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EP 18 Raising Confident Kids Without Fear-Based Teaching (Inside the Dance Studio) w/Leslie Kuny
What does it actually look like to build confident, resilient kids without fear, shame, or outdated teaching methods?
In this episode of Wait, Am I Saving the World?, I’m joined by dance educator, choreographer, and studio owner Leslie Kuny, who’s been working with kids for over 20 years. We talk about what’s changing in the world of dance (and childhood in general), and why the old-school, fear-based approach just doesn’t work anymore.
Leslie shares how she creates a studio environment where kids feel safe, supported, and still challenged—without losing the joy of movement. We get into body image, confidence, boundaries, and why play matters more than ever for today’s kids.
This conversation is especially helpful for parents, teachers, and anyone working with children who wants to build strong, confident kids in a healthier, more human way.
What we cover:- What resilience actually looks like in kids
- Why fear-based teaching backfires
- How dance culture has impacted body image (and how to shift it)
- What parents should look for in a dance studio
- Why kids today struggle with unstructured movement
- How to set boundaries while still keeping things fun
- Instagram: @lesliekuny
- YouTube: Leslie Kuny Dance
- Podcast: Dancing Through It
00:00 Introduction to Leslie Kuny and Her Journey
04:13 Creating a Supportive Dance Studio Culture
06:39 Philosophy of Teaching and Student Engagement
11:21 Addressing Body Image and Self-Perception in Dance
16:29 Healthy Conversations About Bodies and Movement
20:22 Parental Guidance on Body Image and Dance Studios
25:29 The Importance of Play and Unstructured Movement
32:21 Boundaries and Classroom Management in Dance
41:12 Conclusion and Connecting with Leslie Kuny
💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.
FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com and www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners
IG: better.childhood.project
View all episodes
By Carrie of PlayMotion KidsWhat does it actually look like to build confident, resilient kids without fear, shame, or outdated teaching methods?
In this episode of Wait, Am I Saving the World?, I’m joined by dance educator, choreographer, and studio owner Leslie Kuny, who’s been working with kids for over 20 years. We talk about what’s changing in the world of dance (and childhood in general), and why the old-school, fear-based approach just doesn’t work anymore.
Leslie shares how she creates a studio environment where kids feel safe, supported, and still challenged—without losing the joy of movement. We get into body image, confidence, boundaries, and why play matters more than ever for today’s kids.
This conversation is especially helpful for parents, teachers, and anyone working with children who wants to build strong, confident kids in a healthier, more human way.
What we cover:- What resilience actually looks like in kids
- Why fear-based teaching backfires
- How dance culture has impacted body image (and how to shift it)
- What parents should look for in a dance studio
- Why kids today struggle with unstructured movement
- How to set boundaries while still keeping things fun
- Instagram: @lesliekuny
- YouTube: Leslie Kuny Dance
- Podcast: Dancing Through It
00:00 Introduction to Leslie Kuny and Her Journey
04:13 Creating a Supportive Dance Studio Culture
06:39 Philosophy of Teaching and Student Engagement
11:21 Addressing Body Image and Self-Perception in Dance
16:29 Healthy Conversations About Bodies and Movement
20:22 Parental Guidance on Body Image and Dance Studios
25:29 The Importance of Play and Unstructured Movement
32:21 Boundaries and Classroom Management in Dance
41:12 Conclusion and Connecting with Leslie Kuny
💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.
FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com and www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners
IG: better.childhood.project