Dance Dad With John Corella

EP 26: Defying Gravity for 15 Years With Wicked Dancer Justin Wirick

Fifteen years in Wicked—that’s a lot of shows, a lot of cities, and a lot of memories. Broadway performer Justin Wirick shares how he’s kept the magic alive night after night, from tumbling across the stage to finding joy even in the hardest moments.
 
In this episode, Justin sits down with John Corella to talk about the highs and lows of a life in theater. He opens up about the pressure that comes with longevity, the way gymnastics shaped his movement, and how Wicked continues to inspire audiences after two decades. They also get into the Wicked movie, breaking down what worked, what felt different, and why choreography plays such a huge role in the show’s impact.
 
How does a performer stay motivated after more than a decade in the same production? What does it take to keep showing up, even when life throws its hardest challenges? Justin’s perspective is raw, thoughtful, and full of the kind of wisdom that only comes from experience.
 
Quotes
“My mom was always positive. She’s like, you got to think positively. Always very positive, always looking forward to the next thing. Maybe that’s where a lot of my anxiousness comes from, too. She was always planning, always looking forward to the next thing. And I always love having something to look forward to. And this lifestyle of touring is just that.” (36:50 | Justin Wirick)
“I just know that—like me being back on stage and back in the show—is what my mom would have wanted. And maybe that’s where I feel like I can connect with her the most, even though she’s gone.” (40:10 | Justin Wirick)
“I feel like I had such a gift, and all that time we got to spend together. But the show, just being around, we’re such a close-knit family. And I think, I don't know if without them I would be as okay as I am now. So that helps a lot. The show helps a lot. The family helps a lot. Being around people helps a lot.” (40:39 | Justin Wirick) 
“I think we’ve always felt different or ostracized or always felt like we're keeping a secret and having to hold everything in. Just as Elphaba was with her powers and her magic, she was always told to suppress that and don’t show that and control that. And then she goes to Shiz University where that skill is celebrated and welcomed. And doesn’t that sound like the story of so many LGBTQIA+ friends that we know and have?” (41:52 | Justin Wirick)
 
Links
Connect with Justin Wirick:
www.instagram.com/justinwirick88
 
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Patreon: www.patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 25: Season 2 Premiere Episode! Election 2024 and God is Non-Binary with Reverend Dawn from Dance Moms

“You would think we would have learned our lesson, but we didn’t,” says Reverend Dawn Check—known to fans of Dance Moms as Minister Dawn—who returns to the Dance Dad podcast to discuss the state of the world in the wake of the re-election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. They discuss the fear, the anger, the exhaustion and how this will affect the country, particularly women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. They discuss what role they each had to play, where they failed and what the next four years threaten to look like. 
 
They also discuss what we can learn from Jesus—as well as Moses, Esther and many other stories from the Bible—about strength, forgiveness, perseverance, and faith in the face of fear. They discuss hypocrisy and the way certain groups—namely Christian Nationalists—will exploit the teachings of the Bible to suit their own destructive ends and how people will vote in their own interests at the expense of other peoples’ rights—and even their own. John shares why the beatitudes are even greater scripture to live by than the Ten Commandments. 
 
Join today’s discussion to learn the best way to move forward and how we can start to use our voices to take charge of our futures. 
 
Quotes
“You’re going to get folks who will go into the Bible and find scripture that [says] to ‘enjoy your wealth and God will bless you… but greed is sinful, and it becomes coveting. It becomes gluttony. We think of gluttony with food but there’s gluttony with money and items and power and prestige and certainly our President elect has all of those things.” (10:04 | Reverend Dawn)
“So, the choice becomes, do you follow the law or do you follow God? What is your choice? I like that you say that…but what do you have to say to people who think the law is God?” (12:22 | Reverend Dawn and John Corella)
“I think it’s OK to go to church angry. I certainly did.” (17:20 | Reverend Dawn)
“Where was God in all of this? It comes back to looking in the mirror. Did we all do enough? Did we make assumptions? How did we participate?” (17:48 | Reverend Dawn)
“You would think we would have learned our lesson, but we didn’t…we’ve allowed this narcissist to take over. God has given many, many examples of how God would see us through the wilderness. Moses wandered, for 40 years, he wandered. We’re wandering. We’re in a desert and we are lost but even in the desert, God remained constant. God didn’t leave. And I believe God is with us. I truly believe that.”  (25:33 | Reverend Dawn)
“Ironically, when you get God and Jesus involved— God will not be mocked. No, but we have lost so many people, John, because we have used God as a weapon…and so now, nobody wants anything to do with God.” (36:00 | John Corella and Reverend Dawn)
“How I handled it back then—and it didn’t feel good to me—is, I cut them out of my life. And when I cut them out of my life, I didn’t deal with everything that was going on inside of me. I cut off my emotion. My whole thing is, go into your internal spirit…I would say be very careful to cut people off when you’re feeling rage and anger.”  (50:53 | John Corella)
“We can see through Jesus the strength, the peace, of being up there with nails in his hands, in his feet, bleeding, looking down at them, saying, ‘Father, forgive them. For they know not what they do,’ and really when he had all the power in the world to do whatever he wanted to do.” (1:06:00 | John Corella)
 
Links
https://www.patreon.com/c/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella
https://www.instagram.com/dawnlynncheck
 
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Bonus EP 24: Showgirls: Behind the Scenes with Dancer Lindsley Allen

“It was a dream come true,” says Lindsley Allen, dancer, dance educator and creative choreographer about her role in the now-iconic dance film Showgirls, starring Elizabeth Berkley. Originally, the movie was supposed to be the big dance movie of its generation—something of a “Basic Instinct” meets “Flashdance.” Though the initial reception was less than ideal, in the 30 years since its release, the film has become a cult classic, with fans memorizing every line, and its star—who so unfairly bore the brunt of the backlash—has gone on to receive long-overdue acclaim. Today, Lindsley discusses what it was like to work on such a major movie production, why it was initially misunderstood and now so beloved, and why dancers should always be consulted when making a film about dance. 
 
Just as “Showgirls” paved the way for later, more lauded films like Demi Moore’s “Striptease,” dancers like Lindsley and host John Corella paved the way to improve the regulations, conditions and rights of dancers working on major film productions. Lindsley discusses what it was like to film the scenes in which the dancers performed topless, working with legendary choreographer Marguerite Derricks, and how her training program The Boom Effect is helping to prepare emerging dancers with bankable skills. 
 
Join today’s episode of Dance Dad to hear Lindsley recall fondly what it was like to be part of what turned out to be a cult classic.
 
Quotes
“It was a huge call…to me it was, everyone was there that was of the A-list category. It was insane. It was a huge audition…and I wanted to get the job. It was big names, it was a big studio, it was a long job for dancers.” (9:47 | Lindsley Allen)
“I really think they thought it was going to be…the serious musical drama. They didn’t know it was going to be a cult classic. So, when it didn’t do well that first weekend, it wasn’t what they expected, I’ll say it like that. It wasn’t what they expected that weekend, and we kind of knew on the inside because some of us as dancers, some of those scenes, we were thinking, ‘Well, we wouldn’t really say that, as dancers, we wouldn’t really do that.’” (20:00 | Lindsley Allen) 
“It’s because it’s so over the top—the acting, the dancing—actually, the dancing might be the most grounded thing in it…you don’t laugh at it, you’re kind of laughing with it, with love…I think that makes perfect sense and I’m so glad that you said that. I think that is why it became a cult classic because people resonated with it, but just in a different way than what they originally expected.” (23:18 | John Corella and Lindsley Allen) 
“They really did build [Elizabeth] up so much that it was going to be huge and she ended up…I think for the business it’s good for young dancers to know– and that’s why I always teach–knowing the business and knowing the artistry and keeping them separate as much as you can, it’s not easy but…Her agent dropped her, she was blamed for a lot of the movie’s failure and that is just not fair.”  (25:47 | Lindsley Allen)
“A lot has changed. Dancers who are listening—Lindsley and I, we walked so you could run. There’s so much that has changed as far as how long you can dance, the surfaces you can dance on, the types of shoes, with the union— that’s why unions are important for dancing—and again, using your voice.” (43:47 | John Corella)
 
Links
Connect with Lindsley Allen:
www.instagram.com/lindsleyallen
1nightonlyboomeffect.eventbrite.com
 
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 23: Hollywood’s Go-To Guy for All Things Voice, David Coury

“When you use your voice, you get closer to the truth,” says today’s guest David Coury, acting coach extraordinaire, whose class, as part of the Howard Fine studio, helped host John Corella remember his own authentic voice. Today he joins the Dance Dad with John Corella podcast to explain that when we speak in our own unique, authentic voices—whether it’s in acting, the arts, or in everyday life—we are not only connecting to the core of who we are but we are fulfilling the dream of our ancestors. After all, sound and the speech that grows from it, was born long before us and is infinite.
 
When not speaking in his own words, Mr. Coury has a wealth of quotes from luminaries, from Hemingway to Emily Dickinson to Shakespeare, to help illuminate his invaluable wisdom which he shares with listeners today. He discusses the importance of speaking before thinking, of “experiencing” words beyond their dictionary definition, and how finding our voices can transform us and set us free in ways we can hardly imagine.
 
“We all have brilliance just on the tip of our tongues,” Mr. Coury says. Join today’s episode to learn more about how you can tap into your own brilliance and speak your truth, fearlessly, to the world. 
 
Quotes
“When you vocalize, you do actualize.” (8:23 | David Coury)
“There’s a time and place to tell others certain truths. However, it’s always the time and place to tell yourself the truth. When I first cite Shakespeare’s words, ‘Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say,’ we are so practiced at speaking what we probably should say, ought to say in public. Privately, to ourselves, we tend not to actually speak to ourselves what we’re actually feeling.” (13:59 | David Coury)
“Well, we all are born with a word etched across our soul.” (31:58 | David Coury)
“I use quotes because what I came to realize is there was a responsibility to define voice for people, that it’s not just sound. It’s not ‘sound and sensibility,’ it’s sensibility which gives way to sound. All internal expression gives way to external. Nothing appears out of nowhere, it gets ignited out of nowhere. So, it’s a lived experience.” (32:20 | David Coury)
“We are our ancestors’ dreams—with an iPhone—but we are our ancestors’ dreams. What I know—what I know—to be about life is that this is ancient. Before there was even the gift of speech, there was the gift of sound…It all came from a need. And I say ‘the need is the seed.’ So, how I promote that and allow people to understand that it’s ancient, this thing—you want to call it ‘voice’—it’s been around forever. So, I use other peoples’ words to say, ‘See? See? See? There it is.’”  (36:08 | David Coury)
“Another thing I think I’ve learned from finding my voice, from your class, is that when other people use their voice and I can sense that they're using their voice similar to me, even if I don’t agree with it, I respect it.” (48:36 | John Corella)
 
Links
Connect with David Coury:
https://www.howardfine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mrcoury/
 
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 22: Dance The Vote with the Mayor of West Hollywood, John Erickson

“In a world that tries to beat you down, if you don’t have hope, you don’t have anything and that’s why we fight so hard for the stuff that we love,” says John Erickson mayor of West Hollywood, California, who joins today’s episode of Dance Dad with John Corella to discuss politics, social justice, and what it’s like to be at the helm of one of the biggest and most popular gay cities in the world. Mayor Erickson talks to host John Corella about his early exposure to activism in small-town Wisconsin thanks to his grandmother and best friend Gladys, his message for the LGBTQ youth, and how he keeps fighting the good fight for change. 
 
As it goes, being mayor is a bit of a balancing act. He makes strides to support small businesses as well as workers’ entitlement to a living wage; to make the streets safe and clean for cars, pedestrians and cyclists alike. He and host John Corella talk about building a loving and supporting community of influence around oneself and how we can have uncomfortable political conversations while maintaining our boundaries. 
 
Mayor Erickson will reveal how we can break through people’s resistance to change, how people can get involved and register to vote, and the Hillary Clinton quote he sports as a tattoo. 
 
Quotes
“That is how I view the world, in that sometimes it feels like the world is on your shoulders trying to stop you from fighting, but it is always worth it in the end. We have to remember that.” (4:53 | Mayor John Erickson)
“Sometimes, off-camera, I get a little unhopeful. It’s easy to get scared. But when you’re a leader in the community and you’re a leader in the work that we do, you have to make sure you put on the face that people actually need to see, and that is one of hope these days, and that is one of fighting for our community.” (7:45 | Mayor John Erickson)
“I always say find the people you want to change the world with and never let them go. That’s kind of what I look at when I look at my community and my friends, and that’s what I would have probably told my younger self because that’s ultimately how I got to where I am to be in this role, and it’s just the greatest privilege.” (11:29 | Mayor John Erickson)
“I believe in community safety and public safety and supporting law enforcement, I believe in supporting our businesses and our workers. I want to make our streets safer for both pedestrians, bikers and cars. I don’t want cars on our streets because they pollute and they kill and they’re leading to climate change but people have to use them. So, how we invest in our whole streetscape plan. The nuts and bolts of a local council member is streets, trees and sidewalks.” (30:52 | Mayor John Erickson) 
 
Links
Connect with John Erickson:
weho.org
https://www.instagram.com/JohnEricksonWH
vote.org
 
Be a supporter of the podcast join
www.patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 21: My Dance Dad, John Corella Sr.

“The obstacle is the opportunity,” says the original Dance Dad, John Corella Sr. On today’s episode of Dance Dad, he joins his son, host John Corella, Jr. to discuss John Sr.’s rise from a young child growing up in the barrio in Arizona to business advisor to several former U.S. presidents, and whose achievements as a minority entrepreneur have been entered into U.S. Congressional record. Throughout the show, father and son discuss the importance of having a supportive family, of getting an education, and the power of talking to—and walking with—God.
 
Before setting out on any venture, John Sr. advises, you have to learn what you truly want. There are Four T’s to success, which he shares here. Unfortunately, in today’s business landscape, one’s word is no longer one’s bond, and John Sr. explains how to protect yourself while building your business. He also discusses the importance of being a team player, focusing on what you have to give rather than what you want to take from a partnership, while also speaking up about what you want. 
 
He also shares a touching story about being an example to his peers when he was named to a major advisory position with the Arizona government. Join today’s inspiring and uplifting discussion about what can happen when dreams meet self-belief and hard work. 
 
Quotes
“When you focus in and walk with God—not that we’re perfect—things are good. There might be problems, but things get solved. So things are good.” (8:07 | John Corella, Sr.) 
“All of us have obstacles. What we do to get around that obstacle and make it an opportunity is the way I always viewed it. I didn’t look at it as a negative, though it felt like a negative at times because when you can’t eat sometimes, it hurts.” (12:27 | John Corella, Sr.) 
“Everybody talks about, ‘I want to be rich. I want to be successful,’ but how many people are willing to take that risk? Very, very few people will take that risk.” (25:12 | John Corella, Sr.)
“I always go into it looking at, ‘What can I give you?’ not ‘What can I take from you?’ That’s the problem with most people nowadays, it’s, ‘What can I take?’ No. It’s ‘What can I give you?’” (29:34 | John Corella, Sr.) 
“You’ve got to tell people what you want because people can’t read minds. I’ll always tell you what I want. You might not like it, but I’ll tell you what I want, and I get what I want, basically. And that’s part of success. What do you want?” (38:34 | John Corella, Sr.) 
“Unfortunately, there are evil people. People will do things that are not ethical. You and I were raised with ethics—it used to be, you would shake hands and your word meant something. Now, if it’s not in writing—and even if it is in writing—they still challenge it…So, the values have changed.” (56:49 | John Corella, Sr.)
 
Links
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 20: Good Moments Season 1 on Dance Dad with John Corella

This very special episode of Dance Dad with John Corella is a compilation of just some of the many good moments from Season 1 of the podcast. Throughout this episode, you’ll be treated to a highlight reel of past guests and their meaningful conversations, starting with Dance Mom OG and Queen Bee Christi Lukasiak who talks about how we can forgive ourselves even when our past mistakes threaten to haunt us forever. Fellow OG, Minister Dawn and Sharon “Rocky” Roggio, director of the documentary “1946” each weigh in from their respective episodes about the importance of interpreting the Bible with historical accuracy, and why it’s quite literally a matter of life and death. 
 
You’ll also hear from legends in the entertainment business, from acting coach Howard Fine on handling on-stage nerves and choreographer Frank Gatson on recognizing the one-in-a-generation star quality in a then-unknown Beyonce Knowles. Former competitive dancer Brittany Markle, child star and triple threat Alisan Porter each reveal how, as mentors, coaches and judges, they are offering the next generation of performers and competitors what they wish they’d been given when they were young performers themselves. 
 
Lisa Wetzel reveals what makes for an empowered, healthy competitor while trans teen Ally Marc Jacobs and Dance Mom to Lennon Torres, Gina, reveal what it means to accept yourself and your loved ones for exactly who they are. After today’s episode, you’ll feel a little more empowered to go out into the world as your authentic self, bold and fierce. 
 
Quotes
“To me, everybody’s past doesn’t really exist; the only people holding onto it are the people retelling it, or your own brain. However, when you make mistakes that are repeated on the streaming service, those mistakes still exist. And I think, ‘Damn it! Can we please…’ I have a hard time getting past some stuff because I will still see clips of my worst behavior. I get it. I was terrible. I don’t know what else to say.” (4:58 | Christi Lukasiak)
“We are so uncomfortable with sexuality and sex. And there’s so much sex in the Bible. You know, we’re banning books. Have we banned the Bible?” (9:20 | Minister Dawn)
“It’s not hard. You listen to your kid, however your kid is feeling you support that, and you make sure everyone that’s around them supports that, and it’s not that hard to be OK with it. I think parents and people in these children’s families make it about them…it’s not about you. It’s about your kid.” (14:12 | Gina Torres)
“With Beyonce, you could just tell that she was gifted with something very, very special. So, after working with those girls for four hours that day I came out of that rehearsal talking about, ‘I just met the second coming of Michael Jackson.’” (20:08 | Frank Gatson)
“You’re not alone in the situation. You’re not the only one; I know it might feel like you’re the only person that is going through this, but you’re not. There are so many other people who are going through exactly what you’re going through and you just need to find them. You just need to find your people.” (40:27 | Ally Marc Jacobs)
“I can make you feel. I think that’s ‘it.’ That’s what I mean by ‘it.’ If you can bring someone in and make them feel, I don’t care if you’re not the most technical, the most perfect, the most this or that, if you can bring somebody into your world when you are performing in any capacity, that’s ‘it.’” (48:09 | Alisan Porter)
 
Links
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 19: Just Be. Labor Day Message

“I really want to encourage everyone to ‘just be.’ That’s kind of been an ongoing theme in this, in my life, and with the podcast.”
 
John delves into the true meaning of Labor Day, tracing its origins to union workers’ protests and how it has evolved into a day of rest and reflection. How often do we let the noise of daily life drown out the importance of being truly present, both in our everyday interactions and on stage? John challenges us, especially those in the dance community, to pause our busy lives, unplug from social media, and fully immerse ourselves in the moment.
 
He offers heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support. If you haven’t already, follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Apple, download episodes, and help spread the word. John also invites you to support their Patreon, where you can watch on-camera versions of the episodes for an even richer, more personal experience.
 
As John reflects on the summer, he recalls the incredible lineup of guests—from Olympic champions to a transgender teen voguer—and the powerful conversations that took place. To all the dance moms, dads, and dancers out there, he encourages you to revisit these episodes as he prepares for the new season of Dance Dad with John Corella. 
 
Quotes
“I really want to encourage everyone to ‘just be.’ That’s kind of been an ongoing theme in this, in my life, and with the podcast.” (01:39 | John Corella) 
“This week, this weekend, if some of you can’t take time off, maybe you can at least take off Monday and just be, and just be with yourself. Maybe get off social media, maybe avoid the television, and be outside and present. Know that when we practice being present in our daily lives, it becomes easier to do when we are on stage, dancing, acting, or even when we’re trying to create numbers. To access that presence, we have to practice in simple moments. So I hope you all do that today, this weekend.” (03:21 | John Corella) 
“I just want to thank you all for your support and listening. This is your podcast. This is our podcast.” (04:17 | John Corella)
 
Links
www.patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella
 
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: 
www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella
 
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 18: What the Winner of The Voice Has to Say About Dance Competitions and Being a Child Star, Alisan Porter

“Alisan is the definition of a triple threat,” says host John Corella of today’s guest Alisan Porter. Many know her as an actress from hit movies like 1991's “Curly Sue” or for her impeccable vocal technique that led to her victory on NBC's The Voice in 2016. However, Alisan’s extensive background in and passion for dance is less well-known. In this episode of Dance Dad, Alisan shares her experiences in dance competitions, her efforts in mentoring the next generation of performers, and what it truly means to be a star.
 
Growing up, Alisan was inspired by her grandmother, the legendary choreographer and teacher Charlotte Klein, who believed in “loving people into the best versions of themselves.” Alisan emphasizes that teachers must set their egos aside, while students need to understand the role of dance in the larger context of life. She also discusses how parents can protect their children in the entertainment industry and how her definition of happiness has evolved over the years.
 
Tune in as these two former roommates share fond memories and hilarious anecdotes from the dance world, and discover more about Alisan's latest musical release.
 
Quotes
“The more I work with kids and the more I work with their parents, the closer I try to get with them. They’re my family. If I’m helping raise a child in this industry, if it’s my job to be their vocal parent, then I am not allowed to abuse them, and I am not allowed to put myself first. This isn’t about me, this is about helping to guide a very talented child.” (16:12 | Alisan Porter)
“You can’t abuse somebody into talent. You’re talented or you’re not. You can shape and mold talent. You can make somebody who’s almost there, there. But you’re not going to scream and yell at someone and make them a star. They’re either a star or they’re not.” (23:48 | Alisan Porter)
“I could make you feel. I think that’s ‘it.’ That’s what I mean by ‘it.’ If you can bring someone in and make them feel—I don’t care if you’re not the most technical, the most perfect, the most this or that—if you can bring somebody into your world when you are performing in any capacity, that’s ‘it.’ And I think that’s what I have above anything else, any of my other talents, whether it’s singing, dancing, acting, whatever. When I’m doing those things, I include you.” (34:46 | Alisan Porter) 
“You can smell desperation in this industry from a mile away. And I think the grossest, most unappealing thing for me, is to see a child who is phenomenally talented and then to watch their parents doubt that they can have a space.” (39:42 | Alisan Porter)
“What matters in life most is to love, to be loved, to wake up every day and have a purpose, to do the things in life that truly make me happy.” (59:40 | Alisan Porter)
“Every moment I get to show up for my talent I believe that God gave me…it’s not about the wins anymore, it’s really about digging in and experiencing it.” (1:02:38 | Alisan Porter)
 
Links
Connect with Alisan Porter:
https://www.instagram.com/iam_alisanporter
https://alisanporter.com/
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 17: Olympic Gymnastics Team Member and Olympic Trials Judge Kristie Phillips

“Leave it on the floor. No regrets.” Continuing with Olympic month, host John Corella welcomes Kristie Phillips, 1988 Olympic team member, former national champion, winner of the American Cup to the Dance Dad podcast—and his inner child is screaming. For all of her career achievements thus far, Kristie exemplifies that unlimited opportunities lay ahead—opportunities to learn new things, embrace new experiences and, in turn, provide new opportunities for other people. Today she discusses how she helped to change the sport of gymnastics as an athlete, and later as an athlete representative and an elite judge.
 
As much as Kristie has won, she also knows what it means to fail—and to be made to feel insignificant as a result. Failure is part of the process and we must know how to deal with it, while remembering that we are enough just as we are. Citing Simone Biles as an example, Kristie and John discuss the changing attitudes toward the health and well-being of athletes in competition, and the importance of inclusivity at all levels, and why gymnastics is the best preparation for life. 
 
Join today’s discussion to hear Kristie talk about her relationship to legendary gymnast coaching duo the Karolyis, appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated making a gymnastics comeback ‘late in life,’ and taking up ballroom dancing for the first time. 
 
Quotes
“To me it’s kind of the mother of all sports. It embodies grace, power, discipline, perseverance, self-motivation. It’s just every life lesson that you’re going to need in your life, you will experience in the sport of gymnastics at a high level of competition.” (13:23 | Kristie Phillips) 
“Everybody’s enough. You’re born enough. And I think as society, we’re so judgmental, and we’re so quick to tear someone down and I wish we could get back into building people up.” (16:15 | Kristie Phillips)
“I just enjoyed being out there and performing and making people happy and touching lives. Inspiring people. That’s what I love to do…I love providing for people opportunities—probably my kids would say I like to do that too much—but I just truly enjoy giving to other people and helping them on their journey.” (34:34 | Kristie Phillips) 
“I see the big picture now. I think I’ve kind of lived my life with blinders on and kept doing what’s next—what’s next—what’s next and so I’m starting to really enjoy the process and really starting to appreciate the opportunities that life has given me.” (1:01:32 | Kristie Phillips) 
“Once you’re there, leave it all on the floor. Don’t doubt yourself. Don’t hold back. Don’t try to save it. Go for it. Go big or go home. And enjoy giving it your all. If you win, you win; if you don’t, you don’t, but there will be no regrets. Leave it on the floor. Put it all out there and enjoy every minute of it.” (1:03:47 | Kristie Phillips) 
 
Links
Connect with Kristie Phillips:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristie_phillips_kpac/
Website: www.kpacgym.com
 
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm