Dance Real Podcast
Podcast Description
Dance Real Podcast is hosted by Kate Histon-Behrend a former dance studio owner of 23 years, now international dance judge, mindset coach to dancers and leadership mentor to teachers and studio owners.
Join in on real conversations exploring the trickier sides of the dance industry with tips and tricks and featuring stories of resilience, triumph, and growth. From dancers and professional performers to teachers and often-overlooked dance parents, each episode dives deep into their unique journeys. With expert insights and reflections from Kate’s years of experience, this podcast sheds light on the full spectrum of the dance world—both on and off the stage
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores various themes within the dance industry such as mental health, body positivity, and communication among dancers and educators. Episodes like the first one, which discusses the challenges male dancers face and the significance of fostering supportive environments, highlight personal stories of resilience and growth while offering practical tips for dancers and educators alike.
Welcome to Dance Real;
a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the dance industry to explore what really goes on behind the scenes. I’m your host, Kate Histon, former dancer, teacher and studio owner to now mindset and leadership coach as well as international adjudicator. I am someone who’s lived through the pressure, perfectionism, and unspoken harm that too often defines the dance world. This podcast is for dancers, teachers, and parents who are ready to hear honest conversations about everything from artistry to crossed boundaries, competition, community, intuition to industry norms and start reimagining a healthier, more progressive approach to dance education and employment. We’re here to talk about what’s real. Because only when we tell the truth can we change the story.
www.katehiston.com
📲 @kateHiston 📲 @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎙 @Dance_Real_Podcast
Season 5
Ep:08
What does it take to build a lasting dance community across generations, cultures, and competitive environments?
In this episode of Dance Real Podcast, Kate sits down with Belgian dance educator, choreographer, studio owner, competition organiser, and international judge Dimitri Covent.
Together, they explore the realities of leading a family-run dance studio, the evolving culture of international dance competitions, and the responsibility teachers carry in shaping both dancers and people.
Dimitri shares the story behind Crea Dance Diva, how his family built one of Belgium’s most respected dance communities, and his perspective on healthy competition culture, long-term dancer development, technique, creativity, leadership, and resilience.
This conversation also explores:
• competition pressure and emotional wellbeing
• balancing artistry with technical demands
• tricks, acrobatics, and social media influence in dance
• how competitions shape young dancers psychologically
• the importance of foundational training
• developing future teachers and leaders
• sustaining a dance business as a family
A thoughtful and honest conversation about leadership, integrity, growth, and the changing landscape of dance education.
Find Dimitri Covent:
Instagram: @dimitricovent
Crea Dance Diva: Kate Histon Official Website
Instagram: @dance_real_podcast
Instagram: @master_dancer_mindset
YouTube: Kate Histon YouTube Channel
Disclaimer:
The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, thoughtful conversations grounded in lived experience within the dance world. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.
This episode is educational in nature and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice. If you require support in these areas, please seek guidance from a qualified professional.
Any references to people, systems, or experiences are shared with the intention of encouraging reflection, dialogue, and learning within the dance community.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.