Show Notes
Part 1 You see the trophies, rhinestones, costumes, and packed auditoriums, but what actually happens behind the scenes of a dance competition? In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, sisters Paige and Brianne are spilling the stories from behind the curtain at Dance Nation Competitions. And when you’re the ones running the competition, you see everything. From the chaos happening backstage to studio owners, judges, dancers, parents, technical problems, last-minute changes, and those moments that make you stop and think, Did that seriously just happen? Competition weekends are never boring. Paige and Brianne share some of their favorite, funniest, craziest, and most memorable stories from running Dance Nation and talk about what it actually takes to pull off a dance competition. In this episode, we get into: • The things that go wrong behind the scenes that the audience never sees • The absolute chaos of competition day • Funny and unforgettable interactions with dancers, teachers, judges, and studio owners • What it's really like being the competition director when everyone needs something at once • The pressure dancers feel when they step onto that stage • Why some of the smallest moments end up becoming the most memorable ones • The relationships we've built with studios throughout the years • The stories that could ONLY happen at a dance competition Because competitive dance isn't just scores, placements, and trophies. Behind every routine is a dancer who worked for months to get there, a teacher holding their breath in the wings, a parent somewhere in the audience, and a competition staff trying to make sure nobody realizes something is going completely off the rails backstage. If you've ever competed, taught, owned a studio, been a dance parent, judged a competition, or you've just wondered what REALLY happens behind the curtain.....this one's for you. Come backstage with us. We're spilling the Dance Nation tea. 👀 Listen to Beyond the 8 Count and follow along for more unfiltered stories from inside the dance world.
More from Beyond the 8 Count
Long studio hours, endless rehearsals, demanding competition schedules, and the constant pressure to improve. At what point does dedication become burnout? In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Paige and Brianne tackle a difficult question facing the competitive dance industry: Are we pushing young dancers to reach their potential, or are we pushing them too far? As dance teachers, studio owners, and parents, we want our dancers to succeed. We want them to develop discipline, resilience, strong work ethics, and a genuine love for what they do. But are we sometimes confusing the number of hours spent in a studio with the quality of training they're actually receiving? We challenge the idea that more hours automatically create better dancers. We discuss the difference between healthy dedication and unhealthy expectations, the pressure young dancers feel to never miss class, and why taking time for family, school, friends, and other activities shouldn't automatically be viewed as a lack of commitment. We also explore how easily the dance industry can unintentionally reward exhaustion. When a dancer shows up tired, overwhelmed, or physically drained, we often praise their dedication. But are we teaching them perseverance, or are we teaching them to ignore what their bodies and minds are telling them? And what happens when a child who once loved dance suddenly doesn't want to be there anymore? We share personal experiences from both sides of this conversation, including the difficult reality of watching your own child begin to lose their passion for something that has been such a huge part of your life. This isn't an episode about lowering expectations, eliminating accountability, or suggesting that competitive dancers shouldn't work hard. We believe dedication, consistency, and discipline are essential parts of becoming a successful dancer. But we also believe there's a difference between challenging a child to reach their potential and pushing them to the point where dance no longer brings them joy. Can dancers train seriously while still having a childhood? Can studios maintain high standards without creating unnecessary pressure? And how do we recognize when a dancer needs encouragement to keep going versus permission to take a break? Whether you're a dance parent, teacher, choreographer, studio owner, or dancer yourself, this conversation challenges us to take a closer look at the expectations we've normalized in our industry. Because the goal shouldn't just be to create talented dancers who can push through anything. It should be to develop confident, hardworking, healthy individuals who still love dance years down the road. So we're asking the dance community one big question: Are we building dedication, or are we creating burnout? Join us for an honest conversation about finding the balance between hard work, high expectations, and allowing kids to be kids. Beyond the 8 Count — Real conversations about the dance industry, from the people living it. New episodes every Friday!
In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Paige and Brianne get honest about favoritism. From the students we naturally connect with to the moments when our own teaching deserves a closer look. As dance teachers and studio owners, we’ve seen how differently students can experience the same classroom. A teacher might see a dancer earning an opportunity, while a parent sees preferential treatment. And sometimes, favoritism really is happening. We talk about: The difference between connecting with a student and giving them unfair advantages.
How did Dominic Rayman end up working with Abby Lee Miller? It started with taking a chance. For our first guest episode of Beyond the 8 Count, we’re joined by our friend Dom to talk about his journey as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer! The episode includes how he landed an opportunity to work with Abby and appear on Madhouse. Dom shares his first impressions of Abby, what it was like stepping into reality TV, and the behind-the-scenes experiences that came with it. Of course, we also share a few memories of our own, including the time Paige unexpectedly asked him to perform an improv solo for the dancers at her competition. The conversation gets personal as Dom opens up about losing his mother and the role dance played in helping him through that grief. He reflects on his unexpected path into teaching, the relationships he’s built with students, and why those connections mean so much to him. We also explore his approach to the classroom: helping dancers feel supported, making room for joy, and encouraging students to discover their own passion for dance. There are laughs, heartfelt moments, and honest conversations about teaching, taking chances, and finding your way in the dance industry. We’re so excited for you to get to know our friend Dom!
What do dance studio owners wish they could tell every dance parent? In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Brianne and Paige have the conversation studio owners everywhere can relate to. From team placements and parent communication to comparison, studio policies, and the decisions happening behind the scenes, they’re talking about the things dance parents may not always see. They explain why a placement is never a reflection of a dancer’s worth, why studio decisions can’t be made around one child, and why teachers often see more of a dancer’s progress, potential, and classroom behavior than parents realize. They also get into one of the biggest challenges in the dance world: communication. If something is bothering you, talk to your studio before talking about your studio. A misunderstanding can quickly turn into frustration, gossip, and unnecessary drama when a simple conversation could have cleared things up. Most importantly, Brianne and Paige share something they wish every dance parent knew: we really do want your child to succeed. Corrections, placements, boundaries, and policies aren’t meant to work against your dancer. They’re part of running a studio, building strong teams, and helping kids grow. If you’re a dance parent, teacher, or studio owner, this episode gives an honest look at what’s happening on the other side of the front desk, and how parents and studios can work together to give dancers the best experience possible.
What makes a great dance teacher? What should immediately raise a red flag during an interview? In this episode, Brianne and Paige break down the red and green flags they look for when hiring dance instructors. From teaching voice and communication skills to adaptability and genuine passion, they discuss what separates an impressive dancer from an effective teacher. They share how applicants should present their accomplishments without relying on someone else’s name or résumé, why personal accolades don’t always translate into teaching ability, and how a willingness to learn and collaborate can matter more than having the most impressive credentials. Paige and Brianne also explain why teachers must be willing to adapt to different ages, levels, and learning styles. Teaching dance isn’t about showcasing yourself. It’s about helping students grow, building their confidence, and contributing to a positive studio culture. Whether you’re a studio owner hiring instructors, a current teacher, or a dancer hoping to teach one day, this episode offers an honest look at what it truly takes to stand out in a dance teaching interview.... for the right reasons.