What You’ll Learn:

• Shift focus on how you view dance
• How dance supports social and behavioral development in individuals with autism
• The connection between movement and focus
• The power of structured dance programs in behavioral therapy

Join the Conversation:

Have thoughts on today’s episode? Let’s connect on Instagram [@fulloutaubs] or aubreyares.com, and keep the discussion going! 🎙️💙

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!

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 company
• The pivotal moment that pushed me to take a leap of faith
• The core values that have shaped EMDC’s culture and success
• The struggles of leadership, burnout, and stepping away
• How EMDC continued to grow—even in my absence
• Why believing in your vision (even when it feels uncertain) is key to long-term success

Key Takeaways

Physical Prep Matters – Why stamina and full-out reps make all the difference

Mindset is Everything – How to overcome pressure and self-doubt before stepping on stage

Fuel Like a Pro – Balancing nutrition, hydration, and enjoying the experience

Resources & 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]

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The importance of understanding why each dancer is on the team
• How motivation varies—camaraderie, training, creativity, or personal growth
• The different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) and how to adapt coaching to fit each one
• The balance between flexibility in coaching and maintaining consistent expectations
• How to celebrate differences to bring out the best in every team member

Join 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!

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 professional

Apps 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

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

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

Whether you're a dancer, choreographer, or creative entrepreneur, this space is for you. Let’s dive in and start building something extraordinary together!