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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
  • 17. Paula Ayotte: Disco Dancing to Pro Dancer at 57-Years-Old

    17. Paula Ayotte: Disco Dancing to Pro Dancer at 57-Years-Old
    Dec 19 2025

    Priscilla Piper interviews Paula Ayotte, a professional dancer and actor who returned to dance professionally at age 57. Paula shares how she started dancing at the discos in the late '70s, which turned into the beginnings of her professional dance career (consisting of dancing in Disney parades and performing as a Las Vegas showgirl). She provides details on her journey through various careers, including earning her Bachelor's in Marine Science and becoming a scientific diver. Paula provides the challenges and fears she faced re-entering the dance world later in life, and the importance of embracing age and experience both on and off the dance floor. This conversation highlights how confidence, audacity, and a willingness to show up—regardless of age—can lead to fulfillment and success. Paula's story encourages listeners to pursue their passions at any stage of life, reject limiting beliefs about aging, and recognize that true beauty and talent come from within.

    Watch this episode on Youtube!

    Resources Discussed:

    The Galen Hooks Method Intensives

    -Classic

    -Gameplan

    Intensives with Liana Blackburn

    Teachers/Choreographers Mentioned:

    Kayla Janssen

    Carol Connors

    Brian and Scott Nicholson

    Cisco Ruelas

    Terri Best

    Doug Caldwell

    Dancers Mentioned:

    Barni Rothman

    Studios Mentioned:

    Millenium Dance Complex

    Dupree Dance Academy

    Steps on Broadway

    Shows Mentioned:

    Etoile on Amazon Prime

    Actors Mentioned:

    Helen Mirren

    Halle Berry

    Follow Us:

    The Decision to Dance Podcast Instagram

    Paula's Instagram

    Paula's TikTok

    Priscilla's Instagram

    Priscilla's TikTok

    Music By: Augusto Diniz
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 9 mins
  • 16. What Does My Ideal Dance Class Look Like?

    16. What Does My Ideal Dance Class Look Like?
    Dec 12 2025

    Priscilla shares her insight and preferences regarding dance classes, emphasizing the importance of intentional class duration, warm-ups, and cool-downs. She discusses her love for across-the-floor and receiving direct feedback from teachers. Priscilla shares her opinion on how teachers should handle and approach filming in dance classes. This is a great episode for anyone that teaches dance class periodically or regularly as this will give you insight from a student's point of view. The topics discussed in today's episode are a great to assess for yourself, which will help you know how to best select dance classes for yourself in the future.

    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
    19 mins
  • 15. Cyd Charisse Mag-aso: Limitation is Just an Illusion

    15. Cyd Charisse Mag-aso: Limitation is Just an Illusion
    Dec 5 2025

    In this episode, Priscilla speaks with Cyd Mag-aso, a registered NICU nurse from Queens, NY, about her inspiring journey as a dancer. Cyd shares her beginnings in dance, which was heavily influenced by her family and Filipino culture. From "dancing her way out of her mother's womb" to officially taking ballet classes in 5th grade, Cyd demonstrated her dedication and passion early on in life through school dance programs. After choosing to pursue nursing and taking a step away from dance, Cyd also discusses her emotional return to dance after a long hiatus. Listeners will gain insight into Cyd's experience with the Galen Hooks Method and the Body Language Retreat with Liana Blackburn, and her valuable advice for those afraid to return to their passions. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the joy and healing aspect that dance brings, as well as the importance of taking steps, however small, towards what you love.

    Watch this episode on Youtube!

    Resources Discussed:

    The Galen Hooks Method Intensives

    -Classic

    -Gameplan

    Retreats with Liana Blackburn

    Dancers Mentioned:

    Paula Ayotte

    Kim Hale

    Follow Us:

    The Decision to Dance Podcast Instagram

    Cyd's Instagram

    Priscilla's Instagram

    Priscilla's TikTok

    Music By: Augusto Diniz
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
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