The Real Smile Podcast

In episode 18 of The Real Smile Podcast, Sharon is joined by Helen Jones, founder of Funky Feet School of Dance, for a lovely conversation about her journey from a young dancer with big dreams to performing around the world and building her own dance school. Helen and Sharon look back at their early days in dance, the teachers who shaped their journeys and the friendships and memories that have st...

In episode 17 of The Real Smile Podcast, Sharon is joined by Clare Williams, owner of Dance Passion in Liverpool, for a conversation about a lifetime in dance and finding where you fit as your life and career evolve. Clare looks back at growing up completely immersed in dance before discovering a love for Latin and ballroom. She shares how competing opened the door to some incredible opportunities...

In episode 16 of The Real Smile Podcast, Sharon is joined by Sarah Royle for an honest conversation about her journey through dance, performing and teaching, and the experiences that have shaped the person and teacher she is today. Sarah talks about starting dance at seven, struggling with anxiety and stage fright from a young age, and the audition opportunity she walked away from because she simp...

In episode fifteen of The Real Smile Podcast, we're doing things a little differently! This time, Sharon is at home, swapping her usual role as interviewer to answer a few questions from Tony, who's behind the camera. From starting dance lessons at just two and a half years old to opening her own dance school with only 11 children, Sharon looks back on the experiences, people and decisions that sh...

In episode 14 of The Real Smile Podcast, Sharon is joined by Emma Fletcher from Danza to talk about her journey in dance, from starting as a young child and performing from an early age, to travelling the world as a dancer and eventually building Danza into the school it is today. Emma shares how her own experiences shaped her approach to teaching, including the importance of giving young dancers...

In episode 13 of The Real Smile Podcast, Sharon is joined by Kim Rogers, founder of The Butterfly Mind, for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about dance, wellbeing and the culture surrounding young dancers and teachers. Kim talks about her journey from professional performer to dance teacher and, more recently, moving into work focused on mindset, wellbeing and supporting teachers and dance...

In episode twelve of The Real Smile Podcast , Sharon is joined by Ava Davidson , a young dancer whose story is one of incredible strength, determination and resilience. Ava shares her journey from being diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at just eight years old, through treatment, the amputation of her leg and learning to walk again — all while refusing to let her circumstances stop her from dancing. Sh...

In episode eleven of The Real Smile Podcast, Leanne Campbell joins Sharon for an honest and personal conversation about her journey, from her early days in dance to her experiences in radio and the different chapters that have shaped her along the way. Leanne reflects on her time at Juice FM, including the risks they took, the things they were doing differently and the fines that came with pushing...

In episode ten of The Real Smile Podcast, Kelly Tobin — owner of Kelly Shirley School of Dance — joins Sharon for a conversation that goes right back to where Kelly’s own dance journey began. Kelly reflects on being a student herself, her early experiences in dance and the journey that eventually led her to running her own school. We talk about the growth of Kelly Shirley School of Dance, the hard...

In episode nine of The Real Smile Podcast , Kirsty Nunnen — owner of Pimbletts Pilates and former student of Sharon’s — shares her journey from growing up with dance to discovering a new passion through Pilates and Barre. Kirsty talks about her family, her experiences growing up around dance, and how the skills and knowledge she developed through dance have influenced what she does today. She open...

In episode eight of The Real Smile Podcast , Claire Wharmby — founder of Empire Street Dance Company — shares her journey from discovering her passion for dance to building a successful street dance school and inspiring the next generation of dancers. Claire reflects on the challenges and opportunities that have shaped her career, and what it takes to create a school where young people feel suppor...

In episode seven of The Real Smile Podcast , David Heath shares his remarkable journey through the world of dance, from discovering his passion at a young age to building a career dedicated to inspiring others. David reflects on the teachers and opportunities that shaped his path, the lessons he learned throughout his performing career, and the experiences that led him into teaching. We explore th...

In episode six of The Real Smile Podcast , Sophie Niker — owner of Sophie Louise School of Dance — shares the story behind her journey in dance, from training as a young performer to building a thriving dance school centred around confidence, kindness and community. Sophie reflects on the lessons she's learned throughout her career, the challenges of running a successful school, and the importance...

In episode five of The Real Smile Podcast , Victoria Charlton — owner of Complete Works Performance School — shares an incredibly honest and emotional account of the journey that has shaped both her life and her career. From performing professionally and unexpectedly finding her way into teaching, to building Complete Works Performance School with her business partner, Victoria reflects on the hig...

In episode four of The Real Smile Podcast, Natalie Burton — owner of Natalie Dignam Theatre School — shares her journey from a young girl with a passion for dance to becoming a successful tripple threat performer, teacher and theatre school owner. Natalie reflects on the sacrifices her family made to support her dreams, the dedication it took to build a career in the industry, and the experiences...

In episode three of The Real Smile Podcast , Anthony Jones shares his journey from a young boy with a passion for dance to becoming a respected performer and teacher. Anthony reflects on growing up knowing he was gay from an early age, the bullying he faced, and how those experiences shaped the person he has become. Alongside his personal story, we talk about the importance of great teachers, the...

In episode two of The Real Smile Podcast, Clare Graham shares a deeply personal and inspiring journey that goes far beyond the dance studio. When Clare’s daughter, Odette, was born with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, everything changed. In this honest conversation, Claire opens up about family life, resilience, and how her perspective on dance — and life — evolved in ways she never expected. We...

In episode one of The Real Smile Podcast , Wendy Ehlen — studio owner and principal of Shine Theatre School — opens up about her journey so far. From building a person-centred school to navigating family life, competitions, body image and even her recent hip replacement, Wendy shares an honest and inspiring conversation covering the realities behind the smile. Brought to you by Smile Productions h...

Welcome to The Real Smile Podcast , brought to you by Smile Productions This is where the real stories behind the smiles come to life. From the stage to everyday moments, we dive into the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. Featuring dancers, performers, and creatives, we celebrate passion, growth, and the journey that shapes every performer. Real talk. Real experiences. Real Smile