The Dance Parent Podcast
The Dance Parent Podcast is designed to help parents of dancers better understand and navigate the dance world in order to help their student fulfill their individual and unique goals. In each episode, Jake & Jana Pfarr tackle a different topic and offer insights for parents of new or seasoned dancers alike. You'll gain a fresh view and understanding of a variety of topics that will help you and your dancer on their dance journey!
Episodes
30 episodes
Dancing In College with Special Guest Madi Hicks
Is your dancer considering dancing in college? In this episode, Jana and Madi discuss how early that process should start and everything that parents need to know to help their dancer transition into dancing at the college level.
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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30:20
Dancing Outside of Your Comfort Zone
In this episode, Jake and Jana dive into some post YAGP thoughts and just how valuable it is for dancers to embrace and take on opportunities to dance outside of their comfort zone.
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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22:40
Being a Mindful Dance Parent with Guest, Dr. Chelsea Pierotti
In this episode, Jana interviews Dr. Chelsea Pierotti, a former professional ballet dancer and dance coach with a PhD in sport psychology about the importance of being a mindful dance parent and how to best support the psychological development...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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29:52
Mental Strength, Connection of Mind & Body, and Consistency
In this week's episode, Jake, Jana, and special guest Sam Neas dive into the importance of the mind/body connection and the mental strength required for consistent, quality dance training.
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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21:34
How To Help Your Dancer Through Complacency with Sam Neas
In this episode, Jake & Jana welcome back regular podcast guest, Sam Neas, to tackle how to spot and help your dancer through phases of complacency in their training.
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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18:02
How To Support Your Dance Teachers
In this episode, Jake & Jana share some tips on creating a wonderful studio environment by supporting your student's dance teachers.
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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29:16
Finding Balance In A New Season
In this episode, Jake and Jana discuss the importance of finding the balance between keeping a dancer challenged and growing but not pushing them to the point of exhaustion and burn out.
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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18:50
Life As A Dancer On Broadway With Richard Yoder
In this episode, Jake interviews good friend and current dancer and performer on Broadway, Richard Yoder, on what life is like as a professional dancer on Broadway and the steps he credits to getting him to where he is today.
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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51:03
A Day In The Life Of A Ballet Dancer With Special Guest, Olivia Gorgas
In this episode, Jana chats with former student and current professional ballet dancer, Olivia Gorgas. Olivia shares what her typical schedule looks like and all sorts of advice for dancers hoping to enter the professional ballet world!
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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31:49
Summer Training Opportunities
In this episode, Jake and Jana talk about how important summer training can be and how to squeeze the most out of it!
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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26:40
Random Thoughts With Special Guest Sam Neas
In this week's episode, we welcome back previous special guest, Sam Neas, to talk about the importance and benefits of alignment in a studio's culture and how to support everyone involved in order to have the best team possible.
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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29:56
Injury Prevention & Safe Stretching with Special Guest Kendall Baab
In this week’s episode, we interview Kendall Baab of Body Kinnect about injury prevention and safe stretching practices to keep our dancers healthy, growing, and doing what they love to their fullest!
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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38:48
Lauren Ritchie’s 5 Thoughts for Dancers
This episode explores and unpacks points from Dance Mental Performance Educator, Lauren Ritchie, ranging from “rehearse from respect, not fear” to "you matter".
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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23:20
Maximizing Your Dancer's Growth After Convention
In previous episodes, we have focused on the preparation for dance conventions but the follow up, reflection, and discussions afterward can be just as important! In this week’s episode we talk about keeping it positive, kind and growth centered...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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21:16
Random Thoughts With Jake & Jana
This episode covers everything from the best way to navigate conversations with your dancer after a “hard day”, to class attendance, and finding a teacher that is a great fit for your dancer!
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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18:31
Protecting Your Dancer’s Physical Health 101
This weeks episode dives into the importance of quality nutrition, rest, conditioning, and more for your dancer’s best physical health.
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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30:04
Balancing Finances & Time With Your Dancer’s Training
Finding a balance of resources can be difficult for any family with a serious dancer wanting the best training. In this episode, Jake and Jana, answer several parent questions on the topic and expand on their best suggestions to finding a...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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26:07
How To Support Your Dancer’s Goals
In this week’s episode, we dive into how all parents can help their dancers to achieve their goals regardless of the parent’s previous dance knowledge. We discuss how to find baby steps to the big goal whether that is a professional career, col...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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21:11
The Importance of Being A Well Rounded Dancer
In this week’s episode, Jake and Jana discuss the value of versatility in dance training. They share their view on how important a well rounded dance education and exposure to various different styles is for all dancers.
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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24:25
Let's Talk About Solos
In this week's episode, Jake & Jana talk all about competition solos and approaching solo preparation as a tool for the dancer's overall growth and development.
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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16:27
Life Lessons Learned At NYCDA
This week Jake and Jana share some of their favorite words of wisdom from NYCDA Founder & Executive Director, Joe Lanteri, and how these life lessons go far beyond dance training alone.
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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21:52
4 Ways To Help Your Dancer Have An Incredible Convention/Competition Weekend
In this episode, Jake and Jana explore four of the most effective ways that parents can set their dancer up for success before, during, and after a convention weekend.
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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23:04
Perspective From Current Juilliard Dance Student & TA Alum, Griffin Massey
In this episode, Griffin Massey shares his views on competition dance, the wonderful life lessons that can come from dance training, and what he has found to be the most valuable element in helping him to achieve his dreams.
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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21:32
Advice From A Guest Choreographer
In this episode, Jake & Jana interview choreographer, Sam Neas, about all things your dancer can bring into the room. We discuss everything from preparing your dancer for the day to how to be a strong participant in creating the best final ...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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22:32
Is It Too Late For...?
In this week’s episode Jake and Jana dive into the ever so common question of “Is it too late for my dancer to be successful at (fill in the blank)” or “Can my dancer still be successful if they aren’t able to do (fill in the blank) by a certai...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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12:19