Dance Real Podcast

Dance Training Broken? Improvisation Might be the Answer

Season Two Ep: 09
Dance is Broken? Improvisation Might be the Fix
In this rich and heartfelt conversation, Kate Histon reconnects with longtime friend and fellow dance educator Jen Murray to reflect on their shared roots in Byron Bay and the evolving landscape of dance education. Together, they explore Jen’s journey through contemporary dance, her deep belief in the power of improvisation, and the essential role it plays in unlocking creativity and confidence—especially for classical ballet dancers. Jen opens up about the art of guiding students through improvisation, the joy of collaborative choreography, and the importance of creating emotionally safe spaces. A central theme throughout is practicing responsiveness in teaching—meeting students where they are, adapting with empathy, and staying attuned to both the energy in the room and the individual dancer’s needs. The episode also delves into the interplay between motherhood and teaching, the cultural shifts reshaping how we nurture young dancers, and the responsibility educators carry in shaping not just skilled technicians, but expressive and empowered artists. This episode is a warm, wisdom-filled listen for anyone passionate about the heart behind the technique.
🩰 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.

Master Dancer Mindset - Integrating the Mind, Body and Soul

Season Two Ep:08
Dance Real Reflection "Integrating the Mind, Body and Soul" In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate Histon dives deep into what it truly means to develop a Master Dancer Mindset—one that unites the mind, body, and soul. Far beyond steps and technique, Kate challenges traditional training norms and reveals how intuition, presence, and emotional intelligence are often the missing links in performance and artistry. She explores how these inner tools can elevate not only a dancer’s ability but also their confidence, wellbeing, and connection to self. Whether you’re a dancer, teacher, or parent, Kate shares powerful and practical insights to help nurture whole humans—not just polished performers.
Tune in to discover:
* Why integrating the mind, body, and soul matters now more than ever
* How intuition and inner awareness can transform stage presence * What practical shifts studios and families can make to support deeper growth
This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to redefine success in dance through a more conscious and holistic lens.
🩰 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 
 
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.

Intuition in Dance with Allison Pagano

Season Two Ep: 07
‘The Power of Intuition in Dance' with Professor Allison Pagano
In this enlightening conversation, Kate Histon speaks with Alison Pagano, a former dance professor and creator of Embodied Dance. They explore the profound connection between intuition, mental health, and the dance industry. Alison shares her personal journey of healing through dance, the importance of self-acceptance, and how embodied practices can transform both dancers and their art. The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift in the dance community towards a more holistic approach that values emotional well-being and authentic expression.
For more information on Embodied Dance Visit www.embodied-dance.com or @embodied.dance on instagram
🩰 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.

How I Approached Dance Competitions as a Studio Owner

Season Two Episode: 06
Dance Real Reflections : How I Approached Dance Competitions as A Dance Studio Owner
 
In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate Histon discusses the complexities of dance competitions, emphasizing the importance of managing competition culture within studios, the role of parents, and the significance of feedback in judging. She shares her experiences and insights on creating a supportive environment for dancers, the value of personal development, and the need for balance in dance education. The conversation highlights the importance of leadership and informed decision-making in navigating the competitive landscape of dance.
 
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.

Beyond the Trophy with Chasta Hamilton

Season Two
Ep:05
Beyond the Trophy; It’s a must-listen for educators, parents, judges, and dancers who care deeply about growth, values, and creating lasting impact through dance. In this inspiring and expansive conversation, Dance Real host Kate Histon is joined by industry thought leader and author Chasta Hamilton, who shares her journey from high-stakes competition culture to building a more holistic, heart-led approach to dance education. Chasta, known for her acclaimed book Trash the Trophies, opens up about what led her to make bold changes in her studio model—and how those decisions ultimately created stronger training, deeper community, and more empowered dancers. Kate brings her own unique insight as a former studio owner and current international adjudicator, reflecting on her personal process of managing competitive culture, navigating parent expectations, and making space for personal development and emotional growth. She also speaks candidly about the emotional transition of selling her studio.
Together, they explore:
✔️ The evolving role of competition in dancer development
✔️ How to lead with values, clarity, and conscious communication
✔️ Replacing comparison culture with process-based progress
✔️ Studio ownership, private equity, and sustainable models of success
✔️ Chasta’s nonprofit Girls Geared for Greatness and dance as a tool for leadership
Whether you’re a dance parent, teacher, studio owner, or industry leader—this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight for building a more intentional future in dance. To find out more about Chasta:
Personal Website: https://www.chastahamilton.com/
Books:
The Trophy Trap
Trash the Trophies
Handle the Horrible
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.

Dance Real Reflections: Beyond Technique, Dancing from the Inside Out

Season Two Ep:04 For the Ballerina Who Wants More Than Perfect Lines… 🩰✨ Isadora Duncan’s Philosopher’s Stone wasn’t a rejection of dance—it was a call to reconnect with its soul. She believed true artistry comes when movement flows from within, not just from mastering form. For the career-focused ballerina: 🌿 Let ballet be your language, but speak with your soul 🌿 Feel before you perform — technique is the vessel, not the source 🌿 Move from emotion, not expectation 🌿 Dare to be real, not just perfect You don’t have to abandon ballet to be authentic—you just have to let your truth lead your technique. ✨ The next era of dance belongs to those who can do both.
 
 

That's Not OK! Consent in Dance

Season Two
Ep: 03 "That's Not OK!" Consent in Dance
 
In this podcast episode, Kate Histon interviews Cindy Ambridge about the importance of consent and boundaries in dance education. They discuss the evolving understanding of consent, the significance of communication, and the need for a collaborative approach in teaching. The conversation also touches on the impact of trauma on students and the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment in dance studios. In this conversation, Kate Histon and Cindy Ambridge explore the multifaceted impact of dance education on mental health, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches, individuality, and establishing boundaries in teacher-student relationships. They discuss the pressures of performance and the need for emotional regulation, highlighting the significance of breathwork and self-awareness in fostering a supportive dance environment. In this conversation, Kate Histon and Cindy Ambridge explore the importance of compassion in teaching, the need for change in dance education, and the critical issues of safety and consent in the dance industry. The conversation concludes with reflections on age, experience, and the ongoing journey of personal and professional growth in the dance world.
Note: When Cindy used the term "indecent image" she means to say "intimate image"
www.classfortheheart.com
 
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.

Dance Real Reflections: The First Time I was Hit in Ballet

Season Two
Ep: 02 "The First Time I was Hit in Dance" 
*Content Warning: This episode contains sensitive content about a childhood experience of being hit in a ballet class. Listener discretion is advised.
In this solo mini episode, Kate Histon shares a deeply personal story: the first time she was hit by a ballet teacher at just six years old. More than a reflection on one moment, this episode explores how toxic cultures in the dance world can take root—and why so many dancers and families stay silent. Kate unpacks the subtle dynamics of manipulation, misplaced loyalty, and cultural conditioning that allow abuse to be normalized. With compassion and clarity, she invites listeners to trust their instincts, recognise red flags, and reflect on the difference between a tough day and a toxic system. This is a conversation for dancers, teachers, and parents who want a healthier future for our industry.
After-note: Kate’s mention of being called “special” and “talented” reflects the language used to keep dancers compliant—not self-praise. She highlights how even compliments can be used manipulatively in toxic environments.
**For anyone who would like further information on the impact Kates experience had on her from this school and her healing journey you can listen to a podcast episode from 2022 on "Post Traumatic Growth" with the Hey Soul Sista Podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/hey-soul-sista-by-melissa-histon/id1479778469?i=1000579113749
 
Disclaimer:
This episode shares Kate’s personal lived experience within a particular school and broader dance culture. It is not intended to defame or accuse any individual or institution, but to contribute to important conversations about dancer well-being, teacher influence, and systemic patterns in the performing arts. All reflections are offered with care, respect, and a commitment to positive change.
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 Dance Journey of Marie Walton-Mahon

Season Two
Ep: 01
In this enlightening conversation, dance educator Marie Walton-Mahon shares her inspiring journey from a young dancer to a global mentor in the dance community. With over 50 years of experience, Marie discusses her early influences, the challenges she faced in her training, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for dancers. She highlights the development of Progressing Ballet Technique, a revolutionary body conditioning program, and addresses the impact of social media on the dance culture. Marie advocates for a universal code of practice in dance education to promote ethical standards and support the well-being of students.
AFTER NOTE: In the episode, Marie shared her experience as a young teenager who was coerced by a person in power. She was not in a position of authority—she was a vulnerable minor herself—and has carried the weight of that experience for many years. Her decision to speak publicly wasn’t to excuse harm, but to bravely shed light on how abuse of power can manipulate not only victims, but bystanders too. These are the uncomfortable conversations we need to have so the dance world can do better. We thank Marie for her bravery and honesty.
**For anyone who would like further information on the impact Kates experience had on her from this school and her healing journey you can listen to a podcast episode from 2022 on "Post Traumatic Growth" with the Hey Soul Sista Podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/hey-soul-sista-by-melissa-histon/id1479778469?i=1000579113749
 
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.

"I Never Won A Competition" - Game changer, Shane Wuerthner on Rethinking Dance

Ep: 08 "I Never Won a Dance Competition and Still became Principal Dancer"
Rethinking the Dance Industry with Shane Wuerthner In this thought-provoking episode, Shane Wuerthner shares game-changing insights that challenge conventional perspectives in the dance world. From perfectionism and competition culture to body composition and beyond, Shane delves into key issues shaping the industry today. Through the lens of his own journey—from professional ballet dancer to coach and founder of Athletistry—he offers invaluable lessons that will leave you both educated and inspired. He opens up about the challenges dancers face, the pressures of competition, and the crucial role of mental health and artistry in training. With a strong emphasis on a holistic approach, Shane advocates for a dance culture that prioritizes well-being and fosters true artistic evolution. 
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.