Dad of a Dancer

Hi friends, Atti’s ramping up for his upcoming three-week intensive at Master Ballet Academy. For months, his coach (as well as his mom and dad) have highly encouraged him to work more cardio into his dance diet so he doesn’t crumble into an out-of-breath pile during the first day of class! But now here we are, just a few weeks shy of the trip, and how many times do you think Atti has hit the gym? If you said zero you’d be correct! So whether you’re preparing for a big intense period of dance this summer or just taking some time off to chill: keep that cardio up to increase (or at least maintain) your stamina! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hello friends!Big news in the Johnson household this week — Atticus passed his driver’s permit test! 🎉 Which means my dream of having him drive himself to dance 428 times a week is one step closer to reality. (I jokingly promised to post his driving schedule online so everyone can stay safely at home…LOL)🚗 A dancer who can (almost) drive* Atticus officially has his permit, and we celebrated with a driving session after recording this episode* We also ordered magnet bumper stickers from Amazon — a “student driver on board” set that accidentally came as a three-pack. One of the bonus magnets says something like “not drunk, just learning to drive for the first time.” If you see that on a car in Minnesota, you’ll want to keep your distance.📖 How we studied (and actually made it fun)* The MN DMV test center staff gave us the real tip: skip the random Google study guides and just read the official state permit manual PDF cover to cover* The problem? Neither Atticus nor I are the “just scroll a PDF” type. We need something more engaging.* Solution: I uploaded the PDF into Claude and had it build a full question bank from the manual — covering all the major knowledge areas — and then asked it to re-read the PDF and double-check every question for accuracy and completeness (AI has an overconfidence problem, and I know this from running a cybersecurity company)* I also had Claude pull out a separate quiz bank just for traffic, warning, and construction signs — the visual stuff that shows up on the test📱 Enter Quizlet* Claude spit out a file formatted for Quizlet import — boom, instant flashcard set* Our routine: a few nights in a row, we’d beam Quizlet from my iPad to the living room TV and run through 25–50 questions together* Quizlet’s smart enough to track which questions he nailed and which needed more work, so we could focus the studying where it counted* End result: he walked in and crushed it ✅Head to dadofadancer.com for all episodes, photos, and videos (more coming soon, I promise). You can also find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and pretty much anywhere you listen. Drop a public comment or hit the DM link on any post — both are always welcome! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hello friends! Recording this one from a Caribou parking lot ☕ (medium dark hot chocolate, shot of mint — a warm milkshake masquerading as a beverage), because I just dropped Atticus off for the last half-day of freshman year and I’m feeling all the feelings. 🎭The setup:* 🚗 On the ride to school we got to talking about how fast the year flew, and how he can’t wait to be a senior and launch into adult life — cue me doing the classic dad bit: “Don’t hurry it away! Enjoy the no-mortgage, no-car-payment years!”* 🤔 Meanwhile his brain is already living in the fall - “Which teachers are coming back? How will we move on without our seniors? Will we recruit any awesome freshmen?”* 🗓️ First things first, though: a stacked summer (more on that below)The gripe of the week:* 💃 Around here, most studios cluster their fall auditions into the same two-week window — smart, because kids can try out a bunch of places, weigh their options, and then pick one* ⏰ But ONE organization runs their auditions way early, then hands you a tight “commit or quit” deadline* 🧐 Business-hat me (I run a cybersecurity company) totally sees the play — it’s a stickiness move (even if it’s icky IMHO)* 👧 Parent me thinks it’s kinda slimy when we’re talking about little tots to teenagers. When a studio is also your kid’s core social circle, the “decision” basically gets made for you: stay put, or risk not landing anywhere for the season* 📝 I’m not saying run for the hills — just file this in the “con” column as a data point if you’re studio-shopping this fallWhat’s next:* 🩰 Three weeks in Phoenix at Master Ballet Academy* 🏛️ Then off to Massachusetts for a week at CLI Conservatory* 🎙️ Plus twice-a-week training with his consultant all summer long👉 Visit dadofadancer.com to drop me a DM or comment — and catch Dad of a Dancer on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you find podcasts. Have a wonderful week! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hello friends! We just wrapped Atticus’s first year at performing arts high school with a three-night spring dance show, and I’ve got a few highlights to share. 🎭The lead-up:* 🎶 Atticus choreographed his own solo with help from his dance consultant — my wife and I mostly just got out of the way and let them cook* 🎧 I got to be on the audio production side — he had a 5-minute orchestral piece he wanted cut down to ~2 minutes, so we spent hours in GarageBand surgically stitching transitions until they blended like butter* ✨ One of my favorite things about this school: kids get hands-on with all of it — choreography, music edits, costume choices, lighting palettes, even backdrops. Makes for way more versatile dancersShow night:* ✈️ I caught the red-eye home from a work trip Saturday morning to make it* 🪑 Front-row seat — my toes were literally butting up against the marley floor* 📱 Photo/video was discouraged, so I may or may not have filmed it ninja-style by holding my program up as a decoy with my phone tucked behind it. (Sorry, not sorry.)* 👀 I did a terrible videography job because I kept forgetting to follow him with the camera — too busy watching with my actual eyesThe moments that got me:* 🤸 A giant sideways scissor-kick leap and a set of turns that seemed to last forever — the crowd around me was audibly losing it (”Oh I see you! You brought it tonight!”)* 👏 Hearing strangers — moms, dads, grandparents — react in real time to his solo is a special kind of proud-papa treatWhat’s next:* 🩰 Three weeks in Phoenix at Master Ballet Academy* 🏛️ Then off to Massachusetts for the CLI Conservatory* 🎙️ Lots more to share with you soon👉 Visit dadofadancer.com and subscribe so you never miss an episode — new ones drop every Wednesday! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hello dance friends!A fellow dance parent sent me a clip from The Jason Show where the host, Jason Matheson, shared some feedback from staff at Disney World where the theme was essentially “Dance and cheer parents are the worst.” I’ve clocked many hours at dance conventions and competitions, and after seeing and interacting with many dance parents…in some cases I agree with Jason 100%.Check out today’s episode and then let me know…what do you think? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hello friends! This week we’re coming off a serious post-concert high — we got to see Calum Scott live at the Fillmore in downtown Minneapolis, and I had to share some highlights about the experience. 🎤How we ended up there:* 🎟️ Atticus has been begging for a big concert (Bruno Mars is the dream, but those tickets are $250–$300 a seat — yikes!)* 👀 My wife spotted Calum Scott at the Fillmore for $60. Sold! Only bad news is the tickets were for standing room only — cue lots of pre-show knee bends and stretches from me and my wife* 🏰 We scored a tucked-away corner spot with a support beam to lean on (genius move on my wife’s behalf)The moment that got me:* 💛 Mid-set, Calum came out into the crowd to sing I Love You No Matter What — a song about family loving you no matter who you are or what you’ve done. I got misty-eyed — because that’s exactly the parent I want to be for Atticus in a dance world that doesn’t always make space for boys who dance.* 🩰 Bonus: he played one of the songs Atticus has a solo to — extra goosebumps for me* 🙌 (Yes, my wife grabbed his shoulder. Yes, I got a consensual fist bump. We’re not proud. Okay, a little proud.) What stuck with me:* 🎶 Calum is sincere, appreciative, and an incredible entertainer* 👯 He closed with a Whitney Houston duet of I Wanna Dance with Somebody — reportedly the first artist in years approved by her estate to use her voice (don’t quote me, but wow)* 💌 We’re officially on the Fillmore mailing list (but next time we’re springing for a balcony seat!)👉 Visit dadofadancer.com and subscribe so you never miss an episode — new ones drop every Wednesday! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hi friends, two big updates for you in today’s episode:* Did Atti get accepted into the Master Ballet Academy?* He competed at REVEL Phoenix and had, well…a little “wrinkle” in his choreography This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hello friends! We're back — and this time I brought Atticus with me! 🙌 Last week I teased you about our big week of competitions and auditions, and oh BOY did we have a week. Let's get into it:The competition — aka the night his music cut out mid-solo:* 🎭 Atticus hadn’t competed in two years — and he came back with a solo he choreographed himself* 😬 Before he even got on stage, they called the wrong number and sent another dancer out first* 🔇 About 15 seconds in, the music cut out and the whole room went completely silent* 💪 He didn’t stop, didn’t look at the sound booth, didn’t apologize — he just kept going and improvised through it* 🏆 The judges noticed — several called out his composure in their critiques, and he pulled off a great score!The Zoom audition for a professional ballet academy:* 🩰 He auditioned one-on-one over Zoom with the head of Master Ballet Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona* ⚡ Dealing with mirror delays, glitchy audio, and counting off music in your head — not easy* 📬 We’re anxiously refreshing our email waiting to hear back if he was accepted to the academy — send those good vibes! If he gets in, he’s headed to Scottsdale this summer for intensive training. Did I mention dance is expensive? 💸👉 Follow along at dadofadancer.com and subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — new episodes every Wednesday! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hello friends! Big week over here — we’ve got a competition AND an audition coming up, so we’ve got a lot on our minds! 🏆 Here’s what our dance consultant has been drilling into us as we prep:Stage entrances and exits matter more than you think:* 🎭 Judging starts the second any part of you is visible on that stage — so don’t just shuffle out there!* 💪 Walk on with confidence and intention — tall chest, proud head — like you came ready to melt some faces* 🚶 After your piece ends, don’t scramble off like you’re apologizing for what just happened — count to five, take a bow, then walk off like a pro* ⚖️ It’s all about balance — don’t look cocky, but don’t look sorry eitherWe’ve also got a big Zoom audition this week:* 🩰 My son is auditioning for a full-time ballet academy* 📅 We’ll find out in about 3-4 weeks if he made it (send good vibes!)* 💸 If he gets in, it means 3+ weeks of intensive summer training (did I mention dance is expensive? Check out this episode in case you forgot :-)Next episode I’m hoping to bring my son on to recap how both the competition and audition went — stay tuned! 🎙️👉 Visit dadofadancer.com and subscribe so you never miss an episode — new ones drop every Wednesday! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hello friends! I’m back with some real talk on getting ready for competition season — and yes, it’s almost time! 🏆 Here’s what’s been on my radar as my teen dancer preps for our first competition of 2026:Physical prep:* 💧 Hydration is everything — and no, Dr. Pepper does NOT count* 🤸 Stretch consistently (not just the night before when you suddenly want your needle back)* 🦴 Chiropractic care made a surprising difference for us — with the right follow-through homeworkMental game:* Social media is a blessing AND a curse — let it inspire you, not crush you* I’m encouraging my son to stop competing against every dancer in the room — make some friends out there!* Focus on how far YOU’VE come, not what some other dancer is doing on TikTokMy big reminder to him: You’re only 15 once. The cutthroat stuff comes later — enjoy it now! 🙌 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hey friends, we’re back from spring break in the Dominican, and our trip yielded a couple fun dance-related things:* We got to see a phenomenal dance+vocals ensemble that also had a unique stage presence (it made me giggle)* I got to take a salsa class in hopes Atti would join me. But did he? Listen to today’s episode to find out! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hello friends, today we’re talking about some tips to better secure your dancer’s social media accounts. Since I run a cybersecurity consultancy, I spend most of my waking hours trying to help companies not get hacked. A lot of the best practices they follow to protect their accounts are the same tips you and the dancers in your life should follow as well:* Pick strong passwords* Use a different password for every online account you have (Insta, TikTok, etc.)* Turn on multi-factor authentication everywhere you can This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Here’s something that will be super obvious to some people but was a mind-breaker for me when I learned it: you can download dance choreography from the Internet. Today I talk about the first time I saw it “live” (it made my jaw drop) and how my first instinct was to call the dance police and demand some arrests. But as I’m learning years later, this practice is pretty common. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hello dance friends. Male dancers can be an afterthought at competitions — specifically when it comes to dressing room accommodations. Today I share some frustrating real-life experiences my son and I navigated, from inadequate and unmarked changing spaces to locked doors mid-costume-change. I also recount a particularly painful moment when my son was left out of a final pre-performance rehearsal — and the team's response made it even worse. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

This may seem obvious, but dance studio class size - and the expertise/education of their staff - matter! All these years at big studio dance, I figured everybody who worked for a studio had professional degrees and experience, which is not the case. So today, I encourage you to keep a close watch on your dancer to ensure they aren’t being swallowed up by large class sizes and potentially limited growth at a big studio. We’ve found that moving away from studio dance was tough from a social standpoint, but 100% worth it to get prepared for college/pro-level experiences. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hope you’re all having a great week! Today I sat down with Atti to hear about his experience at the National High School Dance Festival a few weeks ago. He got the opportunity to not only take a bunch of great dance classes, but learn about how to build up his social media profiles and dancer resume as well! More details in today’s show. Thanks again for listening and be sure to subscribe to our podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.-Brian and Atti This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hey friends! This week I sat down with Atticus to hear more about his NUVO experience, which I talked a little bit about in episode #14. I asked him:* What’s NUVO all about, and what parts of the nation can you find this competition/convention?* What’s it like to attend something like NUVO without representation from a dance studio?* What dance skills should you have nailed down before attending NUVO?* Can you still get scholarships/awards when you’re a dance “free agent?”Next week we’ll talk about Atti’s experience at the National High School Dance Festival. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hey dance friends! This past weekend my son went to the NUVO convention as an independent, and had a wonderful time. Next week I’ll have him share some thoughts from a dancer’s perspective, but this week I want to share a few experiences from a parent POV:* Challenges applying for dance conventions/competitions as an independent* The uncomfortable feeling of dropping him off in an environment where he didn’t know anybody* Assuring him we didn’t care if he came home from the weekend with all of the awards or zero awards* Finally getting recognition for all his hard work!Also coming up in future DOAD episodes: my son will share his experiences from the National High School Dance Festival in Washington, which he’s at right now as I type this. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hello friends - back in episode #11 my son and I played a game called “Dance songs I never want to hear again,” where I obnoxiously sang/scat 10 songs in his direction. If he could identify the song name and artist for all 10, I promised to buy him some disgusting drink from Starbucks the next day. Good news (for him) is that he won that round!So this week I’m back with another round, only this time the challenge is greater: name six songs in sixty seconds to earn a gross Starbucks drink. Tune into today’s episode to see if he was successful, or if I finally stumped him! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Competitive dance teams want to win and bring home a dump truck load of trophies - and there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. But are we (studios and parents) building character in our dancers…or just teaching them to be cutthroat as they cut up the dance floor? In today’s episode, I share three ways we can help our kids develop a healthy perspective on competition while still keeping a strong competitive spirit. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Things are a bit heavy in the Twin Cities where we live, so we thought we’d do something a little more light and fun today! I challenge my son to name 10 dance songs I never want to hear again - by obnoxiously humming/scatting the melody of each song without the words. He has to name the song and artist. If he gets at least 8/10 right, I’ll buy him Starbucks on the way to school tomorrow. How many did you guess right?! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

In today’s episode we discuss something that may sound simple, but isn’t obvious to everyone: dance teams aren’t always comprised of 100% females. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

In this week’s episode, we talk about how many studios and dance organizations use social media to promote their business and their dancers. I understand why studios want to highlight their top performers and attract new talent. However, when the same handful of dancers are featured 24/7 across social media channels, it can send the wrong message.There are countless “unsung heroes” working in the shadows—dancers who are grinding every day to improve—and they deserve time in the social media spotlight too. I also share an example of a studio that has, in my opinion, unlocked the cheat code for how studio social media should be run. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

This week we talk about a new partnership we started with a dance consultant - someone who works specifically with dancers my son’s age to take their dancing to the next level. The decision to engage with a consultant came as a few different pieces were falling into place:* My son stepped away from studio dance earlier this year and was essentially a “free agent”* He started working with a dancer/choreographer on a new solo piece (discussed in episode #6)* He had just wrapped up a high school dance production (discussed in episode #4)* We were wanting to find a way for him to work on his skills on a more regular cadence (i.e. weekly)His first meeting with the dance consultant to work on his solo was awesome. Here are some things we learned:* It’s important to have a stretch routine that is tailored to your body and dance goals.* The judges are judging from the millisecond you become visible on stage. So even when you’re just walking to the stage and waiting for the music to drop, you need to present yourself with strength and intentionality. * When in the middle of a bunch of turns (or any move), you need to stay present until the absolute last millisecond, and only then do you transition into something else. Our consultant could tell by my son’s face and body language that while he was in the middle of move A, his mind/body were already thinking about and preparing for move B.Deciding whether or not to partner with a dance consultant is a big decision, and a big investment. But is it worth it? (Spoiler: in our opinion the answer is yes, but please listen to today’s episode :-) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

This week’s episode is all about the awesome winter insensitive our son attended at the CLI Conservatory in Southampton, Massachusetts (you can read more about CLI and the origins of the studio/conservatory here). You’ll get to hear from Atticus directly as he shares his favorite moments - which include a lot of dancing, practicing mock auditions, and even filming a music video! And from a parent point of view, I’ll share some things we will do differently in the food and lodging department when we go back for the summer intensive in 2026. Next time we’ll:* Stay in a hotel/BNB/etc. closer to CLI* Buy our own food instead of eating out at restaurants (the restaurant food was super expensive and not good in general) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

In today’s episode, I’m excited to share a new adventure my son started in working with an independent dancer/choreographer. It has been a fun and collaborative project where we’ve had more input on both the music and choreography - something that wasn’t always the case in studio dance. Perhaps the best thing from my perspective is to watch my son relax into the experience, and not have a competition deadline right around the corner (we’re thinking of competing with the solo in 2026). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

This week I try to answer the question “How can your dancer get to the next level?” When my son danced with a competitive studio, he was (naturally) interested in moving up to the higher-level teams. The path to get there, however, was shrouded in mystery. So we discuss:* Insisting on feedback from teachers/coaches on specific goals your dancer should pursue* Exploring a variety of opportunities outside your normal dance bubble/network (classes at other studios, weekend conventions, summer intensives, etc.). In other words: get your dancer in front of as many dance gurus as possible! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Hello friends. Today I talk about how my son’s first high school dance production gave him several valuable experiences that he didn’t always get in the studio dance world, including:* The opportunity to work on a project that has completely original music/choreography (the dance director and her father created the project from scratch over the summer!)* Focusing on the acting part of dance - and understanding what is happening with his character and the story (not just the “smile big for the judges!” guidance often taught in studio dance)* Being part of an ensemble that supported each other and wanted each cast/crew member to be their best every night (a refreshing change from the sometimes cut-throat dance competition weekends). * Getting the chance to perform a production three times in a weekend (he is used to dance competition weekends where you get one shot to perform a piece). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

In today’s episode, I talk about the doubts I had when I sent my son to a performing arts high school. I walked into orientation with a bunch of questions and assumptions burning in my mind:* What’s the schedule like here - do they toss math and science aside and it’s just “all arts classes all the time!?”* Is there any discipline enforced, or do they let these young artists just run wild and free?* Are there any testing standards that students are held to?Certainly listen to the episode, but spoiler alert: the answers to these questions were a pleasant surprise! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

In today’s episode, we tackle the question that doesn’t have a great answer: how do you budget for a year of being a competitive dancer? It’s tricky. Yes, there’s the base cost of X dollars per month for the dance training itself, but then there’s all the extras that really gouge you:* Costumes* Photo shoots* Teacher appreciation gifts* Teammate appreciation gifts* Senior dancer appreciation gifts* Misc meals and snacks* Gas/mileage* Gifts for teammates during Valentine’s Day, Halloween, holiday season, etc.* Team swag (optional but…are you going to be the parent that doesn’t get their dancer a hoodie to wear at school?)* Team swag for parents (optional but encouraged)And if you have an end-of-year dance competition that you have to travel out of town for, get ready for more financial pain with:* Hotel costs (jacked up during competition season)* Meals (God bless you if you’re a strategic enough of a planner to bring your own food to the hotel…for us it was lots of eating out)* Other costs for being out of town (house sitters, dog sitters, babysitters, etc.)Hope this helps! And while you’re reading this, why not subscribe?Thanks,-Brian This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com

Today I’m kicking off the Dad of a Dancer podcast! I’ll be sharing some of the challenges we’ve faced navigating the competitive dance world, what we’ve learned along the way, as well as ideas for how studios can better support and include all dancers.I’ll start the podcast as an audio-only adventure, but might venture into video in the future (for example, I love the idea of interviewing people in the dance world about how they make their environments more open and inclusive). I also don’t have an exact cadence established for the podcasts, so the episodes will be a “trickle” for now.In this episode we discuss:* My son’s “dance superhero orgin story” - starting with a love of gymnastics as a toddler, to dancing on the playground, to eventually joining a competitive team. * Goals for the podcast moving forward - the primary one being to make the dance experience better for even one dancer and/or one dancer’s parent.Enjoy! And feel free to…Or send me a message:If you’re reading this far, please subscribe!Brian This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dadofadancer.com