The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast

52:54

Beyond The Shuffle: Stronger, Healthier Tap Dancers

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2026/10/02

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Todd Shanks In this episode (Episode description/overview): We welcome Todd Shanks to the podcast! Todd has a long resume full of dance, choreography and teaching experience. As a performer he has danced in TV commercials, music videos, and programs including “The View” and “Good Day NY”. He also performed on field at Gillette stadium on field for the 2015 and 2017 NFL Kickoff shows featuring T-Pain and FloRida. As a...

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24:54

Spotlight On: Stari Beauty

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2026/09/25

Send us Fan Mail In this Episode: Kamini Mirchandani shares her journey from dancer to founder of Stari Beauty, a brand dedicated to creating natural, high-performance stage makeup for young performers. Discover how her background in dance inspired her product line and her vision for supporting young performers with safe, effective makeup options. We cover: Kamini's dance background and its influence on her product lineThe importance of natural, safe ingredients in kids' makeupP...

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38:58

Spotlight On: Elevation On Tour

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2026/09/18

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: Kristina Cross and Brie Pena In this episode: Moms Kristina Cross and Brie Pina share their journey of founding Elevation on Tour, a dance convention and competition platform focused on creating supportive environments for dancers of all skill levels. They discuss their unique approach to judging, scheduling, and fostering positive experiences in the dance community. They cover: The origins of Elevation on Tour and its Tex...

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44:52

Spotlight On: DanZING App & Its Remarkable 16 Year...

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2026/05/15

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Prisha Sasikumar In this episode: We explore how young innovator Prisha Sasikumar is transforming the dance community with her tech-savvy approach, launching the app danZING specifically designed for dancers and studios. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and the future of dance technology. About danZING by DanceVibes danZING is a new app built specifically for competitive dance studios to replace the chaos of group chats, email...

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19:40

Growth Related Injury Series: Osgood Schlatter Disease

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2026/04/17

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT In this episode: In this second episode of the growth related injury series, we discuss Osgood Schlatter Disease. Discover causes, symptoms, what it is and how it can be treated. References: Corbi, Francisco et al., “Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Appearance, Diagnosis and Treatment: A Narrative Review”. Healthcare 2022, 10, 1011. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10061011 Antich, TJ MS, PT, Brewster, Clive E MS, PT.&...

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15:08

Growth Related Injury Series: Severs Disease

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2026/04/10

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT In this episode: In this first episode of a series on growth related injuries, Dr. Tara outlines what parents should know about Sever’s Disease. References: Hernandez-Lucas, Pablo, Leiros-Rodrigues, Raquel, Garcia-Lineira, Jesus, Diaz-Buil, Helena. “Conservative Treatment of Sever’s Disease: A Systematic Review”. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2024, 13, 1391. Https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13051391 Nieto-Gil, Pilar et al., ...

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25:28

Sport Specialization, Burnout, Overtraining & Why...

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2026/03/13

Send a text Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT In this episode: This episode discusses what the evidence states regarding youth sports guidelines including: Early sport specializationRecommended training hoursLong-term athlete developmentBurnoutOvertraining How parents and studios can support healthy growthI also explain how having a skilled physical therapist in your corner can help to mitigate some of the above concerns and enhance training, provide education and guidance for youn...

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56:20

Creating Dance/Life Balance

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2026/03/06

Send a text Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Angel Miller In this episode: This episode explores the complexities of balancing competitive dance, family life, and personal goals. Hosts Tara Christensen and Angel Miller share insights on managing training schedules, financial considerations, and supporting children's exploration of interests beyond dance. Main points: Balancing dance training with family lifeResearching dance studios and schedulesFinancial consideration...

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61:06

Competition & Convention Weekend Nutrition

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2026/02/27

Send a text Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Angel Miller In this episode, nutrition counselor Angel Miller discusses practical strategies for optimizing dance competition day nutrition. Nutrition plays a vital role in an athlete's performance, especially for dancers who require stamina, strength, and agility. Starting the day with the right foods sets the tone for success. Dancers often face long hours, with early morning practices and late-night awards ceremonies, ...

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67:56

Teaching With Care: Consent and Trauma-Informed...

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2026/02/06

Send us a text Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Nicole Perry MFA, CLMA In this episode: I interview movement professional Nicole Perry, who shares her extensive background in dance education, intimacy coordination, and trauma-informed teaching. We discuss the importance of communication, power dynamics, and consent in dance education, as well as the need for professional development for teachers. Nicole emphasizes the significance of creating safe spaces for students and the rol...

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46:18

Spotlight On: The Dance Bag & The Dance Bag Convention

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2026/01/30

Send us a text Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: Jessica (Fernandez) Loscalzo Owner: The Dance Bag In this episode: 🌟 Ever wondered what it takes to create a thriving dance convention? 💃 Dive into the journey of Jessica Lascalzo, owner of the Dance Bag, as she shares how she turned a slow retail season into an unforgettable one-day dance event! Jessica Lascalzo created the Dance Bag Convention to connect young dancers with top-notch instructors while also provi...

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76:02

Chronicles Of A Very Experienced Dance Teacher & Mom

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2026/01/23

Send us a text Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: Julie Kidd In this episode: I chat with Julie Kidd, a multifaceted dance mom, educator, and comedian. Julie shares her journey in the dance world, including her children's experiences in competitive dance and their successes, as well as a devastating family tragedy and the impact it had on her as she continued as a dance parent. We really had no “agenda” in this conversation, but I wanted to explore the full circ...

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55:25

Acro In Competitive Dance: A Discussion On Safety and...

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2026/01/16

Send us a text Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Jason Pickett In this episode: I sat down with Jason Pickett to discuss the role of acro in competitive dance. We touched on additional topics including the impact of influencer culture and the need for better regulation in competitive dance and dance education. We explored some of the pressures dancers and parents face regarding acro skills, safer ways to train and the need for informed decision making on an individual...

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93:35

From The Studio To The World Stage: A Dance Dad's...

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2026/01/09

Send us a text Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: Mark Scheitzbach In this episode: I chat with Mark Scheitzbach, a dance dad with a very unique perspective! Mark is the dad of two male professional dancers, both of which have had incredible roles dancing for major recording artists. His son Michael just danced with Diana Ross on New Years Rockin’ Eve and has also recently for Mariah Carey and Blackpink. His other son Kevin was a dancer on the Eras Tour a...

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47:40

Strength Training For Dancers

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2026/01/02

Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Jason Harrison, CSCS Co-Owner of Present Tense Fitness In this episode, I sit down with Jason Harrison to discuss the critical role of strength training for dancers. We talk about its importance for injury prevention, performance enhancement and long-term athletic development. We explore when dancers should start strength training, some of the benefits that can be expected and how to find the right strength or performance coach....

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36:11

Virtual Training and Online Studios

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2025/12/26

Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: Haley Fitch of Haley’s Classes In this episode, I chat with Haley Fitch of Haley’s Classes about the evolution of dance education, primarily focusing on virtual studios. Haley shares her personal journey from starting late in dance to establishing her own online studio, providing instruction to dancers all over the world. We discuss some of the challenges faced by students in traditional studios, the importance of conditioning and t...

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30:24

Studio Culture Part 2: Finding A Positive Path Forward

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2025/12/19

Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT In this episode: I discuss a bunch of topics regarding what to do if you find yourself in a negative studio environment. Some of the points I touch on include: Finding or building safer spaces. Modeling different leadership, inclusivity and a community that celebrates all dancers regardless of where they are in their dance journey.When to consider moving studios. Looking into a studio that focuses solely on community performances....

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57:20

Studio Culture Part 1: Red Flags, Mean Girls &...

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2025/12/12

Hosted by: Dr. Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: Angel Miller Ever find yourself questioning if your child’s dance studio is safe? If the environment is chipping away their love for dance? I am joined in this episode by my friend; former competitive dancer, current competitive dance mom and fitness instructor Angel Miller. We discuss what a negative studio culture looks like and the long term effects it can have on your dancer. We have a very honest discussion abou...

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44:49

Spotlight On: "Unbound" Ballet Documentary

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2025/12/01

Hosted by: Dr. Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: John English, co-director of “Unbound” In this episode: I sat down with John English from OTOXO Productions to chat about “Unbound”, a ground breaking documentary about a group of professional ballet dancers at Ballet de Barcelona. What I found in my conversation with this very passionate co-director is that this isn’t just another ballet documentary. This film addresses some of the deepest traumas in professional dance and gives a voi...

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45:40

Spotlight On: Pulze Athletic Wear

The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast ·

2025/11/27

Hosted by: Dr. Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: Angie McFarland, CEO & Founder of Pulze Athletic Wear Looking for dancewear and athletic wear that is not only cute, but functional? Pulze Athletic Wear breaks boundaries, offering period protection and built in bra support right in your dance or athletic wear! In this episode I sit down with the CEO and founder Angie McFarland to talk about what inspired her to create this brand, her journey in creating these products and how she ...

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