The PROformance Review podcast (formerly The ImPerfect Cheerleader)

Jasmine Neely
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

The PROformance Review (formerly The ImPerfect Cheerleader) is a performance-driven podcast that explores what it really takes to succeed at a high level in entertainment, sports, and beyond. We keep the professional dance foundation while exploring professional entertainers broadly. You can expect deep dive interviews with all kinds of performers, cultural commentary, and insights on discipline, execution, mindset, and useful tips and tricks that every performer needs to succeed at their highest level.

  1. 3d ago

    #193: Dancers, don't neglect the upper body

    In this episode of the PROformance Review Podcast, host Jasmine Neely discusses the critical importance of upper body strength for dancers, emphasizing how it contributes to powerful movements in performances. She shares insights on effective exercises, the need for weight training in dance studios, and highlights a standout performance from the VMAs. The episode concludes with an inspirational quote from Maya Angelou, encouraging listeners to thrive with passion and style. Follow the @⁠⁠proformancereviewpodcast ⁠⁠on Instagram, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts to get newly released episodes. Follow @⁠⁠theprodancelab⁠⁠ on Instagram and @⁠⁠thepro.dancer ⁠⁠on TikTok for training tips, privates, classes, and group coaching programs.

  2. Sep 26

    #192: FBF: How to improve your choreo retention

    In this episode of the PROformance Review Podcast, host Jasmine Neely shares valuable tips on how to improve memory when learning dance choreography. She discusses the importance of sleep, the benefits of repeating music, and effective practice techniques. Additionally, she emphasizes the role of teamwork and regular classes in enhancing learning and memory retention for dancers. Follow the @proformancereviewpodcast on Instagram, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts to get newly released episodes. Follow @theprodancelab on Instagram and @thepro.dancer on TikTok for training tips, privates, classes, and group coaching programs.

  3. Sep 10

    #191: Dancer's spatial awareness, Zara Larsson Lollapalooza performance

    In this episode, Jasmine Neely breaks down what spatial awareness really means in dance and why it matters both on and off the dance floor. She also shares her thoughts on Zara Larsson’s Lollapalooza performance, the singer’s artistry, and what makes her such a compelling pop star right now. In this episode, you’ll hear about: What spatial awareness means in danceHow dancers notice movement, energy, and personal spaceWhy spatial awareness matters in freestyle, formations, and crowded environmentsThe connection between body awareness, social cues, and self-protectionJasmine’s review of Zara Larsson’s Lollapalooza performanceZara Larsson’s growth as a performer and her influence from BeyoncéWhy authenticity, individuality, and standing for something matter for artists today This episode blends dance education, pop culture commentary, and personal reflection in a way that feels both informative and entertaining. If you love conversations about performance, artistry, and the discipline behind being on stage, this is a great listen. Follow the @⁠⁠proformancereviewpodcast ⁠⁠on Instagram, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts to get newly released episodes. Follow @⁠⁠theprodancelab⁠⁠ on Instagram and @⁠⁠thepro.dancer ⁠⁠on TikTok for training tips, privates, classes, and group coaching programs.

  4. Sep 3

    #190: Amber Desiree (AD) on Love Is Blind, NBA and NFL dance life

    Amber Desiree, also known as AD, joins The PROformance Review for a wide-ranging conversation about her life before reality TV, her years as a New England Patriots cheerleader and Charlotte Hornets Honey Bee, and what it took to thrive in pro dance. She also opens up about Love Is Blind, the realities of public life, and how motherhood and marriage have reshaped her priorities. In this episode, AD shares the discipline, pressure, and sisterhood of pro dance, plus the confidence she gained from years of performing under pressure. Jasmine and AD also talk candidly about representation, body image, the grind behind the glamour, and what AD wants her daughter to learn about self-love. Follow Amber @⁠amberdesiree⁠ on Instagram, @⁠itsamberdesiree⁠ on TikTok and find her podcast What's The Reality (@⁠whatstherealitypod⁠) wherever you stream podcasts! Follow the @⁠proformancereviewpodcast ⁠on Instagram, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts to get newly released episodes. Follow @⁠theprodancelab⁠ on Instagram and @⁠thepro.dancer ⁠on TikTok for training tips, privates, classes, and group coaching programs.

  5. Aug 20

    #189: What are you in class for?

    In this solo episode, Jasmine discusses the various reasons why people attend dance classes, emphasizing the importance of understanding your 'why' and how it influences your growth and motivation. She also shares insights on performance, mindset, and personal development within the context of dance and performance arts. Key Topics Seven reasons for attending dance classes The importance of mindset and intention How to improve camera work and performance presence Memory retention and learning routines Using dance as an outlet for personal and professional life The significance of knowing your 'why' in dance Performance of the week: 'The Drama' movie analysis Inspirational verse from Proverbs 3:5-6 Episode with Honey Bees coach Ana Ogbueze: https://open.spotify.com/episode/34orDw2IWKxblfIHwODFaW?si=Fjv2vd_tSgy_BHwG37LrBA Follow @proformancereviewpodcast on Instagram. For dance classes, tips, and training follow @prodanceperformers on Instagram. For fun, follow @thepro.dancer on TikTok. 0

  6. Aug 13

    #188: It's time for a new era...Goodbye ICP...Hello...

    For five years, The I(m)Perfect Cheerleader has served as a resource for aspiring professional dancers and cheerleaders, offering audition strategies, mindset coaching, and behind-the-scenes insight into the pro dance world. When I started the podcast in 2021, it was meant for aspiring pro dancers around the world to find community, understand that their feelings are valid and that I understood what they were going through. We grew the podcast to nearly 200 episodes including interviews with former pros, industry titans, mindset coaches, former cheerleaders and coaches, etc.  But now it’s time for a new era… Over the years, The (Im)perfect Cheerleader became something bigger, a place where performers shared the realities of pursuing excellence, building careers, navigating setbacks, and finding purpose beyond the stage. Today, that mission continues under a new name. Welcome to The PROformance Review, where we explore what it truly takes to perform at your highest level, in dance, entertainment, business, and life. The purpose of this name change is to bridge the gap between performers around the world. We all share a common love of performing at the highest level, letting our guards down, controlling our mindset as performers and being the best version of ourselves while asking the question: How do I perform at the highest level while building a life I actually want? I’ll be bringing on all types of performers like singers, musicians, actors, business professionals, and of course dancers of all realms of the business. There will be some cultural commentary as well since performers shape culture! It will still have that pro dance foundation that it started with, but under a new name.  Thank you so much for listening this long, tuning into the The (Im)perfect Cheerleader podcast and providing your comments on episodes on all the platforms like Spotify, YouTube, Apple podcasts, Google, etc. So with that, Welcome to the PROformance Review podcast. Make sure to subscribe, so you get the newly released episode as soon as it’s posted.  Much love, performers!  Follow me on Instagram @prodanceperformers and send me a DM on you favorite takeaway from an episode.

  7. Jul 23

    #187: Beyond the Field, TopCats alumni event

    In this special live taping of The (Im)Perfect Cheerleader I am sitting down with TopCats alum at the Beyond the Field alumni event focused on three pillars: Rise, Rally, and Restore. We did a somatic yoga session, line danced, and connected with each other for recharging and resetting. As you can see in the video, alumni had booths set up to showcase their businesses and platforms. I had a chance to interview amazing alumni on site who shared their personal stories of how they rise, rally, and restore after TC life. Anyone can get something out of these conversations, so I hope you enjoy them! I want to give a special shoutout to Dr. Lenee Cook-Braxton and Cyndi Crosby for inviting me to be a part of this event and for letting me sit down with them. Special thanks also go DaWanda Bittle, Annalise Coleman and Hannah Grey Elrose for sharing the mic with me. If you are a TopCats alum, be on the lookout for more events by following CPFCAA on socials. I'll be teaching an alumni class soon! For current, aspiring, and former pros: I will continue teaching classes through August on Tuesday nights at 6 pm. Come join me! Resources and links: https://scarletibischarters.com/ https://www.holisticperformancecenter.com/ https://westkeptsecret.co/ https://www.sacredflowervibes.com/ Copyright-free music Free Music for Videos 👉 Music by Damien Sebe - just you - https://thmatc.co/?l=EEBD7E47 Follow @prodanceperformers on Instagram and @thepro.dancer on TikTok for more tips on everything pro dance. DISCLAIMER: The "Beyond the Field" event and CPFCAA do not endorse or support the use of cannabis in any way.

  8. Jul 9

    #186: An NCAA cheerleader's period recovery with Allison Yamamoto

    The Role of Hormonal Health and Training Balance in Female Athletes with Allison Yamamoto Discover how hormonal health impacts athletic performance, recovery, and longevity. Join Jasmine Neely as she interviews sports nutritionist and founder of Koa Athletic Health, Allison Yamamoto, about managing training, nutrition, and mental health for women in aesthetic sports. Allison's Bio Allison Yamamoto is a sports nutritionist, certified run coach, and founder of Koa Athletic Health, who specializes in helping female athletes restore their hormone health and recover from RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport). As a former NCAA cheerleader herself, she understands the unique pressures facing athletes in aesthetic sports and has personally navigated the journey from missing periods and chronic underfueling to full health restoration. She now works with female athletes across cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, and endurance sports, combining evidence-based research with her lived experience in the athletic community. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Allison Yamamoto and her expertise in hormone health for female athletes02:22 - The story behind Reds and how it relates to overtraining and under-fueling04:16 - Systemic impacts of hormonal imbalance on performance and injury risk07:05 - Recognizing overtraining and perfectionism in aesthetic sports09:38 - Signs of under-recovery and strategies for effective rest12:15 - Crafting optimal training and recovery routines for cheerleaders and dancers14:10 - Understanding performance plateaus and the importance of rest days16:17 - The mental health aspects: anxiety, mood, and hormonal connection18:45 - The role of rest in muscle and performance resilience21:03 - The significance of sleep and managing stressors outside training23:25 - How training overload can stack stress and impair recovery27:28 - Optimizing workout programming for dancers and athletes30:20 - The benefits of moderate, enjoyable cardio modalities like walking and Pilates35:00 - Nutrition strategies for game days and performance events39:46 - Fueling tactics as part of athletic success and mental clarity45:32 - Common myths about foods like bread and carbohydrates and their role in performance52:21 - Overview of Allison’s comprehensive program for athletic health recovery56:30 - Comparing athletic experiences in high school and college cheerleading62:40 - Coach influence and team culture on athlete health and body image68:24 - The importance of mental perspective on food, training, and recovery75:43 - Best practices for cardio and high-intensity activities for dancers77:28 - Small daily actions to improve refueling and recovery78:17 - Allison’s reflection on imperfection and healthy self-expectations80:49 - Connecting with Allison Yamamoto for support and resources Connect with Allison Yamamoto: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonyamamoto Website: https://www.koaathletic.health/ Substack: https://f4bqfi.subscribepage.io/?fbclid=PAVERFWAS43npleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAae4M7IDJqKGkb_z6zcNy38-lENeyiJCQa0zzcUyUkrLgt_zZK3SrkW8DTiApA_aem_P3X_9EcThJ1vbPtTcJ5tGQ

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5
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The PROformance Review (formerly The ImPerfect Cheerleader) is a performance-driven podcast that explores what it really takes to succeed at a high level in entertainment, sports, and beyond. We keep the professional dance foundation while exploring professional entertainers broadly. You can expect deep dive interviews with all kinds of performers, cultural commentary, and insights on discipline, execution, mindset, and useful tips and tricks that every performer needs to succeed at their highest level.

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