The First Impression Formula: Why Growing Studios Obsess Over the Family Experience

Olivia Mode-Cater

Olivia Mode-Cater is a serial entrepreneur, CEO, and one of the leading voices shaping the future of the dance industry. She is the Founder and CEO of Dance Ed Tips, the world’s leading dance education resource company, whose curriculum, classroom tools, and teaching resources support over 30,000 dance teachers across more than 60 countries. Olivia previously served as the CEO of the Dance Studio Owners Association (DSOA), where she supported over 50,000 studio owners in building more profitable, sustainable businesses and strengthening the impact of their studios within their communities. Her work sits at the intersection of education, leadership, and entrepreneurship, with a mission to elevate the dance industry by empowering the educators who shape it. She equips teachers and studio owners with the tools, confidence, and strategic clarity needed to build classrooms where dancers thrive and businesses that stand the test of time. A sought-after speaker and podcast host, Olivia is known for combining practical strategy with a deep understanding for the art of dance education. Through her work, more than 80,000 dance professionals have strengthened their classrooms, grown more profitable studios, and built careers that are both impactful and sustainable—positively shaping the experience of over one million dancers worldwide. Follow @olivia.modecater

Samantha Brooks

Samantha Brooks is an accomplished dance educator, adjudicator, award-winning choreographer, studio owner, artistic director, and performer with more than 18 years of experience in the dance industry. Throughout her professional career, Samantha has performed extensively throughout the Greater Toronto Area, appearing at notable venues and events including the Air Canada Centre, the Mod Club Toronto, the Annual Greek Fashion Show, the Hearts of Durham Charity Ball, and the Opera House Toronto. 

As the Owner and Artistic Director of a successful dance studio since 2016, Samantha has cultivated a training environment focused on technical excellence, artistic development, confidence, and positive mentorship. She teaches and choreographs across multiple disciplines and her award-winning choreography is recognized for its musicality, storytelling, and strong technical foundation. Samantha is a certified ADAPT instructor and holds additional certifications in Prenatal Yoga and the Alixa Flexibility Module. She has also completed advanced studies in dance psychology for teachers, equipping her with the tools to support dancers both physically and mentally throughout their training.

Passionate about developing well-rounded artists, Samantha is dedicated to fostering excellence, resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love of dance in every dancer she teaches, mentors, and adjudicates.