The Real Smile Podcast

Sharon Collins
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  • Performing Arts

Welcome to The Real Smile Podcast, brought to you by Smile Productions This is where the real stories behind the smiles come to life. From the stage to everyday moments, we dive deep into the highs, the challenges, the breakthroughs, and everything in between. Featuring dancers, teachers, performers, and creatives, we celebrate raw passion, real growth, and the journeys that shape them all. Real talk. Real experiences. Real Smile.

  1. 3d ago

    Sharon at Home: Big Lessons & Being Yourself | Episode 20

    Sharon at Home: Behind the Scenes, Big Lessons & Being Yourself | Episode #020 Welcome to Episode 20 of The Real Smile Podcast, and another instalment of Sharon at Home! This week, Sharon Collins is back on the sofa with Tony behind the camera, asking questions she hasn't had a chance to prepare for! Sharon takes us back to when she opened her very first dance school at just 20 years old, sharing the excitement of starting out, the challenges she never expected and some funny memories from those early days. From dealing with parents to lifting 60 carpet tiles before Saturday morning classes, there's plenty to look back on! She also reflects on what years of teaching have taught her, why she loves setting herself new challenges and how navigating the pandemic helped her discover just how resilient she really is. Tony asks what advice Sharon would give her 20-year-old self, leading to an important conversation about being yourself, not giving in to peer pressure and never selling yourself short. And there's a behind-the-scenes story from New York that Sharon hasn't forgotten! She reveals what happened when she organised her first official Smile New York aftershow party, the unexpected financial pressure and the valuable lesson she learned along the way. With a few laughs between Sharon and Tony, some honest reflections and a heartfelt reminder to be kind because you never know what someone else is going through, this episode offers another personal glimpse into life behind Smile Productions. 🎙️ Episode 20 of The Real Smile Podcast Brought to you by Smile Productions

  2. Oct 20

    Eileen Collins: The Original Dance Mum | Episode 19

    In episode 19 of The Real Smile Podcast, Sharon welcomes a very special guest — her mum, Eileen Collins, the original dance mum! In this heartfelt and nostalgic episode, Sharon and Eileen take a trip down memory lane, looking back at where Sharon's love of dance first began and the incredible support she received from her family growing up. Eileen shares her memories of taking Sharon to dance classes from the age of two and a half, the competitions, auditions and performances, and the sacrifices that came with supporting a child who loved to dance. From saving money for lessons and costumes to spending countless hours travelling, waiting and helping backstage, Eileen was always there. They chat about how much the dance world has changed over the years, the importance of encouraging children to follow their dreams and the memories they've made together, from early dance school shows to performances in Disneyland Paris, Las Vegas and New York. There are plenty of funny stories along the way, including forgotten costumes, late nights sewing sequins and some unforgettable backstage moments! But it's also a conversation about family, gratitude and the people behind the scenes who help make dreams possible. Eileen reflects on watching Sharon grow from a little girl who loved dancing into the woman behind Smile Productions, and why she wouldn't change a thing. And Eileen has a lovely message for parents supporting their own children: let them follow their dreams, believe in themselves and find their own path in life ❤️ A special mother-and-daughter conversation filled with laughter, memories and love. Brought to you by Smile Productions

  3. Oct 13

    Helen Jones: From Cruise Ships to Creating Funky Feet School of Dance | Episode 18

    In episode 18 of The Real Smile Podcast, Sharon is joined by Helen Jones, founder of Funky Feet School of Dance, for a lovely conversation about her journey from a young dancer with big dreams to performing around the world and building her own dance school. Helen and Sharon look back at their early days in dance, the teachers who shaped their journeys and the friendships and memories that have stayed with them over the years. Helen also shares how her family made sacrifices to support her training, including the moment she thought she might not be able to attend dance college when her funding was refused — and the teacher who stepped in to help. After graduating, Helen landed her first professional job with Celebrity Cruises, taking her to the Caribbean, Alaska and Hawaii. She talks about leaving home, the excitement and challenges of life at sea, and the opportunities that followed, including performing at the Millennium Dome and working on the MTV Awards in Liverpool. They also chat about the beginnings of Funky Feet School of Dance, which started with a small weekly class in a social club and grew into the dance school Helen runs today. She shares the realities of being a dance school owner, the long hours behind the scenes and why creating a supportive, family-like environment has always mattered to her. There are some lovely emotional moments too, including memories of Helen's dad, watching her dancers perform in Las Vegas and discovering an old college statement in which she'd written that her dream was to become a professional dancer and one day have her own dance school. Sharon and Helen also discuss balancing family life with teaching, the importance of having a team you trust and why it's important not to compare your journey with anyone else's. A warm, nostalgic and heartfelt conversation about following your dreams, appreciating the people who help you along the way and finding happiness in doing what you love ❤️ Brought to you by Smile Productions

  4. Oct 6

    Clare Williams: From Ballroom Competitions to Strictly | Episode 17

    In episode 17 of The Real Smile Podcast, Sharon is joined by Clare Williams, owner of Dance Passion in Liverpool, for a conversation about a lifetime in dance and finding where you fit as your life and career evolve. Clare looks back at growing up completely immersed in dance before discovering a love for Latin and ballroom. She shares how competing opened the door to some incredible opportunities, including representing the UK internationally and appearing on Strictly Dance Fever, as well as what being in the public eye at a young age was really like. They chat about the journey behind Dance Passion, teaching children and adults, the growing world of solo Latin and ballroom and why Clare would love to see these styles become a bigger part of mainstream dance training. Clare also shares how dance can mean so much more than learning steps — from adults finding a new social circle to children struggling at school coming alive when they walk into the studio. The conversation turns to confidence, family, balancing life as a mum and dance school owner, continuing to challenge yourself and finding your place in the industry as you get older. And when asked what she would tell her 12-year-old self, Clare’s message is simple: believe in yourself and don’t be afraid. A warm conversation about the joy of dance, lifelong learning and having the confidence to keep evolving at every stage of life. Brought to you by Smile Productions

    Clare Williams: From Ballroom Competitions to Strictly | Episode 17

  5. Sep 29

    Sarah Royle: Finding Your Own Path in Dance | Episode 16

    In episode 16 of The Real Smile Podcast, Sharon is joined by Sarah Royle for an honest conversation about her journey through dance, performing and teaching, and the experiences that have shaped the person and teacher she is today. Sarah talks about starting dance at seven, struggling with anxiety and stage fright from a young age, and the audition opportunity she walked away from because she simply didn't have the tools at the time to understand how she was feeling. She opens up about difficult periods in her life, feeling lost after university and eventually taking a leap and moving to India for a six-month dance contract. Sarah shares some of the incredible experiences that came with performing and travelling, but also the moments that taught her the importance of speaking up when something doesn't feel right — including why “no is a full sentence.” The conversation also explores life as a dance teacher and school owner, learning to delegate, comparison on social media, supporting young dancers with anxiety and why Sarah believes you never stop developing as a teacher. Sharon and Sarah also get into some of the bigger conversations within the dance industry, from teaching qualifications and safeguarding to whether dance would benefit from greater transparency and a governing body. Along the way, Sarah shares why she has become comfortable knowing that she isn't for everyone, why your dance journey isn't finished at 21 and why experience, continued learning and staying in your own lane matter. A warm, honest and thought-provoking conversation about finding your own path, knowing when to speak up and continuing to learn at every stage of your journey. Brought to you by Smile Productions

    Sarah Royle: Finding Your Own Path in Dance | Episode 16

  6. Sep 22

    Sharon Collins: The Story Behind Smile Productions | Episode 15

    In episode fifteen of The Real Smile Podcast, we're doing things a little differently! This time, Sharon is at home, swapping her usual role as interviewer to answer a few questions from Tony, who's behind the camera. From starting dance lessons at just two and a half years old to opening her own dance school with only 11 children, Sharon looks back on the experiences, people and decisions that shaped her journey and eventually led to the creation of Smile Productions. Sharon shares how Smile grew from local dance school shows into productions in Liverpool, New York, Las Vegas and Salou, opening up about the financial risks, long hours and personal sacrifices that have come with building the business. She also reflects on the challenges of the pandemic, the support of her family and the moments that have made all the hard work worthwhile. We hear some unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories, including the time Sharon had to step in and host a show herself, an expensive accommodation scam in New York and the emotional moment she realised just how much happiness Smile Productions had brought to the families involved. Alongside the business, Sharon talks about her childhood, her love of performing, the teachers who inspired her and why seeing her family happy means so much to her. And, of course, Tony puts Sharon on the spot with a few quick-fire questions, revealing a little more about the person behind Smile Productions! A warm, personal and entertaining conversation filled with memories, laughter and an honest look at the journey behind the smile ❤️ Brought to you by Smile Productions https://www.smile-productions.co.uk/

    Sharon Collins: The Story Behind Smile Productions | Episode 15

  7. Sep 15

    Emma Fletcher: How Danza Went From 11 to 480 Dancers | Episode 14

    In episode 14 of The Real Smile Podcast, Sharon is joined by Emma Fletcher from Danza to talk about her journey in dance, from starting as a young child and performing from an early age, to travelling the world as a dancer and eventually building Danza into the school it is today. Emma shares how her own experiences shaped her approach to teaching, including the importance of giving young dancers opportunities to perform, creating a strong sense of community and making sure dancers always feel that the door is open. They talk about Danza's growth from just 11 dancers to almost 480 students across two bases, Emma's ability to retain teenage dancers, and the team she has built around her — many of whom started their own dance journey at Danza. Emma also opens up about the loss of her son Billy, the incredible support she received from her dance community, and how difficult it was returning to the dance school and telling the children what had happened. The conversation also covers confidence, being comfortable in your own skin, age-appropriate choreography, balancing work and family life, and Emma's advice for anyone thinking about starting their own dance school — including working hard, setting boundaries, doing your research and believing in yourself. A warm, honest and personal conversation about dance, family, confidence and the journey behind Danza. Brought to you by Smile Productions

    Emma Fletcher: How Danza Went From 11 to 480 Dancers | Episode 14

  8. Sep 8

    Kim Rogers: Changing the Culture of Dance | Episode 13

    In episode 13 of The Real Smile Podcast, Sharon is joined by Kim Rogers, founder of The Butterfly Mind, for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about dance, wellbeing and the culture surrounding young dancers and teachers. Kim talks about her journey from professional performer to dance teacher and, more recently, moving into work focused on mindset, wellbeing and supporting teachers and dance schools. She explains how The Butterfly Mind has evolved and why she now feels ready to use her voice to challenge some of the things that have become accepted as the norm within the dance industry. A big part of the conversation focuses on language — from phrases like “the show must go on” and “no pain, no gain”, to the way teachers, parents, examiners and adjudicators communicate with young dancers. Kim explains why simply asking, “What do you need from me right now?” can sometimes make a huge difference. They also discuss pressure on young dancers, comparisons, exam and competition results, confidence, constructive feedback, safeguarding and the importance of creating a healthier culture where children are supported as people first — not just as dancers. A thought-provoking conversation about the things we sometimes accept without questioning, and why Kim believes it is time to start talking about them and doing better. Brought to you by Smile Productions

    Kim Rogers: Changing the Culture of Dance | Episode 13
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Trailer

About

Welcome to The Real Smile Podcast, brought to you by Smile Productions This is where the real stories behind the smiles come to life. From the stage to everyday moments, we dive deep into the highs, the challenges, the breakthroughs, and everything in between. Featuring dancers, teachers, performers, and creatives, we celebrate raw passion, real growth, and the journeys that shape them all. Real talk. Real experiences. Real Smile.

Information

  • Creator
    Sharon Collins
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Smile Productions
  • Show Website
    The Real Smile Podcast

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