DanceFit Biz Builders
by Real Strategies to Get More Students, Earn More, and Build a Thriving Biz
If you're a dance or fitness instructor who wants to grow your classes, increase your income, and turn your passion into a real business, you’re in the right place. Each week, I’ll break down the exact strategies, lessons, and behind-the-scenes truths I learned from building a thriving bellydance fitness brand. No fluff, no guessing, just real talk on instructor marketing tips, how to fill your classes, student retention, branding and class growth, so that you can build a profitable instructor career. Lace up those dance and fitness shoes — it’s time to build the business you deserve. Let’s do thisHit subscribe now and for kick-ass business success! #BellydanceBiz #BusinessMomentum #DanceEntrepreneurship #PodcastLinksDanceFit Biz Builders groupfacebook.com/groups/bellydancebizbuildersSharQui Instructor Academysharqui.kartra.com/page/siaMy Dance Channelyoutube.com/channel/UCHiBfVYhmOPhTYr948ShiEASharQui Virtual Studiosharqui.kartra.com/page/onlineFacebookfacebook.com/SharQ
Episodes
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The Teaching Skills We Don’t Talk About Enough - Read The Room | 128
In this episode, I’m talking about one of the most important skills an instructor can develop: reading the room. Because great teaching isn’t about getting through everything you planned. It’s about noticing what’s happening with the actual human beings standing in front of you and knowing what…
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Your Class Is Fun. But Are Your Dance & Fitness Students Successful? | 127
What actually makes someone want to come back to your class? Is it the music? The energy? The community? The instructor? How you make people feel? My guests Barry and Shay Kostabi of FitCarma have built their work around creating intentional class experiences that keep people coming back. And you...
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The Teaching Skills We Don’t Talk About Enough - Predictability | 126
Do your students seem to get it while they’re watching you... but the second they look away, everything falls apart? That might be telling you something about the way they’re learning. And one of the things that helps bridge that gap is something that doesn’t sound particularly exciting:...
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The Teaching Skills We Don’t Talk About Enough - Communication | 125
The industry spends a LOT of time teaching instructors what to teach. But what about how to actually teach another human being movement? Because knowing movement and knowing how to teach movement are two completely different skills. In this episode, I’m talking about the teaching skill that…
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The Brain Behind the Movement - What Every Dance & Fitness Instructor Should Know | 124
You can be an incredible dancer and still not know how to teach someone else to move. Because doing a movement and understanding what another person’s brain and body need in order to learn that movement are two very different skills. In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Vogel, a dance…
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Your Body Changed. Your Movement Should Too | 123
I’m usually the one asking the questions. This time, I’m the one answering them. In this Podcast Flip episode, with Tirra Omilade of the The Soulful Goddess Living Podcast: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Women, I’m sharing a conversation where we get into something I think women don’t talk about…
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Why You Keep Chasing Validation for Dance and Fitness Instructors | 122
Have you ever walked away from a class feeling amazing because someone complimented you... only to question yourself the next week when nobody said anything? As dance and fitness instructors, we can become more dependent on validation than we realize. A full class. Applause. A compliment from a...
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Instructors - Stop Throwing Everything At Your Students At Once | 121
Hey Instructors! So, your students had the move… until you added arms, direction, travel, or a turn. So what happened? In this episode, we’re talking about cognitive overload, why “easy” movement may not actually be easy for your students, and how to layer movement in a way that helps people...
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The Biggest Lie the Dance Fitness Industry Ever Told Instructors |120
What if the biggest lie in the fitness industry is that earning a certification automatically makes someone a teacher? In this episode, I challenge one of the most accepted ideas in dance fitness and group fitness: that learning a format is the same as learning how to teach. If you’re a dance...
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The Grit Of True Growth For Dance & Fitness Instructors | 119
If you caught Marisa’s first solo episode, you already know she has a way of making you stop, think, and look at your life from a completely different perspective. And this episode is no exception. Growth sounds exciting... until you’re actually in the middle of it. Am I right? Because real…
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Why Your Fitness & Dance Business Won't Grow Until You Do | 118
Have you ever felt like your business has hit a plateau, no matter how hard you’re working? In this honest solo episode, I share a moment when I questioned everything. After more than 30 years in the fitness industry, I found myself wondering if anyone was interested in what I had to offer…
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The Cost of Staying Quiet - Why Fear Holds Instructors Back | 117
In this solo episode, Marisa explores the hidden cost of avoiding difficult conversations - and how fear of rejection, conflict, or getting hurt can quietly shape your teaching, your business, your relationships, and even your health. If you’re a dance instructor, fitness instructor, or...
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The Future of Group Fitness - An Industry Conversation with Amy Boone Thompson | 116
Where is the fitness industry headed - and what does that mean for group fitness instructors? In this episode of DanceFit Biz Builders, I sit down with Amy Boone Thompson, Owner and CEO of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, for a candid conversation about the future of fitness, group fitness,...
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Performance, Teaching and the Future of Fitness with Keli Roberts | 115
What does it take to stay relevant in the fitness industry for decades? In this episode, I sit down with fitness industry veteran Keli Roberts to talk about longevity, reinvention, and the evolution of teaching. From the early days of step aerobics to today’s social media-driven fitness…
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What If the Dance Style You're Best Known For Isn't What Excites You Anymore? | 114
What happens when the dance style you’ve built your reputation on no longer excites you? In this episode, I sit down with Tirra, a SharQui instructor, dancer, and artist, to talk about the challenges of creative evolution. We discuss feeling torn between different dance styles, the pressure of...
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The Math Fitness & Dance Instructors Never Do | 113
If you’re spending hours every week memorizing choreography, building playlists, and stressing over transitions… this episode is for you. In this episode, I break down the math most dance and fitness instructors never actually do — and why so many talented instructors are burning out from unpaid...
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Why Your Students Aren't Coming Back (Even If They Like You) | 112
Your students might love your energy, your music, and your class… and still not come back. In this episode, we talk about the real reason student retention struggles in dance and dance fitness classes - and why it’s usually not a personality problem or motivation issue. It’s a confidence issue. I...
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Why MORE Isn't Helping Your Dance Fitness Class (And What To Do Instead) | 111
Have you ever explained something in class over and over… and your students still looked completely lost? In this episode, we’re talking about the real reason students struggle to follow in dance and dance fitness classes - and why explaining more often makes it worse. I break down the concept of...
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How Fitness Professionals Can Diversify Their Income and Stay Relevant in the AI Era | 110
In this episode, I’m joined by Lindsey Passamonte - personal trainer, educator, and AI app developer - for a conversation about what it really means to grow and diversify as a fitness professional. We talk about building multiple income streams beyond teaching classes, adapting to technology and…
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Why Your Dance or Fitness Class Doesn't Flow (And How to Fix It) | 109
If your classes feel choppy, stop-and-go, or like the energy never fully builds… this is for you. In this episode, I break down one of the biggest problems many dance and fitness instructors face: classes that don’t flow - even when the music and choreography are good. We talk about: * why...
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How to Open a Yoga & Dance Studio - From Idea to Reality | 108
Thinking about opening your own studio? In this episode, I sit down with Najmah - a dancer and yoga instructor who turned that vision into reality by opening her own yoga and dance studio. We break down what it actually took to make it happen: * how she knew it was the right time to start * the...
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Why Your Students Are Always a Step Behind in Dance & Fitness Classes (And It's Not Them) |107
If your students always seem just a little behind in class… it may not be them. In this episode, I break down why so many dance and fitness instructors struggle with students keeping up — and what’s actually causing it. We talk about: * the real reason students fall behind (hint: it’s not...
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Two Businesses, One Career: How She Balanced Teaching and Design | 106
What does it actually look like to build more than one business in the dance and fitness world? In this episode, I sit down with Debbie Despina — a dance costume and apparel designer and a instructor — to talk about what it really takes to diversify your talents and manage multiple income…
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Why Free Isn't Helping Your Dance Fitness Business (And What Actually Does) | 105
If you’re a dance or fitness instructor constantly teaching and giving value - but not seeing it turn into real income - this is for you. Many instructors believe that offering free classes or content will grow their business. But in reality, giving everything away for free often leads to…
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How One Training Transformed Her Teaching Across All Dance & Fitness Formats | 104
What if one training didn’t just improve one class…but changed everything about how you teach? In this episode, I sit down with Cynthia, a SharQui Instructor Academy graduate, to talk about what really shifted for her — not just in one format, but across all of her dance and fitness classes. We…
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The Truth About Pricing Your Dance & Fitness Classes | 103
If you’re a dance or fitness instructor and you’ve ever thought,“I have no idea what to charge…”you’re not alone. Pricing your classes and services can feel confusing, overwhelming, and honestly… a little uncomfortable. In this episode, I break down why so many instructors feel stuck when it…
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Facebook Isn't Dead - Instructors, Here's How To Use It | 102
In this episode, I’m joined again by Jessica of The Stage to talk about something a lot of dance and fitness instructors are confused about right now—Facebook. Is it dead?Is it worth your time?And how are some instructors still growing their business and getting clients from it? We break down...
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The 3 Types of Dance Fitness Instructors - (Which One Are You?) | 101
A demo class with three instructors turned into a fascinating teaching experiment. One instructor brought huge energy.Another relied on full combos and follow-along choreography.And I approached it the way I always do — break it down, build it up, and bring the room together. Watching the class...
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Marisa Interview Me - What 30 Years in Dance & Fitness Really Taught Me | 100
This episode is a special one — it’s the 100th episode of the DanceFit Biz Builders podcast. Instead of me asking the questions, the tables are turned. Marisa Gusatella, Director of Professional Development for SharQui and someone I trust deeply in this work, is interviewing me. We talk about: *...
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Fitness Trends for 2026 - Why ETM Isn't the Future | 99
Fitness trends for 2026 are shifting — and constant novelty isn’t what’s driving growth anymore. In this episode, I break down why exercise-to-music (ETM) is no longer the leading growth model in fitness, and why structured, purpose-driven movement is rising instead. Using insights from the...
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Social Media Trends for 2026 - What Dance & Fitness Instructors Need to Know | 98
Social media is changing - and for dance & fitness instructors, the old advice isn’t working anymore. In this episode, I break down the social media trends for 2026 and what they actually mean for dance & fitness instructors who want to grow their classes, increase visibility, and attract real...
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Teaching More Classes Won't Make You More Money - Real Talk for Dance & Dance Fitness Instructors | 97
I am honored to be interviewed by Jessica of The Stage. We talk about how many dance fitness and fitness instructors believe the answer to increasing income is teaching more classes. In reality, teaching more hours often leads to burnout, inconsistent income, and limited growth. In this episode…
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Why Aren't My Class Growing? | 96
If you’re a dance fitness instructor or dance instructor wondering why your dance fitness classes aren’t growing, this episode breaks down what’s really happening. Class growth is rarely about social media or marketing—it’s about how you teach, how students experience your class, and whether they...
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Just Got Certified? Here's the First Thing You Need to Do (If You Have Zero Business Experience) | 95
Getting certified is exciting.What comes next can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I break down the very first thing you need to do after certification if you have little to no business experience. Before websites, logos, social media, or marketing plans—this is where new instructors actually...
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Why This Article Went Viral and What it Teaches Us About Visibility | 94
This episode is my response to my When Performance Replaced Teaching article that received over 130 shares, over 250 comments, and almost 700 likes. I read my reply in full - but this isn’t just a reaction. It’s a teaching moment. In this episode, I break down what happens when performance starts...
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A Fitness Certification is Not Optional for Dance & Dance Fitness Instructors | 93
There’s a belief floating around the dance world that experience alone is enough to teach. “I’ve been dancing for years. I know my body. I don’t need a fitness certification.” But if you’re teaching classes that raise heart rates, repeat movement week after week, and ask students to trust you…
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A Curriculum Is Not Optional for Dance & Dance Fitness Instructors | 92
Safety is the foundation. Always.But safety alone isn’t the goal. Once bodies are safe, the real responsibility begins: progression. In this episode, I talk about the difference between classes that feel good and classes that actually help students improve. Because fun, sweat, and great music…
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You Don't Need Social Media to Fill Your Dance & Fitness Classes | 91
Everyone’s been sold the same lie:“If your dance or fitness classes aren’t full, it’s because you’re not posting enough on social media.” Nope. That’s not the real issue. In this episode, I break down why you don’t need social media to fill your dance classes or fitness classes. We’re talking…
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Likes Don't Fill Classes... Views Do | 90
Most instructors are chasing the wrong thing. Likes. Comments. Engagement.And then wondering why their classes still aren’t filling. In this episode, I break down what actually grows your classes — without turning yourself into a content machine or performing for the algorithm. We’re talking…
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Why Copying Influencers is Hurting Your Business (and How to Grow Instead) | 89
Influencers are playing a completely different game - and if you’re trying to do the same strategies, it may quietly holding instructors back.In this episode, we break down why “viral tactics” don’t translate to full classes, steady income, or long-term student retention.You’ll learn what…
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The January Mistake Instructors Always Regret that Hurts Income and Growth | 88
Every January, dance and fitness instructors brace for the “new year rush”… and then wonder why their income is not growing by February. In this episode, I’m breaking down the January mistake instructors always regret — the one that quietly hurts your income and business growth before the year…
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Knowing Your Why & Staying in the Game for Dance & Fitness Business Growth | 87
In this week’s episode, Soraya — founder of Raqisa and creator of Raq The Barre — opens up about the realities behind building a unique movement method, developing a strong dance fitness brand, and growing a certification program in the wellness world. We talk about the moments most instructors...
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What the Top 1% of Fitness Instructors Do Differently in December | 86
Let’s be real - most dance and fitness instructors slow down in December.But the top 1%? They use this month to grow their dance classes, boost student retention, and lock in a profitable dance instructor business heading into January. In this episode, I’m breaking down: 🔥 Why disappearing in...
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Reinvent to Thrive: How to Build a Long-Term Dance & Fitness Instructor Business | 85
What keeps a dance or fitness instructor in the game for the long haul? It’s not luck. It’s reinvention, resilience, and smart business moves. In this episode of DanceFit Biz Builders, I’m joined by the incredible Nanani - a multi-style artist who’s built a sustainable dance instructor business...
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Boost Your Income: Smart Business Moves for Dance & Fitness Instructors (Because Your Class Deserves a Bigger Stage) | 84
Ever wonder how some instructors are fully booked and making real money online… while others are grinding for pennies? If you’re trying to grow your dance classes, increase student retention, and actually get paid what you’re worth — this episode is your new secret weapon. Jessica, founder of The...
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The Pricing & Upsell Mistakes Costing You Students and Income (And How to Fix Them Fast) | 83
Let’s talk about the thing no one in our industry seems to do enough of - upselling.Yeah, I said it. Most instructors work their butts off building trust, filling classes, and giving value… and then stop right before the finish line. They don’t offer the next step, the deeper transformation, or…
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How Suhaila Salimpour Built an Iconic Bellydance Empire (And What You Can Learn From It) | 82
In this powerful episode, I sit down with the legendary Suhaila Salimpour, whose name is synonymous with the evolution of modern bellydance. We dive into both sides of her brilliance — the method that revolutionized bellydance training and the business mindset that built a lasting global brand....
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Feeling Stuck as an Instructor? How to Know If It’s Time to Level Up or Change Course | 81
This is your wake-up call! Feeling stuck teaching classes that just won’t grow? You’re not alone. You’ve simply got three choices: quit, keep spinning your wheels, or finally get the help that changes everything. 🔹 Need a boost of joy, sweat, and sisterhood? Dance with us in the SharQui Virtual...
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Gossip vs. Growth: How Drama Destroys Your Dance & Fitness Business | 80
Gossip runs deep in our industry. Am I right? Whether it’s whispers about another instructor, studio drama, or passive-aggressive “feedback,” it’s doing more harm than we think. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how gossip doesn’t just hurt reputations - it kills community, trust,...
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The Stressful Truth Behind Class Prep: And How to Grow Without the Overwhelm | 79
Ever wonder what really goes on behind the smiles and playlists of dance and fitness instructors? In this episode, I pull back the curtain on a fitness event where I was the only one teaching on the beat—and the difference was undeniable. And when I chatted with a couple of fellow instructors...
About this show
If you're a dance or fitness instructor who wants to grow your classes, increase your income, and turn your passion into a real business, you’re in the right place. Each week, I’ll break down the exact strategies, lessons, and behind-the-scenes truths I learned from building a thriving bellydance fitness brand. No fluff, no guessing, just real talk on instructor marketing tips, how to fill your classes, student retention, branding and class growth, so that you can build a profitable instructor career. Lace up those dance and fitness shoes — it’s time to build the business you deserve. Let’s do thisHit subscribe now and for kick-ass business success! #BellydanceBiz #BusinessMomentum #DanceEntrepreneurship #PodcastLinksDanceFit Biz Builders groupfacebook.com/groups/bellydancebizbuildersSharQui Instructor Academysharqui.kartra.com/page/siaMy Dance Channelyoutube.com/channel/UCHiBfVYhmOPhTYr948ShiEASharQui Virtual Studiosharqui.kartra.com/page/onlineFacebookfacebook.com/SharQ
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Real Strategies to Get More Students, Earn More, and Build a Thriving Biz
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