In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts

Ep 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 Meghann Potter, EMC alumna, solidcore coach, and current Team member at EMC Performing Arts Studio, for a candid, laugh-filled conversation about what it really means to grow up in the dance world.

Meghann takes us from her earliest days at a competitive studio in Glen Burnie, MD to training at EMC with Robin, to earning a BFA at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, to chasing her dreams in the studios of New York City. She opens up about the pivotal ACL injury that stopped her mid-aerial and how instead of shattering her dream, it quietly shifted it.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that your path in the performing arts rarely looks the way you planned and that's often a very good thing.

Whether you're a dance parent, a studio kid, or someone who lived this life, you'll hear yourself in Meghann's story.

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram

Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

Ep 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 her, the rainy morning that stuck with her, the poor choices she made, and the vision that kept her going all the way to opening her own studio at 22. The EMC Way didn't come from a brochure. It came from this. Part 2 coming next!

Get Your Brick and Support the Podcast:

For $10 off your brick and to give $10 to the podcast, click HERE. 

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram

Ep 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 Dance Company in Dunedin, Florida, to talk about what it really looks like to build a studio where every student can belong.

Anna shares her journey from early training (including seasons where finances were tight) to teaching in public schools, and ultimately growing Dreamer's Dance Company from an after-school program into a thriving studio serving around 380 students.

A major focus of the conversation is Dreamer's scholarship model, including the Susan Rose Bonanno Memorial Fund, which supports dancers with financial need through a thoughtful application process and a culture of dignity and fairness. Anna breaks down how the fund is sustained through fundraising events, recital ticket sales, and community contributions, and how work-study opportunities help students build ownership, responsibility, and leadership.

We also dive into accessibility for dancers with special needs; how Anna integrates many students into mainstream classes and how her dedicated special needs program is staffed and supported (including trained teachers and student assistants). Along the way, Anna shares practical strategies for parent communication, building a respectful studio culture, and developing student leaders who care for the community around them.

You’ll also hear a few personal moments, like the story of Anna getting married at her studio recital, and what she’s building next with her new initiative, Dance Studio Audit, designed to support other studio owners with real, human mentorship.

Find Dreamers Dance Co: Search Dreamers Dance Co on Facebook or Instagram.

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram

Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

Ep 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, from what they are to how they differ from regular rehearsals, the types of rehearsals that happen during these two weeks and why each matters, why this is where real growth happens for performers, physical prep for performers and their families, mental prep and what to expect emotionally during this stretch, how parents can coach without fixing, how performers should receive notes and corrections, recognizing the difference between normal exhaustion and genuine burnout, reminding your performer how far they've come, and action items for every family including volunteer ways to get more involved.

Get Your Brick and Support the Podcast:

For $10 off your brick and to give $10 to the podcast, click HERE. 

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram

Ep 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 Broadway in Nashville? Robin sits down with her son, Brendan Wiencek, known on stage as Gatlen Gunn, for an honest, warm, and funny conversation about the winding road from studio brat to full-time musician.

They dig into what Brendan actually learned growing up inside a performing arts environment, not just technique, but the interpersonal skills, ego management, and communication that now make him a better bandmate and professional. Plus: how COVID derailed his plans for Berklee College of Music, why he chose Nashville over Boston, what it really takes to survive (and thrive) as an independent artist in today's music industry, and why he has zero interest in becoming a TikTok influencer.

This episode is for any parent or young performer who has ever wondered what a performing arts education actually prepares you for. Brendan's answer might surprise you.

Topics covered:

• Growing up as a "studio brat" and what that environment gave him

• Playing with his brothers in The Black Jacks and the bonds it built

• Navigating COVID, Berklee, and the pivot to Nashville

• Life playing covers on Broadway and building an original project (Gatlen Gunn)

• Why followers are now currency and why he refuses to play that game

• His definition of success at 40

• Advice for the high schooler playing guitar in their basement right now

Find Brendan: Search Gatlen Gunn on Spotify, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. If you're in Nashville, catch him live at JBJ's on 4th and Broadway.

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram

Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

Ep 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 good she had to bring it here for you.

In this episode, Robin Snyder-Wiencek, dedicated dance educator and studio owner, opens up about the transformative power of dance and its role in shaping disciplined, creative individuals.

The conversation traces Robin's journey from high school dancer to passionate educator and studio owner — including her candid realization that while she loves dance, her true calling lies in nurturing others within that world. She shares how tradition, discipline, and ceremony in ballet education form the foundation for so much more than technique.

Robin also dives into what it really means to nurture a star in the performing arts — identifying the students who stand out not just for their talent, but for their dedication, respect, and ability to take a correction. She explores why loving the process matters more than loving the spotlight, and the life skills students carry far beyond the studio.

She also gets real about the challenges of teaching in today's world, and why supporting both students and parents is essential to helping families truly understand the demands — and rewards — of a life in the performing arts.

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram

Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

Ep 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 just performances.

Carrie shares her journey from a kid who knew she wanted to dance professionally to a leader shaping training environments where dancers of all abilities can thrive.

We talk about what great ballet education really requires: intellectual engagement, clear communication, and helping students (and even parents) understand the “why” behind the work.

Carrie also takes us behind the scenes of her inclusive, education-forward approach, from leading Susquehanna Youth Ballet to creating innovative performance experiences, to founding Etoile Dance Competition, a ballet and concert dance competition designed to be positive, constructive, and community-centered (with warm-up classes, repertoire sessions, and thoughtful audio/video feedback).

If you care about raising confident, capable artists, and creating dance spaces where people feel seen, this episode is for you.

Connect with Etoile Dance Competition:

• Website
• Facebook Page
• Instagram Page

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram

Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

Ep 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 Performing Arts Studio’s beloved March performance tradition.

From student-created choreography and guest-artist feedback to the raw emotion that fills the room when dancers speak about their work, the team reflects on why Open Marley Festival is such a special, intimate celebration of artistry, without trophies, scores, or competition pressure.

They share standout moments from the night (including the unforgettable “Arsonist’s Lullaby / Tied Up” piece), shout out dancers who took big creative risks, and talk about the power of giving students space to process real life through movement.

You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories, like how injured dancers are still thoughtfully included, why the audience felt extra engaged this year, and the surprise “#1 pin” moment that had everyone in their feelings.

Plus, Miss Robin plugs the next community performance fix: Free Form Friday: Dance & Desserts on Friday, May 1st at 7 PM at EMC, casual, in-studio, no charge, and full of works-in-progress.

If you love dance, storytelling, and watching young artists grow into themselves, this episode is for you.

Get Your Brick and Support the Podcast:

For $10 off your brick and to give $10 to the podcast, click HERE. 

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram

Ep 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 sustainable, profitable dance studio without sacrificing your life in the process.

At just 21 years old, Holly took over a small studio with 60 students and transformed it into a thriving business serving over 300 dancers weekly. Today, SVDC is known for its strong technical training, competitive excellence, and a culture that supports both recreational dancers and elite competitors. Her choreography has earned regional and national recognition, and her students have gone on to dance professionally and join top college programs, including national championship Division 1A teams.

But what truly sets Holly apart isn't just the awards or the growth, it's how she's built her business behind the scenes. Through intentional systems, strong leadership, and a clear vision, Holly has created a studio that runs successfully without requiring her to be everywhere at once.

In this conversation, you'll hear about:

➜ Holly's journey from college student to studio owner at 21 with no business background

➜ Why she believes competition dance builds resilience, drive, and life skills that extend far beyond the stage

➜ The art and science of cleaning choreography and keeping dancers engaged through tedious detail work

➜ How entrepreneurship in the dance industry can satisfy creative, analytical, and leadership desires all at once

➜ The importance of stepping back as a studio owner to let your team lead and solve problems

➜ Why getting out of the day-to-day "muck" actually makes your studio stronger

➜ Holly's passion for costume design and how creative hobbies fuel business innovation

➜ The relaunch of DSO Collective: a small, intimate community for studio owners who want real connection, mentorship, and support without the overwhelm of massive conferences

Holly also shares candid reflections on raising three kids in the studio, the loneliness of studio ownership, and why continuing to educate yourself and build new ventures keeps you energized after decades in the industry.

Whether you're a new studio owner trying to figure it all out, a seasoned director looking to scale back without losing quality, or simply curious about what it takes to run a dance business for 31 years and still love it, this episode is for you!

Connect with DSO Collective: 

• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group
• Join for Wind Down Wednesdays, Coffee Chats, and intimate retreats designed for studio owners who want community, not just content.

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram

Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

Ep 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 program is, how it can benefit your performer, and what to expect.

Get Your Brick and Support the Podcast:

For $10 off your brick and to give $10 to the podcast, click HERE. 

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram