Today’s episode is extra special because we have a guest joining us on the mic! It’s a rainy and chilly day in my world, but there’s been plenty of sunshine in business and podcasting. I’m thrilled to share this episode with you—it’s always more fun when someone else is here to keep me from rambling!

As always, we’ll kick things off with our guest’s Top 10 list, and in true podcast fashion, I’ll save their bio for the end to keep things spontaneous. Today’s guest, Luke, is someone I could gush about all day long, but I’ll hold back for now. Let’s dive in!

Top 10 Highlights from Luke:

1. I love going to Disney.
2. One of my biggest pet peeves is when people burp. (Gross, right?)
3. I love to dance.
4. My favorite color is teal.
5. My favorite dance move is a death drop.
6. I like my clothes baggy and big.
7. I love going to Universal Studios.
8. My favorite food is pepperoni pizza—thin crust, no tomato chunks.
9. My favorite candy is Reese’s.
10. Do I like dance competitions or conventions more?

Luke decided to dive deeper into #10: Dance Competitions vs. Conventions. Here’s how he broke it down:

Competitions:

• Group-focused events where dancers perform routines they’ve been working on for months.
• Judged by professionals with awards given for execution and artistry.

Conventions:

• Individual-focused with opportunities to take classes from renowned choreographers.
• Includes auditions for scholarships and potential career connections.

Luke’s favorite? Conventions! He loves meeting new people, making friends, and building connections with top-notch instructors. While competitions focus on teamwork, conventions are all about personal growth and exposure.

Rapid Fire with Luke:

• Biggest achievement: Hollywood Vibe Dancer of the Year and ADE Noble recognition.
• Dream job: Performing at Disney and eventually becoming a convention teacher for jazz or musical theater.
• Favorite convention brands: Tiger Friday and Five Dancewear.

Fun Fact About Luke:

Luke’s left hamstring is more flexible than his right, making him a “lefty” in the dance world! This unique trait challenges him to train both sides equally, giving him an edge in versatility.

Behind the Scenes:

Luke is my 13-year-old son who has been dancing with me since birth—literally! From my first recital as a studio owner to today, he’s been part of the journey. His passion for dance took time to develop, but now he embodies everything we love about the art form: dedication, creativity, and heart.

Closing Thoughts:

This episode highlights how dance is more than just movement—it’s about connection, growth, and self-expression. Luke’s journey from a hesitant beginner to a confident young dancer is inspiring. Whether you’re a dance parent, teacher, or fan, I hope this episode brought a smile to your face and maybe even inspired you to try something new.

Thank you, Luke, for being such a wonderful guest! And thank you to all our listeners for tuning in. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for bonus content—including our upcoming pizza poll. Let’s find the best pizza in the Midwest!

See you next week!