The Happy Dance Podcast with Saumirah McWoodson
By Saumirah McWoodson
The Happy Dance Podcast is a conversational, unscripted monologue that brings you along on a journey of self-improvement and business growth. Each week, entrepreneur, dancer, and educator Saumirah McWoodson reflects on her professional and social experiences to share her best practices on cultivating happiness. On The Happy Dance Podcast, you can expect strategies for navigating life as an overthinking and emotional human, action plans for teaching engaging dance classes to kids, and heartfelt stories about dancing through life as a quirky, passionate, high-achieving millennial.
The Happy Dance Podcast with Saumirah McWoodsonDec 19, 2019
00:00
28:32
#48 Full Pivot or Two Steps Back?
It's common for things to feel a bit uncomfortable for us entrepreneurs when we make a pivot in our business. In this episode, I'm sharing some of my thoughts with you as I consider what kind of content I want to focus on creating next for DanceDazeDanceBoards.com. Have any suggestions? Email me at saumirah@dancedaze.org.
Jul 23, 202125:34
#47 Why I Believe I Can Sell Anything and So Can You
As an artist and educator, sometimes selling feels weird. But as an entrepreneur who is working to build a business, it is my job to sell. If I'm not selling, I'm not in business. Luckily, over the past few years, I've come to believe that I can sell anything. And guess what? I believe that if I can do sell anything, you can too. Entrepreneurs and hustlers, this one's for you!
Jul 15, 202135:47
#46 Sometimes Showing Up Is Enough
In this short episode, I'm discussing why we should honor the one's commitment to showing up in different places more often than we do. Sometimes, the completion of the act itself, not the feeling of happiness we expect to feel after taking the action, is what we should celebrate. Want to get in touch? Reach out to me via SaumirahMcWoodson.com.
Jul 08, 202114:40
#45 I'm Back! (Again)
In this episode, I'm catching up! I've been missing from recording podcast episodes for a little over 3 months, and I'm popping back in with a quick episode to give you some updates and to ask for your help in letting me know the direction in which I should take this podcast! Feel free to email suggestions or requests to saumirah@dancedaze.org. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram @missmcwoodson. Thanks friends! Chat soon!
Jul 02, 202121:13
#44 Why I'm Going Fully Virtual With My Business in 2021
In this episode, I'm reading some of my writing from The Happy Dance Blog (https://dancedaze.org/blog/), and I'm sharing some of the reasons why I'm currently working to move my business--Dance Daze, Inc.--to be fully online and join my new e-commerce business, Dance Daze Dance Boards.
Mar 25, 202109:04
#43 Let Me Tell You About the Dance Daze Dance Board™
My biggest pivots in 2020 were starting Dance Daze Online and co-creating the Dance Daze Dance Board™! In this episode, I'm telling you all about this creation that's allowing me to delve into the world of product-based eCommerce. Be sure to check out DanceDazeDanceBoards.com and use discount code HAPPYDANCE for a discount!
Feb 26, 202128:32
#42 Balance, Intentionality, and Saying No
I'm back after yet another little break. (In good news, I have been reading for my dissertation, so this break has been productive for me!) In this episode, I'm sharing with you a couple of lessons I learned in 2020 to arrive at the place where I currently stand. If you haven't checked out my latest business venture, please be sure to visit dancedazedanceboards.com.
Feb 04, 202122:24
#41 Entrepreneurs in Jobs
Lately I've been wondering whether or not entrepreneurs make good employees. In this episode, I'm sharing some of my thoughts on creativity, joy, responsibility, communication, trust, and mission statements, in relation to entrepreneurs who are working in "regular jobs" while also building a business.
Dec 24, 202024:60
#40 Kind Thoughts Only
In this episode, I'm reflecting on the feeling of loneliness, specifically as it appears in my life as an entrepreneur, creative, and over-achiever. In considering my desire for a haven when times get tough, I come back to a place of reminding myself to be proactive in creating desirable physical spaces and mental spaces. Thank you for hearing me, friend!
Dec 03, 202017:54
#39 I'm Back!
I've been lost in the busy-ness of pivoting as a result of COVID-19! Check out this episode to hear about some of what I'm been doing over the past 6 months, including starting a new business, Dance Daze Dance Boards (https://dancedazedanceboards.com/)!
Nov 19, 202021:25
#38 Welcome to My Evolution
On May 20, 2020, I decided that I am done losing sleep because I'm so worried about what other people think of me. I decided that I will no longer hide myself, my talents, or my accomplishments because I'm afraid that others will assume that I'm snobby or arrogant. I am committing to a life in which I do not have to hide all the wonderful parts of myself in order to feel that I belong in a space with others. And, if there isn't a seat for me at someone else's table, I will be building my own table.
May 21, 202011:01
#37 Semper Paratus for Any Season
Life isn't always easy. In fact, considering that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic, life may feel challenging more often than not. But it's up to us to make a choice, every day, to live for the day and to give our best. The world needs us. (PS: Interested in what's keeping me busy and dancing during the week? Check out http://online.dancedaze.org.)
May 12, 202023:43
#36 I, too, dwell in Possibility.
What better a time to delve into the self-improvement efforts than during a global pandemic. Am I right? In this episode, I'm telling you some of the most challenging experiences that I deal with on a daily basis and how I'm working to improve these situations in my life.
May 05, 202023:53
#35 Your Students Are More Than Movers
I'm diving back into the educational theory in this episode. In Episode 35, I'm sharing some quick tips about how to train your dancers as learners and thinkers and how to view your dance-educator self as one who trains others to think critically and apply knowledge. If you'd like to dive deeper into these conversations with me, get on the wait list for my next digital course, What Dance Teachers Need to Know, at DanceEdStartup.com.
May 04, 202025:25
#34 Allow Yourself to Feel Really, Really Happy
Life still hasn't yet returned to normal. We are still sheltering-in-place, social distancing, and doing everything online. I finally allowed myself to feel all the not-so-good feelings that I couldn't previously feel because I was too busy creating awesome stuff for about a month! In this episode, I'm talking about what I'm doing to avoid getting stuck in a negative space for too long.
Apr 24, 202022:51
#33 A COVID-19 Conversation
In these uncertain times, I am grateful that I know myself well enough to know what I need to maintain a sense of order in my life. My methods may not be perfect, but it is in times like these that I'll cling to any sense of stability that I am able to create for myself. Thank you for listening to my story. Also, if you are a dance educator seeking a way to create an online membership program for your students, please consider the platform I use: www.podia.com/?via=saumirah
Mar 31, 202034:35
#32 Recommitting to My 2020 Goals and Planning My Next Session of Dance Classes
In this episode I'm talking about how COVID-19 is affecting my life plans, I'm telling you what has inspired me to recommit to assuming positive intent in most situations, and I'm sharing the strategy I'm using to plan the scope and sequence of my next session of dance classes. I hope you enjoy! How are you preparing for your next season in life or dance? Let me know! Email me at saumirah@dancedaze.org.
Mar 12, 202039:03
#31 Constructivist Teaching in the Dance Classroom
Constructivist teaching comes out of a learning theory that suggests that learning occurs when students are actively involved in the process of creating meaning from their own experiences. Constructivism in the dance classroom can aid in developing students' critical thinking abilities as well as their collaboration, analysis, evaluation, and creative skills. What do you think constructivist teaching looks like in the dance classroom? Email me at saumirah@dancedaze.org and let me know what you think!
Mar 05, 202030:26
#30 Ruminations and Rubrics
In Episode 29, I shared with you a bunch of questions that I'm considering as I delve deeper into my research about dance educator training. But, I didn't want to leave you hanging, so in this episode, I'm talking about a tool I've used to support and evaluate instructors who work within my dance programs. I'm also sharing about how I was inspired by a nonprofit organization that focuses on training youth development professionals.
Feb 24, 202042:04
#29 Educational Theory and Dance Educator Training
Is there a best way to prepare dance educators for the work of teaching for understanding in the setting of a dance classroom? If there is a best way, what does this method look like and what theories about education and learning does this training include? These are some of the topics I'm exploring in this episode, from the lens of a dance educator, a dance entrepreneur, a teacher-trainer, and a third-year doctoral student! Let me know what you think: saumirah@dancedaze.org
Feb 13, 202028:41
#28 Time-Saving Resources for Busy Dance Educators
This episode is for the dance educators and dance business-owners out there! Below is a list of free and paid resources you can find at DanceEdStartup.com. I hope you enjoy!
- What to Teach Cheat Sheet (FREE)
- Perfect Playlist Formula (FREE)
- Perfect Lesson Plan Formula (FREE)
- Two Tips Videos (FREE)
- Dance Classroom Management Tips (FREE)
- Dance Daze Playlist Bundle #1 (Paid)
- Dance Daze Ballet Unit Plan (Paid)
- What to Teach Cheat Sheet (FREE)
- Perfect Playlist Formula (FREE)
- Perfect Lesson Plan Formula (FREE)
- Two Tips Videos (FREE)
- Dance Classroom Management Tips (FREE)
- Dance Daze Playlist Bundle #1 (Paid)
- Dance Daze Ballet Unit Plan (Paid)
Feb 05, 202041:07
#27 We definitely don't have the time.
Has anyone ever said something to you along the lines of, "Oh, I wish I had the time to do all the things you do!" The busy-bee that I am, I hear that expression a lot. In this episode, I'm talking about what I think is wrong with that phrase and why we shouldn't make a habit of saying it to others. I'm also commenting on the culture of busy, telling you my personal definition of feminism, and analyzing what causes me to get the Sunday Evening Blues.
Jan 20, 202027:43
#26 You Don't Have to Like Me
I know this much is true: Adulting is hard. People aren't always nice. Always say thank you. In this episode, the first episode of The Happy Dance Podcast in 2020, I'm giving you an update on the ways I've been working to battle Seasonal Affective Disorder, and I'm telling you about some of the lessons I've learned in the first 10 days of 2020!
Jan 10, 202033:27
#25 Battling the Winter Blues (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
I am right in the middle of the winter of 2019, and I'm simply not the biggest fan of winter. f you are like me in that way, you may also be affected by seasonal affective disorder. In this episode, I'm talking about simple ways to battle seasonal affective disorder so that we can be our best (bright and shiny) selves throughout the drearier months.
Dec 26, 201944:07
#24 My Off-Season Hustle: Dance Studio Management Systems
One of the projects I'm working on during the "off season" from my studio dance classes is trying out and setting up a new studio management system! The system I'm using is called Punchpass, and I'm really enjoying it so far! What dance studio management system/app/software are you using to organize your registrations, attendance, costume orders, etc.? Email me at saumirah@dancedaze.org and let me know! I'd love to hear from you!
Dec 19, 201928:32
#23: Living With Intention (Instead of "My 3 New Year Resolutions")
I'm so excited to be back chatting with you! I took a little break, and I decided to jump back in and officially dub this episode as the start of Season 2!! I've started a few projects since the last time we spoke, including launching my digital course: How to Create Content for Social Media Marketing and purchasing a couple of new domains (saumirahmcwoodson.com and sociallysaumirah.com). In this episode, I'm explaining how I'll be doing all the good I can for myself and for the world in 2020!
Dec 12, 201923:42
#22 An Ode to Pacific
In this episode, I'm telling you some of the top reasons why I'm having a fantastic time as a doctoral student. I hope you enjoy this episode!
Nov 21, 201930:17
#21 Don't Tell Me How to Be Creative
Do you welcome constructive criticism, no matter who gives it? Or, do you believe that your support system is there to support you and the critics--who aren't in your circle of trust--are the ones allowed to say what they feel about what you create, whether it's good or bad? I'd love to hear your opinion on this topic! Email me at saumirah@dancedaze.org to tell me what you think!
Nov 13, 201927:43
#20 How to Get Rid of Limiting Beliefs About Money
In this episode, I'm telling you about my long-held and recently-learning-to-apply beliefs about money. Specifically, I'm describing what, for me, are steps toward making part-time or full-time income from creative work and entrepreneurship. What would you add to this list? Do you have any limiting (or unrestricting) beliefs about money that you'd love to share? Let me know! Email me at saumirah@dancedaze.org - I'd love to hear from you!
Oct 30, 201931:39
#19 Three Thoughts
In this episode, I'm sharing my thoughts about 3 topics that have been on my mind this week, including living in the moment, putting your unique stamp on all that you create, and focusing on the positive aspects of challenging situations. This is a short podcast, but I wanted to be sure to get an episode out this week. I hope you enjoy it! Though I didn't mention it in this episode, Halloween is next week! Be sure to grab my Halloween Playlists for All Ages here: www.danceedstartup.com/halloween201
Oct 25, 201910:16
#18 Here's what happened when I changed my mind.
How do you deal with change? How do you handle it when you're in an uncomfortable situation and you don't want to rock the boat or ruffle any feathers, but you know in the deepest part of yourself that not doing anything is worse than taking action? In this episode, I tell you about two times that I made a choice to take action. In fact, it was as simple as changing my mind. Maybe these decisions chanced the course of my life and maybe not. Either way, I'm glad I made the choices that I did.
Oct 16, 201924:14
#17 Affirm me, please.
Is it weird to seek validation and affirmation? Is it a method of ensuring that you're giving your absolute best or is it a sign of weakness? Hey, maybe we just want to be told we're good when we know we're good. These are some of the questions I'm asking in this episode! If you enjoy this podcast, please remember to give me a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts! You can also email me and let me know what you think: saumirah@dancedaze.org
Oct 02, 201920:48
#16 10 Ways to Extend Your Dance Classes
Dance Educators: Have you ever had trouble getting through an entire 45-minute, 60-minute, or 90-minute dance class? In this episode, I'm giving you 10 ways that you can extend your dance classes so that you're giving students a fun experience, a complete lesson, and filling the time that your studio director or the school where you're teaching wants you to fill with engaging and educational movement activities for your students.
Sep 25, 201929:49
#15 Dance Teacher or Dance Educator?
What's the difference between a dance teacher and a dance educator? Is there no difference? Is it something we each define and decide for ourselves? Is one a profession and the other one's life work? In this episode, I'm talking about all of these ideas and more!
Sep 18, 201921:48
#14 Impostor Syndrome Got You Down?
In this episode, not only do I incorrectly use the word precrastinate (I gave it my own definition though, so we're good), I also talk about ways that I've been feeling like an impostor recently and how I've worked to resolve those feelings, no matter how uncomfortable.
Sep 11, 201922:54
#13 Top 10 Reasons Why I Love Having Dance Businesses
I'm so very grateful to be an entrepreneur! In this episode, I'm telling you the top 10 reasons why I love being a dance educator entrepreneur.
If you're interested in working with me in the Dance Ed Startup Course, please visit: www.danceedstartup.com/course
If you're interested in working with me in the Dance Ed Startup Course, please visit: www.danceedstartup.com/course
Sep 04, 201923:22
#12 I lied. I actually don't handle change well.
Does it seem like things are always changing? Does this drive you crazy and sometimes make it challenging to deal with an already overly-busy and overly-stressful life? Yeah, me too. In this episode of The Happy Dance Podcast, I'm sharing my thoughts on why it may be hard for me to handle change. Of course, before heading out I give a few suggestions for how we can begin working to accept the changes that are frequently being thrown at us.
Aug 29, 201922:15
#11 On Being Vulnerable
How does being vulnerable make you feel? More connected? More honest? More authentic? Or, does it make you feel exposed, afraid, and at the mercy of others? In this episode, I'm talking about some of the advantages and disadvantages of vulnerability. Let me know what you think about this topic! Email me at saumirah@dancedaze.org with the subject line VULNERABLE. I'd love to hear from you!
Aug 21, 201919:19
#10 Privilege, Power, and Responsibility
In Episode 10, Saumirah McWoodson shares her perspectives on privilege, power, and our responsibility as artists and educators.
Aug 14, 201925:02
#9 Perfect Dance Class Playlists and Lesson Plans
In this episode, Saumirah tells about the formula and framework she uses to create Dance Daze® class playlists and lesson plans, focusing on Dance Daze® Creative Movement. You can download the Dance Daze® Perfect Playlist Formula at the following link: www.danceedstartup.com/perfect-playlist-formula
Aug 07, 201922:39
#8 Cross-Training for Dance Teachers
In this episode, Saumirah tells how she "cross trains" to keep both her dancer and dance educator skills sharp. What are some methods you take to keep your mind, body, and educator toolkit healthy as a dance teacher and/or dance studio owner? Email saumirah@dancedaze.org and let her know! She may feature you in an upcoming episode of The Happy Dance Podcast.
Jul 24, 201917:41
#7 Balancing the Sweet and Not-So-Sweet Parts of Life
In this episode, Saumirah talks grapples with questions surrounding finding balance in life, with all the things that bring us joy and all the things that are good for us but don't give us feelings of instant gratification. Over musings about doing the dishes and getting brunch with friends, she tells you what she currently thinks about doing what you need to do and what you want to do.
Jul 18, 201930:25
#6 Saumirah's Favorites Part III: Video Editing Apps
In Episode 6, Saumirah tells about her top 3 favorite apps to edit videos from her iPhone. She also gives some advice on mindset shifts to help you reset when you're not feeling your absolute best.
Jul 11, 201916:21
#5 Saumirah's Favorites Part II: Photo Editing Apps
In this episode, the second in a 3-part series, Saumirah McWoodson, founder and CEO of Dance Daze, Inc. and Dance Daze in Schools, tells you what her favorite photo editing apps are to use to promote her dance businesses from her iPhone! You can find a downloadable freebie with today's favorites here: www.danceedstartup.com/podcast5download
Jul 03, 201924:11
#4 Saumirah's Favorites Part I: Social Media Platforms
In this episode, the first part of a 3-part series, Saumirah tells you about her favorite social media platforms, why she loves them, and how she is using each platform to grow her dance education businesses. In part 2, she will tell you about her absolute favorite photo-editing apps and in part 3, she will tell you about her favorite video-editing apps. You can find a corresponding downloadable freebie with today's favorites here: www.danceedstartup.com/podcast4download
Jun 26, 201926:19
#3 Service Learning and Dance Education
In this episode, Saumirah gives some background on her organization Dance Daze in Schools and talks about how she previously developed service learning internships within the organization. For awesome dance education tools developed by Saumirah McWoodson, weekly training videos, and tons of FREEBIES for dance teachers and dance studio owners, visit DanceEdStartup.com and sign up for the email list! To tell Saumirah about your path to becoming a dance educator, send her an email at saumirah@dancedaze.org.
Jun 20, 201929:01
#2 Surround Yourself with the Great Ones
Thanks for tuning in to Episode #2 of The Happy Dance Podcast with Saumirah McWoodson! In this episode, I tell you a little about why I got started with podcasting, how I've been successful with intentionally focusing on a single word this year, instead of having a "New Year Resolution," and I talk about the significance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people who will challenge you to be your best self. Chat soon!
Transcription: DanceDaze.org/Blog
Email List: DanceEdStartup.com
Transcription: DanceDaze.org/Blog
Email List: DanceEdStartup.com
Jun 13, 201930:31
#1 The Happy Dance Podcast - Introduction
Hello! Welcome to The Happy Dance Podcast with Saumirah McWoodson! In this podcast, we'll be talking about all things related to dance, education, and cultivating a life of happiness. I'm so excited for our next chat!
Jun 05, 201905:27