The Resilient Dance Teacher Podcast

Every minute in the studio matters. In this episode, we're talking about practical ways to make the most of your class time by identifying your priorities, using choreography with intention, planning smooth transitions, and learning to adapt to what each class brings.

Whether you're a new or experienced dance educator, these simple strategies can help you create more focused, engaging classes while maximizing both learning and movem...

The words we choose as dance educators matter. In this episode, we're exploring how to give feedback that is specific, encouraging, and helps students grow with confidence.

We'll discuss why dance's subjective nature requires us to be mindful of unconscious bias, how our intentions may not always match how feedback is received, and why future-focused language can inspire students to keep learning. I'll also share a personal story ab...

How do we help dancers move beyond the "I can't" mindset? In this episode, we're exploring how to build a growth mindset by creating an environment where challenges, mistakes, and effort are all valued as part of the learning process.

Drawing from my own teaching experience and insights from my Danscend Mental Wellness Certification training, I share four practical ways to help students develop resilience: embracing challenges, beco...

Have you ever felt like you don't deserve your accomplishments, even when you've worked incredibly hard for them? In this episode, we're talking about imposter syndrome—what it is, why so many dancers and dance educators experience it, and how perfectionism and negative self-talk can keep us from recognizing our own growth.

Drawing from both research and personal experience, I share why our beliefs about ourselves often matter...

Are you heading into a new season of teaching feeling stuck, creatively drained, or overwhelmed by too many ideas? You're not alone. In this episode, we're talking about simple, practical ways to reconnect with your inspiration and reignite your passion as a dance educator.

Whether you're planning classes, creating choreography, or simply looking for a fresh mindset, this episode will help you refocus your creativity with actionable...

In this special guest interview, I sit down with fellow dance educator Alice Bruter to discuss the lessons that have shaped her teaching journey. From rediscovering dance after stepping away from it, to navigating the challenges of starting a teaching career, we explore the experiences that have influenced her approach in and out of the studio.

We also dive into her perspective as a dance competition adjudicator, what she's learned ...

In this episode, we're diving into what it really means to teach with kind authority. How do you create a classroom where students respect you, feel safe, and are inspired to grow—without relying on fear, harshness, or losing the professional boundaries that help everyone thrive?

If you've ever found yourself wondering, "Am I being too strict?" or "Am I being too lenient?" you're not alone. Whether you...

Welcome back for Part 2 with Brandon Coleman! If you missed episode 20, I highly recommend going back to listen to it before this episode for a little more context on where we are picking up from. Brandon is a wonderful NYC-based choreographer, educator, and performer with so much knowledge and experience to share, and I just really appreciated our conversation. In part 2 we explore:

• finding your path in your dance teaching care...

Welcome to episode 20! On this first time two-part series on the RDT podcast, I sit down with Brandon Coleman. Brandon is an NYC-based choreographer, educator, and performer. He is a former cast member and rehearsal director for Punchdrunk’s SLEEP NO MORE in NYC and has worked with companies including Visceral Dance Chicago, KEIGWIN + COMPANY, the Metropolitan Opera ballet, VIM VIGOR Dance Company and Hubbard Street Dance Chi...

Every student wants to know they matter—and as dance teachers, we have more influence than we often realize.

In this episode, I'm sharing simple, intentional ways to help every student feel seen, valued, and supported in your classroom. Reflecting on my own experiences as a student, I talk about the lasting impact of feeling overlooked versus receiving genuine encouragement, and why the little moments of connection can shape a...

In this episode, we're exploring how to define and confidently own your teaching style so you can lead your classes with authenticity, purpose, and confidence. We'll discuss ways to clarify the experience you want your students to have, identify the energy you bring into every class, establish healthy professional boundaries, and embrace the artistic voice that feels most natural to you.

We'll also talk about why your students don't...

In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Dooling-Cain, the founder of The Holistic Dance Teacher to explore what it truly means to take a holistic approach to dance education. Moving beyond the latest buzzword, we unpack how teaching the whole dancer—not just their technique—can create more confident, creative, and resilient students.

We discuss tools and strategies that every dance teacher can use to support their stude...

Strength and conditioning is one of the most debated topics in the dance world—but how can dance teachers use it safely, effectively, and realistically within the studio setting?

In this episode, I'm sharing my perspective on strength and conditioning for dancers, including why I believe both traditional strength training and dance-specific conditioning have a place in a dancer’s development. We’ll talk about the r...

Whether you're a brand-new teacher or have years of experience in the studio, this conversation is a reminder that the best teachers are lifelong learners. Growth doesn't require another certification or degree—it often starts with small, consistent steps that lead to meaningful change over time.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why evolving as a teacher benefits both you and your students
• How to identify one area of g...

Today’s guest is the incredible Katie Wilber—a nationally recognized dance educator, choreographer, creative strategist, and marketing professional with more than 15 years of experience in the dance industry. As a former professional dancer and teaching artist, Katie has performed and taught across the country, bringing together artistic excellence and a deep commitment to human-centered learning.

In our conversation, we...

In this episode, I'm sharing five practical organization strategies that help me stay grounded, focused, and prepared throughout the dance season. Whether you're heading into a busy summer schedule, preparing for recital season, or simply looking for ways to reduce overwhelm, these tips can help you create more mental space and spend less time feeling scattered.

We'll talk about:

• How to use an ABC priority list to manage your wor...

In today’s two-part episode, we’re diving into a discussion on teaching performance quality, as well as the dangers of social media in dance education. Can artistry actually be taught? What’s the difference between performance quality and artistic voice? And why am I comparing all of this to cake? Do you feel fatigued from doom-scrolling? All of this will be discussed in today's packed episode.

We explore how danc...

In this podcast episode, I invited on my dear friend and coworker Emma Lochner. In this thoughtful and honest conversation, we explore one of the most important topics in dance education today: how to create classrooms that are both supportive and structured.

For many dancers, training environments rooted in fear, shame, or harsh criticism were once considered “normal” in the pursuit of excellence. While the dance world ...

Lesson planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

In this episode of The Resilient Dance Teacher, we’re talking about how to create intentional, effective dance classes without overcomplicating the process or burning yourself out. Whether you’re teaching ongoing weekly classes, semester-based programs, workshops, or drop-in classes, this episode breaks down practical strategies to help you plan with more clarity a...