Cheryl Baxter’s very first job as a young dancer put her on the set of Xanadu with Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, and Kenny Ortega. What does it feel like to step into a world like that straight out of a small town in Wisconsin? And how do you carry lessons from legends into a career that lasts for decades? 

Joining John Corella in this episode, Cheryl reflects on the magic of Xanadu, the influence of Gene Kelly’s ease and Olivia Newton-John’s authenticity, and the ways she has kept her career alive through every crossover - from film and television to teaching and even TikTok!

Cheryl’s story invites you to think about resilience, reinvention, and the joy that comes from saying yes to new stages of life in dance.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Dance Dad Introduction

03:20 Making Xanadu With Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly

06:00 Gene Kelly’s On Set Lesson: Relax and Have Fun

10:30 Meeting Olivia Newton-John and Early Xanadu Memories

16:10 Why Xanadu Became a Cult Classic

28:30 Reinvention and Career Crossover From Stage to TikTok

49:30 Filming Magic on Xanadu: Steadicam, Long Days, Big Finale

57:50 Stay Bold: Resilience and Reinvention in Dance 

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