Season 4: Ep 07
In this episode of Dance Real, Kate speaks with Finnish dance educator, studio owner, and international adjudicator Suvi Salmi about studio leadership, the realities of running a dance school, and the evolving culture of dance training in the age of social media.
Suvi shares the story of how she moved from being a dedicated performer into teaching and eventually opening her own studio. Along the way she developed a clear set of values that guide the culture of her school. One of the most distinctive decisions she has made is choosing not to film classes or post student videos online. Her intention is to protect the learning environment and allow dancers to focus on training, exploration, and artistic development without the pressure of constant public performance.
Kate and Suvi also discuss the role of adjudicators in competitions and how dancers, parents, and teachers can better understand judging systems used internationally. Suvi explains the scoring structure used in many European competitions, where technique, composition, and image are evaluated separately in order to place dancers within a category.
The conversation explores the difference between technical skill and expressive performance, the courage required to develop an original artistic voice, and the pressures dancers face in a highly competitive and digitally visible culture.
This episode offers thoughtful insight for dancers, teachers, studio owners, and parents who are interested in cultivating strong training environments while supporting the long-term development of the dancer.
About the Guest Suvi Salmi is a Finnish dance educator, studio owner, and international dance adjudicator. She has worked extensively across performance and competition environments and brings a thoughtful perspective to dance education, studio leadership, and artistic development. Her work focuses on creating training environments where dancers receive individual feedback, develop strong technical foundations, and explore artistic expression within a respectful and focused learning culture. www.suvisalmidc.fi
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Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.
