Two Dance Moms Podcast - For Competition Dance Parents

Two Dance Moms

Are you the parent of a competition dancer or maybe a competitive dancer yourself? Do you often feel overwhelmed or curious about all the components of these competition dance weekends and all it takes to be a dance parent? We’re here to guide you, commiserate with you, laugh with you about all the highs lows, challenges and successes of the dance comp season. Welcome to Two Dance Moms Podcast!

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

156 episodes
Updated May 27

Episodes156

Newest first

May 27 · 36 min
Final Episode
These past four seasons have been such a joy — sharing funny stories, meaningful conversations, helpful tips, and unforgettable guests along the way, all through the lens of dance mom life. Thank you for listening, supporting, and growing with us through every competition, car ride, and crazy dance season. Wishing all of our listeners well, and we’re so grateful to have shared this journey with you. EPISODE SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
May 20 · 55 min
Trends! 2025-2026 Competition Dance Season Trends
In this episode Amira and Cayse discuss all the trends they have noticed over this dance season, both the favorites and the tired! You won't want to miss it! EPISODE SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
May 13 · 54 min
Cathy Nesbitt-Stein: Studio Owner, Dance Mom, Dancer & Reality TV Personality
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 Instagram Candy Apples Dance Center EPISODE SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
May 6 · 54 min
Awards: An Open Conversation about Awards and Ceremonies
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 SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
April 29 · 1 hr 4 min
Choosing a Solo Song & Style, With Chris Suchan & Liz Borom
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 LINKS Platinum National Dance Competition The Great Dance Debate Podcast Chris Suchan Instagram Liz Borom Instagram www.lizbdance.com EPISODE SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
April 22 · 37 min
Reasons NOT to do a Solo
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 SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
April 15 · 45 min
Expert Answers: Special Q&A Compilation Episode with Season 4 Guests
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 SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
April 8 · 54 min
Choreography & How it Affects Scores: With Jennifer Olsen of Pulse Dance Studio
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. LINKS Pulse Dance Studio Pulse on instagram EPISODE SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
April 1 · 46 min
Summer Intensives: Planning Your Dancer's Training
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 SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
March 25 · 42 min
Derek Piquette: Recruiting Tips for College Dance Teams
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 CONVENTION Prodigy on Instagram Derek on Instagram EPISODE SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
March 18 · 48 min
Plateaus, Complacency, & Growth: With Kelsay & Emma of Trademark Dance Academy
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 & EMMA Studio Rats Podcast on Youtube Trademarkdance.com Instagram: Trademark Dance Academy Studio Rats Podcast EPISODE SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
March 11 · 59 min
Competition Glam Guide: Favorite Go-To Makeup Products
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 SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
March 4 · 52 min
Burnout & Dancers: Avoiding the Competition Season Crash
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 SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
February 25 · 58 min
Becky Tucci: Finding Humor & Creating Content on the Dance Mom Life
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: btucci Instagram: @btuccidancemom Email: btuccidancemom@gmail.com EPISODE SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
February 18 · 48 min
HOT TOPIC: Reusing Choreography
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 SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
February 11 · 55 min
Meghan Faddis: Training Judges, Feedback vs. Critiques, & Scoring Group Dances
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.com CONNECT WITH MEGHAN : TikTok: @MeghanFaddis insta: @mfadd Website: www.meghanfaddis.com EPISODE SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
February 4 · 56 min
Top Tips: Our Favorite Tips for Dance Parents
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 SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
January 28 · 44 min
Dressing Room Drama: Stories and More
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 SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
January 21 · 46 min
Showing Off! Confidence without Arrogance with Michelle Leagans
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 LEAGANS Instagram: Michelle Leagans Instagram: Power Intensives Hey Dancers, Lets Talk About It (AMAZON) EMAIL: mleagansdance@gmail.com EPISODE SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
January 7 · 1 hr 8 min
Billing Transparency: Dance Studio & Competition Costs with Special Guest Chris Suchan
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 LINKS Platinum National Dance Competition The Great Dance Debate Podcast Chris Suchan Instagram EPISODE SPONSORS Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles! www.dreamduffel.com Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.com RATE & REVIEW Rate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/