Your child comes home crying after class—and as a parent, your first instinct is to fix it. But here’s the truth: the way you approach the situation can either support your child’s growth… or hold them back.

In this episode of Dance Colleges and Careers, Brittany Noltimier (studio owner, professional dancer, competition judge, and lifelong “studio kid”) shares how parents can navigate tough moments like casting disappointment, favoritism concerns, and front-row frustrations.

We’ll cover:

• Why comparing your child to others keeps them stuck
• How to handle “favorites” and front-row placement with perspective
• What guest choreographers are really looking for
• The #1 way to help your child move forward (hint: it’s not sending a nasty email)
• Better questions to ask your child when they’re upset after class

This episode is all about shifting from complaints to growth—so your dancer can thrive with confidence all year long.

✨ Mentioned: The Fame Academy launches October 2025. Join the inaugural class and help your dancer reach their full potential.

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Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!

Should your child have a dance Instagram account? Parents often wonder if it’s the “right” move to help their dancer gain exposure, connect with opportunities, or simply share their journey with friends and family. In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of creating a social media page for your child, including brand exposure, family connection, and safety concerns.

We’ll also talk about what to do if your child is too young to manage an account responsibly, how to set clear boundaries, and why social media should never replace the joy of dance itself.

👉 Listen in and decide what’s best for your family: www.brittanynoltmier.com/72

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Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!

In this empowering episode of Dance Colleges and Careers, host Brittany Noltimier reminds dancers, parents, and performers that what we see online is a filtered version of reality. From TikTok trends to viral pirouettes, we're often bombarded with “perfect” content that leaves us doubting our own progress. But real growth happens in the rehearsal room—where struggles, stumbles, and perseverance lead to powerful breakthroughs. Brittany shares a heart-to-heart reminder about the value of imperfection, the importance of struggle, and why your dance journey is valid—messy moments and all.

🎁 Don’t forget your free bonus download at brittanynoltimier.com/71

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Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!

Your next job interview doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking mess. Whether you're auditioning for a role or applying for a 9–5, the prep strategies are the same — and performers might even have an edge. In this episode, Brittany shares 5 powerful interview tips straight from the stage that will help you show up confident, prepared, and unforgettable. Learn how to exude confidence, dress with intention, and actually connect — not just perform.

🎧 Want the free worksheet and action steps?
 Visit: brittanynoltimier.com/70

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Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!

Think your flawless technique is enough? Think again.

 In this episode, Brittany breaks down the 75% Rule — the hard truth behind why technically perfect dancers still fall short on score sheets. If you’re ignoring your facial expressions and stage presence, you’re starting at a disadvantage. Learn how competitive dance scores really work, why facials matter just as much as turns, and what you can do to improve. Plus, grab the free self-coaching worksheet and see exactly where you stand.

🎯 Perfect for competitive dancers, perfectionists, and studio stars who are tired of hearing “connect more” without knowing how.

📥 Download the free worksheet at brittanynoltimier.com/69
📌 Want to prep for real growth? Join the Fame Academy waitlist today. https://portal.cfpatheater.com/fame-academy

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Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!

What you think is helping… might be what’s holding you back.

Clean technique? Check. Power tricks? Check. But still not placing? You might be making one of these 3 super common—but wildly misunderstood—competition mistakes.

In this episode, Brittany breaks down the real reasons dancers get stuck, why “more classes” isn’t the answer, and what to do if you want judges to actually remember your solo.

🎯 Topics include:

• Why over-cleaning might be holding you back
• The difference between power and purpose in your dancing
• How to train smarter (not just harder)
• What we actually work on inside Fame Academy

📝 Download the free worksheet:
 👉 brittanynoltimier.com/68

💛 Join the Fame Academy Waitlist:
 👉 https://portal.cfpatheater.com/fame-academy

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Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!

Smarter training, better attitude, and what top dancers actually do in rehearsal 

Think more classes are the key to success? Not quite. In this episode, I share what I saw at Nationals this year — including one dancer who went full-out during a marked run… and ended up winning the overall. Let’s talk about how to take class with intention, energy, and purpose so you actually get the results you want. 

 🎓 Registration opens soon for the Fame Academy — a training experience built for dancers in their prime years.
📥 Join the waitlist: [https://portal.cfpatheater.com/fame-academy] 

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Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!

What’s your mindset going into nationals? In this episode of Dance Colleges and Careers, I break down the difference between regionals and nationals — and how YOU (and your whole family!) can get the most out of the trip.

From being brave enough to take a masterclass solo to finding your people in the Top Stars program, we’ll talk about what really matters. Spoiler: it’s not just your scores.

If you’re heading to nationals, you don’t want to miss this reminder to think BIGGER, connect with your community, and embrace your exceptional self.

🎧 Let’s go beyond the quick tricks and into real growth.

🔗 Join the conversation in the Dance Colleges and Careers Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/dancepodcast

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Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!

This week’s episode is a reminder that you don’t have to do it all — you just need to do you really well.

I’m coming to you from a pageant venue in Orlando, where I’ve seen firsthand how dancers, singers, and performers thrive when they understand their strengths — and stop trying to copy everyone else. Whether it’s tights, tricks, turns, or two-piece costumes, we talk about what it really means to make a smart first impression on stage.

We also dive into:

• How to use choreography, outfits, and mindset to your advantage
• When to skip what isn’t working and lean into what is
• Why understanding your body (and your vibe) gives you the edge
• A little embarrassing story from my college public speaking class 😅
• And yes… whether or not you really need to wear tights

Plus, I’m sharing a sneak peek into FAME Academy — my 12-week coaching experience that helps dancers and their parents build confidence, clarity, and performance presence from the inside out.

🗓️ FAME Academy opens this October and only runs once a year. Don’t miss it!

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Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!

Too often, dancers obsess over tricks and forget about the magic that truly makes them unforgettable. In this episode, I share the difference between “quick tricks” and “real feels” — and why emotional connection, storytelling, and soul-driven performance will always outlast flashy moments.

Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a studio owner, this is your reminder that the greatest performances are about impact — not just aerials and turns.

🎧 Tune in and ask yourself: What do you want to be remembered for?

Support the show

Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!