In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts – Details, episodes & analysis

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In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts

Robin Snyder-Wiencek

Arts

Kids & Family

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/10d. Total Eps: 48

We’re diving deep into the transformative world of performing arts education. Twice a month, we chat with industry experts — from seasoned educators to acclaimed artists — who are passionate about nurturing responsible young leaders through the power of performing arts training.

Twice a month we share a ‘What’s Happening At EMC’ segment so that you can hear all the amazingness going on as well as stay in the loop..

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or aspiring artist, you’ll discover actionable insights and inspiring stories that highlight how the arts can shape character, boost confidence, and cultivate leadership skills.

Together, we’ll explore innovative techniques, share valuable resources, and celebrate the incredible impact of the arts in developing the leaders of tomorrow.

Get ready to shine a light on the incredible journey of raising leaders in the performing arts!

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Apple Podcasts

🇨🇦 Canada - performingArts
25/02/2026
#66
🇨🇦 Canada - performingArts
12/02/2025
#91

Spotify

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Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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https://www.facebook.com/EMCPerformingArtsStudio/
48 shares
https://www.facebook.com/InTheSpotlightPod/
48 shares
https://www.facebook.com/Diversiondance/
2 shares

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RSS feed quality

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Score global : 58%

Publication history

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Ep 7 - Open Marley Festival Preparations, The Musical Experience Update, Imagine That! Events, and Rockette Visits!

Episode 7

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 • Duration 28:51

Join us this week for a housekeeping segment where we chat:

Open Marley Festival and the Preparations Taking Place
The Musical Experience Updates and What's to Come
Reminder of our Upcoming Imagine That! Events
Incorporating Rockette Visits in the Dance Studio

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram

Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

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Ep 6 - Letting Go of Ego and Working as a Team While Teaching in a Dance Studio Setting with Elisabeth Simmons

Episode 6

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 • Duration 01:24:28

Listen in as Robin chats with long-time EMC community member, Elisabeth Simmons.

Once a student at EMC, now a Team Member and EMC parent, Elisabeth has experienced our culture from multiple angles.

The conversation meanders from what the performing arts experience did for Elisabeth as a young person, to where her dance studio training led her, wrapping up in a full circle moment where she is now contributing to curriculum development and stage managing our productions.

House Keeping Segment Notes:

Our EMC housekeeping segment finishes at 23:16 and the episode with Robin and Elisabeth will begin then.

We talk about our Spring Concert Theme, the return of Erica Bull, our Summer Schedule release and when costume payments are due, the last day to register to Dance as a Performer in the Pullo Spring Concert, welcoming our new Dance Company members, sharing more about our new Showstopper format, and reminders on our upcoming Imagine That! Moana Event and Open Gym.

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

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Ep 5 - The Process of Making Art and Creative Problem Solving with Jeffrey Gunshol

Episode 5

Tuesday, January 7, 2025 • Duration 01:06:00

Robin sits down with long-time friend and dance educator, Jeffrey Gunshol, to discuss how his students have benefitted from performing arts training over the years, and tells tales about how a dance education builds character traits that carry young people confidently into the future.

JEFFREY GUNSHOL

Jeffrey Gunshol has danced with many different artists including, Liz Lerman, Mark Dendy, Melanie Stewart, and Kattie Duck and collaborated with Vincent Cacalano, Adrienne Clancy, Reggie Crump, Stephanie George, and Michaela Cannon. He began dancing at the Baltimore School for the Arts then headed to New York City and attended Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. He pursued his undergraduate degree at Virginia Commonwealth University and after graduation started dancing with Dendy Dance. Following his work with Mark Dendy, he began to teach, choreograph, and dance for Liz Lerman for five years. He moved to Amsterdam to work with Vincent Cacalano. While abroad he was a guest artist with Magpie Music and Dance, created his own work, did long term projects with Danish choreographer Eric Pold, and Dutch choreographer Martin Butler. He received his Masters in Dance from the University of Utah. After leaving Utah he taught at East Carolina University for a year before coming to Tulane. He is a 2004 recipient of the Weiss Presidential Fellowship for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching at Tulane University.

Listen to Jeffrey and Robin chat on the DSO Connect podcast: Preparing Our Students For College Dance Programs

House Keeping Segment Notes:

Our EMC housekeeping segment finishes at 17:05 and the episode with Robin and Jeffrey will begin then.

We talk about and New Year Energy at EMC, The Musical Experience changes, our upcoming Imagine That! Events, Open Gym, and the Big Reveal for our Spring Show.

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

Ep 4 - Lights Down, Thoughts Up

Episode 4

Tuesday, December 24, 2024 • Duration 26:43

Join us this week for a housekeeping segment where we chat:

Show Recap: Stories (both highs and lows) of EMC Performing Arts' Holiday Celebration
Sparkle Days: What they are and when they are running
When Classes Resume

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram

Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

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Ep 3 - Developing Personhood, Goal Setting and Patience Through Ballet Training with Deborah Engerman

Episode 3

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 • Duration 01:09:02

In today’s episode, Robin chats with Deborah Engerman about how dance training has helped her students grow into the very best versions of themselves.

DEBORAH ENGERMAN

Returning to the United States after touring Europe as Ballet Mistress with "Rock The Ballet," Deborah Engerman took on the role of Director of Maryland Classical Dance Academy, along with teaching at Charm City Ballet, Dance Conservatory of Maryland, and Susquehanna Dance Center. She trained early in life with the Baltimore Ballet under Wendy Robinson in the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) tradition, passing her graded exams. Her classical studies also include training with Petrus Bosman, David Keener, and Christine Hennessy. Later, while pursuing her BA in International Policy at Dickinson College, she continued her study of classical ballet with the teachers of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Her dance training also includes Vaganova Technique, French Methodology, and the Dance Education Program at Towson University. Mrs. Engerman has staged ballets to include the Nutcracker and Swan Lake, Act II. Dancers trained by Mrs. Engerman have earned professional contracts and danced with Universal Ballet, ABT, Complexions, The Washington Ballet, The Vienna Opera Ballet, the Boston Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Ballet Inc, Texture Ballet, Hubbard Street, and on Broadway. She has also been a coach to dancers succeeding at numerous international ballet competitions, such as The Prix de Lausanne, the Varna IBC, and The Youth America Grand Prix. Her student, Adrienne Canterna, took the Junior Gold Medal at the 1998 Jackson USA International Ballet Competition.

In August 2023, Mrs. Engerman published her first book, Let’s Talk About Fifth: Teaching Ballet in the Twenty-First Century. Find it Here.

She is currently happy to continue training dancers in MD and PA while living with her husband and two dogs in South Central PA.

Ep 2 - Cultivating Home Grown Teachers at Your Dance Studio with Britt Mergler

Episode 2

Tuesday, November 26, 2024 • Duration 49:10

Get to know EMC Performing Arts Studio’s preschool dance program director, Britt Mergler, and listen in as we talk about the advantages of a student teacher training program in local studios.

Our EMC housekeeping segment finishes at 16:53 and the episode with Robin and Britt will begin then.

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

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Ep 1 - Yes, That's My Job! Discussing our Greater Mission in the Performing Arts Studio with Kathy Jones and Jaime Ferguson

Episode 1

Sunday, November 10, 2024 • Duration 01:10:55

It’s our very first episode! Woo-hoo! Join us as Robin chats with Kathy and Jaime, her left and right hand Team Members who truly make the world go around at our performing arts studio.

Jaime and Kathy chat about their roles at EMC and how much they love working in a place where we contribute to and witness the growth of young performers every single day!

We also discuss our greater mission as performing arts educators and what it’s really all about!

Our EMC housekeeping segment finishes at 28:30 and the episode with Robin, Kathy, and Jaime will begin then.

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

Interested in Classes at EMC? Learn More About Us Here

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Ep 48 - From Rock Star Dreams: Supporting a Young Musician’s Journey in Nashville

Episode 48

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 • Duration 37:17

What happens when a 10-year-old drummer gets invited on stage at a bustling Broadway bar in Nashville?

In this heartfelt episode, Robin sits down with Urzula Lazcano to talk about her son Lucca’s unforgettable moment playing drums at JBJ’s, and how that single experience sparked a family’s leap of faith toward Music City.

The conversation weaves together life in Nashville, Lucca’s musical journey from banging on drums as a baby to performing with professional bands, and the realities parents face when supporting young artists in adult spaces.

Robin and Urzula explore confidence-building through the performing arts, the importance of safe supervision, and how music uniquely fosters collaboration and leadership in young people.

This episode is a must-listen for parents navigating big dreams, unconventional paths, and the delicate balance between protecting their children and letting them shine. It’s a reminder that sometimes, saying “yes” to opportunity (before everything feels perfectly planned) can change everything

About Urzula:

As a Nashville mom, Urzula is best known in the area as Lucca’s mom her young drummer whose standout performances light up Broadway stages.

From her early dreams of a career in advertising, becoming a wife, and raising a family, Urzula is truly living her dream.

Her background in advertising and public relations has helped build connections in the music community, paving the way for Lucca to share his gift and grow as a leader on and off stage.

She intentionally nurtures independence, grit, joy, discipline, and perseverance in her kid transforming potential into purpose without pressure because she sees perseverance as the ultimate superpower.

When not celebrating Lucca’s big moments, Urzula loves unwinding at home with baking and cooking, embracing the delicious chaos of family life.

Follow Lucca @‌drumsthatkill on IG

Ep 47 - Inside EMC: Your Guide to Summer at EMC: Part 1

Episode 47

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • Duration 22:20

Join us this week for our Inside EMC segment where we dive into part one of this two part Summer Guide:

Dance Technique Evening Classes
Kreative Kidz and Tumblers Journey Into The Enchanted Forrest
Dance Foundations Classes
AcroGymnastics Classes
Music Lessons and what’s available
The Musical Experience and the Broadway Classics
Rising Leaders Training Program

Get Your Brick and Support the Podcast:

For $10 off your brick and to give $10 to the podcast, click HERE.

Let’s Connect on Socials:

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Facebook

EMC Performing Arts Studio on Instagram

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Facebook

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts on Instagram

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Ep 38 - From Competition Kid to Horton Certified Teacher: A Conversation with Denise Carr

Episode 38

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • Duration 50:14

In this episode, Robin Snyder-Wiencek engages in a deep conversation with Denise Carr, a passionate dance educator and esthetician.

Denise shares her journey from a young dancer to a teacher, discussing the importance of training, the challenges of transitioning from student to teacher, and the impact of different teaching methodologies.

They explore the significance of college dance programs, the value of a dance degree, and the personal choices that shape a dance career.

Denise also talks about her experience with the Horton technique and her journey into the esthetics field, highlighting the balance between her teaching and business endeavors.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of diverse dance experiences and the role of teachers in shaping young dancers' lives.

About Denise:

Denise started dancing at the age of 4 and has continued to dance through high school and college. She graduated in May 2017, receiving her BFA in dance performance from Towson University. Denise trained with many different teachers and choreographers including Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, Runqiao Du, Vincent Thomas, and Catherine Horta-Hayden. During her time at Towson she performed with the Towson University Dance Company and performed excerpts choreographed by Runqiao Du, Darrell Moltrie, and Kim Bailey.

Since graduating, she has taught at many different dance programs and studios in the Maryland and Southern PA area for over 10 years. While she loves teaching, Denise also enjoys choreographing. She has choreographed for various different productions by Harford Dance Theater and the John Carroll Ballet Academy. She has choreographed routines for different competitive studios in the Maryland area as well.

Denise's passion is educating and inspiring her students and seeing them progress and grow into smart and healthy artists. While Denise is currently teaching and choreographing, she also undergoing a Ailey Horton Teaching Certification and will be graduating in May 2026 from the Ailey School in NYC.

Connect with Denise on Instagram @deenise_nicole

In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts – Details, episodes & analysis

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In The Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

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Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

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Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

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