Vickie Szeplaki

As the owner of Kidz Gym and Dance, Vickie Szeplaki knows that offering something memorable to families is key to standing out in a crowded local market. For her preschool program, that differentiation comes through imaginative, story-driven classes built around the Little Dancer Program.

“I love the program. It’s one of those things that made my studio in my area stand out and be different.”

Rather than offering preschool ballet as a standard technical class, Vickie intentionally creates an experience that families notice and talk about. Each month she introduces a new theme, builds anticipation with parents and students ahead of time, and transforms her classroom environment with themed backdrops and props. The result is a program that feels intentional, engaging, and unique from the moment families walk in.

Creating a Studio Identity Families Recognize

Over time, Vickie’s perspective on what makes a successful dance program has shifted. Early in her career, she focused on training strong dancers. Today, while she still focuses on technique, she sees her preschool dance program as something broader—a place where children feel welcomed, inspired, and excited to return each week.

“They need a place to go and just be themselves as little kids. Let them dream. Let them pretend they’re a princess. Let them dream of owning a castle. That’s what kids are supposed to do.” Vickie told us. That philosophy shapes the culture of her studio as a whole. Vickie intentionally fosters an environment where children feel supported and parents feel confident that their child belongs there.

“What’s expected of them [today] in elementary, middle school, and high school is just so different than it used to be. Children just need a place to go to be themselves. Our job is to be a family and to help each other and support each other.”

For Vickie, the developmentally appropriate technique plus fun monthly themes help her deliver on that promise for her youngest dancers while also building a positive reputation for her studio in the community.

A Preschool Program That Supports Retention and Progression

Vickie believes the monthly themes and stories also support how children learn technique and stay engaged long enough to build a foundation. “This is a program I never would have thought of. It’s very unique and different. When I found it I was thinking: Wow this is great for the preschoolers.”

“Ballet can be very rigid and dry, and it can be very boring. This program introduces ballet so that children are learning ballet steps but almost subliminally. They don’t realize they’re trying to do the steps or that perfect port de bras because of the way we present it… They’re learning ballet movements through a themed story… That’s so much more exciting and rewarding and enjoyable for them.”

Since implementing the curriculum, Vickie has seen increased enthusiasm from her students. And that’s something she believes contributes directly to retention and skill development.

“The kids actually go home and practice. They want to be able to skip or twirl like a certain character from class, so they go home and practice.”

Students also return week after week excited to continue the story, which helps maintain momentum throughout the school year.

Because she has used the curriculum consistently for several years, Vickie is now seeing the longer-term benefit of that engagement as students progress through her studio.

“I’ve had the studio for four and a half years, and I’ve been using the program that long. I’ve got kids at the point where they remember being a part of these classes when they were little. They remember learning whatever steps we were doing at the time and now later on use in ballet. I’ve found that to be really cool.”

Supporting Teacher Development and Program Consistency

As her studio has grown, Vickie has also used the teacher training included in the Little Dancer Program to help maintain consistency across her teaching staff. She had one of her younger teachers go through the training as well so that classes would be delivered as intended and developmentally appropriate for each age group.

“I had a teacher just finish the training program and I think it really benefited her, being a very young teacher… I really wanted her to understand the lesson plans, how they are set up, and how they should be taught.”

Vickie commented further on the program’s teacher training, “I think it really helps all around [with understanding child development]—what to teach at what age… The 3 years olds are going to learn this, this and this. They’re not going to be ready for something more advanced. They need to build a foundation first.”

For Vickie, having a structured approach has made it easier to onboard teachers while ensuring the quality of her preschool program stays consistent.

Listening to Families and Building a Program That Works

With decades of experience as a dancer, performer, studio owner, and nonprofit director, Vickie brings a long-term perspective to running a successful dance business. When asked what advice she would give to someone new to the industry, her answer focused on one of the most important studio-owner skills: listening.

“Listen to your clients. They really are there to help you be successful. Yes, you have an idea of what you want to do. But if the parents and the clients aren’t into it, let it go.”

For Vickie, building a preschool program that families love has helped her create a studio identity that is both welcoming and distinctive. One that keeps students engaged, supports teachers, and gives her studio something memorable to offer.