Season 3 Ep:08 Resilience is one of the most used words in the dance world, yet it is often misunderstood. Many dancers think it means pushing through pain, hiding disappointment, or toughening up so no one can see them crack. In truth, that is suppression, not resilience. In this episode, Kate explores the real meaning of resilience: the ability to feel emotions fully, process them, and move forward with balance and adaptability. She unpacks why emotional processing is the foundation of true resilience, and how dancers can avoid the rigidity that comes from burying feelings. Kate also discusses the role of the nervous system in managing setbacks, offering practical tools like breathwork, grounding, shaking out tension, and recovery rituals. Teachers and parents will find guidance on how to create safe spaces for disappointment, support dancers without rushing them to “get over it,” and celebrate recoveries as much as wins. Key insights include: The difference between resilience and suppression. Why emotional processing strengthens dancers. Nervous system regulation tools for stress and setbacks. Recovery rituals that help dancers reset. Practical exercises for classrooms, auditions, and home life. How teachers and parents can nurture resilience by shifting focus from outcomes to experiences. Resilience in dance is not about becoming harder. It is about staying open, adaptable, and connected so challenges do not close dancers down. Resources Mentioned Film, Name, Frame exercise. Emotion Debrief after auditions or performances. Reset Breath pause in class. Creative Resilience Journal. Parent check-in: comfort, advice, or space. Closing Reflection Resilience is essential in dance, but it cannot be built on suppression. When dancers are supported to process emotions, they develop resilience that sustains them not only through training but through life. 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @dance_real_podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms   Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share—and what my guests share—is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation—not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

Season 3 Ep:07 Australian Dance Adjudicators President Lisa Maloney joins Kate Histon to unpack what high-quality judging looks like in practice: core competencies, the balance of technique and stagecraft, and how clear feedback helps dancers and teachers improve. Lisa explains how adjudicators calibrate consistency across sections using the first performance as an anchor; how to structure voice or written critiques so competitors leave with one or two applicable notes; and how to address age appropriateness in music and costuming while maintaining psychological safety. The conversation covers how an adjudicator runs the day, progressive placing, and timekeeping that respects young performers. It also explores bias management, professional boundaries on social media, and the values that sustain trust in competitive settings. Trends and training are discussed with attention to musical phrasing, trick-heavy choreography, and safeguarding developing bodies, alongside thoughts on the future of voice critiques and the importance of live theatre.   🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @dance_real_podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms   Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.   #DanceJudge #DanceMindset #DanceTeachers #DanceParents #DanceTraining #AustralianDanceAdjudicator #DancerWellbeing #DanceEducation #KateHiston #LisaMaloney

Season 3 Ep:06 In this inspirational episode, Kate Histon sits down with Austin Crumley, The Ballet Educator, to discuss what human-centred ballet looks like inside a working dance studio. The conversation focuses on leadership in the room: steady pacing that protects attention; brief readiness check-ins; clear boundaries that keep learning safe; feedback that is specific and proportionate; and closing rituals that help dancers integrate the work. They discuss why teachers should avoid teaching from fear, and how personal reflection, therapy, or supervision supports cleaner decision-making so past baggage is not carried into the studio. Social and emotional wellbeing sits alongside technical standards, with practical ideas for reading early fatigue, aligning demands with current capacity, and communicating with parents. Austin talks about periodic training: phasing effort across busy periods, tapering before performances, and protecting recovery after peaks. The aim is simple and rigorous: high standards that respect bodies, minds, and relationships. A must listen episode! To find out more about Austin visit his instagram @theballeteductor 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @dance_real_podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms   Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided. #HumanCentred #DanceMindset #periodictraining #AustinCrumley #DanceTeachers #DanceParents #DanceTraining #MentalHealthInDance #DancerWellbeing #DanceEducation #KateHiston #perfectionism

Season 3 Ep:05 In this solo episode of Dance Real Podcast, Kate explores perfectionism in the lives of pre-professional dancers. While perfectionism can sharpen detail and raise standards, it can also drain confidence, increase anxiety, and diminish joy. Kate unpacks how perfectionism shows up in daily habits, inner self-talk, and relationships with teachers and parents. She offers practical strategies that both teachers and parents can use to support dancers in balancing excellence with self-compassion. Topics in this episode include: The difference between healthy high standards and perfectionism Why language from teachers and parents deeply shapes a dancer’s inner voice Practical exercises such as progress journaling, the 80% rule, and “mistake rituals” How parents can reframe post-performance conversations at home The importance of modelling imperfection as adults Protecting a dancer’s identity and joy by encouraging life outside of dance By the end of the episode, listeners will walk away with tangible tools to help dancers thrive both in and beyond the studio.   🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @dance_real_podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms   Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.   #DanceResilience #DanceMindset #EmotionalResilience #HealthyDanceCulture #DanceTeachers #DanceParents #DanceTraining #MentalHealthInDance #DancerWellbeing #DanceEducation #KateHiston #perfectionism

Season 3 Ep:04 Illuminating Mental Wellness in Dance Trigger Warning:This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges such as perfectionism, anxiety, body image, and eating disorders. Listener discretion is advised. If you are affected by these topics, please reach out for professional support or visit local mental health resources in your area. In this episode of Dance Real Podcast, Kate speaks with the founders of the Ilumn Collective: Kari Brunson Wright, Josh Spell, and Rachel Coats. All three are former professional dancers who have transformed their lived experience into work supporting the mental wellness of dancers today. Together they explore the challenges dancers face with perfectionism, body image, self-worth, and identity, and share how Ilumn Collective is creating accessible tools for mental health in dance training and professional companies. Their reflections highlight what dancers, parents, and teachers can do to foster healthier training environments while honouring the joy of dance. Topics covered: The transition from professional performance to supporting dancer wellness. Perfectionism and self-criticism in both pre-professional and professional dancers. The role of body image and nutrition pressures in ballet culture. The importance of self-compassion and building resilience. Social media and its impact on young dancers’ mental health. Guidance for parents, teachers, and company directors in supporting dancers. Why identity beyond dance is essential for long-term wellbeing. Whether you are a dancer, parent, teacher, or simply someone who loves the art form, this conversation offers insight, honesty, and practical wisdom. To find out more about Ilumn visit Instagram @the_ilumn_collective 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @dance_real_podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share—and what my guests share—is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional.   The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation—not to harm or misrepresent.   By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, I sit down with mother–daughter duo Kate and Kyra Martinov to explore the shared journey of teaching, parenting, and dancing together. Kate reflects on her own path from small-town beginnings to performing overseas and eventually founding Bay Dance Academy in Nelson Bay. She shares the joys and challenges of teaching her daughter within a family-run studio while balancing the transitions of career and family life. Kyra, now in the Queensland Ballet’s pre-professional program, speaks candidly about the pressures of elite training, the role of journaling and routines in maintaining balance, and the grounding influence of time spent in nature. Together, Kate and Kyra reflect on the values of respect, openness, and resilience that supported their relationship both inside and outside the studio. Listeners will hear: The realities of navigating a mother–daughter relationship in a dance studio. How family values shape training environments and dancer wellbeing. Strategies for managing stress, discipline, and pressure as a pre-professional dancer. Reflections on resilience, joy, and what sustains a love for dance. Stay tuned right to the end of the conversation for some very exciting news about Kyra’s next chapter. 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @dance_real_podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms   Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

Season Three: Ep:02 In this solo episode, Kate explores trauma-aware teaching in the dance studio through a clear, practical lens: how the nervous system adapts under sustained pressure; why safety and rigour must be held together; and what this looks like in daily practice. She defines trauma awareness for studio settings, distinguishes it from therapy, and offers concrete habits that protect dignity and sustain excellence: specific correction without humiliation; pacing that reads signs of overwhelm and allows brief regulation; structured choice that preserves agency without lowering expectations; calm, consistent boundaries that build trust; and a culture that names effort, risk, and process as foundations for long-term skill. Kate also reflects on how well-meant mindset tools can drift into gaslighting when safety is absent, and why self-reflection for teachers and parents reduces the pull to repeat harmful norms. The episode closes with a steady premise: when safety and rigour are integrated, dancers carry technical mastery with self-respect, and studios mature into environments that people trust 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @dance_real_podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms   Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.   #traumaawaredanceteacher #DanceMindset #traumaaware #DanceTeachers #DanceParents #DanceTraining #MentalHealthInDance #DancerWellbeing #DanceEducation #KateHiston #perfectionism

Season Three Ep: 01 Opens with artist, advocate and thought leader Josef Brown: former Soloist with The Australian Ballet; principal performer with Sydney Dance Company; featured artist with Modern Dance Turkey in Ankara. His range spans ballet and contemporary stages, musical theatre, film, and television, including roles in Dance Academy, Spartacus, and Neighbours. He now channels that breadth into creative work and sector advocacy, and he leads The Library Aesthetic, a curated hub for credible dance health and education. Josef traces the inner terrain beneath the resume: a late start and a sense of belonging at The McDonald College; the culture shock of The Australian Ballet School; the anxious mask many performers develop in high stakes settings. He reflects on injury as a turning point, the move into contemporary work, and the different demands of screen performance. Together we consider teaching as its own craft, how to awaken intrinsic drive, the limits of a trick focus in training, and the value of evidence informed resources for studios and young dancers. Through it all the throughline is clear: curiosity, disciplined process, and connection to self, others, music, and space. To find out more about The Library Aesthetic DANCE MEDIA visit https://thelibraryaesthetic.com 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @dance_real_podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms   Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided. #KateHiston #JosefBrown #DanceRealPodcast #DanceEducation #DanceHealth #Ballet #ContemporaryDance #DanceTeacher #PerformanceAnxiety #TheLibraryAesthetic

Episode Summary In this short solo episode, Kate reflects on the journey of Season 2 of The Dance Real Podcast—a season filled with bold conversations, personal stories, expert insights, and unapologetic truths about the dance world.   From examining competition culture and coercive power dynamics to unpacking pedagogical frameworks, parenting roles, emotional safety, and embodied creativity, Season 2 has taken us on a deeply human ride through the layers of dance training and artistic growth.   Kate shares her personal highlights, recurring themes that emerged, and the growing movement toward more conscious, holistic, and empowered dance environments.   This episode also includes a heartfelt invitation: If you have a story that aligns with the purpose of Dance Real—whether it’s about harm, healing, leadership, or liberation—Kate would love to hear from you. ⸻ Themes Explored in Season 2: •Rethinking competition and performance-based identities •Boundaries, consent, and safety in training spaces •Teaching methods, pedagogy, and community impact •Improvisation as a creative and personal life philosophy •The dance parent’s role: what helps, what harms •Nutrition, perfectionism, and the dancer’s body •Recognizing and healing from coercive systems •Reclaiming emotional and creative agency in dance ⸻ Connect & Share Your Story   Have a personal or professional story that could inspire, inform, or challenge the dance community? Kate is currently curating Season 3 and welcomes diverse voices from dancers, teachers, adjudicators, parents, and beyond.   📩 Reach out via Instagram: @katehiston 🌐 Or submit via website: www.katehiston.com   ⸻ Leave a Review or Share the Podcast If you’ve found value in these episodes, please consider leaving a rating and review on your podcast platform—it helps more people find Dance Real. And if there’s an episode that resonated with you, share it with a friend or fellow creative.   Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share—and what my guests share—is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional.   The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation—not to harm or misrepresent.   By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

Season Two  Ep:14 Dance Real Reflections: How to be a Dance Mum without Losing Yourself or Your Child   In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate pulls back the curtain on the powerful influence dance parents have—not just on their child’s dance journey, but on their emotional wellbeing. Speaking from her own lived experience growing up with a well meaning but high-pressure dance mum, and later navigating the dance world as a teacher, studio owner, and parent herself, Kate explores the fine line between support and pressure. She dives into the do’s and don’ts for dance parents, sharing insight into how to foster autonomy, emotional resilience, and a healthy passion for dance—without unknowingly tipping into control or perfectionism. Whether you’re a dance parent, teacher, or just someone curious about the unspoken dynamics behind the scenes, this episode offers a real, raw, and constructive conversation about what kids really need to thrive.   🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @dance_real_podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms    Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share—and what my guests share—is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation—not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

Season Two  Ep: 16 Starving For Success? Dance Nutrition and the Truth No one Talks About with Dr. Stephanie Potreck. In this powerful episode of the Dance Real Podcast, host Kate Histon is joined by medical doctor and dance nutritionist Dr. Stephanie Podreck, whose career spans medicine, sports nutrition, and global health—and is deeply rooted in her own experience as a professional dancer. Together, they unpack the often-unspoken realities of dancer health, including: * The connection between under-fuelling, delayed development, and injury—and why this is still a crisis decades after the research emerged. * The emotional roots of disordered eating, including trauma, perfectionism, and unstable family dynamics. * How dance schools can be both a trigger and a solution—and what red flags to watch for in students. * Why a dancer’s performance suffers not from a lack of willpower—but a lack of food, rest, and recovery. * What a healthy day of meals and snacks looks like for a 14-year-old dancer. * The hard truths about some European schools, including outdated pedagogy, poor student welfare, and the emotional toll of international transitions. * Strategies for supporting dancers moving overseas, including food prep, housing, and building resilience. * The psychological harm of body shaming and archaic teaching—and why the dance world must evolve now. Dr. Podreck also shares how her clinic, AusDancers Overseas, supports dancers in building sustainable health practices from pre-professional training into company life. This conversation is essential listening for: ✔️ Dance teachers ✔️ Studio owners ✔️ Parents of aspiring dancers ✔️ Students navigating elite training Get In Touch with Stephanie Potreck 🌐 Website: www.ausdancersoverseas.com 📷 Instagram: @ausdancersoverseas 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world:🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com📷 Instagram: @katehiston @Dance_Real_Podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms After Show Notes: The book Kate referred to is correctly called "Apollo’s Angels": A History of Ballet is authored by Jennifer Homans, a former professional ballerina turned dance scholar and critic. It offers a sweeping cultural and historical examination of ballet from its Renaissance origins to modern times.   Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share—and what my guests share—is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation—not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses panic disorder, which may be distressing for some listeners. Season TwoEp:14 I’m happy to share that I have lived panic disorder–free for over 22 years and continue to enjoy a high-performance life supported by meditation, health, and wellbeing practices in my everyday world.  Over more than two decades of leading my own dance studio, I stepped into my strength and power as a leader; experience that now informs my work as a high-performance mindset coach for dancers and mentor in leadership to educators and parents helping strengthen confidence, emotional awareness, and sustainable success. I also work as an international dance adjudicator. In this episode, I reflect on last week’s conversation with trauma integration specialist Kellie Rhea about coercive control in the dance industry. I respond to thoughtful questions about my own healing journey, sharing how I navigated panic disorder, the transition from stage to teaching, and the importance of resilience, self-worth, and emotional safety in dance. I also discuss perfectionism, anxiety, and how teachers and parents can create open, supportive dialogue that helps dancers thrive. After Note: 'In sharing my story, it's important to find the right support for you. For me that meant combining professional guidance with a psychotherapist who had lived through similar experiences and my training in Human Behaviour and somatic practices'.    🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @Dance_Real_Podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms   Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share—and what my guests share—is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation—not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

Season Two · Episode 13 Bloodied Pointe Shoes and Coercive Control – Healing the Dance World with Kellie Rhea   In this transformative conversation, I’m joined by trauma specialist and cult-aware educator Kellie Rhea to explore how hidden systems of control quietly shape the dance world—and how we can heal from them. Together, we unpack the subtle ways that “excellence” can mask unhealthy pressure, the intergenerational expectations dancers carry, and how the body stores the stress and fear that arise in performance-driven environments. I share personal reflections from my own journey—including a pivotal moment confronting a coercive parent as a studio owner, the emotional impact of my early training, and the raw promise I made to my younger self during the hardest days of panic disorder.   Kellie offers powerful insights into how dancers, teachers, and parents can: 💛 Recognize harmful systems early 💛 Reclaim self-trust and autonomy 💛 Return to dance as a space for authentic expression and growth   This episode is a must-listen for dancers, teachers, parents—or anyone healing from toxic systems and seeking a healthier future for the next generation of performers.   After Notes Show Note from Kate: The letter I refer to in this episode was one I wrote to the principal of my first ballet school, addressing the emotional and physical harm I experienced there.   You’ll hear me get emotional in this episode. Even healed stories can carry weight. I share this not for sympathy, but to remind anyone listening—you’re not alone.”   Topics Covered What coercive control looks like in dance and high-performance spaces The difference between discipline and domination Parentification, infantilization, and the “teacher as god” phenomenon Loyalty, compliance, and why some systems reward silence Trauma stored in the body and the cost of emotional suppression Fawning, people-pleasing, and self-abandonment as survival strategies What true autonomy and trauma-informed environments look like How to spot red flags in schools, studios, and leadership structures Resources Mentioned 💡 Red Flags of Coercive Systems – Ask yourself: Are disagreement and questioning allowed—or punished? Is discomfort explored—or reframed as resistance? Are students becoming more confident—or more dependent and afraid? Can people say no? If “no” means punishment, there is no real agency. Is leadership rooted in shared humanity—or upheld by hierarchy and conformity? 📚 Recommended Reading & Tools: Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker → www.pete-walker.com Search “Pete Walker C-PTSD” on YouTube for free talks and explanations Learn about spiritual bypassing (term coined by John Welwood) Key Definitions: Infantilization: Treating capable individuals as helpless, creating dependency Future faking: Promising future rewards to gain present-day compliance Toxic positivity: Forcing cheerfulness or suppressing discomfort Fawning: Trauma response marked by people-pleasing to stay safe   Connect with Kellie Rhea 📎 Instagram: @iamkellierhea   Stay Connected with Kate 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston | @Dance_Real_Podcast | @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms

Season Two Ep:15   In this episode of The Dance Real Podcast, Kate unpacks the often-hidden emotional dynamics that dancers, teachers, and leaders navigate in high-pressure environments—including covert competition, credit theft, love bombing, and silent sabotage. Drawing from lived experience not only as a dancer, teacher, studio owner, and adjudicator (as well as her professional training in Human Behaviour)—but also as someone who grew up around emotionally complex dynamics—Kate offers a blend of personal insight, professional perspective, and trauma-informed strategies to help dancers protect their energy and trust their instincts. With clear tools and boundary-setting practices, this episode empowers listeners to prioritise emotional well-being and rise above manipulative behaviour—on and off the dance floor.   🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @dance_real_podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms    Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share—and what my guests share—is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation—not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

Season Two Ep: 11 Finding Your Voice - Exploring Identity, Power, and Pedagogy with Dr Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Dr. Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel shares her extensive journey in dance scholarship, exploring the cultural influences that shaped her education and career. She discusses the transformative power of dance education, the importance of finding one's voice, and the role of empathy in teaching. Kathrina emphasizes the need for curiosity and evolution in the dance world, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The conversation highlights the significance of community, the recovery of historical figures in dance, and the impact of technology on education. Ultimately, Kathrina offers valuable advice for young dancers, encouraging them to keep an open mind and embrace their unique paths in the dance world.   Get In Touch with Dr Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel 🌐 Website: www.drfarrugiakriel.com   🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @Dance_Real_Podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms    Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share—and what my guests share—is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation—not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

Season Two  Ep: 10 Improvisation in the Art of Life - Dance Real Reflection   In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate explores the concept of improvisation not just in dance but as a vital life practice. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity over judgment, the need for spaciousness in our actions, and the detrimental effects of harsh self-judgment. Kate encourages listeners to embrace improvisation as a mindset that allows for exploration, growth, and self-kindness, ultimately viewing life as a dynamic and evolving score where we are the dancers.   🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world:🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com📷 Instagram: @katehiston @Dance_Real_Podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms   Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share—and what my guests share—is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional.   The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation—not to harm or misrepresent.   By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

Season Two Ep: 09 Dance is Broken? Improvisation Might be the Fix In this rich and heartfelt conversation, Kate Histon reconnects with longtime friend and fellow dance educator Jen Murray to reflect on their shared roots in Byron Bay and the evolving landscape of dance education. Together, they explore Jen’s journey through contemporary dance, her deep belief in the power of improvisation, and the essential role it plays in unlocking creativity and confidence—especially for classical ballet dancers. Jen opens up about the art of guiding students through improvisation, the joy of collaborative choreography, and the importance of creating emotionally safe spaces. A central theme throughout is practicing responsiveness in teaching—meeting students where they are, adapting with empathy, and staying attuned to both the energy in the room and the individual dancer’s needs. The episode also delves into the interplay between motherhood and teaching, the cultural shifts reshaping how we nurture young dancers, and the responsibility educators carry in shaping not just skilled technicians, but expressive and empowered artists. This episode is a warm, wisdom-filled listen for anyone passionate about the heart behind the technique. 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world:🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com📷 Instagram: @katehiston @Dance_Real_Podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms   Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share—and what my guests share—is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation—not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

Season Two Episode:08 Dance Real Reflection "Integrating the Mind, Body and Soul" In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate Histon dives deep into what it truly means to develop a Master Dancer Mindset—one that unites the mind, body, and soul. Far beyond steps and technique, Kate challenges traditional training norms and reveals how intuition, presence, and emotional intelligence are often the missing links in performance and artistry. She explores how these inner tools can elevate not only a dancer’s ability but also their confidence, wellbeing, and connection to self. Whether you’re a dancer, teacher, or parent, Kate shares powerful and practical insights to help nurture whole humans—not just polished performers. Tune in to discover: * Why integrating the mind, body, and soul matters now more than ever * How intuition and inner awareness can transform stage presence * What practical shifts studios and families can make to support deeper growth This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to redefine success in dance through a more conscious and holistic lens. 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston @dance_real_podcast @Master_Dancer_Mindset    Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share—and what my guests share—is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation—not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

Season Two Episode: 07 ‘The Power of Intuition in Dance' with Professor Allison Pagano In this enlightening conversation, Kate Histon speaks with Alison Pagano, a former dance professor and creator of Embodied Dance. They explore the profound connection between intuition, mental health, and the dance industry. Alison shares her personal journey of healing through dance, the importance of self-acceptance, and how embodied practices can transform both dancers and their art. The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift in the dance community towards a more holistic approach that values emotional well-being and authentic expression.   Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share—and what my guests share—is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation—not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

Season Two Episode: 06 Dance Real Reflections : How I Approached Dance Competitions as A Dance Studio Owner   In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate Histon discusses the complexities of dance competitions, emphasizing the importance of managing competition culture within studios, the role of parents, and the significance of feedback in judging. She shares her experiences and insights on creating a supportive environment for dancers, the value of personal development, and the need for balance in dance education. The conversation highlights the importance of leadership and informed decision-making in navigating the competitive landscape of dance.   Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share—and what my guests share—is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation—not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.