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The Decision to Dance Podcast

The Decision to Dance Podcast

By: Priscilla Piper
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About this listen

 What age is too late to start dancing? How do I return to dance after years off? What can I do to stay motivated as a dancer? How can I enjoy the process of being a beginner? Is it too late to do what I love? The Decision to Dance Podcast highlights dancers from around the globe, who have asked themselves these same questions. We discuss the challenges they have faced and how these dancers have redefined success within the world of dance. We learn what tools they utilized and the inner-dialogue they have developed to steer past doubts and gain momentum toward their goals. More importantly, we become familiar with the human behind the dancer and gain insight as to why these individuals choose to dance as hobbyists and professionals. Within each of their unique stories, we sense the similarities between one another, which give our listeners comfort and encouragement to continue in their own process. With thought provoking questions and honest conversations, this show will have you look inward and remind you why you choose to dance. Whether it's dancing in the kitchen, behind a camera, in class, or on stage, you'll have a better understanding of the value dance brings into your own life and the impact it can make on yourself and those around you. Listening to The Decision to Dance Podcast is like grabbing coffee with a friend and realizing that someone else "gets it." If you are new to dance, have danced your entire life, or took a hiatus and are making a comeback, this show is for you. So, press play and become inspired to continue along your journey with more resources, perspectives, and support by your side. Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to the show wherever you are listening & follow us on Instagram @decisiontodancepodcast.2024 Art Entertainment & Performing Arts
Episodes
  • Naomi Chan: Dance is a Mental Health Practice

    Naomi Chan: Dance is a Mental Health Practice
    Feb 27 2026

    Priscilla interviews Naomi Chan, a 28-year-old psychiatric nurse practitioner from San Francisco who began dancing in college eight years ago. Naomi shares her journey from joining a cultural dance group at Vanderbilt University to becoming part of the vibrant Bay Area dance community, where she now competes with the hip hop team, Pursuit of Passion. She discusses balancing her demanding career with her passion for dance, emphasizing how dance serves as essential mental health relief and creative expression. Throughout the conversation, Naomi reflects on overcoming plateaus, handling team audition rejections, developing her groove skills, and learning to dance with intention.

    Watch this episode on Youtube!

    Resources Discussed:

    Steezy

    Studios Mentioned:

    Millenium Dance Complex Nashville

    Follow Us:

    The Decision to Dance Podcast Instagram

    Naomi's Instagram

    Priscilla's Instagram

    Music By: Augusto Diniz
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • How Failure Can Make You a Better Dancer

    How Failure Can Make You a Better Dancer
    Feb 20 2026

    In this episode of the Decision to Dance Podcast, Priscilla Piper shares her transformative perspective on failure and how it has shaped her as a dancer. She describes viewing her accumulated failures which now empowers her rather than defeats her. She encourages dancers to be proud of their struggles and hardships, as these experiences ultimately make them stronger, more intentional performers.

    Watch this episode on Youtube!

    Follow Us:

    The Decision to Dance Podcast Instagram

    Priscilla's Instagram

    Priscilla's TikTok

    Music By: Augusto Diniz
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Lynley Mackay: Take Advantage of the Time That You Have

    Lynley Mackay: Take Advantage of the Time That You Have
    Feb 13 2026

    This podcast episode features Lynley Mackay, a 63-year-old lawyer from Sydney, Australia, who discovered dance in her late 40's. Overcoming the challenges of starting dance for the first time, she persisted and became completely addicted once she experienced the magic of choreography and music becoming one. Lynley emphasizes that dance has become her "soul food" and is a mental health practice, which helps her process the emotional weight of her legal work. She advocates strongly against age-related self-defeat, having started circus arts in her mid-50's, and believes being a beginner keeps you mentally young and builds brain plasticity. Throughout the conversation, she shares practical advice about starting dance through online classes, the importance of yoga for injury prevention, and shares how dance has helped her achieve a sense of peace within herself after many years of searching for it.

    Watch this episode on Youtube!

    Resources Discussed:

    Sydney Dance Company

    Steezy

    Steps on Broadway in NY & Online

    Be Radiant Yoga (Vanessa Ziesing)

    The Galen Hooks Method:

    -Intensives

    -On Demand "How to Retain Choreography" Classes: "Clean as you Go" and "Life Rafts" (formally as "Tentpole Moments")

    Dance Teachers Discussed:

    Dale Pope

    Galen Hooks

    Follow Us:

    The Decision to Dance Podcast Instagram

    Lynley's Instagram

    Priscilla's Instagram

    Music By: Augusto Diniz
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
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