In honor of Autism Awareness Day, this episode explores how dance can be a powerful tool for social connection, focus, and self-expression for individuals with autism. I share my journey of developing a dance program that helped children on the spectrum improve social skills, reduce repetitive behaviors, and engage in meaningful movement. Plus, hear how our dancers competed on a global stage—representing the USA and taking 2nd place at the World Latin Dance Cup!

What You’ll Learn:

• Shift focus on how you view dance
• How dance supports social and behavioral development in individuals with autism
• The connection between movement and focus
• The power of structured dance programs in behavioral therapy

Join the Conversation:

Have thoughts on today’s episode? Let’s connect on Instagram [@fulloutaubs] or aubreyares.com, and keep the discussion going! 🎙️💙

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a personal perspective on the growing influence of technical dance elements—like turns, leaps, and acrobatic tricks—within the Latin dance competition scene.

We’ll dive into:

• Infusing Technical Abilities – How styles like ballet, jazz, and contemporary are being incorporated into salsa and bachata, and the challenges that come with it.
• The Execution vs. Crowd Reaction Debate – Are we rewarding difficulty over proper technique?
• Acrobatics in Latin Dance – The rise of tricks like front handsprings and why proper training is essential.
• A Call to Dancers & Promoters – Encouraging dancers to seek technical training and urging competition organizers to bring in well-rounded adjudicators.

This episode isn’t about giving definitive answers—it’s about sparking thought and discussion. How do we maintain the integrity of our Latin styles while embracing technical evolution? Let’s talk about it!

Today’s episode is extra special because I’m taking you behind the scenes of something deeply personal—the story of how I built my company, EMDC.

If you had told 23-year-old me that I’d be here today—leading a company that has impacted many dancers, won championships, and built a dance family that keeps growing—I probably wouldn’t have believed you.

Because the truth is? EMDC wasn’t part of some grand master plan.

It started with a leap of faith, a team of dancers who believed in me, and an unshakable passion for creating a space where dancers could train, grow, and be empowered through movement.

But this journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve faced burnout. I even stepped away from the company at one point, unsure if I’d ever come back.

Yet, through every challenge, EMDC has evolved. And today, we’re not just still standing—we’re thriving.

In this episode, I want to share my origin story—the wins, the struggles, the lessons—and most importantly, why I believe you can do this too.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How EMDC started as a two-month project that turned into a thriving company
• The pivotal moment that pushed me to take a leap of faith
• The core values that have shaped EMDC’s culture and success
• The struggles of leadership, burnout, and stepping away
• How EMDC continued to grow—even in my absence
• Why believing in your vision (even when it feels uncertain) is key to long-term success

You guys, I’m in Oaxaca, Mexico! And even here, we are in FULL competition prep mode! With competition season in full swing, I know how overwhelming it can be—so today, we’re breaking down exactly what it takes to step on that stage feeling confident, prepared, and ready to shine. Whether you’re a dancer, coach, studio owner, or dance parent, this episode is packed with must-know tips on physical preparation, mental toughness, and competition-day strategies. Let’s get into it!

Physical Prep Matters – Why stamina and full-out reps make all the difference

Mindset is Everything – How to overcome pressure and self-doubt before stepping on stage

Fuel Like a Pro – Balancing nutrition, hydration, and enjoying the experience

📌 Join the Members Portal – Get exclusive training & coaching! [aubreyares.com]

📌 Follow me on IG – Behind-the-scenes & daily dance inspo:! [@fulloutaubs]

📌 Follow my dance company- [@empoweredmovementdance]

In this episode, we're diving into the key elements that make a dance team successful—understanding motivation, adapting coaching styles, and creating a cohesive team dynamic. Whether you're a dancer, coach, or team leader, learning how to navigate different personalities and learning styles is essential to building a strong, motivated, and accountable team.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The importance of understanding why each dancer is on the team
• How motivation varies—camaraderie, training, creativity, or personal growth
• The different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) and how to adapt coaching to fit each one
• The balance between flexibility in coaching and maintaining consistent expectations
• How to celebrate differences to bring out the best in every team member

Join the Conversation!

Have a story about navigating team dynamics or coaching different personalities? Share it with us on social media or send me a message—I’d love to hear from you!

Book a Coaching Session: Ready to take your team to the next level? Book a session with me at AubreyAres.com and let’s fine-tune your team dynamics together!

In this episode of In the Studio, I’m sharing my must-have apps that keep me organized, efficient, and inspired as a professional dancer, leader, and business owner. Whether you’re a teacher, choreographer, or simply looking to level up your training, these tools will help you streamline your workflow and enhance your creativity. From slowing down music for clean execution to mastering formations with ease, these apps are total game-changers!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The best app for slowing down and speeding up music to perfect choreography

✔️ A formation tool that makes staging for large groups effortless

✔️ How I use a popular dance training app to stay inspired and explore new styles

✔️ Why these tools can elevate your efficiency and creativity as a dance professional

Apps Mentioned:

• Tempo SlowMo – BPM Slow Downer (for adjusting music tempo while teaching)
• ArrangeUs (for seamless formations and staging)
• Steezy Dance App (for training and style exploration)

Links & Resources:

🔗 Tempo SlowMo – BPM Slow Downer

🔗 ArrangeUs App

🔗 Steezy Dance App

Rejection is an inevitable part of a dancer’s journey, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Whether it’s missing out on a dream role, losing momentum in a competitive industry, or feeling like years of hard work weren’t enough, rejection can hit hard. In this episode, we dive deep into how rejection manifests in the dance world, why it feels so personal, and how to shift your mindset to grow from it rather than be defeated by it.

✔️ How rejection can feel like a missed opportunity and why it’s not the end of the road

✔️ Overcoming the fear of falling behind in a fast-moving industry

✔️ Why rejection is not a reflection of your worth or hard work

✔️ How to reframe setbacks as a stepping stone for growth

✔️ Practical strategies to build resilience and keep moving forward

In this episode of In the Studio, we’re joined by Arica (Ares) Miller, a current Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader, as she shares her journey from dancer to professional cheerleader. Arica takes us behind the scenes of what it takes to become a pro cheerleader, from the preparation process before auditions to the key habits that set her up for success.

She also opens up about a missed opportunity that completely shifted her mindset—leading her to prioritize herself while chasing her goals. Plus, we dive into some of the biggest misconceptions about professional cheerleaders and the reality behind the glitz and glam of the industry.

Tune in to hear:

✅ The step-by-step process of becoming a pro cheerleader

✅ The habits that helped Arica stay on track

✅ How a missed opportunity changed her entire approach to success

✅ Common myths about professional cheerleaders—debunked!

Ever felt completely stuck creatively? You’re not alone. Whether it’s the fear of failure, lack of direction, or full-on burnout, creative blocks are something every dancer experiences. The key is knowing how to push through—or when to take a step back.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

Fear of failure & perfectionism – Why your choreography doesn’t need to be stage-ready right away and how embracing trial and error fuels creativity.

Lack of direction – How switching up your inspiration, from exploring different music genres to seeking non-dance influences, can reignite creativity.

Burnout & the need for rest – Sometimes, the best way forward is to pause. Learn why prioritizing rest isn’t a setback but a crucial part of sustaining your artistry.

Feeling drained? Losing that creative spark? It might be time to disconnect and allow yourself to truly rest. A week, a month—whatever you need. No guilt. No pressure. Just space to recharge and come back stronger than ever.

In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most common questions I get: How do you make the leap from being a dancer and performer to becoming an instructor, teacher, or choreographer?

This transition can feel intimidating, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right mindset and approach. Tune in as I share:

• Why starting somewhere is key—and how to take those first steps.
• Three actionable tips to help you practice, gain confidence, and refine your craft.
• How working with a mentor can make all the difference in your journey, but always be aware of who you're working with!

Whether you’re dreaming of leading your own classes, choreographing for productions, or simply want to expand your creative horizons, this episode will set you on the right path.