It's All Relative

Relative Motion
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Performing Arts

The podcast for dance teachers and studio owners who are looking to go behind the scenes in the dance industry and discover strategy and success in everything from studio to stage 

  1. 2d ago

    EP 61: Trusting The Bigger Picture

    Sometimes the moments that feel like setbacks are quietly moving us toward something bigger. In this episode of It’s All Relative, Cara  shares a personal story about an unexpected series of events that ultimately allowed her to help a family in need. She uses the story to reflect on teaching, leadership, difficult seasons, and the importance of trusting that there may be a bigger picture at work. For dance teachers, educators, and studio owners, Cara encourages us to stay aware, open, and willing even when life feels overwhelming or things aren't going according to plan. Cara talked about: Finding perspective when setbacks and disappointments happenTrusting that there can be a bigger purpose behind unexpected changesStaying aware of the needs and opportunities around youBalancing strong goals with a soft, open heartRemaining willing and flexible when you feel like you have no more capacity3 Things Cara Challenges Us to Practice: 1. Stay aware. Instead of immediately assuming something is going wrong, ask whether there may be something happening that you can't see yet. 2. Stay open. Keep a strong sense of yourself and your goals while remaining open to the people and opportunities around you. 3. Stay willing. When your first instinct is to say no because you don't have the time, capacity, or resources, consider where you can remain flexible and say yes. As educators and leaders, our impact isn't only found in what we teach. Cara reminds us that awareness, an open heart, and a willingness to respond can help us make a greater impact, even in seasons when everything feels like it's working against us. — Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

  2. Sep 1

    EP 60: How To Make Online Content Work For You

    In this episode of It’s All Relative, Cara breaks down how dance teachers can evaluate the endless online dance training content available on Instagram and YouTube. She explains how to determine whether an exercise is appropriate for your dancers, whether it actually leads toward the promised technique, and whether it fits into your class without sacrificing valuable training time. Cara talked about: Why training designed only for advanced dancers may not translate to your studentsHow complicated props and long setup times can take away from valuable class timeWhy the exercise needs to match the actual movement pattern and final technique goalHow to make sure every dancer can gain something from an exerciseWhy exercises should have a clear path into and out of the technique being taughtThe importance of building fundamentals before flash and layering advanced technique progressively 3 Red Flags to Watch for in Online Dance Training: 1. Only advanced dancers are being trained.  Ask whether the teacher or company actually understands how to take dancers from their current level to the advanced level being demonstrated. 2. The exercise takes too long to set up.  Consider how much class time is spent explaining and arranging props, and watch the dancers in the background to see whether they actually understand the exercise. 3. The drill doesn't match the skill.  The exercise should train the correct muscle groups and the movement pattern required for the final technique. — Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

  3. Aug 25

    EP 59: The 3-Step System for Coaching Dancers Ages 7–9

    In this episode of It’s All Relative, Cara Dixon challenges studios to rethink how they approach 3 to 7-year-old dance classes. These early classes require teachers who can balance fun and engagement with the fundamentals young dancers need to develop. Cara also highlights how preschool dance classes introduce more than technique. For ages 3 to 4, teachers are also helping families understand the studio's culture, environment, and systems, making these classes an important part of long-term dance studio retention and community building. Cara talked about: Why 3 to 7-year-old dance classes should not be treated as starter classes for inexperienced teachersThe importance of balancing fun, engagement, and dance fundamentalsHow early dance classes introduce young dancers to the discipline of danceWhy teachers play an important role in nurturing new dance familiesHow early studio experiences can shape long-term family relationships with the studio Key Tips from Cara: Don't treat ages 3 to 7 as throwaway classes. - These are challenging classes that require intentional teaching, not simply a place for inexperienced teachers to learn.Balance fun with fundamentals. - Young dancers need an engaging, playful environment while still developing the dance fundamentals they need.Use ages 3 to 4 to introduce the discipline of dance. - These early classes are an opportunity to establish the expectations and foundations of being in a dance environment.Nurture the entire dance family. - Teachers and studios aren't only introducing young dancers to dance. They're also helping parents understand the studio's culture, environment, and systems from the beginning.— Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

  4. Aug 18

    EP 58: Tiny Technicians- Teaching Our 3-7 Year Old Dancers

    The foundation for strong, confident dancers starts in the earliest years of training. This episode explores how intentional teaching can shape dancers from ages 3 to 7. In this episode of It’s All Relative, Cara dives into teaching 3 to 7-year-old dancers and why these early years are so important for building proper technique, confidence, body awareness, and a strong foundation for future training. Cara introduces the FOCUS method, which focuses on Fun, Obtainable goals, Curiosity, Understanding, and Structure to help young dancers stay engaged while developing meaningful dance fundamentals. Cara talked about: Balancing fun and engagement with proper dance fundamentalsUsing the FOCUS method to support young dancer developmentCreating structure and repetition so dancers feel comfortable in classUsing stories, games, music, and visual cues to teach techniqueSetting small, measurable goals and celebrating progressBuilding proper alignment and body awareness from an early age The FOCUS Method: F: Fun Use stories, games, music, silly voices, movement, and playful energy to keep young dancers engaged while still teaching technique. O: Obtainable Give dancers small, measurable goals they can actually achieve. For a three-year-old, success might simply be standing in a line, following a class routine, or completing a focused plié sequence. C: Curiosity Move beyond constant correction by encouraging dancers to ask questions and become curious about what they are feeling, what they are doing, and why they are doing it. U: Understanding Help dancers develop a deeper mind-body connection instead of simply mimicking shapes. When young dancers understand what they're doing, they become more capable and confident. S: Structure Create predictable routines and consistent classroom processes so young dancers know what to expect. Repetition and structure can reduce anxiety and help children feel comfortable in the studio. Teaching young dancers is about more than keeping them entertained. These early years are where teachers can build the technique, confidence, curiosity, and body awareness that prepare dancers for their next stage of training. — Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

  5. Aug 11

    EP 57: The Greatest Gift (Revisited)

    Some of the greatest lessons in dance don't come from the studio. They come from the people who teach us how to see challenges differently. We're revisiting one of our favorite episodes of It's All Relative because its message is just as meaningful today as when it first aired. In "The Greatest Gift," Cara Dixon shares a personal story from her own dance training and the life-changing perspective her mom gave her after a difficult ballet class. This episode explores the powerful partnership between dance teachers, dance parents, and young dancers, showing how belief, trust, and encouragement can transform difficult moments into opportunities for growth. Whether you're a dance parent, dance teacher, or studio owner, this conversation offers valuable insight into building resilient dancers, strengthening teacher-parent relationships, and creating a studio culture where dancers feel challenged, supported, and empowered to grow.  Cara talked about:  How one conversation with her mom completely changed the way she viewed corrections and feedback from her dance teacher  Why believing in a dancer's potential is one of the greatest gifts a parent or teacher can give  How parents and dance teachers can partner together to build confidence instead of reinforcing self-doubt  Why advocacy doesn't always mean removing children from difficult situations, but helping them develop perspective and resilience  How trust between families and dance studios creates stronger dancers, healthier relationships, and long-term growth5 Lessons from "The Greatest Gift": See corrections as belief, not rejection. Sometimes the toughest corrections come from teachers who see the greatest potential in their dancers. Changing that perspective can completely transform a dancer's confidence and willingness to grow. Speak belief into your dancer. Parents have the opportunity to shape how their children interpret difficult moments. Encouraging belief instead of reinforcing fear helps dancers develop resilience and confidence. Feelings aren't always facts. Dance is both athletic and artistic, making it an emotional experience. While a dancer's feelings are real, helping them separate emotions from perspective allows them to respond with confidence instead of fear. Choose partnership over protection. The strongest support comes when parents and teachers work together. Trusting a healthy dance program allows everyone to support the dancer's growth rather than creating division between home and the studio. Build trust that lasts beyond the classroom. When dancers know their parents and teachers believe in them, they develop the confidence to embrace challenges, accept feedback, and continue growing long after one difficult class. The greatest gift we can give a dancer isn't removing every obstacle from their path. It's helping them develop the confidence, perspective, and trust to grow through those challenges. When parents and teachers work together, dancers learn that corrections are rooted in care, growth comes through perseverance, and belief from trusted adults can change the course of their journey. Whether you're hearing this story for the first time or revisiting it with us, we hope it reminds you of the incredible impact your words and perspective can have on the dancers in your life. — Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

  6. Aug 4

    EP 56: Rebuilding The Room: Recruitment That Works

    The most important recruitment strategy isn't convincing dancers to stay. It's giving them a reason to believe they're growing. In this episode of It's All Relative, Cara Dixon explores one of the most important times of the year for dance studio recruitment and student retention: the window between Nationals and the start of a new season. As families decide whether to return, join a competitive team, or make a change, Cara shares insights from years of working alongside studio owners, judging competitions, and training dancers across the country. Rather than focusing on enrollment tactics, Cara explains why dance student retention, building dancer confidence, and creating measurable dance technique progress are the true foundations of successful recruitment. This episode is filled with practical ideas to help dance teachers and studio owners build trust, strengthen dancer belief, and create a studio culture that families are excited to return to year after year. Cara talked about: Why the recruitment window between Nationals and the new season is a critical time for dance studios and competitive teamsHow dancers and parents evaluate confidence, technical progress, and overall experience before deciding to returnWhy building belief in a dancer's potential is the foundation of long-term student retentionHow visible, measurable dance technique progress creates trust with both dancers and familiesWhy teacher cueing, visual alignment tools, and consistent feedback help dancers achieve faster and more meaningful growth 3 Recruitment Strategies from Cara: 1. Build belief before expecting commitment.  Retention begins when dancers believe in their own potential. As teachers, our role is to help dancers develop confidence by consistently reinforcing what they're capable of achieving, especially when they don't yet believe it themselves. 2. Make technical growth visible and measurable.  Instead of relying on encouragement alone, give dancers tangible proof that they're improving. Help them see and feel measurable changes in their alignment, movement, and technique so their confidence is built on real progress. 3. Create trust through consistent results.  When dancers experience steady progress and families can clearly see the growth throughout the season, trust naturally follows. That trust becomes one of the strongest reasons dancers return year after year with excitement and confidence. Successful recruitment doesn't begin with registration. It begins months earlier by creating an environment where dancers feel seen, believe in their potential, and experience measurable growth every time they walk into the studio. When teachers intentionally build belief, celebrate progress, and make technique improvements visible, families don't just see a dance class. They see transformation. The strongest studios aren't simply recruiting new dancers. They're creating an experience that dancers can't wait to come back to. — Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

  7. Jul 28

    EP 55: Making The Most Of Dance Teacher Conferences

    Attending a dance teacher conference isn't about collecting more ideas. It's about solving the challenges that matter most for your studio. In this episode of It's All Relative, Cara Dixon shares how dance teachers and studio owners can make the most of dance teacher conferences. Rather than trying to attend every session or absorb every piece of information, Cara encourages educators to approach conferences with a clear strategy, meaningful questions, and a plan for implementation. Whether you're attending the Toronto Dance Teacher Expo, Dance Teacher Web, Dance Life Teacher Conference, or another professional development event, this episode will help you maximize your investment of time, energy, and resources by leaving with practical solutions instead of information overload. Cara talked about: Why attending a dance teacher conference with clear questions is more valuable than simply following a packed session scheduleHow identifying two or three specific challenges helps you choose sessions that solve real problems in your studioWhy the relationships you build with fellow studio owners, teachers, choreographers, and presenters often become more valuable than the sessions themselvesHow trying to attend every session can lead to information overload instead of meaningful learningWhy reviewing your notes and implementing one idea immediately after the conference increases the likelihood of creating lasting change 3 Action Steps from Cara: 1. Go in with questions, not just a schedule.  Before you arrive, write down two or three specific problems you want to solve. Let those questions guide which sessions, conversations, and vendor booths you spend your time on. 2. Set a relationship goal, not just a learning goal.  Meet new studio owners, teachers, or presenters, exchange contact information, and follow up after the conference while the connection is still fresh. Those relationships can become valuable resources long after the conference ends. 3. Build a 48-hour debrief into your calendar.  Schedule time shortly after the conference to review your notes and choose one idea to implement immediately. Acting while the information is fresh makes it far more likely that you'll create lasting change in your studio. A successful conference isn't measured by how many sessions you attend or how many handouts you collect. It's measured by the problems you solve, the relationships you build, and the ideas you actually put into practice. — Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

  8. Jul 21

    EP 54: Burnout: The Competitive Teacher Reset

    Burnout doesn't always look like exhaustion. Sometimes it looks like losing the passion for the work you once loved. Learn how competitive dance teachers can recognize burnout, recover with intention, and return stronger for the next season. In Episode 54 of It's All Relative, Cara shifts the focus from dance technique to something every dance teacher, studio owner, and competitive dance coach experiences but rarely talks about: teacher burnout. Following the intensity of Nationals and the competition season, Cara explores the difference between ordinary exhaustion and true burnout, why competitive teachers are especially vulnerable, and how intentional rest is essential for sustainable leadership. This episode is filled with practical strategies for preventing dance teacher burnout, creating healthy recovery habits, and building a sustainable rhythm that allows teachers to continue serving their dancers without sacrificing their own well-being. Whether your season revolves around competitions, recitals, productions, or performances, this conversation is a reminder that taking care of yourself is one of the most important investments you can make for your studio. Cara talked about: The difference between teacher exhaustion and burnout, and how to recognize the warning signs before they become overwhelmingWhy competitive dance teachers often wear busyness and overwork as a badge of honorHow intentional rest helps teachers return with more creativity, energy, and purposeWhy planning recovery is just as important as planning the competition seasonHow a rested teacher creates a healthier studio culture and models sustainable habits for dancersThis episode is a reminder that the strongest dance teachers aren't the ones who never stop working. They're the ones who know when it's time to pause, recover, and return with renewed purpose. Burnout isn't a sign that you care too much. It's a sign that you've been pouring into everyone else for too long without refilling your own cup. As you prepare for the next season, give yourself permission to rest with intention. Your creativity, leadership, and your dancers will all benefit from the teacher who comes back restored instead of simply exhausted. — Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

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About

The podcast for dance teachers and studio owners who are looking to go behind the scenes in the dance industry and discover strategy and success in everything from studio to stage 

Information

  • Creator
    Relative Motion
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 It's All Relative
  • Show Website
    It's All Relative

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