Building Better Dancers, Not Bigger Tricks with Ryen Ryals

Season 5 of The Dance Real Podcast comes to a close. In this short final episode, Kate Histon reflects on the conversations that shaped Season 5 and looks ahead to what may be coming in Season 6. This episode is being released one week before Kate presents her workshop, "Trauma-Informed Leadership in Competitive Dance Training Environments", at the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) conference. Kate shares a little about the focus of the workshop and asks listeners whether they would like to see some of this work brought into Season 6 through a workshop-style podcast episode exploring trauma-informed leadership, psychological safety, communication, power dynamics, relational patterns, and leadership within competitive dance environments. The Dance Real Podcast will now take its usual six-week break between seasons. During the break, you can continue following Kate on Instagram and read the Dance Real blog on her website www.katehiston.com, where she shares ongoing reflections, research, and conversations from within the dance industry. Thank you for being part of Season 5. See you for Season 6.

Season 5: Ep:11 Does starting ballet at a very young age really increase the chances of becoming a professional dancer? In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate Histon is joined by dance educator, researcher and studio owner Dr. Kaitlin Hague to explore what current research tells us about talent identification, early specialisation and long-term dancer development. Drawing on her doctoral research, Dr. Hague explains why early success does not always predict future success, how healthy studio environments can support both excellence and wellbeing, and why parents and teachers play such an important role in a young dancer's development. Together they discuss the science behind talent development while offering practical guidance for dance teachers, studio owners and dance parents seeking to create environments where young dancers can thrive. Whether you're raising a young dancer, teaching the next generation, or simply passionate about dance education, this conversation offers evidence-based insights that challenge many long-held assumptions within the dance industry. In this episode we discuss: • What talent really means in dance • The research behind early specialisation in ballet • Why many elite dancers are not the strongest performers as children • The Matthew Effect and unintended favouritism in dance training • Identity, confidence and resilience in young dancers • Creating high standards without fear-based teaching • Supporting healthy dancer development • Practical advice for dance teachers and parents Follow Dr. Kaitlin Hague: Instagram: @thetalenteddancer Website: The Talented Dancer If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone passionate about dance education. 🌐 Website: katehiston.com 📸 Instagram: @Kate_histon 📸 Instagram: @dance_real_podcast 📸 Instagram: @master_dancer_mindset

Season 5: Ep:09 In this solo episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate explores the deeper psychological structure behind a dancer’s mindset and why confidence, anxiety, pressure, and self-doubt are often far more complex than they appear on the surface. Rather than approaching mindset as “positive thinking,” this episode examines how dancers continuously interpret experiences, assign meaning, form beliefs, and slowly build identity through those repeated interpretations. Kate unpacks the internal process that occurs after corrections, comparisons, results, setbacks, and performance pressure, and why two dancers can experience the exact same environment in completely different ways. This episode explores: • How dancers construct meaning internally • Why emotions often follow interpretation, not the event itself • How beliefs are formed and reinforced over time • The psychological layering that contributes to anxiety and instability under pressure • Why surface-level mindset advice often falls short • How dancers can begin creating more flexibility in their interpretations • The role teachers, parents, and training environments play in shaping mindset and identity This conversation is for dancers, educators, studio owners, and parents wanting a deeper understanding of the psychological processes influencing performance, confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing within dance training environments.

Season 5 Ep:08 What does it take to build a lasting dance community across generations, cultures, and competitive environments? In this episode of Dance Real Podcast, Kate sits down with Belgian dance educator, choreographer, studio owner, competition organiser, and international judge Dimitri Covent. Together, they explore the realities of leading a family-run dance studio, the evolving culture of international dance competitions, and the responsibility teachers carry in shaping both dancers and people. Dimitri shares the story behind Crea Dance Diva, how his family built one of Belgium’s most respected dance communities, and his perspective on healthy competition culture, long-term dancer development, technique, creativity, leadership, and resilience. This conversation also explores:• competition pressure and emotional wellbeing• balancing artistry with technical demands• tricks, acrobatics, and social media influence in dance• how competitions shape young dancers psychologically• the importance of foundational training• developing future teachers and leaders• sustaining a dance business as a family A thoughtful and honest conversation about leadership, integrity, growth, and the changing landscape of dance education. Find Dimitri Covent: Instagram: @dimitricoventCrea Dance Diva: Crea Dance Diva Official WebsiteIDC Belgium: IDC Belgium Official Website Follow Kate Histon: Website: Kate Histon Official WebsiteInstagram: @dance_real_podcastInstagram: @master_dancer_mindsetYouTube: Kate Histon YouTube Channel Disclaimer:The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, thoughtful conversations grounded in lived experience within the dance world. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. This episode is educational in nature and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice. If you require support in these areas, please seek guidance from a qualified professional. Any references to people, systems, or experiences are shared with the intention of encouraging reflection, dialogue, and learning within the dance community.

Season 5 Ep:07 How do predators gain trust? What are the early warning signs of grooming? And how can parents, teachers and dance studios create safer environments for young people? In this episode of The Dance Real Podcast, Kate Histon speaks with Australian survivor advocate and founder of Grooming Recognition, Louise Edmonds. Drawing on lived experience and years of advocacy, Louise explains how grooming rarely begins with obvious abuse. Instead, it develops through trust, access, isolation, and subtle behavioural patterns that many adults overlook. Together, Kate and Louise explore the unique vulnerabilities that can exist within high-performance dance environments, where authority, mentorship, emotional connection, and close physical interaction are often part of everyday training. This conversation is not intended to create fear. It is designed to build awareness, strengthen protective behaviours, and empower parents, teachers, and studio owners to recognise concerning patterns before harm occurs. Topics discussed include: • What grooming actually looks like. • Why predators often groom adults before children. • The red flags every parent should know. • Boundaries within dance education. • Private lessons and one-on-one coaching. • Why children often struggle to disclose abuse. • Healthy teacher-student relationships. • The importance of intuition and early intervention. • Australia's push for stronger child protection measures. If you work with young dancers or support children in any capacity, this is an important conversation. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit from the discussion. Content Warning: This episode discusses child sexual abuse, grooming, and child protection. Listener discretion is advised. Louise Edmonds www.groomingrecognition.com 🌐 Website: katehiston.com 📸 Instagram: @Kate_histon 📸 Instagram: @dance_real_podcast 📸 Instagram: @master_dancer_mindset