Episode Details

EP 59: Before Dance Moms there was Julie's Jazz Pizzazz

Episode 61 Published 1 day, 19 hours ago

Description

Julie Renn spent years telling her students anything was possible. Then the industry hardened her, and the day she talked her own daughter out of an audition showed her what that had cost. Her story offers an honest look at how to inspire young dancers without letting fear do the teaching.

On Dance Dad, host John Corella, co-creator of Dance Moms, sits down with the choreographer and producer behind Julie's Jazz Pizzazz. As a competitive dance studio owner, Julie opened her first studio at 17 and went on to put about 35 groups on Star Search. John grew up watching those groups from the competition floor, and he still credits them with the magic that pulled him into dance.

Julie shares what producers told her after she arrived at the show with ten brand-new routines, and how that advice changed her approach to dance competition choreography. She opens up about dealing with dance moms and the parent rivalry that never really goes away. She also tells the story of a shy student, a pair of scissors, and a night in the studio bathroom that set him on an unexpected path.

For teachers and parents who care about inspiring kids, Julie's answer to how to inspire young dancers is simple to say and harder to live. Listen now to hear what she would teach differently today and why she calls dance the car that never runs out of gas.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Dance Dad with John Corella and Guest Julie Renn

03:01 Opening a Dance Studio at Just 17

09:04 Julie's 35 Star Search Groups and Champions

14:44 Why Producers Told Her to Reuse Choreography

19:55 Why Competition Dance Became Too Expensive

26:39 How to Inspire Young Dancers to Dream

35:04 Former Students Who Reached Broadway and Hollywood

41:57 What Julie Really Thought About Dance Moms

45:33 Why Julie Speaks Out for Equality

1:01:28 The Haircut That Changed a Young Dancer's Life

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