Dance Colleges & Careers with Brittany Noltimier

Not all pageant girls are prissy or pageant-born—and dancers often make some of the BEST contestants. In this episode, I’m breaking down the surprising overlap between dance and pageants, especially systems like Miss America where talent, interview, and presence all play a role. Whether your dancer is college-bound or just exploring new challenges, pageants can help build confidence, scholarship o...

Is your once-excited dancer suddenly whining about going to class? Are they coming home tired, complaining, or glued to their phone? Before you think it’s time to pull them out of dance, listen to this week’s episode. I’m diving into why motivation dips (especially in those tricky preteen years), what’s really going on with your child’s body and mind, and why they need dance now more than ever . I...

Your social media is more than just a highlight reel—it's your personal brand. In this episode, I share the real story of reviewing potential hires and what their online presence told me before I ever spoke to them. Whether you're an aspiring dancer, teacher, or titleholder, your posts are your first impression. I’ll walk you through why your feed matters, what employers and judges look...

Struggle to pick up choreography? You’re not alone—and it might not be your memory at fault. In this episode, Brittany breaks down the power of patterns in music and movement. Learn how recognizing song structure and repeated rhythm cues can help you remember choreography faster, improve your facials, and finally feel confident learning new combos. Plus, hear Brittany’s honest take on why winging...

Periods suck—but missing class every month sucks more. In this honest and empowering episode, we’re talking all about how to survive dance class on your period. Whether you’re feeling bloated, crampy, or just mentally off, this episode will help you normalize the struggle and learn what to do before , during , and after class to feel better. You’ll hear: Why excuses won’t help—but a plan will My t...

In this week’s episode of Dance Colleges and Careers, we’re talking about how middle and high school dancers can start preparing for college now. From summer intensives to portfolio-building and audition practice, Brittany shares what colleges really want to see—beyond the tricks. This is everything she wishes she knew before applying. 🎧 Download the free College Dance Prep Checklist here: www.br...

Have you ever told someone you want to go to college for dance—and they didn’t take you seriously? In this episode of Dance Colleges and Careers , I’m sharing the real truth behind what it’s like to major in dance, how to find the right program for you , and why a career in the arts is a whole lot more than just pirouettes and performances. I’ll walk you through:  ✅ The myths people believe about...

You’re back for Part 2—and this time, we’re talking pure technique. In this episode, I’ll help you break down the technical phrases your dancer may hear in critiques and what they actually mean. We’ll cover everything from “sickled feet” and “biscuits” to “knees over toes” and “use more of your torso.” If you’ve ever wondered why the judges are talking about things like “arm placement” or what cou...

Have you ever listened to your child’s dance critiques and thought, “What does that even mean?” You’re not alone. In this episode, we're diving into some of the most common phrases judges and teachers say when referring to posture, placement, and performance presence—and translating them into real-world terms that parents and dancers can actually understand. From "stand tall" to &qu...

Feeling frustrated after a competition because your dancer didn’t place how you expected? Or maybe you’ve found yourself wondering, “How is that trick allowed in novice?” —then this episode is for you. This week, Brittany dives deep into one of the most debated (and misunderstood) aspects of dance competitions: skills vs. levels . ✨ Just because a dancer throws a back tuck or an aerial doesn’t me...

Summer Dance Opportunities: Camps, Competitions & Career Growth In this episode of Dance Colleges and Careers , Brittany Noltimier dives into the world of summer dance opportunities—from camps and intensives to competitions and workshops. Drawing from her own experiences, Brittany breaks down the pros and cons of different summer programs and shares why staying active over the summer can be a...

In this episode of Dance Colleges and Careers , Ms. Brittany dives into the essential etiquette every competitive dancer needs to know. Your competition experience isn’t just about those two minutes on stage—it’s about how you present yourself throughout the entire weekend, from awards ceremonies to backstage behavior. Learn why what you wear, how you applaud, and even your body language can impac...

Dancers, are you unknowingly sabotaging your routine with a weak ending? In this episode, we’re fixing your final pose so you can leave a lasting impact! You’ve worked hard on your routine—don’t let the last second ruin it. Learn how to make your ending match your story, captivate your audience, and elevate your performance. ✨ Get the free Ending Pose Checklist → www.brittanynoltimier.com/51 🔹 H...

Celebrate 50 episodes with a game-changer! I’m revealing my Fame Method —a 4-step system to transform any performer into a confident, captivating star. From nailing your onstage walk to finding song-perfect facials, this is your ticket to shine like royalty. In this milestone episode, I’ll break down Foundation, Authenticity, Motivation, and Elevation—plus give you a mini-challenge to start TODAY....

Episode 49: The Secret Sauce of Stage Presence - What Winners Do Differently. Why do some performers steal the show while others fade? It’s all about presence—and I’m spilling three things winners nail every time. Try a quick trick to feel it yourself, and get ready—Episode 50’s next with my full Fame Method reveal! Listen now and step up your game. Support the show Got a question or story you&apo...

Podcast & YouTube Description: First impressions matter—on stage and in life! In this episode of Dance Colleges and Careers , Brittany Noltimier breaks down how your entrance onto the stage sets the tone for your entire performance. Judges can tell a lot about your confidence, technique, and stage presence before the music even starts! Learn actionable tips on posture, footwork, and facial exp...

🎭 Auditions coming up? Feeling unprepared? In this episode, we’re diving into the essential steps every performer needs to take before stepping into the audition room. From picking the perfect material to managing nerves and standing out in front of the panel, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to audition with confidence! PLUS, grab my free Audition Prep Checklist to make sure you...

🎶 Mastering Musicality: The Key to Higher Competition Scores 🎶 In this episode of Dance Colleges and Careers , we’re diving into a game-changer for competitive dancers— musicality . Judges don’t just look at tricks and technique; they want to see dancers who move with intention, precision, and rhythm. If you’ve ever received feedback like “off the music” or “needs more dynamics,” this episode is...

🔥 Want to stand out at your next dance competition? It’s not just about technique—your facial expressions can make or break your performance! In this video, we’ll dive into why facial expressions matter, how judges view them, and the fastest ways to improve them before your next performance. 🎭✨ 📌 What You’ll Learn: The secret to making judges remember you How to match your expressions to your...

Summary In this conversation, Brittany Noltimier, a performance coach for competitive dancers, discusses the key elements that judges look for in dance competitions. She emphasizes the importance of clean routines, entertainment value, and the overall performance picture, which includes technique, musicality, and stage presence. Brittany shares insights from her extensive experience judging compet...

S ummary In this episode, Brittany Noltimier emphasizes the critical importance of understanding and adhering to college application dates and deadlines, particularly for high school seniors interested in dance and theater. She discusses the necessity of planning, organization, and proactive time management to ensure successful college applications. Brittany advocates for using a tangible planner...

Choosing the Right Prop : Select props that complement the dance style and enhance the storytelling. Ensure the prop is manageable and safe to use during the performance. Incorporating Props Seamlessly : Practice with the prop extensively to ensure it becomes a natural extension of your movements. Avoid making the prop the focal point unless it’s crucial to the performance. Safety and Maintenance...

Summary In this conversation, Brittany discusses the importance of selecting the right material for performances, particularly in dance and competitions. She emphasizes the need to consider the audience's perspective and emotional response when choosing music and choreography. Drawing from her experience at the Miss America pageant, Brittany highlights how performances should inspire and conn...

Summary In this episode of the Dream Launcher podcast, host Brittany Noltimier discusses the excitement and challenges of the new year, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset. She encourages listeners to embrace the opportunity for personal development, particularly in dance, and to focus on self-teaching as a means of improvement. Brittany shares practical tips for setting goals and takin...

Summary In this episode, Brittany discusses the challenges dancers face with slippery floors during performances. She shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to manage slippery surfaces, emphasizing the importance of grounding techniques, appropriate shoe selection, and adaptability in various performance environments. Brittany encourages dancers to take responsibility for their perf...