Dance Dad With John Corella
Dance Dad with John Corella is hosted by John Corella, a co-creator and executive producer of Dance Moms. The podcast creates a safe space to discuss all things dance, featuring conversations with Dance Moms guests and figures from the dance competition world. Corella draws on over 40 years in dance, film, and TV to share what worked, what didn't, and why. He also reflects on growing up as a young feminine boy who loved to dance and now as a gay man, with heartfelt talks about the LGBTQ community and healing.
Episodes
EP 57: Men's Gymnastics is So Gay with Andrew Chupp
Andrew Chupp’s Britney Spears mashup went viral, even catching the attention of longtime Britney Spears choreographer Brian Friedman. But the routine also drew hundreds of angry comments from strangers furious about a man competing in women’s gymnastics events. Host John Corella brings on Andrew, an adult gymnast, photographer, and coach with more than a decade of coaching experience who now speci
EP 56: Dance Moms Star’s Experience With Racism in Dance with Nicaya Wiley
The racism in the dance competition world doesn't always show up as outright hostility. Sometimes racism looks like a studio owner quietly leaving your name off the audition list.
Nicaya Wiley spent seasons two through seven on Dance Moms, and on this episode of Dance Dad with John Corella, she gets honest about what the experience cost her. Growing up as a Black dancer in a predominantly white
EP 55: Countdown to LA28 with Olympic Gold Gymnastics Champion Daniela Silivas
The countdown to LA28 has officially begun, and there's no better way to kick it off than looking back at the gymnast who made history in Seoul. Three-time gold medalist Daniela Silivas joins Dance Dad with John Corella to explain how ballet training shaped her gymnastics long before LA28 was even a headline.
Daniela grew up training in communist-era Romania, where her first year of gymnastics c
EP 54: Dear John: Happy 15th Birthday Dance Moms!
Nationals season exposes how dance families handle pressure, pride, and time together. On this episode of Dance Dad with John Corella, host John Corella shares hard truths about dance competition nationals and why Nationals are not a vacation for dancers, teachers, or parents. He explains why dancers should aim to peak later in the season instead of too early, why rest matters once the season ends
EP 53: The Agent Conversation Every Dance Mom Needs to Hear with Lisa Lindholm
Getting a talent agent is one of the most misunderstood steps in a young dancer's career, and most families are going in blind.
John Corella sits down with Lisa Lindholm, vice president of Go 2 Talent Agency, for an honest conversation about what it actually takes to get a dance agent, what agents are really looking for, and how parents can support their kids without getting in the way.
Lisa b
EP 52: Nothing Scares Men More Than A Feminine Boy Who Dances with Bronson Arrivillaga and his Dance Mom Katlyn
Bronson Arrivillaga is only 10 years old, but he already knows what it means to take up space.
He has performed in the Super Bowl halftime show with Bad Bunny, landed a role on The Pitt, and competed on stages where confidence is not optional. Yet what stands out most about Bronson is not the size of the opportunity. It is the way he talks about dance as a form of storytelling, self-expression,
EP 51: Pride or Problematic: Is Heated Rivalry Good for Gay Men? | Jake & Kendrick, The JK But Gay Show
Jake and Kendrick came on Dance Dad to talk about Heated Rivalry. They ended up talking about something much harder: what gay men are taught to hide from themselves and each other.
John Corella, host of Dance Dad and co-creator of Dance Moms, sits down with Jake and Kendrick of The JK But Gay Show for a Pride Month conversation about body image, masculinity, friendship, intimacy, and the stories
EP 50: Gen Z Men Redefining Dance with Rahja "King" Fuller
Rahja Fuller did not luck into the Brandy and Monica Tour. He trained for it, prepared for it, and walked into the audition like he belonged there.
On Dance Dad, host John Corella talks with dancer, singer, actor, and former Pop Money member Rahja Fuller about how to become a professional dancer with focus, humility, and real industry awareness. At just 19, Rahja has already moved from competiti
EP 49: Season 3 Premiere Episode: When Her Boys Became Men on Stage with My Dance Mom
For anyone raising boys who dance, this Mother’s Day episode will hit home fast. In this season 3 premiere episode of Dance Dad, John Corella sits down with his mom Sylvia and his brother Joseph for a conversation that goes far beyond recital memories. It gets into what it really takes to believe in a child before the rest of the world catches up. Sylvia shares what it meant to be a dance mom for
Bonus Episode: How to Win at Dance Competitions: What Alysa Liu Actually Reminded Us
Mental performance coaching is changing how athletes and parents think about success in youth sports. In this bonus episode, John Corella and mental performance coach Lisa Mitzel discuss how a healthier youth sports mindset can help young athletes compete with confidence without losing their sense of self. The discussion draws inspiration from Olympic champion Alysa Liu, whose approach to competit
EP 48: How to Audition for Convention Scholarships
Auditions take on a new clarity as John Corella shows how dancers can stay grounded, choose an outfit that supports their presence, rely on their 3 tricks, and move through the journey with steadier confidence.
John talks openly about the pressure dancers feel and the emotional weight parents carry. It raises important questions. What helps someone stay centered in a room full of nerves? How doe
EP 47: Holiday Episode with Yvette Walts from Dance Moms, AUDC
Yvette Walts opens up about the pressure tied to Dance Moms fame, the panic attacks that surfaced once episodes aired, and the steady purpose that guides her work as a studio owner.
John Corella invites her to revisit the intense reality-TV environment that shaped so much of her early public life, and the conversation turns into an honest look at what happens when you see a version of yourself o
EP 46: Defying Gravity for 15 Years With Wicked Dance Justin Wirick
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
EP 45: The Boy Is Mine Tour Dancer with Charm Spencer
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 humil
EP 44: 1988 Olympics Womens Gymnastics Team Controversy with Missy Marlowe
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 Jo
EP 43: The Turn Coach Method
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 s
EP 42: Every Body is a Dancer’s Body with Amanda LaCount
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
EP 41: Xanadu, Olivia Newton-John with Xanadu dancer Cheryl Baxter
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 influ
EP 40: Our Damaging Experiences With Conversion Therapy
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 sup
EP 39: Just Be. Labor Day Episode
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 hono
EP 38: Summer Recap: Nationals, Dance Moms and Beyonce
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
EP 37: Dance Moms Reality Television Director Jimmy Chriss
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
EP 36: Our First Official Dance Dads
Three dance dads pull back the curtain on competitions, parenting in a female-dominated world, and the unexpected friendships that keep them coming back.
In this episode, John Corella brings together Jason, David, and Nick, who are three longtime dance dads who’ve spent years supporting their daughters through the highs and lows of competitive dance. What begins as a casual conversation over Mic
EP 35: Finding Her Voice with Dance Moms Star Melissa Gisoni
Melissa Gisoni spent a lot of years trying to do and say the right thing. Then she hit 50 and decided to stop worrying about how others might see her. She joins John Corella for a conversation about finding her voice, showing up more boldly, and choosing joy on her own terms.
John and Melissa talk about the power of allyship, what it meant to her to attend West Hollywood Pride, and how her daugh
EP 34: Broadway Husbands on LGBTQ+ Family Life, Love and Parenting Their Son
Boldness looks different when you’re a gay dad, a former Broadway dancer, and raising a toddler named Maverick in Florida.
To kick off Pride Month, John Corella is joined by Bret and Stephen, Broadway performers, husbands, and proud dads, who offer an honest look at parenting, partnership, and identity. They talk about raising their son Maverick with intention, finding joy in everyday moments, a
EP 33: Ally! Ally! With Teen Voguer Ally Marc Jacobs and Her Mom (REPLAY)
This episode is a replay of a previous episode of Dance Dad with John Corella. Enjoy! Happy Pride!
“I loved how free I was,” reflects Ally Marc Jacobs, a transgender teen and emerging star in the worlds of voguing and drag. Inspired by the House of Juicy Couture’s performances and the House of Balmain on the HBO series “Legendary”, Ally began vogue dancing and quickly became a sensation across
EP 32: Depression and Dancers
This episode includes discussions of depression, suicide, and conversion therapy. Please take care while listening. The content is not intended as providing individual counseling on a professional basis. If a listener is in need of psychological counseling they should seek help from a licensed therapist. The show is intended as information and entertainment and not as a substitute for professional
EP 31: The Power of Intention for Dancers
Overstretching, underrepresentation, and pressure from every direction… What's really happening behind the scenes in competitive dance?
John Corella sits down with Sharmila Mitra, a longtime friend and respected voice in the dance world. She’s a competitive dance teacher, studio owner, and a Pilates and Gyrotonic instructor who’s helped dancers heal, grow, and stay in the game for the long run.
EP 30: Solo Dance Competition Tips
Dance competitions may not come with gold medals, but for many kids and their parents, the pressure feels just as real.
In this episode, John Corella opens up about the intensity of competition season and what it actually takes to support young dancers in a high-stakes environment. What does a proper warm up really involve? When is it better for a parent to step back instead of step in? And how
EP 29: Out in Hollywood with Mean Girls Star Danny Franzese
Can you be a gay actor, a man of faith, and a bold truth-teller in an industry that often expects you to pick one?
This week, John Corella sits down with actor and LGBTQ+ activist Danny Franzese, best known as Damian in Mean Girls. Danny shares what it was like to play an openly gay character while still closeted in real life, and how that disconnect shaped his early career. The conversation pul
EP 28: Dance Mom Star Quits Instagram. You Should Too.
Instagram is failing kids. What happens when someone decides to walk away?
John Corella sits down with Lennon Torres to talk about her decision to quit Instagram and why she’s pushing for stronger online protections. From cyberbullying to sextortion, social media isn’t just a distraction. It’s a real danger, especially for young queer individuals. Lennon shares the work she’s doing with the HEAT
EP 27: How to Help Our Dance Dads with Brian Recker
Masculinity built on dominance leaves men stuck in a cycle of insecurity and disconnection. John sat down with Brian Recker to unpack the false masculinity that keeps men trapped and explore how breaking free from patriarchy leads to something real.
Brian, a former evangelical pastor turned social media voice, shared his journey of challenging the outdated expectations placed on men. They talked
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 come
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, peo
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, th
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—w
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.
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. Througho
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 h
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
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 experien
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 ne
EP 16: 3 Time Olympic Gymnastics Champion Daniela Silivas
“I was born to be a gymnast,” says Daniela Silivas, Olympic gymnastics champion and member of the legendary 1988 Romanian women’s Olympic gymnastics team and 1987 World Championship Gold Medal team. Throughout her career, she mesmerized crowds—including host John Corella—with her unique dance-based technique and her signature move, the Silivas, a staple in many gymnasts’ routines today. Despite h
EP 15: What Are Dance Competition Judges Looking For? with Judge Brittany Markle
“I want to give them what I wish someone had given me,” says former competitive dancer, choreographer, teacher and mentor, Brittany Markle. Now, as a competition judge, she hopes to offer a new generation of dancers more than just a score, but thoughtful guidance and critique. In this episode of Dance Dad, she shares some of her best advice to competitive dancers, how they can stand out and be rem
EP 14: The Word Homosexual Was Put Into the Bible in 1946
“That may be how the Bible reads, but that’s not what the Bible says,” explains award-winning film director and producer Sharon Rocky Roggio of many of the mistranslations within the Book’s scripture which have not only misrepresented the message of Jesus Christ but have been been historically weaponized against marginalized groups, notably the LGBT community.
Today, Sharon joins the Dance Dad
EP 13: Ally! Ally! With Teen Voguer Ally Marc Jacobs and Her Mom
“I loved how free I was,” reflects Ally Marc Jacobs, a transgender teen and emerging star in the worlds of voguing and drag. Inspired by the House of Juicy Couture’s performances and the House of Balmain on the HBO series “Legendary”, Ally began vogue dancing and quickly became a sensation across social media. She is now a member of both the House of Juicy Couture and House of Marc Jacobs. Today
EP 12: Holiday Message from John Corella
John Corella, co-creator and executive producer of Dance Moms, takes a moment to thank listeners and share some heartfelt reflections. He announces a brief break before returning for Pride and stresses the importance of taking time to relax and just be. John shares how he reminds his niece that our worth isn’t tied to constant activity, but in simply being. Tune in for a message of gratitude, refl
EP 11: Best Acting Teacher in Los Angeles, Howard Fine
“I teach people to be themselves,” says legendary acting coach Howard Fine, founder of Howard Fine Acting Studio and author of the newly revised “Fine on Acting: A Vision of the Craft.” Howard joins the Dance Dad podcast to discuss how acting puts us in touch with who we really are and, when we approach it with pure intentions and do the necessary work, can set us free.
On today’s episode, he’l
EP 10: Jesus and Reverend Dawn from Dance Moms
Today’s episode of Dance Dad is taking us to church! Reverend Dawn Lynn Check, a Dance Moms “Pre-OG OG,” joins host John Corella to talk about Jesus, the Bible, and the importance of reading between the lines.
Many people misinterpret Jesus as “kumbaya,” explains Dawn (as she prefers to be called), forgetting that he was a human with a variety of emotions, including anger in the face of injusti
EP 09: Nobody's Angel with Sarah Christine Smith
“It’s about making the audience feel something. What joy are we bringing to the world?” Sarah Christine Smith brought joy to a generation with her dancing, singing and acting. Part of the New Millennium pop craze, she was there for Britney Spears’ rise to fame, performing as a backup dancer on Britney’s early tour and in the iconic video for…Baby One More Time. Sarah later scored her own hits as a
EP 08: Dance Competition/Performance Tips - Part Two
“There are still ways to have these children feel safe and in control while under pressure, as long as you teach them to go inward,” says Lisa Mitzel, mental health coach and author of “Focused and Inspired: Keeping Our Athletes Safe in a Win-at-All-Costs World.” Lisa returns to Dance Dad for Part Two of her discussion with host John Corella. She explains how parents and coaches can best support t
EP 07: Dance Competition/Performance Tips with Lisa Mitzel, Mental Health Coach - Part One
“Emotions mean that you’re human. It’s very normal,” says Lisa Mitzel, mental health coach and author of “Focused and Inspired: Keeping Our Athletes Safe in a Win-at-All-Costs World.”
As a six-time NCAA Gymnastics champion, Lisa knows that competitive dancers and athletes have all sorts of emotions ahead of competition, yet, only some of them are acknowledged or encouraged by their coaches and
EP 06: Why the Podcast with John Corella
“It just kind of happened,” says John Corella about creating the Dance Dad podcast, “Like anything I’ve created that I love, I thought, ‘This will be fun’.” Today, John turns the tables and lets guest host Eva from On the Spot Interviews ask the questions about his plans for the show and his mission–or, as he poses it to all of his guests–his ‘why.’ He talks about creating a safe space of healing
EP 05: Share the Light Sparkle Brighter with Frank Gatson
“I just met the second coming of Michael Jackson,” says Frank Gatson, famed choreographer and Dance Dad to the stars, of meeting Beyonce for the first time in 1997 when she was just 15 years old. And Frank would know—his first major job was working with MJ on the 30-day shoot for Jackson’s iconic “Smooth Criminal” video. Since then, he’s worked with acts such as En Vogue, Usher, Toni Braxton, Bran
EP 04: Renaissance with Darius Hickman
“You’ve been training your whole life for this moment, don’t doubt yourself now that the moment is here,” Darius Hickman told himself while he was dancing in front of 95,000 people as part of Beyonce’s spectacular ‘Renaissance’ tour. Being in the moment, staying present, has not only allowed Darius to keep his cool under pressure, but it has also allowed him to be his most authentic self, one that
EP 03: The Dip with Jay Jackson aka Laganja Estranja
Dive into the dazzling world of Jay Jackson, also known as Laganja Estranja, where the art of dance meets the boldness of drag, creating a spectacle of talent and transformation. In this episode, host John Corella and the renowned drag queen and choreographer explore a myriad of topics, from dance and television to the vital intersection of LGBTQ issues within the dance world.
Laganja opens up a
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
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
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
