The Confident Dancer Podcast

Hello friends! It's been a while. I'm so excited to share these updates with you! If you follow me on Instagram, some of these updates might not be a surprise but whether you have seen or some of these exciting bits of news, I hope you enjoy a more personal look into what 2025 has held for me personally and professionally so far. I'm so grateful. Thank you for being here! To get access...

It's that time of year where a lot of us think about goal-setting, yet so many dancers have a hard time setting goals that feel both "realistic" and exciting. In this episode, I'll share helpful tips on goal to set goals effectively as a dancer so you can bring your dreams into reality and grow in confidence as a result. Happy dancing! Watch this on youtube: https://youtu.be/VH46...

These 6 mindset shifts helped me to have the most successful audition season of my life and I don't want to keep them a secret! These will help you to perform with confidence and give you your best shot at getting noticed, whether you're auditioning for ballet summer intensives, ballet companies, year round programs or a production. Happy dancing! Watch this on Youtube: https://youtu.be/_j...

So many dancers experience the feeling of burnout during busy times such as performance, competition, or audition season. In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 tips to help you avoid burning out or resolve it if you're already feeling it! Enjoy, and let me know what you think in the comments! Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/INi4vyaOb1U To learn more about my mindset coachin...

It's so important to be prepared for audition season so you can go into it feeling confident, whether you're auditioning for ballet companies, summer intensives, or universities. Here's what you can start focusing on in your training NOW in order to excel in your auditions this spring! Watch this episode on youtube: https://youtu.be/G110-cM7C5g To learn more about my mindset coaching a...

So many dancers experience the feeling of jealousy towards other dancers and have a hard time moving past it. Some dancers are also mistreated by others who are jealous of them. In today's episode, I'm breaking down what to do in both scenarios to help you focus back on what you're there to do and have a productive, satisfying experience as you dance. Watch this episode on Youtube: htt...

Visualization is an incredible tool for dancers to help you perform your best consistently and with confidence! In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to use it most effectively more maximum benefit. Happy dancing! Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/f0VceG8LaIg To learn more about my mindset coaching and speaking services, visit kirstenkemp.com To stay up to date on the la...

Preparing for a ballet competition? Here are some tips on how to calm nerves, stop comparing yourself to other dancers, and confidently dance your personal best! Whether you are headed to YAGP, Prix de Lausanne, IBC, or another competition of any size or genre, I hope these mental preparation tips will help you to step out on stage with confidence and have a wonderful experience! Watch this episod...

Tired of insecurities holding you back as a dancer? Here are 6 tips on how to overcome insecurities in dance so you can start confidently dancing to your fullest potential no matter your skill level and regardless of if you are a recreational, pre-professional, or professional dancer. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/J_56SJkE3bQ To learn more about my mindset coaching and speaking s...

Tired of feeling insecure, awkward, and apologetic as you dance? Use these 5 tips to become a more confident dancer now! These simple mindset shifts can help you to start boldly and confidently dancing to your fullest potential no matter your skill level and regardless of if you are a recreational, pre-professional, or professional dancer. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/uitwUxTump...

Working with narcissistic leaders in dance and experiencing dehumanization as a dancer are sad realities that many dancers face, especially in the professional ballet world. In today's episode, we are talking about how dancers can reclaim a sense of agency over themselves and their journeys even in the midst of this broken system. Melody Mennite Principal ballerina formerly with Houston Ballet...

Hi Dancers! I know that not getting the attention or opportunities you want from teachers, choreographers, judges, or directors can be so frustrating and discouraging so I wanted to make this episode to share tips on what you can do in those situations to channel your energy productively in a way that may even get you the kind of results and attention you want. - Kirsten Watch this episode on Yout...

Hi Dancers! Have you ever noticed self-doubt holding you back as a dancer and thought that if you were just a better dancer, you wouldn't feel this anymore? Well... for most dancers, that solution simply won't work so I'm here to give you practical advice that actually does! In this episode, I will walk you through how to start breaking through the self-doubt that's been holding yo...

Hi Dancers! How many times have you heard about the importance of believing in yourself, but felt like that's really easy to say but hard to do? So many dancers, especially aspiring professional dancers feel this! This video contains practical tips on how to believe in yourself, even when it's hard. I hope you find it to be really encouraging, confidence building, and helpful! Let me know...

Melody Mennite - Principal ballerina formerly with Houston Ballet and currently dancing with Vitacca Ballet. She has toured internationally to perform the classics as well as contemporary work in dance. Some of her classical Principal roles include Odette/Odile, Aurora, Kitri, Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara in The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Manon, Juliet, The Sylph in Bournanville’s La Sylphide, Nikya in...

Hi Dancers! I hope this interview with Jess encourages you with just how much change is possible with the right support! Whether you are a professional dancer or a recreational dancer, if you want to overcome the mental blocks that have been holding you back from truly thriving and dancing to your fullest potential, reach out! You can learn more about my coaching services and apply for The Confide...

Sarah-Gabrielle Ryan is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she studied on scholarship at the Rock School for Dance Education, Metropolitan Ballet Academy, and the School of Pennsylvania Ballet. Sarah-Gabrielle joined Pennsylvania Ballet II (now Philadelphia Ballet II) in 2014 before joining Pacific Northwest Ballet in 2016, where she is currently a principal dancer. She is a two-time Princess G...

Hi Dancers! So many dancers know that they struggle with tying their self-worth to dance, but aren't sure how to actually break that cycle! Whether this shows up for you in perfectionism, being overly self-critical, caring too much about what other people think, fearing judgment, or fearing failure, I hope this episode gets you one big step closer to feeling free to dance full out with joy bec...

Hi Dancers! I hope you enjoy this episode on my BEST decisions and top regrets as I reflect on my journey to becoming a professional ballet dancer! I think we can learn so much from not only reflecting on our own experiences but also learning from the experiences of others to give us clarity on how we can best go about making our own dreams and goals a reality. Let me know in the comments what ins...

Hi Dancers! In recent years, going to college (or a university) for dance has become an increasingly popular option for dancers interested in pursuing a professional career. As someone who has graduated from the University of Utah's ballet program with a BFA in Ballet and someone who has guest lectured for several university dance programs, I want to share 5 things you need to know before goin...

Hi Dancers! I hope you enjoy this conversation with Anabel Katsnelson from American Ballet Theatre! I know that so many dancers experience injuries at one time or another and we both know how challenging the injury recovery process can be. In this video, Anabel shares how she addressed the mental, emotional, and practical challenges of the injury recovery process to come back stronger. Enjoy! Anab...

Hi Dancers! I hope you enjoy this conversation with Anabel Katsnelson from American Ballet Theatre! I know that so many dancers dream of dancing for such a big and reputable classical ballet company, so I thought it would be wonderful to have Anabel on to talk about what it's actually like to dance for such a big company and to also share what advice she has for dancers who aspire to follow th...

Hi Dancers! I hope you enjoy this episode on "Why Focusing on Natural Talent is Holding You Back"! With how often I hear dancers expressing frustration that they aren't a "natural turner" or "a quick learner" or "a jumper", I have learned just how dangerous for our progress and confidence it is to fixate on these labels. Does natural talent exist? Sure....

Hi Dancers! Do you ever find yourself just going through the motions as you dance, lacking focus, inspiration, and motivation? We've all been there! This tip on how to use the power of intentionality to your advantage can seriously be game-changing, so I hope you really enjoy the benefits once you put it into practice! - Kirsten Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rCZjV4gr8-c To le...

Hi Dancers! I hope this episode on 4 LIES That Dancers are Often Taught to Believe is eye-opening and helpful for you! Since our beliefs are so powerful in either helping or hindering us from confidently performing to our fullest potential, I wanted to make this video to help you let go of these four common beliefs that I see negatively affecting dancers. Have you believed any of these things? DM...