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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 insights and inspiring stories that highlight how the arts can shape character, boost confidence, and cultivate leadership skills.
Together, we’ll explore innovative techniques, share valuable resources, and celebrate the incredible impact of the arts in developing the leaders of tomorrow.
Get ready to shine a light on the incredible journey of raising leaders in the performing arts!
Episodes
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Robin Snyder-Wiencek speaks with Samantha Jo Harvey about her journey in the performing arts, from her early influences and training in dance to her experiences as a Rockette.
They discuss the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a career in dance, the transition to coaching and entrepreneurship, and the balance of motherhood with a thriving career.
Samantha emphasizes the importance of authenticity, self-acceptance, and the lessons learned along the way, inspiring future generations of dancers to follow their passions.
About Samantha:
Sam is a former pro dancer + fitness expert turned podcast host, coach, and guide for ambitious women who refuse to be put in a box. She’s a multidimensional mama showing the world that you can hold it all: the baby and the business, the softness and the fire, the money and the magic.
During her 10-yr Rockette career she was chosen for prestigious performance opportunities like JLO on SNL, Pitbull on America’s Got Talent, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Wendy Williams Show, the Today Show and more. Other credits include Nike Master Trainer, Ted 2, MAC, Toyota, Beachbody’s 21 Day Fix, Denise Austin + more.
After a decade kicking eye-high with the Radio City Rockettes, initiating a divorce, and building two multiple 6-figure businesses, Sam became a mindset ninja and champion of women living unapologetically full out. Her work is an invitation to every woman to stop shrinking, take up space, and write her own rules—because having it all isn’t just a dream, it’s a way of being.
Sam’s clients have left jobs to travel the world, walked away from unfulfilling relationships, built empires from side hustles, and reignited intimacy in their partnerships—all while prioritizing their own body, mind, spirit, and joy.
She’s trained on mindset + energetics across the US and internationally, and when she’s not dropping truth bombs on the Full Out podcast, you’ll find her in ballet class, sipping her favorite greens drink or soaking up snuggles with her son.
To work with Sam, email sam@samanthajoharvey.com or connect with her on Instagram
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Listen to the Full Out Podcast
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
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Join us this week for our Inside EMC segment where we chat:
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Celebrating the Podcasts 1 Year Anniversary
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Costume Parade: What it is and why it’s important
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Holiday Celebration Production Kick-Off
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Production Rehearsals
- How to stop mindlessly scrolling using Brick
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
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
In this episode, Robin Snyder-Wiencek interviews Julie, The Musical Experience director at EMC Performing Arts Studio.
They discuss Julie's journey into the theater world, her experiences in college, the evolution of auditions, and the importance of preparation and mentorship.
Julie shares her insights on the challenges of staying focused in New York, the value of diverse roles in performing arts, and her reflections on her journey beyond Broadway. The conversation highlights the significance of passion, resilience, and the various paths within 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
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
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 Holiday Celebration
- Tutu Under The Tree and how to join us for this special gift of dance
- Free Form Friday Recap for What’s the Pointe?
- How to stop mindlessly scrolling using Brick
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
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Robin reconnects with longtime friend Kendall Ludwig — Baltimore-born designer, founder of Curly Red, and creator of Jitterbug, an adult-first dance studio in Oakland, MD.
Kendall traces a life steeped in musicals, early stage fright, and a pivotal decision to keep dance a joyful constant rather than a career mandate. She shares how moving to a small town revealed a gap for adult classes, why she launched a low-pressure, seasonal class-pack model, and what actually fills (and doesn’t) in a rural market — hello, packed Sunday-night tap and sold-out swing workshops.
Robin and Kendall swap stories on parenting while building businesses, the restorative power of creative breaks, and preparing kids for lives they’re excited to live.
If you’ve ever thought “I’ve always wanted to take a dance class,” this episode is your nudge to try — before you talk yourself out of it.
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
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Join us this week for our What's Happening at EMC segment where we chat:
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Free Form Friday Reminders
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Crazy Bun & Mis-Matched Sock Week
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Haunted Halloween House
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Soccer is Winding Down, Join us at EMC
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
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
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 U.S., to studio owner, and ultimately to a remote career supporting arts businesses.
They unpack how multi-genre training builds adaptable leaders, why resilience matters more than perfection, and what happens when success arrives before feedback skills.
Santina shares the decision to close her studio in 2020, the reinvention that followed, and her new “studio without walls” model bringing dance directly to communities in need.
If you’re a parent, educator, or arts leader wondering how performing-arts strengths translate beyond the stage, this conversation is an encouraging, practical roadmap.
About Santina Rigano-Lesch
Hi, I’m Santina — dancer, choreographer, and founder of Basic B Boogie (aka BBB). I believe movement heals, community matters, and your story deserves to be seen.
I’m also the owner of Boom Studios, a mobile dance program serving the Greater Northwest. Fun, funky, and non-competitive, Boom brings classes straight to schools, community spaces, and events across Federal Way and beyond.
From leading trauma-informed dance experiences to helping dance studios and movement pros level up their marketing, I bring culture, creativity, and a whole lot of vibe. Alongside teaching, I work as a stage manager, guest instructor, and choreographer, creating spaces where people feel empowered to move, grow, and connect — on the dance floor and beyond.
Contact Info:
Email: creative@santinarigano.com
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
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
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 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
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
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 dance for boys/men, and the intricacies of partner work in dance.
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
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Join us this week for our What's Happening at EMC segment where we chat:
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New Freedom Fest
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Halloween Rehearsal
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Class Openings
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Cirque
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Elementary Contemporary & AcroDance
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Open Gym
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Dress Code
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