In episode 13 of The Real Smile Podcast, Sharon is joined by Kim Rogers, founder of The Butterfly Mind, for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about dance, wellbeing and the culture surrounding young dancers and teachers.

Kim talks about her journey from professional performer to dance teacher and, more recently, moving into work focused on mindset, wellbeing and supporting teachers and dance schools. She explains how The Butterfly Mind has evolved and why she now feels ready to use her voice to challenge some of the things that have become accepted as the norm within the dance industry.

A big part of the conversation focuses on language — from phrases like “the show must go on” and “no pain, no gain”, to the way teachers, parents, examiners and adjudicators communicate with young dancers. Kim explains why simply asking, “What ...