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Dance Studio 411Author: Dance Studio Owner
Need expert advice on handling dance studio dilemmas and drama? Suzanne Blake Gerety and Jill Tirone take real-life questions directly from our listeners and help you resolve your toughest, most frustrating or just-plain-complicated studio life predicaments. In each episode they tackle the topics that keep you awake at night from how to successfully navigate parent-problems, teacher turnover, student challenges, policy dilemmas, and much more. Join them as they feature innovators who pull back the curtain and offer timely ideas and solutions. We also love to keep things light and have fun along the way! Were so excited for you to join the conversation. Language: en Genres: Arts, Business, Performing Arts Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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More Than Marley: Creating Safer, Smarter Dance Spaces with Energize Captivate Sponsor, Gerriets
Episode 81
Wednesday, 23 July, 2025
In this episode of Dance Studio 411, Jill Tirone chats with Bill Brown from Gerriets, a global leader in dance flooring solutions for over 75 years. They cover everything from choosing the right Marley floor to preventing injuries, cleaning and maintenance tips, and the latest innovations from Gerriets. Bill’s technical theater background and passion for helping studios shine make this a must-listen for any studio owner. Episode Timestamps [00:28] – Meet Bill Brown from Gerriets Dance Floors [01:36] – Bill’s background in technical theater and his journey with Gerriets [03:52] – History of Gerriets: From curtains to Marley dance floors [06:00] – Why flooring matters: Cushioning, subfloors, and injury prevention [08:09] – Challenges of multi-use floors: Tap vs. ballet needs [09:36] – The Vario Beat floor: Balancing slickness and grip [09:58] – Overview of other popular Gerriets products like Vario Pro [12:19] – Common mistakes studio owners make when installing floors [15:45] – Cleaning tips and Gerriets new Vario Care product line [18:16] – Gerriets new dedicated dance floor website [19:22] – Rapid-fire Q&A: Mistakes, installation tips, and favorite projects [24:13] – Bill’s favorite part about working in dance flooring [24:55] – Coolest venues Gerriet’s has worked with [26:25] – Final thoughts and how to connect with Gerriets Key Takeaways Subflooring is critical – Concrete floors can cause long-term joint issues without proper cushioning. Marley floors vary by dance style – Ballet, tap, and multi-use studios require different traction levels. The Vario Beat floor balances slickness for tap with grip for ballet thanks to its innovative embossing. Proper cleaning is essential – Use pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaners to maintain Marley’s surface. Gerriets Vario Care line includes daily and deep-clean products plus a protective finish to extend floor life. Ask questions before installing – Delivery logistics, subfloor prep, and correct flooring choice are key. Gerriets new website specifically for dance floors https://gerrietsdancefloors.com/ makes it easier for studio owners to find flooring solutions and request quotes. Bill’s philosophy: The right floor supports dancers’ health and enhances performance while lasting for years. Links Mentioned in This Episode Gerriets Dance Floors: https://gerrietsdancefloors.com/ Energize Conference and Expo: https://www.energizeconference.com/ Dance Studio Owner: https://www.dancestudioowner.com/public/joinnow.cfm Rate, Review & Subscribe! If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring valuable content to the dance community! Running a dance studio is hard work, and growing your studio is even more of a challenge. No matter if you're just starting out—or perhaps you're a well-established owner; we understand that it's a uniquely demanding and personal business to own and operate. Be more effective and productive. As studio owners ourselves, we've been there. But, it's also very possible to be a happy owner of a thriving dance business that you love. Learn More About Membership: https://www.dancestudioowner.com/ Join us at the Energize Conference this August! Connect with other studio owners, gain access to resources and tools, and walk away feeling refreshed for the upcoming season. Learn more at energizeconference.com.