Dance Dad With John Corella

Fifteen years in Wicked collide with grief, queer joy and the quiet rituals that keep a performer brave eight shows a week.
 
With part two of the Wicked movie now in theaters, John Corella celebrates the moment by revisiting his conversation with Justin Wirick, a longtime dancer with the Broadway National Tour of Wicked. What begins as a lighthearted holiday replay opens into a layered, intimate look at creativity, identity, resilience and the emotional depth woven into performing the same show thousands of times.
 
Justin shares how ritual, presence and community have sustained him through the demands of touring life, the pressure of staying fresh onstage and the grief of losing his mother. He reflects on the ways Wicked mirrors the lived experiences of queer performers who spend years learning to celebrate the parts of themselves they once hid. This episode is a reminder that the courage to keep showing up for your art and for your truth is its own form of defying gravity.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Welcome and Wicked Movie Celebration
02:00 Justin Wirick on Nerves and Finding His Voice
05:30 Fifteen Years in Wicked and Touring Life
12:44 How Justin Finally Joined Wicked After Three Offers
17:41 Wicked Choreography: Stage vs Film
23:54 Justin’s Rituals for Calming Nerves Before Every Show
37:04 Choosing Joy and Staying Fresh After Thousands of Performances
41:08 Performing Through Grief After Losing His Mom
41:25 Why Wicked Resonates With LGBTQ+ Audiences
54:32 Staying Kind and Grounded in a Tough Industry
01:04:15 Dance Lightning Round and Where to Follow Justin
 
Connect with Justin Wirick:
Follow Justin on Instagram
 
Connect with John Corella:
Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram
Follow John on Instagram
Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon
Visit John Corella’s website
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Charm Spencer opens up about tour life - the late nights, the travel, and the mindset that keeps him grounded while performing on The Boy Is Mine Tour with Brandy and Monica. In this episode, he joins John Corella to talk about learning to move between masculine and feminine energy onstage and how that balance shapes both his artistry and his identity.
 
He reflects on rejection, growth, and humility with a kind of honesty that pulls you in. How do you stay true to yourself when every role asks for something different? How do you keep your confidence in an industry built on constant change?
 
Charm’s story connects discipline with self-acceptance and reminds dancers that authenticity is its own kind of power. And for anyone who grew up watching Dance Moms, he shows how those early lessons in adaptability and storytelling still echo through every performance today.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Behind the Scenes of The Boy Is Mine Tour
06:00 Charm Spencer’s Journey to Becoming a Professional Dancer
09:03 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energy in Dance
11:57 Breakthrough Auditions and Career Lessons
15:05 A Real Look at Tour Life
47:59 Handling Criticism and Protecting Your Energy
49:47 What Touring Dancers Teach Each Other
54:08 Dance Moms and Early Influences
Connect with Charm Spencer:
Follow Charm on Instagram 
 
Connect with John Corella:
Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram
Follow John on Instagram
Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon
Visit John Corella’s website
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

When former Olympian Melissa Marlowe talks about the 1988 Olympic controversy and the bronze medal being taken away, she doesn’t just revisit a headline; she relives what it felt like to stand on the edge of history and have it quietly rewritten overnight. How does someone keep competing after that? What carries an athlete through when the spotlight fades but the memory doesn’t? 
 
As she joins John Corella in this episode, Melissa reflects on the discipline, artistry, and strength that defined her career, from the power in her legs and feet to the mindset that helped her face pressure and perfectionism. She shares how her coaches’ mix of kindness and toughness shaped her longevity in a sport built on precision and risk, and how she’s come to measure success in ways that last longer than medals.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Welcome to Dance Dad and Guest Intro
01:47 Early Ballet Roots and Natural Flexibility
05:05 Signature Lines: The Power of Legs and Feet
06:35 Beating Nerves with Sports Psychology
21:39 The Reality of Olympic Pressure: Was It Worth It
23:40 1988 Olympic Controversy: Bronze Medal Being Taken Away
45:22 Competing in the Cold War: USA vs USSR
51:09 Hard but Kind Coaching and Athlete Longevity
59:12 Scholarships, Overtraining, and Choosing Longevity
01:00:42 Life After the Olympics: Movement, Motherhood, Meaning
 
Connect with Melissa Marlowe:
Connect with Melissa on Instagram
 
Connect with John Corella:
Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram
Follow John on Instagram
Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon
Visit John Corella’s website
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

What does it take to hit 10 turns with confidence? For Lynnrae Hiers Serra, it comes down to repetition, mechanics, and belief - the same mix that’s helped dancers of every level find their balance and push past limits.
 
John Corella talks with Lynnrae, known to many as “The Turn Coach,” about how her journey started at the JPD dance studio under her mentor Terry Schulke and how that experience shaped her lifelong fascination with precision and progress. She explains why mastering turns isn’t about perfection but about patience, consistency, and learning how your body works. What happens when a dancer stops chasing technique and starts trusting the process instead?
 
Lynnrae also shares tips for teachers and parents who want to help dancers grow without pressure, along with the story behind TurnCoach Enterprises and her mission to make effective turn training accessible to anyone. This episode looks at the intersection of art, discipline, and belief, and how small shifts in mindset can lead to those moments when everything clicks and the turns finally stick.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Welcome to Dance Dad and Episode Focus on Turns
01:10 Meet The Turn Coach and Motto “I Can Make Anybody Turn”
04:15 JPD Dance Studio Roots and Mentor Terry Schulke
06:25 The Turn Coach Method Progression and 10 Turns System
11:55 Challenging Tradition: Why Mechanics Come Before Perfection
13:59 What Actually Makes You Turn: Practical Mechanics That Work
19:50 TurnCoach Enterprises: Scaling a 700 Person Waitlist
26:40 Most Common Mistake: Fix Your Prep to Unlock More Rotations
33:20 Every Body Can Turn: Mindset, Confidence, and Inclusive Coaching
44:50 Healthy Body Image in Dance: Language Teachers Should Avoid
 
Connect with Lynnrae Hiers Serra:
Visit The Turn Coach Website
Follow Lynnrae on Instagram
 
Connect with John Corella:
Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram
Follow John on Instagram
Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon
Visit John Corella’s website
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Amanda LaCount proves that plus size dancers belong center stage, sharing how her journey, her advocacy, and the support of Dance Mom Jill are reshaping the dance community. 
 
A professional dancer who has performed with Lady Gaga, Rihanna, JLo, and Katy Perry, Amanda joins John Corella to challenge the stereotypes that have long defined the industry. She reveals how media-driven beauty standards create barriers, why she is determined to advocate for greater inclusivity, and how she built the confidence to push back against an environment that often resists change. 
 
Amanda credits much of her boldness to Dance Mom Jill’s unwavering advocacy and explains why having someone in your corner can make all the difference. From speaking openly about rejection and resilience to highlighting the responsibility of representation, Amanda shows how dancers of every body type can thrive when they are given safe, supportive spaces to express their art.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction to Amanda LaCount on Dance Dad
07:43 Every Body Is a Dancer’s Body: Breaking Stereotypes
11:32 Finding Boldness Through Dance Mom Jill’s Advocacy
24:32 Growing Up Plus Size in Dance Competitions
30:42 How Studios and Conventions Can Support Plus Size Dancers
42:03 Performing in Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Show
45:33 Lessons From Working With Lady Gaga and Katy Perry
47:37 Teaching Dance and Creating Inclusive Spaces
56:23 Inclusivity vs. Stereotypes in Casting
01:00:27 Being the Role Model Amanda Never Had
 
Connect with Amanda LaCount:
Follow Amanda on Instagram
Visit Amanda’s website
 
Connect with John Corella:
Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram
Follow John on Instagram
Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon
Visit John Corella’s website
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Cheryl Baxter’s very first job as a young dancer put her on the set of Xanadu with Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, and Kenny Ortega. What does it feel like to step into a world like that straight out of a small town in Wisconsin? And how do you carry lessons from legends into a career that lasts for decades? 
 
Joining John Corella in this episode, Cheryl reflects on the magic of Xanadu, the influence of Gene Kelly’s ease and Olivia Newton-John’s authenticity, and the ways she has kept her career alive through every crossover - from film and television to teaching and even TikTok!
 
Cheryl’s story invites you to think about resilience, reinvention, and the joy that comes from saying yes to new stages of life in dance.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Dance Dad Introduction
03:20 Making Xanadu With Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly
06:00 Gene Kelly’s On Set Lesson: Relax and Have Fun
10:30 Meeting Olivia Newton-John and Early Xanadu Memories
16:10 Why Xanadu Became a Cult Classic
28:30 Reinvention and Career Crossover From Stage to TikTok
49:30 Filming Magic on Xanadu: Steadicam, Long Days, Big Finale
57:50 Stay Bold: Resilience and Reinvention in Dance 
 
Connect with Cheryl Baxter:
Follow Cheryl on Instagram
 
Connect with John Corella:
Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram
Follow John on Instagram
Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon
John Corella Website
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Trigger Warning: This episode contains conversations about conversion therapy, psychological abuse, and self-harm. We share these stories to raise awareness and foster healing, but we recognize they may be difficult to hear. Please listen with care and step away if you need to. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources like The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386) are available to provide support.
 
Conversion therapy survivor Syre Klenke speaks openly about the damaging impact of being forced into years of so-called “treatment” as a teenager and the depression that followed, while also showing how authenticity and community became a way forward. Joining John Corella, Syre recalls the shock of being taken to a conversion therapy conference under the guise of a family outing, the gaslighting he endured from both licensed therapists and church leaders, and the loss of everyday teenage milestones like dating and prom. These stories reveal how conversion therapy robs young people of their sense of safety and self, leaving scars that last well into adulthood. Yet Syre also reflects on the resilience it takes to survive, the courage to tell the truth, and the importance of building spaces where no one has to hide who they are. This episode confronts the damaging reality of conversion therapy while reminding us that healing is possible through honesty, courage, and community.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Welcome to Dance Dad with John Corella
01:26 Meet Syre Klenke: Comedian, Activist, Conversion Therapy Survivor
04:46 What Conversion Therapy Really Means and Why It’s Damaging
07:58 Surviving Four Years of Forced Conversion Therapy
12:05 Losing High School Milestones and Identity
18:43 The Most Traumatizing Moments of Conversion Therapy
27:49 Abuse and Self-Harm Tactics Inside Conversion Therapy
29:29 Mental Health Struggles and Depression Afterward
34:33 Religion, Patriarchy, and Gender Roles in Conversion Therapy
39:09 Why Survivor Stories Must Be Told
42:14 Conversion Therapy in Politics and the Supreme Court Case
01:04:30 The Boldest Act: Sharing Your Story Authentically
 
Connect with Syre Klenke:Instagram
 
Connect with John Corella:
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram
John Corella on Instagram
Patreon
Website
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Labor Day becomes a reminder that creativity and connection grow stronger when we pause, take breaks, and allow ourselves to just be.
 
John Corella takes this episode in a different direction, stepping back from the usual focus on dance and LGBTQ issues to reflect on what Labor Day really represents. Born out of union protests, the holiday was meant as a pause from constant work and a way to honor those who fought for fair treatment. How often do we give ourselves that same pause in our own lives? What happens when we step away from the noise of social media or the pull of endless tasks and simply let ourselves be present? 
 
John shares how these small choices – to rest, to quiet the distractions, to notice the moment – make it easier to find presence on stage, in creativity, and in life. He also takes time to thank listeners and celebrate milestones in the Dance Dad community, reminding us that growth comes from more than effort alone. As summer comes to a close, this episode invites you to see Labor Day as a chance to recharge, reflect, and practice the art of being.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Labor Day Reflections
01:24 The Power of Breaks and Taking Time Off
03:33 Practicing Presence in Daily Life
05:09 End of Summer and Closing Gratitude
 
Links
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram
John Corella on Instagram
Patreon
Website
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dance conventions can be magical or a ticking time bomb, and John Corella is here to spill the tea on which is which.
 
This episode isn’t just a summer recap, but a real conversation about what’s happening in the dance world. John shares his experience with Velocity. He opens up about his reunion with Dance Moms alum Melissa Gisoni and what it meant to see her step into her voice after all these years. There’s also a moment with Beyonce’s “dance dad” Frank Gatson that will make you think about how much real mentorship matters in this industry. 
 
How do we choose where to invest our time, energy, and money? Are we supporting people who build safe spaces or enabling the same toxic patterns? John asks these questions out loud and invites you to do the same.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Safe Space and Podcast Goals
01:14 Dance Moms Reunion with Melissa Gissone
06:07 Velocity’s Inclusivity and Accountability
09:09 Behind the Scenes of Beyonce’s Show with Frank Gatson
10:12 Calling for Safe and Accountable Dance Spaces
12:25 Why Dancers and Dance Parents Need to Take Breaks
 
Links
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram
John on Instagram
Patreon
YouTube 
Website
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dance Moms director Jimmy Chriss shares what really happened behind the scenes, and why protecting kids, honoring joy, and telling the truth still matter in reality TV.
 
Jimmy joins John Corella to talk about his journey from music videos and commercials to the world of Dance Moms. He breaks down what it actually means to direct a reality show where real people, real emotions, and real stakes are always in play.
 
What does it feel like to protect kids on set while still delivering what people want? How do you stay grounded when the cameras never stop rolling? Jimmy answers these questions with the honesty of someone who’s lived it, through long days, heated moments, and years of experience. He also opens up about racism in the industry and why representation behind the scenes matters just as much as it does on camera. The conversation takes a heartfelt turn when Jimmy shares stories about his wife, her quiet love for the show, the strength she showed during her illness, and how her legacy continues to shape the way he moves through the world.
 
This episode is a reminder that behind every show are real people, and that the best stories come from those who lead with care.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Jimmy Chriss on Directing Dance Moms
02:38 From Music Videos to Reality TV
07:21 What It Really Means to Direct a Reality Show
09:27 Behind the Chaos of Dance Moms
19:41 Why Dance Moms Still Resonates
25:15 The Show’s Impact on Dance Culture
29:52 Personal Reflections on Loss and His Wife
34:21 Protecting Kids in Reality TV
37:33 How Reality TV Has Changed
42:20 Racism and Representation Behind the Camera
48:01 Choosing Joy, Even in Grief
 
Links
Connect with Jimmy Chriss:
https://www.instagram.com/the_real_jimmy_jay_chriss/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-jay-chriss-24b7517b/
 
Connect with John Corella:
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella
Website: johncorella.net
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm