You've decided to get back into dance class… but now what?

Don't worry, I got you!

This episode is all about that in-between phase —after you've made the decision, but before your body's actually in the studio.

What do you do with that weird energy? How do you keep momentum without psyching yourself out? How do you get your mind and body ready for an actual class experience?

I'm walking you through my 10 tips on what to focus on right now — from gentle physical prep to the exact mental reminders that can make your return smoother (and way less dramatic).

This is the stuff that helped me return to dance (more than a few times)!

Let's get into it!

And make sure you're following my podcast — because next time, I'm talking about how to set yourself up for success once you're actually back in class.

Check out my ⁠Return to Dance docuseries!⁠

Support my Instagram — where I post daily dance inspo, insights and fun! ⁠@backtogreat

In this episode of The Rest of the Story, I'm diving into the dance lives of the Nicholas Brothers — Fayard and Harold — two self-taught tap prodigies who left legends like Fred Astaire and Mikhail Baryshnikov speechless.

From the Cotton Club to Hollywood, from Broadway to Buckingham Palace, their story is one of raw talent and jaw-dropping brilliance — not just defying the odds to rise to stardom, but doing it in a segregated world.

Stick around for behind-the-scenes truths (like: was their Stormy Weather routine really done in one take?), a little Gene Kelly shade, a full-circle Fred Astaire moment, and some real talk about how they got acro/tricks right.

This isn't just tap history — it's the story behind one of dance's greatest duos.

Check out my ⁠Return to Dance docuseries!⁠

Support my Instagram — where I post daily dance inspo, insights and fun! ⁠@backtogreat

Dancers often say, "I'm so rusty" after missing just one or two classes — but is that really the case?

In this episode, we dive into the science behind this common belief and explore how saying you're rusty can actually shape your experience.

We'll discuss the studies that show how your body and mind hold onto more than you think, even after taking breaks. Plus, you'll learn why your mindset plays a huge role in how you return to the studio.

Listen to this ep to rethink the "rusty" myth and come back stronger, no matter how much time you've had off! Yeah, really!

Episode 2 of my Return to Dance docuseries (mentioned in this ep)!

Check out my ⁠Return to Dance docuseries!⁠

Support my Instagram — where I post daily dance inspo, insights and fun! ⁠@backtogreat

In this episode of The Rest of the Story on Hey, Dancer!, I'm diving into George Chakiris, a guy who started as a background dancer behind stars like Marilyn Monroe and Rosemary Clooney.

Then he landed a major role in London's West Side Story, hired by Jerome Robbins. That took him to Hollywood and a rare, dance-driven Oscar win.

It's a story of hard work and a big break. Want to know how a chorus dancer made it to the top? Join me to hear this legend's journey unfold.

Check out my ⁠Return to Dance docuseries!⁠

Support my Instagram — where I post daily dance inspo, insights and fun! ⁠@backtogreat

Welcome to Part III of my "Is Dance a Sport?" series.

After defending why dance is a sport in Part I and why it isn't in Part II, it's now time to finally let you in on where I stand on this often talked about debate.

But first, I've got some fun preamble — quotes from well-known dancers sharing their opinion on the topic and comments from IG (that really made me think twice).

And then it all builds to my personal and super honest viewpoint at the end.

If you're curious (and I hope you are!), have a listen!

Check out Part I, Why Dance Is a Sport

Check out Part II, Why Dance Is NOT a Sport

Check out my ⁠Return to Dance docuseries!⁠

Support my Instagram — where I post daily dance inspo, insights and fun! ⁠@backtogreat

Of note:

Podcast clip with Misty Copeland: @ Club 30 podcast

In this week's episode of "The Rest of the Story" on "Hey Dancer," I delve into the captivating journey of Cynthia Rhodes, the iconic dancer and actress renowned for her roles in 1980s dance classics like "Flashdance," "Staying Alive," and "Dirty Dancing."

From her early days inspired by Shirley Temple to her standout performances alongside legends like Patrick Swayze and John Travolta, Rhodes' story is one of grit, talent, and dedication.

I'll explore her transition from a promising gymnast to a leading figure in '80s dance cinema, highlighting her intense 11-hour rehearsal days with Swayze and her collaborations with choreographer Kenny Ortega.

Also, I'll uncover the reasons behind her decision to step away from Hollywood at the peak of her career in her early 30s.

Join me as I uncover the lesser-known facets of Cynthia Rhodes' life and legacy, celebrating the remarkable journey of a performer who left an indelible mark on the dance world.

Make sure you watch this video on YouTube for a better appreciation of Miss Rhodes' work!

Check out my ⁠Return to Dance docuseries!⁠

Support my Instagram — where I post daily dance inspo, insights and fun! ⁠@backtogreat

Last week on "Hey Dancer," I explored why dance might be considered a sport. This week, I'm turning the tables with Part II of my deep dive: "Why Dance Is Not a Sport."

I dive into the essence of dance beyond competition, highlighting its ancient origins, the subjectivity of competitions, and its core in artistic expression. Discover why trophies don't define dance, how it differs fundamentally from traditional sports, and why its value lies in the emotions and stories it conveys!

Make sure you're following for Part III!

Please rate/review/follow the podcast! It means so much to me! Let's spread the dance love!

Check out my ⁠Return to Dance docuseries!⁠

Support my Instagram — where I post daily dance inspo, insights and fun! ⁠@backtogreat

Studies Cited (In Order of Appearance)

1. UNESCO: "Prehistoric Dance Evidence," 2005 – Notes cave drawings from 3300 BC showing dancers, highlighting dance's ancient, non-competitive roots.
2. Dance Data Project: "U.S. Dance Landscape," 2022 – Reports 15% of U.S. dance is competitive, 85% is not.
3. NCAA: "Sports Sponsorship and Participation Research," 2015 – Finds in areas with less pro basketball exposure, high school-to-college basketball participation drops 40% over years.
4. British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM): "Dancer Endurance Study," 2018 – Shows dancers match marathon runners' stamina.
5. New Yorker: Atul Gawande, "Surgeons as Athletes," 2011 – Compares surgeons' endurance and skill to athletes.
6. Stuntmen's Association: "Stunt Training Report," 2020 – Reports some stunt doubles out-train Olympians.
7. Journal of Sports Science (JSS): "Gymnast Training Goals," 2020 – Finds 90% of gymnasts train for competition by age 10.
8. Dance Educators of America (DEA): "Global Dance Student Survey," 2023 – Shows most kids worldwide start dance for fun/expression, not trophies.

In this episode of The Rest of the Story on "Hey, Dancer!", we dive into the life of Paula Kelly — whose skill was so revered that Bob Fosse declared her the best dancer he had ever seen.

From captivating audiences in "Sweet Charity" alongside Shirley MacLaine to shining on the stage of London's West End, Paula's journey through the arts is both inspiring and monumental.

Discover how she transitioned from Juilliard to impactful roles on stage, film and television, and her dedication to teaching the next generation.

I also share a personal story about my encounter/connection with Paula, which unexpectedly got me emotional while recording this podcast.

Watch this ep on YouTube to see Paula dance!

Check out my ⁠Return to Dance docuseries!⁠

Support my Instagram — where I post daily dance inspo, insights and fun! ⁠@backtogreat

Today, I'm launching a two-part exploration into a question that sparks debate across the dance community: Is dance a sport?

You've likely heard it discussed in studios, seen it online, at comps, or debated it yourself — and in Part I, we're diving into the compelling case for 'yes,' dance is indeed a sport.

Expect insights on the physical demands that rival elite athletics, data that might surprise you, and perspectives fueling this ongoing conversation.

I'm staying neutral for now — my personal take comes at the end of Part II.

Join me to unpack the evidence, then make sure you're following my podcast for the counterarguments next time!

Thanks to Dr. Chelsea Pierotti for contributing to the podcast! Here's our episode together on her dance podcast, Passion For Dance!

You can find her on IG: @dr.chelsea.pierotti

Check out my ⁠Return to Dance docuseries!⁠

Support my Instagram — where I post daily dance inspo, insights and fun! ⁠@backtogreat

Studies mentioned in the show:

• Gorwa Study (2021): From "Biomechanical Analysis of Pointe Work in Ballet" by Gorwa et al., published in Journal of Biomechanics (2021). Found ballerinas support up to 10x body weight on their toes during pointe work.
• O*NET Data via InsuranceProviders.com: Sourced from U.S. Department of Labor's ONET database, analyzed by InsuranceProviders.com (Web ID 7 in my search results). Dancers scored 97/100 overall physicality, 100/100 in stamina, flexibility, coordination.

She was a ballerina mocked as a "hunchback" — so how did Marie Taglioni defy the odds?

In this Hey, Dancer! episode of The Rest of the Story, we trace her path from brutal training under her father to moves that stunned the world.

Did she really pioneer pointe dancing and turn the tutu into ballet's hallmark?

Join me to uncover the price she paid — and why Marie Taglioni's legacy still rules the stage.

Check out my ⁠Return to Dance docuseries!⁠

Support my Instagram — where I post daily dance inspo, insights and fun! ⁠@backtogreat