Starbound Unscripted

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Why does it sometimes feel harder for young dancers to focus, follow directions, transition between activities, or stay engaged in class?

A recent conversation among the Starbound Performers staff got Ms. Jennifer thinking when her receptionist, Ms. Debbie, brought up one simple word: structure.

In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer explores how predictable routines and clear expectations can help young dancers—especially ages 2–8—feel more secure, confident, and ready to learn.

You'll hear practical ideas for creating structure without taking the FUN out of dance, including how to establish classroom routines, communicate what's coming next, teach expectations just like you teach dance steps, offer choices within boundaries, and use consistency to gradually build independence.

Ms. Jennifer also brings parents into the conversation with simple ways they can set young dancers up for success before class even begins.

And during this episode's Chocolate Break, there's an important question for all of us:

What are we actually practicing?

Because sometimes, before children need another step, they need stronger roots.

🎧 Listen to Structure Before Steps: Helping Young Dancers Learn to Focus and discover how a little more structure might create a lot more freedom for our young dancers to learn, grow—and fly.

Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted!
Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration.
🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com
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What are you counting—the things going wrong, or the good that is happening all around you?

In this personal episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer shares an update on her unexpected journey with acute angle-closure glaucoma and a powerful moment during a recent doctor's appointment. Frustrated after learning she would need to wait another month before taking the next step in her recovery, Ms. Jennifer received a simple reminder from her doctor: she was incredibly blessed to still be able to see.

That moment brought back a lesson Jennifer heard years ago from singer and songwriter Hilary Weeks about intentionally noticing—or "clicking"—the good things happening in our lives.

From dancers focusing on the one turn they missed to parents, teachers, and studio owners concentrating on everything that still needs to be done, it's easy to give our biggest challenges all of our attention.

But what happens when we start clicking the good?

This episode is a reminder that gratitude doesn't mean pretending the difficult things aren't difficult. It means learning to see the whole picture.

So grab some chocolate, find your imaginary clicker, and join Ms. Jennifer for a conversation about gratitude, perspective, dance, and finding joy in the middle of an unexpected journey.

What will you click today?

Starbound Unscripted — because sometimes the greatest lessons we learn through dance have very little to do with the steps.

Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted!
Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration.
🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com
🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers

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Sometimes life changes the choreography.

After a sudden and serious medical emergency forced me away from Starbound Performers and into months of recovery, I've been learning some lessons I never expected to learn.

In this deeply personal episode of Starbound Unscripted, I share a little of what has happened behind the scenes—including losing the vision in my right eye, multiple emergency procedures and surgeries, and the uncertainty of not knowing exactly what comes next.

But this episode isn't really about my medical journey.

It's about the people who carried me through it.

My family.
My Starbound family.
My church family.
Our dancers and parents.
Friends.
Teenagers who showed up simply to bring some joy.
And the many people who reminded me that sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone is simply to show up.

I'll also share what I've been learning about being still, receiving help, and allowing others to minister to us when we're usually the ones doing the serving.

And then there's Kintsugi—the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold.

The cracks aren't hidden.

They're part of the story.

And maybe that's true for us, too.

Maybe being changed doesn't mean being ruined.

Maybe the cracks can become part of our beauty.

And maybe when life changes our steps, we don't stop dancing...

we simply learn a new choreography.

Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted!
Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration.
🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com
🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers

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The Dance Is in the Journey takes us on a journey through a very busy Starbound Performers summer—from our first-ever Company Team Banquet, to Nationals, to a Midwest road trip that unexpectedly gave me the inspiration for this episode.

Along the way, I'll share some of the moments that reminded me why the journey matters so much: celebrating both team and individual accomplishments, watching our dancers find courage in unexpected ways, and learning to recognize that success isn't always about reaching the finish line.

A sculpture called The Dance overlooking the Tennessee River, a few unexpected signs along the road, and one brave dancer standing just behind the curtain all helped me see something I've always believed but needed to be reminded of:

Every step matters.

The trophies, the performances, the goals and the accomplishments are wonderful—but so are the friendships, the courage, the lessons, the mistakes, the celebrations and all of those little moments along the way.

Because sometimes the most important part isn't where we're going.

It's how we get there.

Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted!
Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration.
🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com
🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers

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What do roses, thorns, imagination, courage, and penguins have in common?

More than you might think.

In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer Hawkins shares powerful lessons she observed during the first few weeks of summer at Starbound Performers.

From a ballet workshop where dancers received roses and a meaningful lesson about thorns, to a nervous dancer preparing to audition for title at Nationals, to children using their imaginations during summer camp, this episode explores the unexpected ways growth shows up in our lives.

You'll also hear:
 🌹 A powerful lesson from Ms. Kate's ballet workshop
 🌟 A Student Spotlight featuring a dancer learning to be brave
 🎭 Why imagination may be one of the most important skills dancers can develop
 ✨ Behind-the-scenes stories from Starbound's Defy Gravity Camp
 🎥 How the Creative Kritters team is bringing a new educational product to life
 📋 The unseen work that helps students and families succeed
 🐧 A memorable story about wings, potential, and using the gifts we've been given

Whether you're a dancer, parent, teacher, studio owner, or simply someone navigating a season of growth, this episode will remind you that the challenges you face may be preparing you for something beautiful.

Because every rose has thorns.

Every dream begins with imagination.

And every person has wings they were meant to use.

🎧 Listen now and discover the lessons that help dancers grow.

Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted!
Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration.
🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com
🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers

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What happens when a month feels like you're trying to drink water from a fire hose?

In this heartfelt episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer reflects on a whirlwind month filled with graduations, awards ceremonies, concerts, meetings, community service, and the Starbound Performers annual recital.

From attending the wedding of a former student to hearing from former dancers now living in Idaho and Tennessee, this episode explores the lasting impact that dance, mentorship, and relationships can have long after the music ends.

You'll also hear:
 ✨ A touching senior tribute featuring a father-daughter dance and a stage full of red roses
 ✨ A special Student Spotlight celebrating a shy dancer who found her confidence
 ✨ Behind-the-scenes gratitude for the staff, volunteers, and families who made recital season possible
 ✨ Fun ideas for dancers and families to stay active over the summer
 ✨ Tips for teachers and studio owners preparing for a new season
 ✨ Lessons learned from visiting New Vision for Independence
 ✨ The inspiring story of "Welcome to Holland" and what it teaches us about embracing life's unexpected journeys

Whether your summer looks exactly as planned or takes an unexpected turn, this episode will encourage you to keep moving, keep learning, and keep making memories.

Because some of life's greatest adventures happen when we decide to keep dancing anyway.

🎧 Listen now and join us as we celebrate another incredible season and look ahead to all that's still to come.

Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted!
Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration.
🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com
🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers

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As the dance season comes to a close and graduation season begins, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and look ahead.

In this heartfelt episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer Hawkins shares powerful insights on what it truly means to grow—not just as dancers, but as individuals—by embracing the journey through our past, present, and future.

From flipping through cherished dance photos of graduating seniors…
to reflecting on the growth of recreational students…
to a meaningful lesson using paper chain dolls to represent life’s connected moments…

This episode is a reminder that every step, every challenge, and every success plays a role in shaping who we are becoming.

You’ll also hear a creative twist inspired by Earth Day as we explore how the concepts of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle can apply to dance, mindset, and personal growth.

✨ What you’ll take away:

• How to reflect on your dance journey and celebrate progress
• Why your past is essential to your growth
• How to stay focused and intentional in the present
• Ways to prepare for a stronger, more confident future
• Encouragement for dancers, parents, teachers, and studio owners

🍫 Chocolate Break Message:
 “Reset, Restart, Refocus… as many times as you need to.”

Whether you’re a dancer finishing a season, a senior stepping into the next chapter, or a parent watching it all unfold—this episode will inspire you to keep moving forward with purpose.

🎙️ Tune in and keep dancing through every season.

Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted!
Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration.
🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com
🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers

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What if the secret to becoming a stronger dancer… isn’t about standing taller—but about who you’re standing with?

In this heartfelt episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms Jennifer Hawkins shares a powerful lesson inspired by the tallest trees in the world—Redwoods. While they can grow over 300 feet tall, their strength doesn’t come from deep roots… it comes from connection.

Through meaningful real-life stories from this past week—including moments of kindness, courage, leadership, and unity—this episode explores what it truly means to build strong friendships in the dance world.

You’ll hear:
 ✨ A touching story of quiet kindness on the balance beam
 ✨ A reminder of how small gestures can make a big impact
 ✨ Leadership and encouragement in action at competition
 ✨ A powerful moment of unity and compassion on stage
 ✨ How kindness led to a Spirit Award—and so much more

Ms. Jennifer also reflects on the beloved story The Giving Tree—a story she once read to her son—and what it teaches us about giving, balance, and connection in friendships.

Whether you’re a dancer, parent, teacher, or studio owner, this episode will inspire you to:
 💛 Build meaningful connections
 💛 Be a better friend
 💛 Support those around you
 💛 And help others feel like they belong

Because just like the redwoods…
 we weren’t meant to stand alone.

🎯 This Week’s Challenge:
Reach out. Include someone new. Encourage others. Be the reason someone feels connected.

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✨ Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a review to help us grow this amazing dance community!

Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted!
Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration.
🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com
🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers

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How many times have we heard a dancer say, “I can’t”… before they’ve even begun?

In this powerful episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer Hawkins dives into the mindset shift that can change everything for dancers — moving from fear, hesitation, and self-doubt to courage, growth, and confidence.

This episode explores how the words dancers speak over themselves shape the way they show up in class, on stage, at competition, and in life. Ms. Jennifer shares reflections on the story of The Little Red Caboose, a powerful ski jumper video shared at a dance studio owner conference, and a recent real-life conversation with one of her own students who is learning to move from “I can’t” to “I’m willing.”

You’ll also hear a meaningful Chocolate Break centered around taking chances, an inspiring industry spotlight on Witney Carson, and practical encouragement for dancers, parents, teachers, and studio owners alike.

If your dancer has ever struggled with confidence, fear of failure, or holding back before even trying, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why “I can’t” is often a reaction, not a fact
• The difference one small word like “yet” can make
• How mindset affects performance and growth
• Why confidence is built by trying, not by being perfect
• How parents and teachers can help dancers reframe fear
• Mirror affirmations dancers can begin using right away

Episode Takeaway:

Confidence does not begin when dancers feel ready.
 It begins when they are willing to try.

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If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, share, and leave a review so we can continue reaching more dancers and families through Starbound Unscripted.

Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted!
Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration.
🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com
🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers

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In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, we’re talking about a topic that affects every dancer, parent, teacher, and studio owner: technology.

Technology can be an incredible tool for growth. It can help dancers review choreography, find inspiration, and stay connected. But it can also bring distraction, comparison, pressure, and noise that slowly chip away at confidence and focus.

In this episode, Ms. Jennifer Hawkins shares a powerful lesson she recently taught to middle school and high school students about using technology wisely, and she connects it directly to the dance world. Through the ideas of Purpose, Plan, and Pause, this episode offers practical encouragement and real-life tips for dancers, parents, teachers, and studio owners who want to lead technology well instead of being led by it.

Ms. Jennifer also shares a meaningful story about the donkey in the pit, a reminder that even when life feels heavy, we can choose to shake it off and step up.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The good and the hard side of technology for dancers
• How comparison affects confidence
• Why purpose matters before picking up a device
• Creating a healthy plan for screen time and technology use
• The power of pausing before scrolling, posting, or comparing
• Tips for dancers, parents, teachers, and studio owners
• Why students should never touch another dancer’s device without permission
• A Derek Hough industry spotlight on using social media with purpose
• The Scroll or Soar Challenge for the week

Plus, Jennifer shares updates on the upcoming Starbound Performers VIP Experience and Starbound Summer Camps.

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to share it with a dancer, dance parent, teacher, or studio owner who needs this reminder.

Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted!
Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration.
🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!  Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com
🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers

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Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/StarboundPerformers