It's Not Really About Dance

In this episode we dive into the mysterious and ever-changing system of awards in the competitive dance world. From adjudications, to overalls, to judges specialty awards, we unpack the common threads and the places where each event differs. This is a great primer for anyone with kids first beginning in competitive dance to understand what you're hearing at those fast-paces ceremonies.

In this episode, we highlight some of the obvious and not so obvious lessons in perseverance we've learned through the years. From watching hard work pay off, to persevering with patience through circumstances beyond our control, the competitive dance world gives us plenty of opportunities to work that muscle of delayed gratification which is so outside the norm of our kids' everyday lives...

There is so much happening at a competitive kid's weekend event. Some parts are great for certain phases, while others are not so great. In this episode, we explore the best parts of a competitive weekend for the upper elementary and middle school phases, and the parts that are less important, or even worth avoiding. For those leading or parenting 4th-5th graders, 6th graders, or 7th-8th grade...

The emotions of putting yourself out there for a team or program and waiting for results are not just carried by the kids themselves, but by their parents and the leaders setting up the programs as well. In this episode, we sort through the messiness of being the grownup in these situations and how to make it not about us, including some practical ways to handle the before, during, and after of an...

In this episode we decode all of the descriptive words for types of routines--age groups, dance styles, routine sizes, and even our take on levels. This is your translation guide for routines listed in casting or announced as they enter the stage. Ultimately we look at how these different types of routines fit into the big picture to influence dancer growth.

We've brought our second born daughters on as special guests this episode! At ages 10 and 12, they're here to keep it real, answering questions about what competitive dance is and has been like for them through the years, asking us some questions of their own, and having some fun too! These two are each the tenderhearted ones of their families and have opened their hearts up in some ways t...

In this episode, we share some examples of both the expected and the unexpected knowledge that has been gained by our kids (and ourselves) through dance, performance, and competition, and how all of these experiences have turned us into "someone who knows stuff."

There is so much happening at a competitive kid's weekend event. Some parts are great for certain phases, while others are not so great. In this episode, we explore the best parts of a competitive weekend for the younger phases, and the parts that are less important, or even worth avoiding. For those leading or parenting preschoolers, K-1st graders, or 2nd-3rd graders, this one is especially f...

In this episode, we examine the ways we've found healthy balance between rest and work, especially as parents of competitive kids. We talk through our own daily, weekly, and annual rhythms, and how they've evolved through the years. In it all, we name the things that are worth fighting for in our lives vs. the places we don't take ourselves too seriously.

This episode is part 2 of our conversation about what a week of a dance competition event looks like for us as dance parents. This part dives into the actual weekend of an event from Friday-Sunday. Join us for the moments of rest, of hustling, of being emotional support for our children, and of playing a number of different types of roles as the weekend progresses. You'll either be envigorated...

In this Part 1 of our "week in the life" episode, we discuss the preparations that go into a competition weekend. From the week leading up to a competition, all the way to arrival at the event, we share personal anecdotes as parents navigating this busy time. Get a glimpse into the pre-organizing we do of the things we need for the weekend, as well as balancing the emotional dynamics of our childr...

In this episode, we share personal stories and insights on how dance teaches valuable life lessons about cooperation and lays a foundation for specific scenarios kids will face in real life as adults. We discuss overcoming snafus, sharing the spotlight, handling feedback, and extending patience to others for the sake of compromise and creating something together that is better than what we could d...

In this episode, we delve into the various phases of child development and how they intersect with competitive dance. We explore how age groupings in dance can create unique challenges and opportunities for growth, and how dance serves as a platform for children to develop confidence, social skills, and a sense of identity. We highlight the valuable life lessons learned through participation in co...

In this episode, we explore the importance of managing expectations in the areas of finance, communication, rate of your child's skill development, and overall experience on a competitive team. We name the realistic vs. unrealistic expectations for each category, explore the real thing under the thing when we find frustrations with each of these, and wrap up with how to care for yourself when...

In this episode, we delve into the world of competitive dance, starting with all of the terminology that didn't make sense to us when we first started, and still sometimes doesn't! This is a primer on the different types of performances--recitals, shows, competitions, and auditions. We unpack the types of competitive events and a few things we have learned about the differences and how to...

Sarah and Beth discuss the factors to consider when choosing a dance studio or other team context. They emphasize the importance of aligning the studio's values with family priorities, understanding the different offerings and cultures of various studios, and recognizing the long-term commitment involved. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, they guide parents in making informed decisi...

Sarah and Beth explore the complexities of transitioning children from recreational dance to competitive dance. They discuss the importance of age, personality, and emotional maturity in making this decision, as well as the potential challenges and rewards of competitive dance. The conversation emphasizes the need for parental involvement, understanding the child's needs, and avoiding common pitfa...

In this episode of 'It's Not Really About Dance,' hosts Beth and Sarah explore the deeper reasons behind competitive dance and parenting. They discuss the life lessons learned through dance, including resilience, humility, and the importance of fueling the body for performance. The conversation delves into balancing dance with other life responsibilities, the dynamics of teamwork and individual su...

We share our personal journeys into the world of competitive dance, discussing the gradual process of understanding and navigating this complex environment. We reflect on early experiences, the challenges of balancing family life with dance commitments, and insights into the importance of community, preparation, and finding joy in dance. Through stories of our very first conventions and competitio...

Beth and Sarah introduce themselves and share their backgrounds, their connection to the world of competitive dance, and overall purpose for the podcast.