Dance Colleges & Careers with Brittany Noltimier

Every dancer wants their moment in the spotlight—but what if the real secret to success isn't just becoming a superstar? After watching the World Cup, I couldn't stop thinking about how the greatest players in the world still depend on their teammates. Dance is no different. In this episode, we're talking about: • Why teamwork is one of the most valuable skills dancers can develop  ...

Have you ever watched a duet or emotional contemporary routine that had beautiful technique and strong partnering… but somehow still didn’t fully connect? In today’s episode, Brittany breaks down one of the biggest storytelling mistakes dancers make in love story routines — only showing the heartbreak without ever showing the love first. From duets and trios to emotional solos, Brittany explains w...

A lot of dancers are told to “just smile more” or “feel the music”… but what if facial expressions in dance are actually a TRAINED skill? In this episode, I’m breaking down 3 huge myths about facial expressions and performance quality that keep dancers looking awkward, disconnected, or uncomfortable on stage — even when they’re technically strong dancers. We’ll talk about: ✨ Why expression does N...

1. The Protector This dancer plays it safe.  They don’t want to look silly, so they hold back… and it reads as nervous or disconnected. 👉 (This is where you mention what you SAW on stage 👀) 2. The Overthinker This dancer is thinking about EVERYTHING… technique, timing, corrections…  but they’re so in their head that nothing feels natural. 3. The Explorer This dancer is expressive… but inconsiste...

You’re working hard. I see you. You’re in class every day, taking extra privates, rehearsing your solo, pushing yourself… and yet you’re still not seeing the results you want. In this episode, we’re talking about the difference between working hard and working with direction — and why so many dancers burn out, plateau, or lose confidence even though they’re doing “all the right things.” I break do...

How to Set Real Dance Goals for 2026 (Not Just Wishful Thinking) As dancers, it’s easy to say “I hope I get better” or “I want to improve this year” — but hope is not a strategy. In this episode of Dance Colleges & Careers , Brittany Noltimier breaks down what it actually takes to set real, achievable dance goals and why so many dancers stay stuck despite working hard. We talk about the differ...

Do you ever catch yourself waiting until everything is “just right” before you begin? The perfect studio, the perfect costume, the perfect moment? Perfectionism feels safe — but it’s actually what keeps dancers stuck. In this episode, Brittany shares her obsession with cleaning and reorganizing her office, and how it mirrors the way dancers procrastinate on facials, confidence, and performance. Yo...

If you're in high school and still unsure what you want to do after graduation, you’re not behind — you’re just standing at the starting line. In this episode, Brittany breaks down the fear of making “the wrong choice” and explains why taking any step forward is better than staying stuck. From her own story growing up in small-town North Dakota to working in New York and Orlando, Brittany sha...

In this episode of Dance Colleges and Careers , Brittany breaks down one of the most common — and unnoticed — habits holding dancers back: the “focus face.” You know the one — the “uhhh” face, the blank stare, the tight jaw. She shares why this expression (or lack thereof) sends the wrong message to your teachers, judges, and even future employers, and how to replace it with energy, intention, and...

Have you ever thought you were performing one way, only to watch the video back — or get judge feedback — that told a completely different story? That gap is your blind spot . In this episode, Brittany shares her own vulnerable story of being called “spastic” by a judge and how that critique changed her dancing forever. She unpacks how blind spots keep dancers stuck, why feedback can feel uncomfor...

Thinking of switching studios? Before you make the leap, listen to this. In this episode, Brittany Noltimier unpacks why the “grass is greener” mindset holds dancers back, and what to do instead. You’ll hear why moving studios doesn’t automatically solve performance problems — and how to create growth opportunities right where you are. 🎁 Grab the free bonus for this episode at www.brittanynoltimi...

What does making chili have to do with stage presence? Everything. In this episode, I share a vulnerable story about my discomfort in the kitchen — and how it perfectly mirrors the awkwardness dancers feel when told to “use their face.” You’ll learn why rules alone aren’t enough, why practice matters more than perfection, and how confidence is built through repetition. 🎁 Free Bonus: Get your copy...

Do you ever feel like everyone around you picks up choreography faster than you? It’s frustrating, embarrassing, and can leave you spiraling with self-doubt. I know, because I’ve been there. In today’s episode of Dance Colleges and Careers , we’re diving into how to pick up choreography faster —and it’s not about talent, it’s about strategy. From food and hydration, to self-talk, to finding patter...

Stage presence is not a talent you’re born with—it’s a skill you can train. In this episode of Dance Colleges and Careers , Brittany Noltimier unpacks the myths surrounding stage presence and shows you how to build it with confidence, practice, and strategy. From being bullied for trying facial expressions, to performing six shows a day at Frontier City, to applying stage presence at the ballet ba...

Is your dancer convinced they need more classes—more ballet, more privates, more conventions—to succeed? The truth is, more hours don’t always equal better results. In this episode of Dance Colleges and Careers , Brittany Noltimier breaks down why quality trumps quantity every single time . You’ll learn: Why “just add another class” isn’t the solution (and can even hold dancers back). How mindset...

Your child comes home crying after class—and as a parent, your first instinct is to fix it. But here’s the truth: the way you approach the situation can either support your child’s growth… or hold them back. In this episode of Dance Colleges and Careers , Brittany Noltimier (studio owner, professional dancer, competition judge, and lifelong “studio kid”) shares how parents can navigate tough momen...

Should your child have a dance Instagram account? Parents often wonder if it’s the “right” move to help their dancer gain exposure, connect with opportunities, or simply share their journey with friends and family. In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of creating a social media page for your child, including brand exposure, family connection, and safety concerns. We’ll also talk about w...

In this empowering episode of Dance Colleges and Careers , host Brittany Noltimier reminds dancers, parents, and performers that what we see online is a filtered version of reality. From TikTok trends to viral pirouettes, we're often bombarded with “perfect” content that leaves us doubting our own progress. But real growth happens in the rehearsal room—where struggles, stumbles, and persevera...

Your next job interview doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking mess. Whether you're auditioning for a role or applying for a 9–5, the prep strategies are the same — and performers might even have an edge. In this episode, Brittany shares 5 powerful interview tips straight from the stage that will help you show up confident, prepared, and unforgettable. Learn how to exude confidence, dress with i...

Think your flawless technique is enough? Think again.  In this episode, Brittany breaks down the 75% Rule — the hard truth behind why technically perfect dancers still fall short on score sheets. If you’re ignoring your facial expressions and stage presence, you’re starting at a disadvantage. Learn how competitive dance scores really work, why facials matter just as much as turns, and what you can...

What you think is helping… might be what’s holding you back. Clean technique? Check. Power tricks? Check. But still not placing? You might be making one of these 3 super common—but wildly misunderstood—competition mistakes. In this episode, Brittany breaks down the real reasons dancers get stuck, why “more classes” isn’t the answer, and what to do if you want judges to actually remember your solo....

Smarter training, better attitude, and what top dancers actually do in rehearsal  Think more classes are the key to success? Not quite. In this episode, I share what I saw at Nationals this year — including one dancer who went full-out during a marked run… and ended up winning the overall. Let’s talk about how to take class with intention, energy, and purpose so you actually get the results you wa...

What’s your mindset going into nationals? In this episode of Dance Colleges and Careers , I break down the difference between regionals and nationals — and how YOU (and your whole family!) can get the most out of the trip. From being brave enough to take a masterclass solo to finding your people in the Top Stars program, we’ll talk about what really matters. Spoiler: it’s not just your scores. If...

This week’s episode is a reminder that you don’t have to do it all — you just need to do you really well. I’m coming to you from a pageant venue in Orlando, where I’ve seen firsthand how dancers, singers, and performers thrive when they understand their strengths — and stop trying to copy everyone else. Whether it’s tights, tricks, turns, or two-piece costumes, we talk about what it really means t...

Too often, dancers obsess over tricks and forget about the magic that truly makes them unforgettable. In this episode, I share the difference between “quick tricks” and “real feels” — and why emotional connection, storytelling, and soul-driven performance will always outlast flashy moments. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a studio owner, this is your reminder that the greatest performances...