It's All Relative

Relative Motion

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 39: The Power Behind Your Why

    In this episode, I’m diving into something that every teacher needs but often overlooks, defining your why on a deeper level. This conversation was inspired by a moment inside Total Technique Academy where teachers realized they felt stuck trying to define their why. Not because they didn’t care, but because their answers stayed at the surface. I walk through why a shallow why like “I want my dancers to improve” isn’t enough to carry you through the hard seasons — the burnout, the pressure, the attitude, the exhaustion. And how going back to your story, your experiences, and what truly drives you creates a foundation that actually lasts. Cara talked about:  Why many teachers feel disconnected from their original passion over time How surface-level whys fail during stressful, high-pressure seasons The importance of going back to your own journey as a dancer and teacher How personal experiences shape a deeper, more meaningful purpose Why a strong why must be internal, not dependent on external circumstancesKey Tips:  Revisit why you fell in love with dance in the first place Reflect on when you decided to pursue teaching and why it mattered Identify what you needed as a dancer that you now want to give others Get specific about what is currently pulling you away from your why Build a why that is deep enough to carry you through hard seasonsWhen your why is tied to how things feel, it will shift constantly. But when your why is rooted in purpose, it becomes something you can rely on. Because the hard days are coming. The hard seasons are part of it. The goal is not to avoid them. The goal is to be grounded enough to keep going anyway. — Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

    16 min
  2. MAR 31

    Ep 38: The Fight For Fundamentals

    In this episode, Cara breaks down what it really means to fight for fundamentals in today’s dance industry and why it matters now more than ever. With dancers constantly exposed to advanced tricks on social media, the pressure to move faster is real. But skipping steps comes at a cost. Cara shares why true progress isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the basics so well that they become second nature. From parent expectations to dancer impatience, she unpacks the real challenges teachers face and how staying committed to fundamentals protects dancers, builds confidence, and creates long-term success. Cara talked about: What it means to fight for fundamentals instead of rushing progressWhy weak foundations lead to inconsistency, instability, and injury riskThe pressure from parents, dancers, and social media to move too fastWhy fundamentals must become automatic muscle memory, not “good enough”How strong foundational training creates faster, safer long-term advancement Key Tips for Teachers & Studio Owners: Stay committed to fundamentals, even when progress feels slowClearly educate parents and dancers on long-term goalsUse measurable progress markers to show growthTrain movement patterns, not just positionsStart fundamentals from the very first class with strong teachersFighting for fundamentals can feel like you’re holding dancers back. But in reality, you’re setting them up to move forward faster, stronger, and safer. Short-term progress might look impressive. Long-term success is built on fundamentals that never fail. — Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

    22 min
  3. MAR 24

    Ep 37: The Greatest Chronic Injury Lesson

    In this episode, Cara dives into a major gap in dancer training that shows up in auditions, competitions, and even class settings. Dancers often wait until the last run to fully perform, but in real opportunities, that moment may never come. This conversation unpacks how performance is not something dancers turn on at the end. It is something they build from the very first rep. Cara also explores the powerful connection between technique and artistry, and why separating the two is one of the biggest mistakes in dance training today. From warmups to combinations, transitions to textures, this episode gives teachers and dancers a clear framework for creating performers who are consistent, confident, and fully present every time they move. Cara talked about: Why dancers tend to hold back during learning and only perform at the endHow this habit directly impacts auditions and casting opportunitiesThe idea that dancers are 100% athlete and 100% artist at all timesWhy warmups should include artistry, not just physical preparationHow transitions are where dancers actually connect and get noticedThe gap between technical execution and performance quality in trainingWhy feedback often focuses too heavily on technique instead of artistry Key Tips for Teachers & Dancers: Train dancers to perform from the first rep, not the final runKeep energy, intention, and expression even when markingBuild artistry into warmups, not just combinationsGive feedback on transitions and movement quality, not only tricksUse textures and dynamics to create contrast in choreographyStrengthen foundations through foot articulation, coupé, and passé workHelp dancers understand that consistency builds confidenceGreat dancers are not the ones who show up at the end. They are the ones who show up every time. When performance becomes part of the process, not just the result, dancers stop hoping to be seen and start becoming impossible to ignore. — Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

    21 min
  4. MAR 17

    Ep 36: The Recipe For Success with Kenny Borchard | Part 2

    In this continuation of the conversation, the focus shifts from what dancers do to how they do it and why that difference is everything. The discussion highlights a common gap in training: dancers often wait until the last run to fully perform. But in real-world settings like auditions, that “final moment” might never come. The takeaway is simple. Performance is not a switch. It is a habit. This episode dives into the powerful idea that dancers are not half artist and half athlete, but 100% both at all times. From warmups to full-out combinations, artistry and technique should be developed together, not separately. You’ll also hear insights on: Why “marking” should still include intention, energy, and presenceHow transitions, not tricks, are where dancers truly connect with an audienceThe importance of training dynamics, textures, and movement quality from the very beginning of classHow shifting feedback beyond just technique can transform a dancer’s performanceThe conversation expands into what sets workshops apart, especially in helping dancers learn how to learn, build confidence quickly, and understand the realities of a professional dance career. Key Takeaways & Tips Perform every time. Don’t wait for the last run. Treat every rep like it counts.Train artistry early. Your warmup is part of your performance training.Full-out doesn’t mean reckless. Even when marking, keep energy, intention, and expression alive.Master the in-betweens. Transitions are where connection and storytelling happen.Use texture as a tool. Think of cement, water, peanut butter, and clouds to create contrast in movement.Strengthen your foundation. Focus on foot articulation, coupé, and passé across positions such as standing, floor, and plank.Balance versatility with focus. Explore styles but invest deeply in the ones aligned with your goals.Build confidence through voice. Speaking up in class helps dancers grow beyond technique.When dancers stop separating technique from artistry, everything changes. Training becomes performance. Movement becomes storytelling. And that’s when dancers don’t just execute. They connect, captivate, and get remembered. Connect with Kenny: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennyspic3/?hl=en Website: https://www.joffreyballetschool.com/kenny-borchard/ — Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

    24 min
  5. MAR 10

    Ep 35: The Recipe For Success with Kenny Borchard | Part 1

    What Does It Really Take to Build a Successful Dancer? What separates a dancer who plateaus from one who keeps growing? According to Kenny Borchard, executive director of the Joffrey Workshops and artistic director of the Joffrey Ballet School's Dallas Summer Intensive, it comes down to three ingredients. And if even one is missing, the whole recipe falls flat. In Part 1 of this conversation, Cara sits down with Kenny to unpack what he's observed traveling to over 50 schools across the U.S., Switzerland, and Australia, and what it's taught him about the state of dance training today. What You'll Learn in This Episode The Joffrey Workshop pipeline. Kenny breaks down how his weekend workshops connect directly to audition opportunities for the Joffrey Ballet School's summer intensives, and why that continuity matters for both dancers and studio owners. The three-part recipe for dancer success. Hours in the studio, quality of instruction, and student willingness. Kenny explains why you can't rely on just one, and what accountability looks like for teachers and students alike. What auditors are actually watching. Spoiler: it's not just your technique. Kenny shares what stands out (positively and negatively) the moment a dancer walks in the room, and why energy and presence can make or break an audition. The performance quality gap. Why training at 80% and expecting 110% on stage isn't just ineffective. It's also a recipe for injury. Key Takeaways Studio culture varies wildly by region, but the success formula doesn'tTeachers have a responsibility to keep training up, not just their studentsInfusing performance quality while learning, not after, closes the gap between rehearsal and stageReady to Bring This Into Your Studio? Share this episode with your dancers and fellow teachers. And if you want to learn more about the Joffrey Workshops, visit their website to explore upcoming workshop dates near you. Connect with Kenny: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennyspic3/?hl=en Website: https://www.joffreyballetschool.com/kenny-borchard/ — Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

    24 min
  6. MAR 3

    Ep 34: The Injury Process

    In this deeply personal episode, Cara shares the unexpected story of tearing her ACL while teaching, and the powerful lessons that unfolded in the weeks that followed. What began as a physical injury quickly became a real-time study in mindset, belief, and leadership. From the initial diagnosis to the emotional spiral that followed the MRI results, Cara walks through how quickly the mind can either weaken or strengthen the body. But this episode isn’t just about an ACL tear.  It’s about what we fuel our dancers with every single day. Because the way we talk about injury, correction, potential, and possibility directly shapes how our dancers respond, physically and mentally. In This Episode, Cara Talks About: What happened the moment her knee gave out while teachingThe difference between symptoms, scans, and self-beliefHow mindset immediately impacted physical strength and stabilityThe emotional rollercoaster between diagnosis and surgeon consultationWhy belief is one of the most powerful training tools we haveThe responsibility teachers carry in shaping dancer confidenceInjury reduction vs. injury preventionWhy foundational strength protects dancers long before injury occursLeadership Takeaways for Teachers 1. Belief fuels performance. Small wins must be acknowledged and celebrated. Progress builds physical response. 2. Be careful what you label as permanent. The language surrounding injury, setbacks, or limitations matters deeply. 3. Strength training is non-negotiable. Injury reduction starts long before an injury happens. Quads, hamstrings, hips, ankles, and core strength protect dancers in high-level movement. 4. Proactive beats reactive. Don’t wait for an injury to revisit fundamentals, alignment, and muscle development. 5. Your mindset models theirs. How you process setbacks teaches them how to process their own. Injuries are part of an athlete’s journey. But they don’t have to define it. — Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

    22 min
  7. FEB 24

    Ep 33: Leading Well Through Stress

    You can’t lead calm, confident dancers if you’re running on empty. This episode is a real conversation for dance teachers and studio owners who are deep in the busiest stretch of the season. Competition weekends, recital preparation, teaching schedules, family life, it all stacks up quickly. Cara pulls the focus back to the one thing most educators forget during stressful seasons: taking care of themselves first. Instead of adding another overwhelming checklist, Cara shares practical mindset shifts and habits that help teachers regulate stress, protect their energy, and model healthy leadership for their dancers. Because students don’t just hear what we say, they watch how we live it. When teachers are nourished, grounded, and intentional, the entire studio environment shifts. Cara talked about: • Why this time of year is often the most stressful season for dance teachers • How dancers mirror the energy, habits, and mindset of their teachers • The difference between knowing what helps and actually applying it • Why stress can show up as real physical symptoms in the body • Reframing healthy habits as rewards instead of obligations • How leadership starts with how you care for yourself Practical Ways to Lead Well Through Stress Move your body in ways you actually enjoy Teaching all day is giving energy, not receiving it. Find movement that restores you. Fuel your body with foods that support your energy Replace stress-driven habits with options you genuinely enjoy and that nourish you. Hydrate consistently Fatigue, cravings, and brain fog are often signs of dehydration. Protect your sleep and nervous system Reduce late-night scrolling and allow your mind real rest. Create a grounded start to your day Even 15 minutes of quiet, prayer, journaling, or reflection resets your mindset. Surround yourself with the right people Your mindset and leadership are shaped by the environments you stay in. Take care of yourself the same way you care for your dancers. The more supported you are, the stronger your studio becomes. You’ve got this!! — Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

    19 min
  8. FEB 17

    Ep 32: Getting Dancers to Leave It All On The Floor

    Dancers can’t leave it all on the floor if they’ve never given it in the studio first. In this episode, Cara breaks down what it really means to ask dancers to “leave it all on the floor.” She challenges dance teachers and studio owners to rethink performance expectations, rehearsal habits, choreography choices, and technique training. If you want your competitive dancers to perform with confidence, control, and passion, this conversation is essential. Cara Talked About: Why dancers cannot perform beyond what they consistently execute in rehearsal The difference between hoping adrenaline elevates performance vs. building performance capacity in the studio Choreographing for confidence, especially as competition approaches Why trust in technique is the foundation of authentic stage presence How over-rehearsing without technique class weakens performance quality The injury risk when dancers suddenly “push harder” on stage than they do in practice Why transitions and style are just as technical as turns and leaps The importance of drilling performance quality in rehearsal, not saving it for stage How outside technique master classes reinforce and deepen studio trainingKey Takeaway If dancers are only giving 70–80% in rehearsal, adrenaline on stage won’t magically fix that, it may actually expose weaknesses or increase injury risk. Technique, stamina, performance quality, and stylistic transitions must be trained intentionally and consistently. “Leave it all on the floor” isn’t a last-minute pep talk. It’s the result of disciplined technique training, strategic choreography, and rehearsals where dancers consistently perform at full capacity. Stage performance should never be a surprise, good or bad. When dancers trust their technique, trust their preparation, and have consistently given 100% in the studio, then stepping on stage becomes freedom, not fear. Train it. Rehearse it. Live it in the studio first. Then they can truly leave it all on the floor. — Connect with us! 🎧 Relative Motion: https://www.instagram.com/relativemotiondance/ Youtube Relative Motion: https://www.youtube.com/@relative_motion

    20 min
5
out of 5
5 Ratings

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