Dance Real Podcast

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.

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.

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.
 
 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ep:07 “I was Told I Couldn’t Dance Again”
In this conversation, former professional soloist ballet dancer Charlene Dujardin shares her inspiring journey from overcoming a life-altering injury to becoming a dance teacher and studio owner. She discusses the challenges she faced in her career, the importance of self-belief, and her vision for nurturing future dancers. Charline emphasizes the significance of focusing on personal growth and the love for dance, rather than comparing oneself to others in the industry.
 
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.
 

Ep: 06 “My Drive comes from Within”
The journey of Amelie Pollock from student to Professional Dancer. In this podcast episode, Amelie Pollock shares her inspiring journey from a young dancer in Byron Bay to a professional jazz dancer now living in London. She discusses the importance of family support, the challenges of transitioning to full-time dance training, and her experiences in the competitive dance industry. Amelie reflects on her first professional job, the impact of moving to London, and the significance of community in navigating friendships and competition. She also addresses the misconceptions about a dance career and offers valuable advice for aspiring dancers.
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.
 

Ep: 05 - "Breaking the Cycle" - Supporting young Dancers without Passing on Our Wounds" In this enlightening conversation, Kaz Amos, a psychologist, discusses the mental health challenges faced by young dancers and the crucial role parents and teachers play in supporting them. The dialogue explores the developmental stages of children, the importance of emotional support, and the impact of toxic environments in dance schools. Kaz emphasizes the need for compassion over control in parenting and the potential dangers of social media for young dancers. The conversation concludes with insights on fostering a healthy relationship with dance and the importance of self-regulation and emotional well-being.
 
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.