In The Studio.

In honor of Autism Awareness Day, this episode explores how dance can be a powerful tool for social connection, focus, and self-expression for individuals with autism. I share my journey of developing a dance program that helped children on the spectrum improve social skills, reduce repetitive behaviors, and engage in meaningful movement. Plus, hear how our dancers competed on a global stage—representing the USA and taking 2nd place at the World Latin Dance Cup! What You’ll Learn:Shift focus on how you view danceHow dance supports social and behavioral development in individuals with autismThe connection between movement and focusThe power of structured dance programs in behavioral therapyJoin the Conversation:Have thoughts on today’s episode? Let’s connect on Instagram [@fulloutaubs] or aubreyares.com, and keep the discussion going! 🎙️💙

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a personal perspective on the growing influence of technical dance elements—like turns, leaps, and acrobatic tricks—within the Latin dance competition scene.We’ll dive into:Infusing Technical Abilities – How styles like ballet, jazz, and contemporary are being incorporated into salsa and bachata, and the challenges that come with it.The Execution vs. Crowd Reaction Debate – Are we rewarding difficulty over proper technique?Acrobatics in Latin Dance – The rise of tricks like front handsprings and why proper training is essential.A Call to Dancers & Promoters – Encouraging dancers to seek technical training and urging competition organizers to bring in well-rounded adjudicators.This episode isn’t about giving definitive answers—it’s about sparking thought and discussion. How do we maintain the integrity of our Latin styles while embracing technical evolution? Let’s talk about it!

Today’s episode is extra special because I’m taking you behind the scenes of something deeply personal—the story of how I built my company, EMDC.If you had told 23-year-old me that I’d be here today—leading a company that has impacted many dancers, won championships, and built a dance family that keeps growing—I probably wouldn’t have believed you.Because the truth is? EMDC wasn’t part of some grand master plan.It started with a leap of faith, a team of dancers who believed in me, and an unshakable passion for creating a space where dancers could train, grow, and be empowered through movement.But this journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve faced burnout. I even stepped away from the company at one point, unsure if I’d ever come back.Yet, through every challenge, EMDC has evolved. And today, we’re not just still standing—we’re thriving.In this episode, I want to share my origin story—the wins, the struggles, the lessons—and most importantly, why I believe you can do this too.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How EMDC started as a two-month project that turned into a thriving companyThe pivotal moment that pushed me to take a leap of faithThe core values that have shaped EMDC’s culture and successThe struggles of leadership, burnout, and stepping awayHow EMDC continued to grow—even in my absenceWhy believing in your vision (even when it feels uncertain) is key to long-term success

You guys, I’m in Oaxaca, Mexico! And even here, we are in FULL competition prep mode! With competition season in full swing, I know how overwhelming it can be—so today, we’re breaking down exactly what it takes to step on that stage feeling confident, prepared, and ready to shine. Whether you’re a dancer, coach, studio owner, or dance parent, this episode is packed with must-know tips on physical preparation, mental toughness, and competition-day strategies. Let’s get into it!Key TakeawaysPhysical Prep Matters – Why stamina and full-out reps make all the differenceMindset is Everything – How to overcome pressure and self-doubt before stepping on stageFuel Like a Pro – Balancing nutrition, hydration, and enjoying the experienceResources & Links📌 Join the Members Portal – Get exclusive training & coaching! [aubreyares.com]📌 Follow me on IG – Behind-the-scenes & daily dance inspo:! [@fulloutaubs]📌 Follow my dance company- [@empoweredmovementdance]

In this episode, we're diving into the key elements that make a dance team successful—understanding motivation, adapting coaching styles, and creating a cohesive team dynamic. Whether you're a dancer, coach, or team leader, learning how to navigate different personalities and learning styles is essential to building a strong, motivated, and accountable team.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The importance of understanding why each dancer is on the teamHow motivation varies—camaraderie, training, creativity, or personal growthThe different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) and how to adapt coaching to fit each oneThe balance between flexibility in coaching and maintaining consistent expectationsHow to celebrate differences to bring out the best in every team memberJoin the Conversation!Have a story about navigating team dynamics or coaching different personalities? Share it with us on social media or send me a message—I’d love to hear from you!Book a Coaching Session: Ready to take your team to the next level? Book a session with me at AubreyAres.com and let’s fine-tune your team dynamics together!

In this episode of In the Studio, I’m sharing my must-have apps that keep me organized, efficient, and inspired as a professional dancer, leader, and business owner. Whether you’re a teacher, choreographer, or simply looking to level up your training, these tools will help you streamline your workflow and enhance your creativity. From slowing down music for clean execution to mastering formations with ease, these apps are total game-changers!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The best app for slowing down and speeding up music to perfect choreography✔️ A formation tool that makes staging for large groups effortless✔️ How I use a popular dance training app to stay inspired and explore new styles✔️ Why these tools can elevate your efficiency and creativity as a dance professionalApps Mentioned:Tempo SlowMo – BPM Slow Downer (for adjusting music tempo while teaching)ArrangeUs (for seamless formations and staging)Steezy Dance App (for training and style exploration)Links & Resources:🔗 Tempo SlowMo – BPM Slow Downer🔗 ArrangeUs App🔗 Steezy Dance App

Rejection is an inevitable part of a dancer’s journey, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Whether it’s missing out on a dream role, losing momentum in a competitive industry, or feeling like years of hard work weren’t enough, rejection can hit hard. In this episode, we dive deep into how rejection manifests in the dance world, why it feels so personal, and how to shift your mindset to grow from it rather than be defeated by it.In this episode you'll learn:✔️ How rejection can feel like a missed opportunity and why it’s not the end of the road✔️ Overcoming the fear of falling behind in a fast-moving industry✔️ Why rejection is not a reflection of your worth or hard work✔️ How to reframe setbacks as a stepping stone for growth✔️ Practical strategies to build resilience and keep moving forward

In this episode of In the Studio, we’re joined by Arica (Ares) Miller, a current Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader, as she shares her journey from dancer to professional cheerleader. Arica takes us behind the scenes of what it takes to become a pro cheerleader, from the preparation process before auditions to the key habits that set her up for success.She also opens up about a missed opportunity that completely shifted her mindset—leading her to prioritize herself while chasing her goals. Plus, we dive into some of the biggest misconceptions about professional cheerleaders and the reality behind the glitz and glam of the industry.Tune in to hear:✅ The step-by-step process of becoming a pro cheerleader✅ The habits that helped Arica stay on track✅ How a missed opportunity changed her entire approach to success✅ Common myths about professional cheerleaders—debunked!

Ever felt completely stuck creatively? You’re not alone. Whether it’s the fear of failure, lack of direction, or full-on burnout, creative blocks are something every dancer experiences. The key is knowing how to push through—or when to take a step back.In this episode, we’ll explore:Fear of failure & perfectionism – Why your choreography doesn’t need to be stage-ready right away and how embracing trial and error fuels creativity.Lack of direction – How switching up your inspiration, from exploring different music genres to seeking non-dance influences, can reignite creativity.Burnout & the need for rest – Sometimes, the best way forward is to pause. Learn why prioritizing rest isn’t a setback but a crucial part of sustaining your artistry.Feeling drained? Losing that creative spark? It might be time to disconnect and allow yourself to truly rest. A week, a month—whatever you need. No guilt. No pressure. Just space to recharge and come back stronger than ever.

In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most common questions I get: How do you make the leap from being a dancer and performer to becoming an instructor, teacher, or choreographer?This transition can feel intimidating, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right mindset and approach. Tune in as I share:Why starting somewhere is key—and how to take those first steps.Three actionable tips to help you practice, gain confidence, and refine your craft.How working with a mentor can make all the difference in your journey, but always be aware of who you're working with!Whether you’re dreaming of leading your own classes, choreographing for productions, or simply want to expand your creative horizons, this episode will set you on the right path.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of my absolute favorite topics: building a dance company from the ground up! If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own company but felt unsure about where to begin, this episode is exactly what you need.We’ll kick things off by exploring the foundation of your vision: Then, we’ll get into the logistics and we’ll tackle the financial side of things!This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you take the first steps toward creating a company that reflects your vision and values. It doesn’t matter if you’re rehearsing in a professional studio or your best friend’s backyard — the most important thing is to start now.So, grab your notebook, hit play, and let’s get your dance company off the ground! This is your moment — let’s goooo!

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Mauricio Collin, a trailblazing dancer who’s breaking stereotypes and redefining the dance world. Starting his journey as a quinceañera dancer for friends, Mauricio’s passion quickly evolved into a professional career.Standing out as a 6'2'' male dancer who fearlessly performs in dance heels, Mauricio takes us through his journey of self-expression and resilience. He opens up about his experiences as a queer dancer navigating the challenges of staying true to himself in a competitive industry.Mauricio also shares his incredible transformation from contemporary dance to the Latin dance scene, where he became a multi-world champion in bachata! Join us as we celebrate his groundbreaking career and the impact he’s making on the Los Angeles dance community and beyond.

In today's episode, we talk about navigating the gig economy effectively which requires creating consistency and building a network within the industry. Consistency also comes from setting clear boundaries and maintaining a sustainable work-life balance. Getting to know others in the gig economy—whether through projects, industry events, or networking within opportunities—offers valuable insights into how to turn "gigs" into a career.

In this episode, we explore the essential balance between nurturing your creativity and managing the administrative side of your dance career or business. Dancers are known for their passion and expressive nature, but navigating the world of contracts, schedules, and organization can be a challenge. I discusses practical tips to help you strike that balance and maintain focus on both the art and the business aspects of your dance life!

Welcome to the very first episode of In the Studio! This is the podcast dedicated to empowering and elevating dance creatives like you! In this welcome episode, we’re setting the stage for what’s to come—sharing the vision behind the podcast, what you can expect from our episodes, and how we’re here to help you learn, grow, and turn your passion into a success. And, I share a little of my dance background.Whether you're a dancer, choreographer, or creative entrepreneur, this space is for you. Let’s dive in and start building something extraordinary together!