THE JUSTIN AND INEKE PODCAST — A podcast for dance parents

YAGP is often discussed online—sometimes very positively and sometimes critically. This episode is not intended to add to that debate or speak for anyone else’s experience. Instead, we share what YAGP was like for our family: why we entered, how we prepared, the atmosphere backstage, the New York Finals, the practical considerations, results and scholarships, and what we believe matters most for a young dancer’s development. Have you or your dancer taken part in YAGP or another major dance competition? Share your experience respectfully in the comments. #YAGP #DanceParents #BalletCompetition #YouthAmericaGrandPrix #DancePodcast

In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we pull back the curtain on the financial reality of elite dance training. We’re breaking down every single expense from our time at the Amsterdam International Summer School—from tuition and travel to those "hidden" costs no one tells you about. Whether your child is auditioning for London or Amsterdam, this breakdown will help you plan without the stress. Want to take the guesswork out of your planning? We’ve built a free Summer Intensive Cost Calculator for you! Just send an email to hello@justinandineke.com with the subject "Calculator" and we’ll send it over.

Is your dancer struggling with being placed in the back row? In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we speak on how choreographers actually make placement decisions. We discuss: 1. Why is my child in the back of the dance choreography 2. How dance teachers decide stage placement for competitions 3. Dealing with disappointment in dance role assignments 4. How to talk to a dance teacher about my child's position 5. Dance competition choreography placement criteria 6. How to help my dancer overcome stage fright 7. Preparing a teenage dancer for national championships 8. Supporting your child when they don't get the lead role 9. How attendance affects dance competition placement 10. Dance teacher perspective on high-stakes vs. low-stakes shows Why your dancer's placement is never random or impulsive. How to help your teenage dancer handle disappointment with a growth mindset. The direct link between attendance, habits (referencing Atomic Habits), and stage position. Real-life examples of "too much, too soon" and how teachers manage placement criteria for high-stakes competitions. Choreography Placement Concerns Learn how to be the "chauffeur and calendar manager" your dancer needs to succeed, and how to support them when they don't get their desired role. If you found this helpful, subscribe for more honest conversations on raising elite dancers, and share this with a dance parent who needs to hear it today!

Is your child genuinely talented, or are they just a hard worker? In this episode of the JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, explore the questions every dance parent asks but is afraid to talk about. We break down the difference between "potential" and "talent," how to navigate toxic studio politics, and when it’s actually time to consider a professional career. What we cover on this podcast Can hard work overcome physical limitations? How to interpret a teacher's "compliment" vs. real feedback. The reality of studio favoritism and jealousy. Balancing elite dance training with academic success. If you’re a parent raising a teenage dancer, this is the guide you’ve been looking for to protect your child’s passion and your sanity. Drop a comment below—let’s talk about how to handle it. Don't forget to subscribe for more honest conversations on raising a dancer! / @thejustinandinekepodcast Real questions that parents ask about their child. "recreational vs professional dance," "how to deal with dance studio politics," "dance vs academics," "signs of dance talent." "How to handle dance teacher feedback," "is dance worth it for my child?" "dealing with jealousy at dance studio," "Can hard work beat talent in dance?"

Are you prepared for your next dance audition, or are you just showing up? In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we break down the entire audition process from both sides of the table. From handling rejection and managing mental stress to knowing exactly what choreographers are looking for, we cover the essential steps to ensure you stand out for the right reasons. What we discuss: When to start your preparation. How to answer common interview questions with confidence. The "Reset, Release, and Recover" method. how to pass a dance audition" "dance audition tips for beginners" "how to deal with audition nerves" "ballet audition advice" "overcoming performance anxiety for dancers" "what to wear to a dance audition" "how to stand out in a dance audition" "mental health for dancers"

#TheJustinInekePodcast #DancePodcast #RaisingADancer Honest, professional advice on navigating the dance world. What does it actually take to go from being a student to leading a dance department? In this episode, we sit down with Nishant Bhola—dancer, teacher, and now Head of Dance Teaching—to uncover the professional insights every dance parent and student needs to hear. We dive deep into Nishant’s career transition, his philosophy on dance education, and his practical advice for parents on how to best support their children’s aspirations without losing sight of the joy of dance. Whether you're a parent of a budding ballerina or a dancer looking for your next step, this conversation is for you. If you found Nishant’s journey inspiring, make sure to subscribe and hit the bell icon! What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let us know in the comments below! "how to support my dancer," "pro dancer career path," "dance teacher advice for parents," "ballet school expectations," "dance career transitions," "male dancer journey." Dance Parent Education Professional Dance Training Dance Teacher Insights Career in Dance Dance Studio Culture Supporting Young Dancers Nishant Bhola #dancepodcast #danceparents #danceeducation #nishantbhola #dancelife #professionaldance

#TheJustinInekePodcast #DancePodcast #RaisingADancer What does masculinity mean in 2026? In this episode, Justin & Ineke dive deep into the unique pressures facing boys today—from the rise of the "manosphere" to unattainable body standards and the reality of bullying. Masculinity in 2026, boy dancers, dance parents, raising sons, male dancer bullying, body image in boys. "How to support my son in dance," "masculinity and dance," "bullying in male ballet," "modern masculinity for parents," "why boys quit dance." We share the heartbreaking story of "Max," a talented boy who now only dances alone in his bedroom, and talk to Stephan and Nishant about what it truly means to be a man across different cultures. If you’re a dance parent, a dad, or anyone trying to navigate the shifting landscape of raising sons, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we cover: The "Gender Backlash": Analyzing Gen Z data Stephan on vulnerability as a father The "Comparison Trap" in the dance studio Max’s Story: When bullying wins A Playbook for Dads: How to be the "Shield" Why "Wisdom" is the new Alpha Does your son dance? How do you handle the "masculinity" conversation at home? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your story. #maledancers #boydancers #danceparents #masculinity #parentingadvice #ballet #podcast

In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we discuss the often-misunderstood world of boys in dance. We tackle the tough questions parents face, from addressing stereotypes about sexual orientation to navigating the harsh reality of bullying in ballet. What we discuss: Does dancing determine a child's orientation? We look at the facts. Strategies for helping boys handle and resist bullying. The emotional toll of suppressing feelings and how to encourage openness. Understanding the tradition and function of dance costumes and cross-dressing in ballet. This video is a must-watch for any parent, father, or educator supporting a young male dancer. Full Podcast - Parenting a Male Ballet Dancer | What Every Parent Needs to Know About Puberty, Mindset & Stereotype - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdVke2uANwE If you found this discussion helpful, please like this video and subscribe for more parenting and dance insights. Have you or your child faced these challenges? Share your story in the comments—we'd love to hear from you. #BoysInDance #DanceParenting #BalletStereotypes #StopBullying #MaleDancers #ParentingAdvice

#TheJustinInekePodcast #DancePodcast #RaisingADancer Preparing for dance auditions can be a rollercoaster for both students and parents. In this episode, we break down the essential "dance audition tips" you need to stand out from the crowd. What panels are actually looking for, we cover the strategic side of getting that "YES" from elite training programmes. You’ll learn: How to prepare mentally and physically for high-stakes auditions. The top mistakes students make during the selection process. Actionable advice for parents on how to support their dancer without adding pressure. If you found these tips helpful, subscribe to THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST for more insights on the dance world. Drop a comment below—what’s the biggest audition challenge you’re facing right now? #danceauditions #dancetips #dancepodcast #balletaudition #danceparents #dancetraining

#TheJustinInekePodcast #DancePodcast #RaisingADancer Part two of our conversation with Jee-Eun Petitqueux, former professional ballerina and teacher at the Royal Ballet School of Antwerp. In part one she told us what happened when a teacher predicted her ballet career at age ten. This episode picks up where that left off: how she deals with the overthinking now, as a teacher, a coach, and a mother. We talk about feedback. Not how it’s delivered, but what you do with it. How to take what works, leave what doesn’t, and stop making it personal. Feedback hurts sometimes. That’s part of being a dancer. You can’t take the pain away, but you can change how it lands. We talk about what social media does to young dancers who see the finished product and never the years of work behind it. And how that comparison feeds the overthinking. Jee-Eun shares four tools she uses with her students when they’re stuck in their head. Go from your head to your centre. Focus on the next move, not the current one. Find a reset. Evaluate whether it worked. Simple enough to use before class. Powerful enough to change how a dancer trains. We talk about why the dance path is longer than teenagers think it is, why knowing what you want at a young age is a gift, and why there are more paths in the dance world than most families realise. And Jee-Eun tells us what she would say to her fifteen-year-old self, crying in a bathroom. That moment alone is worth pressing play. #DanceLife #OvercomingOverthinking #MentalPerformance #DanceTips #DancerMindset #DanceTraining #PerformanceAnxiety #DancerWellness

At ten years old, her teacher told her parents: Your daughter will become a ballerina. A dream come true. And the beginning of years of overthinking, fear of failure, and pressure she never talked about at home. TED Talk: “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” (2006) - https://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinso ... In this episode, Jee-Eun Petitqueux, a former professional ballerina and current teacher at the Royal Ballet School of Antwerp, shares what happened between that prediction and her graduation day. How she started underperforming on purpose as a teenager. How she thought about quitting. How she pushed through in silence, got the contract she always wanted, moved to South Korea for a fresh start, and discovered the doubts followed her anyway. Now she teaches young dancers and raises gifted children of her own. She sees the same patterns in her students: stuck in their head, overthinking every correction, afraid to fail. She shares what she does differently. We cover why the teenage brain can’t regulate pressure the way adults expect it to, what the beginner mindset is and why it matters for dancers, and how dance can be a powerful space for neurodivergent children. Practical tools in this episode: breathing and body awareness before class, the power move technique, when to find alone time, when to find support, and how parents can help without adding pressure. If your dancer overthinks every class, doubts themselves after every correction, or pushes through without telling you how they really feel, this one is for you. Did you ever feel this kind of pressure as a student or a parent? Drop a comment below and share your story—we’d love to hear how you navigated it! And if you found this conversation helpful, don't forget to subscribe to THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST for more honest talks about the world of dance.

What this podcast is about: "Dance mom advice teen dancers" "Coping with dance rejection" "Competitive dance studio culture" "Supporting child after losing audition" "How to be a good dance friend" Watching your child lose a lead role to a friend is one of the hardest parts of being a dance parent. In this episode of The Justin & Ineke Podcast, speak about how to handle these setbacks while protecting your child’s mindset and their friendships. We discuss: How to foster a healthy studio culture from home. The power of committing to an ensemble role with 100% effort. Practical tips for parents on reacting to "bad news" in a way that builds resilience. Why the way you react as a parent shapes your child's respect for other dancers. Share your best advice for other parents in the comments below! Don't forget to subscribe for more insights on raising resilient teenage dancers."

#TheJustinInekePodcast #DancePodcast #RaisingADancer Is your teenage dancer struggling with an injury? In this episode of The Justin & Ineke Podcast, we discuss the emotional and physical side of recovery for dancers aged 13-15. We speak about how to navigate body changes during puberty, the dangers of returning to the studio too fast, and why your child shouldn't just "stay home" while they heal. Learn how to talk to teachers about over-training and how to keep your child meaningfully involved in the dance community—even when they can't dance. If you've navigated a dance injury with your child, share your best piece of advice in the comments below. Don't forget to subscribe for more tips on raising healthy, happy dancers!" The podcast is for Parents: How to help my child with dance injury," "supporting teen dancers through recovery," "dance injury mental health for parents. Injury/Recovery: "safe return to dance after injury," "dancer recovery timeline," "mental side of dance injuries. Body/Growth: dance training during puberty," "body changes in teenage ballet dancers," "preventing growth plate injuries in dancers. The "Assistant Teacher" Role: While many talk about rest, few cover the practical "social" strategy of keeping a dancer involved as an assistant to prevent isolation. -Helps parents navigate the conversation with teachers who may be over-training their children. Gender-Specific Recovery: There’s limited content on how body changes for boys specifically affect their injury risk and recovery in the dance world. #DanceInjuries #DanceParenting #TeenDancers #DanceRecovery #InjuryPrevention #BalletParents

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?

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!

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.

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.

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.

Is your son facing bullying for dancing? In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we reflect on the emotional journey of raising a boy dancer. We break down the 7 stages of bullying and share how parents can build resilience in their children. We also tackle the "elephant in the room": why only 32% of male dancers feel supported by their fathers. We discuss masculinity, navigating puberty (the 12-year-old drop-off), and how to reconnect your child with their "intrinsic motivation" when things get tough. Whether it's ballet, contemporary, or musical theater, this is a roadmap for every dance parent to help their son flourish with confidence. Grab our book, "The Dance Advantage," for the best foundation for your child! - https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Advantage-creative-resilient-children/dp/178133899XIf you're a dad watching this podcast and have questions or suggestions, feel free to email us at hello@justinandineke.com . Our previous podcast: Parenting a Male Ballet Dancer | What Every Parent Needs to Know About Puberty, Mindset & Stereotype - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdVke2uANwERaising a Male Ballet Dancer: Deal with Bullying, Build Confidence & Break Gender Stereotypes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjDWXEcUlKo The topics that we covered Raising a boy dancer Boys in ballet bullying* Father-son relationship dance* Masculinity and male dancers* Male dancer puberty challenges* Resilience for kid performers We are committed to providing emotional support for fathers of male dancers, and we share specific strategies for navigating the "Stages of Bullying" mentioned.

Raising a dancer comes with unique challenges, but nothing is harder than seeing them sidelined by an injury. In this episode of THE JUSTIN & INEKE PODCAST, we speak about the reality of dance injuries—from the physical recovery of our son to the mental toll, self-doubt, and self-image impact on our dance students. We discuss: • Common causes of dance injuries and how to prevent them. •Navigating the mental health impact and "injury self-doubt." • The teacher's dilemma: Pushing for excellence while staying safe. • Practical steps for parents during the recovery process. Whether you're dealing with an old injury coming back or looking for prevention tips, this guide is for every dance parent who wants their child to succeed safely. Subscribe for more insights on raising healthy, confident dancers!