What It Really Takes to Run a Dance Studio: Suzanne Citere on Business, Communication, and Community
TL;DR
Suzanne Citere, founder of RealDance Studio, shares what it really takes to run a dance studio: the job is about much more than dance. She breaks down common misconceptions, the importance of business skills, and why relationships with students, families, and staff are the heart of studio ownership
Welcome to the first interview for Chief Studio Officer, a podcast by DanceVibes created for aspiring studio directors and current studio directors who want to learn from each other. In this conversation, we’re joined by Suzanne Citere of RealDance Studio in Lighthouse Point, Florida, who shares what it really means to build and run a dance studio.
Suzanne has been a dance teacher for more than 40 years and opened Real Dance in 2003. She just completed her 23rd year in business and is preparing to start season 24 in the fall. Beyond teaching, she says she genuinely loves mentoring new studio owners, teachers, and anyone just getting started. Her DMs are always open, and that generosity comes through in the way she talks about the dance community.
One of the biggest misconceptions new studio directors have, Suzanne says, is believing that most of the job will be about dance. In reality, 90 percent of her time is spent handling things that have nothing to do with choreography, classes, or performances. She mentions everything from air conditioning maintenance and landlord issues to taxes and insurance. Running a studio, she explains, is really like running any other small business.
That’s why she believes aspiring studio owners need an affinity for business just as much as they need an affinity for dance. Loving dance is important, but it is not enough on its own. The day-to-day reality of studio ownership often includes inspections, repairs, scheduling, operations, and problem-solving behind the scenes. For anyone who dreams of opening a dance studio, that business side is not optional; it is the work that makes everything else possible.
Suzanne also points out that the early years can be especially demanding. When a studio is just getting off the ground, the staff is usually small, which means the owner often has to do everything. In her case, she says that changed over time. After more than two decades, she now has a strong team, including a studio manager and faculty she trusts, which allows her to delegate more effectively. Still, she remembers how hard it was in the beginning and how much of the load she carried herself.
Even with all the responsibilities, Suzanne says she stays connected to the parts of the job she loves most. For her, one of the greatest joys of studio ownership is watching students perform, seeing them shine on stage, and being part of that experience. She makes sure to protect competition weekends and show up for the kids because those moments matter to her.
What makes studio ownership truly meaningful, though, is the community built along the way. Suzanne says the best part of owning a dance studio is the relationships she has formed with students, alumni, parents, and faculty members. Those connections are what turn a studio into more than just a business. They create a space where people grow, stay connected, and come back long after their time as students ends.
For anyone thinking about becoming a studio director, Suzanne’s advice is clear: be ready for the business, not just the spotlight. A successful dance studio is built on organization, flexibility, leadership, and heart. And while the work may be more complicated than it looks from the outside, the relationships, performances, and long-term impact make it worth it.
a note from the interviewer, Prisha:
I absolutely loved this conversation with Suzanne. As someone who hopes to become a studio director one day, I walked away with a much deeper appreciation for both the challenges and rewards of leading a dance community. Suzanne spoke honestly about the unpredictability of studio ownership, but what stood out most was the fulfillment that comes from creating a place where dancers feel supported, inspired, and connected.
That commitment to culture is exactly what inspired me to create danZING by DanceVibes. Great studio communities don't happen by accident—they're built through clear communication, consistency, and making sure everyone feels included. danZING was designed to help studio directors strengthen those connections and keep their entire community moving together.
If you're passionate about building a studio culture like Suzanne's, I'd love for you to explore the danZING landing page and see what we're creating for dance studios.