Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Real Smile Podcast

In episode one of The Real Smile Podcast, Wendy Ehlen — studio owner and principal of Shine Theatre School — opens up about her journey so far. From building a person-centred school to navigating family life, competitions, body image and even her recent hip replacement, Wendy shares an honest and inspiring conversation covering the realities behind the smile.

Brought to you by Smile Productions https://www.smile-productions.co.uk/

Shine Theatre School | Wendy Ehlen https://www.instagram.com/shinetheatreschool/

Dance Wellbeing Coach | Kim Rogers https://www.instagram.com/the.butterflymind/

The Dance Scientist | Maria Haralambis https://www.instagram.com/the.dancescientist/

Welcome to The Real Smile Podcast, brought to you by Smile Productions

This is where the real stories behind the smiles come to life. From the stage to everyday moments, we dive into the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. Featuring dancers, performers, and creatives, we celebrate passion, growth, and the journey that shapes every performer.

Real talk. Real experiences. Real Smile

In episode two of The Real Smile Podcast, Clare Graham shares a deeply personal and inspiring journey that goes far beyond the dance studio.

When Clare’s daughter, Odette, was born with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, everything changed. In this honest conversation, Claire opens up about family life, resilience, and how her perspective on dance — and life — evolved in ways she never expected.

We explore how this journey led to the creation of her Dance Without Limits classes, designed to support children with additional needs and ensure every child has the opportunity to experience the joy of dance.

Alongside this, we reflect on our own experiences growing up in dance, the morals and values that have shaped us, and the challenges many face along the way — from imposter syndrome to learning new skills and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

This episode is raw, honest, and uplifting — continuing the conversation around what it really means to create inclusive, supportive spaces in the dance world.

Brought to you by Smile Productions https://www.smile-productions.co.uk/

Extreme Dance Company | https://www.instagram.com/extremedancecom/

Extreme Dance Events | https://www.instagram.com/extremedanceevents/

In episode three of The Real Smile Podcast, Anthony Jones shares his journey from a young boy with a passion for dance to becoming a respected performer and teacher.

Anthony reflects on growing up knowing he was gay from an early age, the bullying he faced, and how those experiences shaped the person he has become.

Alongside his personal story, we talk about the importance of great teachers, the life lessons dance gives young people, his professional career, and the joy he now finds in inspiring the next generation of performers.

This episode is honest, moving and uplifting—highlighting the power of resilience, acceptance, and staying true to yourself.

Brought to you by Smile Productions https://www.smile-productions.co.uk/

Anthony Jones - https://www.instagram.com/antjonesdance/

Finesse School of dance - https://www.instagram.com/finesseschoolofdance/

In episode seven of The Real Smile Podcast, David Heath shares his remarkable journey through the world of dance, from discovering his passion at a young age to building a career dedicated to inspiring others.

David reflects on the teachers and opportunities that shaped his path, the lessons he learned throughout his performing career, and the experiences that led him into teaching. We explore the importance of creating positive environments for young people, the responsibility that comes with being a role model, and why dance is about so much more than technique.

Alongside his professional journey, David opens up about overcoming self-doubt, embracing new opportunities, and the value of perseverance, kindness and staying true to yourself. It's a conversation filled with humour, honesty and powerful life lessons that extend far beyond the dance studio.

This episode is inspiring, thought-provoking and a reminder that the greatest impact we can have isn't always measured by trophies or titles, but by the difference we make in other people's lives.

Brought to you by Smile Productions https://www.smile-productions.co.uk/

In episode six of The Real Smile Podcast, Sophie Niker — owner of Sophie Louise School of Dance — shares the story behind her journey in dance, from training as a young performer to building a thriving dance school centred around confidence, kindness and community.

Sophie reflects on the lessons she's learned throughout her career, the challenges of running a successful school, and the importance of creating a positive environment where every child feels valued. We talk about the responsibility that comes with teaching the next generation, the friendships formed through dance, and why it's about so much more than competitions and performances.

Alongside her professional journey, Sophie opens up about balancing family life with running a business, staying true to her values, and the passion that continues to drive everything she does. It's a conversation about resilience, growth, and the lasting impact a great dance teacher can have on a young person's life.

This episode is warm, honest and inspiring—a reminder that dance isn't just about creating great performers; it's about building confident, happy young people who carry those lessons with them for life.

Brought to you by Smile Productions https://www.smile-productions.co.uk/

In episode five of The Real Smile Podcast, Victoria Charlton — owner of Complete Works Performance School — shares an incredibly honest and emotional account of the journey that has shaped both her life and her career. From performing professionally and unexpectedly finding her way into teaching, to building Complete Works Performance School with her business partner, Victoria reflects on the highs and lows of working in the dance industry and the values that continue to guide her today. Victoria also opens up about living with polycystic kidney disease, the life-changing journey that led to her liver transplant, and how those experiences changed her outlook on life.

We talk about balancing family life, running a business, facing unimaginable challenges, and finding the strength to keep moving forward, even during life's most difficult moments. This episode is raw, emotional and ultimately inspiring—a reminder to embrace every opportunity, appreciate the people around you, and never give up, no matter what life throws your way.

Brought to you by Smile Productions https://www.smile-productions.co.uk/ Complete Works Performance School https://www.instagram.com/completeworksps/

In episode four of The Real Smile Podcast, Natalie Burton — owner of Natalie Dignam Theatre School — shares her journey from a young girl with a passion for dance to becoming a successful tripple threat performer, teacher and theatre school owner.

Natalie reflects on the sacrifices her family made to support her dreams, the dedication it took to build a career in the industry, and the experiences that shaped her both on and off the stage. From touring professionally to leading her own theatre school, she shares the lessons she's learned along the way.

Alongside her career, Natalie opens up about balancing family life with running a business, the importance of having a strong support network, and why creating a positive environment for young performers is at the heart of everything she does. We also discuss the value of hard work, resilience, kindness and giving every child the confidence to achieve their potential.

This episode is full of honesty, laughter and inspiring reflections on building a life in the performing arts industry while staying true to your values.

Brought to you by Smile Productions

https://www.smile-productions.co.uk/

Natalie Dignam Theatre School - https://www.instagram.com/nataliedignamtheatreschool/

In episode eleven of The Real Smile Podcast, Leanne Campbell joins Sharon for an honest and personal conversation about her journey, from her early days in dance to her experiences in radio and the different chapters that have shaped her along the way.

Leanne reflects on her time at Juice FM, including the risks they took, the things they were doing differently and the fines that came with pushing boundaries. She also shares stories from her career and the experiences that have stayed with her over the years.

Alongside her professional journey, Leanne talks openly about the people who have supported her, including the important role her mum and dad have played in her life and how much she values their advice.

It's a warm, honest and entertaining conversation filled with memories, stories, laughter and a look behind the scenes at the experiences that have helped shape Leanne into who she is today.

Brought to you by Smile Productions

In episode ten of The Real Smile Podcast, Kelly Tobin — owner of Kelly Shirley School of Dance — joins Sharon for a conversation that goes right back to where Kelly’s own dance journey began. Kelly reflects on being a student herself, her early experiences in dance and the journey that eventually led her to running her own school. We talk about the growth of Kelly Shirley School of Dance, the hard work behind its success, competitive dance and the opportunities she has created for her students. We also explore the bigger impact of dance beyond performing. From confidence, discipline and teamwork to learning how to deal with pressure and nerves, Kelly and Sharon discuss the skills and values that young people can take with them long after they leave the dance studio. It's a warm and honest conversation about the journey from student to teacher, the importance of giving young dancers opportunities, and why the experiences we have through dance can stay with us for life. Brought to you by Smile Productions

In episode nine of The Real Smile Podcast, Kirsty Nunnen — owner of Pimbletts Pilates and former student of Sharon’s — shares her journey from growing up with dance to discovering a new passion through Pilates and Barre.

Kirsty talks about her family, her experiences growing up around dance, and how the skills and knowledge she developed through dance have influenced what she does today. She opens up about taking the leap into teaching Pilates, initially having doubts about whether it was for her, and the moment she realised just how much she loved it.

We also talk about family, hard work, loyalty and commitment, as well as Kirsty’s famous younger brother, Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett, the professional MMA fighter, and what it’s like watching someone so close to you compete at the highest level.

It's a warm, honest and personal conversation about family, finding a new direction, learning new skills and discovering that your experience in dance can shape what comes next.

Brought to you by Smile Productions https://www.smile-productions.co.uk/

In episode eight of The Real Smile Podcast, Claire Wharmby — founder of Empire Street Dance Company — shares her journey from discovering her passion for dance to building a successful street dance school and inspiring the next generation of dancers.

Claire reflects on the challenges and opportunities that have shaped her career, and what it takes to create a school where young people feel supported, inspired and confident. We talk about the importance of giving every child a place to belong, balancing family life with running a dance school, and why passion and perseverance have been at the heart of everything she's achieved.

Throughout the conversation, Claire opens up about the lessons she's learned along the way, the responsibility of mentoring the next generation, and the moments that have made it all worthwhile. It's an honest discussion about leadership, resilience, community and the lasting impact dance can have on a young person's life.

This episode is full of warmth, inspiration and practical wisdom, reminding us that dance is about so much more than learning routines—it's about building confidence, creating opportunities and changing lives.

Brought to you by Smile Productions https://www.smile-productions.co.uk/