The Dance Parent Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jake & Jana Pfarr
This is a podcast designed to help dance parents better understand and navigate the dance world in order to help their student fulfill their individual and unique goals.
Is your dancer considering dancing in college? In this episode, Jana and Madi discuss how early that process should start and everything that parents need to know to help their dancer transition into dancing at the college level.
In this episode, Jake and Jana dive into some post YAGP thoughts and just how valuable it is for dancers to embrace and take on opportunities to dance outside of their comfort zone.
In this episode, Jana interviews Dr. Chelsea Pierotti, a former professional ballet dancer and dance coach with a PhD in sport psychology about the importance of being a mindful dance parent and how to best support the psychological development of your dancer.
https://www.chelseapierotti.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/passion-for-dance/id1554202141
In this week's episode, Jake, Jana, and special guest Sam Neas dive into the importance of the mind/body connection and the mental strength required for consistent, quality dance training.
In this episode, Jake & Jana welcome back regular podcast guest, Sam Neas, to tackle how to spot and help your dancer through phases of complacency in their training.
In this episode, Jake & Jana share some tips on creating a wonderful studio environment by supporting your student's dance teachers.
In this episode, Jake and Jana discuss the importance of finding the balance between keeping a dancer challenged and growing but not pushing them to the point of exhaustion and burn out.
In this episode, Jake interviews good friend and current dancer and performer on Broadway, Richard Yoder, on what life is like as a professional dancer on Broadway and the steps he credits to getting him to where he is today.
In this episode, Jana chats with former student and current professional ballet dancer, Olivia Gorgas. Olivia shares what her typical schedule looks like and all sorts of advice for dancers hoping to enter the professional ballet world!
In this episode, Jake and Jana talk about how important summer training can be and how to squeeze the most out of it!
In this week's episode, we welcome back previous special guest, Sam Neas, to talk about the importance and benefits of alignment in a studio's culture and how to support everyone involved in order to have the best team possible.
In this week’s episode, we interview Kendall Baab of Body Kinnect about injury prevention and safe stretching practices to keep our dancers healthy, growing, and doing what they love to their fullest!
This episode explores and unpacks points from Dance Mental Performance Educator, Lauren Ritchie, ranging from “rehearse from respect, not fear” to "you matter".
In previous episodes, we have focused on the preparation for dance conventions but the follow up, reflection, and discussions afterward can be just as important! In this week’s episode we talk about keeping it positive, kind and growth centered!
This episode covers everything from the best way to navigate conversations with your dancer after a “hard day”, to class attendance, and finding a teacher that is a great fit for your dancer!
This weeks episode dives into the importance of quality nutrition, rest, conditioning, and more for your dancer’s best physical health.
Finding a balance of resources can be difficult for any family with a serious dancer wanting the best training. In this episode, Jake and Jana, answer several parent questions on the topic and expand on their best suggestions to finding an appropriate balance for your dancer!
In this week’s episode, we dive into how all parents can help their dancers to achieve their goals regardless of the parent’s previous dance knowledge. We discuss how to find baby steps to the big goal whether that is a professional career, college dance programs, summer intensives, or even auditioning for the dance company for the first time!
In this week’s episode, Jake and Jana discuss the value of versatility in dance training. They share their view on how important a well rounded dance education and exposure to various different styles is for all dancers.
In this week's episode, Jake & Jana talk all about competition solos and approaching solo preparation as a tool for the dancer's overall growth and development.
This week Jake and Jana share some of their favorite words of wisdom from NYCDA Founder & Executive Director, Joe Lanteri, and how these life lessons go far beyond dance training alone.
In this episode, Jake and Jana explore four of the most effective ways that parents can set their dancer up for success before, during, and after a convention weekend.
In this episode, Griffin Massey shares his views on competition dance, the wonderful life lessons that can come from dance training, and what he has found to be the most valuable element in helping him to achieve his dreams.
In this episode, Jake & Jana interview choreographer, Sam Neas, about all things your dancer can bring into the room. We discuss everything from preparing your dancer for the day to how to be a strong participant in creating the best final product.
In this week’s episode Jake and Jana dive into the ever so common question of “Is it too late for my dancer to be successful at (fill in the blank)” or “Can my dancer still be successful if they aren’t able to do (fill in the blank) by a certain age?” Spoiler alert: kids prove to us everyday that it’s never too late!
In this week’s episode we discuss the physical and mental benefits of ballet training for all dancers.
Navigating the balance between helping your dancer to achieve their full potential while still making sure that they have a fun and fulfilling childhood can be difficult. In this episode, Jake and Jana dive into this complex balance and some tips on helping to make sure that your dancers mental health always remains a priority.
Inevitably, some of your dancers will look at you one day and say “I think I want to keep dancing after high school”. This episode dives into the full scope of possibilities for dancers after high school. And please note, this is super helpful even for parents of young dancers to just be prepared on all of the opportunities for dancers in today’s world!
If you want to better help guide your dancer at home, there are some definite things you can do! In this episode Jake & Jana talk about 5 things that can help your dancer improve when working on things at home.
In this episode we tackle some common misconceptions and questions we've received over the years about dance competition scoring and talk about what is currently being required of today's dancers.