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.

Quotes

• “My mom was always positive. She’s like, you got to think positively. Always very positive, always looking forward to the next thing. Maybe that’s where a lot of my anxiousness comes from, too. She was always planning, always looking forward to the next thing. And I always love having something to look forward to. And this lifestyle of touring is just that.” (36:50 | Justin Wirick)
• “I just know that—like me being back on stage and back in the show—is what my mom would have wanted. And maybe that’s where I feel like I can connect with her the most, even though she’s gone.” (40:10 | Justin Wirick)
• “I feel like I had such a gift, and all that time we got to spend together. But the show, just being around, we’re such a close-knit family. And I think, I don't know if without them I would be as okay as I am now. So that helps a lot. The show helps a lot. The family helps a lot. Being around people helps a lot.” (40:39 | Justin Wirick) 
• “I think we’ve always felt different or ostracized or always felt like we're keeping a secret and having to hold everything in. Just as Elphaba was with her powers and her magic, she was always told to suppress that and don’t show that and control that. And then she goes to Shiz University where that skill is celebrated and welcomed. And doesn’t that sound like the story of so many LGBTQIA+ friends that we know and have?” (41:52 | Justin Wirick)

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

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“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. 

Quotes

• “You’re going to get folks who will go into the Bible and find scripture that [says] to ‘enjoy your wealth and God will bless you… but greed is sinful, and it becomes coveting. It becomes gluttony. We think of gluttony with food but there’s gluttony with money and items and power and prestige and certainly our President elect has all of those things.” (10:04 | Reverend Dawn)
• “So, the choice becomes, do you follow the law or do you follow God? What is your choice? I like that you say that…but what do you have to say to people who think the law is God?” (12:22 | Reverend Dawn and John Corella)
• “I think it’s OK to go to church angry. I certainly did.” (17:20 | Reverend Dawn)
• “Where was God in all of this? It comes back to looking in the mirror. Did we all do enough? Did we make assumptions? How did we participate?” (17:48 | Reverend Dawn)
• “You would think we would have learned our lesson, but we didn’t…we’ve allowed this narcissist to take over. God has given many, many examples of how God would see us through the wilderness. Moses wandered, for 40 years, he wandered. We’re wandering. We’re in a desert and we are lost but even in the desert, God remained constant. God didn’t leave. And I believe God is with us. I truly believe that.”  (25:33 | Reverend Dawn)
• “Ironically, when you get God and Jesus involved— God will not be mocked. No, but we have lost so many people, John, because we have used God as a weapon…and so now, nobody wants anything to do with God.” (36:00 | John Corella and Reverend Dawn)
• “How I handled it back then—and it didn’t feel good to me—is, I cut them out of my life. And when I cut them out of my life, I didn’t deal with everything that was going on inside of me. I cut off my emotion. My whole thing is, go into your internal spirit…I would say be very careful to cut people off when you’re feeling rage and anger.”  (50:53 | John Corella)
• “We can see through Jesus the strength, the peace, of being up there with nails in his hands, in his feet, bleeding, looking down at them, saying, ‘Father, forgive them. For they know not what they do,’ and really when he had all the power in the world to do whatever he wanted to do.” (1:06:00 | John Corella)

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/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“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.

Quotes

• “I don’t keep up with my trophies and medals. I think memories are more important than those.” (3:48 | Daniela Silivas) 
• “Hearing from everybody else that the ’87 team was the best, that’s how we felt. But it wasn’t just one person and then everybody in the team. I think everybody in the team had the same talent, the same routines, the same great gymnastics. It was the whole team that was amazing, and very few teams have that.” (9:26 | Daniela Silivas) 
• “That’s what makes people great instead of just good: when you do things that you don’t want to, and it’s not fun, but you know you have to do it, and you do it.” (17:58 | Daniela Silivas) 
• “I don’t feel comfortable talking about my accomplishments. Yes, they were my accomplishments but I feel like they’re mine and I didn’t do them to get that recognition, so I don’t feel really comfortable. People say, ‘Oh, she won a gold medal!’ And I say, ‘Yeah, I did. So?’” (27:16 | Daniela Silivas) 
• “I was that gymnast that had that extra talent and I learned skills really easily and I wasn’t a kid that was afraid. So, I think I had that perfect combination of working and talent. You cannot do anything—it doesn’t matter how hard you work and how much you want it, if you don’t have that talent, it’s very hard to get to be the best. But, again, you have that talent and you’re not working, then you cannot accomplish or be the best because you have to have a combination of both, and I think I did.” (31:12 | Daniela Silivas) 

Links

Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/

John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“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. 

Quotes

• “I feel like I have so much understanding and so much patience and so much grace I give kids whenever there’s a mistake that happens or a stumble. I want to give them what I wish someone had given me.” (6:29 | Brittany Markle) 
• “I love the energy I get back from sitting there and knowing that I’m engaged—and that could be because of the way I grew up—but it’s very honest for me to sit there and watch a kid dance all day long and still have something to say at the end of the day. I feel like there’s always something productive to be giving back.” (11:47 | Brittany Markle) 
• “My last judging weekend, our highest score of the whole day, which I think is hard to do as there’s a stigma around being number one and being first—not winning first, going on stage first—and I feel like everyone thinks, ‘Ugh. We’re on at 7:00am, this is our best dance. What are we going to do all day long? How are we going to hold on to a high score? Are [the judges] awake?’ And what stuck with me the entire weekend was our first number on stage, and it ended up winning the highest score of the whole competition because of how present they were.” (27:54 | Brittany Markle) 

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/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“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. 

Quotes

• “I feel people are afraid of the film, at least the ones I mention it to who are anti-[LGBTQ], because they know it’s going to rock their system, and their minds. And we’ve had to do that our whole lives. Our minds were deconstructed when we knew we were gay, so we had to go seek and find.” (7:41 | John Corella)
• “The Bible was mistranslated, that’s an indisputable fact, but that doesn’t mean that the Bible doesn’t have wonderful things to offer, and different ways to experience community through this religion—not just Christianity, the Bible impacts the three largest religions in the world—and so the takeaway would be, the Bible wasn’t written in English, and how are we using or misusing the Bible to treat one another?” (8:30 | Sharon Rocky Roggio) 
• “This doesn’t just impact the LGBTQ community. We see how the Bible is misused against women’s rights, we see how it’s being misused against reproductive rights in America, and all of these different things.” (9:51 | Sharon Rocky Roggio)
• “I kind of look at this as a way to have a voice for the voiceless because I know that there are people like you and I who were able to come out of this at a young age, and call BS, and be able to be OK, and deconstruct and be fine. And there are adults who can make up their own minds, but there are kids who are still being brought into these church buildings and being subjected to these ideas and so I’m going to continue this mission for many people, but I think about them the most.” (32:00 | Sharon Rocky Roggio) 

Links

https://www.1946themovie.com/

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/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“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.

Quotes

• “I like to say a house is your second family, in my eyes. They treat you so well. Whenever you’re down, they bring you up, uplifting, they teach you stuff. Basically, a second family, I’ll say it a thousand times. It’s everything you could hope for in a family. Everything you need. Everything you want.” (8:43 | Ally Marc Jacobs) 
• “She does not have a coming out story. There was no, ‘Hey, Mom. I need to tell you that I’m trans.’ From the time, again, like she said, from the time that she spoke, from the time that she could form a sentence, she was telling us who she was.” (14:59 | Amy)
• “Everybody always used to say, ‘Barbie is for the girls. Barbie’s for them. You can’t have that.’ So, I said, ‘OK, now what? I have Monster High dolls. You can’t put a label on them, they’re literally Frankenstein.’” (33:14 | Ally Marc Jacobs)
• “Do you know how many times I was forced to go to baseball? I hate baseball. Do you know how many times I was asked if I had a girlfriend when I was five years old? I don’t like girls. So, let’s just say you were doing that, it is no different than anybody else, any other parent.” (34:57 | John Corella)
• “You’re not alone in the situation; you’re not the only one. I know it might feel like you’re the only person that is going through this, but you’re not. There are so many people going through exactly what you’re going through and you just need to find them. You just need to find your people.” (42:37 | Ally Marc Jacobs)

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/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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.

Quotes

• “I just wanted to share this because this week I was going to do a podcast and I felt it wasn’t coming from my why. I felt it was coming from doing in the busyness of society and how at Dancers we have been trained that our worth is in doing. So, this weekend I’m going to take a break, relax, just be. I’m enough, you’re enough.” (00:45 | John Corella)
• “I tell my niece, she is enough, lying there on the couch doing nothing. She is worthy of love. So that goes for all of you too.” (01:23 | John Corella)
• “Sometimes being bold is not doing, but being.” (01:40 | John Corella)

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/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“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.

Quotes

• “One more crazy, eccentric, neurotic, acting coach—that’s not the profession. It really makes the profession seem silly, and it’s not. Teaching, first of all, is a calling, and the teaching of the craft of acting is a privilege to me.” (7:19 | Howard Fine)
• “If someone cannot get past their own ego to help someone else—and you get this with actors who sometimes failed at that career, and then are not teaching because they’re called to teach, they’re teaching because they’re trying to make money to survive—they want to get up and demonstrate for the actor rather than encourage the actors instincts, and sometimes are jealous of the actor, jealous of the artist, and that comes out in the critiques.” (12:04 | Howard Fine)
• “We as human beings are the sum total of our experiences, and so we all have experiences in our lives to draw from. And that’s powerful. It’s the one reason—since we’ve been talking about age—in athletics, an athlete is old by 30. However, in what we do, you have the potential to get better and better with time. Akin to a fine wine, we get to improve with age because real experience deepens us, life deepens us.” (16:41 | Howard Fine) 
• “That’s one of the hardest things about acting is there’s no separation. You’re not turning in the book report and somebody’s commenting on that, they’re looking at you and they’re looking at everything that is you. That’s why actors have to develop themselves on so many levels—intellectually, physically, all forms of dance, yoga, martial arts, the Alexander technique.” (20:50 | Howard Fine) 
• “Athletes tend to do very well with me—and I consider dancers athletes—because athletes will stick to something when it’s hard. Athletes will practice, they have work ethic. If you’re a lazy dancer, you can’t get very far. You have to have a work ethic. And so, all of those things are absolutely pertinent to acting.” (40:18 | Howard Fine)
• “I ask students to see me as a colleague who is there to help them improve their work, not as a guru they’re trying to impress.”  (50:26 | Howard Fine)

Links

Connect with Howard Fine:

howardfine.com

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/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Today’s episode of Dance Dad is taking us to church! Reverend Dawn Lynn Check, a Dance Moms “Pre-OG OG,” joins host John Corella to talk about Jesus, the Bible, and the importance of reading between the lines. 

Many people misinterpret Jesus as “kumbaya,” explains Dawn (as she prefers to be called), forgetting that he was a human with a variety of emotions, including anger in the face of injustice. Others practice “proof texting” taking snippets of the Word and interpreting it to suit our own ends. 

Updates and changes made to different versions of the Bible can also alter the Word’s message, to disastrous ends. The two discuss the inclusion of the word “homosexual,” in the text—a change which was made only in 1946—and the implications of that change to generations of people. They also discuss the importance of standing up for what’s right even when we’re scared or facing persecution. 

Dawn shares what she loves most about Jesus, what led her to ministry, and early memories of reading Bible stories with her grandmother. Stay until the end for a surprise special guest and to join Dawn in loving prayer. 

Quotes

• “Sometimes we picture Jesus as this kumbaya character—kind, gentle Jesus. The reality is Jesus had a lot of emotions. But we have softened Jesus to the point that he doesn’t have power, and power doesn’t mean beating people up, or stomping on them or lording it over them—pun intended, maybe.” (5:45 | Dawn Lynn Check)
• “I think the word of God should be as accessible as it can be, however, to your point, you should always struggle with the Word. If you’re not struggling, you’re not doing it right.” (11:21 | Dawn Lynn Check)
• “As a disciple of Christ, throwing the tables, it’s my job as a disciple to talk to people and say, ‘Those tables need to be overturned.’ And by sitting here talking about it with you, I’m kind of saying, ‘This isn’t right.’ [Donald Trump] is profiting off of those bibles for his criminal and political campaign. That’s not right.” (14:56 | Dawn Lynn Check)
• “I have never felt such love, such completeness as listening to the word of God on my grandmother’s lap.” (16:29 | Dawn Lynn Check)
• “We are so uncomfortable with sexuality and sex, and there is so much sex in the Bible. You know, we’re banning books. Have we banned the Bible?” (30:40 | Dawn Lynn Check)
• “I don’t think people realize that I was the funny one. If you talk to any of them, I was the one that made them laugh.” (35:10 | Dawn Lynn Check)
• “I love that Jesus allows himself to be weak, and allows us to participate in our own redemption.” (38:02 | Dawn Lynn Check)
• “How do we stand up for what’s right, what’s good when we feel scared God isn’t going to protect us and we’re going to be put up on that cross? Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, ‘Do it, even if you’re shaking.’” (38:27 | Dawn Lynn Check)

Links

Connect with Reagan Check: 

www.instagram.com/Regancheck

1946 the Movie:

https://www.1946themovie.com/

Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/

John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“It’s about making the audience feel something. What joy are we bringing to the world?” Sarah Christine Smith brought joy to a generation with her dancing, singing and acting. Part of the New Millennium pop craze, she was there for Britney Spears’ rise to fame, performing as a backup dancer on Britney’s early tour and in the iconic video for…Baby One More Time. Sarah later scored her own hits as a member of the girl group sensation Nobody’s Angel, and while guest starring with the group on the beloved television series Boy Meets World, she fell in love with acting. As today’s guest on this episode of Dance Dad, she and host John Corella discuss it all—her deep passion for teaching, raising her family in small-town Canada, and what she would tell her younger self if she could do it all over again.

At the heart of both dancing and acting is storytelling, which requires a great deal of curiosity. Sarah discusses the introspection and emotional unpacking required to get inside character, as well as the joy she takes in helping each of her dance students find and build upon the unique roles they each have to play. She reveals the best advice she ever got from her own dance teacher, the jealousy she experienced from other dancers, and why pop stardom wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.

Learning about oneself is a lifelong journey, and to help others cultivate their own self-knowledge Sarah has created MyDanceJournal to help dancers—and everyone else—create their reality by turning thoughts into action. Join the conversation to hear her discuss her latest projects, the power of intuition, and the importance of a strong community.

Quotes

• “I think with dance, we’re emulating the choreographer, we’re being molded into something, whereas, I think—not always, that’s such a generalization—but I think with acting, you’re a single person who needs to grab onto a role in your own unique way.” (14:33 | Sarah Christine Smith) 
• “When it feels good, it feels good. You get into that flow and you kind of get that performance high and almost ask yourself when it’s done, ‘What the hell just happened?’ because you were so in the moment. And that’s when I fell in love with acting.” (18:43 | Sarah Christine Smith) 
• “I still question who I am and what I’m all about and what my values are. And I hope that I’m always questioning that; I hope I never am content with who I am.” (22:02 | Sarah Christine Smith)
• “When you’re on set, be curious. When you’re in the studio, be curious. I think if I had to go back in time, I would tell myself to be more curious when I was younger.” (32:18 | Sarah Christine Smith) 
• “I took a hiatus when I had my kids and when I started auditioning again, I thought, ‘Oh my God, I feel like I have PTSD.’ All of a sudden, these doubts about myself started creeping in after years, they hadn’t shown up. A sense of depression when I didn’t get a job started setting in that I hadn’t experienced in years.” (37:40 | Sarah Christine Smith)
• “I love it! I love building confidence in young dancers, knowing what their strengths are and building off of that. Giving them a role, giving them a purpose.” (57:39 | Sarah Christine Smith)
• “Take the pressure off of ourselves and say, ‘Why are we doing this? What joy are we bringing to the world? What joy are we bringing to our audience?’” (1:21:23 | Sarah Christine Smith)

Links

Connect with Sarah Christine Smith: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0809882/

https://www.instagram.com/sarah_christine_smith/?hl=en

https://mydance.ca/

Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/

John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“There are still ways to have these children feel safe and in control while under pressure, as long as you teach them to go inward,” says Lisa Mitzel, mental health coach and author of “Focused and Inspired: Keeping Our Athletes Safe in a Win-at-All-Costs World.” Lisa returns to Dance Dad for Part Two of her discussion with host John Corella. She explains how parents and coaches can best support their children, starting from the car ride on the way to the competition through to the end of the awards ceremony, so that ultimately, they can learn how to support themselves. Kids are never too young to learn their own minds and to speak them, Lisa says, and providing kids with options—including the option to back out—is key to helping them build their own strategy of self-care and self-reliance. 

Coaches and parents need to be mindful of the values they are instilling in their dancers and gymnasts about winning, about their role as competitor, and be mindful about projecting onto, and seeking validation from, young performers. Lisa addresses the best way to handle bullying from rivals, teammates and even adults, the importance of nominating a “culture coach,” and how to handle the often dirty politics of winning and losing. 

As kindly as we treat ourselves so must we treat our rivals, acknowledging our shared humanity even as we seek to best them. Lisa and John recall American gymnasts Kerri Strug and Simone Biles, who each made very different decisions ahead of their performances at their respective Olympic Games, and what we can learn from both stories muting outside voices and listening to our own. 

Quotes

• “What is the strategy here? Is it just to obey and do what everybody tells her to do, or is it to say ‘Hold on, let me think about this?’” (5:47 | Lisa Mitzel) 
• “Believe in these kids, in your kid, that they’re going to make a good choice.” (8:45 | John Corella)
• “They also might be feeling, a lot of times, judged that if their kid doesn’t do well, if they’re not presenting themselves in the best light, that all of a sudden people see their flaws, their mistakes, their faults, then they’re going to be judged. That’s the parent needing to work on themselves.” (19:01 | Lisa Mitzel)
• “Anything that you do, you want to be CEO of your own brain, you want to be captain of your own ship, you want to be the leader of yourself. And do you believe an 8-year-old girl can do that? I believe she can definitely learn. I think that’s what we tend to do, we dismiss the 6, 7, 8 and 9-year-olds, we say, ‘Oh, they’re young. They’re so little, they don’t understand.’ Kids are very intelligent.” (28:06 | Lisa Mitzel) 
• “How are we raising and developing our kids? Is it that you are only valuable in this world if you get first place? Is that your value in this world?” (32:24 | Lisa Mitzel)
• “As coaches and teachers we want to be thanked, we want someone to appreciate our effort, we want someone to appreciate that we’re putting out time and energy. So, the question is, why are we relying on a child to make us feel good?” (35:56 | Lisa Mitzel)

Links

Connect with Lisa Mitzel:

https://www.lisamitzel.com/focused-books/

https://www.instagram.com/mitzel_coach/

Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/

John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“Emotions mean that you’re human. It’s very normal,” says Lisa Mitzel, mental health coach and author of “Focused and Inspired: Keeping Our Athletes Safe in a Win-at-All-Costs World.” 

As a six-time NCAA Gymnastics champion, Lisa knows that competitive dancers and athletes have all sorts of emotions ahead of competition, yet, only some of them are acknowledged or encouraged by their coaches and parents. Lisa describes techniques to foster awareness and mindfulness in young performers, beginning long before the competition even starts. As host John Corella says, good and bad emotions aren’t mutually exclusive. 

As tempting as it is for coaches and parents to make all the decisions for the dancer, and to want to avoid watching them fail, the only way to raise self-confident children who will lead themselves is to give them options and choices, no matter how small. John tells a story of a young dancer who nearly had a breakdown before a going on the stage, the game-changing question he asked her, and what her decision rendered in both the short term and the long term. 

Though things are slowly changing, dancers have historically not been encouraged to use their voices. As competitions become increasingly out of control, the pressure on performers to be perfectionistic only increases, as does the shame which surrounds failure. Dancers and gymnasts are made to feel as performers and competitors first, and humans second. 

On this episode of Dance Dads, the first of a two-part discussion with Lisa, she shares some of the powerful visualization, recalling and dance competition tricks to practice ahead of competition. Hear her opinion on practicing the day before a competition and the surprising way to approach competitors. 

Quotes

• “We live through our children, don’t we? Through our dancers, through our gymnasts.” (5:38 | Lisa Mitzel)
• “Sometimes there are so many rules, that kids feel like they have no decisions. That’s a helpless feeling. That’s a feeling that the authority has all the power.” (8:35 | Lisa Mitzel)  
• “What is common, or let’s say more common, is a parent or a dance teacher or a coach, gives [the child] the choice but when [the child] choose[s], ’No, I don’t want to,’ [the parent or coach says] ‘Why? You can do it. You can do it,’ and inadvertently they dismiss how the child is feeling. And it happens regularly. Daily.”  (19:05 | Lisa Mitzel)
• “Can we keep the nerves as well as the part that says ‘You can do it’ at the same time? They’re not on separate islands. You can have the fear and the ‘You can do it.’ And also, maybe that fear needs more attention than the ‘You can do it’ in that moment. And you show the kid that they’re more important than their dancing, than their gymnastics, than their sport.” (19:54 | John Corella) 
• “We’re trying to teach them how to succeed and it’s uncomfortable to watch them fail; it’s uncomfortable to let them make a decision that maybe isn’t going to work out in their benefit at that moment. But that’s the short term.” (23:32 | Lisa Mitzel)

Links

Connect with Lisa Mitzel:

https://www.lisamitzel.com/focused-books/

https://www.instagram.com/mitzel_coach/

Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/

John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“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.

Quotes

• “It was a huge call…to me it was, everyone was there that was of the A-list category. It was insane. It was a huge audition…and I wanted to get the job. It was big names, it was a big studio, it was a long job for dancers.” (9:47 | Lindsley Allen)
• “I really think they thought it was going to be…the serious musical drama. They didn’t know it was going to be a cult classic. So, when it didn’t do well that first weekend, it wasn’t what they expected, I’ll say it like that. It wasn’t what they expected that weekend, and we kind of knew on the inside because some of us as dancers, some of those scenes, we were thinking, ‘Well, we wouldn’t really say that, as dancers, we wouldn’t really do that.’” (20:00 | Lindsley Allen) 
• “It’s because it’s so over the top—the acting, the dancing—actually, the dancing might be the most grounded thing in it…you don’t laugh at it, you’re kind of laughing with it, with love…I think that makes perfect sense and I’m so glad that you said that. I think that is why it became a cult classic because people resonated with it, but just in a different way than what they originally expected.” (23:18 | John Corella and Lindsley Allen) 
• “They really did build [Elizabeth] up so much that it was going to be huge and she ended up…I think for the business it’s good for young dancers to know– and that’s why I always teach–knowing the business and knowing the artistry and keeping them separate as much as you can, it’s not easy but…Her agent dropped her, she was blamed for a lot of the movie’s failure and that is just not fair.”  (25:47 | Lindsley Allen)
• “A lot has changed. Dancers who are listening—Lindsley and I, we walked so you could run. There’s so much that has changed as far as how long you can dance, the surfaces you can dance on, the types of shoes, with the union— that’s why unions are important for dancing—and again, using your voice.” (43:47 | John Corella)

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/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“It just kind of happened,” says John Corella about creating the Dance Dad podcast, “Like anything I’ve created that I love, I thought, ‘This will be fun’.” Today, John turns the tables and lets guest host Eva from On the Spot Interviews ask the questions about his plans for the show and his mission–or, as he poses it to all of his guests–his ‘why.’ He talks about creating a safe space of healing for the LGBTQ community where they can share their stories from inside of the dance world, a place for meaningful conversations where everyone can be authentic–maybe even a little bit messy.

As he always does, John arrived here by following his spirit, his faith in God and his love of Jesus, all of which help him to navigate what can be a challenging landscape, one where everyone can make their voices heard–including some nasty people in the comments section. He grappled with self-doubt while in the early stages of getting the podcast off the ground, but a very synchronistic sign from the universe let him know he was right to take the leap.

John has the unique ability to draw out authentic moments from guests that even superfans of Dance Moms and the dance world would be surprised by. John reveals the superstar whom he performed with on a famous talent show - and whom he’d love to have on the show to talk to! Which celebrity friendship of John did Eva discover that made her fall off her chair, and who is John’s number one dream celebrity guest (hint: it’s not a dancer).

John is not a dancer either, as he explains on this episode, one of many misconceptions about the dance world that he aims to dispel on future episodes of Dance Dad. After all, this podcast belongs to the listeners–and those who dare to be bold. 

Quotes

• “I really want this podcast to be authentic–some people say messy—but authentic. That happens in our lives, even though we act like ‘Oh, yeah, I look like this and I walk into school’ or ‘I look like this, and I go into work,’ we all have little hiccups and messes before we step onto the mic.” (4:26 | John)
• “I follow my spirit, my holy spirit, and it just kind of happened. It’s similar to ‘Dance Moms’ or anything similar that I’ve created that I love. I can’t even give you a step-by-step. I just thought of it and then thought, ‘Oh, that’ll be fun.” (7:49 | John) 
• “That’s another thing, with just starting with this, in the past month of it being public, I wasn’t used to how mean people can be. I forgot about that. I got a lot of nice things, but then I wasn’t used to people being mean and saying hurtful things. But again, that’s been healing for me. I’ve taken it as an opportunity to focus on my ‘why’.” (17:26 | John) 
• “We all have a little bit of Dance Mom/Dance Dad in us, an ego at times. So, it’s not like I’m expecting people to walk on water here, it’s not that at all. It was just kind of funny, my ego came up, big time, when they told me how well I was doing.” (20:44 | John)
• “What got me there was just being present, focusing on having these great conversations with people I love. It reminds me of ‘The Kingdom of Heaven.’ Don’t worry about tomorrow, focus on the Kingdom of Heaven and everything else will be added unto you.’ And if it’s not, it’s OK, you’re already in Heaven, meaning feeling good.” (21:33 | John) 

Links

Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/

John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“I just met the second coming of Michael Jackson,” says Frank Gatson, famed choreographer and Dance Dad to the stars, of meeting Beyonce for the first time in 1997 when she was just 15 years old. And Frank would know—his first major job was working with MJ on the 30-day shoot for Jackson’s iconic “Smooth Criminal” video. Since then, he’s worked with acts such as En Vogue, Usher, Toni Braxton, Brandy, Tyrese, Rihanna, not to mention a young John Corella. For his work, he remains the most nominated choreographer in the history of MTV.

He began his career dancing in the long-running “Up With People” tour, staying with local families in each country in which they performed. Navigating language and cultural barriers helped him to hone his people skills as well as a keen intuition which has allowed him to share—and elevate—his artists’ visions on an almost psychic level. 

With each performance, Frank insists, dancers are making history. After all, dancing and music can bring people together like nothing else. This requires that he be unabashedly honest with his artists, even when no one else will be. That honesty has gotten him in trouble, but superstars with the same drive and ambition know he just wants to get it right. And when it’s right, he says, it’s magical.

With the same honesty, he critiques the current state of dance, what this generation is lacking and what needs to change. He reflects on his memories of a segregated American South, racism and homophobia in the dance industry. 

With a long and illustrious career, which shows no sign of slowing down any time soon, Frank’s passion for and fascination with dance remains as fierce as ever. He has big plans—hear the musical he wants to resurrect, what American dancers can learn from K-Pop groups, and the five current pop stars he would like to form into a supergroup. When we share our light, he says, we sparkle brighter. 

Quotes

• “Some people might think my gift is to dance or to do what I’ve done all my life, but I think my gift is to see.” (5:52 | Frank Gatson)
• “I think musicians, dancers and singers can change the world. It’s the one thing that all people love.” (10:10 | Frank Gatson) 
• “You can feel racism, you can feel it when you walk into a room. Especially with my keen people skills. Sometimes, I’ll go to a hotel and the elevator door will open. If I see a woman grab her purse, I don’t get on the elevator. I don’t want to give her that.” (22:20 | Frank Gatson) 
• “It was like the little girl came out. Just imagine, I met Beyonce in ‘97. She was 15 years old, and when she shot up from the air in the Soldier’s Field stadium, and said, ‘Is that Frank?!’ I could immediately hear her like a little girl, and I looked up, and I started cheesing like a little clown. I was just so impressed that she saw me in the midst of all those people down there.” (26:21 | Frank Gatson)
• “Beyonce has told me, ‘Frank, your passion is going to get you in trouble.’ And it does. A lot of people don’t hire me because they think I’m trouble. I’m not trouble, I know I’m not trouble. I just want the greatest. I want history to be made. They just don’t get me. Everybody who’s worked with me gets me. If they’ve heard about me, they don’t get me.” (27:26 | Frank Gatson) 
• “I have a saying: ‘Share the light; sparkle brighter.” (41:55 | Frank Gatson)
• “Life is too special to let someone else predict what you need to say. You need to be gracious, you need to be nice, but be honest about this thing called ‘show business.’ That’s why there’s so much mediocrity? What has blown your mind lately about show business? Think about it like that. It’s because people are not really in it like they should be in it. They’re sugar coating it.” (48:48 | Frank Gatson)
• “The reason that I was asked to work with Destiny’s Child was because they saw my work with En Vogue. And Beyonce, I equipped her with all four En Vogue girls. The classiness of Terry Ellis, the pageantry of Cindy Herron, the soulfulness and spicy part of Dawn Robinson, the soulful, soulful, driven Maxine Jones. Beyonce’s all four of those girls in one.” (52:35 | Frank Gatson) 
• “I was in an agent’s office and I saw Paula Abdul’s number on the desk and I memorized it. I went home and called Paula and said, ‘I’m coming to your audition today, my name is Frank Gatson.’ She was pretty mad, but she hired me.” (1:10:53 | Frank Gatson) 

Links

Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/

John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“You’ve been training your whole life for this moment, don’t doubt yourself now that the moment is here,” Darius Hickman told himself while he was dancing in front of 95,000 people as part of Beyonce’s spectacular ‘Renaissance’ tour. Being in the moment, staying present, has not only allowed Darius to keep his cool under pressure, but it has also allowed him to be his most authentic self, one that is a balance of masculine and feminine. Drawing freely from both of these elements has made him a better dancer, particularly on the Renaissance tour which–a rarity–encouraged him to dance and present in both modes. He feels it also has made him a better person, one whom other young men who may be afraid to embrace their feminine side, can look up to. 

For Darius, dance provided a focus, an escape from a tough upbringing and a chance to ground himself in discipline. Inspired after seeing a live hip hop performance, Darius soon gained entry into performing arts high school, despite a lack of early training. There, in an eclectic environment that celebrated diversity and individualism, he found the support he needed to be himself. Later he studied dance at a university on a full scholarship, which he sacrificed to audition for the live competition show “So You Think You Can Dance?” where he first caught the attention of audiences. 

At 25, Darius is wise–as well as confident and poised–beyond his years. He knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that dance is what he meant to do, yet is still driven by wanting to know everything about it and to continually evolve. He recognizes that the dance world remains a work in progress, too, and that while progress has been made toward encouraging male dancers to perform in a more feminine style, there is still a lot of work to be done. 

Being yourself is the hardest thing a person can do, he admits, but we’re all multifaceted people, and should be able to freely express all parts of ourselves. When we all find what makes us great, we can work together to create something magical. 

Quotes

• “I’ve gotten to a point in my life where I know who I am, it’s as simple as that. I know I have these super masculine qualities and super feminine qualities and I know that I like them both, I have power in them both, and people appreciate them both.” (22:51 | Darius)
• “When you are present you can’t get hurt. You know that you’re standing in your power and this is your truth and this is the space that you belong in, nobody can hurt you. You realize, this is what I am supposed to be doing.” (30:59 | John and Darius)
• “Being on ‘Renaissance,’ I was able to, again, get into the ‘Crazy in Love,’ and then go into ‘Savage,’ or ‘My Power,’  with the boys, and then go back into ‘Move’ with the girls. I was really able to step into both of those feelings.” (35:11 | Darius)

Links

Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/

John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dive into the dazzling world of Jay Jackson, also known as Laganja Estranja, where the art of dance meets the boldness of drag, creating a spectacle of talent and transformation. In this episode, host John Corella and the renowned drag queen and choreographer explore a myriad of topics, from dance and television to the vital intersection of LGBTQ issues within the dance world.

Laganja opens up about her extensive dance background, sharing insights from her early ballet classes to her evolution into an international performer. She discusses her affinity for contemporary dance and how her dance competition background has uniquely shaped her choreography, blending various styles and expressions.

The conversation also delves into the significant role of dance in the drag community and its ongoing evolution. Laganja pays homage to influential figures in her career, such as her drag mother, Alyssa Edwards,  and Candis Cayne, and discusses her recent choreography projects, including collaborations with Lady Camden and Trixie and Katya.

A central theme of the episode is the importance of representation and inclusion in the dance industry, especially for the transgender community. Laganja speaks passionately about the need for transgender individuals to be in leadership positions, advocating for their community. She candidly shares her experiences and challenges as a transgender performer, shedding light on the industry's landscape.

This episode provides an insightful look into Laganja Estranja's multifaceted career as a dancer, choreographer, and drag queen, highlighting the transformative power of dance in the LGBTQ+ community and the significance of embracing one's true identity in the arts.

Quotes

• “I think definitely now that newer generations are becoming drag queens, there's definitely a crossover. You know, I used to really be the only like dancing queen in L.A. that had background dancers that were choreographed. You know, which was so crazy to me, because now you see that in L.A. all the time. But I think over the years, drag has become more dance centric and more focused on the tricks that you can do on stage, as opposed to just the look or the lip sync of it all.” (26:04 | Jay Jackson) 
• “Respect in general is something that my parents instilled in me at a very young age. Both my parents were high school counselors for 30 plus years and so they raised me to be very in touch with my emotions and in touch with other’s emotions.” (29:41 | Jay Jackson) 
• “I want to respect those that have helped me become successful. So even though I never really took voguing classes before Drag Race or was in the ballroom community, I wouldn't have had such an outlandish appeal on the TV show if it hadn't been for all those that came before me. That's why when I went back for All-Star 6, I wanted to pay ode or paid homage to Tandy Amon-Dupree, who was known for flying out from the ceiling into a split. And so again, anytime people bring up that entrance, I always try to say her name because What I truly believe is even though those people may have never placed their hands on me, their art, their lineage, what they left has inspired me to be the artist I am today.” (30:23 | Jay Jackson) 
• I worked with Meryl Streep once. And I could visibly see her nervous. I used to think, Oh, if you're the people that are the best in their art, they never get nervous. So I would feel kind of shame over my nerves. And so I always tell the kids that when they feel nervous, that it's because you care. Even the greats. (35:51 | John)
• “So much of, you know, who I am, my character, everything, it comes from her [Alyssa Edwards]. I mean, she's my drag mother.” (41:57 | Jay Jackson)

Links

Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/

John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/

Laganja on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laganjaestranja

Laganja on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaganjaEstranja

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Have you ever wondered about the personal journeys of those in the dance world, especially when it involves embracing one's true identity? How does the dance community support its members through these transformative experiences? This episode of "Dance Dad," hosted by John Corella, known for his role as a co-creator and executive producer of Dance Moms, delves into these questions. John brings his unique perspective and deep understanding of the dance competition world, offering a platform for honest and safe conversations about the challenges and triumphs within this vibrant community. 

“When you have your ‘Why’ the ‘How’ becomes more clear,” says Lennon Torres, John’s guest on the show.  Lennon is a transgender woman, and she is joined on the show with her mother, Gina who appeared on Dance Moms. The discussion delves into Lennon's journey as a transgender individual and Gina's experiences as a supportive parent. It also explores the broader context of inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community in the dance competition world. The episode highlights Lennon's personal growth, emphasizing her journey of staying true to herself and the importance of having a supportive family. 

Gina's reflections provide a parental perspective, focusing on the challenges and learning experiences of raising a child in the competitive dance environment. This conversation is not just about dance; it's about life, identity, and the universal themes of acceptance and support. It resonates with anyone who has faced the challenge of self-expression and the importance of creating inclusive communities. 

Whether you're a part of the dance world or simply interested in heartfelt stories of personal growth and acceptance, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for everyone. It creates a welcoming space for listeners to explore and understand diverse experiences within the dance community.

Quotes

• I always say that Lennon is, was always me and Zachary will always be a part of me. I don't view it as a thing like some people do. And I think that is like a misconception among gender nonconforming, genderqueer individuals is that there's this transition. And I always say that, you know, we're all growing and developing. And so it's not that I was once this person and I'm now this person, I just grew up into who I was supposed to be. So I would say that.  (4:38 | Lennon) 
• I watch Michelle Obama videos, and then I'm like, ready to take on the world. Um, but the real answer is. You don't always feel empowered. You feel weak at times. You feel sad that someone has been able to take your power away. And it's just about constantly reminding yourself of why you're doing what you're doing. And it's very easy to empower yourself to do it. When you have a why, the how becomes more clear. And that's been something that's really been true for me. (14:25 | Lennon) 
• It's not about you. It's about your kid. So take the pressure off yourself and just say, this is where we're at. I'm going to support you and I love you. And it's not that hard. It makes me crazy. It's not that hard. (1:05:46 | Gina)

Links

Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/

John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/

Lennon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lennon_torres_/

Heat Initiative:  https://protectchildrennotabuse.org/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Christi Lukasiak, our ultimate dance mom, shows that sometimes the most impressive moves are the ones we make towards forgiveness and understanding, both for ourselves and others. In the first episode of this captivating podcast, host John Corella, co-creator and executive producer of Dance Moms, engages Christi in a heartfelt discussion that spans a variety of topics, from the drama of the dance competition world to personal growth and LGBTQ issues within the dance world and as a parent and family.

Christi's is very candid, sharing her journey of self-forgiveness for her actions on the show, her personal battles with self-esteem, and the challenges of having her less-than-perfect moments broadcast on television, only to be re-examined and critiqued on social media. Christi also opens up about her daughter Chloe's coming out as gay, sharing her own process of navigating the mixed emotions of grief and fear, a path many parents will find relatable. She speaks candidly about her journey to not only accept but also celebrate Chloe, admiring her daughter's confidence and strength throughout this life-changing experience.

This episode offers an honest conversation between John and Christi, sharing a side of Christi you may have not seen or heard before!  It highlights the transformative power of forgiveness, both in the high-pressure environment of the dance world and in the broader context of their lives.

Quotes:

• “I make mistakes. Some have been on TV. That is my tagline in life.” (38:13 | Christi Lukasiak) 
• “I have a hard time getting past some stuff because I will still see clips of my worst behavior. And I'm like, I get it. I was terrible. Like, I don't know what else to say. So sometimes that's a little hard, but I always look at, in the moment, having all of the experiences I had up until that exact moment in life, the decisions I made were exactly the decisions that I was capable of making with the information I had.”  (40:07 | Christi Lukasiak) 
• “Whether you are judging me, or you're adoring me, you're still watching. So thanks for the rating.” (47:54 | Christi Lukasiak)
• “Chloe is Gen Z. Gen Z is a completely different generation than anybody else. As you know, I do believe that they are going to change everything because they are advocates. They don't just sit around and do. They're not all talk, like they do take action.” (1:00:27 | Christi)
• “I think any parent who has a child come out, it is hard to deal with. Because it's unexpected, all of your expectations of what you think their life is going to look like. It's almost like a grieving period, because you have to understand that's not what it is. But that's okay. Different isn't bad. It's just different.” (1:07:53 | Christi Lukasiak) 
• “I always said on the show I wanted to raise somebody that I liked. I would always love my children. And not only have I raised somebody that I like, but I raised somebody that I hope to be like.” (1:08:21 | Christi Lukasiak) 

Links

Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/

John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/

Eleve Dance Competition: https://www.elevedancecomp.com/

Christi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christilukasiak/

Back To The Barre Podcast:  https://www.instagram.com/backtothebarrepodcast/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

As one of the co creators/executive producers of the hit reality show Dance Moms, this podcast will be a safe space to talk about all things Dance. I will have meaningful conversations with guests from the show Dance Moms, as well as discussing the colorful, magical Dance competition world that I grew up competing in and am still a part of teaching and choreographing for. 

Put your dance shoes on every other Friday when this podcast comes out! Listen. Be Bold. Be Fierce.

“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. 

Quotes

• “When you vocalize, you do actualize.” (8:23 | David Coury)
• “There’s a time and place to tell others certain truths. However, it’s always the time and place to tell yourself the truth. When I first cite Shakespeare’s words, ‘Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say,’ we are so practiced at speaking what we probably should say, ought to say in public. Privately, to ourselves, we tend not to actually speak to ourselves what we’re actually feeling.” (13:59 | David Coury)
• “Well, we all are born with a word etched across our soul.” (31:58 | David Coury)
• “I use quotes because what I came to realize is there was a responsibility to define voice for people, that it’s not just sound. It’s not ‘sound and sensibility,’ it’s sensibility which gives way to sound. All internal expression gives way to external. Nothing appears out of nowhere, it gets ignited out of nowhere. So, it’s a lived experience.” (32:20 | David Coury)
• “We are our ancestors’ dreams—with an iPhone—but we are our ancestors’ dreams. What I know—what I know—to be about life is that this is ancient. Before there was even the gift of speech, there was the gift of sound…It all came from a need. And I say ‘the need is the seed.’ So, how I promote that and allow people to understand that it’s ancient, this thing—you want to call it ‘voice’—it’s been around forever. So, I use other peoples’ words to say, ‘See? See? See? There it is.’”  (36:08 | David Coury)
• “Another thing I think I’ve learned from finding my voice, from your class, is that when other people use their voice and I can sense that they're using their voice similar to me, even if I don’t agree with it, I respect it.” (48:36 | John Corella)

Links

Connect with David Coury:

https://www.howardfine.com/

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/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“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. 

Quotes

• “That is how I view the world, in that sometimes it feels like the world is on your shoulders trying to stop you from fighting, but it is always worth it in the end. We have to remember that.” (4:53 | Mayor John Erickson)
• “Sometimes, off-camera, I get a little unhopeful. It’s easy to get scared. But when you’re a leader in the community and you’re a leader in the work that we do, you have to make sure you put on the face that people actually need to see, and that is one of hope these days, and that is one of fighting for our community.” (7:45 | Mayor John Erickson)
• “I always say find the people you want to change the world with and never let them go. That’s kind of what I look at when I look at my community and my friends, and that’s what I would have probably told my younger self because that’s ultimately how I got to where I am to be in this role, and it’s just the greatest privilege.” (11:29 | Mayor John Erickson)
• “I believe in community safety and public safety and supporting law enforcement, I believe in supporting our businesses and our workers. I want to make our streets safer for both pedestrians, bikers and cars. I don’t want cars on our streets because they pollute and they kill and they’re leading to climate change but people have to use them. So, how we invest in our whole streetscape plan. The nuts and bolts of a local council member is streets, trees and sidewalks.” (30:52 | Mayor John Erickson) 

Links

Connect with John Erickson:

weho.org

https://www.instagram.com/JohnEricksonWH

vote.org

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/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“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. 

Quotes

• “When you focus in and walk with God—not that we’re perfect—things are good. There might be problems, but things get solved. So things are good.” (8:07 | John Corella, Sr.) 
• “All of us have obstacles. What we do to get around that obstacle and make it an opportunity is the way I always viewed it. I didn’t look at it as a negative, though it felt like a negative at times because when you can’t eat sometimes, it hurts.” (12:27 | John Corella, Sr.) 
• “Everybody talks about, ‘I want to be rich. I want to be successful,’ but how many people are willing to take that risk? Very, very few people will take that risk.” (25:12 | John Corella, Sr.)
• “I always go into it looking at, ‘What can I give you?’ not ‘What can I take from you?’ That’s the problem with most people nowadays, it’s, ‘What can I take?’ No. It’s ‘What can I give you?’” (29:34 | John Corella, Sr.) 
• “You’ve got to tell people what you want because people can’t read minds. I’ll always tell you what I want. You might not like it, but I’ll tell you what I want, and I get what I want, basically. And that’s part of success. What do you want?” (38:34 | John Corella, Sr.) 
• “Unfortunately, there are evil people. People will do things that are not ethical. You and I were raised with ethics—it used to be, you would shake hands and your word meant something. Now, if it’s not in writing—and even if it is in writing—they still challenge it…So, the values have changed.” (56:49 | John Corella, Sr.)

Links

Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/

John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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. 

Quotes

• “To me, everybody’s past doesn’t really exist; the only people holding onto it are the people retelling it, or your own brain. However, when you make mistakes that are repeated on the streaming service, those mistakes still exist. And I think, ‘Damn it! Can we please…’ I have a hard time getting past some stuff because I will still see clips of my worst behavior. I get it. I was terrible. I don’t know what else to say.” (4:58 | Christi Lukasiak)
• “We are so uncomfortable with sexuality and sex. And there’s so much sex in the Bible. You know, we’re banning books. Have we banned the Bible?” (9:20 | Minister Dawn)
• “It’s not hard. You listen to your kid, however your kid is feeling you support that, and you make sure everyone that’s around them supports that, and it’s not that hard to be OK with it. I think parents and people in these children’s families make it about them…it’s not about you. It’s about your kid.” (14:12 | Gina Torres)
• “With Beyonce, you could just tell that she was gifted with something very, very special. So, after working with those girls for four hours that day I came out of that rehearsal talking about, ‘I just met the second coming of Michael Jackson.’” (20:08 | Frank Gatson)
• “You’re not alone in the situation. You’re not the only one; I know it might feel like you’re the only person that is going through this, but you’re not. There are so many other people who are going through exactly what you’re going through and you just need to find them. You just need to find your people.” (40:27 | Ally Marc Jacobs)
• “I can make you feel. I think that’s ‘it.’ That’s what I mean by ‘it.’ If you can bring someone in and make them feel, I don’t care if you’re not the most technical, the most perfect, the most this or that, if you can bring somebody into your world when you are performing in any capacity, that’s ‘it.’” (48:09 | Alisan Porter)

Links

Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/

John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“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. 

Quotes

• “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.” (01:39 | John Corella) 
• “This week, this weekend, if some of you can’t take time off, maybe you can at least take off Monday and just be, and just be with yourself. Maybe get off social media, maybe avoid the television, and be outside and present. Know that when we practice being present in our daily lives, it becomes easier to do when we are on stage, dancing, acting, or even when we’re trying to create numbers. To access that presence, we have to practice in simple moments. So I hope you all do that today, this weekend.” (03:21 | John Corella) 
• “I just want to thank you all for your support and listening. This is your podcast. This is our podcast.” (04:17 | John Corella)

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/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“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.

Quotes

• “The more I work with kids and the more I work with their parents, the closer I try to get with them. They’re my family. If I’m helping raise a child in this industry, if it’s my job to be their vocal parent, then I am not allowed to abuse them, and I am not allowed to put myself first. This isn’t about me, this is about helping to guide a very talented child.” (16:12 | Alisan Porter)
• “You can’t abuse somebody into talent. You’re talented or you’re not. You can shape and mold talent. You can make somebody who’s almost there, there. But you’re not going to scream and yell at someone and make them a star. They’re either a star or they’re not.” (23:48 | Alisan Porter)
• “I could make you feel. I think that’s ‘it.’ That’s what I mean by ‘it.’ If you can bring someone in and make them feel—I don’t care if you’re not the most technical, the most perfect, the most this or that—if you can bring somebody into your world when you are performing in any capacity, that’s ‘it.’ And I think that’s what I have above anything else, any of my other talents, whether it’s singing, dancing, acting, whatever. When I’m doing those things, I include you.” (34:46 | Alisan Porter) 
• “You can smell desperation in this industry from a mile away. And I think the grossest, most unappealing thing for me, is to see a child who is phenomenally talented and then to watch their parents doubt that they can have a space.” (39:42 | Alisan Porter)
• “What matters in life most is to love, to be loved, to wake up every day and have a purpose, to do the things in life that truly make me happy.” (59:40 | Alisan Porter)
• “Every moment I get to show up for my talent I believe that God gave me…it’s not about the wins anymore, it’s really about digging in and experiencing it.” (1:02:38 | Alisan Porter)

Links

Connect with Alisan Porter:

https://www.instagram.com/iam_alisanporter

https://alisanporter.com/

Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/

John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“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. 

Quotes

• “To me it’s kind of the mother of all sports. It embodies grace, power, discipline, perseverance, self-motivation. It’s just every life lesson that you’re going to need in your life, you will experience in the sport of gymnastics at a high level of competition.” (13:23 | Kristie Phillips) 
• “Everybody’s enough. You’re born enough. And I think as society, we’re so judgmental, and we’re so quick to tear someone down and I wish we could get back into building people up.” (16:15 | Kristie Phillips)
• “I just enjoyed being out there and performing and making people happy and touching lives. Inspiring people. That’s what I love to do…I love providing for people opportunities—probably my kids would say I like to do that too much—but I just truly enjoy giving to other people and helping them on their journey.” (34:34 | Kristie Phillips) 
• “I see the big picture now. I think I’ve kind of lived my life with blinders on and kept doing what’s next—what’s next—what’s next and so I’m starting to really enjoy the process and really starting to appreciate the opportunities that life has given me.” (1:01:32 | Kristie Phillips) 
• “Once you’re there, leave it all on the floor. Don’t doubt yourself. Don’t hold back. Don’t try to save it. Go for it. Go big or go home. And enjoy giving it your all. If you win, you win; if you don’t, you don’t, but there will be no regrets. Leave it on the floor. Put it all out there and enjoy every minute of it.” (1:03:47 | Kristie Phillips) 

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/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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

https://nathanielflatt.com/

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

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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

www.yassjesuspod.com/

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/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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.

Quotes

• “Part of our liberation and part of our fight is finding joy. And so much of these people that want to silence and quiet us don’t get to take away our joy. And so the act of joy is a resistance. And so by being happy, by spreading that joy, and by reminding each other that we have each other to lean on, is in itself an act of resistance.” (10:42 | Lennon Torres)
• “If you had a 13-year-old son, would you give them a phone or give them an adult friend that you’ve never met before and put them in a room in your backyard and didn’t check on them for 12 hours? Because that’s what you’re doing when you hand your kid a device.” (29:09 | Lennon Torres)
• “We have been taught by these platforms, brainwashed by these platforms, to think that in order to have all of the good, we have to have the bad. And we don’t have to have the bad.” (40:48 | Lennon Torres)
• “We are at the beginning of that fight for child safety on big tech. These companies aren’t going to do the right thing on their own, and we’ve seen it historically. Climate, the reason all of these big shareholder groups and these big companies are doing good for the environment now is not because they woke up one day and loved the trees. It’s because they woke up one day and realized if they don’t do good for the environment, their business will suffer. And we are at the beginning of that fight for children’s safety on big tech.” (50:20 | Lennon Torres)
• “Connecting on social media is like having a meeting on enemy territory.” (01:02:29 | Lennon Torres)

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/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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.

Quotes

• “For a lot of people, I think masculinity is defined by dominance. And so even the idea of equality is threatening to masculinity, because equality obviously is not dominance, right? So to have equality for men who find their masculinity in being dominant, to be equals is a threat to their masculinity, because they need to feel that aggressive dominance in order to feel like real men.” (05:46 | Brian Recker)
• “Whenever you have an oppressive system, not only the victims of that oppression, but even the oppressors themselves are not free. In patriarchy, men cannot be their full selves.” (16:42 | Brian Recker)
• “Queer people, especially, have given me permission to be my full self, even though I am straight. I think queer people learn earlier in life than many that, Hey, you know what, I’m going to have to be me or I'm going to die. If I don’t ultimately embrace who I really am, I can’t keep conforming to this mold because it doesn’t fit me.” (17:55 | Brian Recker) 
• “Jesus was hated by the religious establishment because of who he included, not who he excluded, not who he dominated, not who he sought to be superior over, but for who he brought in and gathered to himself.” (29:07 | Brian Recker) 
• “Being loved for being at the top of a hierarchy is not the same as being loved for being who you are.” (46:37 | Brian Recker)

Links

Connect with Brian Recker:

www.instagram.com/berecker

www.brianrecker.com

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/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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

Follow John on Instagram

Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon

Visit John Corella’s website

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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:

Follow Yvette on Instagram

Connect with John Corella:

Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram

Follow John on Instagram

Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon

Visit John Corella’s website

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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

John on Instagram

Patreon

YouTube 

Website

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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:

Follow Justin on Instagram

Connect with John Corella:

Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram

Follow John on Instagram

Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon

Visit John Corella’s website

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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:

Follow Charm on Instagram 

Connect with John Corella:

Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram

Follow John on Instagram

Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon

Visit John Corella’s website

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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

Follow John on Instagram

Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon

Visit John Corella’s website

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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:

Visit The Turn Coach Website

Follow Lynnrae on Instagram

Connect with John Corella:

Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram

Follow John on Instagram

Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon

Visit John Corella’s website

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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:

Follow Amanda on Instagram

Visit Amanda’s website

Connect with John Corella:

Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram

Follow John on Instagram

Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon

Visit John Corella’s website

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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:

Follow Cheryl on Instagram

Connect with John Corella:

Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram

Follow John on Instagram

Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon

John Corella Website

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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

John Corella on Instagram

Patreon

Website

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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

John Corella on Instagram

Patreon

Website

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm