Anything But Routine

232. College Dance Recruitment Tips

Cindy sits down with Jenny Raiche to talk about the college dance recruitment journey. Jenny shares tips on what dancers can expect, how to prepare, and what to consider when pursuing dance at the collegiate level. They also discuss how the recruitment process has changed over the past decade and what dancers and families should know today. Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://www.justforkix.com/anythingbutroutine

• Transcript

231. Life Is Short, Don’t Wait to Dance (feat. Valorie Kondos Field)

Cindy sits down with legendary UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field, one of the most successful coaches in collegiate sports history. A former professional ballet dancer with no gymnastics background, “Miss Val” took an unconventional path to leading UCLA to seven NCAA National Championships and 15 conference titles during her 29 seasons as head coach. Cindy and Valorie talk about leadership, resilience, developing athletes, and the lessons behind her remarkable career. Now an author and motivational speaker, Valorie shares the philosophy that inspired her book, Life Is Short, Don’t Wait to Dance, and what it means to build a legacy beyond winning. Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://www.justforkix.com/anythingbutroutine

• Transcript

230. Building the Sound of Dance

Cindy talks with Kevin Heath, the founder and owner of Fusion Sound Mix, a music production and custom mix company specializing in dance and cheer music. Kevin is widely recognized as a pioneer in mobile DJ and performance music production in the United States. According to Fusion Sound’s company history, Heath was born in Greece and immigrated to the United States at age five with his twin sister, later being adopted by a family in Kaysville, Utah. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and later attended Weber State College, where he played football after recovering from combat injuries. In 1973, Heath launched what Fusion Sound describes as one of the first mobile DJ systems in the United States. That work evolved into editing and producing music mixes for drill teams, dancers, and cheerleaders. He later founded Dance America, a Utah-based dance competition organization that expanded throughout the western United States. Today, Fusion Sound Mix and Dance America serve clients across all 50 states and dozens of countries, producing custom music mixes, dance competitions, camps, and workshops. Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://www.justforkix.com/anythingbutroutine

• Transcript

229. Placements, Levels, Ages, and Why Growth Isn't Always Comfortable

How do you know if a dancer is truly in the right class or level? In this episode, Ali and Sharaia unpack the purpose behind placements, why age and ability don't always tell the whole story, and how real growth often happens when dancers are challenged rather than comfortable. Whether you're a parent, coach, or dancer, you'll gain a fresh perspective on placements, leadership, resilience, and why the goal is always growth: not just making the next team. Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://www.justforkix.com/anythingbutroutine

• Transcript

228. Inside Utah Drill Team

In this episode, Cindy sits down with Alaina Rupe—high school drill team coach, professional dancer, choreographer, mother, and sales leader based in Utah. With more than a decade of coaching experience, Alaina leads one of Utah’s top high school dance teams and has helped shape the next generation of dancers in the state. Alaina shares how she began her dance journey, the experiences that led her into coaching and choreography, and what makes Utah’s dance culture unique. The conversation explores the world of high school drill team competition, including distinctive Utah dance styles such as Character and Military, and the discipline, artistry, and teamwork required to excel in them. Whether you're a dancer, coach, parent, or simply curious about the competitive dance scene, this episode offers an inside look at one of the nation's most vibrant dance communities. Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/

• Transcript

227. Inside the Edina Dance Team

Cindy and Ali sit down with Kristin Biwan as she prepares to enter her 16th season as head coach of the Edina Dance Team. A former captain of the University of Minnesota's National and World Champion Dance Team and two-time MADT AAA Head Coach of the Year, Kristin shares how she landed the Edina head coaching position right out of college and built a lasting career in the sport. The conversation explores how she has grown the program into one of the state's premier dance teams, expanding both its size and competitive success over the years. Kristin also discusses the importance of developing a strong coaching staff and creating a culture that helps dancers thrive both on and off the dance floor. Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/

• Transcript

226. The Courage to Choreograph Differently

Cindy and Ali answer questions from the Dance Coaches and Teachers Unite Facebook group, exploring how to teach kids that caring is cool, build confidence through choreography, and encourage teachers to take creative risks, try new ideas, and embrace failure as part of growth. Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/

• Transcript

225. Tips for Supporting Your Athlete: A Message to Parents

Cindy and Ali sit down to talk directly to parents about what it really means to support your athlete. They discuss the impact of pressure, what coaches and dancers experience behind the scenes, and offer thoughtful tips on how parents can better support their athlete’s growth and success. Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/

• Transcript

224. Together We Dance - Behind the Scenes

Ever wonder what goes into a Together We Dance competition? Cindy and Joel pull back the curtain and get real about the chaos, commitment, and growth behind the scenes. From juggling a packed event schedule to preparing for the high-stakes Nationals stage, this episode is all about the hustle that makes it happen. Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/

• Transcript

223. The Ultimate Dance Trip. Inside the ReliaQuest Bowl Tour

In this episode, Cindy and Ali break down everything you need to know about the ReliaQuest Bowl Tour. From soaking up the sun at Clearwater Beach to the magic of Disney, they share what makes this trip unforgettable. And of course, they dive into the highlight of it all — performing live at Raymond James Stadium during the ReliaQuest Bowl Game Halftime Show. Curious what the experience is really like? They cover the ins and outs, behind-the-scenes details, and why this tour is such a standout opportunity for dancers and teams. Plus, don’t miss details on the Coaches VIP Tour happening in August — a FREE preview trip that lets coaches experience everything included in the official Bowl Game Tour. Ready to learn more? Check it out here: https://www.justforkix.com/danceclasses/performance/reliaquest-bowl/

222. Competition Season

Cindy and Ali sit down with Lindsay Danielson and Travis Cahill for a real-deal conversation about the dance world—what’s amazing, what’s tough, and everything in between. They get into what makes dance different from other sports, share thoughts on college nationals, and break down how different coaching styles can shape a team. Plus: it’s officially high school competition season, so you know there’s plenty to talk about. Travis is a lifelong dancer who started at age five, trained in tap, jazz, lyrical, and musical theater, and later began coaching dance team in 2012. He’s spent multiple seasons coaching with Maple Grove and teaches jazz and post–dance team classes at VELOCITY. Lindsay brings her own perspective as a former dancer, a longtime Just For Kix staff member, and now a yoga instructor who continues to coach and consult. Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/

221. How to Level Up Your Team: Accountability + Confidence

Cindy and Ali discuss how to level up your team through accountability, confidence, and higher standards—plus simple coaching shifts that help dancers take ownership and grow fast. If you want stronger rehearsals, sharper performances, and dancers who take ownership, this episode is for you! Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/

220. Coaching Social Media Mindfulness

In this episode, Cindy and Ali share practical ways coaches can guide dancers toward healthier, more mindful social media habits. They discuss how what you share online represents you and your team—and why that matters for dancers and coaches alike. Tune in for simple boundaries, mindset tips, and a positive approach to using social media as a tool for confidence, connection, and team culture. Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/

219. Spotlight on Brainerd Kixters: Cindy Chats with KKIN

Cindy sits down with KKIN to share the story behind the Brainerd Kixters — from how it all started to the powerhouse program it is today. She talks about makes the Kixters “click” on and off the floor. Tune in as Cindy dives into the culture that keeps dancers coming back, the standards they hold themselves to, and a candid look at where the team is at right now and where it’s headed next. Listen to more live radio like this: https://rjbroadcasting.com/ Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/

218. Getting the Most Out of Your Leadership Team

Cindy and Ali share practical ways to get the most out of the leaders and captains—through trust, communication, and clear expectations. They highlight the impact of spending intentional time with your leaders outside of practice, and how those small moments can completely turn your team around and become the turning point in your dance season. Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/

217. Facing Parental Entitlement in Dance (Part 2)

Cindy and Ali continue the conversation on navigating parents and dancers with entitlement in Part 2, diving even deeper into real-world scenarios, boundary-setting, and keeping your team culture strong while parents still feel heard. Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/

216. Facing Parental Entitlement in Dance

Cindy and Ali dive into one of the toughest parts of coaching: navigating parents and dealing with student and parental entitlement. In this episode, they share real-world strategies, scripts, and mindset shifts to help you set boundaries, protect your culture, and still keep parents feeling heard and respected. Along the way, they answer listener questions and tackle common scenarios coaches face every season. If you’ve ever felt stuck between doing what’s best for your athletes and keeping parents happy, this episode is packed with honest insight and practical advice you can use right away. Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/

215. College Dance Team Recruitment Tips Every Dancer Should Know

Cindy and Ali talk with Kathy Hain-de Jong to uncover how dancers can stand out in the competitive world of college admissions and dance team recruitment. Kathy Hain-de Jong is an educational consultant and president of College in 3-2-1, where she created Dance into College, a program helping dancers navigate college admissions and dance team recruitment. With her background in management consulting, project management, and higher-education counseling, she provides clear, practical guidance for families balancing academics and dance aspirations. Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, she draws from her professional expertise and experience as a mom of two collegiate DI dancers to help students nationwide find their best college and dance team fit. Kathy's upcoming book, The Recruitable Dancer, is a comprehensive guide that reveals the realities of college dance team life, helps dancers overcome challenges, build standout applications, find their best-fit programs, and prepare to shine at nationals or under the stadium lights. The Recruitable Dancer is set to be available on November 5th. Discover more about Hain-de Jong’s approach and services by visiting www.collegein321.com and www.danceintocollege.com

214. "Secure Your Spot" for the 2026 NDCA Conference

Cindy talks about the "Secure Your Spot" campaign for The National Dance Coaches Conference in Dallas May 14-16, 2026. link to Secure Your Spot for Conference at the lowest price of the year guaranteed - $400. A code will be sent to everyone who secures their spot on November 1, 2025, and that code is good until November 15. Registration for the Conference opens on November 1 for the general public. The theme is Dreaming In Dallas, and there are a lot of fun events planned including an opening pajama cocktail party and a LBD (Little Black Dress) Gala. As usual, there will be networking galore and cutting-edge classes.

213. Get Custom Music for Your Dance Team!

Get custom music for your dance team! 🎶 Cindy talks with Nick Olson of Roar Anthems Productions, a business that specializes in creating music for any sporting event, business, or occasion. Nick even created a couple of songs that you may hear at upcoming Just For Kix events like the Together We Dance competitions. Want to hear what Roar Anthem Productions can do for your team? Check out roaranthems.com. Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button. https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/