Lark Life

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:05:29 — 52.5MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Rachelle Kiehle is the coach and choreographer for the Eisenhower Dance Team.  This powerhouse program from Michigan has been national champions eight times over, and has achieved the honor of double national championships in jazz and hip hop for three of those years.  Rachelle passed on so much great advice, tips, and pointers on building…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:12:01 — 57.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Katie Groven is a certified personal trainer, a dancer with 25 years of dance experience, holder of two world championship titles and has coached for ten years.  She is also the owner of Dancer Fitness, an extensive exercise library with training plans she’s carefully created with coaches and dancers in mind.  We talked about important…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:21:44 — 65.5MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Mallori Walker is not only the coach of the Purdue Dance Team, she is also a former member of the team.  She is so passionate about dance team and the team she coaches, and she passed on so many tips for not only how the team is getting through Covid, but how they are utilizing…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:35:41 — 76.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

One of the most listened to episodes of the podcast was at the end of Season 2.  It was during a very uncertain time of the pandemic, and I just picked up a microphone and started talking.  This episode is done in that same spirit.  I’m joined by Larkspur members Kayla and Natalie (our precious…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:19:57 — 64.0MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Savannah Miller has had a baton in her hand for about as long as she can remember, and through tremendous dedication and hard work, she has won numerous titles on the national and world level, and was the featured twirler at the University of Arkansas, entertaining thousands.  She also has worldwide acclaim when videos of…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:08:13 — 54.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

In an effort to keep this topic at the forefront, our second episode in our FLOURISH with Larkspur series of the podcast discusses the sensitive topic of race again.  This time I sit down and chat with Yvonne Cole, the longtime coach of the Lindbergh Flyerettes and Missouri Dance Team Association founder and board member,…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:01:44 — 49.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Rob Miller has influenced and guided the most successful and significant dance team coaches through Proactive Coaching, an organization that  works with coaches to help them create character-based team cultures, provide a blueprint for team leadership, develop confident, tough-minded competitors, and train coaches for excellence and significance.  He is one of my favorite speakers, and…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:19:03 — 63.3MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Lindsey Lococo is the coach and choreographer for the University of Illinois – Chicago Dancing Flames, but her fantastic choreo can also be seen on other high performing teams.  She shares with us her choreo process, what she does to keep things fresh for game day, how she cleans routines, and she also shares some…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:21:24 — 65.2MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

T.J. Maple’s dance team story is full of perseverance, hard work, and an untiring pursuit to better himself and the teams he works with.  He also has an ability to create some of the most stunningly visual routines that win national titles.  He is so generous with his knowledge and experience, and gives us so…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:26 — 46.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

We’re very excited about new FLOURISH themed episodes for this season’s podcast that will involve other important aspects of our lives besides dance.  In our first FLOURISH episode, I welcome back my dear friend Iris Lynne Sherman, who gave us all some great advice from her long and varied career as a performer during a…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:28:33 — 70.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Teri Rowe’s dance team experience goes way back!  She has coached and judged dance teams at the middle school, high school, college and all-star levels for over 30 years. Her teams earned numerous state, national and world championships, and she has also served as the President and Vice President of the Washington State Dance/Drill Coaches…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:39:15 — 79.5MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Karl Mundt has choreographed some of the most beautiful and memorable national championship routines for so many teams at the high school and college level.  Not only is he amazingly talented, he is also amazingly generous and humble.  I picked his brain and he provided so much knowledge and information!  We talked about his dance…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:34:07 — 75.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

I’m joined by Carrie Smith, who was kind enough to offer up her services as interviewer so that I could finally share my own dance story, along with advice and tidbits of info that I’ve learned along the way.  We talk about how I got started, my high school and college experiences, teaching dance camps…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:32 — 3.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

The first episode for Season 3 of the Larkspur Dance & Choreography will be uploaded next Tuesday, September 15th!  Here’s a little preview of what to expect for our third season!   Connect with Larkspur at the following links: Website: https://www.larkspurdance.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larkspurdance/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LarkspurDance/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LarkspurMelanie

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:26 — 39.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

It’s just me, Melanie, on the podcast today sharing what has inspired me during the pandemic and some more coping mechanisms.  I got such a  positive response to the first episode I did where it was just me, so I decided to share some more things that have really helped me.  So glad others are…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:43:32 — 82.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Carrie Smith’s dance team experience is vast, and includes coaching at Carlsbad High School and San Diego State, working for UDA for many years, and starting the National Dance Coaches Association.  She is the perfect combination of insightful and hilarious, and there’s no question that she is amazingly generous and loves talking dance team and…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:38 — 35.0MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

For this episode, it’s just me, Melanie,  sharing what I have done to cope with the pandemic for myself and my family, in hopes that this might help someone else.   Connect with Larkspur at the following links: Website: https://www.larkspurdance.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larkspurdance/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LarkspurDance/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LarkspurMelanie

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:12:27 — 58.0MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Toya Ambrose’s dance team experience is vast,  including the University of Memphis Pom Squad and with NBA’s Chicago Luvabulls and Memphis Grizzlies.  Toya was the Head Coach of the University of Connecticut (UCONN) Dance, Cheerleading, and Mascot Teams, and also the former Head Coach of the 2-time National Champion University of Illinois at Chicago Dancing…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:14:34 — 59.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Andie Stitt has loads of experience in studio dance and has traveled extensively with conventions and teaching.  She graduated with a degree in dance from Wichita State and is currently a dance teacher at the University of Kansas.  Her choreography has won numerous awards at the local, state and national level.  I chat with her…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:11:07 — 57.0MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Rachel Levetzow, coach of the Ole Miss Rebelettes, talks about how they’ve gotten creative during this pandemic to keep the wheels turning for their team.  Her dance story is full of great lessons for all of us.  She also shares tips on game day, competition, team culture, cleaning routines, planning your dance year, and shares…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:14:36 — 59.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Britney Hinote has a ton of dance team experience both at the high school and college level, and is currently the head coach for the UMKC Dance Team.  She shares all kinds of insight and advice on handling this uncertain time, building a great program, choreography, routine cleaning, and improving technical skills.   Connect with…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:12:41 — 58.2MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

David Moore has years of experience in many different forms of performing arts:  studio, band, color guard, dance team, and professional dance.  He’s full of stories, lessons, and advice on taking class, choreography, and improving performances.   Connect with Larkspur at the following links: Website: https://www.larkspurdance.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larkspurdance/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LarkspurDance/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LarkspurMelanie

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:08:10 — 54.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Chasity Tyus danced on two of the best teams in Missouri and is currently the head coach of the Florida State University Golden Girls.  We talk about how she followed her dream to become FSU’s coach, and she gives great advice on cleaning routines, preparing for competition and being true to yourself and your team.…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:11:36 — 57.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Cyndi Kraemer has been involved in dance team for many years and during that time she has been a dancer, coach, judge and dance team association board member.  During this busy time of the season, we often lose track of what’s important, and my chat with Cyndi is just what we need to get us…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:29 — 18.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

This is a continuation of a very important conversation I had with my friend and former college dance teammate, Nicole Jacobs Silvey.  We finished up our talk on diversity, and she also gives some great advice that she utilizes with her clients through her company, Connection Coach LLC. Nicole’s recommended diversity resources:   http://www.racialjustice.org https://www.racialequityinstitute.com…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:20:28 — 64.5MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Kimberly Campbell has many years of dance team experience as a performer, instructor, choreographer, coach and judge.  She shares all kinds of advice and insight on building or rebuilding a team, improving choreo and performances, what it was like to be on the first national championship Lindenwood team, and many times the only person of…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:12:53 — 58.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Lynsey Payne is the head dance team coach at Baker University and has built this program into one of the top competitive teams in the NAIA.  We talk about how she has done that through recruiting, team culture, practice schedule and structure, conditioning, and fostering leadership.  We also talk about the strides the NAIA has…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:07:55 — 54.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Dr. Chelsea Pierotti has been utilizing her coaching experience and PhD in Sports Psychology to help coaches and dance teams all over the country.  We talk about coaching philosophy, accountability, choosing leaders, punishment, building confidence and mental preparation.  Her website is filled with all kinds of helpful info.  passionatecoach.com Connect with Larkspur at the following…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:13:16 — 58.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Shelley McCain has been a dance team coach for over 30 years and has built one of the strongest programs in Missouri at Lee’s Summit North.  She’s also a longtime executive board member of the Missouri Dance Team Association and is relied upon by so many of its members as a mentor and friend.  She…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:19:31 — 63.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

I attended the NDCA Conference again this past year and had another fantastic experience learning and connecting with other dance team people!  For this recap I’m joined by Lynsey Payne, dance team coach at Baker University, who attended the conference as well.  We go through our notes and share all the inspiration, knowledge, tips and…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:22:10 — 65.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Susan Dustin was on her pom team in high school, became a Golden Girl at the University of Missouri, and then spent the next several years as a professional dancer at Disney, Branson, Las Vegas, on a cruise ship, and then finally as a Radio City Music Hall Rockette in New York.  She shares behind…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:08:05 — 54.5MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

A lawsuit that was filed by a dancer against a local school district accusing a dance team coach of discrimination rocked the dance team world and gained national attention.  In an effort to contribute  productive and proactive ideas, I sit down and chat with my friend Nicole Jacobs Silvey.  Nicole is a philanthropist, activist, successful…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:08:30 — 54.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Get ready for lessons in dance team history and geography and loads of great tips from one of the most astute and helpful judges I know!  Julie was a member of the first Lindbergh Flyerettes team to compete nationally.  She shares from her wealth of knowledge and experience and passes on her guiding philosophy.  …

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:45 — 51.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Melissa McGhee is the coach of two time national champions The Ohio State University Dance Team.  Get ready to be inspired by this humble, hard working, down to earth, helpful and generous coach as she talks about team culture, preparing for competition and the surprising source of support that she leans on year after year.…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:57 — 48.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Nick Clement is the owner of NKC Choreography, which specializes in high kick intensives and pom, kick and team performance choreography.  Nick is a former Disney dancer, but now works full time with dance teams and has been an instrumental part in the success of many teams on the national level.  He shares so many…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:12:59 — 58.5MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Many, many years ago, I, too, was a dance team coach!  On this episode of the podcast, I sit down and chat with one of my former dancers, Gina Artese.  Gina is a professional dancer and actress in New York, with an impressive resume that includes Black Swan, Center Stage, 30 Rock, and The Unbreakable…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:17:10 — 61.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

One of the first people who came to my mind for an interview when we started this podcast was Erin Alvarado, head coach for the Texas Tech Pom Squad, and I’m so glad she agreed to do it!  You will be too, because she knows a ton about about building a successful program, and she’s…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:07:13 — 53.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

I can’t think of a better way to wrap up Season 1 of the podcast than by having a chat with Valerie Potsos, coach of the University of Michigan Dance Team!  This experienced and down-to-earth expert gave a ton of insight, advice, and practical tips that can be applied to any team at any level.…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:43 — 51.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

There was a reunion of epic proportions in St. Louis this month!  I got to see my longtime friend for the first time since ’95!  It was great catching up with April, and she was kind enough to sit down and record an episode with me, passing along all kinds of great advice and insight…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:13:15 — 58.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Gail Holder has been involved in the dance team world for over 40 years as a performer, instructor, coach, contest director and judge.  Dance team has always been an avenue for her to help, educate and inspire.  She’ll share advice and insight on dealing with rejection, how to approach competitions, and teaching leadership skills to…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:14 — 46.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Just in time for tryouts, Kathryn from Avila and Briana from UMKC will give you tips and insight on preparing mentally and physically for and succeeding during auditions.  We also delve into the major differences between high school dance team and college, what to do if you’re injured or burnt out, and they also offer…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:10:27 — 56.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Kara coached the Eureka Golden Line for almost two decades leading them to placements at the state and national level.  She has some great insight on delegating, what made her teams successful, the proper mindset in your dealings with parents, and how to build leaders.   Connect with Larkspur at the following links: Website: https://www.larkspurdance.com…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:14:30 — 102.3MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Jenny is head coach of the University of Iowa Dance Team, but got her start on amazing teams like Wayzata and the University of Minnesota.  She shares her perspective on the hands-on and practical details of coaching like planning your year and cleaning routines, but we also delve into what she considers to be the…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:18 — 88.3MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Iris has been a professional performer for many years.  Her advice, though, can be applied to anyone in any career path.  As a seasoned dance instructor and a judge for dance team and studio competitions, she gives some valuable insight on preparation, maintaining longevity, and how to view rejection constructively.   Connect with Larkspur at…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:57 — 87.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Kelly has been involved in the dance team world for over 40 years, 25 of those years she spent as a coach.  She will share some really valuable insight from her years as a coach, but also from her experience as the Judge Coordinator for the Indiana High School Dance Team Association.  Tune in to…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:20:02 — 64.1MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Yvonne Cole founded the Lindbergh Flyerettes and went on to coach them for 33 years, turning them into a powerful and cohesive team that had success at the state and national level.  She’ll share advice and insight on forming a philosophy, dealing with parents and adolescents, motivating your team, and how to prepare for and…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:10 — 86.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Jeff Storey has years of experience in education and in many different forms of performing arts:  band, color guard, and dance team.  He gives a ton of insight on getting inspiration from other art forms, coaching in general, and what he looks for when he is judging.  We also talk about the super different hip…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:13:31 — 58.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Email | RSS | More

Jen Sims coached in the great dance team state of Minnesota for almost 20 years, leading her teams to success in a very competitive state and attaining the honor of being named Coach of the Year.  Jen will talk about the biggest challenges of being a dance team coach, pass along some choreo and cleaning…