The Casual Dance Teacher's Podcast

Maintaining Teacher Retention and Relationships with Kelly Groves

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kelly Groves joins me in today's episode to discuss the importance and implementation of clear communication and organized systems to keep dance teach...

Building a Social Story for Your Dance Recital

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Social stories are a fantastic tool to help your students with high sensory needs prepare for and process the overwhelm of a dance recital! And whil...

Cecchetti Ballet Technique with Brian Andrews

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, part 3 of our series on different ballet methodologies, I chat with Brian Andrews about his experience with learning and implement...

Meditative Practices for the Dance Classroom with Amanda Couturier-Cormier

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On today's episode, I had the privilege of chatting with Amanda Couturier-Cormier about how and why she incorporates meditation and mindfulness exerci...

Cleaning Choreography with Easy-to-Find Props and Tools.

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As we're working on choreography for competitions, recitals, showcases, etc, our dance classes may begin to feel a little stale. Bringing a novel pr...

RAD Ballet Technique with Kelly Douglas

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, part 2 of our series on different ballet methodologies, I chat with Kelly Douglas about her experience with learning and implement...

Tips for Teaching Mixed-Level Dance Classes

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The great debate - should you organize your dance class levels by age, or by technical level? Today's episode isn't really about defending one side ...

Making Music for Dance Instruction with Chris and Jenny Tyler

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do you love love? Do you love finding music for your dance classes that's actually fun and engaging for the students while also teaching them dance ...

Celebrate Love with These Dance Class / Studio Valentine's Ideas

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Y'all know I LOVE LOVE, so it should be no surprise I'm gearing up to celebrate Valentine's Day all month long with fun little crafts and activities t...

Vaganova Ballet Technique with Pamela Lauer

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I chat with County Ballet's Pamela Lauer about her experience with learning and implementing Vaganova technique, the benefits of f...

Sneaky "Sales" Tricks that Help with Classroom Management

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You might not think the average dance teacher has much in common with a used car salesman, but as someone who worked in both sales and dance education...

SWOT Analysis for Dance Teachers

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Most dance teachers do it for their passion and love of the art of dance - which is great! But that can also lend itself to getting stuck in situati...

Resolving to Practice Creativity with Jess Grippo

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What better way to kick off 2026 than with part 2 of my fabulous conversation with Jess Grippo, exploring the many ways that dance educators can explo...

Breaking Down the Basics with Kathryn Bisland

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why your students seem to plateau at a certain age/level, or why you find yourself giving the same corrections OVER and OVER an...

Training for a Career in Commercial Dance with Angela Elgani

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're joined by the fabulous Angela Elgani to talk all things commercial dance! To give you a brief overview of Angela's resume, she is a danc...

A Dance Therapy Perspective on Teaching Practices with Erica Hornthal and Rae Luskin

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We have the incredible treat of TWO esteemed guests on today's episode - Erica Hornthal and Rae Luskin! After seeking out Erica's Dance/Movement The...

Building Brain-Body Connection with Mariah-Jane Thies

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As a dance teacher, do you throw information at your students and wonder why that same correction you keep giving isn't sticking, or do you work colla...

Lessons from My West African Dance Experience

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode combines dance lessons with life lessons, and don't they so often go together?! While I don't feel equiped to speak specifically abo...

Assessing Students' Growth Pt 2 with Chelsea Weidmann

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The dance world is extremely inconsistent when it comes to assessing growth and providing feedback to students in a comprehensive and constructive way...

Assessing Students' Growth Pt 1 with Danielle Aliotta

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The dance world is extremely inconsistent when it comes to assessing growth and providing feedback to students in a comprehensive and constructive way...

Fall Fun Re-Run + BONUS GAMES!

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Halloween! To celebrate the season, we're throwing it back to some of my favorite fall-themed dance class activities and games from season one...

Choreography Month 2.0 - Refreshing Your Formations and Transitions

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For the next couple weeks, I'm going to help you work through any aspect of choreography that might have you feeling "stuck." In this episode, I sha...

Choreography Month 2.0 - Coming Up With Movement When You're Feeling Stuck

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For the next couple weeks, I'm going to help you work through any aspect of choreography that might have you feeling "stuck." In this episode, I dis...

Choreography Month 2.0 - Inspiration for Themes

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For the next couple weeks, I'm going to help you work through any aspect of choreography that might have you feeling "stuck." In this episode, I pro...

Improv. Practices for the Classroom and Choreography with Angela Gallo

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are your students comfortable improvising, or do they freeze up at the mention of it? In today's episode, I had the opportunity to talk to dancer/ch...

Board Games for Dance Class

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I am a firm believer in having as many tools on hand as possible for days when you need to quickly re-engage students, bring the class together, and/o...

What To Do When the "Dancer" Identity No Longer Fits with Stephanie Case

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's arguably impossible to become a dance teacher without first identifying as a dancer, but what happens when you feel that that identity no longer ...

No-Prep Dance Class Games for All Ages!

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I don't care what style/age group/program/level/genre of dance you teach...I'd bet there's been some time in your teaching career that you "gamified...

What's in My Dance Bag?

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As an experienced casual dance teacher, what have I learned to ALWAYS keep in my bag to be prepared for class every week? Find out on today's episod...

The Making of a Dance Fitness Class with Mariana Santos

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a current dance fitness instructor, or thinking of teaching dance fitness classes or offering them at your studio as an added revenue stream? ...

Planning Your Dance Season for Peak Performance

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I'm putting together some bits and pieces of what I learned throughout last season - both in the classroom and on the podcast! - t...

Emergency Preparedness for Dance Teachers with Andy Roszak

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As much as we hate to acknowledge it, all of us have probably given some thought to what we'd do if an emergency situation of some sort were to arise ...

Back to School Icebreakers for All Ages

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As frequently requested, here is a quick run-down of some of my favorite ice-breaker activities to get students of all ages familiar and comfortable w...

Rediscovering Your Creative Identity with Jess Grippo

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Well friends, I told you we'd be taking some time this season to delve into identity and personal development this season, and I didn't waste any time...

Season 2 Opener - Weird Personal Story Time (and why I'm telling you)!

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ahhh, here we are at the start of season two! Time to dive back in - but wait?! I have some personal news to share with you! Listen to a quick l...

BONUS EPISODE: Designing Dance for Theater with Tiffany Rea-Fisher

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's special bonus episode of The Casual Dance Teacher's Podcast, I chat with decorated choreographer Tiffany Rea-Fisher about her work as a cho...

Season One Finale!

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Oh my goodness, it's the end of season one of the Casual Dance Teacher's Podcast! We're wrapping up with a quick recap of the amazing highlights of se...

Deciphering Dance Media with Danielle Guillermo

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How can I stay up-to-date on the latest dance news without falling down a social media rabbit-hole? How can I convey current dance events to my danc...

Teaching Adult Beginner Dance Students with Lindsey Dinneen

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you interested in offering dance programming for adult dancers either picking up dance for the first time or continuing their education after time...

Tips for Teaching Mixed-Age Dance Classes

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The great debate - should you organize your dance class levels by age, or by technical level? Today's episode isn't really about defending one side ...

Teaching Dance Through Meaningful Gestures with Anabella Lenzu

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You can have all the drills, exercises, and teacher "hacks" in the world, but if there's not meaning and intention behind everything you and your stud...

What's in My Dance Bag? Recital Edition

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wrapping up our "recital prep" unit on the podcast, I thought it would be fun to share a breakdown of everything I make sure to have with me in my dan...

Choreography Cleaning Games and Activities You Might Not Have Tried Yet!

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Next up in our "recital prep" unit on the podcast are some of my favorite ways to get recital dances clean without boring your students (too much 🙂...

The Casual Dance Teacher's Recital Prep Checklist

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're kicking off a new "recital prep" unit on the podcast with today's episode taking you line by line through my mental checklist of items I need to...

Crafting Creative Solos with Jason Pickett

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dancer, educator, choreographer (and more) Jason Pickett, who you may better know as @heyitspickett on social media, is here to talk us through his pr...

Fostering a Healthy Dance Business with Alison Foster Jones

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm breaking my own "we don't need business advice; we're casual dance teachers" rule by having dance studio owner and business coach Alison Fos...

Valentine's Day Special: Love Notes to The Art of Teaching Dance

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Love is in the air! <3 In honor of Valentine's day, today I'm reading listener-submitted notes on why YOU love teaching dance! Cozy up with you...

Dance Photography 101 with Ian Howe

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ian Howe is Back! And today we're talking dance photography! The burning question on my mind - what made the man with 500 jobs decide to start a d...

How to Fill that Awkward Transition Time Between Classes

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I know I can't be the only teacher that just dreads that awkward transition time when you're dismissing one class and the next is waiting to begin! ...

Mental Training for Dancers with April Lorenzi

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ok, so if you read the title, you won't have to guess what the "Secret Dance Technique" is, as I suggest in the intro to this episode - it's MENTAL te...

Building on Technique While Teaching Choreography

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time of year...the pressure's on to teach recital choreography, and so often that means "sacrificing" the class time previously spent on tec...

Fundamentals of Tap with Christine Denny

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether or not you teach tap dance specifically, you're in for a treat with this episode with the fabulous Christine Denny! Denny is a renowned tap ...

Designing a Genuinely Inclusive Dance Program with Veronica Vasquez Garcia

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Veronica Vasquez Garcia is the creator of Moves Made 4 Me, a developmental movement program that combines life skills with dance, as well as the found...

2024 Recap - My Top Takeaways and Tidbits!

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Wow - what a year! Since launching in June, I've learned SO MUCH from my amazing line-up of distinguished guests, and from connecting with listeners...

"Diversify" - Building a Dance Career that Fuels You with Ian Howe

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The word of the day is "Diversify!" Hear from Choreographer, Studio Owner, Competition Adjudicator, Teacher, Photographer, Performer...basically ALL...

When am I Supposed to Lesson Plan?!

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

So by now we've established that we SHOULD have at least a general curriculum and lesson plans for each of the dance classes that we teach...but as bu...

Don't Sell Yourself Short - Dance Business Coaching with Audra Queen

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are a LOT of dance teachers and coaches out there, but most specialize in coaching technique, steps/skills, consistency...few specialize in coac...

Ho-Ho-Holiday Activities for Dance Class!

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Time for season's greetings, holiday cheer, and students (and teachers!) who are already mentally checked ...

Coaching Artistry in Dance with Amie Bush

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are a LOT of dance teachers and coaches out there, but most specialize in coaching technique, steps/skills, consistency...few specialize in coac...

Trick Steps - Do We Even Need Them?!

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ugh, trick steps; I love to hate 'em! As casual dance teachers, should we be teaching our students trick steps? Do they have a place in EVERY sty...

Competition Prep for Recreational Dancers with Olivia Lou

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Olivia Lou is a dance educator and competition adjudicator here to tell us how to prepare any and all students to attend a dance competition - regardl...

Applied Behavior Analysis Practices for Dance Teachers

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is a follow-up on episode number 22 with guest Isaac Iskra. After reflecting upon that conversation, I decided (on a last-minute whi...

An Autistic Perspective on Choreography and Dance Education with Isaac Iskra

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Isaac Iskra, founder of Nefelaba Dance Theater, shares his experience in developing his craft as a dancer and choreographer with A...

Body and Mind Self-Care for Dance Teachers with Rachel Jenks

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today Rachel Jenks, aka "The Booty-Kicking Ballerina," shares her story of completely running her body into the ground in pursuit of her dream career ...

Consent-Informed Dance Education with Nicole Perry

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nicole Perry is an intimacy director, intimacy coordinator, and dance choreographer who's worked in film, theater, and dance to empower and educate pe...

Fall Fun! Halloween and Fall-Themed Ideas for Dance Classes.

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Say it with me...WE LOVE A THEME! Here are a few of my favorite Halloween and fall-themed activities to implement all month long for fun and engagin...

Teaching Culturally Sensitive Hip-Hop with Neo Lynch

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you teach Hip-Hop, or are planning to teach Hip-Hop at any point in the future, you NEED to listen to this amazing crash-course from today's specia...

Dance Education as Ministry with Maria Daniel

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Multi-Award-Winning choreographer, educator, author, lawyer and mentor Maria Daniel joins us today to talk about her program iDance Ministry, "Project...

“Dancetok” and Navigating Teaching in the Social Media Era with Alicia Mae Holloway

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After 16 episodes, most of you know that I have a tendency to hate on TikTok, Dance Influencers, and Social Media in general, so buckle up for this on...

Back to Class - Activities and Tips to Learn Students' Names Fast!

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello and welcome from one of the WORST name-learners out there! I have struggled with remembering students names since I first started teaching, bu...