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.