with Anna Rose
In this episode of In the Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts, Robin Snyder-Wiencek down with dance educator Anna Rose, founder of Dreamer's…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 61 - Inside EMC: Production Season
This week, the conversation between Robin and Santina, touches on the things that are happening at EMC. Join us as we chat all things Production Rehearsals…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 60: From Studio Brat to Nashville Stage: Brendan Wiencek on Growing Up in the Arts and Making a Life in Music
What does it look like when a kid who grew up dancing, doing gymnastics, and playing guitar in a performing arts studio ends up playing professionally on…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 59: Robin's Interview with Living the Red Life
This week, we're doing something a little different — Robin got to be the guest! She was recently featured on Living the Red Life, and the conversation was so…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 58: A Positive Place to Grow: Inside Etoile Dance Competition with Carrie Milliken-Euker
Dancer, director, choreographer, and dance educator Carrie Milliken-Euker, joins todays episode for a wide-ranging conversation about building dancers, not…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 57: Inside EMC: Open Marley Debrief: The Tea, The Triumphs, and Why This Night Matters
In this candid “Open Marley Festival” debrief, Miss Robin sits down with Miss Elisabeth, Miss Meghann, and Miss Maria to unpack all the highlights from EMC…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 56: The Art of Sustainable Studio Ownership with Holly Brucker
In this episode, Robin sits down with Holly Brucker, owner and director of Saucon Valley Dance Conservatory, to explore what it really takes to build a…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 55: Inside EMC: Next Stage Management + All The Juicy Details!
Join us this week for our Inside EMC segment where Robin and Meghan chat through everything you need to know about Next Stage Talent Management. Think what the…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 54: Leading with Grace: Building Heart-Centered Dance Businesses with Robyn Tedesco
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Robyn Tedesco, founder of Move With Grace Dance Studio and a respected leader in the dance education industry for…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 53: Inside EMC: Spring Concert Survival Guide
Join us this week for our Inside EMC segment where we chat all things Spring Concert and where to find the information you need, ticket sales and how they will…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 52 - Beyond the Steps: Intentional Movement and the Art of Contemporary Dance with Lauren Carnesi Daniels
In this episode, host Robin Snyder-Wincek sits down with Lauren Carnese-Daniels, a contemporary choreographer, dance educator, and program director whose work…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 51 - Inside EMC: Company Auditions & Accelerated Programs
Join us this week for our Inside EMC segment where we chat all things Company Auditions, what to expect, why we do them, and how important they are to our…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 50 - Trash the Trophies: What Dance Competition Gets Wrong and What to Do Instead with Chasta Hamilton
In this episode, Robin sits down with arts entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker Chasta Hamilton, founder and CEO of Stage Door Dance Productions, and…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 49 - Inside EMC: Your Guide to Summer at EMC: Part 2
Join us this week for our Inside EMC segment where we dive into part two of this two part Summer Guide: Mini Dance Intensive and how our Rising Leaders help…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 48 - From Rock Star Dreams: Supporting a Young Musician’s Journey in Nashville
What happens when a 10-year-old drummer gets invited on stage at a bustling Broadway bar in Nashville? In this heartfelt episode, Robin sits down with Urzula…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 47 - Inside EMC: Your Guide to Summer at EMC: Part 1
Join us this week for our Inside EMC segment where we dive into part one of this two part Summer Guide: Dance Technique Evening Classes Kreative Kidz and…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 46 - How Studios Can Become the Future of Talent Development with Josephine Lancuba
What if dance and performing arts studios could become a direct bridge to professional opportunities without losing sight of confidence, character, and care…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 45 - Inside EMC: Understanding the Rungs of the Ladder
This week, the conversation between Robin and Santina, touches on all things understanding the Rungs of the Ladder within EMC. Get Your Brick and Support the…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 44 - Everything You Need to Know About Showstoppers with Britt Mergler
In this episode Robin sits down with Britt Mergler, Kreative Kidz Director at EMC Performing Arts Studio, for an in-depth conversation about Showstoppers…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 43 - Big Reveals, Big Energy, and Big Fun
Join us this week for our Inside EMC segment where we chat: Our Spring Concert (Theme) Big Reveal Free Form Friday: Family Jam Night Company Field Trip, what…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 42 - The Business of Dance: Building Careers with Menina Fortunato
In this episode, Robin Snyder-Wiencek interviews Menina Fortunato, a seasoned dancer and entrepreneur, sharing her journey from a competitive dancer to a…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 41 - Inside EMC: Community Nights, New Classes, and Studio Joy
Join us this week for our Inside EMC segment where we chat: Our next Free Form Friday Event: Family Jam Night New Boys Class on Saturdays and how to join us…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 40 - When the Dream Changes: Parenting Kids in the Performing Arts with Kim Treloar
Robin sits down with fellow performing arts mom Kim Treloar to talk honestly about what it’s like to raise children in the spotlight. From Broadway auditions…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 39 - Lights Down, Thoughts Up: Holiday Celebration 2025
This week we reflect on the magic of The Holiday Celebration, a performance that brought our community together through music, movement, and meaning. From the…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 38 - From Competition Kid to Horton Certified Teacher: A Conversation with Denise Carr
In this episode, Robin Snyder-Wiencek engages in a deep conversation with Denise Carr, a passionate dance educator and esthetician. Denise shares her journey…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 37 - Inside EMC: Say Cheese, Strike a Pose, and See You at the Show!
Join us this week for our Inside EMC segment where we chat: Holiday Celebration and supporting your local dancers while making this show your annual family…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 36 - Building Excellence Through Ballet Training with Norma Pera
In this conversation, Robin Snyder-Wiencek & Norma Pera, discuss the multifaceted nature of dance education, emphasizing the importance of setting students up…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 35 - Inside EMC: From Studio to Stage - All Things Holiday Celebration
Join us this week for our Inside EMC segment where we chat: Production Rehearsals All Things Holiday Celebration Hub Get Your Brick and Support the Podcast…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 34 - From Ballet Foundations to Rockettes Precision: Samantha Jo Harvey’s Next Act
In this engaging conversation, Robin Snyder-Wiencek speaks with Samantha Jo Harvey about her journey in the performing arts, from her early influences and…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 33 - Inside EMC: Celebrating One Year and Kicking Off Production Season
Join us this week for our Inside EMC segment where we chat: Celebrating the Podcasts 1 Year Anniversary Costume Parade: What it is and why it’s important…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 32 - It’s Never Too Late to Take the Stage: Julie Roda on Rediscovering Her Creative Voice
In this episode, Robin Snyder-Wiencek interviews Julie, The Musical Experience director at EMC Performing Arts Studio. They discuss Julie's journey into the…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 31 - Inside EMC: Tickets, Tutus, and What's the Pointe?
Join us this week for our What's Happening at EMC segment where we chat: Ticket Pre-Sale and what to expect Holiday Celebration Hub Ballet & Tap Basics in the…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 30 - Hobby on Purpose: Choosing Joy in the Arts (Without “Going Pro”) with Kendall Ludwig
Robin reconnects with longtime friend Kendall Ludwig — Baltimore-born designer, founder of Curly Red, and creator of Jitterbug, an adult-first dance studio in…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 29 - Inside EMC: Crazy Buns, Socks, and Haunted Fun
Join us this week for our What's Happening at EMC segment where we chat: Free Form Friday Reminders Crazy Bun & Mis-Matched Sock Week Haunted Halloween House…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 28 - From Dancer to Digital: How Santina Turned Performing Art Skills into a Remote Career with Santina Rigano-Lesch
Robin sits down with longtime collaborator and co-host Santina Rigano-Lesch to trace an unexpected path: from shy “studio kid” in Adelaide to Au Pair in the…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 27 - Inside EMC: Festivals, Fridays, and Fresh Openings
Join us this week for our What's Happening at EMC segment where we chat: Shrewsbury Fireman’s Fest Class Mom Meeting Free Form Friday Class Openings Let’s…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 26 - The Rockstar Ballet Method and the Incredible Impact That Dance Can Make On Boys with Christian Richards
On today’s episode, Robin sits down with Christian Richards of Rockstar Ballet, to talk about how he got started in the ballet world, the many benefits of…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 25 - Inside EMC: From Festivals to Fall Rehearsals
Join us this week for our What's Happening at EMC segment where we chat: New Freedom Fest Halloween Rehearsal Class Openings Cirque Elementary Contemporary &…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 24 - Scare School & the Stage with Jim Schopf of Field of Screams
What do haunted houses, rock and roll, and creative leadership have in common? Everything — if you’re talking about Field of Screams. This week on In the…
In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing ArtsEp 23 - New Season Launch: New Classes, Big Announcements, and Community Fun
Join us this week for our What's Happening at EMC segment where we chat: Free Form Fridays and their themes/dates Fall Tour with a Discovery Gym Demo…