The Decision to Dance Podcast

Priscilla interviews Naomi Chan, a 28-year-old psychiatric nurse practitioner from San Francisco who began dancing in college eight years ago. Naomi shares her journey from joining a cultural dance group at Vanderbilt University to becoming part of the vibrant Bay Area dance community, where she now competes with the hip hop team, Pursuit of Passion. She discusses balancing her demanding career with her passion for dance, emphasizing how dance serves as essential mental health relief and creative expression. Throughout the conversation, Naomi reflects on overcoming plateaus, handling team audition rejections, developing her groove skills, and learning to dance with...

In this episode of the Decision to Dance Podcast, Priscilla Piper shares her transformative perspective on failure and how it has shaped her as a dancer. She describes viewing her accumulated failures which now empowers her rather than defeats her. She encourages dancers to be proud of their struggles and hardships, as these experiences ultimately make them stronger, more intentional performers. 

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Music By: Augusto Diniz

This podcast episode features Lynley Mackay, a 63-year-old lawyer from Sydney, Australia, who discovered dance in her late 40's. Overcoming the challenges of starting dance for the first time, she persisted and became completely addicted once she experienced the magic of choreography and music becoming one. Lynley emphasizes that dance has become her "soul food" and is a mental health practice, which helps her process the emotional weight of her legal work. She advocates strongly against age-related self-defeat, having started circus arts in her mid-50's, and believes being a beginner keeps you mentally young and builds brain plasticity...

Priscilla discusses why she embraces being the worst dancer in the room, emphasizing that her love for dance and the learning process outweighs the discomfort of being less skilled than other dancers. She challenges listeners to examine whether their self-worth is too dependent on external validation in comparison to other dancers. Priscilla encourages dancers to view being the least experienced person in any setting—whether in dance class, at work, or in life—as an exciting opportunity for growth rather than a source of shame and embarrassment. 

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Priscilla interviews Elena Auclaire, a 23-year-old teacher from Northern Virginia who shares her dance journey from childhood ballet through adult open-style classes. Elena shares her experience on navigating finding community in Virginia's dance scene through careful research and consistent showing up. She offers candid insights about being a beginner, dealing with self-doubt, and maintaining a dancer identity even when life gets busy and classes become sporadic. Elena provides insight on her "one out of ten" approach and shares that movement and creative expression are fundamental to human dignity and self-respect—lessons she's carried into her work teaching young children an...

This podcast episode explores why taking a break from dance can be valuable for growth and mental clarity. Priscilla shares her personal experience of stepping back from consistent dance training when she found herself losing sight of her decision to dance. By intentionally reducing her time in class, she was able to break negative thought patterns, rebuild self-confidence, eliminate unhealthy comparison habits, and reconnect with her core purpose: the genuine love of learning and growing as a dancer. Priscilla emphasizes that taking breaks can offer mental benefits that aren't often discussed in the dance community, and she encourages dancers...

Priscilla Piper interviews Annabell Patt, a Berlin-based orchestra manager who balances a demanding career with her passion for dance and music. Annabell shares her journey from childhood carnival dancing in Cologne, Germany to discovering commercial jazz and hip hop, while also pursuing classical music training. She discusses the challenges of maintaining artistic pursuits while traveling with an international touring orchestra and the challenges of comparison that can occur in competitive environments. The episode concludes with Annabell offering advice to those struggling with their identity as dancers, emphasizing that being a dancer is about the joy of movement rather than...

Priscilla shares 10 reasons why she loves dance, from being a life-long learner to being a part of a community.

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Shirley Goodman - The Dancing Nana

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Music By: Augusto Diniz

Priscilla interviews Jen Meehan, a Philadelphia-based business development professional and dance fitness instructor. Jen shares her journey from starting dance at age 3, through the peaks and valleys of competitive dance, to finding empowerment and community in the world of dance fitness. The conversation explores the impact of supportive mentors, the importance of resilience, and the value of creating inclusive, non-judgmental spaces for movement. Jen also discusses her approach to teaching, the lessons learned from both dance and fitness, and how embracing versatility and self-compassion has shaped her life both inside and outside the studio.

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Priscilla reflects on her journey as a podcaster and dancer as we wrap up 2025. Drawing inspiration from watching the Eras Tour Docuseries, Priscilla discusses the challenges of self-doubt and the importance of perseverance. Priscilla emphasizes the need to overcome adversity, eliminating complacency, and "getting comfortable with the uncomfortable" as she prepares for the new year. This episode encourages listeners to work toward their passions amongst the distractions (including the negative thoughts in our heads), all while being each other's support system and accountability partners as we approach 2026.

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Priscilla Piper interviews Paula Ayotte, a professional dancer and actor who returned to dance professionally at age 57. Paula shares how she started dancing at the discos in the late '70s, which turned into the beginnings of her professional dance career (consisting of dancing in Disney parades and performing as a Las Vegas showgirl). She provides details on her journey through various careers, including earning her Bachelor's in Marine Science and becoming a scientific diver. Paula provides the challenges and fears she faced re-entering the dance world later in life, and the importance of embracing age and experience both...

Priscilla shares her insight and preferences regarding dance classes, emphasizing the importance of intentional class duration, warm-ups, and cool-downs. She discusses her love for across-the-floor and receiving direct feedback from teachers. Priscilla shares her opinion on how teachers should handle and approach filming in dance classes. This is a great episode for anyone that teaches dance class periodically or regularly as this will give you insight from a student's point of view. The topics discussed in today's episode are a great to assess for yourself, which will help you know how to best select dance classes for yourself in...

In this episode, Priscilla speaks with Cyd Mag-aso, a registered NICU nurse from Queens, NY, about her inspiring journey as a dancer. Cyd shares her beginnings in dance, which was heavily influenced by her family and Filipino culture. From "dancing her way out of her mother's womb" to officially taking ballet classes in 5th grade, Cyd demonstrated her dedication and passion early on in life through school dance programs. After choosing to pursue nursing and taking a step away from dance, Cyd also discusses her emotional return to dance after a long hiatus. Listeners will gain insight into Cyd's...

Priscilla shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges with retaining choreography after returning to dance. She discusses how feelings of stress and unfamiliarity caused her to blank on choreo during classes. However, through the use of specific tools from Galen Hooks' "How to Retain Choreography" classes, Priscilla was able to improve her choreography retention, regain confidence, and gained a sense of recognition that was not there before. Priscilla emphasizes the importance of obtaining these skills for dancers at any level, and encourages listeners to utilize the resources available to improve upon this skillset.

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In this episode, Christine De Sanctis shares how she began as a young dancer taking ballet and ballroom classes in the UK. Shortly after moving to the San Diego, Christine made the decision to stop dancing, but rediscovered her passion after attending a "mommy and me" class years later. Christine shares the evolution of her dance journey, from taking hip hop cardio classes to now participating in two dance companies. She also discusses valuing small progress, the importance of community, and how she found fulfillment by creating her own opportunities as a choreographer and creative. She also reflects on...

Priscilla shares her story of how she began dancing at 3-years-old and why she quit at age 19. More importantly, she explains how incorporating her master's education in social work paired with the experience of returning to dance allowed her to heal from a 10-year-long eating disorder. She discusses how practicing the works of cognitive behavioral therapy in day-to-day life can help reshape automatic negative thoughts and behaviors. Priscilla encourages listeners to recognize their own control over their experiences and come in ready with their "armor" - prepared statements that can be utilized to counteract any negative thoughts, experiences, or...

In this emotional and inspiring episode of the Decision to Dance Podcast, we welcome Tiffany Mae Porter, a 32-year-old Cafe Lead based in Los Angeles. Tiffany shares the journey of getting started as a young dancer in Abu Dhabi, UAE when her friend's mom offered ballet classes in their living room. Tiffany shares her experience of immigrating to San Diego and making the decision to immerse herself in theater and choir. After moving to LA, Tiffany shares her profound journey of rediscovering dance, the medical challenges she faced, and how she learned to uplift herself while navigating life's uncertainties. Tiffany...

Priscilla discusses the value of remaining a beginner in different styles from what you have advanced in as a dancer. She shares her light bulb moment that occurred where she decided to always take beginner level classes. She shares insight on how taking these classes can benefit dancers by challenging their bodies and minds, providing new perspectives, fostering humility, and enhancing teaching skills. Priscilla reminds listeners that there is so much vaue in being a beginner and how it gives dancers a unique perspective that they would not have hade otherwise. For those that are beginners in all styles...

Host, Priscilla Piper, interviews Shelby Hastings, a dancer based in Philadelphia who also trains in circus skills. They discuss Shelby's journey into dance after watching a dance performance at 10-years-old. Shelby shares her experiences with various styles of dance, what led her to consistently freestyling, and how she has overcome physical injuries and self-criticism. Shelby also shares valuable in-person and online resources for dancers and how they have made an impact on on her dance ability. 

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The Galen Hooks Method Intensives

DUCON with Mr. D...

In this episode, Priscilla discusses the importance of gaining perspective as a dancer. She reflects on her journey, including the challenges of quitting and returning to dance, and emphasizes the value of community and support. Priscilla encourages listeners to acknowledge their experiences and the growth that comes from overcoming obstacles, while also intentionally seeking out the perspectives of others.

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Music By: Augusto Diniz

In this episode, Priscilla Piper interviews Eric Rivera, a professional dancer and fitness trainer based in Los Angeles. Watching Dancing with the Stars as a kid gave Eric a glimpse of what it was like to be a dancer. After watching dance class videos on Youtube and gaining the support of friends, Eric began dancing consistently in his early 20's in Nashville, TN. They talk about what led Eric to LA and the challenges that he had faced to get there. By gaining support within the community and joining programs like The Breakthrough Bootcamp by Tia Rivera and Troupe...

In this conversation, Priscilla explores the complexities of comparison in the dance community, discussing how it can be both a natural instinct and a challenge. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, gratitude, and value of learning from others while navigating the pressures of filming in class. Priscilla encourages dancers to shift their perspective towards empowerment and growth, highlighting the significance of community support and personal reflection. 

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Music By: Augusto Diniz

Charmaine Williams is a dancer and technology director based in Dallas, TX. In this conversation, we learn the challenges Charmaine faced growing up, including experiencing homelessness, which led her to become an advocate for the most vulnerable populations. We also discover how Charmaine began as a dancer and what led her back to the arts after becoming a mom and prioritizing family. Priscilla and Charmaine explore the multifaceted journey of dancers, emphasizing the importance of support, joy, and community in the dance world. They discuss the difficult parts faced by dancers, particularly beginners, and the role of instructors in...

Priscilla discusses how she came across The Galen Hooks Method intensives & how incorporating Galen's "Captain" mindset helped Priscilla to gain self-confidence & a sense of leadership outside of dance. Priscilla shares the various digital and in-person resources available from The Galen Hooks Method and provides recommendations on what to sign up for next.

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The Galen Hooks Method

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Priscilla interviews Jenn Russell, a hobbyist dancer & regional HR director based in Oakland, California. They began dancing at 33-years-old and has evolved into becoming an assistant director, teacher, and choreographer. Jenn discusses their experience in overcoming fear, finding community support, and incorporating journaling as part of a weekly self-reflection routine. This conversation also includes the challenges and rewards of transitioning from a beginner to intermediate dancer and how age should not limit your ability to grow as a dancer.

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The Galen Hooks Method

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In this solo episode, Priscilla discusses the importance of focusing on the process of learning and growing within dance rather than soley on winning. She shares her personal journey of rediscovering her love for dance, setting intentional goals, and the significane of developing good habits. Priscilla emphasizes the need for enjoyment within the process, as well as her long-term commitment to personal growth within dance and life.

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The Gary Vee Audio Experience

The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett (Interview with Chase Hughes)

Priscilla Piper interviews Susana Le, a dentist and dancer from Melbourne, Australia. They explore the importance of playfulness and how life's experiences can shape your identity as a dancer. Susana shares her early experiences within movement, the transition to gymnastics, and the impact that dance has on her approach to parenting. Susana shares her recommendations on remaining curious and how to balance passions and hobbies along with life's responsibilities. Other topics also include freestyling, the process of quitting and returning to dance, and how to make dance as part of your lifestyle.

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The Decision to Dance Podcast introduces our host, Priscilla Piper, who shares a glimpse of what it was like to return to dance after years away.

Driven by a pure love of the art, Priscilla is now inviting dancers to discuss why they choose to dance.

Join us as we explore the captivating journeys of performers from all walks of life - from passionate hobbyists to seasoned professionals. Each episode is a celebration of the art of dance, where we dive deep into the stories, struggles, and triumphs that come along with being a dancer.<...