Podcast
Dance Dad With John Corella
Hosted by Dance Dad LLC · EN
As one of the co creators/executive producers of the hit reality show Dance Moms, this podcast will be a safe space to talk about all things Dance. I will have meaningful conversations with guests from the show Dance Moms, as well as discussing the colorful, magical Dance competition world that I grew up competing in and am still a part of teaching and choreographing for. Dancing and being in the film and TV Industry for over 40 years I will be talking with those who who have inspired me and we will share our knowledge on what worked, what didn’t and why. Growing up a young feminine boy who loved to dance was extremely challenging in a lot of ways. Now as gay man I will have some heartfelt meetings with people in the LGBTQ community to share about this and the suffering that goes on currently with adults and kids and how we can help and most importantly heal it.
Put your dance shoes on every other Friday when this podcast comes out! Listen. Be Bold. Be Fierce.
Sincerely,
John Corella
Put your dance shoes on every other Friday when this podcast comes out! Listen. Be Bold. Be Fierce.
Sincerely,
John Corella
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP 46: Defying Gravity for 15 Years With Wicked Dance Justin Wirick
Nov 2701:07:02Tap to summarizeFifteen years in Wicked collide with grief, queer joy and the quiet rituals that keep a performer brave eight shows a week. With part two of the Wicked movie now in theaters, John Corella celebrates the moment by revisiting his conversation with Justin Wirick, a longtime dancer with the Broadway National Tour of Wicked. What begins as a lighthearted holiday replay opens into a layered, intimate look at creativity, identity, resilience and the emotional depth woven into performing the same show thousands of times. Justin shares how ritual, presence and community have sustained him through the demands of touring life, the pressure of staying fresh onstage and the grief of losing his mother. He reflects on the ways Wicked mirrors the lived experiences of queer performers who spend years learning to celebrate the parts of themselves they once hid. This episode is a reminder that the courage to keep showing up for your art and for your truth is its own form of defying gravity. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome and Wicked Movie Celebration 02:00 Justin Wirick on Nerves and Finding His Voice 05:30 Fifteen Years in Wicked and Touring Life 12:44 How Justin Finally Joined Wicked After Three Offers 17:41 Wicked Choreography: Stage vs Film 23:54 Justin’s Rituals for Calming Nerves Before Every Show 37:04 Choosing Joy and Staying Fresh After Thousands of Performances 41:08 Performing Through Grief After Losing His Mom 41:25 Why Wicked Resonates With LGBTQ+ Audiences 54:32 Staying Kind and Grounded in a Tough Industry 01:04:15 Dance Lightning Round and Where to Follow Justin Connect with Justin Wirick: Follow Justin on Instagram Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Follow John on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Visit John Corella’s website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Transcribe →EP 45: The Boy Is Mine Tour Dancer with Charm Spencer
Nov 1301:01:45Tap to summarizeCharm Spencer opens up about tour life - the late nights, the travel, and the mindset that keeps him grounded while performing on The Boy Is Mine Tour with Brandy and Monica. In this episode, he joins John Corella to talk about learning to move between masculine and feminine energy onstage and how that balance shapes both his artistry and his identity. He reflects on rejection, growth, and humility with a kind of honesty that pulls you in. How do you stay true to yourself when every role asks for something different? How do you keep your confidence in an industry built on constant change? Charm’s story connects discipline with self-acceptance and reminds dancers that authenticity is its own kind of power. And for anyone who grew up watching Dance Moms, he shows how those early lessons in adaptability and storytelling still echo through every performance today. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Behind the Scenes of The Boy Is Mine Tour 06:00 Charm Spencer’s Journey to Becoming a Professional Dancer 09:03 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energy in Dance 11:57 Breakthrough Auditions and Career Lessons 15:05 A Real Look at Tour Life 47:59 Handling Criticism and Protecting Your Energy 49:47 What Touring Dancers Teach Each Other 54:08 Dance Moms and Early Influences Connect with Charm Spencer: Follow Charm on Instagram Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Follow John on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Visit John Corella’s website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Transcribe →EP 44: 1988 Olympics Womens Gymnastics Team Controversy with Missy Marlowe
Oct 3001:11:42Tap to summarizeWhen former Olympian Melissa Marlowe talks about the 1988 Olympic controversy and the bronze medal being taken away, she doesn’t just revisit a headline; she relives what it felt like to stand on the edge of history and have it quietly rewritten overnight. How does someone keep competing after that? What carries an athlete through when the spotlight fades but the memory doesn’t? As she joins John Corella in this episode, Melissa reflects on the discipline, artistry, and strength that defined her career, from the power in her legs and feet to the mindset that helped her face pressure and perfectionism. She shares how her coaches’ mix of kindness and toughness shaped her longevity in a sport built on precision and risk, and how she’s come to measure success in ways that last longer than medals. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome to Dance Dad and Guest Intro 01:47 Early Ballet Roots and Natural Flexibility 05:05 Signature Lines: The Power of Legs and Feet 06:35 Beating Nerves with Sports Psychology 21:39 The Reality of Olympic Pressure: Was It Worth It 23:40 1988 Olympic Controversy: Bronze Medal Being Taken Away 45:22 Competing in the Cold War: USA vs USSR 51:09 Hard but Kind Coaching and Athlete Longevity 59:12 Scholarships, Overtraining, and Choosing Longevity 01:00:42 Life After the Olympics: Movement, Motherhood, Meaning Connect with Melissa Marlowe: Connect with Melissa on Instagram Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Follow John on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Visit John Corella’s website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Transcribe →EP 43: The Turn Coach Method
Oct 1601:04:41Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to hit 10 turns with confidence? For Lynnrae Hiers Serra, it comes down to repetition, mechanics, and belief - the same mix that’s helped dancers of every level find their balance and push past limits. John Corella talks with Lynnrae, known to many as “The Turn Coach,” about how her journey started at the JPD dance studio under her mentor Terry Schulke and how that experience shaped her lifelong fascination with precision and progress. She explains why mastering turns isn’t about perfection but about patience, consistency, and learning how your body works. What happens when a dancer stops chasing technique and starts trusting the process instead? Lynnrae also shares tips for teachers and parents who want to help dancers grow without pressure, along with the story behind TurnCoach Enterprises and her mission to make effective turn training accessible to anyone. This episode looks at the intersection of art, discipline, and belief, and how small shifts in mindset can lead to those moments when everything clicks and the turns finally stick. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome to Dance Dad and Episode Focus on Turns 01:10 Meet The Turn Coach and Motto “I Can Make Anybody Turn” 04:15 JPD Dance Studio Roots and Mentor Terry Schulke 06:25 The Turn Coach Method Progression and 10 Turns System 11:55 Challenging Tradition: Why Mechanics Come Before Perfection 13:59 What Actually Makes You Turn: Practical Mechanics That Work 19:50 TurnCoach Enterprises: Scaling a 700 Person Waitlist 26:40 Most Common Mistake: Fix Your Prep to Unlock More Rotations 33:20 Every Body Can Turn: Mindset, Confidence, and Inclusive Coaching 44:50 Healthy Body Image in Dance: Language Teachers Should Avoid Connect with Lynnrae Hiers Serra: Visit The Turn Coach Website Follow Lynnrae on Instagram Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Follow John on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Visit John Corella’s website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Transcribe →EP 42: Every Body is a Dancer’s Body with Amanda LaCount
Oct 301:09:32Tap to summarizeAmanda LaCount proves that plus size dancers belong center stage, sharing how her journey, her advocacy, and the support of Dance Mom Jill are reshaping the dance community. A professional dancer who has performed with Lady Gaga, Rihanna, JLo, and Katy Perry, Amanda joins John Corella to challenge the stereotypes that have long defined the industry. She reveals how media-driven beauty standards create barriers, why she is determined to advocate for greater inclusivity, and how she built the confidence to push back against an environment that often resists change. Amanda credits much of her boldness to Dance Mom Jill’s unwavering advocacy and explains why having someone in your corner can make all the difference. From speaking openly about rejection and resilience to highlighting the responsibility of representation, Amanda shows how dancers of every body type can thrive when they are given safe, supportive spaces to express their art. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Amanda LaCount on Dance Dad 07:43 Every Body Is a Dancer’s Body: Breaking Stereotypes 11:32 Finding Boldness Through Dance Mom Jill’s Advocacy 24:32 Growing Up Plus Size in Dance Competitions 30:42 How Studios and Conventions Can Support Plus Size Dancers 42:03 Performing in Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Show 45:33 Lessons From Working With Lady Gaga and Katy Perry 47:37 Teaching Dance and Creating Inclusive Spaces 56:23 Inclusivity vs. Stereotypes in Casting 01:00:27 Being the Role Model Amanda Never Had Connect with Amanda LaCount: Follow Amanda on Instagram Visit Amanda’s website Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Follow John on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Visit John Corella’s website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Transcribe →EP 41: Xanadu, Olivia Newton-John with Xanadu dancer Cheryl Baxter
Sep 1801:01:45Tap to summarizeCheryl Baxter’s very first job as a young dancer put her on the set of Xanadu with Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, and Kenny Ortega. What does it feel like to step into a world like that straight out of a small town in Wisconsin? And how do you carry lessons from legends into a career that lasts for decades? Joining John Corella in this episode, Cheryl reflects on the magic of Xanadu, the influence of Gene Kelly’s ease and Olivia Newton-John’s authenticity, and the ways she has kept her career alive through every crossover - from film and television to teaching and even TikTok! Cheryl’s story invites you to think about resilience, reinvention, and the joy that comes from saying yes to new stages of life in dance. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Dance Dad Introduction 03:20 Making Xanadu With Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly 06:00 Gene Kelly’s On Set Lesson: Relax and Have Fun 10:30 Meeting Olivia Newton-John and Early Xanadu Memories 16:10 Why Xanadu Became a Cult Classic 28:30 Reinvention and Career Crossover From Stage to TikTok 49:30 Filming Magic on Xanadu: Steadicam, Long Days, Big Finale 57:50 Stay Bold: Resilience and Reinvention in Dance Connect with Cheryl Baxter: Follow Cheryl on Instagram Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Follow John on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon John Corella Website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Transcribe →EP 40: Our Damaging Experiences With Conversion Therapy
Sep 401:08:36Tap to summarizeTrigger Warning: This episode contains conversations about conversion therapy, psychological abuse, and self-harm. We share these stories to raise awareness and foster healing, but we recognize they may be difficult to hear. Please listen with care and step away if you need to. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources like The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386) are available to provide support. Conversion therapy survivor Syre Klenke speaks openly about the damaging impact of being forced into years of so-called “treatment” as a teenager and the depression that followed, while also showing how authenticity and community became a way forward. Joining John Corella, Syre recalls the shock of being taken to a conversion therapy conference under the guise of a family outing, the gaslighting he endured from both licensed therapists and church leaders, and the loss of everyday teenage milestones like dating and prom. These stories reveal how conversion therapy robs young people of their sense of safety and self, leaving scars that last well into adulthood. Yet Syre also reflects on the resilience it takes to survive, the courage to tell the truth, and the importance of building spaces where no one has to hide who they are. This episode confronts the damaging reality of conversion therapy while reminding us that healing is possible through honesty, courage, and community. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome to Dance Dad with John Corella 01:26 Meet Syre Klenke: Comedian, Activist, Conversion Therapy Survivor 04:46 What Conversion Therapy Really Means and Why It’s Damaging 07:58 Surviving Four Years of Forced Conversion Therapy 12:05 Losing High School Milestones and Identity 18:43 The Most Traumatizing Moments of Conversion Therapy 27:49 Abuse and Self-Harm Tactics Inside Conversion Therapy 29:29 Mental Health Struggles and Depression Afterward 34:33 Religion, Patriarchy, and Gender Roles in Conversion Therapy 39:09 Why Survivor Stories Must Be Told 42:14 Conversion Therapy in Politics and the Supreme Court Case 01:04:30 The Boldest Act: Sharing Your Story Authentically Connect with Syre Klenke: Instagram Connect with John Corella: Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram John Corella on Instagram Patreon Website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Transcribe →EP 39: Just Be. Labor Day Episode
Aug 2100:05:50Tap to summarizeLabor Day becomes a reminder that creativity and connection grow stronger when we pause, take breaks, and allow ourselves to just be. John Corella takes this episode in a different direction, stepping back from the usual focus on dance and LGBTQ issues to reflect on what Labor Day really represents. Born out of union protests, the holiday was meant as a pause from constant work and a way to honor those who fought for fair treatment. How often do we give ourselves that same pause in our own lives? What happens when we step away from the noise of social media or the pull of endless tasks and simply let ourselves be present? John shares how these small choices – to rest, to quiet the distractions, to notice the moment – make it easier to find presence on stage, in creativity, and in life. He also takes time to thank listeners and celebrate milestones in the Dance Dad community, reminding us that growth comes from more than effort alone. As summer comes to a close, this episode invites you to see Labor Day as a chance to recharge, reflect, and practice the art of being. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Labor Day Reflections 01:24 The Power of Breaks and Taking Time Off 03:33 Practicing Presence in Daily Life 05:09 End of Summer and Closing Gratitude Links Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram John Corella on Instagram Patreon Website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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