D.D.T- Dani’s Dance Talk

Follow D.D.T- Dani’s Dance Talk
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

This is a podcast all about dancers, and the world of dance!  Dance moms, Dance dads, dancers, judges, professional dancers, and more! There will be so much dance content for you to come back for every week! Dani has 24 years of experience in the dance world, as a dance mom and dance photographer. Her daughters both teach dance and her son is a competitive dancer currently.

Danielle christiansen


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 53 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from D.D.T- Dani’s Dance Talk with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from D.D.T- Dani’s Dance Talk

    My Last episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 2:36


    I am so sorry to announce that this will be my last episode for a while. Wife has just been so busy for me that I just can't give the time and attention that I would like to. This isn't goodbye forever but this will be my last episode for a while, so please make sure to take this time to go and listen to any pastepisodes you may have missed before they are gone.Send us a textA dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Im alive! and What I have noticed

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 5:56


    Yes, I am alive and have been MIA for a month I know. Dance competition and dance picture season have stopped me in my tracks. This is a quick 5 minute podcast telling you what I have noticed this competition season.Send us a textA dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Costume, Choreography and Music appropriateness

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 53:36


    Melanie has been out on the road judging, in her travels she has noticed many things that need to be addressed. Even as a parent, I have seen some questionable things this year regarding costuming, music and choreography. Listen as we share our opinions on how this affects our littles.Send us a textA dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Updates on Crew

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 12:39


    Crew is Dani's son. He is a competitive dancer with aspirations of being on Broadway. Crew was one of the first guests on the show, and he shared some of his dreams on that show. Well, some of those dreams are coming true so He is giving us a little update.Send us a textA dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Early takeaway of competitions so far

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 43:07


    Melanie has been traveling to the East coast where she has started her Competition judging for the 2025 season. She is going to tell us a little bit about what she is seeing so far and her take away of how it is going, as well as things to remember as you start your competition journey this year. Thanks to feedspot for naming us #2 in the top 10 best mom dance podcasts https://podcast.feedspot.com/dance_mom_podcasts/Send us a textA dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    talking with real dancers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 16:28


    I want to do a segment once a month or at least once every other month where I talk with dancers all around the globe about their experiences with Dance. On this episode, I have Hailey Bushman and Brighton Herring on to talk about what they love about dance and what they dont.Send us a textA dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Follow your dreams with Lola Nelms.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 17:01


    A while back we had studio owner Kelly Nelms on the podcast talking about women who do it all, well now we have exciting news about her daughter LOLA Nelms. Tune in to see how Lola at only age 11 is making her dreams come true.Send us a textA dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Putting your Left foot forward.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 29:21


    Happy New Year! Dani has been a little ill and Melanie is taking the reins for our first episode of 2025. We are excited about a wonderful sponsor of today's episode Leotard Boutique. http://www.leotardboutique.com/ A U.S.A company with quality standards that can't be beat.Listen to this podcast to get 20% off your first order.In this special episode, Melanie talks about how important it is to be prepared and take care of yourself physically and mentally. She shares her own experience with an injury that occurred and how she overcame it.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Judges 2.0

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 55:31


    Welcome to our Judges 2.0 episode. Last season, one of our most popular podcasts featured Melanie discussing what judges expect from competitors. This week, we're joined by three outstanding nationwide judges who will share their insights for the 2024-25 season. With us is Melanie Durham, a former studio owner, studio mentor, national adjudicator, and frequent co-host. Dan Peress, a competition dance instructor, event and marketing director, as well as a national judge. And last but not least, Megan Jenkins, a former ballet dancer, co-owner of Define Dance Space in Southern California, and a dance judge with over 20 years of experience.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    National Competitions/Conventions

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 72:18


    so excited to have three major national conventions chatting with me about their new Utah locations. We have Star Power, Encore and Platinum talking all about how these conventions can help you as a studio owner or dancer.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Dance Social status and non profit info

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 45:36


    On today's episode I talk with Jen Stapley and her daughter Cambria Parents. We discuss how social status can affect your dance experience and the wonderful non profit they have that can help dancers everywhere.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Dear dancer, You are enough

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 13:55


    today I do a little pep talk to my dancers. I want the dancers to know they are enough just as they are.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    mothers who do it all

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 22:15


    On this episode we have Kelly Nelms a dance mom, studio owner, dance clothing line owner and mom of Lola who will be starring in that girl lola on we the studios network, talking to us about how she does all of it and what is important to remember.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Branching out as a choreographer with Brinley Linton

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 22:39


    In this episode I talk with choreographer Brinley Linton who talks about the steps she took as a choreographer to branch out and travel to different studios.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Dancing for Film with Athena Davis

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 18:01


    Athena is a local dancer, videographer and photographer. She explains why she got into dancing in films and how you can start and find resources.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Acting for Dancers with Bemomager

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 28:50


    on today's podcast I talk with Annie Semenova owner of Bemomager. She talks about how important it is to get your dancer into acting and how she can help moms be their own manager to make things happen for your child.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Boundries with parents

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 46:24


    Today's show I have Leah Hoskinson from Washington, talking with me about Boundaries with parents. When to let them in, draw the line and how their behavior impacts the dancer.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Do I stay or do I go? (teacher addition)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 53:24


    in this podcast myself, Melanie Durham and Miquela White talk about teachers who are deciding whether to stay at their current studio to teach or move on. We discuss the red flags and green flags for these decisions.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Building Resilient Dancers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2024 39:11


    This week I have the owner of The Vibe dance Studio in Utah (Erin Rich) talking with me about how to build Resilient Dancers. How to support them as owners of Studios, teachers and parents.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    All about Tap

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 48:44


    So excited for this episode on Tap with Melanie Durham and Mike Wittmers a well accomplished and well known tap expert. Todays topic is all about TAP. I am so excited because tap has recently become more exciting to me.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Chin Up Buttercup

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 39:26


    This week Melanie Durham will be helping me out by doing an episode all on her own. This episode is kind of an ending the dance season on a high note episode. It is for Dancers, Dance teachers, Dance parents and Dance studio owners. Do not miss out on Melanies expertise in dance and let her help you end this season on a high noteA dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    to much to soon

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 57:05


    We are seeing an increase in what our little dancers can do but is it too much to soon or too fast? Melanie is back to discuss this topic with me.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Coming to Dance Sick

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 11:10


    Please let me know your thoughts on this matter. I talk about my feelings on bringing your children to dance sick.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    The Food at Competitions

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 20:17


    Competitions are lacking when it comes to healthy options for our dancers and spectators. Please hear our cry for better choices. Join me as I discuss what some people are doing to keep their kids healthy.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Charity Anderson from World of Dance & Derek Hough tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 32:13


    I am so excited to welcome one of my favorite people Mrs. Charity Anderson (Reid) to the podcast this week. I have known Charity for many years and to say she is just as nice and humble as she is a great dancer is an understatement. Charity Anderson takes us on her journey of Dance and talks about the World of Dance and what it is Like being on tour with Derek Hough. This is one you will not want to miss.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Bullying in Dance from Dancers, teachers, owners etc.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 69:46


    This topic is so needed. Every dance studio has issues with this, which is why I will not say names etc. of my guests. We as Parents, dance teachers, Dance studio owners, etc. Need to be aware of what is going on and try to find a solution instead of adding to the problem. I have chosen to leave the names of people off for privacy and because I do not believe this to be any one studio's problem.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Starting a dance Competition with Randi Carter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 22:38


    On this episode, we have Randi Carter, owner of Hustle Dance Events a new competition. She will talk with us about Why and how she started a dance competition and how keeping up with the times is What is going to set her apart.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Traveling with your dance/theater groups

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2024 53:16


    I am so excited to welcome Corina Johnson from all point travel. Corina was part of the dance community for many years, She now owns a travel company that specializes in dance group travel. This is the way to go for all your large or small groups. I do not love Zoom because I don't really have time to fix the sound levels so sorry about that.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Best apps for Dance owners, teachers and dancers

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2023 60:44


    It is our very last podcast of 2023. 23 episodes for 2023. Melanie and I go over the best apps for you to get as a dance studio owner, dance teacher, dancer, or dance parent. These are apps that have worked tremendously for your peers. Join us! If you would like to sponsor us in any way or give merchandise for giveaways, please get in touch with Dani.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    How adding Performing Arts to your dance studio can Help your dancers

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 26:59


    On this podcast, I join with the owner of Steps Performing Arts Center, Susan Crowther. Susan talks about the benefits of her studio being a Performing Arts studio. We talk about the benefits it has for auditioning and other life skills. We also discussed being a mother of dancers and how that had a positive influence in her children's lives.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    When you don't make the team/ Being a good looser at competitions

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2023 31:05


    On this episode I have Hillary Howard, former studio owner and coach to Dance owners on to discuss how to handle it when you or your child do not make the team they want. We also discuss how to be a good looser at competitions, not only for dancers but for studio owners and teachers as well.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Davis Performing Arts Collective and the performance of Scrooge.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 38:02


    We have Meredith and Mallory Wright from Davis Performing Arts Collective talking with us about their program and the positivity it brings to the Dance world. They talk about their performance of Scrooge coming up on Thanksgiving weekend. It sounds amazing.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Q&A With Jason Pickett

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 58:13


    We are fortunate enough to have the Amazing Jason Pickett from No Starving Artists on our podcast today. Jason answers questions about male dancers, Hip Hop, Conventions, Acro tricks, and more. Do not miss this episode.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Competition Etiquette Part 2 and giveaway.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2023 94:18


    This episode is a continuation of last week's episode on competition etiqueete. I have three guests with me, Melanie Durham, Chris Rutledge, and Ian Howe. Do not miss this episode, so many topics are brought up for dancers, studio owners as well as competition directors. And stay tuned at the end for our competition giveaways!!A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Audience Etiquette at Competitions etc for adults

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2023 60:14


    Part 1- This is a topic that has had a lot of comments and conversations to me about. Etiquette at competitions, recitals, or any event is lacking. You may not be familiar with these things and so you do not know what to do, that is why this podcast is so important. It comes down to respect. My monthly expert Melanie and I cover so many areas. This is a two-parter. Next week we will talk about etiquette for dancers, studio owners, and competition owners with 3 other guests. Yes, we are bi-weekly but these two episodes will come out one week after the other.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Ian Howe- How He struggled with mental health

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 58:38


    Ian Howe is a well-known person in the dance community. He not only owns a dance studio but is a judge and teaches masterclasses around Seattle and surrounding areas.Ian talks about the importance of taking care of your mental health and his own struggles with mental health.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Versatility- being ambidextrous

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2023 37:13


    Our expert is back, and she wants to talk about versatility in dance. It is becoming a problem how many dancers are not ambidextrous. You must have a good balance between your right and left side. This is what judges are looking for!A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Talking Dance & Drill with Lauralyn Kofford

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023 41:19


    Lauralyn is a well-known choreographer and dance instructor. She has over 30 yrs. of experience in all styles of dance and choreography. She has been trained by the very best dance professionals from across the nation. She taught high school dance for 12 yrs. serving as the Dance Department Chair, Dance Company Director, and Drill Team Coach.  Lauralyn's choreography has won many awards over the years and includes such events as… the annual 4th of July televised “Stadium of Fire” show, the “Miss Rodeo America” Pageant, the 2002 Winter Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Commercial choreography, Bowl game halftime shows, and many State and National Championship Dance/Drill Team, Studio, and Solo competition. She has experience working with Kenny Ortega (Olympic Winer Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies/High School Musical 3).A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Dance Dad Jake Bushman (I love supporting my daughter)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2023 26:55


    We have Jake Bushman from the podcast Journey with Jake this week. He is a dance dad to his daughter Hailey a competition dancer. Jake discusses what it is like to be an average dad having a dancer and the things he loves about what dance has offered to him and his family.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Kent Lloyd dancer turned stunt fighter in the house

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2023 55:39


    Kent Lloyd is a dancer turned stunt fighter and owns Utah Valley of Self-defense. He talks about his experience with dance and how it led to other opportunities in his life.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    All about dance competitions from a judge

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2023 58:47


    We welcome back Melanie Durham as we talk about the huge topic of Dance Competitions. Melanie is a national dance judge so her experience is well worth listening to.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Episode 11- Mental health in Dance

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2023 51:53


    Vixy Radar is back! This time she is talking about mental health as a dancer and dance teacher. We talk about the importance of taking care of your mental health. Vixy will talk about her own personal journey with mental health and how mental issues can really affect you as a dancer or teacher.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Episode 10- Getting the most out of your dance team experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2023 38:48


    In this episode, Brittney Wakefield a successful dance coach for BYU, program director, life coach, and mother of 3 talks to us about getting the most out of your dance team experience. Not only as a dancer but as a parent or teacher as well. She also talks about balancing a family and a dance position career.  Brittney gives us great tips on how to keep a positive outlook no matter the situation.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Episode 9- Modern dance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2023 49:40


    In this episode, my guest Host Vixy Rader will discuss what modern dance is, a little about its history, and people in modern dance.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    episode8- Acro & tumbling in competitions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 35:06


    This episode is a continuation of last week's episode talking about acro and tumbling in dance. Guest host Alyson Lamoreaux discusses Acro and tumbling in dance competitions.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Acro & Tumbling with Melanie

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2023 32:34


    Melanie our monthly expert is back, and this time will be talking with us about Acro and tumbling in the dance world.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Teaching large groups with MaKayla

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2023 34:05


    On this episode Dani's daughter MaKayla talks about her experience with teaching groups with large numbers. She talks aboiut how to control a classroom and other teaching tips.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Trailer Dani's Dance Talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2023 1:00


    Welcome to Dani's Dance talk where we talk about everything Dance! A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Creativity as a teacher and Dancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2023 32:34


    This week we have the amazing Celestial Stokes talking about creativity in dance. How to find inspiration as a teacher and grow as a dancer with your imagination. Celestial has over 20 years of experience in the dance world.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Episode 4- Crew (a Male dancer)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2023 27:10


    In this episode, Dani's son Crew talks about what it is like being a male dancer. His likes, dislikes, and role model  Derek Hough. Crew also talks about his experience in the acting world.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Summer dance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2023 33:14


    On this episode, we welcome Guest host Melanie Durham. We will be discussing all the many options there are for dancing during the summer.A dance podcast all about everything dance. Dancers,parents, studio owners, judges all weigh in on their opinions of the dance world.

    Claim D.D.T- Dani’s Dance Talk

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel