THE JUSTIN AND INEKE PODCAST — A podcast for dance parents

My Child Left Home for Dance: The Practical Guide for Parents

Who is this video for: "Boarding school for dancers" "Early professional dance training" "Homesickness in young athletes" "Moving out at 11 for school" "Dance mom anxiety" "Vocational dance school preparation" "Helping teens deal with homesickness "Is your child leaving home at a young age to pursue their dream of professional dance? It’s a moment filled with pride, but also a lot of hidden anxiety and homesickness—for both of you. In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we share practical advice on preparing your child for boarding school, creating a safety net, and managing the mixed emotions of a "quiet house. "In this video, we discuss: How to prepare your child (and yourself) for the big move. The reality of dance boarding schools and vocational training. Practical tips for dealing with homesickness and anxiety. How to stay connected when they are miles away. If you’re a parent in the dance world, you aren’t alone. Subscribe to THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST for more honest conversations about raising elite dancers. Leave a comment below: what is your biggest worry about your child leaving for training?

The Truth About Dance Competition Culture (What Parents Need to Hear)

Are dance competitions building your child up—or secretly burning them out? In this episode, we speak on the multi-billion-dollar youth dance industry to reveal the truth about dance competition culture. From the subjective reality of judging scores to the hidden toxicity lurking in studios. We break down what is actually happening behind the scenes. More importantly, we look at sports psychology research to reveal how just TWO sentences you say can completely alter your child’s motivation, resilience, and enjoyment of dance. If you are a parent navigating YAGP, local talent completions, or the intense world of solo dance training, this is the honest perspective you’ve been looking for. Leave a comment below: What is your go-to conversation starter in the car after your child performs? Do you struggle with keeping it "task-oriented" instead of "ego-oriented"? Let’s talk about it in the comments. If you want to raise a resilient, joyful dancer without losing your sanity to the competition machine, hit that Subscribe button and turn on notifications. We drop new episodes every week!

How to Help Your Dancer with Anxiety or Fear: The 3-Sentence Script for Parents

A podcast for parents who are raising teenage dancers. In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we break down the shift from "I am scared" to "I am a scared person"—and why our "be positive" instincts might be making it worse. We share a practical, research-backed 3-sentence script you can use in the car tonight to validate your child's fear without letting it stop them. Key Topics Covered: * Why "You'll be fine" is the wrong thing to say. * The difference between in-the-moment fear and "not-good-enough" fear. * The power of "Affect Labeling" (Naming the emotion). * A specific script for the changing room and the car park. If you’re raising a dancer, hit subscribe to join our community. We’re here to help you navigate the wings, the car park, and everything in between.

Why Your Teenage Dancer is Overwhelmed (And How to Actually Help)

Is your teenage dancer struggling with the pressure of school, family, and the studio? In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we speak about the psychology of 12-15-year-old dancers and why they often feel overwhelmed. This episode on teenage burnout and confidence is exactly what parents are looking for. We provide practical ways to support your child through the unique pressures of the dance world. We discuss: The "Fear of Failure" is causing school anxiety. Why "too much praise" can actually hurt confidence. The 5 steps to building real, lasting self-belief How to transition your child from dancing for approval to dancing for themselves. Stop trying to "protect" them from struggle—learn how to support them through it. Topics covered on this episode: "Teenage dancer burnout" "Performance anxiety in young dancers" "How to build confidence in dancers." "Dance parent teacher communication" "Mental health for teenage athletes"This video addresses the psychological group dynamics and the specific "fear of failure" that leads to school avoidance. This podcast provides "professional-to-parent" mentorship.

"My child is in the back row" | What Dance Teachers Wish Parents Knew

In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we explore one of the most sensitive topics in the studio: the dreaded back row. Why isn't your dancer front and center? Before you call the teacher, watch this. We pull back the curtain on what choreographers actually look for, from reliability and attitude to why the "second cast" or back row is often the backbone of a winning performance. What we discuss: The psychological reason parents react to the back row. Reliability vs. Visibility: What gets you scouted. The "Village" mindset for long-term growth. Better questions to ask your dance teacher instead of "Why?"It’s one of the most emotional questions dance parents ask — and one of the most misunderstood. For parents raising dancers: honest conversations, practical insight, and real studio perspective. In this episode, we unpack what back-row placement really means, what choreographers are actually looking for, and how parents can respond in a way that helps their child grow.