The Transformative Dance Podcast - with Melanie Gard

In this episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast, we chat with Samantha Grant, Director and Principal of Diamond Valley Dance Academy. With over two decades of experience and extensive training in Cecchetti Ballet, Sam shares her journey from student to studio owner; reflecting on the challenges and rewards of building a successful dance school.

We dive into her passion for mentoring teachers, her work with the Studio Evolution program, and the importance of creating lasting friendships and connections through dance.

Join us for a heartwarming conversation filled with insights on leadership, dance education, and the power of community.

We are thrilled to welcome Kaitlin Hague, the brilliant founder and director of Bayside Dance, to the Transformative Dance Podcast! After earning a Bachelor of Creative Industries in dance (with distinction) from QUT, Kaitlin toured extensively, performed in corporate settings, and developed a passion for teaching. With a career spanning over a decade in arts education and performance, she now balances studio leadership with academic research. Join us as Kaitlin shares insights into talent development, early specialisation, and her vibrant career in dance.

In this episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast, host Melanie Gard sits down with her longtime friend and accomplished dance educator, Rachel Fuga. With over 40 years of dance experience and a deep passion for teaching, Rachel shares her inspiring journey from a young ballet student to becoming a professional ballroom champion and dance studio owner. She opens up about the unique challenges of balancing a career in dance, motherhood, and how dance has shaped both her life and her students’ lives. From funny childhood memories to insights into nurturing young dancers, this conversation is filled with warmth, wisdom, and inspiration for dance teachers, studio owners, and dance enthusiasts alike.

In this episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast, host Melanie Gard chats with the dynamic Kym Degenhart, owner and director of Bom Funk Dance Studio in Canberra. With an impressive 10-year international career that includes performing as a Can Can dancer at the Moulin Rouge and leading dance productions in Tokyo, Kym’s story is a testament to resilience and passion.

Kym delves into her journey from childhood dance classes to global stages, and how she now channels her love of dance into teaching and studio ownership. She shares invaluable insights on navigating the challenges of the dance industry, the impact of failure, and the joys of mentorship. Tune in to discover how Kym has transformed her own career and how she continues to inspire the next generation of dancers.

In this heartfelt conversation, Stacey Morgan shares her inspiring journey in dance, reflecting on the powerful lessons she learned from her teacher, Miss Francesca. Stacey discusses the balance between genuine praise and tough love, emphasising the importance of authentic feedback to help dancers feel truly seen and valued. As studio owners and educators, Stacey and Mel explore how to maintain this authenticity, especially as the pressures of the year mount.

Stacey opens up about her struggles balancing a busy life—raising children, running a dance studio, and managing her other businesses. She candidly shares how she learned to prioritise her health, adopting the mantra “body before business” this year. By scheduling daily self-care, Stacey has found that when she takes care of her body, she brings more energy, joy, and focus to her teaching, parenting, and business roles. She also touches on the importance of self-compassion, recognising that perfection isn't achievable, but consistency is.

Listeners will be inspired by Stacey’s journey to find balance and the power of self-care in becoming a better teacher, leader, and parent. The episode wraps up with tips for navigating the dance studio environment while maintaining personal well-being and supporting students' growth with thoughtful, meaningful feedback.

https://www.simplystaceymorgan.com/

In this insightful conversation with Jane Grech, dance educator, entrepreneur and industry trialblazer, we explore the personal journey of a passionate dancer who reflects on the responsibility of staying committed to her art. "It was my job to keep myself at dance," Jane shares, unpacking how her love for dance wasn't about external motivation but an internal drive that kept her returning to class—even when it felt tough.

Drawing parallels between her childhood experiences and today's different parenting styles, she touches on independence, the financial sacrifices her family made, and the role these factors played in her long-standing career in dance. 

With over 25 years of experience in dance education, Jane has dedicated her career to not only teaching but also empowering others to lead. As the founder of DanceStep, the world's first formalized dance student teacher education program, she has revolutionized the way young dancers transition into teaching roles, creating a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the studio.

Jane's influence extends globally, working with over 300 studios and impacting the lives of more than 4,000 students. Jane's days are filled passionately supporting dance studio owners, sharing power and powerful strategies designed to build purpose, people, profits and policy.A mother of three, Jane is also passionate about cultivating a joy-filled life, and she brings that same energy and enthusiasm to her work, inspiring everyone she meets to do the same.

You can find Jane at @dancestudiosucess on Instagram or join her free Facebook group “The Collective” here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1517939674967824

In this episode, we chat with Kiandra Harmen, a dedicated studio owner and dance educator, whose early dance experiences and memories have deeply shaped her approach to building a nurturing and supportive environment for young dancers.

From her first dance class as an energetic toddler, influenced by her ballroom dancer mother, to her formative years of navigating different studios, Kiandra reflects on the moments and people who shaped her journey. She shares how her childhood teacher's warmth and encouragement, despite her "two left feet," left an indelible mark on her vision for her own studio, Reflections Dance Academy.

Throughout the conversation, we explore the importance of creating a positive, collaborative dance environment, steering away from the toxic competitiveness Kiandra once experienced as a teen. She opens up about the challenges of maintaining a nurturing space in an industry that sometimes prioritizes awards and results over student well-being. Kiandra’s mission is clear: dance is about more than perfect technique; it’s about building confidence, forming connections, and creating lifelong memories.

*Trigger Warning* This episode contains brief discussions of abuse. If you or anyone you know needs help please reach out to one of the resources at the bottom of the show notes, or call 000 in an emergency.

In this episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast, we dive into the incredible journey of Karen Malek, a trailblazer in the Australian dance community.

From her early days as a young dancer in regional Victoria to becoming a renowned educator and co-founding Transit Dance, Karen’s passion for teaching has always been at the forefront. Despite the opportunity to pursue a career as a professional dancer, Karen knew early on that her calling was to pass on the knowledge she had gained to others.

We explore how she transitioned from student to teacher, the sacrifices made to support her children's artistic endeavors, and the importance of building a well-rounded education in dance. This episode celebrates the often-overlooked aspiration of teaching in the dance world, honoring the value of shaping future generations through knowledge, understanding, and compassion.

"I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. It was very clear in my mind. So I have no regrets about not pursuing a career as a dancer. I wanted to pass on the knowledge I had gained to others, and I think my teacher found her replacement that day." - Karen Malek

Mental Health Resources in Australia:
Lifeline Australia: 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.

Kids Helpline: Free 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

• Call 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au

1800 Respect: A national sexual assault, domestic family violence counseling service that provides support and information.

• 1800 737 732 or visit https://www.1800respect.org.au/ 

The Butterfly Foundation: Support for those experiencing eating disorders and body image issues.

• Call 1800 33 4673 or visit butterfly.org.au

In an emergency please call 000 - you are not alone.