Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Dance Dad With John Corella
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP 59: Before Dance Moms there was Julie's Jazz Pizzazz | 08 Oct 2026 | 01:06:20 | |
Julie Renn spent years telling her students anything was possible. Then the industry hardened her, and the day she talked her own daughter out of an audition showed her what that had cost. Her story offers an honest look at how to inspire young dancers without letting fear do the teaching.
On Dance Dad, host John Corella, co-creator of Dance Moms, sits down with the choreographer and producer behind Julie's Jazz Pizzazz. As a competitive dance studio owner, Julie opened her first studio at 17 and went on to put about 35 groups on Star Search. John grew up watching those groups from the competition floor, and he still credits them with the magic that pulled him into dance.
Julie shares what producers told her after she arrived at the show with ten brand-new routines, and how that advice changed her approach to dance competition choreography. She opens up about dealing with dance moms and the parent rivalry that never really goes away. She also tells the story of a shy student, a pair of scissors, and a night in the studio bathroom that set him on an unexpected path.
For teachers and parents who care about inspiring kids, Julie's answer to how to inspire young dancers is simple to say and harder to live. Listen now to hear what she would teach differently today and why she calls dance the car that never runs out of gas.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Dance Dad with John Corella and Guest Julie Renn 03:01 Opening a Dance Studio at Just 17 09:04 Julie's 35 Star Search Groups and Champions 14:44 Why Producers Told Her to Reuse Choreography 19:55 Why Competition Dance Became Too Expensive 26:39 How to Inspire Young Dancers to Dream 35:04 Former Students Who Reached Broadway and Hollywood 41:57 What Julie Really Thought About Dance Moms 45:33 Why Julie Speaks Out for Equality 1:01:28 The Haircut That Changed a Young Dancer's Life
Connect with Julie Renn:
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Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 58: Dörte Thümmler: Olympian and World Champion — My Survival My Voice | 24 Sep 2026 | 01:30:55 | |
Dörte Thümmler won a world title at 15. She learned what had been done to her body years later.
On Dance Dad with John Corella, host John Corella, co-creator and executive producer of Dance Moms, sits down with Dörte, a 1987 world champion on uneven bars and 1988 Olympic medalist from East Germany. John brings his own history as a competitive dancer to the questions. This Dörte Thümmler gymnast interview gives a firsthand account of the East German gymnastics doping scandal, told with a translator beside her.
Dörte started in a sports kindergarten at age three and later trained at SC Dynamo Berlin. She choreographed her own floor routines but never got to choose the music. Then a new coach arrived and everything about training changed.
Listen for why she believes positive motivation would have won her more, and what she learned in 1998 about her own family. She also shares what speaking up cost her when most girls around her stayed quiet.
Her Olympic gymnast abuse story includes Dynamo Berlin gymnastics doping and GDR state sponsored doping. Today she stands with East German doping program athletes who are asking the German government for a monthly pension.
Press play to hear what Dörte wants coaches and parents to understand about the east german gymnastics doping scandal and why speaking up still matters. Her answers on how to keep young athletes safe are plain and worth hearing. This conversation includes accounts of childhood abuse, so please listen with care.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Meet Olympian Dörte Thümmler and Her Translators 06:00 Starting Gymnastics at Three in East Germany 10:26 Alyssa Liu and Leaving Toxic Coaching 22:39 Ballet, Point Shoes, and Choreographing Her Own Floor 28:04 The Coach Change That Broke Her Love 36:36 Why Positive Motivation Would Have Won More 46:41 What Speaking Up Cost Her 51:37 Learning the Truth About State Doping 1:12:14 Advice to Keep Young Gymnasts Safe 1:25:29 The Boldest Thing She Has Done
Connect with Dörte Thümmler:
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Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 57: Men's Gymnastics is So Gay with Andrew Chupp | 27 Aug 2026 | 01:10:55 | |
Andrew Chupp’s Britney Spears mashup went viral, even catching the attention of longtime Britney Spears choreographer Brian Friedman. But the routine also drew hundreds of angry comments from strangers furious about a man competing in women’s gymnastics events. Host John Corella brings on Andrew, an adult gymnast, photographer, and coach with more than a decade of coaching experience who now specializes in optional-level gymnastics, for a conversation on Dance Dad recorded ahead of his trip to the 2026 Gay Games in Valencia.
Andrew explains how he answers the people who say beam is not his to use, and what changed the night he had a dream that sent him back into training after years away from the sport. He also shares the comments he hears whenever he posts himself on beam and the tools that help him keep online backlash in perspective, plus the injury that had him nervous about being ready for Spain and the Gay Games.
John and Andrew talk about what happens when male gymnasts challenge old ideas about masculinity and femininity, why more gyms are making room for adult gymnastics, and how organizations like AAU, NAIGC, and NGA are creating ways for adults to compete, and what it means for LGBTQ+ athletes in sports to compete without hiding who they are. Andrew has become one of the more visible faces of adult gymnastics and of men competing in women’s gymnastics events, and he does not soften the parts of the conversation that make people uncomfortable.
Press play for a conversation about beam, boldness, and what it actually costs to stay in a sport that was not built with you in mind.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcoming Andrew Chupp To The Meet 02:02 Previewing The 2026 Gay Games In Valencia 04:51 A Man Competing In Women's Gymnastics Events 05:35 Andrew's Childhood Gymnastics and Being Forced Into Boys’ Events 10:22 The Dream That Brought Him Back 14:18 The Viral Britney Spears Floor Routine 16:31 Backlash, Trans Athletes, and the Olympics Debate 25:19 Healing Gymnastics Trauma As An Adult 44:18 Closing The Access Gaps In Adult Gymnastics 49:47 Safe Spaces, Vulnerability, and Family Acceptance
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 56: Dance Moms Star’s Experience With Racism in Dance with Nicaya Wiley | 13 Aug 2026 | 01:03:24 | |
The racism in the dance competition world doesn't always show up as outright hostility. Sometimes racism looks like a studio owner quietly leaving your name off the audition list.
Nicaya Wiley spent seasons two through seven on Dance Moms, and on this episode of Dance Dad with John Corella, she gets honest about what the experience cost her. Growing up as a Black dancer in a predominantly white studio meant rarely receiving corrections in class, questioning whether her body was built for this, and getting body shamed on national television before she was old enough to process what was happening.
Her mom is central to everything. She submitted Nicaya directly to casting when the studio tried to quietly leave her off the list. She faced racial slurs in the dressing room, none of which made the air. She came out as gay on the show, which Nicaya calls the boldest thing she has ever witnessed. And she raised a daughter who eventually learned to stop apologizing for the body she was born in.
Black dancers and body image in dance training is something the industry still doesn't talk about enough. Nicaya reflects on what changed for her after studying with the late Judith Jamison and what diversity in professional dance feels like now, performing aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship with castmates who finally look like her.
If you've been wondering about the Dance Moms cast and where they are now, Nicaya Wiley is still dancing, still growing, and still the person her mother raised her to be.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Nicaya Wiley on Racism in the Dance Competition World 01:32 The Four Questions With John and Nicaya 03:14 Training With Judith Jamison at Alvin Ailey 05:39 Learning to Never Apologize for Who You Are as a Dancer 07:38 Body Standards and Race in the Dance Competition World 10:40 The Economics of Flexibility in Dance Training 15:37 How Nicaya's Mom Got Her on Dance Moms 18:36 What Her Mom Taught Her About Standing Your Ground 22:04 Dealing With Cyberbullying After Dance Moms 26:03 Losing Her Brother and Father and Dancing Through Grief 31:40 Seeing Real Change in Diversity in Professional Dance 43:44 How to Address Racism in the Dance World 51:03 Best Memories From Dance Moms 56:59 What Dance Means to Nicaya Wiley 1:00:10 Favorite Dancer, Choreographer, Style, and Dance Movie
Connect with Nicaya Wiley:
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 55: Countdown to LA28 with Olympic Gold Gymnastics Champion Daniela Silivas | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:54:38 | |
The countdown to LA28 has officially begun, and there's no better way to kick it off than looking back at the gymnast who made history in Seoul. Three-time gold medalist Daniela Silivas joins Dance Dad with John Corella to explain how ballet training shaped her gymnastics long before LA28 was even a headline.
Daniela grew up training in communist-era Romania, where her first year of gymnastics consisted entirely of ballet, flexibility, and strength training, seven days a week. She breaks down how gymnasts use dance training to build the control that shows up later on beam and floor, the same foundation today’s LA28 hopefuls are building, whether they realize it or not.
She also revisits her floor performances at the 1987 World Championships, where she earned three perfect 10s across the competition, and the story behind the skill now known as the Silivaș mount on balance beam. That routine helped carry her to Seoul, where she medaled on every event and became one of the most decorated gymnasts in Olympic history.
As the world turns its attention to LA28, Daniela's story is a reminder of what it takes to get there. Listen to the full episode to hear how a ballet training that began when she was five years old in Romania turned into three Olympic gold medals, and why the fundamentals still matter more than the flash.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Meet Three-Time Gold Medalist Daniela Silivas 02:24 Winning World Championship Gold As A Team 06:51 Inside The Legendary 1987 Romanian Team 10:59 Why Ballet Comes Before Gymnastics In Romania 16:24 Performing Compulsory Routines For Judges And Crowds 20:27 Throwing A New Skill At The Olympics 27:33 Falling In Love With Gymnastics At Five 33:44 Turning Nerves Into Confidence On Beam 38:14 Coaching The Next Generation Of Gymnasts 47:44 Creating The Silivas’ Mount On Beam
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 54: Dear John: Happy 15th Birthday Dance Moms! | 16 Jul 2026 | 00:29:12 | |
Nationals season exposes how dance families handle pressure, pride, and time together. On this episode of Dance Dad with John Corella, host John Corella shares hard truths about dance competition nationals and why Nationals are not a vacation for dancers, teachers, or parents. He explains why dancers should aim to peak later in the season instead of too early, why rest matters once the season ends, and why over-planning often comes from fear rather than love. Families heading into dance competition nationals will hear advice on staying focused when the pressure hits hardest.
John also gets personal about safety and identity inside the dance world. He states plainly why dance is gay at heart and why LGBTQ+ representation in dance still falls short. He makes the case to stop hiring straight actors for gay roles and to give gay performers room to tell their own stories. He also addresses dance parent burnout and the quiet cost of chasing perfection instead of presence with your child.
John draws on decades inside the competition world to remind families how fast the years pass. This episode feels like a coffee chat with a friend who tells you the truth. Tune in to Dance Dad with John Corella for straight talk on competition season, identity, and presence with your kid during the moments you never get back.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome Back to Dance Dad With John Corella 02:27 Recapping Past Guests and Community Stories 04:56 Staying Focused During Dance Competition Nationals 07:16 Why Rest and Intensives Matter After the Season Ends 09:42 Letting Go of Over-Planning and Fear 12:08 Feeling Safe as a Gay Man in the Dance World 14:11 Healing Through Internal Family Systems Therapy 21:28 Calling Out Studios That Use the LGBTQ Community 23:51 Dance as a Gay Platform and Real Allies 26:21 Stop Hiring Straight Actors for Gay Roles 28:19 Staying Present With Your Child
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 53: The Agent Conversation Every Dance Mom Needs to Hear with Lisa Lindholm | 02 Jul 2026 | 01:10:32 | |
Getting a talent agent is one of the most misunderstood steps in a young dancer's career, and most families are going in blind.
John Corella sits down with Lisa Lindholm, vice president of Go 2 Talent Agency, for an honest conversation about what it actually takes to get a dance agent, what agents are really looking for, and how parents can support their kids without getting in the way.
Lisa breaks down the difference between competition dance vs commercial dance, and why the tricks that win trophies are not always what books jobs. She talks about how to get a dance agent from the ground up, including what makes a strong submission and why you should always verify an agent through the SAG-AFTRA or ATA websites before signing anything.
The conversation also gets real about the mental health side of the business. Lisa shares how she supports clients through burnout and career breaks, and why open communication with your agent is not a weakness. She also calls out the green flags agents bring to the table, what parents should look for when evaluating representation, and why you should never pay to sign with anyone.
For dance parents researching agent submissions and dancers looking for dance audition tips for kids, this episode of Dance Dad with John Corella is the resource you did not know you needed.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Meet Lisa Lindholm of Go 2 Talent Agency 06:21 What Agents Look for When Signing Young Dancers 08:17 Why Kids Need to Stay Kids in the Entertainment Industry 11:04 Lisa's Dance Background and Path to Los Angeles 19:02 Competition Dance vs Commercial Dance Explained 22:24 How to Get a Dance Agent as a Submission 26:31 What Makes a Strong Reel and Headshot for Kids 32:32 How Much Should Parents Be Involved in Their Child's Career 36:03 How to Handle Rejection in the Dance Industry 37:15 Green Flags When Evaluating a Dance Agent 43:20 Mental Health and Communicating Openly With Your Agent 46:31 The State of Dance Training in Los Angeles 51:47 What the Dance Industry Really Thought About Dance Moms 55:18 Social Media Presence and Whether Agents Actually Care
Connect with Lisa Lindholm: Visit the Go 2 Talent Agency website
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 52: Nothing Scares Men More Than A Feminine Boy Who Dances with Bronson Arrivillaga and his Dance Mom Katlyn | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:58:06 | |
Bronson Arrivillaga is only 10 years old, but he already knows what it means to take up space.
He has performed in the Super Bowl halftime show with Bad Bunny, landed a role on The Pitt, and competed on stages where confidence is not optional. Yet what stands out most about Bronson is not the size of the opportunity. It is the way he talks about dance as a form of storytelling, self-expression, and connection.
In this episode of Dance Dad, host John Corella sits down with Bronson and his mom, Katlyn, for a conversation about what it means to be a boy in dance, especially a boy who refuses to shrink himself to make other people comfortable.
Bronson also talks about the harder parts. Dance moms bullying, negative online comments targeting his videos, and being questioned just for showing up as himself. His response every time is to walk back to his people and keep going.
From wearing Tiger Friday with zero apology to competing in multiple group dances and solos this season, Bronson is clear about one thing. Anything you do should make you feel happy and powerful. Katlyn's steadiness as a parent runs through the whole conversation and makes it clear why Bronson moves through the world the way he does.
His dreams are already becoming his life. He is playing characters on network TV, performing on the biggest stages in the world, and he is just getting started.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Meet Bronson Arrivillaga: Boy Dancer Inspiration Behind the Super Bowl Halftime Show 03:15 Finding Happiness and Purpose Through Dance 07:09 Why the Family Moved From Indiana to LA to Chase His Dreams 09:55 What It Was Really Like Performing the Super Bowl With Bad Bunny 12:57 Behind the Scenes Secrets From the Bad Bunny Halftime Show 16:57 What Bronson Loves Most About Dance and Competing 23:31 The Story He Most Wants to Tell Through Dance 27:26 How Bronson Shows Adults What It Means to Be Yourself 28:38 Dealing With Dance Moms Bullying and Online Hate 34:15 Feeling Safe at Dance Conventions as a Boy Who Dances 39:30 Why Bronson Loves Acting Just as Much as Dance 40:37 Playing Patient Ben Baker on The Pitt 48:28 Competing to Prince and Wednesday This Season 50:45 Favorite Choreographers, Dancers, and Dance Movies 55:40 The Boldest Things Bronson and Katlyn Have Ever Done
Connect with Bronson Arrivillaga:
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 51: Pride or Problematic: Is Heated Rivalry Good for Gay Men? | Jake & Kendrick, The JK But Gay Show | 04 Jun 2026 | 01:26:50 | |
Jake and Kendrick came on Dance Dad to talk about Heated Rivalry. They ended up talking about something much harder: what gay men are taught to hide from themselves and each other.
John Corella, host of Dance Dad and co-creator of Dance Moms, sits down with Jake and Kendrick of The JK But Gay Show for a Pride Month conversation about body image, masculinity, friendship, intimacy, and the stories gay men carry into adulthood. The episode starts with a debate about Heated Rivalry, but it quickly becomes more personal than anyone expected.
John came in skeptical of the show. Jake and Kendrick came in as fans. What they work out together touches on gay body image issues, whether therapy changes the way you consume media, and whether a show can be pure entertainment and still carry a real responsibility to the people watching it. Nobody wraps it up neatly, and that is what makes it worth listening to.
The conversation gets personal fast. Jake talks about growing up where crying was not acceptable and what that cost him. Kendrick shares a coming out story that started during confession at the Vatican. John reflects honestly on why he kept falling for emotionally unavailable men. LGBTQ masculinity is not treated as a talking point here. It comes up the way it actually lives, inside specific memories and patterns that took years to name.
Underneath all of it is the thing Jake and Kendrick built together. Real gay male friendship is rarer than it should be, and they started their show because they knew that. Gay men and emotional maturity, platonic loyalty, and what it looks like to grow alongside another person are not side topics here. They are the whole foundation.
This is one of those episodes that stays with you.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome to Dance Dad with John Corella 02:10 Meet Jake and Kendrick of the JK But Gay Show 08:31 Does Heated Rivalry Give Gay Men Body Image Issues 15:55 Hiding Your Identity in Sports and the Closet 41:17 Does Heated Rivalry Reinforce or Challenge Masculinity 48:12 Why Gay Men Are Drawn to Emotionally Unavailable Partners 52:51 The Difference Between Sex and Intimacy for Gay Men 59:46 A Gay Therapist Explains Why Heated Rivalry Feels So Good 1:17:06 Kendrick's Coming Out Story at the Vatican 1:21:04 Favorite Selena Quintanilla Songs 1:24:10 The Boldest Thing Each of Them Has Ever Done
Connect with Jake and Kendrick: Follow Jake and Kendrick on Instagram
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 50: Gen Z Men Redefining Dance with Rahja "King" Fuller | 21 May 2026 | 01:23:32 | |
Rahja Fuller did not luck into the Brandy and Monica Tour. He trained for it, prepared for it, and walked into the audition like he belonged there.
On Dance Dad, host John Corella talks with dancer, singer, actor, and former Pop Money member Rahja Fuller about how to become a professional dancer with focus, humility, and real industry awareness. At just 19, Rahja has already moved from competition dance to major stages.
Learning how to become a professional dancer is not only about being talented. It is about doing the small jobs before the big ones, taking unpaid opportunities when they build real experience, and understanding that relationships matter. Walk in like you belong there. Let your personality show. Stay present in the room. Focus on what makes you stand out instead of worrying about who else might book the job.
This conversation also gives space to a thoughtful discussion about Gen Z, masculinity, and the expectations placed on young men in dance. Rahja speaks openly about ballet, contemporary, hip hop, breakdance, and the way masculinity and male dancers are often talked about from the outside. His take on masculinity is rooted in confidence, discipline, self-respect, and comfort in your own skin.
For young dancers, parents, teachers, and anyone trying to understand what it really takes to build a career in entertainment, this episode offers more than a success story. It is a clear reminder that preparation matters long before the audition starts. Rahja is young, driven, and already thinking like someone who wants to bring people with him. Work hard. Stay ready. Know your history. And when the room opens, dance like you already know why you are there.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Dance Dad with John Corella and Guest Rahja Fuller 02:56 How Rahja Booked the Boy Is Mine Tour Audition at 19 04:08 Why Dance Competition Kids Make Better Professional Dancers 11:52 What Competition Dance Teaches You About Rejection and Resilience 28:26 The Role of a Supportive Dance Dad in a Dancer's Success 41:27 Dance Audition Tips from a 19-Year-Old Who Booked a Major Tour 54:39 Masculinity and Male Dancers in 2026 1:07:27 Why Doing Free Work Is Essential to Building a Dance Career
Connect with Rahja Fuller:
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 49: Season 3 Premiere Episode: When Her Boys Became Men on Stage with My Dance Mom | 07 May 2026 | 01:22:48 | |
For anyone raising boys who dance, this Mother’s Day episode will hit home fast. In this season 3 premiere episode of Dance Dad, John Corella sits down with his mom Sylvia and his brother Joseph for a conversation that goes far beyond recital memories. It gets into what it really takes to believe in a child before the rest of the world catches up. Sylvia shares what it meant to be a dance mom for two sons in an environment that did not always make room for boys who dance, and why supporting boys in dance can shape far more than talent. It can shape confidence, identity, and the courage to stay true to yourself.
There is a lot here for listeners who want honesty, heart, and a few Dance Mom funny moments too. You get family stories about competitions, Broadway, Star Search, tough feedback, and the kind of humor only siblings and a seasoned dance mom can bring. You also hear how Sylvia’s life experience as a survivor of cancer, stroke, and loss gave her a deeper sense of faith and perspective. That turns this into more than a family tribute. It becomes real inspiration to be kind, stand up for your kids, and keep going through hard seasons. If you care about parenting, resilience, or the lasting impact of believing in boys who dance, this one is worth your time.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Mother’s Day Special With Sylvia Corella and Joseph Corella 05:22 How a Dance Mom Supported Boys Who Dance 16:20 Bullying, Courage, and Supporting Boys in Dance 20:23 Advice for Dance Moms Raising Boys Who Dance 33:08 Cancer, Faith, and Staying Strong Through Hard Seasons 36:42 Broadway, Star Search, and Proud Family Milestones 44:59 What Winning Means in Dance and in Life 53:55 Dance Parent Pressure, Judgment, and Protecting Young Dancers 01:00:21 Betty Boop, Dance Memories, and Funny Family Moments 01:09:13 Bold Choices, Moving Away, and Building a Creative Life
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| Bonus Episode: How to Win at Dance Competitions: What Alysa Liu Actually Reminded Us | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:38:38 | |
Mental performance coaching is changing how athletes and parents think about success in youth sports. In this bonus episode, John Corella and mental performance coach Lisa Mitzel discuss how a healthier youth sports mindset can help young athletes compete with confidence without losing their sense of self. The discussion draws inspiration from Olympic champion Alysa Liu, whose approach to competition highlights the power of present moment performance and emotional awareness.
Lisa explains how mental performance coaching helps athletes stay grounded during pressure moments instead of becoming trapped in results, expectations, or fear of mistakes. Alysa Liu’s journey illustrates how athletes can perform at the highest level when they trust their instincts, respect their bodies, and remain present during competition. Present moment performance allows athletes to stay connected to what they are doing instead of obsessing over scores, placements, or approval from others.
Parents also influence how young athletes experience competition. John and Lisa discuss how family values shape the environment around training and performance. Parents often feel pressure to protect children from disappointment, yet mental performance coaching shows that resilience develops when kids learn to face setbacks with support instead of avoidance. This youth sports mindset encourages patience, accountability, and emotional strength.
The conversation also addresses body image and the messages young athletes receive about their bodies in dance and sports. Through sports parenting advice and real examples from training environments, John and Lisa encourage parents to create conversations that help children appreciate their bodies and build confidence from within.
Mental performance coaching appears throughout the episode as a framework for helping athletes manage pressure, respond to mistakes, and compete with greater awareness. Parents who want a healthier youth sports mindset will hear practical sports parenting advice that supports both performance and well-being.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Mental Performance Coaching and Youth Sports Mindset 01:27 Alysa Liu and the Power of Present Moment Performance 04:34 Sports Parenting Advice and Building Strong Family Values 08:57 Shifting From Results to a Healthy Youth Sports Mindset 13:00 Present Moment Performance vs Perfection in Competition 20:03 Mental Performance Coaching and Learning From Failure 29:44 Parents, Pressure, and Accountability in Youth Sports 33:05 Alysa Liu and Joy in Competition
Connect with Lisa Mitzel:
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 48: How to Audition for Convention Scholarships | 25 Dec 2025 | 00:32:00 | |
Auditions take on a new clarity as John Corella shows how dancers can stay grounded, choose an outfit that supports their presence, rely on their 3 tricks, and move through the journey with steadier confidence.
John talks openly about the pressure dancers feel and the emotional weight parents carry. It raises important questions. What helps someone stay centered in a room full of nerves? How does a dancer build confidence when the result is out of their hands? He explains why courage grows in spaces where dancers can try, fail, and continue without shame. He also breaks down what teachers actually notice, from focus and kindness to an outfit that helps them remember you. His take on improv feels especially helpful. The 3 tricks approach gives dancers something reliable to lean on when the moment feels unpredictable.
Listeners will leave with a clearer sense of the audition journey and the mindset that helps a dancer stay steady through every high and low.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Dance and Auditions 03:03 Navigating the Audition Process 05:52 Preparing for Auditions: Tips and Tricks 08:46 The Importance of Presentation and Focus 12:10 Understanding the Audition Environment 15:10 Improv and Showcasing Your Strengths 18:04 Coping with Rejection and Disappointment 20:57 Post-Audition Reflections and Growth 23:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 47: Holiday Episode with Yvette Walts from Dance Moms, AUDC | 11 Dec 2025 | 01:01:27 | |
Yvette Walts opens up about the pressure tied to Dance Moms fame, the panic attacks that surfaced once episodes aired, and the steady purpose that guides her work as a studio owner.
John Corella invites her to revisit the intense reality-TV environment that shaped so much of her early public life, and the conversation turns into an honest look at what happens when you see a version of yourself on screen that doesn’t match who you believe you are. How do you process that kind of shock? What helps you find your footing again? Yvette shares the role her community played as she worked through anxiety and self-forgiveness and she reflects on the difference between reacting in the moment and living with those reactions once millions of people have seen them.
Yvette also brings forward two decades of insight from owning a dance studio and explains how structure, clarity, and genuine care built a space where more than a thousand students feel supported. What does it take to create a place that feels safe for growth? How do you lead with both expectation and compassion? Through stories from AUDC and Dance Moms and through reflections on panic attacks and leadership, this episode shows the resilience required to stay centered in a world that rarely gives you time to catch your breath.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Yvette Walts Joins John Corella 03:08 Behind the Scenes of AUDC 05:48 Reacting Under Stress on Reality TV 07:30 Regret, Self-Forgiveness, and Online Judgment 08:58 Panic Attacks After Seeing Herself on TV 19:47 From Gymnastics to Owning a Dance Studio 25:08 How Dance Moms Impacted Her Business 32:18 How Her Teaching Style Evolved Over Time 48:12 The Systems Behind a 1,100-Student Studio 49:53 Creating a Full Studio Experience 53:25 Advice for Studio Owners on Brand and Culture 01:00:06 Creative Influences and Final Reflections
Connect with Yvette Walts:
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 46: Defying Gravity for 15 Years With Wicked Dance Justin Wirick | 27 Nov 2025 | 01:07:02 | |
Fifteen years in Wicked collide with grief, queer joy and the quiet rituals that keep a performer brave eight shows a week.
With part two of the Wicked movie now in theaters, John Corella celebrates the moment by revisiting his conversation with Justin Wirick, a longtime dancer with the Broadway National Tour of Wicked. What begins as a lighthearted holiday replay opens into a layered, intimate look at creativity, identity, resilience and the emotional depth woven into performing the same show thousands of times.
Justin shares how ritual, presence and community have sustained him through the demands of touring life, the pressure of staying fresh onstage and the grief of losing his mother. He reflects on the ways Wicked mirrors the lived experiences of queer performers who spend years learning to celebrate the parts of themselves they once hid. This episode is a reminder that the courage to keep showing up for your art and for your truth is its own form of defying gravity.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome and Wicked Movie Celebration 02:00 Justin Wirick on Nerves and Finding His Voice 05:30 Fifteen Years in Wicked and Touring Life 12:44 How Justin Finally Joined Wicked After Three Offers 17:41 Wicked Choreography: Stage vs Film 23:54 Justin’s Rituals for Calming Nerves Before Every Show 37:04 Choosing Joy and Staying Fresh After Thousands of Performances 41:08 Performing Through Grief After Losing His Mom 41:25 Why Wicked Resonates With LGBTQ+ Audiences 54:32 Staying Kind and Grounded in a Tough Industry 01:04:15 Dance Lightning Round and Where to Follow Justin
Connect with Justin Wirick:
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 45: The Boy Is Mine Tour Dancer with Charm Spencer | 13 Nov 2025 | 01:01:45 | |
Charm Spencer opens up about tour life - the late nights, the travel, and the mindset that keeps him grounded while performing on The Boy Is Mine Tour with Brandy and Monica. In this episode, he joins John Corella to talk about learning to move between masculine and feminine energy onstage and how that balance shapes both his artistry and his identity.
He reflects on rejection, growth, and humility with a kind of honesty that pulls you in. How do you stay true to yourself when every role asks for something different? How do you keep your confidence in an industry built on constant change?
Charm’s story connects discipline with self-acceptance and reminds dancers that authenticity is its own kind of power. And for anyone who grew up watching Dance Moms, he shows how those early lessons in adaptability and storytelling still echo through every performance today.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Behind the Scenes of The Boy Is Mine Tour 06:00 Charm Spencer’s Journey to Becoming a Professional Dancer 09:03 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energy in Dance 11:57 Breakthrough Auditions and Career Lessons 15:05 A Real Look at Tour Life 47:59 Handling Criticism and Protecting Your Energy 49:47 What Touring Dancers Teach Each Other 54:08 Dance Moms and Early Influences
Connect with Charm Spencer:
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 44: 1988 Olympics Womens Gymnastics Team Controversy with Missy Marlowe | 30 Oct 2025 | 01:11:42 | |
When former Olympian Melissa Marlowe talks about the 1988 Olympic controversy and the bronze medal being taken away, she doesn’t just revisit a headline; she relives what it felt like to stand on the edge of history and have it quietly rewritten overnight. How does someone keep competing after that? What carries an athlete through when the spotlight fades but the memory doesn’t?
As she joins John Corella in this episode, Melissa reflects on the discipline, artistry, and strength that defined her career, from the power in her legs and feet to the mindset that helped her face pressure and perfectionism. She shares how her coaches’ mix of kindness and toughness shaped her longevity in a sport built on precision and risk, and how she’s come to measure success in ways that last longer than medals.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome to Dance Dad and Guest Intro 01:47 Early Ballet Roots and Natural Flexibility 05:05 Signature Lines: The Power of Legs and Feet 06:35 Beating Nerves with Sports Psychology 21:39 The Reality of Olympic Pressure: Was It Worth It 23:40 1988 Olympic Controversy: Bronze Medal Being Taken Away 45:22 Competing in the Cold War: USA vs USSR 51:09 Hard but Kind Coaching and Athlete Longevity 59:12 Scholarships, Overtraining, and Choosing Longevity 01:00:42 Life After the Olympics: Movement, Motherhood, Meaning
Connect with Melissa Marlowe: Connect with Melissa on Instagram
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 43: The Turn Coach Method | 16 Oct 2025 | 01:04:41 | |
What does it take to hit 10 turns with confidence? For Lynnrae Hiers Serra, it comes down to repetition, mechanics, and belief - the same mix that’s helped dancers of every level find their balance and push past limits.
John Corella talks with Lynnrae, known to many as “The Turn Coach,” about how her journey started at the JPD dance studio under her mentor Terry Schulke and how that experience shaped her lifelong fascination with precision and progress. She explains why mastering turns isn’t about perfection but about patience, consistency, and learning how your body works. What happens when a dancer stops chasing technique and starts trusting the process instead?
Lynnrae also shares tips for teachers and parents who want to help dancers grow without pressure, along with the story behind TurnCoach Enterprises and her mission to make effective turn training accessible to anyone. This episode looks at the intersection of art, discipline, and belief, and how small shifts in mindset can lead to those moments when everything clicks and the turns finally stick.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome to Dance Dad and Episode Focus on Turns 01:10 Meet The Turn Coach and Motto “I Can Make Anybody Turn” 04:15 JPD Dance Studio Roots and Mentor Terry Schulke 06:25 The Turn Coach Method Progression and 10 Turns System 11:55 Challenging Tradition: Why Mechanics Come Before Perfection 13:59 What Actually Makes You Turn: Practical Mechanics That Work 19:50 TurnCoach Enterprises: Scaling a 700 Person Waitlist 26:40 Most Common Mistake: Fix Your Prep to Unlock More Rotations 33:20 Every Body Can Turn: Mindset, Confidence, and Inclusive Coaching 44:50 Healthy Body Image in Dance: Language Teachers Should Avoid
Connect with Lynnrae Hiers Serra:
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 42: Every Body is a Dancer’s Body with Amanda LaCount | 03 Oct 2025 | 01:09:32 | |
Amanda LaCount proves that plus size dancers belong center stage, sharing how her journey, her advocacy, and the support of Dance Mom Jill are reshaping the dance community.
A professional dancer who has performed with Lady Gaga, Rihanna, JLo, and Katy Perry, Amanda joins John Corella to challenge the stereotypes that have long defined the industry. She reveals how media-driven beauty standards create barriers, why she is determined to advocate for greater inclusivity, and how she built the confidence to push back against an environment that often resists change.
Amanda credits much of her boldness to Dance Mom Jill’s unwavering advocacy and explains why having someone in your corner can make all the difference. From speaking openly about rejection and resilience to highlighting the responsibility of representation, Amanda shows how dancers of every body type can thrive when they are given safe, supportive spaces to express their art.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Amanda LaCount on Dance Dad 07:43 Every Body Is a Dancer’s Body: Breaking Stereotypes 11:32 Finding Boldness Through Dance Mom Jill’s Advocacy 24:32 Growing Up Plus Size in Dance Competitions 30:42 How Studios and Conventions Can Support Plus Size Dancers 42:03 Performing in Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Show 45:33 Lessons From Working With Lady Gaga and Katy Perry 47:37 Teaching Dance and Creating Inclusive Spaces 56:23 Inclusivity vs. Stereotypes in Casting 01:00:27 Being the Role Model Amanda Never Had
Connect with Amanda LaCount:
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 41: Xanadu, Olivia Newton-John with Xanadu dancer Cheryl Baxter | 18 Sep 2025 | 01:01:45 | |
Cheryl Baxter’s very first job as a young dancer put her on the set of Xanadu with Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, and Kenny Ortega. What does it feel like to step into a world like that straight out of a small town in Wisconsin? And how do you carry lessons from legends into a career that lasts for decades?
Joining John Corella in this episode, Cheryl reflects on the magic of Xanadu, the influence of Gene Kelly’s ease and Olivia Newton-John’s authenticity, and the ways she has kept her career alive through every crossover - from film and television to teaching and even TikTok!
Cheryl’s story invites you to think about resilience, reinvention, and the joy that comes from saying yes to new stages of life in dance.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Dance Dad Introduction 03:20 Making Xanadu With Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly 06:00 Gene Kelly’s On Set Lesson: Relax and Have Fun 10:30 Meeting Olivia Newton-John and Early Xanadu Memories 16:10 Why Xanadu Became a Cult Classic 28:30 Reinvention and Career Crossover From Stage to TikTok 49:30 Filming Magic on Xanadu: Steadicam, Long Days, Big Finale 57:50 Stay Bold: Resilience and Reinvention in Dance
Connect with Cheryl Baxter:
Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 40: Our Damaging Experiences With Conversion Therapy | 04 Sep 2025 | 01:08:36 | |
Trigger Warning: This episode contains conversations about conversion therapy, psychological abuse, and self-harm. We share these stories to raise awareness and foster healing, but we recognize they may be difficult to hear. Please listen with care and step away if you need to. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources like The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386) are available to provide support.
Conversion therapy survivor Syre Klenke speaks openly about the damaging impact of being forced into years of so-called “treatment” as a teenager and the depression that followed, while also showing how authenticity and community became a way forward. Joining John Corella, Syre recalls the shock of being taken to a conversion therapy conference under the guise of a family outing, the gaslighting he endured from both licensed therapists and church leaders, and the loss of everyday teenage milestones like dating and prom. These stories reveal how conversion therapy robs young people of their sense of safety and self, leaving scars that last well into adulthood. Yet Syre also reflects on the resilience it takes to survive, the courage to tell the truth, and the importance of building spaces where no one has to hide who they are. This episode confronts the damaging reality of conversion therapy while reminding us that healing is possible through honesty, courage, and community.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome to Dance Dad with John Corella 01:26 Meet Syre Klenke: Comedian, Activist, Conversion Therapy Survivor 04:46 What Conversion Therapy Really Means and Why It’s Damaging 07:58 Surviving Four Years of Forced Conversion Therapy 12:05 Losing High School Milestones and Identity 18:43 The Most Traumatizing Moments of Conversion Therapy 27:49 Abuse and Self-Harm Tactics Inside Conversion Therapy 29:29 Mental Health Struggles and Depression Afterward 34:33 Religion, Patriarchy, and Gender Roles in Conversion Therapy 39:09 Why Survivor Stories Must Be Told 42:14 Conversion Therapy in Politics and the Supreme Court Case 01:04:30 The Boldest Act: Sharing Your Story Authentically
Connect with Syre Klenke: Instagram
Connect with John Corella: Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 39: Just Be. Labor Day Episode | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:05:50 | |
Labor Day becomes a reminder that creativity and connection grow stronger when we pause, take breaks, and allow ourselves to just be.
John Corella takes this episode in a different direction, stepping back from the usual focus on dance and LGBTQ issues to reflect on what Labor Day really represents. Born out of union protests, the holiday was meant as a pause from constant work and a way to honor those who fought for fair treatment. How often do we give ourselves that same pause in our own lives? What happens when we step away from the noise of social media or the pull of endless tasks and simply let ourselves be present?
John shares how these small choices – to rest, to quiet the distractions, to notice the moment – make it easier to find presence on stage, in creativity, and in life. He also takes time to thank listeners and celebrate milestones in the Dance Dad community, reminding us that growth comes from more than effort alone. As summer comes to a close, this episode invites you to see Labor Day as a chance to recharge, reflect, and practice the art of being.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Labor Day Reflections 01:24 The Power of Breaks and Taking Time Off 03:33 Practicing Presence in Daily Life 05:09 End of Summer and Closing Gratitude
Links Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP 38: Summer Recap: Nationals, Dance Moms and Beyonce | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:13:44 | |
Dance conventions can be magical or a ticking time bomb, and John Corella is here to spill the tea on which is which.
This episode isn’t just a summer recap, but a real conversation about what’s happening in the dance world. John shares his experience with Velocity. He opens up about his reunion with Dance Moms alum Melissa Gisoni and what it meant to see her step into her voice after all these years. There’s also a moment with Beyonce’s “dance dad” Frank Gatson that will make you think about how much real mentorship matters in this industry.
How do we choose where to invest our time, energy, and money? Are we supporting people who build safe spaces or enabling the same toxic patterns? John asks these questions out loud and invites you to do the same.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Safe Space and Podcast Goals 01:14 Dance Moms Reunion with Melissa Gissone 06:07 Velocity’s Inclusivity and Accountability 09:09 Behind the Scenes of Beyonce’s Show with Frank Gatson 10:12 Calling for Safe and Accountable Dance Spaces 12:25 Why Dancers and Dance Parents Need to Take Breaks
Links Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram
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| EP 37: Dance Moms Reality Television Director Jimmy Chriss | 24 Jul 2025 | 01:05:52 | |
Dance Moms director Jimmy Chriss shares what really happened behind the scenes, and why protecting kids, honoring joy, and telling the truth still matter in reality TV.
Jimmy joins John Corella to talk about his journey from music videos and commercials to the world of Dance Moms. He breaks down what it actually means to direct a reality show where real people, real emotions, and real stakes are always in play.
What does it feel like to protect kids on set while still delivering what people want? How do you stay grounded when the cameras never stop rolling? Jimmy answers these questions with the honesty of someone who’s lived it, through long days, heated moments, and years of experience. He also opens up about racism in the industry and why representation behind the scenes matters just as much as it does on camera. The conversation takes a heartfelt turn when Jimmy shares stories about his wife, her quiet love for the show, the strength she showed during her illness, and how her legacy continues to shape the way he moves through the world.
This episode is a reminder that behind every show are real people, and that the best stories come from those who lead with care.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Jimmy Chriss on Directing Dance Moms 02:38 From Music Videos to Reality TV 07:21 What It Really Means to Direct a Reality Show 09:27 Behind the Chaos of Dance Moms 19:41 Why Dance Moms Still Resonates 25:15 The Show’s Impact on Dance Culture 29:52 Personal Reflections on Loss and His Wife 34:21 Protecting Kids in Reality TV 37:33 How Reality TV Has Changed 42:20 Racism and Representation Behind the Camera 48:01 Choosing Joy, Even in Grief
Links Connect with Jimmy Chriss: https://www.instagram.com/the_real_jimmy_jay_chriss/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-jay-chriss-24b7517b/
Connect with John Corella: Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Website: johncorella.net
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| EP 36: Our First Official Dance Dads | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:59:23 | |
Three dance dads pull back the curtain on competitions, parenting in a female-dominated world, and the unexpected friendships that keep them coming back.
In this episode, John Corella brings together Jason, David, and Nick, who are three longtime dance dads who’ve spent years supporting their daughters through the highs and lows of competitive dance. What begins as a casual conversation over Mickey’s beers quickly opens into something more honest. They reflect on what it means to be an involved dad in a space where men are often absent, and how they’ve found connection, humor, and purpose in a world originally built around Dance Moms. There’s plenty of laughter and storytelling, but woven through are deeper questions: How do you stay grounded when competition weekends run 14-hour days? What happens when your kid doesn’t place? How do you handle Dance Mom drama without getting pulled into the chaos?
The episode also takes on the bigger picture: the dads speak openly about the financial and emotional weight of dance, their respect for the artistry involved, and what it’s like to raise daughters within a controversial dance community that includes drag performers, queer choreographers, and bold expressions of identity. Rather than shy away from those dynamics, they lean in with curiosity and support. And yes, by the end, they each imagine their own Dance Dad solos, offering a rare glimpse at what fatherhood looks like when vulnerability and celebration go hand in hand.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Meet the Dance Dads 05:46 The Real Cost of Competitive Dance 11:42 How Dance Builds Unexpected Friendships 20:41 Dance Dads vs. Dance Moms 29:21 Protecting Daughters in a Controversial Dance Community 32:40 Teaching Resilience Through Defeat 35:28 Diversity, Inclusion, and the Future of Dance 41:10 Misconceptions About Dance Dads 44:10 Could a Dance Dad Reality Show Work?
Links Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Website: johncorella.net
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| EP 35: Finding Her Voice with Dance Moms Star Melissa Gisoni | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:57:42 | |
Melissa Gisoni spent a lot of years trying to do and say the right thing. Then she hit 50 and decided to stop worrying about how others might see her. She joins John Corella for a conversation about finding her voice, showing up more boldly, and choosing joy on her own terms.
John and Melissa talk about the power of allyship, what it meant to her to attend West Hollywood Pride, and how her daughters, Maddie and Mackenzie, have grown up with a strong sense of inclusion and empathy. What does it look like to raise kids in the spotlight while still protecting their spirit? And how do you hold boundaries when the world keeps asking for more?
Melissa also opens up about her dream of becoming an actress and what draws her to roles that feel fun and lighthearted, maybe even a Hallmark movie someday. She shares what she learned from being a dance mom, how she supported her girls as they built careers of their own, and what she would do differently if she could go back, especially when it came to speaking up for Mackenzie.
In this episode, Melissa reflects on what she got right, what she let slide, and what she’d never do the same way again. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how to support their kids without losing themselves, what it really means to protect someone in the public eye, and why using your voice, especially later in life, can feel both freeing and necessary.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Melissa Gisoni 03:10 Celebrating Pride and Community 06:00 Finding Your Voice After 50 08:59 Navigating Social Media and Self-Expression 11:48 The Journey of a Dance Mom 14:51 Reflections on Reality TV 18:07 The Competitive Nature of Dance 20:59 Recognizing Talent in Your Children 24:04 Lessons from Dance Moms 27:06 Navigating Dance Mom Dynamics 30:00 Handling Fame and Its Challenges 33:16 The Importance of Supportive Parenting 36:04 Spirituality and Personal Growth 39:15 Dreams and Aspirations Beyond Dance 42:17 Community and Mental Health
Links Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Website: johncorella.net
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| EP 34: Broadway Husbands on LGBTQ+ Family Life, Love and Parenting Their Son | 12 Jun 2025 | 01:37:05 | |
Boldness looks different when you’re a gay dad, a former Broadway dancer, and raising a toddler named Maverick in Florida.
To kick off Pride Month, John Corella is joined by Bret and Stephen, Broadway performers, husbands, and proud dads, who offer an honest look at parenting, partnership, and identity. They talk about raising their son Maverick with intention, finding joy in everyday moments, and the kind of quiet courage it takes to show up as a two-dad family in spaces built for straight families.
Where does boldness come from when the world keeps trying to put you in a box? What does it mean to raise a child who sees authenticity modeled at home? Through stories about sobriety, social media, and their dance competition backgrounds, Bret and Stephen reflect on what has shaped them and what they hope to pass on.
This episode questions the norms that still dominate parenting culture and the dance world, and it offers a reminder that being seen can be a radical act of love.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction and Pride Month Kickoff 08:57 Becoming Bold as Gay Parents 15:03 How Dance Competitions Shaped Identity 17:55 Coming Out and Family Reactions 21:03 Advice for LGBTQ+ Youth 23:50 Finding Joy in Parenting and Creativity 26:55 Coping with Online Negativity 36:57 Personal Stories of Addiction and Recovery 42:20 Relationship Advice for Gay Men 44:10 Authenticity vs. Conformity in Gay Culture 47:51 Navigating Monogamy and Open Relationships 53:47 Parenting Challenges and Emotional Growth 56:34 What Fatherhood Has Taught Us 01:00:07 Public Reactions to Gay Dads 01:04:46 Challenging Gender Norms in Parenting 01:16:30 Understanding Straight Privilege in Family Life 01:21:15 How Representation Shapes Queer Families 01:23:11 Celebrating Pride and Building Community
Links Connect with Bret and Stephen: www.instagram.com/broadwayhusbands https://substack.com/@broadwayhusbands
Connect with John Corella: Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Website: johncorella.net
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| EP 33: Ally! Ally! With Teen Voguer Ally Marc Jacobs and Her Mom (REPLAY) | 29 May 2025 | 01:04:24 | |
This episode is a replay of a previous episode of Dance Dad with John Corella. Enjoy! Happy Pride!
“I loved how free I was,” reflects Ally Marc Jacobs, a transgender teen and emerging star in the worlds of voguing and drag. Inspired by the House of Juicy Couture’s performances and the House of Balmain on the HBO series “Legendary”, Ally began vogue dancing and quickly became a sensation across social media. She is now a member of both the House of Juicy Couture and House of Marc Jacobs. Today on the Dance Dad podcast, Ally shares insights into the ball culture, her personal journey of coming out, and how both her mainstream and kiki house communities have become like a second family to her.
Ally’s biological family, including her mother Amy, who also joins the podcast, has supported her from the start. Amy discusses the pressures facing Ally as a prominent figure in the trans community, and the scrutiny she faces as a parent.
Ally addresses her experiences with bullies in various settings, from playgrounds to churches and even political arenas, and how she has found a supportive community. Host John Corella highlights the hypocrisy of parents who criticize Amy for 'forcing a lifestyle' on Ally, while they themselves push their children into unwanted activities.
Ally, confident in her identity from a young age, and perhaps even in past lives, is forging ahead fearlessly. Tune in to hear her discuss her love for Beyoncé, Monster High dolls, and her very own dance dad.
Episode Breakdown 00:00 Pride Month & Podcast Intro 01:04 Meet Allie Marc Jacobs 04:50 How Are You Feeling? 08:44 What Is a House in Ballroom Culture? 14:01 Allie’s Coming Out Story 16:06 A Parent’s Perspective 23:38 Handling Bullying & Finding Support 25:37 Voguing at Beyoncé’s Concert 29:14 Where Boldness Comes From 31:54 The Power of Self-Expression 42:05 Advice for Kids Afraid to Come Out 49:24 Allie’s Future Goals
Links Connect with Ally Marc Jacobs: www.instagram.com/allymarcjacobs
Connect with John Corella: Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Website: johncorella.net
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| EP 32: Depression and Dancers | 15 May 2025 | 01:04:04 | |
This episode includes discussions of depression, suicide, and conversion therapy. Please take care while listening. The content is not intended as providing individual counseling on a professional basis. If a listener is in need of psychological counseling they should seek help from a licensed therapist. The show is intended as information and entertainment and not as a substitute for professionally provided counseling or therapy, professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re struggling, please seek help. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for free, 24/7 support.
Depression isn’t a flaw to fix but a signal worth paying attention to, especially for performers who build their identity around applause.
John Corella welcomes Nathaniel Flatt, a licensed therapist, former professional dancer, and one-time boy band member, for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on mental health in the arts. What happens when the dream gig doesn’t fulfill you? Or when rejection keeps showing up and starts to feel personal? Nathaniel shares how he went from dancing with Beyoncé at the Oscars to sitting on a therapist’s couch, questioning what came next and why it didn’t feel like enough.
They talk about the emotional weight performers carry, the difference between sadness and depression, and what it really means to celebrate depression instead of fearing it. Nathaniel explains how therapy became a creative and collaborative practice for him, and why our culture’s obsession with winning often leaves people feeling more lost than ever.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like their worth depends on a callback, a competition result, or someone else’s approval.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Meet Nathaniel Flatt: Therapist, Dancer, Boy Band Member 06:12 From Performing to Therapy: A Career Shift 14:04 Celebrating Depression and Redefining Sadness 25:04 Rejection, Perfectionism, and Identity 42:07 Finding Self-Worth Beyond Performance 44:43 Creativity, Play, and Pressure in Hollywood 50:24 How to Work Through Depression
Links Connect with Nathaniel Flatt: https://www.instagram.com/natflatt
Connect with John Corella: Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Website: johncorella.net
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| EP 31: The Power of Intention for Dancers | 01 May 2025 | 01:14:57 | |
Overstretching, underrepresentation, and pressure from every direction… What's really happening behind the scenes in competitive dance?
John Corella sits down with Sharmila Mitra, a longtime friend and respected voice in the dance world. She’s a competitive dance teacher, studio owner, and a Pilates and Gyrotonic instructor who’s helped dancers heal, grow, and stay in the game for the long run. She’s also the author of “The Power of Intention for Dancers,” and her story is one many in the industry will recognize: pushed hard, stretched beyond her limits, and told her work was “too ethnic” to compete.
John and Sharmila dig into some hard truths: Is a dancer’s flexibility more important than their physical safety? How do we stop celebrating movement that could be damaging our joints for life? Sharmila shares how overstretching as a young dancer led to long-term injuries and why she’s passionate about giving today’s dancers a better way forward.
The two also talk about how Pilates, intention-setting, and proper cross-training can shift the entire experience of competitive dance. Can winning mean more than just a trophy? What if dancers were encouraged to check in with their bodies, not ignore what hurts?
This episode is a must-listen for teachers, parents, and dancers alike, especially anyone who’s ever questioned the way things have always been done. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective, a few strong opinions, and maybe a little more compassion for the kid struggling through warm-up.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Meet Sharmila Mitra 04:33 Body Positivity and Representation in Dance 06:29 Challenging Norms: Bollywood, Identity, and Belonging 16:06 The Long-Term Impact of Overstretching in Competitive Dance 23:08 Protecting Dancers’ Bodies During Competition Season 27:16 How to Train Without Overstretching 33:33 Setting Intentions in Dance and Competition 40:25 Teaching Dancers to Advocate for Their Bodies 47:04 Integrating Spirituality with Dance Practice 52:15 Healthy Boundaries with Dance Parents 56:00 Knowing Your Worth as a Dance Teacher 01:00:00 When Students Leave: Loss, Growth, and Forgiveness
Links Connect with Sharmila Mitra: Website: https://coreartscenter.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreartspilates
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Website: johncorella.net
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| EP 30: Solo Dance Competition Tips | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:41:49 | |
Dance competitions may not come with gold medals, but for many kids and their parents, the pressure feels just as real.
In this episode, John Corella opens up about the intensity of competition season and what it actually takes to support young dancers in a high-stakes environment. What does a proper warm up really involve? When is it better for a parent to step back instead of step in? And how do you help your kid build confidence without trying to control the outcome?
John shares tips for dance moms and dads who want to be a steady presence during those long, emotional weekends. From arriving early to managing nerves in the car ride, to letting go of last-minute fixes and creating space for your dancer to get into the zone, this episode is full of real talk and grounded guidance.
Whether you’re new to competitions or just need a reset, this episode is a reminder that the energy you bring matters just as much as the routine on stage.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 04:52 Common Questions from Dance Moms 05:25 What Dance Competitions Are Really Like 08:15 How to Create a Calm Environment on Competition Day 09:00 Warm-Up Tips and Timing 17:28 When to Stop Rehearsing and Start Trusting 22:12 Helping Kids Manage Nerves and Stay Focused 31:41 Why Reflection Matters After Competition
Links Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Website: johncorella.net
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| EP 29: Out in Hollywood with Mean Girls Star Danny Franzese | 03 Apr 2025 | 01:15:52 | |
Can you be a gay actor, a man of faith, and a bold truth-teller in an industry that often expects you to pick one?
This week, John Corella sits down with actor and LGBTQ+ activist Danny Franzese, best known as Damian in Mean Girls. Danny shares what it was like to play an openly gay character while still closeted in real life, and how that disconnect shaped his early career. The conversation pulls back the curtain on what many actors face behind the scenes, especially when their identity challenges what the industry expects or understands.
Danny also introduces a less-talked-about influence in his journey: the Alexander Technique. For him, it wasn’t just a posture tool. It became a way to find alignment, physically and emotionally. How do you carry yourself when no one’s watching? Can you feel present in your own skin, even in chaos? Danny makes a case for the connection between movement, intention, and inner peace.
John and Danny also discuss the ongoing debate around representation in the media. Should gay roles be reserved for gay actors? What does authentic storytelling really require, and who gets to tell which stories?
This episode is part personal story, part thoughtful critique, and part reminder that the body, the voice, and the truth all deserve space. Danny brings depth, humor, and honesty to a conversation that speaks to anyone who’s ever wondered whether they’re “too much” to be fully seen.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 04:44 Alexander Technique 10:53 Stage Performance and Authenticity 14:48 Acting and Being in the Moment 19:29 Past Danny and Future Danny 23:19 Coming Out and Mean Girls Experience 26:40 LGBTQ+ Representation in Media 29:15 Career Challenges Post-Mean Girls 32:14 Becoming an Advocate 34:07 LGBTQ+ Films and Representation 38:55 Wokeness and Diversity 41:14 Realistic Representation in Media
Links Connect with Danny Franzese: www.instagram.com/whatsupdanny
patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella @dancedadpodcast.bsky.social Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| EP 28: Dance Mom Star Quits Instagram. You Should Too. | 20 Mar 2025 | 01:10:49 | |
Instagram is failing kids. What happens when someone decides to walk away?
John Corella sits down with Lennon Torres to talk about her decision to quit Instagram and why she’s pushing for stronger online protections. From cyberbullying to sextortion, social media isn’t just a distraction. It’s a real danger, especially for young queer individuals. Lennon shares the work she’s doing with the HEAT Initiative to hold tech giants accountable and explains how platforms like Instagram and Apple could make simple changes to protect children, but choose not to.
This episode explores an idea that’s central to Lennon’s activism: Joy in Resistance. How do you stay hopeful when fighting an uphill battle? Why is choosing joy a powerful act of defiance? John and Lennon’s conversation challenges listeners to rethink their relationship with social media and consider what real connection looks like in a world that profits from keeping us hooked.
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Links www.protectchildrennotabuse.org https://mashable.com/article/quitting-instagram-meta-you-should-too
Connect with Lennon Torres: linkedin.com/in/lennon-torres-325b791b4
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Join Patreon for Free! BTS content and monthly zoom meetings: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella/
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| EP 27: How to Help Our Dance Dads with Brian Recker | 06 Mar 2025 | 01:10:03 | |
Masculinity built on dominance leaves men stuck in a cycle of insecurity and disconnection. John sat down with Brian Recker to unpack the false masculinity that keeps men trapped and explore how breaking free from patriarchy leads to something real.
Brian, a former evangelical pastor turned social media voice, shared his journey of challenging the outdated expectations placed on men. They talked about why traditional masculinity so often revolves around dominance and how that pressure keeps men from forming real connections. Patriarchy doesn’t just harm women and marginalized communities. It also forces men into rigid roles that suppress emotion, vulnerability, and self-acceptance.
Brian opened up about what it took for him to step away from those limiting beliefs and embrace a healthier, more authentic version of manhood. He offers a powerful perspective on strength, one built on empathy, mutual respect, and the freedom to be fully human. This episode is a call to rethink what masculinity really means and create space for something better.
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Links Connect with Brian Recker:
Dance Dad with John Corella Patreon: www.patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| EP 26: Defying Gravity for 15 Years With Wicked Dancer Justin Wirick | 20 Feb 2025 | 01:06:41 | |
Fifteen years in Wicked—that’s a lot of shows, a lot of cities, and a lot of memories. Broadway performer Justin Wirick shares how he’s kept the magic alive night after night, from tumbling across the stage to finding joy even in the hardest moments.
In this episode, Justin sits down with John Corella to talk about the highs and lows of a life in theater. He opens up about the pressure that comes with longevity, the way gymnastics shaped his movement, and how Wicked continues to inspire audiences after two decades. They also get into the Wicked movie, breaking down what worked, what felt different, and why choreography plays such a huge role in the show’s impact.
How does a performer stay motivated after more than a decade in the same production? What does it take to keep showing up, even when life throws its hardest challenges? Justin’s perspective is raw, thoughtful, and full of the kind of wisdom that only comes from experience.
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Links Connect with Justin Wirick: www.instagram.com/justinwirick88
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: www.patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella
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| EP 25: Season 2 Premiere Episode! Election 2024 and God is Non-Binary with Reverend Dawn from Dance Moms | 06 Feb 2025 | 01:10:28 | |
“You would think we would have learned our lesson, but we didn’t,” says Reverend Dawn Check—known to fans of Dance Moms as Minister Dawn—who returns to the Dance Dad podcast to discuss the state of the world in the wake of the re-election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. They discuss the fear, the anger, the exhaustion and how this will affect the country, particularly women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. They discuss what role they each had to play, where they failed and what the next four years threaten to look like.
They also discuss what we can learn from Jesus—as well as Moses, Esther and many other stories from the Bible—about strength, forgiveness, perseverance, and faith in the face of fear. They discuss hypocrisy and the way certain groups—namely Christian Nationalists—will exploit the teachings of the Bible to suit their own destructive ends and how people will vote in their own interests at the expense of other peoples’ rights—and even their own. John shares why the beatitudes are even greater scripture to live by than the Ten Commandments.
Join today’s discussion to learn the best way to move forward and how we can start to use our voices to take charge of our futures.
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Links https://www.patreon.com/c/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella https://www.instagram.com/dawnlynncheck
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| Bonus EP 24: Showgirls: Behind the Scenes with Dancer Lindsley Allen | 25 Oct 2024 | 01:02:38 | |
“It was a dream come true,” says Lindsley Allen, dancer, dance educator and creative choreographer about her role in the now-iconic dance film Showgirls, starring Elizabeth Berkley. Originally, the movie was supposed to be the big dance movie of its generation—something of a “Basic Instinct” meets “Flashdance.” Though the initial reception was less than ideal, in the 30 years since its release, the film has become a cult classic, with fans memorizing every line, and its star—who so unfairly bore the brunt of the backlash—has gone on to receive long-overdue acclaim. Today, Lindsley discusses what it was like to work on such a major movie production, why it was initially misunderstood and now so beloved, and why dancers should always be consulted when making a film about dance.
Just as “Showgirls” paved the way for later, more lauded films like Demi Moore’s “Striptease,” dancers like Lindsley and host John Corella paved the way to improve the regulations, conditions and rights of dancers working on major film productions. Lindsley discusses what it was like to film the scenes in which the dancers performed topless, working with legendary choreographer Marguerite Derricks, and how her training program The Boom Effect is helping to prepare emerging dancers with bankable skills.
Join today’s episode of Dance Dad to hear Lindsley recall fondly what it was like to be part of what turned out to be a cult classic.
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Links Connect with Lindsley Allen: www.instagram.com/lindsleyallen 1nightonlyboomeffect.eventbrite.com
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| EP 23: Hollywood’s Go-To Guy for All Things Voice, David Coury | 25 Oct 2024 | 01:16:57 | |
“When you use your voice, you get closer to the truth,” says today’s guest David Coury, acting coach extraordinaire, whose class, as part of the Howard Fine studio, helped host John Corella remember his own authentic voice. Today he joins the Dance Dad with John Corella podcast to explain that when we speak in our own unique, authentic voices—whether it’s in acting, the arts, or in everyday life—we are not only connecting to the core of who we are but we are fulfilling the dream of our ancestors. After all, sound and the speech that grows from it, was born long before us and is infinite.
When not speaking in his own words, Mr. Coury has a wealth of quotes from luminaries, from Hemingway to Emily Dickinson to Shakespeare, to help illuminate his invaluable wisdom which he shares with listeners today. He discusses the importance of speaking before thinking, of “experiencing” words beyond their dictionary definition, and how finding our voices can transform us and set us free in ways we can hardly imagine.
“We all have brilliance just on the tip of our tongues,” Mr. Coury says. Join today’s episode to learn more about how you can tap into your own brilliance and speak your truth, fearlessly, to the world.
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Links Connect with David Coury: https://www.instagram.com/mrcoury/
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| EP 22: Dance The Vote with the Mayor of West Hollywood, John Erickson | 11 Oct 2024 | 00:44:40 | |
“In a world that tries to beat you down, if you don’t have hope, you don’t have anything and that’s why we fight so hard for the stuff that we love,” says John Erickson mayor of West Hollywood, California, who joins today’s episode of Dance Dad with John Corella to discuss politics, social justice, and what it’s like to be at the helm of one of the biggest and most popular gay cities in the world. Mayor Erickson talks to host John Corella about his early exposure to activism in small-town Wisconsin thanks to his grandmother and best friend Gladys, his message for the LGBTQ youth, and how he keeps fighting the good fight for change.
As it goes, being mayor is a bit of a balancing act. He makes strides to support small businesses as well as workers’ entitlement to a living wage; to make the streets safe and clean for cars, pedestrians and cyclists alike. He and host John Corella talk about building a loving and supporting community of influence around oneself and how we can have uncomfortable political conversations while maintaining our boundaries.
Mayor Erickson will reveal how we can break through people’s resistance to change, how people can get involved and register to vote, and the Hillary Clinton quote he sports as a tattoo.
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Links Connect with John Erickson: https://www.instagram.com/JohnEricksonWH
Be a supporter of the podcast join www.patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| EP 21: My Dance Dad, John Corella Sr. | 27 Sep 2024 | 01:12:46 | |
“The obstacle is the opportunity,” says the original Dance Dad, John Corella Sr. On today’s episode of Dance Dad, he joins his son, host John Corella, Jr. to discuss John Sr.’s rise from a young child growing up in the barrio in Arizona to business advisor to several former U.S. presidents, and whose achievements as a minority entrepreneur have been entered into U.S. Congressional record. Throughout the show, father and son discuss the importance of having a supportive family, of getting an education, and the power of talking to—and walking with—God.
Before setting out on any venture, John Sr. advises, you have to learn what you truly want. There are Four T’s to success, which he shares here. Unfortunately, in today’s business landscape, one’s word is no longer one’s bond, and John Sr. explains how to protect yourself while building your business. He also discusses the importance of being a team player, focusing on what you have to give rather than what you want to take from a partnership, while also speaking up about what you want.
He also shares a touching story about being an example to his peers when he was named to a major advisory position with the Arizona government. Join today’s inspiring and uplifting discussion about what can happen when dreams meet self-belief and hard work.
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Links Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| EP 20: Good Moments Season 1 on Dance Dad with John Corella | 13 Sep 2024 | 00:57:36 | |
This very special episode of Dance Dad with John Corella is a compilation of just some of the many good moments from Season 1 of the podcast. Throughout this episode, you’ll be treated to a highlight reel of past guests and their meaningful conversations, starting with Dance Mom OG and Queen Bee Christi Lukasiak who talks about how we can forgive ourselves even when our past mistakes threaten to haunt us forever. Fellow OG, Minister Dawn and Sharon “Rocky” Roggio, director of the documentary “1946” each weigh in from their respective episodes about the importance of interpreting the Bible with historical accuracy, and why it’s quite literally a matter of life and death.
You’ll also hear from legends in the entertainment business, from acting coach Howard Fine on handling on-stage nerves and choreographer Frank Gatson on recognizing the one-in-a-generation star quality in a then-unknown Beyonce Knowles. Former competitive dancer Brittany Markle, child star and triple threat Alisan Porter each reveal how, as mentors, coaches and judges, they are offering the next generation of performers and competitors what they wish they’d been given when they were young performers themselves.
Lisa Wetzel reveals what makes for an empowered, healthy competitor while trans teen Ally Marc Jacobs and Dance Mom to Lennon Torres, Gina, reveal what it means to accept yourself and your loved ones for exactly who they are. After today’s episode, you’ll feel a little more empowered to go out into the world as your authentic self, bold and fierce.
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Links Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| EP 19: Just Be. Labor Day Message | 30 Aug 2024 | 00:06:38 | |
“I really want to encourage everyone to ‘just be.’ That’s kind of been an ongoing theme in this, in my life, and with the podcast.”
John delves into the true meaning of Labor Day, tracing its origins to union workers’ protests and how it has evolved into a day of rest and reflection. How often do we let the noise of daily life drown out the importance of being truly present, both in our everyday interactions and on stage? John challenges us, especially those in the dance community, to pause our busy lives, unplug from social media, and fully immerse ourselves in the moment.
He offers heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support. If you haven’t already, follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Apple, download episodes, and help spread the word. John also invites you to support their Patreon, where you can watch on-camera versions of the episodes for an even richer, more personal experience.
As John reflects on the summer, he recalls the incredible lineup of guests—from Olympic champions to a transgender teen voguer—and the powerful conversations that took place. To all the dance moms, dads, and dancers out there, he encourages you to revisit these episodes as he prepares for the new season of Dance Dad with John Corella.
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Links www.patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| EP 18: What the Winner of The Voice Has to Say About Dance Competitions and Being a Child Star, Alisan Porter | 16 Aug 2024 | 01:20:08 | |
“Alisan is the definition of a triple threat,” says host John Corella of today’s guest Alisan Porter. Many know her as an actress from hit movies like 1991's “Curly Sue” or for her impeccable vocal technique that led to her victory on NBC's The Voice in 2016. However, Alisan’s extensive background in and passion for dance is less well-known. In this episode of Dance Dad, Alisan shares her experiences in dance competitions, her efforts in mentoring the next generation of performers, and what it truly means to be a star.
Growing up, Alisan was inspired by her grandmother, the legendary choreographer and teacher Charlotte Klein, who believed in “loving people into the best versions of themselves.” Alisan emphasizes that teachers must set their egos aside, while students need to understand the role of dance in the larger context of life. She also discusses how parents can protect their children in the entertainment industry and how her definition of happiness has evolved over the years.
Tune in as these two former roommates share fond memories and hilarious anecdotes from the dance world, and discover more about Alisan's latest musical release.
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Links Connect with Alisan Porter: https://www.instagram.com/iam_alisanporter
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| EP 17: Olympic Gymnastics Team Member and Olympic Trials Judge Kristie Phillips | 02 Aug 2024 | 01:27:09 | |
“Leave it on the floor. No regrets.” Continuing with Olympic month, host John Corella welcomes Kristie Phillips, 1988 Olympic team member, former national champion, winner of the American Cup to the Dance Dad podcast—and his inner child is screaming. For all of her career achievements thus far, Kristie exemplifies that unlimited opportunities lay ahead—opportunities to learn new things, embrace new experiences and, in turn, provide new opportunities for other people. Today she discusses how she helped to change the sport of gymnastics as an athlete, and later as an athlete representative and an elite judge.
As much as Kristie has won, she also knows what it means to fail—and to be made to feel insignificant as a result. Failure is part of the process and we must know how to deal with it, while remembering that we are enough just as we are. Citing Simone Biles as an example, Kristie and John discuss the changing attitudes toward the health and well-being of athletes in competition, and the importance of inclusivity at all levels, and why gymnastics is the best preparation for life.
Join today’s discussion to hear Kristie talk about her relationship to legendary gymnast coaching duo the Karolyis, appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated making a gymnastics comeback ‘late in life,’ and taking up ballroom dancing for the first time.
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Links Connect with Kristie Phillips: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristie_phillips_kpac/ Website: www.kpacgym.com
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| EP 16: 3 Time Olympic Gymnastics Champion Daniela Silivas | 19 Jul 2024 | 00:59:21 | |
“I was born to be a gymnast,” says Daniela Silivas, Olympic gymnastics champion and member of the legendary 1988 Romanian women’s Olympic gymnastics team and 1987 World Championship Gold Medal team. Throughout her career, she mesmerized crowds—including host John Corella—with her unique dance-based technique and her signature move, the Silivas, a staple in many gymnasts’ routines today. Despite her success, she humbly insists the move was just luck, a humility evident throughout this episode of the Dance Dad podcast. Daniela shares how she began in gymnastics, overcame performance nerves, and where she keeps her medals.
Despite being a talented, quick learner and fearless, Daniela emphasizes that talent is nothing without hard work. She details the rigorous training Romanian gymnasts endured, training Monday through Sunday for years before even learning to tumble.
Tune in to hear why Daniela prefers the American approach to gymnastics and who she believes is the next Olympic hopeful.
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Links Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| EP 15: What Are Dance Competition Judges Looking For? with Judge Brittany Markle | 05 Jul 2024 | 01:15:22 | |
“I want to give them what I wish someone had given me,” says former competitive dancer, choreographer, teacher and mentor, Brittany Markle. Now, as a competition judge, she hopes to offer a new generation of dancers more than just a score, but thoughtful guidance and critique. In this episode of Dance Dad, she shares some of her best advice to competitive dancers, how they can stand out and be remembered among a sea of other dancers, many of whom are the best in the country. What’s more, she’ll talk about accepting disappointment, keeping things professional and appropriate and how children can maintain healthy boundaries with judges while still feeling empowered to use their voices.
Brittany explains how she scores points according to category and how she stays organized throughout the long days of a competition. She’ll explain what responsibility dance studios have and where the ethics get blurry. She also shares how her points of view toward dancing as well as toward competitions—which are very different from performance showcases—have evolved.
Tune in to hear Brittany give a live critique of a “mini” dancer and to hear host John Corella reveal what inspired him to co-create Dance Moms.
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Links Connect with Brittany Markle: https://www.instagram.com/brittmarkle
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| EP 14: The Word Homosexual Was Put Into the Bible in 1946 | 21 Jun 2024 | 01:00:26 | |
“That may be how the Bible reads, but that’s not what the Bible says,” explains award-winning film director and producer Sharon Rocky Roggio of many of the mistranslations within the Book’s scripture which have not only misrepresented the message of Jesus Christ but have been been historically weaponized against marginalized groups, notably the LGBT community.
Today, Sharon joins the Dance Dad podcast to discuss her new film “1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted a Culture,” a documentary which explores the first time that the word “homosexual” was used in the Bible. Through never-before-seen archives from Yale University, the film conveys proof that this was a mistranslation from the original text, which referred more to systems of status and power than sexual identity.
Like host John Corella, Sharon grew up in the Evangelical church, and the two discuss their experiences of coming to terms with what they were taught versus the many questions that they had. The film is not meant to vilify the Church or the Bible, Sharon explains, but to demonstrate the impact and influence of the text, and to encourage new dialogue, reflection, redemption and healing.
Referred to as “the documentary ‘Da Vinci Code,’” the film is also being used as a tool for civic engagement. The team behind the film will be embarking on a 14-city tour of the U.S. called “1946 Road Trip Across America,” and Sharon shares how you can get involved and share the message.
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Links https://www.instagram.com/1946themovie
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| EP 13: Ally! Ally! With Teen Voguer Ally Marc Jacobs and Her Mom | 07 Jun 2024 | 01:04:24 | |
“I loved how free I was,” reflects Ally Marc Jacobs, a transgender teen and emerging star in the worlds of voguing and drag. Inspired by the House of Juicy Couture’s performances and the House of Balmain on the HBO series “Legendary”, Ally began vogue dancing and quickly became a sensation across social media. She is now a member of both the House of Juicy Couture and House of Marc Jacobs. Today on the Dance Dad podcast, Ally shares insights into the ball culture, her personal journey of coming out, and how both her mainstream and kiki house communities have become like a second family to her.
Ally’s biological family, including her mother Amy—who also joins the podcast—has supported her from the start. Amy discusses the pressures facing Ally as a prominent figure in the trans community, and the scrutiny she faces as a parent.
Ally addresses her experiences with bullies in various settings—from playgrounds to churches and even political arenas—and how she has found a supportive community. Host John Corella highlights the hypocrisy of parents who criticize Amy for 'forcing a lifestyle' on Ally, while they themselves push their children into unwanted activities.
Ally, confident in her identity from a young age—and perhaps even in past lives—is forging ahead fearlessly. Tune in to hear her discuss her love for Beyoncé, Monster High dolls, and her very own dance dad.
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Links Connect with Ally Marc Jacobs: www.instagram.com/allymarcjacobs
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| EP 12: Holiday Message from John Corella | 24 May 2024 | 00:03:22 | |
John Corella, co-creator and executive producer of Dance Moms, takes a moment to thank listeners and share some heartfelt reflections. He announces a brief break before returning for Pride and stresses the importance of taking time to relax and just be. John shares how he reminds his niece that our worth isn’t tied to constant activity, but in simply being. Tune in for a message of gratitude, reflection, and a reminder to be bold and fierce.
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Links Learn how you you can support Dance Dad with John Corella https://linktr.ee/dancedadwithjohncorella
To support Dance Dad with John Corella join Patreon https://www.patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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| EP 11: Best Acting Teacher in Los Angeles, Howard Fine | 10 May 2024 | 01:15:16 | |
“I teach people to be themselves,” says legendary acting coach Howard Fine, founder of Howard Fine Acting Studio and author of the newly revised “Fine on Acting: A Vision of the Craft.” Howard joins the Dance Dad podcast to discuss how acting puts us in touch with who we really are and, when we approach it with pure intentions and do the necessary work, can set us free.
On today’s episode, he’ll discuss what it takes to be a great teacher and why many fail and give the rest a bad reputation. He’ll discuss the two techniques that divide the acting community, and how to be a supportive parent versus a stage mom.
Howard recalls his appearance on Dance Moms and what his session with Chloe Lucasiak taught him about the importance of authenticity. In an industry that is changing to become more inclusive and diverse, being oneself is more important than ever. He also shares the stunning story of his family’s escape from Poland during the Holocaust, their time spent living in Shanghai and his early days as an artistic, intellectual kid in a family of athletes. He’ll share why athletes–including dancers– often make the best actors.
Join today’s discussion to learn what it was like helping Austin Butler, Golden Globe winner, prepare to play Elvis, the tradition Diana Ross started that Howard’s students still practice today, and how our inspirations and aspirations change over time.
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Links Connect with Howard Fine: www.instagram.com/howardfinestudio
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
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