The Curious Dancer

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The more I dance, the more curious I've become about the traditions, techniques, and teachings behind the art. Join me, Kayleen, on my mission to make the dance world a happier, healthier, and more inclusive space. This podcast explores a range of subject

Kayleen Babel


    • Mar 15, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 25 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Curious Dancer podcast has been an incredibly helpful resource for dancers at any stage of their journey. Kayleen, the host, offers a perfect blend of dance and life advice that is applicable to everyone, regardless of their level of experience or interest in dance. I found myself taking notes while listening to each episode so that I could go back and reference the valuable insights shared by Kayleen. Her honesty and wisdom truly have the power to transform the way we look at both our lives and our passion for dance.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the vast array of topics covered. Kayleen dives into everything from technique tips and choreography breakdowns to mindset strategies and personal growth. This makes the podcast relevant and engaging for dancers with varying interests and goals. Whether you're looking for practical advice on improving your skills or seeking inspiration to overcome obstacles in your dance journey, there's something for everyone in this podcast.

    Another great aspect of The Curious Dancer podcast is Kayleen's ability to connect with her audience. She speaks from personal experience, making her relatable and easy to listen to. Her genuine nature shines through as she shares her own challenges and successes, making her advice feel authentic and trustworthy. Additionally, her soothing voice adds a calming element to each episode, making it an enjoyable experience overall.

    While it's difficult to find any major faults with The Curious Dancer podcast, some listeners may prefer more structured episodes or additional guest interviews. Currently, Kayleen mainly focuses on solo discussions where she shares her own insights and perspectives. While her expertise is valuable, some listeners might appreciate a variety of perspectives offered through guest interviews or panel discussions.

    In conclusion, The Curious Dancer podcast is a must-listen for any dancer looking for guidance, inspiration, and personal growth. Kayleen's combination of dance knowledge and life wisdom make each episode impactful and transformative. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned dancer, this podcast offers valuable advice that can immediately improve your dance journey. I highly recommend giving it a listen and taking notes along the way to fully absorb all of the incredible insights shared by Kayleen.



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    Latest episodes from The Curious Dancer

    Ditching Diet Culture and Embracing Balanced Nutrition for Dance | Ally Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 57:53


    Ally is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, dancer, dance teacher, and choreographer. She grew up dancing, and her most recent dance experience includes two seasons with the Washington Commanders. In this episode, we discuss: How to eat to fuel performance as a dancer. Common mistakes dancers make nutrition.Ideas for pre-class meals to optimize your energy levels. The role of sleep, caffeine, and mindset on your experience as a dancer. Ally's pro team audition experience and what most pro teams look for in auditions. CONNECT WITH ALLY: @eating.with.al https://www.eatingwithal.com/ CONNECT WITH ME: @dance.with.kayleen www.kayleenbabel.com

    "Push yourself" can be bad advice (I got injured again)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2022 12:39


    In this episode I share: why it's important to listen to your own body why dance educators/coaches/trainers need to be more mindful of their feedback and how it's communicated a little bit about my pro cheer audition experience :) Follow me @dance.with.kayleen and @the.curiousdancerpodcast on IG!

    22 - Finding your path in the dance world | Auti Kamal

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2022 48:48


    We're back for Season 2 of the podcast, kicking it off with the lovely Auti! We talked about her path in the dance world, teaching dance, building her YouTube channel, and creating her dance training app. Follow Auti's social media pages: https://www.instagram.com/autikamal/ https://www.instagram.com/tiandmestudio/ Subscribe to Auti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timetv5678 Learn more about Auti's app (use code PIROUETTE20 for 20% off a monthly subscription!): https://www.tiandme.com/

    21 - Dance as a Lifelong Journey | Gina McFadden

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2022 39:44


    In this episode I talk to Gina McFadden about life after a professional career, being a dance educator, and how to take care of your whole self as a dancer. Check out Gina's work on https://www.dancer-360.com/ and on Instagram @gina_mcfadden_ Follow me on Instagram @dance.with.kayleen and @the.curiousdancer

    20 - How to Use Social Media to Reach Your Goals | Sheina Raskin

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2021 38:15


    Sheina Raskin is a social media manager and content creator who helps creatives do more of what they love by building their personal brands. In this episode, we discussed: What *really* matters when building your online presence How to improve your relationship with social media Why you don't need thousands of followers to use social media for your goals Join Sheina's Personal Power Masterclass on Sunday, October 10, 2021 - https://sheina.kartra.com/page/partymasterclass Follow Sheina on Instagram - @sheinaraskin --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    19 - Professional Ballet & Mental Health | Goldie Walberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2021 44:27


    Goldie shares her experiences as a professional ballet dancer, mental health struggles, and tips for aspiring professional dancers. Follow Goldie on Instagram @goldiejane_ and @lazyballerinaclub - https://www.instagram.com/lazyballerinaclub/ Subscribe to Goldie on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPmnhH5iie9dq5QhLBiyTzw?app=desktop Follow me @dance.with.kayleen and @the.curiousdancer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the.curiousdancer/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    18 - Embracing Your Own Journey as a Dancer | Rachel Redding

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2021 48:58


    Rachel Redding is a dancer, teacher, and student. In this episode, we discussed what it's like to dance in college and Rachel's journey as a dancer. Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachredding. Visit her website: https://rachel-redding.com/ Follow The Curious Dancer Podcast on Instagram @the.curiousdancer Follow Kayleen on Instagram @kayleenbabel and @dance.with.kayleen --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    17 - How to Stay Motivated Through Challenging Times

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2021 12:49


    A short chat on motivation. Follow @the.curiousdancer on IG. Follow me on IG @kayleenbabel

    16 - Ditching the Hustle Mentality | Rachel Josefina

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2021 39:09


    This week I'm chatting with Rachel Josefina about ditching the hustle mentality, learning to rest, and doing what's best for you. Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachel.josefina Listen to Rachel's podcast, Mindset in the Making

    15 - Navigating College & Careers as a Dancer | Gaylyn Lareese

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2021 48:27


    Gaylyn Lareese is a dancer, content creator, and CEO/Founder of Motion Prep™. In this episode we discussed: What it's like to be a dance major How to navigate different career options as a dancer How to thrive as a dancer when you feel out of place You can find Gaylyn on Instagram @gayln.lareese Check out Gaylyn's YouTube channel Visit Gaylyn's website: https://www.motionprepdance.com/services

    14 - Body Acceptance & Self-Love | Taylor Behringer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2021 46:48


    In an industry that perpetuates the idea that there is an "ideal body," dancers often struggle to find body acceptance and self-love. Taylor Behringer and I chatted about finding peace with our bodies as dancers and why it's so important to love yourself. About Taylor: Taylor Behringer is a life-long dancer, mom, dance educator, and healer in the dance space. Taylor guides dancers back to loving and trusting their bodies after a lifetime of working in an industry that has taught them to do the opposite. Taylor is also a certified PAUSE Breathwork Facilitator & graduated Food & Body Coach, using somatic work within the body to help dancers transform and sustain a healthy relationship with their bodies and selves. Check out Taylor's website: https://www.taylorbehringer.com/ Follow Taylor on Instagram @taylor_behringer: https://www.instagram.com/taylor_behringer/ Join Taylor's Breathwork Workshop on 05/29/2021: https://www.taylorbehringer.com/workshops Follow @the.curiousdancer on Instagram!

    13 - Now is the Time to Be Happy ☺️

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 8:32


    Hey hey! This is a quick episode on the importance of being content in the current moment. Follow me on Instagram @the.curiousdancer and @kayleenbabel

    12 - How to Continue, Start, or Restart Dancing as an Adult | Ballerinas By Night

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2021 36:39


    I spoke with Jana and Abby, creators of the YouTube channel and online community, Ballerinas By Night. They shared their tips for dancing as an adult, how to deal with comparison, the lessons they've learned as adult ballet dancers, and more! Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballerinasbynight/ Subscribe to their YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/youtendu/featured Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ballerinasbynight Check out their website: http://ballerinasbynight.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html

    11 - Comparing Yourself to Other Dancers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2021 12:29


    My advice for you if you struggle with comparing yourself to other dancers. Follow @thecuriousdancer on Instagram - www.thecuriousdancer.com

    10 - 4 Mindset Shifts to Become a Better Dancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2021 18:10


    Today I'm talking about 4 mindset shifts you can make to become a better dancer. Follow me on Instagram @thecuriousdancer and @kayleenbabel :-)

    09 - The Reality of College Dance Teams | Khristal Harbert

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2021 34:23


    Khristal Harbert is Spirit Coordinator for the University of Houston Spirit Teams. She is also head coach of the UH Cougar Dolls Dance Team (and was my coach when I was on the team!). We talked about what it's like to dance for a college team, why team culture matters, and how to balance multiple responsibilities. You can find Khristal on Instagram @coachkhristal. Follow me on Instagram at @thecuriousdancer and @kayleenbabel for additional content!

    08 - Why You Should Stop Looking for Quick Results

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2021 11:19


    Hi! Today I'm talking about why it's important to slow down as a dancer and stop searching for quick fixes and fast results. Follow me on Instagram @the.curiousdancer and @kayleenbabel. Thanks for listening.

    07 - Should You Take a Break from Dance?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2021 11:45


    A short chat about the benefits (and not-so-great parts) of taking a break from dance. Follow me on Instagram at @thecuriousdancer and @kayleenbabel for additional content!

    06 - Flexibility, Turnout, Injury Prevention & More | Allie Christensen

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 48:20


    Today I'm talking all things flexibility, turnout, injury prevention, and strength with Allie Christensen! You can learn more about Allie at www.alignfitnessbyallie.com Check out her Dancer Strong Program at https://alignfitnessbyallie.activehosted.com/f/16 Follow Allie on Instagram - @alignfitnessbyallie Subscribe to Allie on YouTube - Align Fitness By Allie Follow me on Instagram at @thecuriousdancer and @kayleenbabel for additional content!

    05 - How Can You Take Care of Your Mental Health as a Dancer?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2021 20:15


    In this episode, I share some strategies I use to take care of my mental health as a dancer—because being a healthy dancer is about taking care of both your physical AND mental health. If you like it, please leave a review! It means a lot and really helps out. Follow @the.curiousdancer on Instagram for behind the scenes, additional content, and inspiration. Follow my personal account on Instagram @kayleenbabel to see what I'm up to these days! Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more conversations, dance classes, and technique tips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYCKf5W-1DsXR5GUAn2IxUg

    04 - Is it Ever Too Late to Start Dancing? | Jojo Newman

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 40:05


    One thing I get asked a lot is, "Am I too old to start dancing?" Of course, in my eyes, the answer is always no. This episode with Jojo Newman will hopefully help to prove that point and inspire you to start (or continue) dancing no matter how old you are. Jojo is the founder of Adult Ballet Collective, and she provides online ballet coaching & community for adult dancers. She started ballet at 23 years old and has since been sharing her knowledge and experiences with people around the globe who want to achieve their ballet goals. You can find her on Instagram @jojo.ballerina and @adultballetcollective Visit her website at adultballet.co Be sure to subscribe to this podcast and follow @the.curiousdancer on Instagram! www.thecuriousdancer.com

    03 - What Should You Do if You Want to Lose Weight?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2021 16:49


    Today we're talking about the questions you should ask yourself before deciding you need to lose weight. TW: weight loss, body image Follow me on Instagram: @the.curiousdancer and @kayleenbabel Visit my website: www.thecuriousdancer.com

    02 - Should Dancers Strength Train? | Jason Harrison

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 31:16


    Jason Harrison is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). He also is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS). In this episode, I spoke with Jason about why strength training is important for dancers, how to get started with strength & conditioning, the importance of rest & recovery, and whether lifting weights will make you bulky. Jason's research and training interests include developing systematic approaches for enhancing dancer performance and injury prevention strategies rooted in strength and conditioning best practices. Check out Jason's website here - www.presenttensefitness.com Follow him on Instagram @presenttensefitness Thanks for listening. Follow @the.curiousdancer on Instagram and submit questions/topic suggestions via DM/comments! :-)

    01 - The Biggest Mistakes I've Made as a Dancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2021 23:56


    Welcome to the first episode of the show! Today I'm chatting about some of the major mistakes I made growing up as a dancer. This will hopefully be helpful for those of you younger dancers who can learn from my mistakes. If you like it, please leave a review :-) It means a lot and really helps out. Here's a link to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more conversations, dance classes, and technique tips Follow @the.curiousdancer on Instagram for behind the scenes, additional content, and inspiration Follow my personal account on Instagram @kayleenbabel to see what I'm up to these days

    00 - Trailer | What This Show is All About

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2021 1:30


    I've been dancing pretty much my entire life, but I still find myself confused, concerned, and curious about so much that goes on in the dance world. ⁠I started this show because I was fed up with the lack of resources for dancers and widespread misinformation regarding topics including fitness, mental health, nutrition, diversity, inclusion, and personal development.⁠ I'm on a mission to provide high-quality information for all of you—no matter how old you are, what you look like, or how long you've been dancing.⁠ I want to make the dance world a happier, healthier, and more inclusive space for everyone.⁠ Subscribe for new episodes each week! Follow @the.curiousdancer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the.curiousdancer/ Follow @thecuriousdancer on TikTok

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