Paige and Brianne

Beyond the 8 Count

About the show

Beyond the 8 Count is where the dance world gets real. Hosted by sisters, studio owners, and competition directors Paige and Brianne, we dive into the stories, challenges, and conversations that happen behind the scenes of dance. From studio ownership and competition life to teaching, choreography, and the moments nobody talks about, we're saying what everyone is thinking. Whether you're a dance teacher, studio owner, dancer, or dance parent, you'll find honest conversations, plenty of laughs, and an inside look at the industry we love.

Newest episodes

Is Social Media Ruining Dance? The Truth About Training, Trends & Expectations

Nov 13, 2026 32 min

Is social media ruining dance, or is it changing the industry for the better? In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Paige and Brianne dive into one of the biggest conversations happening in the dance world today: the impact of social media on dancers, teachers, parents, and the future of dance education. Social media has given dancers opportunities and exposure that previous generations could only dream of. But are we creating better dancers, or are we just creating better content? From unrealistic expectations and dance moms comparing their children to viral dancers, to choreography becoming a popularity contest, we're discussing how social media is changing the way dancers train, teachers teach, and parents view their children's progress. We also discuss the pressure young dancers face to grow up too quickly, the impact of constant comparison on mental health, and whether the industry is losing sight of what really matters: proper training, creativity, individuality, and a genuine love for dance. In this episode, we discuss: Are we creating better dancers or better content? How social media is changing parents' expectations. Why dance moms need to trust dance professionals. The pressure on teachers to keep up with viral trends. Is choreography becoming more about views than artistry? The mental health impact of comparison on young dancers. Why proper technique and training still matter. How social media is shaping the next generation of dancers. Social media isn't going anywhere, but maybe it's time we take a closer look at what it's doing to our industry. We want to hear from you! Do you think social media has helped or hurt the dance industry? Subscribe to Beyond the 8 Count for honest, unfiltered conversations about the dance world from two sisters who have spent their lives in the industry. Follow us on Instagram: @beyond.the8count TikTok, and YouTube: @beyondthe8count #BeyondThe8Count #DancePodcast #DanceIndustry #DanceTeachers #DanceMoms #DanceTraining #Dan...

Tia Bee Stokes: A Dance Career, a Cancer Diagnosis & Finding Purpose

Nov 6, 2026 1 hr 5 min

From dancing professionally with Beyoncé at just 17 years old to facing a life-changing leukemia diagnosis, Tia Bee Stokes has a story that goes far beyond the dance floor. In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, we sit down with professional dancer, choreographer, studio owner, and mother of five, Tia Bee Stokes, for an honest and emotional conversation about her journey through the dance industry and the unexpected challenges that changed her life. Tia takes us back to the beginning of her dance career, sharing how she landed her first professional opportunity with Beyoncé, the lessons she learned along the way, and how her passion for dance continued to evolve as she became a mother, teacher, and studio owner. She also opens up about her battle with leukemia, the role faith and family played during some of her most difficult moments, and how those experiences gave her an even greater purpose. In this episode, we talk about: How Tia landed her first professional dance job with Beyoncé at just 17. The realities of building a career in the professional dance industry. Balancing motherhood, family, and a passion for dance. Her leukemia diagnosis and the challenges that followed. The story behind her dance studio, Calamity, and her mission to give back. How faith, community, and dance have shaped her journey. Tia's story is about so much more than becoming a successful dancer. It's about finding purpose when life takes an unexpected turn, using your experiences to lift others, and remembering that your impact can reach far beyond the stage. Whether you're a dancer, dance teacher, studio owner, parent, or simply someone who appreciates a powerful personal story, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Join us on Beyond the 8 Count for an unforgettable conversation with Tia Bee Stokes. Follow Tia Bee Stokes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetiabeestokes/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetiabeestokes YouTube & More: https://link.me/thetiabeestokes Website...

What It REALLY Takes to Become a Professional Dancer | Riley Hackbarth

Oct 30, 2026 34 min

What does it really take to go from competitive dancer to working professional? In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Paige and Brianne sit down with professional dancer, performer, and educator Riley Hackbarth to talk about the realities of pursuing a career in the dance industry. From growing up in Utah’s competitive dance scene to earning a spot on Hollywood Connection’s Teen Company, Riley shares the experiences, opportunities, and challenges that shaped her journey. She takes us behind the scenes of her training at Theater Arts Preparatory School (TAPS) in Las Vegas and her transition into the professional world, including landing a full-time performing position at Universal Horror Unleashed. We dive into what dancers aren't always prepared for when they enter the professional industry, including auditions, rejection, networking, social media, and the importance of being more than just a technically strong dancer. In this episode, we discuss: Riley's journey from competitive dancer to professional performer Auditioning for Hollywood Connection's Teen Company What professional training programs teach beyond dance technique The realities of auditions, rejection, and finding consistent work Why networking, professionalism, and versatility matter Whether dance studios are doing enough to prepare dancers for professional careers The lessons Riley wishes more young dancers understood before entering the industry This conversation is a reminder that being a talented dancer and building a successful dance career are two very different things. Whether you're a competitive dancer dreaming of going professional, a dance parent, or a studio owner preparing the next generation, this episode offers an inside look at what it actually takes to make it in the dance industry. Connect with Riley Hackbarth Follow Riley's professional dance journey, performances, and behind-the-scenes experiences! Instagram: @riley.hackbarth Riley Hackbarth (@riley.hackbarth) • Instagram photos an...

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All episodes

Is Social Media Ruining Dance? The Truth About Training, Trends & Expectations

Nov 13, 2026 32 min

Tia Bee Stokes: A Dance Career, a Cancer Diagnosis & Finding Purpose

Nov 6, 2026 1 hr 5 min

What It REALLY Takes to Become a Professional Dancer | Riley Hackbarth

Oct 30, 2026 34 min

Dance Burnout: Are We Praising Exhaustion Instead of Dedication?

Oct 23, 2026 28 min

Long studio hours, endless rehearsals, demanding competition schedules, and the constant pressure to improve. At what point does dedication become burnout? In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Paige and Brianne tackle a difficult question facing the competitive dance industry: Are we pushing young dancers to reach their potential, or are we pushing them too far? As dance teachers, studio owners, and parents, we want our dancers to succeed. We want them to develop discipline, resilience, strong work ethics, and a genuine love for what they do. But are we sometimes confusing the number of hours spent in a studio with the quality of training they're actually receiving? We challenge the idea that more hours automatically create better dancers. We discuss the difference between healthy dedication and unhealthy expectations, the pressure young dancers feel to never miss class, and why taking time for family, school, friends, and other activities shouldn't automatically be viewed as a lack of commitment. We also explore how easily the dance industry can unintentionally reward exhaustion. When a dancer shows up tired, overwhelmed, or physically drained, we often praise their dedication. But are we teaching them perseverance, or are we teaching them to ignore what their bodies and minds are telling them? And what happens when a child who once loved dance suddenly doesn't want to be there anymore? We share personal experiences from both sides of this conversation, including the difficult reality of watching your own child begin to lose their passion for something that has been such a huge part of your life. This isn't an episode about lowering expectations, eliminating accountability, or suggesting that competitive dancers shouldn't work hard. We believe dedication, consistency, and discipline are essential parts of becoming a successful dancer. But we also believe there's a difference between challenging a child to reach their potential and pushing them to the point where...

Do Dance Teachers Have Favorites? | Beyond the 8 Count

Oct 16, 2026 33 min

In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Paige and Brianne get honest about favoritism. From the students we naturally connect with to the moments when our own teaching deserves a closer look. As dance teachers and studio owners, we’ve seen how differently students can experience the same classroom. A teacher might see a dancer earning an opportunity, while a parent sees preferential treatment. And sometimes, favoritism really is happening. We talk about: The difference between connecting with a student and giving them unfair advantages. Equal versus equitable treatment—and why every dancer won’t always need the same thing. How friendships and personal connections can affect classroom decisions. Why casting, corrections, and opportunities can feel personal. Taking accountability when our actions leave a dancer feeling overlooked. We’re asking ourselves these questions, too. Are we giving every dancer a chance to grow? Are we explaining our decisions clearly? And are we willing to listen when someone tells us we’ve missed the mark? An honest conversation for teachers, dancers, and parents about fairness, connection, and helping every student feel valued, even when their opportunities look different.

Working With Abby Lee Miller: Dance, Teaching & Madhouse | Dominic Rayman

Oct 9, 2026 34 min

How did Dominic Rayman end up working with Abby Lee Miller? It started with taking a chance. For our first guest episode of Beyond the 8 Count, we’re joined by our friend Dom to talk about his journey as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer! The episode includes how he landed an opportunity to work with Abby and appear on Madhouse. Dom shares his first impressions of Abby, what it was like stepping into reality TV, and the behind-the-scenes experiences that came with it. Of course, we also share a few memories of our own, including the time Paige unexpectedly asked him to perform an improv solo for the dancers at her competition. The conversation gets personal as Dom opens up about losing his mother and the role dance played in helping him through that grief. He reflects on his unexpected path into teaching, the relationships he’s built with students, and why those connections mean so much to him. We also explore his approach to the classroom: helping dancers feel supported, making room for joy, and encouraging students to discover their own passion for dance. There are laughs, heartfelt moments, and honest conversations about teaching, taking chances, and finding your way in the dance industry. We’re so excited for you to get to know our friend Dom!

Dance Parents: What Your Studio Owner Wishes You Knew

Oct 2, 2026 35 min

What do dance studio owners wish they could tell every dance parent? In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Brianne and Paige have the conversation studio owners everywhere can relate to. From team placements and parent communication to comparison, studio policies, and the decisions happening behind the scenes, they’re talking about the things dance parents may not always see. They explain why a placement is never a reflection of a dancer’s worth, why studio decisions can’t be made around one child, and why teachers often see more of a dancer’s progress, potential, and classroom behavior than parents realize. They also get into one of the biggest challenges in the dance world: communication. If something is bothering you, talk to your studio before talking about your studio. A misunderstanding can quickly turn into frustration, gossip, and unnecessary drama when a simple conversation could have cleared things up. Most importantly, Brianne and Paige share something they wish every dance parent knew: we really do want your child to succeed. Corrections, placements, boundaries, and policies aren’t meant to work against your dancer. They’re part of running a studio, building strong teams, and helping kids grow. If you’re a dance parent, teacher, or studio owner, this episode gives an honest look at what’s happening on the other side of the front desk, and how parents and studios can work together to give dancers the best experience possible.

Would We Hire You? Dance Teacher Interview Red & Green Flags

Sep 25, 2026 32 min

What makes a great dance teacher? What should immediately raise a red flag during an interview? In this episode, Brianne and Paige break down the red and green flags they look for when hiring dance instructors. From teaching voice and communication skills to adaptability and genuine passion, they discuss what separates an impressive dancer from an effective teacher. They share how applicants should present their accomplishments without relying on someone else’s name or résumé, why personal accolades don’t always translate into teaching ability, and how a willingness to learn and collaborate can matter more than having the most impressive credentials. Paige and Brianne also explain why teachers must be willing to adapt to different ages, levels, and learning styles. Teaching dance isn’t about showcasing yourself. It’s about helping students grow, building their confidence, and contributing to a positive studio culture. Whether you’re a studio owner hiring instructors, a current teacher, or a dancer hoping to teach one day, this episode offers an honest look at what it truly takes to stand out in a dance teaching interview.... for the right reasons.

Dance Teachers Deserve Better Pay… But Are You Worth Hiring?

Sep 18, 2026 33 min

A viral TikTok sparked a bigger conversation: Why are so many dance teachers still being underpaid? In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Paige and Brianne get honest about dance teacher pay, the challenges studio owners face when setting wages, and why passion alone doesn’t pay the bills. After asking their mom what she paid instructors more than 15 years ago, they were shocked to learn that some dance teachers are making the same amount.....or even less, today. They also share what studio owners actually look for when hiring, what belongs on a dance teaching résumé, and why listing the famous choreographers you’ve taken class from isn’t the experience you think it is. In this episode, we discuss: What dance teachers are really earning Why many instructors need multiple jobs The financial realities studio owners are balancing What makes someone a valuable dance teacher The biggest mistakes applicants make on their résumés Why teaching preschool and beginner dancers matters The difference between being a talented dancer and an effective teacher How the dance industry can begin treating teaching like the profession it is Whether you’re a dance teacher, studio owner, aspiring instructor, or dance parent, this conversation offers an honest look at the people responsible for training the next generation of dancers! What their experience, time, and talent are truly worth.

I Never Wanted to Own a Dance Studio… Until I Found Out She Was Selling Hers

Sep 11, 2026 36 min

In this episode, Paige and Brianne compare two very different paths to studio ownership. Brianne shares how it all began when she was asked to teach a small dance class for her friends’ children at a church building. What started as one simple class eventually grew into the decision to find a rental property, build out the space, and officially open her own dance studio. Brianne talks about what it took to build a studio from the ground up, including finding a location, attracting dancers, establishing a reputation, covering the financial obligations, and growing the business one step at a time. Paige shares the challenges she faced on the opposite path: purchasing an already-established studio. She never planned, or even wanted, to own a dance studio, but eventually made the decision to purchase Brianne’s business. While she didn’t have to start from zero, she had to navigate existing expectations, relationships, traditions, financial responsibilities, and the pressure of taking over a studio that already had its own identity. Together, they reveal that neither path is necessarily easier, they are simply challenging in completely different ways. They share what each experience taught them about leadership, change, financial risk, growth, and the realities of becoming a dance studio owner.

After 10 Years, She Walked Away From Her Dance Studio...and I Took Over

Sep 4, 2026 36 min

What really happens when one sister is ready to walk away from the dance studio....and the other decides to take it over? In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Paige and Brianne get into the real story behind the transition of their family dance studio from Brianne to Paige. After growing up in the dance world, teaching together, and each having their own ideas about how a studio should be run, changing ownership wasn’t as simple as just handing over the keys. They talk about what the transition was actually like, why Brianne was ready to be DONE, what made Paige decide to take the studio on, and how their very different personalities and approaches shaped what happened next. You’ll hear about: • What led Brianne to finally decide it was time to sell the studio • Why Paige decided to take it over, and what she was getting herself into • The reality of mixing family relationships with business • The changes Paige made after becoming the owner • The things Brianne and Paige did very differently as studio owners • Teaching, choreography, acro, ballet, and the areas they each naturally gravitated toward • The pressure of maintaining a studio while also trying to make it your own • What they would do differently knowing what they know now And because they’re sisters, there are plenty of disagreements, laughs, and moments where they remember the exact same situation VERY differently. This isn’t a perfectly polished “passing of the torch” story. It’s the real story of one sister being ready to move on, another stepping in, and how that decision changed the studio, and their relationship with it. If you’re a studio owner, dance teacher, dance parent, or just love hearing what really happens behind the scenes of the dance world, this episode is for you. 🎧 Welcome to Beyond the 8 Count! Where we talk about the parts of the dance world people usually only talk about behind closed doors.

Dance Competition Horror Stories: What Really Happens Behind the Scenes

Aug 28, 2026 35 min

Part 2 The dance competition chaos continues, and somehow, the stories get even crazier. In Part 2, Paige and Brianne are back with more of the wild, hilarious, frustrating, and completely unbelievable things they’ve witnessed behind the scenes at dance competitions. What happens when competition gets a little too competitive? From parents crossing the line to questionable tactics, judging frustrations, backstage drama, and moments that leave you wondering, “Did that seriously just happen?” we’re talking about the side of dance competitions that you definitely don’t see from the audience. In this episode, we get into: • When competitive parents take things way too far • A shocking story involving a mom, another dancer, and alleged sabotage • The pressure dancers, teachers, and studio owners feel on competition weekends • Judging decisions that leave everyone scratching their heads • Backstage chaos and the things that happen when emotions are running HIGH • Why winning should never become more important than the dancers themselves After years as dancers, teachers, studio owners, judges, and competition owners, we’ve seen A LOT, and we have the stories to prove it. If you’ve ever competed, taught, owned a studio, sat in the audience as a dance parent, or spent an entire weekend living out of a dressing room… this episode is for you. And trust us....you really can’t make this stuff up. 🎧 Listen to Part 1 first, then come back for even more untold dance competition chaos in Part 2. Want to be featured on a future episode? Send us your questions, crazy dance stories, unpopular opinions, or spill the tea at Beyond the 8 Count.

The Ugly Truth About Dance Competitions | What Really Happens Behind the Scenes

Aug 21, 2026 33 min

Part 1 You see the trophies, rhinestones, costumes, and packed auditoriums, but what actually happens behind the scenes of a dance competition? In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, sisters Paige and Brianne are spilling the stories from behind the curtain at Dance Nation Competitions. And when you’re the ones running the competition, you see everything. From the chaos happening backstage to studio owners, judges, dancers, parents, technical problems, last-minute changes, and those moments that make you stop and think, Did that seriously just happen? Competition weekends are never boring. Paige and Brianne share some of their favorite, funniest, craziest, and most memorable stories from running Dance Nation and talk about what it actually takes to pull off a dance competition. In this episode, we get into: • The things that go wrong behind the scenes that the audience never sees • The absolute chaos of competition day • Funny and unforgettable interactions with dancers, teachers, judges, and studio owners • What it's really like being the competition director when everyone needs something at once • The pressure dancers feel when they step onto that stage • Why some of the smallest moments end up becoming the most memorable ones • The relationships we've built with studios throughout the years • The stories that could ONLY happen at a dance competition Because competitive dance isn't just scores, placements, and trophies. Behind every routine is a dancer who worked for months to get there, a teacher holding their breath in the wings, a parent somewhere in the audience, and a competition staff trying to make sure nobody realizes something is going completely off the rails backstage. If you've ever competed, taught, owned a studio, been a dance parent, judged a competition, or you've just wondered what REALLY happens behind the curtain.....this one's for you. Come backstage with us. We're spilling the Dance Nation tea. 👀 Listen to Beyond the 8 Count and follow along...

We Started Our Own Dance Competition… Here's What We Got Wrong

Aug 14, 2026 39 min

What does it REALLY take to start and run a dance competition? Turns out… a lot more than we thought! In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Paige and Brianne are taking you behind the scenes of how Dance Nation Competitions actually started. From Paige sitting at a competition thinking, “I could run this better,” to somehow turning that thought into an actual business. And, of course, it didn't exactly go smoothly. We're talking about the things you DON'T see from the audience: finding venues, hiring judges, organizing awards, building schedules, dealing with studios, solving problems on the fly, and what happens when everything goes completely off the rails. Including the time Paige injured her knee and somehow ended up leaving the studio in an ambulance, with her first competition only a couple weeks away! In this episode, we're talking about: • How the idea for Dance Nation actually started • What nobody tells you about running a dance competition • The mistakes we made in the beginning • Why having the right people around you changes everything • The absolute chaos that can happen behind the scenes • What we've learned after years of running competitions If you're a studio owner, dance teacher, competition director, dance parent, or just someone who wants to know what REALLY happens behind the curtain, this one's for you. Because the dancers might see a stage, judges and trophies… But behind that curtain? It's a whole different story. Listen now to Beyond the 8 Count.

Our Dance Teachers Took Our Students | The Studio Betrayal We Never Talked About

Aug 8, 2026 37 min

In the world of dance, betrayal can shatter not just careers but also the very passion that fuels them. In this gripping episode, our hosts delve into the emotional turmoil of navigating a studio filled with hidden agendas and loyalty tests. If you've ever faced betrayal in your professional life, this conversation is a must-listen. Join Paige and Brianne as they share their harrowing journey from trusted colleagues to unexpected rivals within the dance studio. They open up about a difficult transition period, revealing the complexities of managing relationships with instructors and parents while maintaining a clear vision for their students. With raw honesty, they discuss the red flags they ignored, the lessons learned, and how to rebuild from the ashes of trust broken. You'll discover: The critical signs of loyalty fractures and how to spot them before they escalate. Effective strategies for keeping instructor and student relationships professional to avoid conflicts of interest. Insight into the emotional weight of leadership and the importance of self-worth amidst external chaos. How to foster a supportive environment that encourages growth and respect among students and instructors alike. The stakes are high: ignoring these lessons can lead to not just a toxic work environment but a deep personal impact that can tarnish your passion for what you love. The opportunity to transform your approach to leadership and relationships in your studio is right here. This episode is essential listening for anyone in the dance community or any professional navigating the choppy waters of trust and leadership. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that not only addresses the pain of betrayal but also offers a roadmap to resilience and renewal.

Why She Really Sold Her Dance Studio | Boundaries, Backlash & Burnout

Aug 1, 2026 30 min

Running a dance studio isn't just about teaching great dancers. It's about creating a culture where students, parents, and teachers can thrive. In this episode of Beyond the Eight Count, we're having an honest conversation about one of the biggest challenges studio owners face: navigating parent expectations while protecting the culture you've worked so hard to build. We discuss why clear policies matter, how to handle pushback professionally, and what happens when one toxic situation begins affecting an entire studio. We also share our own experiences as studio owners, including lessons we've learned about setting boundaries, making difficult decisions, and staying true to our mission, even when those decisions aren't popular. You'll discover: • Why having a clear mission statement is one of the most important tools a studio owner can have. • How to enforce policies without feeling guilty. • Why saying "no" gets easier, and why it's necessary for a healthy studio culture. • The impact one toxic parent can have on students, teachers, and the overall environment. • How to separate business decisions from personal emotions. • Practical advice for creating a studio culture built on respect, accountability, and trust. Whether you're a studio owner, dance teacher, parent, or someone passionate about the dance industry, this episode offers an honest look at the realities of running a studio and protecting the environment you've worked so hard to create. If you've ever struggled with boundaries, difficult conversations, or maintaining a positive culture, this episode is for you.

Running a Dance Studio Is NOT What You Think | What Studio Owners Don't Tell You

Aug 1, 2026 26 min

Introduction: Dance isn't just about performing on stage. It's about family, sacrifice, business, and sometimes surviving the unexpected. In this first episode of Beyond the Eight Count, sisters Paige and Brianne share the story behind their family's dance legacy, what it was really like growing up in the studio, and the unexpected journey that led Paige to purchase the studio from Brianne. They pull back the curtain on the realities of dance studio ownership, the parts people rarely talk about, including the emotional weight of leading a studio, the challenges of an ownership transition, and why running a successful dance business is so much more than teaching great classes. Along the way, they discuss how their family's dance legacy shaped who they are today, what really goes into owning and operating a dance studio, the emotional highs and lows behind the scenes, the story of how Paige unexpectedly became the studio owner, and the biggest misconceptions about studio ownership and the dance industry. They also share lessons they've learned that can benefit dance parents, teachers, studio owners, and anyone considering opening their own studio. Whether you're a dance parent, studio owner, instructor, competitor, or simply curious about what happens behind the curtain, this episode offers an honest look at the passion, challenges, and realities of life in the dance world. This is just the beginning of the conversations the dance industry has been waiting to have.

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Is Social Media Ruining Dance? The Truth About Training, Trends & Expectations

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Podcast details

Created by: Paige and Brianne
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 13, 2026
Episodes: 17
Release period: Weekly
Avg. episode length: 35 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

Links

Official website ↗ Apple Podcasts ↗ RSS feed ↗

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