Behind the Scenes: The Realities of Being the Daughter of a Dance Studio Owner

Running a dance studio is no small feat, and those who are at the helm often face the challenges of balancing the business with family life.

But what about the kids who grow up in this environment? On a recent episode of Dance Principles United podcast, hosts Amanda and Bec invited their daughters onto the show for a candid discussion about what it's like to grow up as the child of a dance studio owner.

The Perks of Growing Up in the Studio
 

For many kids, being surrounded by the world of dance means endless opportunities, and for Amanda and Bec’s daughters, it’s no different.

Bec’s daughter, Bibi Lou, shared that one of her favorite aspects of growing up in the studio is the chance to be there all the time. “It’s fun being at the studio 24/7,” she said, adding that she loves the freedom to use the studio rooms whenever she likes. For Bibi, the dance studio is like a second home where she gets to engage in multiple activities, including dance, singing, and aerial classes.

Amanda’s daughter, Azalea, echoed similar sentiments, mentioning how she enjoys practicing and spending time in the studio’s cheer room. "You’re there a lot, and you get to use all the equipment," Azalea said. It’s clear that being around the studio gives these girls unique access to an environment full of creative possibilities.

The Challenges and Hardships
 

While the perks are many, being the child of a studio owner also comes with its own set of challenges. Both girls shared that there are times when the realities of their mothers’ demanding careers affect their own lives. Azalea, for example, noted that she sometimes has to spend hours alone while her mom is busy with work calls or other business matters.

Bibi Lou also mentioned the long hours that come with being part of a studio-owning family. “Sometimes it’s annoying because I know other moms are just with their kids a lot,” she said. However, both girls recognized the balance: while their mothers’ work schedules can be tough, the rewards—like exciting holidays and unique opportunities—make it worthwhile.

Working Harder Than Others?

One of the more thought-provoking moments in the conversation was when the girls were asked if they felt like they had to work harder than their peers at the studio. Both Bibi Lou and Azalea agreed that, yes, sometimes they do feel the pressure to set an example. “You have to always be on your best behavior,” Bibi Lou explained, adding that she knows any small misstep is noticed. Azalea also noted that, as a studio owner’s child, she’s often expected to lead by example, which can be both a responsibility and a challenge.

This pressure can be compounded when it comes to things like solo roles or special recognition. “Sometimes,” said Bibi Lou, “it’s hard when I don’t win or get an award because people think I’m favored just because my mom owns the studio.” Both girls expressed how they understand that their mothers sometimes have to be extra cautious not to show favoritism, but that doesn’t make it any easier.

Entrepreneurship at a Young Age

Despite the challenges, both girls are also learning entrepreneurial skills at a young age. As Bec and Amanda shared, the girls recently started their own business: Shimmer and Shine Makeup, a venture aimed at helping dancers and their parents with makeup tutorials and kits. The girls have been involved in every aspect of the business, from creating product kits to designing social media posts.

Their passion for entrepreneurship is clear as they’ve not only worked on their business during school holidays, but have also become adept at using tools like Canva to create professional presentations. "We did a full slideshow presentation for our parents,” Bibi Lou explained. “We wanted them to invest in our business!" It’s impressive to see these young girls taking such initiative, mirroring the hard work and dedication their mothers put into running their own businesses.

Lessons in Hard Work and Resilience
 

Ultimately, the experiences of Amanda and Bec’s daughters highlight the dual-edged nature of growing up in a dance studio environment. While there are definitely challenges—like long hours, the need to be on their best behavior, and the occasional sting of being overlooked for awards—the girls are also learning valuable lessons in resilience and hard work.

As Amanda put it, “They’re gaining so much more than dance skills; they’re learning how to work hard and persevere, which will benefit them in life.”

Both girls recognize that the hard work their mothers put into their businesses is what enables the family to have experiences others might not. “It’s good with the bad,” Azalea said. “We get to do cool things like this holiday, but I know my mom works really hard to make it happen.”

Final Thoughts

For studio owners, the balancing act between work and family is never easy. But for the children of dance studio owners, the experience is a unique one, full of both exciting opportunities and inevitable challenges.

Amanda and Bec’s discussion with their daughters offers a rare glimpse into this world—showing how, despite the difficulties, the lessons in entrepreneurship, resilience, and hard work will stay with these girls for a lifetime.

As Bec summed up, “Hard work equals success, no matter what you do in life.” And if the daughters of these two studio owners are any indication, they are on the path to success, learning from the very best.