Two Dance Moms Podcast - For Competition Dance Parents

Whether you have binged the show Dance Moms or maybe just have heard of it, today's interview with Cathy Nesbitt-Stein will prove to be entertaining! Cathy grew up a dancer and became a studio owner and dance mom to her own daughter, before joining the TV show. In this episode we chat with her on several different elements of her dance mom journey. About Cathy:Cathy Nesbitt-Stein is the energetic, quick witted owner of Candy Apple’s Dance center and an original cast member of Dance Moms. She has owned and operated CADC since 1988 and continues to be a leader in quality and technical dancers in her region.Links:Cathy on InstagramCandy Apples Dance CenterEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Awards and the awards ceremonies can be an exhausting part of a competition weekend. In this episode we share our candid feelings about the entire topic. EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Choosing the solo song and style is a big responsibility! And some dance parents bear the weight of this burden. Chris Suchan and Liz Borom return to the podcast this week to help shed light on the importance of choosing the right song & style and give professional tips for how to make the best choice.  EPISODE GUEST LINKSPlatinum National Dance CompetitionThe Great Dance Debate PodcastChris Suchan InstagramLiz Borom Instagramwww.lizbdance.comEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

We love watching our dancers do their solos, but it's not the best choice for every family or for each year. In this episode we discuss some reasons why you may NOT want to do a solo. EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

We've had so many great guests over Season 4 and we asked them all two important questions: 1) What can dancers do with 10 minutes a day to improve? and 2) What do they wish us dance parents knew about dance competition judging? Their answers are all included in this weeks episode and you won't want to miss it! EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Most of us know choreography affects our dancers scores, but few of us dance parents understand the how and why. Today we brought on Pulse Dance Studio owner, dancer, choreographer, and competition Judge, Jennifer Olsen, to help explain to us the relationship between choreography and your dancer's scores! ABOUT JENNIFER: Jennifer started studying dance at the age of 3 in Pennsylvania.  She has been extensively trained and is proficient in many forms of dance including tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre and ballroom.  Her first taste of love for live theatre was her junior year of high school where she performed at The Fulton Opera House in Lancaster, PA.  After high school Jennifer started traveling as a spokesmodel for Infiniti Automotive Company for 9 years as well as was a on air guest on QVC.  After traveling she brought her love of dance and the arts back home where she opened her own studio in 2008.  She has nurtured and grown her studio for the past 18 years helping her students to be successful dancers and aide them in achieving their goals.  It has always filled her heart to watch her dancers grow as dancers and as humans.  She has always taught them that to win many awards, accolades, and scholarships along the way is icing on the cake, but they don’t define you.  Jennifer has also won many choreography awards from various dance competitions around the east coast.  Most recently she has choreographed Jesus Christ Superstar for Millersville University and has traveled as far as St. Croix, to give master classes to students of all ages and abilities.  Her performing credits include West Side Story, Hello Dolly, Catch Me If You Can, Holiday Treasures, and Future Vision.  Her most prized accomplishment is working with her students inside her studio.  Jennifer feels to build relationships both on and off the dance floor is the most rewarding thing as a teacher and studio owner.  To know that dancers you work with will carry a piece of you with them is her biggest award ever given.  LINKSPulse Dance Studio   Pulse on instagram EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Summer is almost here and that means it's time to start planning your dancers off season summer training! With so many intensives and classes it can be hard to choose. In this episode we discuss all the places to look so you can find the best fit, as well as tips for how to plan it all. EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

For a lot of competition dancers, the question isn’t if they’ll keep dancing—it’s how. College dance teams have become a major pathway, blending performance, athleticism, and opportunity. But making that transition takes more than strong technique. It takes versatility, precision, and a clear understanding of recruitment, auditions, and what these programs are actually looking for.So in this conversation, we’re bringing in Derek Piquette founder of PRODIGY - the dance team convention - to dive into what it really takes to go from the competition stage to a college dance team—how dancers can start preparing early, what skills matter most, and how to stand out in an increasingly competitive field.We are so excited to welcome Derek and welcome you all to this week's episode of Two Dance Moms Podcast! ABOUT DEREK: Derek is a highly accomplished performer, choreographer, director, and educator, whose career spans TV, film, live performance, and the commercial dance industry. Derek's credits include SYTYCD, WOD, Cirque du Soleil,  Radio City Spectacular, Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon, Jenifer Lopez, Juno Awards, NY Fashion week, Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, And Millenium Dance Complex, to name a few! We are so excited to have him on this weeks episode. Find more about Derek and PRODIGY in the links below.LINKS:PRODIGY DANCE CONVENTIONProdigy on InstagramDerek on InstagramEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Has your child ever experienced  plateaus or feelings of complacency? Do they want to grow but feel stuck? In this episode we speak with Studio Owner, Kelsay Stephensen and competition company director, Emma Smith of Trademark Dance Academy to discuss the how and why behind these issues and what might be done to help our dancers when they experience them. To learn more about Kelsay and Emma, their studio Trademark Dance Academy, and watch their podcast, The Studio Rats, click the links below! KELSEY & EMMAStudio Rats Podcast on YoutubeTrademarkdance.com Instagram: Trademark Dance AcademyStudio Rats PodcastEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

As dancers grow more skilled with their makeup—and as new products continue to evolve—their favorite and go-to items naturally change. In this episode, we talk about our dancers’ current favorite products for both the competition stage and the convention room. EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

We all feel like we have over extended ourselves at times, but what does this look like for our own dancers? When the dance season starts to loose its luster... In this episode we chat about what burnout might look like for some and share our thought on how to support our dancers when they may feel this way. EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Becky Tucci is a favorite among dance moms for her funny videos depicting our crazy competition lifestyle on TikTok and Instagram. In this weeks interview we get to find out more about Becky, how she came to be a dance mom, and what got her started making her funny videos we all love. FOLLOW BECKY!TokTok: btucciInstagram: @btuccidancemomEmail: [email protected] SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

 There are many Hot Topics in the world of competitive dance, but in this episode we want to chat about reusing choreography! From choreographers setting the same piece on different teams, to soloists and groups competing the same piece in a different season, and even people learning and dancing choreography they found in social media. We chat about it all from a dance parents point of view. Join us for this Hot Topic discussion on Two Dance Moms Podcast!EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

In this episode we have the opportunity to peel back the curtain on competition judges. Meghan Faddis joins us to share her insights on becoming a judge and giving good FEEDBACK to dancers and groups. You won't want to miss this! ABOUT MEGHAN:Meghan, a St. Louis native, is a New York based professional dancer, actor, and educator. She has over 25 years of dance training, 14 of which she received from St. Louis Academy of Dance. While in St. Louis, Meghan began her professional musical theatre career and performed in over 25 mainstage shows at the Muny and was a part of the Muny Teen Touring Troupe throughout her teenage years. She then attended Indiana University and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in Contemporary Dance. Upon graduating, she performed at various regional theatre houses, most notably; West Side Story (Jet Girl), The Music Man (Ensemble), and Gypsy (Ensemble) at The Muny, Beauty and The Beast (Ensemble), On the Town (Ft. Dancer), 9 to 5 (Ensemble), and Damn Yankees (Ft. Female Dancer) at Sacramento Music Circus, and Grease (Ensemble/Dance Captain) at Kansas City Starlight. Most recently, she concluded a 4.5 year run as an ensemble swing with Hamilton. She joined the Chicago company of Hamilton in 2019 and later joined the First National Touring Company. Meghan has also traveled and performed as a dancer for Broadway’s MJ the Musical’s promotional team. While she is not on stage, Meghan teaches musical theatre, contemporary, jazz, and improv master classes all over the country and sits on the convention faculty at Ultimate Dance Tour. She also is currently going on her fifth year as a qualified dance competition adjudicator and sits on the judging panel for Ultimate Dance Tour, Ultra, Refresh, StarQuest, Expressions, and Rave.Meghan has also created a revolutionary training course geared towards new, incoming judges to elevate the standard of feedback provided at dance competitions. Learn more at www.feedbackforjudges.comCONNECT WITH MEGHAN :TikTok: @MeghanFaddisinsta: @mfadd Website: www.meghanfaddis.com EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

We have been Dance Moms for over 8 years and we have learned many tips from friends and experiences. In this episode we wanted to share with you our favorite TOP TIPS that we've loved and used over these past years! EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

The Dressing Room at dance competitions can be a chaotic place! In this episode we share our own dressing room dramas and also read stories and instagram messages from you our listeners! EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Showing Off is often associated with being negative. But dancers need to in fact "SHOW OFF" their skills in auditions and to choreographers. How do our dancers show off in a way that is humble and kind? Can that even be done? Today Michelle Reagan: Dancer, Choreographer, and Author of Hey Dancers Lets Talk About It  Joins us to discuss what makes a dancer shine without the pick me energy! Welcome to Two Dance Moms Podcast!MICHELLE LEAGANSInstagram: Michelle LeagansInstagram: Power IntensivesHey Dancers, Lets Talk About It  (AMAZON)EMAIL: [email protected] SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Why is dance so expensive?! Competition season bills are hitting their high as the season starts, but we can't always pinpoint why it's so costly! In this episode we discuss our own experiences paying for competition dance, how studios bill,  what competitions charge and why. Our good friend Chris Suchan from Plantinim Dance also joins in on the conversation to share his professional voice on things competitions and conventions need to pay for that contribute to our costs. You won't want to miss this! CHRIS SUCHAN LINKSPlatinum National Dance CompetitionThe Great Dance Debate PodcastChris Suchan InstagramEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Feelings of Favoritism & Jealousy can pop up in the dance studio and the competition stage. In this special Season 3 Encore Episode we interview Melissa McDaniel for her perspective as a studio director and choreographer.  LINKS FOR MELISSATurning Point Dance CreationsYoutube Podcast: Beyond the Steps Contact Melissa at TPDCEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

The competition Season is coming SOON! We wanted to help get everyone ready by posting this special ENCORE EPISODE with Jason Pickett from Season 3. Jason is a nationally recognized dance educator, choreographer, and adjudicator. In this episode he breaks down Scores, Judging, and Awards from a Judges perspective! Check the links below for more on Jason Pickett! LINKS FOR JASONWebsite for Training, Critiques, and More! https://nsadance.comInstagram @heyitspickettNo Starving Artist PodcastReinforce Dance Experience ConventionEPISODES MENTIONEDS2. Ep. 35 - Dance Comp 101: A Parents Guide to Call Times, Level, Divisions, Awards, and More!S2. Ep. 41- Hey It's Pickett! - Interview EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

All dancers deal with disappointment from time to time. And that means that we dance parents are also dealing with it! In this conversation we get to interview Dr Chelsea Pierotti to learn about all the tips and tricks parents can use to help their child through these uncomfortable and trying times. Dr Chelsea Pierotti was a former professional dancer and dance team coach, and currently works as a podcast host, Mental Performance Coach, and Teaching Associate Professor for the University of Colorado, Boulder.  LINKS FOR DR. CHELSEA PIEROTTIPassion For Dance Podcastwww.chelseapierotti.cominstagram @dr.chelsea.pierottiEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Scores are a big part of competition dance, but should your dancer even see them? In this episode we discuss the Perks & Pitfalls that go along with your child seeing their scores from competition dances. EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

This bonus episode is a fun, rapid fire, get to know you, Q&A with Amira and Cayse!  Enjoy! RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Costume season is upon us and that means we parents are trying to sort out what our child will be wearing under that awesome outfit. We want our child to feel comfortable and protected and stage and using the perfect undergarment will get them there. In this episode we discuss items we've used & loved and others we've heard about. Listen and start prepping your shopping list! EPISODES MENTIONEDTRENDS! 2024-2025 Competition Dance Season TrendsEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Holiday Gift giving is not so conveniently very close to the competition dance season! Money is tight this time of year and we want to make the best choices with gifts for our dancers. In this episode we discuss gift ideas of all costs and styles that any dancer would love. Listen and get ready to do your holiday shopping!EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

The dance competition schedule is one highly anticipated piece of the weekend for dance parents. There are often many things we would change in these schedules and so we brought on competition owner and director Chris Suchan of Platinum National Dance Competition to ask all our questions! MORE EPISODES WITH CHRIS SUCHANTWO DANCE MOMS EP. 76ONE SOLO: WHEN LESS IS MORE, A DISCUSSION WITH BRI ZBOROWSKI (PT 1)TWO DANCE MOMS EP. 71 COMPETITION DIRECTORS: WITH PLATINUM DANCE COMPS CHRIS SUCHAN AND LIZ BOROMCHRIS SUCHAN LINKSPlatinum National Dance CompetitionThe Great Dance Debate PodcastChris Suchan InstagramEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Dance Parents, We've all gone to enough competitions that we have a few suggestions about how to make them better. In this episode we polled all of you, our listeners! Listen to hear the top ten things dance parents would change at competitions.EPISODES MENTIONED NO COOKING COMP MEALS: PACK YOUR COOLER LIKE A PROALL ABOUT FOOD: MASTERING MEAL PREP LIKE A PROFAMILY FRIENDLY & AGE APPROPRIATE EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Moving up a level at dance competition can be a very exciting and also scary experience for our dancers. In this episode we bring on dance educator, studio team director, choreographer, and dance adjudicator Tara Iacobucci to discuss all the factors that go into a child moving up levels!ABOUT TARAIG: https://www.instagram.com/taraiacobucci/WEB: https://www.taramariechoreography.com/EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

We all have had a bad day as dance parents, but sometimes we experience a truly scary event. In this episode we share our own Dance Parent Nightmares! EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Balance is this crazy elusive thing that all us dance moms want for our families but never really ever fully reach.  In this episode we talk through all the things we are struggling with and the things we are finding help us feel more balanced. EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

 Earlier this season we interviewed competition judge and tap dancer, Chris Rutledge, all about the Top Ten Deductions he makes adjudicating dance competitions. But before we actually got into our topic we had some great conversation with him and heard his thoughts. opinions, and even his questions for us dance moms! EPISODE MENTIONEDTop Ten Deductions with Chris RutledgeEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Studio culture plays a HUGE role in our experience at the dance studio. In this episode we discuss why it can be tempting to be negative and ways to pivot out of that and instead be contributors to shaping a positive culture for us and our dancers at the studio. EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

This week we interview competition judge Chris Rutledge to find out what his TOP TEN DEDUCTIONS are when judging competition dances. We were thrilled to learn all about Chris and his journey from tapper to adjudicator and specifically what he is looking for while sitting behind the judges table! And tappers will not want to miss all the special insights to their style! This episode is a must listen. CHRIS RUTLEDGE:Chris on InstagramWho Brought on the HumbugEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

When the worst that can happen, happens to a dancer...Cayse's daughter broke her foot right before her high school team's nationals. In this episode Amira interviews both mother (Cayse) and daughter, to hear about how they dealt with this difficult experience. EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

We love our kids and it's easy to do too much for them when it comes to dance. But letting them learn to do things on their own is the best way to teach them independence! But how do we know what they should do and when? In this episode we discuss the consequences of doing too much for our kids and ways to let them start doing things on their own!EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Conventions, Scholarships, and Awards are a hot topic among dance parents. In this episode we speak with Jadell Lee of ELEVATE Convention all about being an artistic director and CEO of a convention and what he and his staff look for when handing our awards and scholarships. A great listen for parents and dancers looking to improve their overall convention experience! JADELL LEEELEVATE CONVENTIONInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadelllee/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevateconvention.dance/ email: [email protected] Studios! Email Jadell to register your studio for ELEVATE CONVENTION, Feb 2026 and Reference Two Dance Moms Podcast for a special discount! EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

 Welcome to Season 4 of Two Dance Moms!In today's BONUS EPISODE we dive beyond GOALS for dancers and into helpful ways to TRACK GOALS and stay focussed on the progress.EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

 Welcome to Season 4 of Two Dance Moms!Join us today as we talk all about GOALS for dancers and how to help your child reach them. Want more on reaching goals and creating good habits for you and your dancer? Check out the book ATOMIC HABITS by James ClearEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Season 4 launches Wednesday, September 3rd! In this teaser episode we share what we are most excited about in the upcoming Season of Two Dance Moms Podcast! RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

This weeks summer bonus episode is a fun catch up on all things summer and dance! From mandatory intensives to extra training, and even finding time for rest! Check out our Survey on instagram to help us plan Season 4!Season 4 launching September 3rd 2025!RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Vegas is a trending location for many Dance Competitions and Conventions. In this Summer Bonus Episode we share our recent experiences from attending Nationals in Las Vegas! RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

This past dance season brought a little bit of everything - from experimenting with new makeup to testing out fresh dance wear. In this special summer bonus episode, we're breaking down the BEST and WORST of it all!Welcome to Two Dance Moms! RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Every year in the dance world is a changing one.  We love to look over the past season and identify some small or big repeating trends we see in our competition.  Today in our final episode of season 3, we thought we would recap some of the ideas we tended to see over and over again as we were out in the world of dance competitions, conventions and intensives.Welcome to this TREND episode of Two Dance Moms Podcast!TOPICS COVEREDCayse & Amira's Highs, Lows, & Buffalow's of the dance seasonTrending 2024-2025 Competition / ConventionsCostumesMusicDancingFill out our Survey for Season 3!EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Welcome to our Friday bonus episode! These episodes consist of topics, questions, or stories given to us by you, the listener, to share and discuss anonymously.  This week we have a question that relates to children wanting to quit dance or whatever their chosen sport/activity is. Have a topic, question, or story you want to share on the podcast? Email us! [email protected] & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Whether your dancer is at a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level, they all can benefit from additional training. And focusing on technique in this training can greatly benefit their movement quality, their scoring and their confidence. We are so blessed to have on the podcast today, a very special interview with Blake J Stanley.  He’s here to talk all things training, technique, and supplemental exercises to help your dancer in their next season. Welcome Blake and welcome you all to two dance moms podcast!LINKS FOR BLAKEBlake on InstagramBLAKEJSTANLEY.COMTspheresEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

If your studio goes to Nationals each year, then you know that this experience can be one of the BEST for you and your dancer but also quite different from the regionals dance competitions you may have grown used to.  The time at these comps can be longer and things you need to consider and prepare for much more involved.  Today as we near summer, we want to take the time to talk about all these NATIONALS on the podcast. EPISODES MENTIONED:Ep. 3 - COSTUMES: Catalog, Custom, & How to Care For Them AllEp. 83 - NO COOKING COMP MEALS: Packing Your Cooler Like a ProEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Welcome to our listener bonus episode! These episodes consist of topics, questions, or stories given to us by you, the listener, to share and discuss anonymously. Team auditions are around the corner! This week we have a question that relates to a child's age and readiness to join their competition dance team. What is the best age to start competition dance? Enjoy this mini bonus episode as we dive into this topic all about young children joining competition teams!Have a topic, question, or story you want to share on the podcast? Email us! [email protected] & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

It’s no secret. We love Dream Duffel rolling dance bags, but once we heard the story behind the owner, founders, and creators of Dream Duffel, we loved it even more. What you listeners might not realize is that the owners of Dream Duffel are not only a mother daughter duo, they are seasoned dancers, dance moms, and now Dance grandma‘s behind our favorite rolling dance bag line. So in the spirit of all things mothers this May we wanted to bring on Dream Duffel's own Elyssa Danahy to chat about how her mom started the line, how dance mom-ing is going for her, and what really matters to her this dance season. Welcome to Two Dance Moms podcast!EPISODE TOPICS The Dream Duffel Origin StoryTrends in the Dance Supply IndustryHow has Dance Changed Over The DecadesDream Duffel on Dance Moms Challenges and Rewards of Working With Your MomAdvice to Dance Parents Looking for their Perfect Dream Duffel New Dance Moms Surprises and Challenges Elyssa's GO TO Dream Duffel Items as a New Dance MomUp & Coming Dream Duffel ProductsEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

We have had lots of requests from you listeners over the past 3 seasons, requesting we talk about boy dancers and asking questions relating to your sons, grandsons and nephews.  We just never felt qualified to discuss since we both only have daughters in competitive dance.  But this year, we were blessed to have a super knowledgeable, former dancer, choreographer AND studio director who is also the mom to 3 amazing male dancers, Crystal Zibalese, join our team.  And we've brought her on the pod today to answer all our questions and we can't wait to get started.  Welcome Crystal and welcome you all to Two Dance Moms Podcast!EPISODE TOPICS All about Crystal Boys Dressing RoomsMale Dancers Support & Role Models Hair, Makeup, & CostumesAdvantages & Disadvantages for Male dancersPartneringAdvice for other boy momsSuggestions for dance studios EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Earlier in the season, we discussed how important mindset is for an athlete’s performance, success and their overall well being in their sport.  In another episode in this season of Two Dance Moms podcast, we also covered Emotional Connection in dance and how that may affect a dancer’s mindset thanks to a little help from a friend of the podcast, Dr Chelsea Pierotti who not only has a Phd in Sports Psychology and her own Dance Podcast BUT is also a former professional dancer.  Today, we are bringing Dr Chelsea back to dive in to some practical tips on Pre and Post Performance Rituals to best prepare your dancer.  Welcome to Two Dance Moms Podcast!EPISODES MENTIONEDEp. 68 - Dr. Chelsea Pierotti: Improving Emotional Connection in DanceEp. 81 - Mindset: The Power of a Positive Mindset with Sports Psychology Consultant Chloe MaleskiLINKS FOR DR. CHELSEA PIEROTTIPassion For Dance Podcastwww.chelseapierotti.cominstagram @dr.chelsea.pierottiEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/