Movement with Meaning: Using Dance to Support Autism Development

Movement with Meaning: Using Dance to Support Autism Development

In honor of Autism Awareness Day, this episode explores how dance can be a powerful tool for social connection, focus, and self-expression for individuals with autism. I share my journey of developing a dance program that helped children on the spectrum improve social skills, reduce repetitive behaviors, and engage in meaningful movement. Plus, hear how our dancers competed on a global stage—representing the USA and taking 2nd place at the World Latin Dance Cup! What You’ll Learn: * Shift focus on how you view dance * How dance supports social and behavioral development in individuals with autism * The connection between movement and focus * The power of structured dance programs in behavioral therapy Join the Conversation: Have thoughts on today’s episode? Let’s connect on Instagram [@fulloutaubs] or aubreyares.com, and keep the discussion going! 🎙️💙

Competing in Today’s Latin Dance Scene: A Personal Take

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a personal perspective on the growing influence of technical dance elements—like turns, leaps, and acrobatic tricks—within the Latin dance competition scene. We’ll dive into: * Infusing Technical Abilities – How styles like ballet, jazz, and contemporary are being incorporated into salsa and bachata, and the challenges that come with it. * The Execution vs. Crowd Reaction Debate – Are we rewarding difficulty over proper technique? * Acrobatics in Latin Dance – The rise of tricks like front handsprings and why proper training is essential. * A Call to Dancers & Promoters – Encouraging dancers to seek technical training and urging competition organizers to bring in well-rounded adjudicators. This episode isn’t about giving definitive answers—it’s about sparking thought and discussion. How do we maintain the integrity of our Latin styles while embracing technical evolution? Let’s talk about it!

The Story Behind EMDC: A Leap of Faith

Today’s episode is extra special because I’m taking you behind the scenes of something deeply personal—the story of how I built my company, EMDC. If you had told 23-year-old me that I’d be here today—leading a company that has impacted many dancers, won championships, and built a dance family that keeps growing—I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Because the truth is? EMDC wasn’t part of some grand master plan. It started with a leap of faith, a team of dancers who believed in me, and an unshakable passion for creating a space where dancers could train, grow, and be empowered through movement. But this journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve faced burnout. I even stepped away from the company at one point, unsure if I’d ever come back. Yet, through every challenge, EMDC has evolved. And today, we’re not just still standing—we’re thriving. In this episode, I want to share my origin story—the wins, the struggles, the lessons—and most importantly, why I believe you can do this too. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * How EMDC started as a two-month project that turned into a thriving company * The pivotal moment that pushed me to take a leap of faith * The core values that have shaped EMDC’s culture and success * The struggles of leadership, burnout, and stepping away * How EMDC continued to grow—even in my absence * Why believing in your vision (even when it feels uncertain) is key to long-term success

Competition Prep Like a Pro – From Physical Training to Mindset Mastery

You guys, I’m in Oaxaca, Mexico! And even here, we are in FULL competition prep mode! With competition season in full swing, I know how overwhelming it can be—so today, we’re breaking down exactly what it takes to step on that stage feeling confident, prepared, and ready to shine. Whether you’re a dancer, coach, studio owner, or dance parent, this episode is packed with must-know tips on physical preparation, mental toughness, and competition-day strategies. Let’s get into it! KEY TAKEAWAYS Physical Prep Matters – Why stamina and full-out reps make all the difference Mindset is Everything – How to overcome pressure and self-doubt before stepping on stage Fuel Like a Pro – Balancing nutrition, hydration, and enjoying the experience RESOURCES & LINKS 📌 Join the Members Portal – Get exclusive training & coaching! [aubreyares.com] 📌 Follow me on IG – Behind-the-scenes & daily dance inspo:! [@fulloutaubs] 📌 Follow my dance company- [@empoweredmovementdance]

Navigating Different Personalities while Creating a Cohesive Team Dynamic

In this episode, we're diving into the key elements that make a dance team successful—understanding motivation, adapting coaching styles, and creating a cohesive team dynamic. Whether you're a dancer, coach, or team leader, learning how to navigate different personalities and learning styles is essential to building a strong, motivated, and accountable team. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * The importance of understanding why each dancer is on the team * How motivation varies—camaraderie, training, creativity, or personal growth * The different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) and how to adapt coaching to fit each one * The balance between flexibility in coaching and maintaining consistent expectations * How to celebrate differences to bring out the best in every team member Join the Conversation! Have a story about navigating team dynamics or coaching different personalities? Share it with us on social media or send me a message—I’d love to hear from you! Book a Coaching Session: Ready to take your team to the next level? Book a session with me at AubreyAres.com and let’s fine-tune your team dynamics together!