The Resilient Dance Teacher Podcast

15 - Staying Curious: Professional Growth for Dance Educators

Whether you're a brand-new teacher or have years of experience in the studio, this conversation is a reminder that the best teachers are lifelong learners. Growth doesn't require another certification or degree—it often starts with small, consistent steps that lead to meaningful change over time. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why evolving as a teacher benefits both you and your students • How to identify one area of growth and create an attainable plan • The importance of regular reflection and self-assessment • Why taking class as a student can transform your teaching • Simple ways to document your professional growth • How to recognize the internal growth that often goes unnoticed Because evolving isn't about becoming a completely different teacher—it's about becoming a more intentional version of the teacher you already are. Enjoy! Join the mailing list: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/resilientnewsletter RDT Resources: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/product-store Email me: reed@theresilientdanceteacher.com

14 - Human-Centered Learning and Transparent Leadership (ft.Katie Wilber)

Today’s guest is the incredible Katie Wilber—a nationally recognized dance educator, choreographer, creative strategist, and marketing professional with more than 15 years of experience in the dance industry. As a former professional dancer and teaching artist, Katie has performed and taught across the country, bringing together artistic excellence and a deep commitment to human-centered learning. In our conversation, we dive into what it means to teach from a truly student-centered perspective. Katie shares insights on prioritizing the unique needs of the dancers in front of us, empowering students with greater autonomy in their learning, and creating environments where they can thrive both inside and outside the studio. We explore the constructivist teaching philosophy, discuss the value of transparent leadership, and reflect on how educators can better support the next generation of dancers. I know you’ll walk away feeling inspired with practical ideas and a fresh perspective on teaching and leadership. Enjoy the episode! Join the RDT Newsletter List: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/resilientnewsletter Find Katie on Instagram: @mcdance.mcdubs

13 - Top 5 Organization Tips for Dance Teachers

In this episode, I'm sharing five practical organization strategies that help me stay grounded, focused, and prepared throughout the dance season. Whether you're heading into a busy summer schedule, preparing for recital season, or simply looking for ways to reduce overwhelm, these tips can help you create more mental space and spend less time feeling scattered. We'll talk about: * How to use an ABC priority list to manage your workload * Keeping deadlines, rehearsals, and important dates in one place * Organizing your music and class-planning materials for easy access * Practicing daily self check-ins to stay focused on what matters most * Learning organizational systems from other dance teachers As dance educators, we wear a lot of hats. The more organized we are behind the scenes, the more energy we can devote to supporting our students, fostering creativity, and sharing our love of dance. Join my mailing list: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/resilientnewsletter Email me: reed@theresilientdanceteacher.com

12 - Performance Quality and The Social Media Trap

In today’s two-part episode, we’re diving into a discussion on teaching performance quality, as well as the dangers of social media in dance education. Can artistry actually be taught? What’s the difference between performance quality and artistic voice? And why am I comparing all of this to cake? Do you feel fatigued from doom-scrolling? All of this will be discussed in today's packed episode. We explore how dancers connect emotionally and artistically to movement through storytelling, imagery, dynamics, and intention. From creative movement classes to adolescent dancers, this conversation unpacks how teachers can help students develop emotional texture in their dancing while still honoring the individuality that makes each performer unique. Plus, we touch on the growing impact of social media and comparison culture in dance education, and how overwhelm can affect both teachers and students. Topics covered: • Teaching performance quality in dance • The difference between performance quality and artistic voice • Storytelling and imagery in choreography • Using humor and visuals in dance education • Social media, comparison, and creative overwhelm

11 - Balancing High Standards with Compassionate Teaching (ft. Emma)

In this podcast episode, I invited on my dear friend and coworker Emma Lochner. In this thoughtful and honest conversation, we explore one of the most important topics in dance education today: how to create classrooms that are both supportive and structured. For many dancers, training environments rooted in fear, shame, or harsh criticism were once considered “normal” in the pursuit of excellence. While the dance world continues evolving toward healthier teaching practices, many educators are also navigating the challenge of maintaining discipline, accountability, and high standards without becoming overly passive. In this episode, we discuss what it truly means to lead with both compassion and authority. We reflect on personal experiences with harmful teaching moments that stayed with us, how those experiences shaped our own teaching philosophies, and the ongoing work of building studio cultures rooted in respect, consistency, and trust.