Dance Real Podcast

Season 5 Finale: Where Dance Real Goes Next

Season 5 of The Dance Real Podcast comes to a close. In this short final episode, Kate Histon reflects on the conversations that shaped Season 5 and looks ahead to what may be coming in Season 6. This episode is being released one week before Kate presents her workshop, "Trauma-Informed Leadership in Competitive Dance Training Environments", at the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) conference. Kate shares a little about the focus of the workshop and asks listeners whether they would like to see some of this work brought into Season 6 through a workshop-style podcast episode exploring trauma-informed leadership, psychological safety, communication, power dynamics, relational patterns, and leadership within competitive dance environments. The Dance Real Podcast will now take its usual six-week break between seasons. During the break, you can continue following Kate on Instagram and read the Dance Real blog on her website www.katehiston.com, where she shares ongoing reflections, research, and conversations from within the dance industry. Thank you for being part of Season 5. See you for Season 6.

Why Early Specialisation Doesn't Guarantee Success in Ballet with Dr. Kaitlin Hague

Season 5: Ep:11 Does starting ballet at a very young age really increase the chances of becoming a professional dancer? In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate Histon is joined by dance educator, researcher and studio owner Dr. Kaitlin Hague to explore what current research tells us about talent identification, early specialisation and long-term dancer development. Drawing on her doctoral research, Dr. Hague explains why early success does not always predict future success, how healthy studio environments can support both excellence and wellbeing, and why parents and teachers play such an important role in a young dancer's development. Together they discuss the science behind talent development while offering practical guidance for dance teachers, studio owners and dance parents seeking to create environments where young dancers can thrive. Whether you're raising a young dancer, teaching the next generation, or simply passionate about dance education, this conversation offers evidence-based insights that challenge many long-held assumptions within the dance industry. In this episode we discuss: • What talent really means in dance • The research behind early specialisation in ballet • Why many elite dancers are not the strongest performers as children • The Matthew Effect and unintended favouritism in dance training • Identity, confidence and resilience in young dancers • Creating high standards without fear-based teaching • Supporting healthy dancer development • Practical advice for dance teachers and parents Follow Dr. Kaitlin Hague: Instagram: @thetalenteddancer Website: The Talented Dancer If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone passionate about dance education. 🌐 Website: katehiston.com 📸 Instagram: @Kate_histon 📸 Instagram: @dance_real_podcast 📸 Instagram: @master_dancer_mindset Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

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Building Better Dancers, Not Bigger Tricks with Ryen Ryals

Season 5 Ep:10 Where is dance heading? In this episode of The Dance Real Podcast, Kate Histon is joined by former dancer and studio owner, adjudicator, and Performing Arts High School Director, Ryen Ryals, for a thoughtful conversation about the future of dance education. Together they explore the growing pressure created by social media, the rise of trick-focused training, and why strong technical foundations, healthy studio culture, and emotionally intelligent teaching matter more than ever. This conversation is for dance teachers, studio owners, adjudicators, parents, and dancers who believe excellence and wellbeing can exist together. In this episode we discuss: • Why foundational training should never be sacrificed for bigger tricks. • The impact of social media on young dancers and their development. • The difference between a demanding teacher and a harmful teacher. • Building a positive studio culture for dancers, teachers, and parents. • Child safety and protecting young dancers. • Competition culture, judging, and what healthy competition should look like. • How adults can better support dancers through disappointment. • Why the future of dance depends on educating the whole dancer, not just the performer. If this conversation resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone in the dance community. Follow Ryen Ryles on Instagram @mrsryendance Follow Kate Histon: Website: Kate Histon Official Website Instagram: @Kate_Histon and @dance_real_podcast Instagram: @master_dancer_mindset YouTube: Kate Histon YouTube Channel Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, thoughtful conversations grounded in lived experience within the dance world. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. This episode is educational in nature and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice. If you require support in these areas, please seek guidance from a qualified professional. Any references to people, systems, or experiences are shared with the intention of encouraging reflection, dialogue, and learning within the dance community.

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Understanding Mindset For Dancers

Season 5: Ep:09 In this solo episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate explores the deeper psychological structure behind a dancer’s mindset and why confidence, anxiety, pressure, and self-doubt are often far more complex than they appear on the surface. Rather than approaching mindset as “positive thinking,” this episode examines how dancers continuously interpret experiences, assign meaning, form beliefs, and slowly build identity through those repeated interpretations. Kate unpacks the internal process that occurs after corrections, comparisons, results, setbacks, and performance pressure, and why two dancers can experience the exact same environment in completely different ways. This episode explores: • How dancers construct meaning internally • Why emotions often follow interpretation, not the event itself • How beliefs are formed and reinforced over time • The psychological layering that contributes to anxiety and instability under pressure • Why surface-level mindset advice often falls short • How dancers can begin creating more flexibility in their interpretations • The role teachers, parents, and training environments play in shaping mindset and identity This conversation is for dancers, educators, studio owners, and parents wanting a deeper understanding of the psychological processes influencing performance, confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing within dance training environments. 🎙️ Dance Real Podcast Hosted by Kate Histon 🌐 Website: katehiston.com 📸 Instagram: @Kate_histon 📸 Instagram: @dance_real_podcast 📸 Instagram: @master_dancer_mindset Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

Competition Culture, Leadership & Building a Dance Legacy | Dimitri Covent

Season 5 Ep:08 What does it take to build a lasting dance community across generations, cultures, and competitive environments? In this episode of Dance Real Podcast, Kate sits down with Belgian dance educator, choreographer, studio owner, competition organiser, and international judge Dimitri Covent. Together, they explore the realities of leading a family-run dance studio, the evolving culture of international dance competitions, and the responsibility teachers carry in shaping both dancers and people. Dimitri shares the story behind Crea Dance Diva, how his family built one of Belgium’s most respected dance communities, and his perspective on healthy competition culture, long-term dancer development, technique, creativity, leadership, and resilience. This conversation also explores: • competition pressure and emotional wellbeing • balancing artistry with technical demands • tricks, acrobatics, and social media influence in dance • how competitions shape young dancers psychologically • the importance of foundational training • developing future teachers and leaders • sustaining a dance business as a family A thoughtful and honest conversation about leadership, integrity, growth, and the changing landscape of dance education. Find Dimitri Covent: Instagram: @dimitricovent Crea Dance Diva: Kate Histon Official Website Instagram: @dance_real_podcast Instagram: @master_dancer_mindset YouTube: Kate Histon YouTube Channel Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, thoughtful conversations grounded in lived experience within the dance world. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. This episode is educational in nature and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice. If you require support in these areas, please seek guidance from a qualified professional. Any references to people, systems, or experiences are shared with the intention of encouraging reflection, dialogue, and learning within the dance community.

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How to Recognise Grooming: Protecting Young Dancers Before It's Too Late

Season 5 Ep:07 How do predators gain trust? What are the early warning signs of grooming? And how can parents, teachers and dance studios create safer environments for young people? In this episode of The Dance Real Podcast, Kate Histon speaks with Australian survivor advocate and founder of Grooming Recognition, Louise Edmonds. Drawing on lived experience and years of advocacy, Louise explains how grooming rarely begins with obvious abuse. Instead, it develops through trust, access, isolation, and subtle behavioural patterns that many adults overlook. Together, Kate and Louise explore the unique vulnerabilities that can exist within high-performance dance environments, where authority, mentorship, emotional connection, and close physical interaction are often part of everyday training. This conversation is not intended to create fear. It is designed to build awareness, strengthen protective behaviours, and empower parents, teachers, and studio owners to recognise concerning patterns before harm occurs. Topics discussed include: • What grooming actually looks like. • Why predators often groom adults before children. • The red flags every parent should know. • Boundaries within dance education. • Private lessons and one-on-one coaching. • Why children often struggle to disclose abuse. • Healthy teacher-student relationships. • The importance of intuition and early intervention. • Australia's push for stronger child protection measures. If you work with young dancers or support children in any capacity, this is an important conversation. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit from the discussion. Content Warning: This episode discusses child sexual abuse, grooming, and child protection. Listener discretion is advised. Louise Edmonds www.groomingrecognition.com 🌐 Website: katehiston.com 📸 Instagram: @Kate_histon 📸 Instagram: @dance_real_podcast 📸 Instagram: @master_dancer_mindset Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

Are We Crossing a Line? Oversexualisation in Dance

Season 5 Ep:06 In this solo episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate explores the growing conversation around oversexualisation in dance and the responsibility shared across the wider dance community. Drawing from her perspective as an international adjudicator, former studio owner, educator, and mentor, Kate unpacks the difference between genuine artistry and adult-coded performance being placed onto young dancers before they are developmentally ready. Rather than approaching the topic from outrage or blame, this episode examines the broader cultural, competitive, and industry influences contributing to the normalisation of hyper-sexualised choreography, costuming, music, and performance themes within youth dance spaces. This episode explores: • What oversexualisation in dance actually means • The difference between confidence, artistry, and adult-coded performance • How competition culture and media influence choreography trends • Why developmental appropriateness matters • The role of teachers, choreographers, adjudicators, and event organisers • How overstimulation and “performance for effect” can impact artistry • Questions parents can ask when something feels uncomfortable • What healthy, age-appropriate artistic expression can look like in dance training This conversation is for dancers, teachers, choreographers, studio owners, adjudicators, and parents wanting to reflect more deeply on the standards, environments, and messages being reinforced within dance culture. 🎙️ Dance Real Podcast Hosted by Kate Histon 🌐 Website: katehiston.com 📸 Instagram: @Kate_histon 📸 Instagram: @dance_real_podcast 📸 Instagram: @master_dancer_mindset Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

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From World Champion to Dance Educator: Marco Behal on Creativity, Failure and Originality

Season 5 Ep:05 From World Champion to Dance Educator: Marco Behal on Creativity, Failure and Originality In this episode of Dance Real Podcast, Kate Histon sits down with Swedish dance educator, choreographer, adjudicator and studio owner Marco Behal for a deeply reflective conversation about artistry, identity and the realities behind a life in dance. Marco shares his journey from a young competitive dancer in the Czech Republic to becoming a 10-time world champion, studying at Stockholm University of the Arts, and eventually building his own dance studio in Sweden. Together, Kate and Marco explore: • The emotional impact of leaving performance behind • Performance anxiety and fear of being seen • The financial realities of pursuing a dance career • Creativity, choreography and artistic identity • The pressure to conform in competitive dance • Why originality matters more than copying trends • Judging culture and how competitions shape the industry • Creating psychologically safe dance environments • Teaching dancers to embrace failure, resilience and self-expression About Marco Behal: Marco Behal is the CEO and founder of Stockholm Performing Arts Centre (SPACE), an international dance educator, choreographer, adjudicator and certified Acrobatic Arts teacher. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts in Dance and Performance from Stockholm University of the Arts and has over 15 years of teaching experience across Europe. Marco is also a board member of the Swedish Dance Organisation and a licensed IDO judge. Connect with Marco: I nstagram: @marcobehal Studio: Stockholm Performing Arts Centre (SPACE) Connect with Kate: Website:www.katehiston.com Instagram: @Kate_histon Instagram: @dance_real_podcast Instagram: @master_dancer_mindset YouTube: @KateHiston Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

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The Psychology of Dance Training: Perfectionism, Pressure & Performance with Dr Chelsea Pierotti

Season 5 Ep:04 In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate Histon sits down with psychologist, former dancer, and performance specialist Dr. Chelsea Pierotti for a grounded and insightful conversation about the psychological realities of dance training. Together, they explore perfectionism, performance anxiety, burnout, competition culture, identity, emotional resilience, and the evolving conversation around high performance environments in dance. This episode examines how dancers can be challenged without being psychologically harmed, why emotional regulation matters in training, and how parents and teachers can support young dancers without tying their worth to outcomes or rankings. Chelsea also shares practical insights into nervous system regulation, confidence, mindset, team culture, and why dancers need identities beyond dance itself. This is a thoughtful conversation for dancers, teachers, studio owners, adjudicators, and parents navigating the modern dance world. Connect with Dr. Chelsea Pierotti 🌐 Website & Podcast: https://passionfordancepodcast.com 📸 Instagram: @drchelseapierotti 🎙️ Podcast: Passion for Dance Connect with Kate Histon 🌐 Website: https://katehiston.com 📸 Instagram: @kate_histon and @dance_real_podcast 📸 Instagram: @master_dancer_mindset 🎙️ Dance Real Podcast explores dance culture, leadership, mindset, communication, psychological safety, and the realities of high performance training. Disclaimer: This episode explores body image, nutrition, emotional eating, and disordered eating patterns within dance culture. It is educational in nature and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or therapeutic support. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional. The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

When Talent Becomes Identity in Dance

Season 5 Ep:03 In this solo episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate explores what happens when a dancer’s sense of identity becomes heavily tied to talent, performance, achievement, or external validation. Within high performance training environments, dancers are often recognised very early for their ability. While this can create opportunity, motivation, and belonging, it can also quietly shape perfectionism, fear of failure, comparison, performance anxiety, and an increasingly fragile relationship with self-worth. This episode explores how dancers can begin separating who they are from how they perform, while still maintaining high standards, ambition, and artistic growth. Kate discusses: • Why talented dancers can become more psychologically vulnerable under pressure • How identity and performance slowly become fused • Why corrections, setbacks, and comparison can feel deeply personal • The nervous system’s role in performance pressure and contraction • How dancers can build a more stable internal foundation • Practical mindset reframes that support resilience, adaptability, and confidence • The role teachers and parents play in shaping identity and emotional safety within training environments This conversation is for dancers, teachers, studio owners, and parents wanting to support both excellence and psychological wellbeing within dance training. 🎙️ Dance Real Podcast Hosted by Kate Histon 🌐 Website: katehiston.com 📸 Instagram: @Kate_histon 📸 Instagram: @dance_real_podcast 📸 Instagram: @master_dancer_mindset Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

The Hidden Body Image Crisis in Dance | Food, Perfectionism & Ballet Culture

Season 5 Ep:02 In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate speaks with Jess Spinner, founder of The Whole Dancer, about body image, food, perfectionism, and the psychological pressures many dancers quietly carry throughout training and professional life. Jess is a former professional dancer and holistic health coach who specialises in supporting dancers with nutrition, emotional eating, body image resilience, and sustainable performance habits. Drawing from both professional training and lived experience, Jess shares thoughtful insight into the emotional and cultural dynamics that often shape a dancer’s relationship with their body. Together, Kate and Jess explore: • How body image struggles often begin in dance training • The impact of comparison culture and social media • Perfectionism, shame, and identity in dancers • Puberty, body changes, and the pressure to stay “ideal” • Emotional eating and binge eating in high-pressure environments • The language teachers use in the studio and why it matters • How parents and educators can better support young dancers • Building body image resilience instead of chasing perfection • Creating healthier, sustainable relationships with food and performance This conversation is for dancers, teachers, parents, studio owners, and anyone interested in creating healthier dance environments without losing excellence, discipline, or artistry. About Jess Spinner: Jess Spinner is the founder of The Whole Dancer and works with dancers around the world through coaching, courses, and education focused on nutrition, mindset, emotional eating, and sustainable performance. Find Jess: Instagram: @thewholedancer Website: thewholedancer.com Connect with Kate Histon: Website: https://katehiston.com Instagram: @kate_histon @dance_real_podcast @master_dancer_mindset YouTube: @katehiston If this episode resonated with you, please consider subscribing, sharing the episode, or leaving a review. It genuinely helps support the podcast and future conversations. Disclaimer: This episode explores body image, nutrition, emotional eating, and disordered eating patterns within dance culture. It is educational in nature and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or therapeutic support. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional. The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

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How to Build a Successful Dance Career | Stephen Tannos on Creativity & Authenticity

Season 5 Ep:01 In this episode of The Dance Real Podcast, host Kate Histon sits down with one of Australia's leading commercial choreographers and creative directors, Stephen Tannos, for an honest conversation about creativity, resilience, authenticity and longevity in the performing arts. From performing in Cats and So You Think You Can Dance to choreographing for television, major artists and commercial campaigns, Stephen reflects on the experiences that have shaped his career. He shares insights into developing an authentic creative voice, navigating criticism, managing self-doubt and building a career that is both meaningful and sustainable. The conversation also explores the role of healthy parenting in dance, the impact of social media, the realities of today's dance industry and why developing a strong sense of self may be one of the greatest advantages a young dancer can have. Whether you're a dancer, parent, teacher, studio owner or choreographer, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on what it means to create, lead and grow with authenticity. In this episode: • Stephen's journey from young dancer to internationally recognised choreographer. • The transition from student to professional performer. • Developing a unique creative voice. • Why agency and independence matter for young dancers. • Stage parenting, social media and supporting dancers in healthy ways. • Building resilience through criticism and self-doubt. • The mindset required for a long-term career in the performing arts. • Why authenticity remains the foundation of lasting success. Follow Stephen on Instagram @stephentannos 🎙️ Dance Real Podcast Hosted by Kate Histon 🌐 Website: katehiston.com 📸 Instagram: @Kate_histon 📸 Instagram: @dance_real_podcast 📸 Instagram: @master_dancer_mindset Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. A ny references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

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Welcome to Season Five "Authenticity"

Welcome to Season Five of The Dance Real Podcast. This season explores one central theme: authenticity. In an industry built on excellence, discipline, and performance, how do we stay connected to who we are? Throughout this season, we'll have thoughtful conversations about leadership, identity, high performance, studio culture, wellbeing, and the experiences that shape dancers, teachers, parents, and leaders. In this short introduction, I share why authenticity became the theme for Season Five, reflect on the journey of the podcast from its beginnings in Germany to recording here in Byron Bay, Australia, and share some exciting personal news about presenting at the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science Conference. Season Five officially begins on 29 June, with Episode One launching across YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Whether you've been here since Episode One or you're joining the community for the first time, thank you for listening and for being part of this growing conversation. I look forward to sharing Season Five with you. 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📱 Instagram: @dance_real_podcast @katehiston @master_dancer_mindset If you enjoy these conversations, please subscribe, leave a review, or share the podcast with someone in the dance community. Your support helps thoughtful conversations continue to reach dancers, teachers, parents, and leaders around the world.

That's a Wrap on Season 4!

Season 4 of the Dance Real Podcast, Going Global, explored what it really means to move through the dance world across countries, cultures, and life transitions. Across this season, Kate Histon spoke with dancers, educators, and leaders about relocating overseas, adapting to new systems, identity beyond performance, positive leadership, and the cost of unsafe dance practices. A reflective finale that brings together the biggest themes of growth, belonging, wellbeing, and the future of dance. Stay tuned for Season 5 and in the meantime, to stay in touch, sign up to Kate's Newsletter at www.katehiston.com

How Do Judges Shape Dance Culture? Leadership, Ethics, and Artistry

Season 4 Ep:11 In this episode of The Dance Real Podcast, Kate Histon sits down with Finnish dance leader, educator, and international adjudicator Marco Bjurström to explore what it means to lead, teach, and judge with integrity in the global dance landscape. Marco reflects on his early beginnings in Finland, from discovering dance through popular culture to building Step Up Company and Step Up School into one of the country’s most influential training environments. He shares how teaching beginners across rural Finland shaped his belief that dance is fundamentally about atmosphere, emotional safety, and the responsibility that comes with holding authority in a learning space. The conversation moves into the ethics of judging, where Marco outlines the difference between analysis and approval, and why honest, structured evaluation serves dancers more than pleasing feedback. Together, Kate and Marco explore cultural responsibility in choreography, including the importance of understanding the historical and social context of music and movement, and how competitions can become spaces for both artistic growth and ethical awareness. They also discuss originality in dance creation, the risks of trend-driven choreography, and why artistry emerges when a piece is shaped around the dancer rather than the formula. The episode closes with reflections on studio leadership, parent boundaries, and the role of communication in creating training environments that are both high-performing and psychologically safe. This is a thoughtful dialogue for dancers, educators, adjudicators, and studio leaders who care about excellence that is grounded in respect, responsibility, and human development. Marco’s Career Credits • Co-founder of the Finnish Dance Organization (1989). • President of the Finnish Dance Organization (served three separate terms). • Member of the IDO Presidium (International Dance Organization). • Presidium member of the Finnish Dance Sport Federation. • International dance adjudicator, judging IDO competitions since 1988. • Supervisor for IDO Championships. Performance and Creative Work • Dancer in Cats at Helsinki City Theatre. • Founder of StepUp Company. • Founder of StepUp School (1997), which has grown from one studio into a major dance institution. • Choreographer of the musical HYPE at the Swedish Theatre in Helsinki (1994), a major commercial success. Stage Director and Choreographer Directed major theatre productions including: • Grease, Hair, Saturday Night Fever, Avenue Q , High School Musical (1 & 2), Rent, A Chorus Line, Chicago, The Prom, From Berlin to Broadway, Hype Opera directing credits: • Carmen, Sillanpää Television, Creator of the StepUp Show (television series featuring dancers and celebrities)., Host of the hit Finnish television game show “BumtsiBum!” (approx. 230 episodes), Host of Dancing With the Stars Finland (2006–2009), Head Judge on So You Think You Can Dance Finland (2010). Choreographic and Creative Output • Creator of 18 large-scale adult dance productions. • Choreographer of 30+ dance formations, plus numerous small group and duet works. 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @dance_real_podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

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Behind the Dance Adjudicators Desk (solo Episode)

Season 4 Ep:10 Behind the Adjudicator’s Desk: What I Look For in Dance Competitions In this solo episode of The Dance Real Podcast, international adjudicator and mindset coach Kate Histon offers an honest and educational look behind the judging desk. Drawing from her experience adjudicating across Australia, Europe, and South Africa, Kate explains what truly matters on stage and how dancers, teachers, and parents can create healthier experiences in the competition space. Through grounded insights and gentle storytelling, she shares what she observes in strong performances: presence, artistry, musicality, and emotional connection. Kate also explores the often-overlooked factors that shape a dancer’s stage experience, such as recovery, stamina, and mindset and how each performance becomes an opportunity for growth rather than perfection. Parents and teachers will gain guidance on supporting children through both success and disappointment, learning how to foster resilience and self-worth beyond medals or rankings. This episode invites reflection on what competitions can teach us about presence, growth, and the art of truly being seen. Key Topics What adjudicators actually value during performances. The importance of presence, balance, and emotional connection. Choreography choices that support rather than overwhelm. How dancers can recover after mistakes and build resilience. The role of parents in helping children process disappointment. Why perfectionism undermines artistry and joy in dance. Competitions as a vehicle for growth, not validation. 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @dance_real_podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share—and what my guests share—is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation—not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

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Are We Pushing Dancers Too Far? With Dr.Melanie Fuller

Season 4 Ep:09 In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate speaks with physiotherapist, researcher, and former dancer Dr Melanie Fuller about the growing physical demands placed on young dancers and the rising conversation around injury prevention in dance training. Dr Fuller has spent many years working with dancers across recreational, pre-professional, and professional settings. Her clinical and research work focuses on reducing injury risk and supporting dancers to train safely while sustaining long careers in the art form. Together, Kate and Melanie explore some of the most common injuries seen in dancers today and discuss why many of these injuries develop gradually through training loads that increase too quickly. They also look at the increasing pressure placed on young dancers to perform complex tricks, achieve extreme flexibility, and progress rapidly through training. The conversation examines the role of strength-based conditioning, gradual skill development, and body awareness in supporting healthy training environments. Melanie explains why strength training, rather than stretching alone, plays a critical role in reducing injury risk and building resilience in dancers’ bodies. Kate also reflects on her own experience as a dancer and teacher, including the psychological pressure many dancers feel when injured and the shame that can arise when young performers believe they are letting others down. This episode offers practical insight for dancers, teachers, parents, and studio leaders who want to better understand how to support high performance while protecting long-term physical and psychological wellbeing. 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston | @dance_real_podcast | @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

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What Ballet Took From My Body: Fertility, Fuel, and Life After the Stage

Season 4 Ep:08 In this episode of Dance Real, Kate Histon speaks with former principal dancer Jenna about the long-term impact of a professional ballet career on the body, identity, and life beyond the stage. Jenna reflects on her early training, leaving Australia on scholarship, and the realities of entering elite ballet systems at a young age. She speaks candidly about homesickness, injury, and the subtle ways under-fuelling and performance culture shaped her relationship with her body over time. The conversation also touches on family, grief, and resilience. Jenna shares the profound influence of her parents, particularly her mother, whose strength and support shaped her values both as a dancer and as a person. She reflects on her mother’s illness and passing, and how that period deepened her perspective on care, priorities, and life beyond achievement. A central focus of the episode is Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and how chronic under-fuelling affected Jenna’s health and fertility later in life. She shares her eight-year journey through infertility, IVF, and eventual motherhood through egg donation, offering a considered perspective that connects dance training, medical oversight, and long-term wellbeing. The episode also explores identity beyond performance, conscious retirement, and the transition into teaching, rehabilitation work, and life after dance. Throughout the conversation, Jenna and Kate reflect on the responsibility of educators, institutions, and families to understand the full cost of high-performance pathways and the importance of health, language, and longevity. This is a reflective and informative conversation for dancers, teachers, parents, and leaders interested in sustainable excellence and life beyond the stage. 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston | @dance_real_podcast | @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

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Why This Dance Studio Refuses to Film Classes - Judging, artistry, and leadership in dance education with Suvi Salmi

Season 4: Ep 07 In this episode of Dance Real, Kate speaks with Finnish dance educator, studio owner, and international adjudicator Suvi Salmi about studio leadership, the realities of running a dance school, and the evolving culture of dance training in the age of social media. Suvi shares the story of how she moved from being a dedicated performer into teaching and eventually opening her own studio. Along the way she developed a clear set of values that guide the culture of her school. One of the most distinctive decisions she has made is choosing not to film classes or post student videos online. Her intention is to protect the learning environment and allow dancers to focus on training, exploration, and artistic development without the pressure of constant public performance. Kate and Suvi also discuss the role of adjudicators in competitions and how dancers, parents, and teachers can better understand judging systems used internationally. Suvi explains the scoring structure used in many European competitions, where technique, composition, and image are evaluated separately in order to place dancers within a category. The conversation explores the difference between technical skill and expressive performance, the courage required to develop an original artistic voice, and the pressures dancers face in a highly competitive and digitally visible culture. This episode offers thoughtful insight for dancers, teachers, studio owners, and parents who are interested in cultivating strong training environments while supporting the long-term development of the dancer. About the Guest Suvi Salmi is a Finnish dance educator, studio owner, and international dance adjudicator. She has worked extensively across performance and competition environments and brings a thoughtful perspective to dance education, studio leadership, and artistic development. Her work focuses on creating training environments where dancers receive individual feedback, develop strong technical foundations, and explore artistic expression within a respectful and focused learning culture. www.suvisalmidc.fi 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston | @dance_real_podcast | @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

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Nervous System Regulation: The Missing Link in Dance Performance and Leadership

Season 4: Ep:06 In this episode of Dance Real, Kate explores nervous system regulation as a foundational element of high performance in dance. Drawing on lived experience as a dancer, teacher, and studio owner, she explains how performance, confidence, creativity, and leadership are shaped by the nervous system rather than effort alone. This episode looks at why pushing harder often leads to burnout, injury, and anxiety, and how regulation supports sustainable artistry and leadership. Kate discusses how dancers, teachers, studio owners, and parents are all influenced by stress states, often without realising it, and offers practical ways to build awareness, regulation, and resilience in high-pressure dance environments. This episode is relevant for dancers, dance educators, studio leaders, and anyone interested in performance, wellbeing, and long-term sustainability in the dance world. 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @Dance_Real_Podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation, not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

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