Steve Sirico

Steve Sirico: Dance Industry Visionary and Educator

Steve’s journey in the performing arts began over 40 years ago, evolving from a dedicated dancer into one of the most influential voices in dance studio business operations. His early years in the industry were defined by a deep immersion in both pedagogy and the mechanics of running a successful arts organization. This dual focus laid a robust foundation for a career that has shaped the professional lives of thousands of educators and studio owners worldwide. To see more about Steve's journey, click here!

Professional Expertise & Business Acumen

With a career spanning more than four decades, Steve has honed a unique blend of creative and executive skills. As the founder and president of Dance Teacher Web, he transformed a passion for dance education into a premiere online resource platform. His expertise is not limited to the studio floor; he is a celebrated author and seminar speaker who specializes in the "business of dance."

His background in entrepreneurship is evidenced by his ability to scale ventures, such as the upcoming Studio 360 digital suite and the ProLevel Connect performing arts network. This mix of high-level business strategy and artistic integrity has allowed him to navigate the complexities of the industry, from managing large-scale asset transfers to launching global digital initiatives. 

Mentorship and Legacy

A true testament to Steve’s impact on the dance world is the success of his students. He has mentored countless dancers who have reached the pinnacle of the profession, most notably James Whiteside, a Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. Steve’s ability to recognize and nurture elite talent is matched only by his commitment to professionalizing the role of the dance educator.

Through his strategic alliances and partnerships, Steve has remained a central figure in the dance community, collaborating with industry leaders to elevate the standards of dance education and studio management. Check out this video on how to embrace change!

The Dance Teacher Web Conference

One of Steve’s most significant contributions to the industry is theDance Teacher Web Conference and Expo. Hosted at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, this event has become a cornerstone for professional development, bringing together educators from across the globe. The conference serves as a physical manifestation of Steve’s mission: to provide studio owners with the tools, resources, and community support needed to build their own "dance empires."

Philosophy & Classroom Management

Steve’s teaching philosophy is built on the pillars of respect, discipline, and high-performance standards. He is the architect of the "Correction as a Gift" philosophy, a classroom management technique that requires students to acknowledge feedback with an audible "thank you," fostering a culture of gratitude and growth.

His signature exercises, such as "Stand Tall, Stand Proud," are designed to instill confidence in students aged eight and up, ensuring they leave the classroom with a sense of accomplishment. Steve believes that the environment of a dance studio should be one of professional courtesy, where educators and students alike uphold the highest standards of the art form. Check out this great "How To" advanced jazz turn sequence!

Innovations in Marketing and Technology

In an ever-changing digital landscape, Steve has pioneered the "Local Orbit" marketing strategy, emphasizing hyper-local SEO and community engagement for studio owners. His commitment to modernization is further seen in the launch of the Studio Virtual Assistant 360, a tool designed to streamline the administrative burdens of studio ownership. Dance Studio Owners looking to increase profits check this out!

Contributions to the Global Dance Community

Today, Steve continues to lead the industry through the ELEVATE Initiative and his upcoming book, "Building Your Dance Empire: The Master Plan for Today’s Studio Owners and Independent Educators." Whether he is speaking at a national seminar or organizing a massive liquidation sale to support studio infrastructure, his focus remains the same: empowering the next generation of dance leaders to achieve sustainable success while maintaining their passion for the art of movement.

👇Click on the image below to watch Steve's jazz combination 👇