Dance Dad With John Corella

EP 02: When You Have Your Why the How Becomes More Clear with Lennon and Gina Torres

Have you ever wondered about the personal journeys of those in the dance world, especially when it involves embracing one's true identity? How does the dance community support its members through these transformative experiences? This episode of "Dance Dad," hosted by John Corella, known for his role as a co-creator and executive producer of Dance Moms, delves into these questions. John brings his unique perspective and deep understanding of the dance competition world, offering a platform for honest and safe conversations about the challenges and triumphs within this vibrant community. 
 
“When you have your ‘Why’ the ‘How’ becomes more clear,” says Lennon Torres, John’s guest on the show.  Lennon is a transgender woman, and she is joined on the show with her mother, Gina who appeared on Dance Moms. The discussion delves into Lennon's journey as a transgender individual and Gina's experiences as a supportive parent. It also explores the broader context of inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community in the dance competition world. The episode highlights Lennon's personal growth, emphasizing her journey of staying true to herself and the importance of having a supportive family. 
 
Gina's reflections provide a parental perspective, focusing on the challenges and learning experiences of raising a child in the competitive dance environment. This conversation is not just about dance; it's about life, identity, and the universal themes of acceptance and support. It resonates with anyone who has faced the challenge of self-expression and the importance of creating inclusive communities. 
 
Whether you're a part of the dance world or simply interested in heartfelt stories of personal growth and acceptance, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for everyone. It creates a welcoming space for listeners to explore and understand diverse experiences within the dance community.
Quotes
I always say that Lennon is, was always me and Zachary will always be a part of me. I don't view it as a thing like some people do. And I think that is like a misconception among gender nonconforming, genderqueer individuals is that there's this transition. And I always say that, you know, we're all growing and developing. And so it's not that I was once this person and I'm now this person, I just grew up into who I was supposed to be. So I would say that.  (4:38 | Lennon) 
I watch Michelle Obama videos, and then I'm like, ready to take on the world. Um, but the real answer is. You don't always feel empowered. You feel weak at times. You feel sad that someone has been able to take your power away. And it's just about constantly reminding yourself of why you're doing what you're doing. And it's very easy to empower yourself to do it. When you have a why, the how becomes more clear. And that's been something that's really been true for me. (14:25 | Lennon) 
It's not about you. It's about your kid. So take the pressure off yourself and just say, this is where we're at. I'm going to support you and I love you. And it's not that hard. It makes me crazy. It's not that hard. (1:05:46 | Gina)
 
Links
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
 
Lennon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lennon_torres_/
Heat Initiative:  https://protectchildrennotabuse.org/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 01: Forgiveness... The Other F Word with Christi Lukasiak

Christi Lukasiak, our ultimate dance mom, shows that sometimes the most impressive moves are the ones we make towards forgiveness and understanding, both for ourselves and others. In the first episode of this captivating podcast, host John Corella, co-creator and executive producer of Dance Moms, engages Christi in a heartfelt discussion that spans a variety of topics, from the drama of the dance competition world to personal growth and LGBTQ issues within the dance world and as a parent and family.
 
Christi's is very candid, sharing her journey of self-forgiveness for her actions on the show, her personal battles with self-esteem, and the challenges of having her less-than-perfect moments broadcast on television, only to be re-examined and critiqued on social media. Christi also opens up about her daughter Chloe's coming out as gay, sharing her own process of navigating the mixed emotions of grief and fear, a path many parents will find relatable. She speaks candidly about her journey to not only accept but also celebrate Chloe, admiring her daughter's confidence and strength throughout this life-changing experience.
 
This episode offers an honest conversation between John and Christi, sharing a side of Christi you may have not seen or heard before!  It highlights the transformative power of forgiveness, both in the high-pressure environment of the dance world and in the broader context of their lives.
 
Quotes:
“I make mistakes. Some have been on TV. That is my tagline in life.” (38:13 | Christi Lukasiak) 
“I have a hard time getting past some stuff because I will still see clips of my worst behavior. And I'm like, I get it. I was terrible. Like, I don't know what else to say. So sometimes that's a little hard, but I always look at, in the moment, having all of the experiences I had up until that exact moment in life, the decisions I made were exactly the decisions that I was capable of making with the information I had.”  (40:07 | Christi Lukasiak) 
“Whether you are judging me, or you're adoring me, you're still watching. So thanks for the rating.” (47:54 | Christi Lukasiak)
“Chloe is Gen Z. Gen Z is a completely different generation than anybody else. As you know, I do believe that they are going to change everything because they are advocates. They don't just sit around and do. They're not all talk, like they do take action.” (1:00:27 | Christi)
“I think any parent who has a child come out, it is hard to deal with. Because it's unexpected, all of your expectations of what you think their life is going to look like. It's almost like a grieving period, because you have to understand that's not what it is. But that's okay. Different isn't bad. It's just different.” (1:07:53 | Christi Lukasiak) 
“I always said on the show I wanted to raise somebody that I liked. I would always love my children. And not only have I raised somebody that I like, but I raised somebody that I hope to be like.” (1:08:21 | Christi Lukasiak) 
 
Links
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
 
Eleve Dance Competition: https://www.elevedancecomp.com/
Christi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christilukasiak/
Back To The Barre Podcast:  https://www.instagram.com/backtothebarrepodcast/
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dance Dad With John Corella - Trailer

As one of the co creators/executive producers of the hit reality show Dance Moms, this podcast will be a safe space to talk about all things Dance. I will have meaningful conversations with guests from the show Dance Moms, as well as discussing the colorful, magical Dance competition world that I grew up competing in and am still a part of teaching and choreographing for. 
Put your dance shoes on every other Friday when this podcast comes out! Listen. Be Bold. Be Fierce.