In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts

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.

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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

• Soccer is Winding Down, Join us at EMC

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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:

Connect on Instagram 

Check Out Her Website

Email: creative@santinarigano.com

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Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

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

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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.

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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 & AcroDance

• Open Gym

• Dress Code

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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 Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts, I sat down with Jim Schopf, founder of America’s #1 haunted attraction. But this isn’t just about thrills and chills—it’s about a powerful community of young people finding purpose and identity through performance.

We talk:
🩸 Scare School and theatrical training
🎭 Volunteer culture and creative expression
🔥 The leadership lessons hidden behind the masks

If you care about helping kids grow through the arts, you don’t want to miss this one.

About Jim:

Jim Schopf is the co-founder and driving force behind Field of Screams, one of the most acclaimed haunted attractions in the country, located in Mountville, Pennsylvania. With a passion for horror, theatrical production, and immersive storytelling, Jim has spent over three decades transforming a family farm into a Halloween destination that draws thrill-seekers from across the nation. Alongside his brother Gene, Jim launched Field of Screams in 1993, blending professional-grade sets, special effects, and live actors to create a terrifyingly fun experience.

A hands-on leader, Jim is often found working on new haunt designs, brainstorming with his team, or interacting with guests to ensure every experience is unforgettable. His dedication to quality, innovation, and community engagement has cemented his legacy as a pioneer in experiential entertainment and agritourism. Jim continues to inspire future generations through hard work, passion, and a love for all things spooky.

Contact Info:

Facebook - Field of Screams | Mountville PA

Instagram - @‌fieldofscreams

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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 announcement
• Explore EMC Week & Spirit Week

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

Listen in as a long-time EMC mom talks about her journey as a performing arts parent… from choosing an activity for her little ones to how her dancing daughter is thriving as a teen in the studio setting.

Let’s Connect on Socials:

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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

Join us this week for our What's Happening at EMC segment where we chat:

• Disney recap

• Camp recap

• Video Premiere

• Dance Intensive recap

• New season registration open

• New classes to be excited about

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