Dance Real Podcast

About Dance Real Podcast

Welcome to Dance Real; a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the dance industry to explore what really goes on behind the scenes. I’m your host, Kate Histon, former dancer, teacher and studio owner to now mindset and leadership coach as well as international adjudicator. I am someone who’s lived through the pressure, perfectionism, and unspoken harm that too often defines the dance world. This podcast is for dancers, teachers, and parents who are ready to hear honest conversations about everything from artistry to crossed boundaries, competition, community, intuition to industry norms and start reimagining a healthier, more progressive approach to dance education and employment. We’re here to talk about what’s real. Because only when we tell the truth can we change the story. www.katehiston.com 📲 @kateHiston 📲 @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎙 @Dance_Real_Podcast

Publisher

Kate Histon

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Jan 2025

Latest episode

12 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

67 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Sept 2026

   Season 5 Finale: Where Dance Real Goes Next

   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.

2. 

   6 Sept 2026

   Why Early Specialisation Doesn't Guarantee Success in Ballet with Dr. Kaitlin Hague

   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 Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.

3. 

   30 Aug 2026

   Building Better Dancers, Not Bigger Tricks with Ryen Ryals

   Season 5 Ep:10 Where is dance heading? In this episode of The Dance Real Podcast, Kate Histon is joined by former dancer and studio owner, adjudicator, and Performing Arts High School Director, Ryen Ryals, for a thoughtful conversation about the future of dance education. Together they explore the growing pressure created by social media, the rise of trick-focused training, and why strong technical foundations, healthy studio culture, and emotionally intelligent teaching matter more than ever. This conversation is for dance teachers, studio owners, adjudicators, parents, and dancers who believe excellence and wellbeing can exist together. In this episode we discuss: • Why foundational training should never be sacrificed for bigger tricks. • The impact of social media on young dancers and their development. • The difference between a demanding teacher and a harmful teacher. • Building a positive studio culture for dancers, teachers, and parents. • Child safety and protecting young dancers. • Competition culture, judging, and what healthy competition should look like. • How adults can better support dancers through disappointment. • Why the future of dance depends on educating the whole dancer, not just the performer. If this conversation resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone in the dance community. Follow Ryen Ryles on Instagram @mrsryendance Follow Kate Histon: Website: Kate Histon Official Website Instagram: @Kate_Histon and @dance_real_podcast Instagram: @master_dancer_mindset YouTube: 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.

Who has been a guest on Dance Real Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Melanie Gard
• Georgina Pazcoguin
• Terry Hyde
• Lisa Maloney
• Austin Crumley

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 24 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

35

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Dance Real Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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Questions about Dance Real Podcast