Is natural talent the biggest factor in a dancer's success? This episode uncovers the deeper layers of what talent really means and how teachers can unlock the potential in every dancer.

In Episode 2 of It’s All Relative, Cara unpacks the complex topic of talent in dance training. Does talent really matter? Absolutely. But what we often label as “talent” goes far beyond leg extensions and clean turns. Cara explores the different types of natural talent — from technical skill to resilience, work ethic, and drive — and how each plays a unique role in a dancer’s long-term success. This conversation empowers dance educators to shift their mindset, sharpen their teaching strategy, and build belief in every student.

Cara talked about:

• Why redefining “talent” is essential for long-term dancer success
• The four key assessments teachers can use to understand and nurture their students:
  1. Assess each dancer’s starting point in technical ability – What comes easy? Where do they struggle?
  2. Identify non-technical natural gifts – Look for work ethic, drive, consistency, and grit
  3. Understand their personality – How do they take correction? What type of feedback motivates them?
  4. Instill belief in every dancer – Actively reinforce that their goals are possible and their effort matters
• How to give consistent wins in class to boost dancer confidence
• Turning corrections into curiosity: helping students ask “why” and “how”
• Why your goal as a teacher should be for no one to tell who started with more talent
• Using encouragement, strategy, and structure to help every dancer grow into a technically strong, motivated performer

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