The Dance Yourself Brave Show

What happens when dance becomes more than movement — when it becomes a tool for healing, self-expression, and radical inclusion? In this heart-opening conversation, Mariana Santos and dance educator Stephanie unpack the deeper layers of the dance world — from body image struggles and industry pressures to the ripple effect of teaching with empathy. Stephanie shares her journey from student to inst...

Most people think you have to start dancing young to be great. Michael Fortin is living proof that’s not true — and he’s on a mission to make sure others know it too. In this episode of The Dance Yourself Brave Show , Michael joins host Mariana Santos to share how stepping into the dance world as a late starter helped him unlock a deeper level of confidence, compassion, and purpose. They dive into...

What happens when a journalist turns to dance to express what words can’t? In this inspiring episode of The Dance Yourself Brave Show , dancer and writer Sveta Soloveva shares her powerful journey of self-discovery through movement. From navigating the early challenges of finding her unique dance style to blending her background in journalism with her passion for expression, Sveta opens up about w...

What if the fastest way to boost your confidence isn’t in your head — but in your hips? In this episode, Mariana Santos, founder of Brazily Dance, reveals how Brazilian dance can completely transform how you see yourself. Forget forcing affirmations or faking it ‘til you make it — we’re talking about real, embodied confidence that starts the moment you hit play on your favorite playlist and start...

What does it really take to thrive as a dance educator and performer? In this inspiring episode of The Dance Yourself Brave Show , host Mariana Santos sits down with Hannah Batiste , a dedicated dance and theatre instructor with years of experience. Hannah opens up about her journey in the performing arts—from starting dance at a young age to overcoming physical challenges that shaped her strength...

In this powerful episode of The Dance Yourself Brave Show , host Mariana Santos sits down with Joanna Cavalcante — former soccer player turned dance fitness expert and founder of Sweat & Swagger Fitness. Joanna shares her inspiring transformation story and how dance helped her step into confidence, leadership, and purpose. Together, they dive deep into the mindset shifts that fuel growth, the...

In this inspiring episode of The Dance Yourself Brave Show , host Mariana Santos sits down with tap dance instructor and performer Jeanette Whalen. Jeanette shares her journey from dreaming of dancing as a child to building a successful career as a dance teacher and performer. They dive deep into the challenges Jeanette faced along the way, how dance helped shape her personal growth, and why she’s...

In this episode of The Dance Yourself Brave Show , Mariana Santos explores how self-talk and supportive friendships fuel personal growth. Learn how to silence your inner critic, build confidence through movement, and take small, brave steps toward your goals. Perfect for dancers, dreamers, and confidence seekers.. . . 💛 Ready to stop overthinking and start showing up with confidence? Join our fre...

In this unfiltered convo, host Mariana Santos sits down with the powerhouse Heather Jean Wilson —dance professor, creator of Ba Ba Ballet , and founder of Grunt if You Understand . From battling setbacks to breaking barriers, Heather opens up about her raw journey through the world of dance and what it really takes to turn passion into purpose. We're chatting about: -The gritty resilience behi...

In this inspiring episode of the Dance Yourself Brave Show , we sit down with Ian Howe , a passionate and dynamic dance educator, choreographer, and studio owner based in Seattle. Ian shares how his love for dance was sparked by watching Savion Glover tap dance on Sesame Street , and how that early inspiration led to a lifelong career in the dance world. Ian opens up about his experiences as a mal...

In this powerful episode of The Dance Yourself Brave Show , we sit down with Michele Tabaroki , passionate dance instructor and owner of Confidanze and Fitness . Michele shares her inspiring journey —from growing up in Iran with a deep love for dance, to overcoming cultural barriers, and ultimately empowering others through movement. We dive into the transformative power of dance , how it builds c...

Welcome to the very first episode of the Dance Yourself Brave Show ! I’m Mariana Santos , and I’m kicking things off by sharing my story—how dance completely transformed my confidence, courage, and the way I show up in life. From struggling with self-doubt and body image to finding freedom through movement, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my journey and how it led me to create Brazily Dance . I...