Welcome to episode 86 of DanceSpeak with Lauren Ritchie, the host and creator of the Dance Podcast. There is a relatively small number of dance podcast-ers out there, so I was not only geeked to 'meet' Lauren, but dumbfounded to find her to be such a passionate dance educator, with a background in fitness (like me) AND a major care for self-development (like me!). This interview will take you through a deep-dive on how to be a continuously growing dance educator, leader, and/or student in the dance world (and even outside if you apply it to other disciplines). We span topics from how to powerfully deal with unrest in the community, to discussing the concept of 'tribal shaming', and how to choose the right programs to 'grow' your knowledge and self. Of course, I made sure to ask Lauren about her experiences as a dance podcast host, as well as lessons she has learned in this field. We touch on some genuine topics including, an exploration of how staring the mirror for so long (as dancers) can impact the way we view ourselves, and the question around entering a potentially saturated market as a dance teacher. This episode is filled with uplift, honesty, care, and unabridged thought that comes from a lifetime in the dance community and industry. Please enjoy!