Anything But Routine
Just For Kix presents Anything But Routine. This podcast is everything and anything dance! We follow Cindy Clough & Ali Geraets through daily lives. This mother-daughter duo talks about coaching techniques, performance tips, costumes, new trends in dance, and so much more. Cindy is the CEO of Just For Kix with over 50 years of dance experience! Out of a single ad in a local newspaper, a dynasty was created with over 22,000 students. She has been part of over 30 Collegiate Bowl Game productions. Ali danced in the 2011 Super Bowl XLV with the Black Eyed Peas and performed again at the 2013 Super Bowl...
234. The Easiest Fundraiser Yet: Bedsheets!
Cindy sits down with Eddie, founder of Hibernate Fundraising, to talk about a fundraising idea you may not have tried yet: bedsheets. Eddie breaks down how his company helps dance studios, high school teams, and other groups raise money through bedsheet sales. It's a simple, low-effort program that turns a product everyone needs into real dollars for your team. Tune in to learn how it works, why it's a great fit for studios and teams looking for an easy fundraiser, and how to get started.
Visit hibernatefundraising.com to learn more.
Welcome...
233. Using Resistance Training to Build Stronger Dancers
This episode was recorded in July 2026.
Cindy sits down with Curt Carbaugh, a speed coach with Acceleration Minnesota and the creator of the C2 Performance Training System. Curt explains how full-body resistance and core activation can target smaller stabilizing muscles that traditional free-weight training may overlook.
They explore the equipment behind the C2 system and how dance teams can use it to build strength, improve flexibility, activate the core, and enhance overall performance.
Find more about C2 and the Performance Training System at c2equipment.com.
232. College Dance Recruitment Tips
Cindy sits down with Jenny Raiche to talk about the college dance recruitment journey.
Jenny shares tips on what dancers can expect, how to prepare, and what to consider when pursuing dance at the collegiate level. They also discuss how the recruitment process has changed over the past decade and what dancers and families should know today.
Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
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231. Life Is Short, Don’t Wait to Dance (feat. Valorie Kondos Field)
Cindy sits down with legendary UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field, one of the most successful coaches in collegiate sports history.
A former professional ballet dancer with no gymnastics background, “Miss Val” took an unconventional path to leading UCLA to seven NCAA National Championships and 15 conference titles during her 29 seasons as head coach.
Cindy and Valorie talk about leadership, resilience, developing athletes, and the lessons behind her remarkable career. Now an author and motivational speaker, Valorie shares the philosophy that inspired her book, Life Is Short, Don’t Wait to Dance, and wh...
230. Building the Sound of Dance
Cindy talks with Kevin Heath, the founder and owner of Fusion Sound Mix, a music production and custom mix company specializing in dance and cheer music.
Kevin is widely recognized as a pioneer in mobile DJ and performance music production in the United States. According to Fusion Sound’s company history, Heath was born in Greece and immigrated to the United States at age five with his twin sister, later being adopted by a family in Kaysville, Utah. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and later attended Weber State College, where he pla...
229. Placements, Levels, Ages, and Why Growth Isn't Always Comfortable
How do you know if a dancer is truly in the right class or level? In this episode, Ali and Sharaia unpack the purpose behind placements, why age and ability don't always tell the whole story, and how real growth often happens when dancers are challenged rather than comfortable. Whether you're a parent, coach, or dancer, you'll gain a fresh perspective on placements, leadership, resilience, and why the goal is always growth: not just making the next team.
Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up t...
228. Inside Utah Drill Team
In this episode, Cindy sits down with Alaina Rupe—high school drill team coach, professional dancer, choreographer, mother, and sales leader based in Utah. With more than a decade of coaching experience, Alaina leads one of Utah’s top high school dance teams and has helped shape the next generation of dancers in the state.
Alaina shares how she began her dance journey, the experiences that led her into coaching and choreography, and what makes Utah’s dance culture unique. The conversation explores the world of high school drill team competition, including distinctive Utah dance styles...
227. Inside the Edina Dance Team
Cindy and Ali sit down with Kristin Biwan as she prepares to enter her 16th season as head coach of the Edina Dance Team. A former captain of the University of Minnesota's National and World Champion Dance Team and two-time MADT AAA Head Coach of the Year, Kristin shares how she landed the Edina head coaching position right out of college and built a lasting career in the sport.
The conversation explores how she has grown the program into one of the state's premier dance teams, expanding both its size and competitive success over the years. Kristin a...
226. The Courage to Choreograph Differently
Cindy and Ali answer questions from the Dance Coaches and Teachers Unite Facebook group, exploring how to teach kids that caring is cool, build confidence through choreography, and encourage teachers to take creative risks, try new ideas, and embrace failure as part of growth.
Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/
225. Tips for Supporting Your Athlete: A Message to Parents
Cindy and Ali sit down to talk directly to parents about what it really means to support your athlete. They discuss the impact of pressure, what coaches and dancers experience behind the scenes, and offer thoughtful tips on how parents can better support their athlete’s growth and success.
Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/
224. Together We Dance - Behind the Scenes
Ever wonder what goes into a Together We Dance competition? Cindy and Joel pull back the curtain and get real about the chaos, commitment, and growth behind the scenes. From juggling a packed event schedule to preparing for the high-stakes Nationals stage, this episode is all about the hustle that makes it happen.
Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/
223. The Ultimate Dance Trip. Inside the ReliaQuest Bowl Tour
In this episode, Cindy and Ali break down everything you need to know about the ReliaQuest Bowl Tour. From soaking up the sun at Clearwater Beach to the magic of Disney, they share what makes this trip unforgettable. And of course, they dive into the highlight of it all — performing live at Raymond James Stadium during the ReliaQuest Bowl Game Halftime Show.
Curious what the experience is really like? They cover the ins and outs, behind-the-scenes details, and why this tour is such a standout opportunity for dancers and teams.
Plus, don’t miss details on t...
222. Competition Season
Cindy and Ali sit down with Lindsay Danielson and Travis Cahill for a real-deal conversation about the dance world—what’s amazing, what’s tough, and everything in between. They get into what makes dance different from other sports, share thoughts on college nationals, and break down how different coaching styles can shape a team. Plus: it’s officially high school competition season, so you know there’s plenty to talk about.
Travis is a lifelong dancer who started at age five, trained in tap, jazz, lyrical, and musical theater, and later began coaching dance team in 20...
221. How to Level Up Your Team: Accountability + Confidence
Cindy and Ali discuss how to level up your team through accountability, confidence, and higher standards—plus simple coaching shifts that help dancers take ownership and grow fast.
If you want stronger rehearsals, sharper performances, and dancers who take ownership, this episode is for you!
Welcome to Anything But Routine presented by Just For Kix. This podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/
220. Coaching Social Media Mindfulness
In this episode, Cindy and Ali share practical ways coaches can guide dancers toward healthier, more mindful social media habits. They discuss how what you share online represents you and your team—and why that matters for dancers and coaches alike. Tune in for simple boundaries, mindset tips, and a positive approach to using social media as a tool for confidence, connection, and team culture.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
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219. Spotlight on Brainerd Kixters: Cindy Chats with KKIN
Cindy sits down with KKIN to share the story behind the Brainerd Kixters — from how it all started to the powerhouse program it is today. She talks about makes the Kixters “click” on and off the floor. Tune in as Cindy dives into the culture that keeps dancers coming back, the standards they hold themselves to, and a candid look at where the team is at right now and where it’s headed next.
Listen to more live radio like this: https://rjbroadcasting.com/
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Pod...
218. Getting the Most Out of Your Leadership Team
Cindy and Ali share practical ways to get the most out of the leaders and captains—through trust, communication, and clear expectations. They highlight the impact of spending intentional time with your leaders outside of practice, and how those small moments can completely turn your team around and become the turning point in your dance season.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
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217. Facing Parental Entitlement in Dance (Part 2)
Cindy and Ali continue the conversation on navigating parents and dancers with entitlement in Part 2, diving even deeper into real-world scenarios, boundary-setting, and keeping your team culture strong while parents still feel heard.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/
216. Facing Parental Entitlement in Dance
Cindy and Ali dive into one of the toughest parts of coaching: navigating parents and dealing with student and parental entitlement. In this episode, they share real-world strategies, scripts, and mindset shifts to help you set boundaries, protect your culture, and still keep parents feeling heard and respected.
Along the way, they answer listener questions and tackle common scenarios coaches face every season. If you’ve ever felt stuck between doing what’s best for your athletes and keeping parents happy, this episode is packed with honest insight and practical advice you can use right away.
215. College Dance Team Recruitment Tips Every Dancer Should Know
Cindy and Ali talk with Kathy Hain-de Jong to uncover how dancers can stand out in the competitive world of college admissions and dance team recruitment.
Kathy Hain-de Jong is an educational consultant and president of College in 3-2-1, where she created Dance into College, a program helping dancers navigate college admissions and dance team recruitment. With her background in management consulting, project management, and higher-education counseling, she provides clear, practical guidance for families balancing academics and dance aspirations. Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, she draws from her professional expertise and experience as a...
214. "Secure Your Spot" for the 2026 NDCA Conference
Cindy talks about the "Secure Your Spot" campaign for The National Dance Coaches Conference in Dallas May 14-16, 2026.
link to Secure Your Spot for Conference at the lowest price of the year guaranteed - $400.
A code will be sent to everyone who secures their spot on November 1, 2025, and that code is good until November 15.
Registration for the Conference opens on November 1 for the general public.
The theme is Dreaming In Dallas, and there are a lot of fun events planned including an opening pajama cocktail party and a LBD (Little Black D...
213. Get Custom Music for Your Dance Team!
Get custom music for your dance team! 🎶 Cindy talks with Nick Olson of Roar Anthems Productions, a business that specializes in creating music for any sporting event, business, or occasion. Nick even created a couple of songs that you may hear at upcoming Just For Kix events like the Together We Dance competitions. Want to hear what Roar Anthem Productions can do for your team? Check out roaranthems.com.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the...
212. Better Dance Teaching Strategies: Goal-Setting and Coaching Advice for Instructors
Ready to take your teaching to the next level? In this video, we share dance teaching strategies, goal-setting tips, and coaching advice every instructor can use to inspire their dancers and build stronger programs.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://anythingbutroutine.justforkix.com/
211. The Role of Private Lessons in Dance: Tips, Truths, and Hot Takes
Cindy and Ali dive into the hot topic of private lessons — what do parents and dancers really need to know? Honest takes, practical advice, and a few surprising truths you won’t want to miss.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://www.justforkix.com/anythingbutroutine
210. Athletes Listen Up! How Today's Work Shapes Your Future Success
In this episode, we explore the power of breaking free from labels and refusing to define yourself by your current circumstances. Discover how laying a strong foundation today can shape the success of future teams, and why consistent hard work is the ultimate game-changer. Whether you’re coaching, leading, or chasing your own goals, these insights will inspire you to think long-term and push beyond limits.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
209. Cindy and Ali Answer Your Coaching Questions
This episode is all about your questions! Cindy and Ali respond to topics brought up in the Dance Coaches & Teachers Unite Facebook group, sharing strategies, stories, and encouragement for teachers and coaches at every level.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://www.justforkix.com/anythingbutroutine
208. Acrobatic Arts with Mandy Yip
Straight from the Just For Kix High School Camp — this is a special episode featuring Mandy Yip with Acrobatic Arts.
As the founder and CEO of Acrobatic Arts Inc, Mandy Yip responsible for managing the staff and overseeing the delivery of all training programs, as well as the Acrobatic Arts syllabus, which is currently used in over 7500 dance studios across 47 countries. With over 400,000 dancers participating in Acrobatic Arts classes on a weekly basis, Mandy's work has had a significant impact on the world of AcroDance. Mandy's dedication to learning is evident in her many certifications, which include co...
207. Inside the National HBCU Auxiliary & Dance Directors' Association
Cindy sits down with Shawn Zachery, Founder/Executive Director of the National HBCU Auxiliary and Dance Directors’ Association to spotlight the program and their mission to uplift dancers and coaches through mentorship, education, and community. Founded in 2022, the association brings together HBCU, high school, and community teams for training, development, and professional opportunities. From national conferences to partnerships with industry leaders, discover how they’re shaping the future of HBCU-style performance.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the s...
206. Competitive Success
This episode takes place at last year’s Summer Camp and Coaches Conference, where Cindy sits down with fellow coaches to dive into the topic of competitive success.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://www.justforkix.com/anythingbutroutine
205. Catching Up with Cindy
Life has been go, go, go for Cindy. From the busyness of everyday life to what’s next, here’s a quick catch-up from behind the scenes at Just For Kix.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://www.justforkix.com/anythingbutroutine
204. FABRIC: Be the Coach and Build the Culture Every Athlete Needs - with Dr. Averna
Cindy sits down with Susan Averna, a PhD developmental psychologist, college professor, and head cheer coach at Trinity College. For 30 years she has taught, counseled, mentored, and coached teens and young adults, and provided consultation to parents, educators, and athletic coaches. Her book FABRIC: Be the Coach and Build the Culture Every Athlete Needs is a practical resource for coaches to develop strong leadership skills and build a culture of growth, optimal performance, and well-being.
Link to the book: FABRIC
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast cov...
203. Cindy and Ali Answer Dance Coaching Questions
Cindy and Ali dive into real questions from the Dance Coaches & Teachers Unite community — Tune in for honest advice, real stories, and relatable moments from the dance world.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://www.justforkix.com/anythingbutroutine
202. Coaching This Generation of Athletes
Cindy opens up about coaching today’s athlete — how they’re different, what they need, and how coaches can rise to the occasion. Listen in as Cindy gives coaches practical advice on how to reach, teach, and lead this generation of athletes with impact.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://www.justforkix.com/anythingbutroutine
201. How to Build a Winning Team (and Keep Winning!)
Cindy sits down with Bailey Mutschler, Head Coach of the Hudson High School Dance Team. Now in her fifth year of coaching, Bailey has helped guide her team to an incredible five state championships over the last four seasons. Tune in as Bailey shares her keys to success, what it takes to build a winning team, stay motivated, and keep the momentum going!
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://www.j...
200. Growing Dance in Duluth
Get ready to dive into all things Duluth dance! Cindy and Ali are joined by Alli Mackner— coach of the University of Minnesota Duluth dance team, Director of the Duluth Just For Kix studio, and fall coach for Duluth East High School.
Listen in as they discuss how the UMD team has grown over the years and explore what dance life looks like across the Duluth community.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the...
199. What It’s Like to Dance in Oregon
Cindy and Ali hang out with Danielle Schneider, a longtime board member with the Dance Drill Coaches Association (DDCA) of Oregon, to chat about all the ins and outs of dance in Oregon. With 20 years of coaching and 23 years of judging under her belt, Danielle has seen it all! From team life to competitions and everything in between, she shares her story and some fun behind-the-scenes moments you won’t want to miss!
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up...
198. ReliaQuest Bowl Game Tour: Everything You Need to Know
Cindy breaks down the ReliaQuest Bowl Game Tour, covering the highlights, logistics, and everything in between!
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://www.justforkix.com/anythingbutroutine
197. Attention to Details - Cleaning Your Routine
Today's podcast is on cleaning routines. And I think that that's probably been one of my keys to success is that I'm good at cleaning routines. So I will just share some successes that I've had. And some things that I weighed from the get go did when I was very young and didn't even know what I was doing.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://www.justforkix.com/anythingbutroutine
196. Parent Booster Club
Cindy sits down with Olivia, Head Coach at Rosemount High School, and Colleen, Head Coach at Aitkin High School, to discuss the Parent Booster Club—its role, impact, and why it’s essential for dance programs.
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://www.justforkix.com/anythingbutroutine
195. Head Coach Spotlight: University of Minnesota's 2025 Nationals Pom 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔!
Cindy and Ali catch up with Amanda Gaines, the University of Minnesota Dance Team Coach, to talk their UDA Nationals success—winning Pom Gold, Jazz Silver, and being selected to the U.S. National Team!
Welcome to Anything But Routine Presented by Just For Kix. This Podcast covers Everything & Anything dance. Stay up to date with the podcast by hitting the subscribe button.
https://www.justforkix.com/anythingbutroutine
