Dance Dad With John Corella

“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.) 

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)

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) 

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)

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) 

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

“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) 

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) 

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)

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) 

Links

Connect with Ally Marc Jacobs:

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)

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