Explore every episode of the podcast D.D.T- Dani’s Dance Talk

Welcome to our Judges 2.0 episode. Last season, one of our most popular podcasts featured Melanie discussing what judges expect from competitors. This week, we're joined by three outstanding nationwide judges who will share their insights for the 2024-25 season. 
With us is Melanie Durham, a former studio owner, studio mentor, national adjudicator, and frequent co-host. Dan Peress, a competition dance instructor, event and marketing director, as well as a national judge. And last but not least, Megan Jenkins, a former ballet dancer, co-owner of Define Dance Space in Southern California, and a dance judge with over 20 years of experience.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

so excited to have three major national conventions chatting with me about their new Utah locations. We have Star Power, Encore and Platinum talking all about how these conventions can help you as a studio owner or dancer.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

On today's episode I talk with Jen Stapley and her daughter Cambria Parents. We discuss how social status can affect your dance experience and the wonderful non profit they have that can help dancers everywhere.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

today I do a little pep talk to my dancers. I want the dancers to know they are enough just as they are.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

On this episode we have Kelly Nelms a dance mom, studio owner, dance clothing line owner and mom of Lola who will be starring in that girl lola on we the studios network, talking to us about how she does all of it and what is important to remember.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

In this episode I talk with choreographer Brinley Linton who talks about the steps she took as a choreographer to branch out and travel to different studios.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

Athena is a local dancer, videographer and photographer. She explains why she got into dancing in films and how you can start and find resources.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

on today's podcast I talk with Annie Semenova owner of Bemomager. She talks about how important it is to get your dancer into acting and how she can help moms be their own manager to make things happen for your child.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

Today's show I have Leah Hoskinson from Washington, talking with me about Boundaries with parents. When to let them in, draw the line and how their behavior impacts the dancer.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

in this podcast myself, Melanie Durham and Miquela White talk about teachers who are deciding whether to stay at their current studio to teach or move on. We discuss the red flags and green flags for these decisions.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

This week I have the owner of The Vibe dance Studio in Utah (Erin Rich) talking with me about how to build Resilient Dancers. How to support them as owners of Studios, teachers and parents.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

So excited for this episode on Tap with Melanie Durham and Mike Wittmers a well accomplished and well known tap expert. Todays topic is all about TAP. I am so excited because tap has recently become more exciting to me.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

This week Melanie Durham will be helping me out by doing an episode all on her own. This episode is kind of an ending the dance season on a high note episode. It is for Dancers, Dance teachers, Dance parents and Dance studio owners. Do not miss out on Melanies expertise in dance and let her help you end this season on a high note

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

We are seeing an increase in what our little dancers can do but is it too much to soon or too fast? Melanie is back to discuss this topic with me.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

Please let me know your thoughts on this matter. I talk about my feelings on bringing your children to dance sick.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

Competitions are lacking when it comes to healthy options for our dancers and spectators. Please hear our cry for better choices. Join me as I discuss what some people are doing to keep their kids healthy.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

I am so excited to welcome one of my favorite people Mrs. Charity Anderson (Reid) to the podcast this week. I have known Charity for many years and to say she is just as nice and humble as she is a great dancer is an understatement. Charity Anderson takes us on her journey of Dance and talks about the World of Dance and what it is Like being on tour with Derek Hough. This is one you will not want to miss.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

This topic is so needed. Every dance studio has issues with this, which is why I will not say names etc. of my guests. We as Parents, dance teachers, Dance studio owners, etc. Need to be aware of what is going on and try to find a solution instead of adding to the problem. I have chosen to leave the names of people off for privacy and because I do not believe this to be any one studio's problem.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

On this episode, we have Randi Carter, owner of Hustle Dance Events a new competition. She will talk with us about Why and how she started a dance competition and how keeping up with the times is What is going to set her apart.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

I am so excited to welcome Corina Johnson from all point travel. Corina was part of the dance community for many years, She now owns a travel company that specializes in dance group travel. This is the way to go for all your large or small groups. I do not love Zoom because I don't really have time to fix the sound levels so sorry about that.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

It is our very last podcast of 2023. 23 episodes for 2023. Melanie and I go over the best apps for you to get as a dance studio owner, dance teacher, dancer, or dance parent. These are apps that have worked tremendously for your peers. Join us! If you would like to sponsor us in any way or give merchandise for giveaways, please get in touch with Dani.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

On this podcast, I join with the owner of Steps Performing Arts Center, Susan Crowther. Susan talks about the benefits of her studio being a Performing Arts studio. We talk about the benefits it has for auditioning and other life skills. We also discussed being a mother of dancers and how that had a positive influence in her children's lives.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

On this episode I have Hillary Howard, former studio owner and coach to Dance owners on to discuss how to handle it when you or your child do not make the team they want. We also discuss how to be a good looser at competitions, not only for dancers but for studio owners and teachers as well.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

We have Meredith and Mallory Wright from Davis Performing Arts Collective talking with us about their program and the positivity it brings to the Dance world. They talk about their performance of Scrooge coming up on Thanksgiving weekend. It sounds amazing.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

We are fortunate enough to have the Amazing Jason Pickett from No Starving Artists on our podcast today. Jason answers questions about male dancers, Hip Hop, Conventions, Acro tricks, and more. Do not miss this episode.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

This episode is a continuation of last week's episode on competition etiqueete. I have three guests with me, Melanie Durham, Chris Rutledge, and Ian Howe. Do not miss this episode, so many topics are brought up for dancers, studio owners as well as competition directors. And stay tuned at the end for our competition giveaways!!

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

Part 1- This is a topic that has had a lot of comments and conversations to me about. Etiquette at competitions, recitals, or any event is lacking. You may not be familiar with these things and so you do not know what to do, that is why this podcast is so important. It comes down to respect. My monthly expert Melanie and I cover so many areas. This is a two-parter. Next week we will talk about etiquette for dancers, studio owners, and competition owners with 3 other guests. Yes, we are bi-weekly but these two episodes will come out one week after the other.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

Ian Howe is a well-known person in the dance community. He not only owns a dance studio but is a judge and teaches masterclasses around Seattle and surrounding areas.
Ian talks about the importance of taking care of your mental health and his own struggles with mental health.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

Our expert is back, and she wants to talk about versatility in dance. It is becoming a problem how many dancers are not ambidextrous. You must have a good balance between your right and left side. This is what judges are looking for!

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

Lauralyn is a well-known choreographer and dance instructor. She has over 30 yrs. of experience in all styles of dance and choreography. She has been trained by the very best dance professionals from across the nation. She taught high school dance for 12 yrs. serving as the Dance Department Chair, Dance Company Director, and Drill Team Coach.  Lauralyn’s choreography has won many awards over the years and includes such events as… the annual 4th of July televised “Stadium of Fire” show, the “Miss Rodeo America” Pageant, the 2002 Winter Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Commercial choreography, Bowl game halftime shows, and many State and National Championship Dance/Drill Team, Studio, and Solo competition. She has experience working with Kenny Ortega (Olympic Winer Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies/High School Musical 3).

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

We have Jake Bushman from the podcast Journey with Jake this week. He is a dance dad to his daughter Hailey a competition dancer. Jake discusses what it is like to be an average dad having a dancer and the things he loves about what dance has offered to him and his family.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

Kent Lloyd is a dancer turned stunt fighter and owns Utah Valley of Self-defense. He talks about his experience with dance and how it led to other opportunities in his life.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

We welcome back Melanie Durham as we talk about the huge topic of Dance Competitions. Melanie is a national dance judge so her experience is well worth listening to.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

Vixy Radar is back! This time she is talking about mental health as a dancer and dance teacher. We talk about the importance of taking care of your mental health. Vixy will talk about her own personal journey with mental health and how mental issues can really affect you as a dancer or teacher.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

In this episode, Brittney Wakefield a successful dance coach for BYU, program director, life coach, and mother of 3 talks to us about getting the most out of your dance team experience. Not only as a dancer but as a parent or teacher as well. 
She also talks about balancing a family and a dance position career.  Brittney gives us great tips on how to keep a positive outlook no matter the situation.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

In this episode, my guest Host Vixy Rader will discuss what modern dance is, a little about its history, and people in modern dance.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

This episode is a continuation of last week's episode talking about acro and tumbling in dance. Guest host Alyson Lamoreaux discusses Acro and tumbling in dance competitions.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

Melanie our monthly expert is back, and this time will be talking with us about Acro and tumbling in the dance world.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

On this episode Dani’s daughter MaKayla talks about her experience with teaching groups with large numbers. She talks aboiut how to control a classroom and other teaching tips.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

Welcome to Dani’s Dance talk where we talk about everything Dance! 

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

This week we have the amazing Celestial Stokes talking about creativity in dance. How to find inspiration as a teacher and grow as a dancer with your imagination. Celestial has over 20 years of experience in the dance world.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

In this episode, Dani's son Crew talks about what it is like being a male dancer. His likes, dislikes, and role model  Derek Hough. Crew also talks about his experience in the acting world.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

On this episode, we welcome Guest host Melanie Durham. We will be discussing all the many options there are for dancing during the summer.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

In this episode of D.D.T we will be discussing what a dance dad is and talking with Dani’s husband Scott. He will talk a little bit about the things that make him a dance dad.

A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

This is the first intro episode to introduce Dani’s Dance talk. So many great episodes to come with great guests! We hope you will stay to hear the why and how this podcast got started and future episodes with some very informative guests.