Advertise on podcast: Ballroom State of Mind

How do you stay motivated when you’re not training for a competition? For many ballroom dancers, competitions provide built-in motivation: deadlines, structure, goals, and a clear sense of purpose. But what happens when you’re not competing — or when you’ve intentionally stepped away from the competition floor? In this episode of Ballroom State of Mind, we explore why competitions are so motivating in the first place, and more importantly, how to recreate that same sense of drive, focus, and momentum without a competition on the calendar. You’ll learn: Why motivation often drops when competitions disappear The psychological reasons competitions work so well How to create structure, purpose, and progress on your own Ways to stay engaged and inspired without pressure or burnout Whether you’re taking a break from competing or simply want to enjoy dancing without constant deadlines, this episode will help you stay connected, consistent, and fulfilled in your dancing journey. Go HERE for info on how to get private and group coaching to take your dancing to the next level. Your coach handles the dancing, and Ballroom State of Mind uplevels your mental and emotional game! Get on my email list to get the latest info about offers and announcements!

This podcast has been going for 5 whole years! What's happening now? Listen in for an update on the state of the podcast and the Ballroom State of Mind Coaching Program. For information on how to join the Ballroom State of Mind Coaching Program, and what it's all about, go HERE. Get on my email list to get the latest info about offers and announcements!

In this episode, we're talking about a very real—and often emotional—part of every dancer’s journey: transitioning to a new teacher. Whether your teacher retired, moved away, or the relationship became strained, these changes can leave you feeling everything from relieved to heartbroken to totally confused. You might find yourself comparing your new teacher to your old one, romanticizing the past, or even wondering if your former teacher ever really cared about your development at all. ✨ In this episode, we’ll explore: Why teacher transitions can be so emotionally charged How to stop comparing or villainizing (and why both keep you stuck) What healthy processing looks like—and what slows it down Why your growth is never dependent on just one person How to find connection, ownership, and progress with a new coach This episode is a gentle but honest look at the emotional side of switching teachers. If you’ve ever made a change (or are considering one), this episode will help you find closure, confidence, and direction for what’s next. RARE discounted sessions are available through December 2025 in packages of three! Go HERE to buy (no limit! Expires 12/31/26) You can also join the group without private coaching for a limited time! Go HERE to sign up! Get on my email list to get the latest info about offers and announcements!

In this episode, Amber introduces a powerful new concept that came straight out of a recent coaching session: The Three Pockets of Growth. Whether you're a brand-new dancer or a seasoned competitor, you will always have three pockets — your mastery pocket, your transition pocket, and your un-met skills pocket. Understanding these pockets helps you walk onto the competition floor with clarity, confidence, and compassion for where you are in your dance journey. You’ll learn: What the three pockets are and why ALL dancers have them Why it’s normal to feel unsure before a competition How the “transition pocket” becomes your biggest and most dynamic space Why unmet skills are not a problem How to reframe competition readiness so you stop feeling behind How competitions actually reveal your pockets — and why that’s a good thing This episode will help you feel grounded, empowered, and right on track in your growth, no matter your level. Dance what’s in your pockets today — nothing more is required. In This Episode: Pocket 1: The skills you’ve mastered Pocket 2: The skills you’re actively developing Pocket 3: The skills you haven’t learned yet How skills shift naturally between pockets Why dancers never “have everything” and never should A healthier way to approach and interpret every competition If you’ve ever worried that you’re “missing something” or you’re “not ready,” this episode is your permission to breathe. Your pockets are exactly as they should be. You are invited to an OPEN COACHING CALL this Friday at 11:30 PT. ⁠Get on my email⁠ list to get the link! The doors to the Ballroom State of Mind Coaching Program are NOW OPEN! Go ⁠HERE⁠ for more info!  DANCE STRATEGY CALLS⁠ for NEW CLIENTS are currently open!  

Sometimes we go to a competition and we feel motivated, ready, on top of the world and ready to slay! And other times we ride the struggle bus and hang on tight trying to just make the best of the circumstances. In this episode we talk about the latter and how the victory in that case looks like perseverance, grit, and managing yourself when it's really hard to do that. Mentioned in the episode is an interview with Dan Messenger of the World Dancesport Network that we did while at OSB. Find that HERE The doors to the Ballroom State of Mind Coaching Program are NOW OPEN! Go HERE for more info! Doors close 12/15/25 See also podcast episode 94 about the 50/50 DANCE STRATEGY CALLS⁠ for NEW CLIENTS are currently open!

As a ballroom dancer, community is essential for success! In this episode, we welcome Christine Bar Noel to tell us all about the Dance Wellness Community, of which, Amber is on the panel of practitioners! Dancers looking for support, self-care, real-life tools and resources, and a place to meet with dance friends to talk about ALL THE TEA, need to hear this episode! We know you'll definitely want to listen in for the awesome resource coming to a competition near you in 2026! Go HERE to find the Dance Wellness Community and get a free trial week to the inner circle. Go HERE to benefit from Christine's work as a high performance coach! DANCE STRATEGY CALLS for NEW CLIENTS are currently open!

You are always training something—so what are you training?In this episode, we unpack why focus feels harder than ever and how modern life has quietly trained us to favor distraction. You’ll learn how to retrain your attention like a muscle, clear the mental clutter that keeps you scattered, and bring intentional focus back to your dancing and daily life. Amber shares practical ways to strengthen concentration—both in everyday moments and on the competition floor—so you can stay present, connected, and in control no matter what’s happening around you. Whether you struggle to stay focused in ballroom lessons, drift during dance practice, or lose presence when you compete, this episode will help you reclaim your attention as your most powerful tool. You’ll learn: Why distraction has become our default setting (and how to undo it) How to train focus in your dancing like any other discipline What physical, emotional, and mental factors quietly sabotage attention Simple “focus reps” you can build into daily life How to use focus to improve your practice and performance on the floor Dance Strategy Calls are back on and you can ⁠book one now⁠ if you'd like to investigate private coaching! Bring your dance concern and we'll strategize in a short 30 minute mini session!

Many ballroom dancers have an issue with comparison! We see so many great dancers around us and want to be great as soon as possible! But looking around too much at what's outside us can lead to us neglecting the gifts that we possess.  Dancers are interested and inspiring because each is different and unique. To be like everyone else would be a mistake! In this episode, I offer a bit of a metaphor to help us reset our perspective and gain renewed interest in what we have to offer and why focusing on that instead of what we lack will change your dancing in the best ways!  Dance Strategy Calls are back on and you can ⁠book one now⁠ if you'd like to investigate private coaching! Bring your dance concern and we'll strategize in a short 30 minute mini session!

Frustration isn’t a sign you’re failing—it’s proof you’re learning. In this episode, Amber reframes frustration as evidence you’re operating in the learning zone, not the comfort zone. You’ll learn why frustration is normal, how much of it comes from the story you’re telling yourself, and how to keep moving forward even when it feels uncomfortable. You’ll discover: Why frustration means you’re on the right track How your thoughts can turn up—or turn down—the intensity The link between resilience and frustration tolerance A simple process to reframe and move through it Frustration doesn’t have to stop your progress. In fact, everything you want is on the other side of it. Dance Strategy Calls are back on and you can book one now if you'd like to investigate private coaching! Bring your dance concern and we'll strategize in a short 30 minute mini session!

Why would a coach ever tell you not to listen to her? In this episode, I’m flipping the script. I walk through four reasons you might think I’m not the right person to guide you — and then show you why those very reasons are exactly what make me the right coach for dancers like you. From not being a professional dancer, to making mistakes, to not having “fancy letters” after my name, to not telling you exactly what to do… each of these “weaknesses” is actually a strength. By the end, you’ll see that what disqualifies you in your own mind might actually be what makes you perfectly positioned to shine. Get on my email list HERE to be notified when the Ballroom State of Mind Coaching Program reopens it's doors for Private and Group Coaching!

Have you ever felt raw, exposed, or even regretful after a competition, showcase, or intense lesson—no matter how well it went? That’s what Brené Brown calls a vulnerability hangover. In this episode, I unpack what it means, how it shows up for dancers, and why it’s actually a sign of courage, not weakness. You’ll hear real examples from lessons, coaching, and competitions, plus practical ways to process those tender feelings with compassion. Vulnerability isn’t something to “fix”—it’s proof that you’re brave enough to keep growing. New clients who want into the Ballroom State of Mind Coaching Program can go HERE to purchase the entry package. After the initial 3 months, you can stay in the group for a low monthly rate! See you inside!

In this episode of Ballroom State of Mind, we dive into a common but confidence-killing habit dancers don’t even realize they’re doing: deflecting compliments with “Yeah, but…” Whether it’s brushing off a coach’s praise, downplaying your competition results, or minimizing progress others can clearly see — this reflexive response quietly erodes your self-esteem. We explore why dancers do it, how it sabotages both confidence and energy, and what to do instead. Learn how to recognize this pattern, receive acknowledgment with gratitude, and stop pushing away the very things you want more of. This episode is packed with real examples, mindset shifts, and a new way to let your wins count.   To get on my email list so you don't miss any announcements, or to get this episode sent right to your inbox, go ⁠HERE⁠. Go ⁠HERE⁠ if you're ready to start ballroom mindset and confidence coaching NOW

Your dancing is SO important, right? You invest a lot of time, effort, and money into this thing and it really matters, right? Or maybe not? Sometimes we have let the dance pressure get too high and it becomes counter-productive. The stress to please your teacher and produce what you have worked on can be too much. When the stress is high and it's creating problems, sometimes the mindset we need is actually not that this matters and is super important. The vibe we might just need is: It's not that deep. Step back and remember why you are here...what this is about. What is really at stake? Nothing unless you deem it so. In this episode we bring the pressure down and ironically, your results might just go up as you always wanted anyway. Reminder: Tuesday, Aug 26, 2025 at 3:30pm PT, I am reopening my coaching program starting with an info call. You should come. Go HERE to register. If you can't make it live, I'll send you the replay via email. To get on the list, go HERE. Go HERE if you're new and ready to get coaching NOW Episodes mentioned: Episode 2: Stages of Development Episode 81: This Isn't About Dancing at All

If you find yourself ruminating on possible negatives outcomes, catastrophizing what might happen, and/or avoiding certain aspects in your dancing, you might be problem-avoiding. Anyone avoid watching their own videos? No? Just me? Well if you are avoiding problems or things that you fear in your ballroom dancing, I guarantee it's leading to small, hesitant, forced, tense dancing. Your lessons and coaching aren't as effective and your practice is probably non-existent at this point. None of us want to dance from that fearful stance. Instead, try on a problem-solving attitude instead of problem avoiding. You are plenty brave and you can solve anything that comes your way. See if you can find yourself in this episode! ALSO....heads up!! Private coaching is coming back and it comes with a HUGE new offering!! Listen in to the episode to get the teaser! Join my Facebook Group,⁠ JOYFUL BALLROOM ⁠to be a part of a fun, positive ballroom dance community!

What might I say to a newer ballroom dancer that was just getting started? This was asked of me in a recent coaching session with a brand new bronze level dancer. I answered her questions and decided to pass some of the answers on to you.  Even as a seasoned dancer, I think you will find yourself in these 7 pieces of advice: Crash into itYou can't skip suckingNever stop having funMaintain a sense of sovereigntyResults are just a tool, not the truthMinimize mental inputCompete (or perform) as soon as you can Listen in and enjoy!! Go HERE to get on my waitlist for my group coaching program! Scroll to the bottom and click on the "JOIN THE WAITLIST" button! Join my Facebook Group,⁠ JOYFUL BALLROOM ⁠to be a part of a fun, positive ballroom dance community!