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The Happy Dance Podcast with Saumirah McWoodson

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.
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#48 Full Pivot or Two Steps Back?

The Happy Dance Podcast with Saumirah McWoodsonJul 23, 2021

00:00
25:34
#48 Full Pivot or Two Steps Back?
Jul 23, 202125:34
#47 Why I Believe I Can Sell Anything and So Can You

#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
Jul 08, 202114:40
#45 I'm Back! (Again)
Jul 02, 202121:13
#44 Why I'm Going Fully Virtual With My Business in 2021

#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™
Feb 26, 202128:32
#42 Balance, Intentionality, and Saying No
Feb 04, 202122:24
#41 Entrepreneurs in Jobs

#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

#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!

#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

#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

#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.

#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
May 04, 202025:25
#34 Allow Yourself to Feel Really, Really Happy

#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
Mar 31, 202034:35
#32 Recommitting to My 2020 Goals and Planning My Next Session of Dance Classes
Mar 12, 202039:03
#31 Constructivist Teaching in the Dance Classroom
Mar 05, 202030:26
#30 Ruminations and Rubrics

#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
Feb 13, 202028:41
#28 Time-Saving Resources for Busy Dance Educators

#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)
Feb 05, 202041:07
#27 We definitely don't have the time.

#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

#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)

#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
Dec 19, 201928:32
#23: Living With Intention (Instead of "My 3 New Year Resolutions")

#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

#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
Nov 13, 201927:43
#20 How to Get Rid of Limiting Beliefs About Money
Oct 30, 201931:39
#19 Three Thoughts
Oct 25, 201910:16
#18 Here's what happened when I changed my mind.

#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.
Oct 02, 201920:48
#16 10 Ways to Extend Your Dance Classes

#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?

#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?

#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
Sep 04, 201923:22
#12 I lied. I actually don't handle change well.

#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
Aug 21, 201919:19
#10 Privilege, Power, and Responsibility

#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
Aug 07, 201922:39
#8 Cross-Training for Dance Teachers
Jul 24, 201917:41
#7 Balancing the Sweet and Not-So-Sweet Parts of Life

#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

#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
Jul 03, 201924:11
#4 Saumirah's Favorites Part I: Social Media Platforms
Jun 26, 201926:19
#3 Service Learning and Dance Education
Jun 20, 201929:01
#2 Surround Yourself with the Great Ones
Jun 13, 201930:31
#1 The Happy Dance Podcast - Introduction

#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