THE JUSTIN AND INEKE PODCAST — A podcast for dance parents

YAGP is often discussed online—sometimes very positively and sometimes critically. This episode is not intended to add to that debate or speak for anyone else’s experience. Instead, we share what YAGP was like for our family: why we entered, how we prepared, the atmosphere backstage, the New York Finals, the practical considerations, results and scholarships, and what we believe matters most for a young dancer’s d...

In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we pull back the curtain on the financial reality of elite dance training. We’re breaking down every single expense from our time at the Amsterdam International Summer School—from tuition and travel to those "hidden" costs no one tells you about.

Whether your child is auditioning for London or Amsterdam, this breakdown will help you plan without the stress. Want to take...

Is your dancer struggling with being placed in the back row? In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we speak on how choreographers actually make placement decisions.

We discuss:

1. Why is my child in the back of the dance choreography

2. How dance teachers decide stage placement for competitions

3. Dealing with disappointment in dance role assignments

4. How to talk to a dance teacher about my child's position

5. Dance ...

Is your child genuinely talented, or are they just a hard worker?

In this episode of the JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, explore the questions every dance parent asks but is afraid to talk about. We break down the difference between "potential" and "talent," how to navigate toxic studio politics, and when it’s actually time to consider a professional career.

What we cover on this podcast

Can hard work overcome physical limitation...

Are you prepared for your next dance audition, or are you just showing up?

In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we break down the entire audition process from both sides of the table. From handling rejection and managing mental stress to knowing exactly what choreographers are looking for, we cover the essential steps to ensure you stand out for the right reasons.

What we discuss: When to start your preparation. How to...

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Honest, professional advice on navigating the dance world.

What does it actually take to go from being a student to leading a dance department? In this episode, we sit down with Nishant Bhola—dancer, teacher, and now Head of Dance Teaching—to uncover the professional insights every dance parent and student needs to hear. We dive deep into Nishant’s career transi...

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What does masculinity mean in 2026? In this episode, Justin & Ineke dive deep into the unique pressures facing boys today—from the rise of the "manosphere" to unattainable body standards and the reality of bullying.

Masculinity in 2026, boy dancers, dance parents, raising sons, male dancer bullying, body image in boys. "How to support my son in dance," "masculinity and ...

In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we discuss the often-misunderstood world of boys in dance.

We tackle the tough questions parents face, from addressing stereotypes about sexual orientation to navigating the harsh reality of bullying in ballet. What we discuss: Does dancing determine a child's orientation?

We look at the facts. Strategies for helping boys handle and resist bullying. The emotional toll of suppressing...

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Preparing for dance auditions can be a rollercoaster for both students and parents.

In this episode, we break down the essential "dance audition tips" you need to stand out from the crowd. What panels are actually looking for, we cover the strategic side of getting that "YES" from elite training programmes.

You’ll learn: How to prepare mentally and physically for high-stake...

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Part two of our conversation with Jee-Eun Petitqueux, former professional ballerina and teacher at the Royal Ballet School of Antwerp. In part one she told us what happened when a teacher predicted her ballet career at age ten.

This episode picks up where that left off: how she deals with the overthinking now, as a teacher, a coach, and a mother. We talk about feedback. Not how i...

At ten years old, her teacher told her parents: Your daughter will become a ballerina. A dream come true. And the beginning of years of overthinking, fear of failure, and pressure she never talked about at home.

TED Talk: “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” (2006) - https://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinso...

In this episode, Jee-Eun Petitqueux, a former professional ballerina and current teacher at the Royal Ballet School of A...

What this podcast is about:

"Dance mom advice teen dancers"

"Coping with dance rejection"

"Competitive dance studio culture"

"Supporting child after losing audition"

"How to be a good dance friend"

Watching your child lose a lead role to a friend is one of the hardest parts of being a dance parent. In this episode of The Justin & Ineke Podcast, speak about how to handle these setbacks while protecting your child’s mindset...

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Is your teenage dancer struggling with an injury? In this episode of The Justin & Ineke Podcast, we discuss the emotional and physical side of recovery for dancers aged 13-15.

We speak about how to navigate body changes during puberty, the dangers of returning to the studio too fast, and why your child shouldn't just "stay home" while they heal.

Learn how to talk to teachers ...

Who is this video for: "Boarding school for dancers" "Early professional dance training" "Homesickness in young athletes" "Moving out at 11 for school" "Dance mom anxiety" "Vocational dance school preparation" "Helping teens deal with homesickness "Is your child leaving home at a young age to pursue their dream of professional dance? It’s a moment filled with pride, but also a lot of hidden anxiety and homesickness—for ...

Are dance competitions building your child up—or secretly burning them out? In this episode, we speak on the multi-billion-dollar youth dance industry to reveal the truth about dance competition culture. From the subjective reality of judging scores to the hidden toxicity lurking in studios. We break down what is actually happening behind the scenes. More importantly, we look at sports psychology research to reveal how just T...

A podcast for parents who are raising teenage dancers. In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we break down the shift from "I am scared" to "I am a scared person"—and why our "be positive" instincts might be making it worse.

We share a practical, research-backed 3-sentence script you can use in the car tonight to validate your child's fear without letting it stop them.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why "You'll be fine" is...

Is your teenage dancer struggling with the pressure of school, family, and the studio? In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we speak about the psychology of 12-15-year-old dancers and why they often feel overwhelmed. This episode on teenage burnout and confidence is exactly what parents are looking for. We provide practical ways to support your child through the unique pressures of the dance world.

We discuss:

The "Fe...

In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we explore one of the most sensitive topics in the studio: the dreaded back row. Why isn't your dancer front and center?

Before you call the teacher, watch this. We pull back the curtain on what choreographers actually look for, from reliability and attitude to why the "second cast" or back row is often the backbone of a winning performance.

What we discuss: The psychological reaso...

Is your son facing bullying for dancing? In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we reflect on the emotional journey of raising a boy dancer. We break down the 7 stages of bullying and share how parents can build resilience in their children. We also tackle the "elephant in the room": why only 32% of male dancers feel supported by their fathers. We discuss masculinity, navigating puberty (the 12-year-old drop-off), and h...