In this episode of the Decision to Dance Podcast, Priscilla Piper shares her transformative perspective on failure and how it has shaped her as a dancer. She describes viewing her accumulated failures which now empowers her rather than defeats her. She encourages dancers to be proud of their struggles and hardships, as these experiences ultimately make them stronger, more intentional performers.

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Music By: Augusto Diniz

This podcast episode features Lynley Mackay, a 63-year-old lawyer from Sydney, Australia, who discovered dance in her late 40's. Overcoming the challenges of starting dance for the first time, she persisted and became completely addicted once she experienced the magic of choreography and music becoming one. Lynley emphasizes that dance has become her "soul food" and is a mental health practice, which helps her process the emotional weight of her legal work. She advocates strongly against age-related self-defeat, having started circus arts in her mid-50's, and believes being a beginner keeps you mentally young and builds brain plasticity. Throughout the conversation, she shares practical advice about starting dance through online classes, the importance of yoga for injury prevention, and shares how dance has helped her achieve a sense of peace within herself after many years of searching for it.

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Resources Discussed:

Sydney Dance Company

Steezy

Steps on Broadway in NY & Online

Be Radiant Yoga (Vanessa Ziesing)

The Galen Hooks Method:

-Intensives

-On Demand "How to Retain Choreography" Classes: "Clean as you Go" and "Life Rafts" (formally as "Tentpole Moments")

Dance Teachers Discussed:

Dale Pope

Galen Hooks

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Priscilla's Instagram

Music By: Augusto Diniz

Priscilla discusses why she embraces being the worst dancer in the room, emphasizing that her love for dance and the learning process outweighs the discomfort of being less skilled than other dancers. She challenges listeners to examine whether their self-worth is too dependent on external validation in comparison to other dancers. Priscilla encourages dancers to view being the least experienced person in any setting—whether in dance class, at work, or in life—as an exciting opportunity for growth rather than a source of shame and embarrassment.

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Music By: Augusto Diniz

Priscilla interviews Elena Auclaire, a 23-year-old teacher from Northern Virginia who shares her dance journey from childhood ballet through adult open-style classes. Elena shares her experience on navigating finding community in Virginia's dance scene through careful research and consistent showing up. She offers candid insights about being a beginner, dealing with self-doubt, and maintaining a dancer identity even when life gets busy and classes become sporadic. Elena provides insight on her "one out of ten" approach and shares that movement and creative expression are fundamental to human dignity and self-respect—lessons she's carried into her work teaching young children and building community in all areas of her life.

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Resources Discussed:

The Galen Hooks Method Intensives:

-Classic

-On Camera

The Kennedy Center:

-The Lion's Den DMV

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Elena's Instagram

Priscilla's Instagram

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Music By: Augusto Diniz

This podcast episode explores why taking a break from dance can be valuable for growth and mental clarity. Priscilla shares her personal experience of stepping back from consistent dance training when she found herself losing sight of her decision to dance. By intentionally reducing her time in class, she was able to break negative thought patterns, rebuild self-confidence, eliminate unhealthy comparison habits, and reconnect with her core purpose: the genuine love of learning and growing as a dancer. Priscilla emphasizes that taking breaks can offer mental benefits that aren't often discussed in the dance community, and she encourages dancers to view unexpected circumstances or intentional pauses not as setbacks but as opportunities for perspective, self-discovery, and ultimately becoming more authentic artists.

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Music By: Augusto Diniz

Priscilla Piper interviews Annabell Patt, a Berlin-based orchestra manager who balances a demanding career with her passion for dance and music. Annabell shares her journey from childhood carnival dancing in Cologne, Germany to discovering commercial jazz and hip hop, while also pursuing classical music training. She discusses the challenges of maintaining artistic pursuits while traveling with an international touring orchestra and the challenges of comparison that can occur in competitive environments. The episode concludes with Annabell offering advice to those struggling with their identity as dancers, emphasizing that being a dancer is about the joy of movement rather than the time spent in a studio. This heartfelt dialogue highlights the transformative power of art and the importance of nurturing one's passions amidst life's challenges.

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Resources Discussed:

The Galen Hooks Method Intensives

Dancers/Teachers Mentioned:

Galen Hooks

Brian Friedman

Wade Robson

Annabell's Ave Maria Performance

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Music By: Augusto Diniz

Priscilla shares 10 reasons why she loves dance, from being a life-long learner to being a part of a community.

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People Mentioned:

Shirley Goodman - The Dancing Nana

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Music By: Augusto Diniz

Priscilla interviews Jen Meehan, a Philadelphia-based business development professional and dance fitness instructor. Jen shares her journey from starting dance at age 3, through the peaks and valleys of competitive dance, to finding empowerment and community in the world of dance fitness. The conversation explores the impact of supportive mentors, the importance of resilience, and the value of creating inclusive, non-judgmental spaces for movement. Jen also discusses her approach to teaching, the lessons learned from both dance and fitness, and how embracing versatility and self-compassion has shaped her life both inside and outside the studio.

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Resources Discussed:

The Galen Hooks Method Intensives

Broadway Dance Center Intensives

-with Sheila Barker

Studios Mentioned:

Broadway Dance Center

Steps on Broadway

Jen's Classes:

Vibe Vault Fit - Dance and Barre Classes | www.vibevaultfit.com

Pilates Classes / Group Sessions / Privates | www.charlotterosen.com

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Music By: Augusto Diniz

Priscilla reflects on her journey as a podcaster and dancer as we wrap up 2025. Drawing inspiration from watching the Eras Tour Docuseries, Priscilla discusses the challenges of self-doubt and the importance of perseverance. Priscilla emphasizes the need to overcome adversity, eliminating complacency, and "getting comfortable with the uncomfortable" as she prepares for the new year. This episode encourages listeners to work toward their passions amongst the distractions (including the negative thoughts in our heads), all while being each other's support system and accountability partners as we approach 2026.

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Topics Mentioned:

The Eras Tour Docuseries on Disney+

Taylor Swift

Gary Vaynerchuck

Theodore Rosevelt's "Man in the Arena" Quote

"Digging for Diamonds" Illustration by Dum

Choreographers Mentioned:

Mandy Moore

Amanda Balen

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Music By: Augusto Diniz

Priscilla Piper interviews Paula Ayotte, a professional dancer and actor who returned to dance professionally at age 57. Paula shares how she started dancing at the discos in the late '70s, which turned into the beginnings of her professional dance career (consisting of dancing in Disney parades and performing as a Las Vegas showgirl). She provides details on her journey through various careers, including earning her Bachelor's in Marine Science and becoming a scientific diver. Paula provides the challenges and fears she faced re-entering the dance world later in life, and the importance of embracing age and experience both on and off the dance floor. This conversation highlights how confidence, audacity, and a willingness to show up—regardless of age—can lead to fulfillment and success. Paula's story encourages listeners to pursue their passions at any stage of life, reject limiting beliefs about aging, and recognize that true beauty and talent come from within.

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Resources Discussed:

The Galen Hooks Method Intensives

-Classic

-Gameplan

Intensives with Liana Blackburn

Teachers/Choreographers Mentioned:

Kayla Janssen

Carol Connors

Brian and Scott Nicholson

Cisco Ruelas

Terri Best

Doug Caldwell

Dancers Mentioned:

Barni Rothman

Studios Mentioned:

Millenium Dance Complex

Dupree Dance Academy

Steps on Broadway

Shows Mentioned:

Etoile on Amazon Prime

Actors Mentioned:

Helen Mirren

Halle Berry

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Paula's Instagram

Paula's TikTok

Priscilla's Instagram

Priscilla's TikTok

Music By: Augusto Diniz