All Episodes

September 9, 2025 76 mins

It was so fun to reconnect with Matthew Palfenier for episode 133, part six of our Belhaven Dance Alumni series! We reminisce about our time at Belhaven University and the sense of camaraderie that was built during that season. Matthew and I explore his journey from early foundations in the arts, to his time at Belhaven, to becoming a professional dancer and educator. He shares about the pressure cooker experience of the professional dance world, and the importance of self-reflection in the face of burnout. We also chat about the power of community and mentorship, especially during times of uncertainty.

Matthew gives us insight into his transition from performing to teaching, both the challenges and rewards of learning a new skill set. I love how Matthew values passing on knowledge to the next generation and guiding his students as they learn to embrace their unique path as an artist. He also touches on the significance of choreography as a door to conversation and building deeper connections with others.

Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠!

. . . . .

Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.

. . . . .

Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!

⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠

Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-133/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:

Belhaven University, dance, pandemic impact, teaching, choreography, arts community, personal growth, mentorship, dance education, artistic journey, burnout, self-reflection, community, choreography, artistic perspective, faith-based art, emerging artists

. . . . .

Let's Connect!

Instagram & Facebook:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

. . . . .

The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist

CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist

It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.