Hi friends! Welcome to Rhinestones and Rants! I’m Alyssa, and let me start by saying: if you’ve found your way here, you’re either a fellow dance parent, about to become one, or maybe just wondering if this sparkly, slightly chaotic world is the right place for your child. Spoiler alert: it might be. But it all starts with choosing the right studio.

Let me tell you why I’m here. My daughter Joelle has been dancing since she was two years old. She’s now almost 19, finishing up her freshman year majoring in Dance, an incredible achievement built on years of sweat, sacrifice, sequins, and yes, a whole lot of studio hopping. We attended six different dance schools before she gave her final senior solo, and every single stop taught us something new: about dance, about people, and about the choices that matter most for your child’s growth.

By day, I’m a business executive leading a global sales enablement organization. But evenings and weekends? That’s when I became that dance mom, eyelash glue in my purse, rhinestones in my car, snacks in hand, and always one costume away from a mild breakdown. I never really meant to become one, but I saw early how fast this world pulls you in. Joelle was born to perform, and when she slipped on her first pair of ballet shoes, you could just see it in her eyes: this was her thing.

She’s trained in everything; Contemporary, Jazz, hip-hop, jazz funk, lyrical, ballroom, even tap (though she’d prefer not to talk about it). And through all of it, I was the one behind the camera, the checkbook (Yes I was a better ATM than Citibank) and sometimes the emotional mop when things got tough and yes there were lots of those moments,

So why this blog, and why this podcast? Because I wish someone had told me what to look for. I wish I had a roadmap, a checklist, or even just someone to say, “Hey, maybe don’t enroll your kid at a studio where the owner yells at the kids in front of the parents.” (True story.). If I only knew then what I knew now….but you are lucky as you have me and so many great guests that will be sharing and giving you the 911 on all things DANCE!

So Let’s dig into the good stuff:

What to Look for in a Dance Studio

When choosing a studio, remember: you’re the customer and this is your child. You don’t owe any studio blind loyalty. You owe your child the best environment to thrive artistically, emotionally, and physically. Here’s what to consider:

1. Qualified Instructors
• Are teachers experienced and credentialed?
• Do they have performance or competitive experience?
• Are they trained in child development or injury prevention?

2. Class Structure and Curriculum
• Are classes age-appropriate and skill-progressive?
• Is there a clear syllabus or growth plan for each level?
• How often do students get feedback?

3. Studio Culture
• Is the environment supportive, inclusive, and safe?
• Are dancers encouraged to support each other?
• How are parents treated?

4. Facility Quality
• Clean studios? Proper flooring? Mirrors?
• Adequate space for stretching, warming up, and waiting?
• Is safety a priority?

5. Style Variety
• Do they offer multiple styles so your child can explore?
• Do they allow cross-training in different genres?

6. Performance Opportunities
• Do they participate in competitions, recitals, conventions?
• Is there pressure to compete or can your child dance recreation?


Red Flags You Should Never Ignore

• High turnover in staff (this is often a sign of internal drama)
• Favoritism or clique culture among students and teachers
• Pressure to spend or compete without clear value or progression
• No room for parental questions or transparency
• Lack of communication or unclear policies
• Overcrowded classes where kids get lost in the shuffle
• Injury-prone dancers—bad floors, overtraining, or lack of conditioning


Questions to Ask Every Studio Owner:

1. What’s your teaching philosophy?
2. What is your policy on injuries and burnout?
3. How do you handle bullying or dancer conflict?
4. What’s your studio’s view on competition vs. recreational dance?
5. How do you decide which dancers are placed in which routines or levels?
6. How do parents communicate with instructors?
7. What does a typical year look like—cost-wise and commitment-wise?
8. What opportunities are there for growth outside the studio (conventions, intensives, college prep)?


Final Thoughts

This journey isn’t just about finding a place where your kid can do pirouettes. It’s about finding a second home. A village. A training ground. A safe space. And sometimes? You won’t get it right on the first try and that’s okay. We didn’t.

But with a little guidance, a lot of questions, and a gut-check or two, you can absolutely find the right fit for your dancer and for you.

This blog is just the beginning of Rhinestones and Rants. We’re going to talk about it all; dance teams, college apps, burnout, dance mom friendships (and feuds), teacher favorites, auditions, and what no one tells you until it’s too late.

And let’s be real we’re going to spill the tea. The real tea. Because while the rhinestones may shine on stage, there’s a whole lot of reality happening behind the curtain and I’m here for all of it.

Thank you for being here. If you’re a parent, I see you. If your kid is dancing and you’re trying to do it all? You’re not alone. I hope you stick around, share your stories, and maybe even join me on the podcast.

Now grab your planner, your water bottle, a large glass of wine (trust me on this).  your sparkliest lip gloss and remember this one thing:

Never, ever let anyone dull your sparkle.

Catch you on the flip side of the marley floor.

Make sure to hit that like button, Subscribe below and bookmark:  
Rhinestones and Rants

Shine on…..Alyssa

When does a dancer know it’s time to step off the stage and step into leadership? For Maia Suckle, it wasn’t a single moment—it was a series of quiet nudges, hard lessons, and one powerful push over the edge that led her to open her own dance studio.

In this week’s episode of Rhinestones and Rants, I sat down with Maia for an incredible, no-holds-barred conversation about her journey from professional dancer to studio owner—and everything she’s learned along the way. Spoiler: It’s not as glamorous as it looks from the outside.

We dug deep into the realities of running a studio:

• When Maia knew she had to open her own space—and what finally pushed her to take the leap

• How her years dancing professionally shaped her vision for the kind of studio she wanted to build

• Whether owning a studio turned out to be the dream she imagined—or a full-blown plot twist she never saw coming

I’ve always been fascinated by how Maia’s professional dance career informed the way she runs her studio today. She didn’t just create a space to train great dancers—she built a home that prioritizes values, character, and community. But as Maia shared so candidly, passion alone doesn’t keep the lights on or the drama out.

“Being a studio owner isn’t just about loving dance,” Maia told me. “You become a mentor. A psychologist. A second mom. You wear so many hats—and every decision you make impacts kids’ lives.”

We talked about the tough stuff: the burnout, the sacrifices, the pressure to keep everyone happy, and the drama (oh, the drama) that can bubble up in a studio environment—especially when well-meaning parents get a little too involved. Maia opened up about the signs of a healthy studio culture, the red flags parents should watch out for, and what she wishes more parents asked their studio owners from day one to ensure they’re aligned.

This episode isn’t just for parents and dancers—it’s for anyone who’s ever
dreamed of opening a studio, or who’s running one right now and wondering if they’re the only one feeling the weight of it all. Maia shared what she’d do differently if she could start over, the lessons she’s learned the hard way, and advice for any teacher or parent thinking of opening their own studio.

And on a personal note—this conversation was extra special for me. Maia started out as the studio owner I entrusted with my daughter’s dance journey, but over time, she became one of my closest friends. We’ve been through it all—including a memorable moment when she almost threw me out of the studio (yes, we laugh about it now!). That turning point deepened our respect for each other and revealed how aligned we truly were in our values.

Bringing my daughter to Maia’s studio gave me so much more than just a place for her to dance—it gave me a friendship I cherish, and a deeper appreciation for what it really takes to lead a studio with integrity and heart.

Whether you’re a parent, dancer, studio owner, or someone thinking about stepping into this wild world, I hope you’ll tune in. Maia’s story is raw, real, and filled with wisdom for anyone who loves dance—or loves a dancer.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your
podcasts. And don’t forget to leave us a review and share with your dance
family!

Shine On,
Alyssa 

There are some episodes that stay with you long after the mic is turned off—and this was one of them. In this deeply personal conversation, I sat down with someone I’ve known since she was little: Cameron Suckle. Cameron just graduated with her BFA in Dance from UT Austin, and watching her grow into the powerhouse she is today has been nothing short of inspiring.

But her journey wasn’t an easy one.

Cameron was always a beautiful dancer, graceful and captivating—but rarely center stage. She lived in the shadows of the spotlight, often overlooked, always in the background. And while her talent was undeniable, it took more than skill to be seen. It took her mom opening a studio for Cameron to reclaim her confidence and take up space.

As the daughter of a studio owner, the expectations were sky-high. Choreographers pushed her harder. Peers watched her closer. Friends—some genuine, some not—suddenly included her when the spotlight finally hit. But what Cameron shared in this episode wasn’t about superficial praise or position—it was about the mental toll that journey took.

She bravely opened up about the bullying, the manipulation, the mental abuse she endured in the competitive dance world. And yet, despite it all, she rose. Her time in college became the mirror she needed to reflect on what she’d been through—and how far she’d come.

This episode was raw. It was honest. It was a beautiful blend of vulnerability and strength. Cameron didn’t hold back, and because of that, I know her story will resonate with every young dancer who’s ever felt unseen, unchosen, or unsure of where they belong.

She’s now stepping into her next chapter—teaching, maybe even opening her own studio one day. The little girl I once knew has grown into a woman with vision, resilience, and most importantly, self-worth.

Cameron’s journey reminds us that being in the back doesn’t mean you stay there. That every dancer—no matter where they stand in formation—has a voice, a story, and a sparkle that no one can dull.

I hope this episode touched you like it did me.

Remember never let anyone dull your sparkle

Shine on
Alyssa 

When you think of hip-hop dance legends, one name rises to the top with unmatched energy, authenticity, and heart: Brooklyn Jai.

I recently had the absolute honor of sitting down with this icon on Rhinestones and Rants, and to say it was an unforgettable episode would be an understatement. From the first beat of the conversation, Brooklyn Jai brought exactly what he brings to every stage, every studio, and every kid he mentors, raw emotion, unapologetic truth, and boundless passion.

A Story That Moves You

Brooklyn Jai’s journey is one of grit, grind, and gratitude. From the streets that gave birth to hip-hop to the stages that now celebrate his name, his rise was never handed to him — it was earned, moment by moment, class by class, heartbreak by breakthrough.

On the podcast, he opened up like never before. There were tears, there were belly laughs, and there were moments that left all of us speechless. His honesty cut through the noise of what dance can sometimes become, filtered, superficial, polished for the ‘gram and brought us back to its core: connection, culture, and community.

The Way He Sees Our Kids

What makes Brooklyn Jai extraordinary isn’t just his choreography — it’s his spirit. His ability to walk into a room full of young dancers and make every single one feel seen, validated, and
important is his superpower.

Parents talk about the way their child’s confidence skyrockets after taking his class. Dancers describe the moment they finally felt like they belonged, just because Brooklyn Jai told them they mattered. That’s not just teaching. That’s transformation.

The Icon Who Keeps Giving

Even with a resume that could humble anyone, Brooklyn Jai remains grounded, grateful, and wildly generous with his time, energy, and love for the culture. He’s not in this for fame, he’s in
this for impact. And it shows.

He reminded us during our talk that hip-hop isn’t just a style. It’s a statement. It’s how you walk, how you own your truth, how you fight through the noise and still choose to show up, fierce, flawed, and free.

A Must-Listen Episode 

If you haven’t tuned into this one yet, please do. It’s not just a conversation about dance. It’s a masterclass in authenticity, a celebration of a man who has shaped generations, and a tribute to the rhythm that keeps the world spinning.

Brooklyn Jai is more than a hip-hop choreographer. He’s a movement. And on Rhinestones and Rants, we were lucky enough to feel it.

This week on Rhinestones and Rants, I had the privilege of sitting down with Scott and Joanne Morales—two parents who didn’t just raise a dancer, they raised a trailblazer. Their son, Gavin Morales, has carved out a name for himself in the dance world, but the journey to get there was anything but smooth.

What does it really mean to raise a boy in dance? What does that path look like when it’s not just rare—but ridiculed?

In this raw and emotional episode, we dive deep into the Morales family story. From early skepticism to all-out support, Scott Morales shares how he went from hoping his son would choose baseball to becoming one of the fiercest, most devoted dance dads I’ve ever seen. His transformation was not only heartwarming—it was heroic.

Joanne, the rock of the family, opened up about the sacrifices made along the way. Dance wasn’t just Gavin’s dream—it became a family mission. From long drives, tough choices, and emotional whiplash, Joanne’s devotion and strength are the backbone of Gavin’s success.

But what stopped me in my tracks was hearing about the death threat Gavin once received—yes, a death threat—for dancing. As a parent, imagine the fear. Imagine navigating that trauma with your child. Scott and Joanne shared how they handled that moment with poise, grace, and unwavering love. Their honesty in recounting that chapter shook me.

Gavin’s journey—once an anomaly for boys in dance—is now a beacon. From winning Velocity Dance Convention to appearing on Dance Moms and The Ellen Show, and now working alongside Brian Friedman as an apprentice for RADx, Gavin has proven that boys not only belong in dance—they can thrive, lead, and inspire.

His path wasn’t typical. It was lonely at times. But it was powerful.

This episode isn’t just about dance—it’s about parenting, bravery, love, and rewriting the narrative for boys who choose to follow their passion in a world that doesn’t always understand it.

It’s real. It’s heartfelt. It’s one you don’t want to miss.

This is one family that never let anyone dull their Sparkle

Shine on
Alyssa 

For over a decade, I’ve walked through the iconic red doors of Millennium Dance Complex—my daughter by my side, dreams in our hearts, and rhinestones in our bags. I’ve watched world-class choreographers create magic. I’ve seen tour buses full of fans stop just to snap a photo in front of that famous red wall beneath the sparkling crystal chandelier. Millennium has always felt electric—like something bigger than all of us was happening inside those mirrored walls.

But here’s the thing: I never knew who was behind it.

That is, until now.

On this week’s episode of Rhinestones and Rants, I finally got to sit down with the mastermind behind Millennium Dance Complex, Anne-Marie Hudson, and let me tell you, this interview changed everything.

After weaving through three layers of gatekeepers (yes, three!), I finally tracked her down. And Anne-Marie, in all her grace, said yes. What followed was a raw, honest, powerful conversation that pulled back the curtain on one of the most influential women in the dance world.

She’s the heartbeat of Millennium.
The original visionary.
The spiritual force behind a global dance movement.

Anne-Marie didn’t come from a flashy Hollywood dance background. She wasn’t a household name in the L.A. dance scene. But what she did have? Hustle. Vision. And a passion project that turned into a global empire.

She built Millennium as a platform to give unknown choreographers a shot—and in doing so, she helped shape careers and launch legends. Stories like Brooklyn Jai, who was once homeless, sleeping in the Millennium parking lot. Anne-Marie gave him a chance to teach a class—and he sold it out. That one moment changed his entire life. Today, Brooklyn Jai is a powerhouse in his own right, and it all started with that one opportunity.

And he’s just one of many.

From Michael Jackson to Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake to the next wave of dance influencers, Millennium has been home to them all. But Anne-Marie? She’s been quietly leading the charge, never needing the spotlight… until now.

There’s a reason the energy inside Millennium is unmatched. It’s not just the music, the dancers, or the viral videos—it’s Anne-Marie’s spirit, woven into every wall, every studio, every opportunity.

This is more than just a podcast episode.
It’s a tribute.
It’s a reveal.
It’s a celebration of a woman who built an empire from a whisper and turned it into a global roar.

 Listen now to hear the full story—from spirituality to strategy, from red walls to red carpets—only on Rhinestones and Rants.
Because some legends don’t dance in the front row…
They build the stage.