Starbound Unscripted
Welcome to Starbound Unscripted—the podcast where studio stories, backstage laughs, and real performer moments take center stage. Hosted by Jennifer Hawkins, founder of Starbound Performers and mentor to thousands of dancers and teachers around the world, this show pulls back the curtain on the heart, hustle, and humor that fuel the performing arts world.
Whether you're a dance parent, a passionate performer, an aspiring teacher, or just someone who believes in the power of movement, you'll find inspiration, insight, and a little sparkle here.
Each week, we dive into everything from the studio floor to the stage—sharing candid conversations, personal stories, teaching tips, and our signature "chocolate moment" with a sweet message to reflect on.
Real talk. Real moments. All unscripted.
Because at Starbound Unscripted, we believe Every Performer is a Star!
Episodes
24 episodes
Dancing Through the Seasons: Past, Present, and Future
As the dance season comes to a close and graduation season begins, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and look ahead.In this heartfelt episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer Hawkins shares powerful insights on what ...
Rooted in Dance: What Redwood Trees Teach Us About Friendship
What if the secret to becoming a stronger dancer… isn’t about standing taller—but about who you’re standing with?In this heartfelt episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms Jennifer Hawkins shares a powerful lesson inspired by the tal...
From “I Can’t” to “I Can”: Building Confident Dancers from the Inside Out
How many times have we heard a dancer say, “I can’t”… before they’ve even begun?In this powerful episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer Hawkins dives into the mindset shift that can change everything for dancers — moving ...
Scroll or Soar: Helping Dancers Use Technology with Purpose
In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, we’re talking about a topic that affects every dancer, parent, teacher, and studio owner: technology.Technology can be an incredible tool for growth. It can help dancers review chore...
Stop Waiting to Be Shaken — A Cherry Tree Lesson on Procrastination in Dancers
Why do some dancers feel calm on competition day… while others feel completely shaken?Same choreography.Same rehearsal schedule.Different preparation.In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer shares a ...
Am I Good Enough? The Conversations Dancers Are Having.
In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, we’re talking about the quiet conversations many dancers are already having — about food, bodies, mirrors, comparison, and the question we don’t always say out loud: Am I good enough?
Aiming at the Right Target
As the 2026 Winter Olympic Games begin, this episode invites us to pause and reflect on a powerful question: What are we really aiming at?Inspired by an Olympic story about perfect execution and misaligned focus, Ms. Jennifer Hawk...
Arizona Reflections, Dance Studio Owner Connections & This-or-That Fun with My Daughter
In this special episode of Starbound Unscripted, I’m sharing a moment I didn’t want to rush past.I recently returned from a Dance Studio Owner Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, where I had the chance to connect with fellow stud...
Goal Setting, Journaling, and Growing in Every Area of Life
What if goal setting wasn’t about pressure—but about purpose?In this heartfelt episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer Hawkins explores how meaningful growth happens when we look at the whole person—physically, inte...
From Stuck to Soaring: How to Make A Quantum Leap in Dance!
As we head into winter break and begin thinking about the New Year, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and consider one powerful question:What if growth doesn’t come from working harder — but from making the right shift?<...
Why Supportive Staff Matters!
Behind every magical performance is a team you don’t always see.Over the past few months, Starbound Performers experienced one of the busiest seasons in our history — from hosting over 21 Fall Festivals, to overseeing daily entert...
Ready, Set, Sparkle! Behind the Scenes of Dance Competition Season
It’s officially competition weekend at Starbound Performers — and we’re pulling back the curtain on how we prepare our dancers, families, and staff for a fun, positive, and organized start to the season!In this upbeat episode, host Ms...
How to Build a Values-Based Dance Studio: Where Every Performer is a Star
At Starbound Performers, our motto “Where Every Performer is a Star” isn’t just a tagline — it’s a way of life.In this heartfelt episode of Starbound Unscripted, host Ms. Jennifer Hawkins dives into how to...
Harvest Hoedown Highlights: Fall Fun, Family, and Festivities!
It’s Fall, y’all — and that means it’s time for costumes, candy, and community! 🍂 In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer takes you behind the scenes of Starbound Performers’ favorite Fall traditions — from the annual Tru...
How to Juggle Dance and School Without Dropping the Ball
🎧 School is back in session, and our dancers are feeling the pressure. Between homework, rehearsals, late nights, and early mornings, finding balance can feel almost impossible.In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms....
How To Fundraise with Purpose: Building Community & Sponsorships That Last
Fundraising doesn’t have to feel like begging for money — it can be one of the best ways to build community, connect with local businesses, and create opportunities for your dancers.In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. J...
Behind the Curtain: How We Prepare Our Team for a Memorable Year
Starbound Unscripted...Where Every Performer is a Star—and it all starts with the teachers who guide them. In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer takes you behind the scenes of Starbound Performers annual staff meeting.<...
How to Make Dance More Magical: Our Favorite Events of the Year
At Starbound, the classroom is just the beginning. Some of the most magical memories happen when our dancers step out into the community — from Boo Fest and holiday parades to competitions, theme parks, and even performing at an Orlando Magic b...
Family Time vs. Dance Time: Finding the Balance
In this heartfelt episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer Hawkins shares insights from a long-overdue anniversary trip to Hawaii—where family, reflection, and culture brought fresh perspective on the importance of balance....
How to Teach Studio Etiquette: Building Respect, Professionalism, and Positivity in Dance
Studio etiquette is more than just rules — it’s the foundation of respect, professionalism, and positivity that shapes dancers both on and off the stage.In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer shares a complete gui...
How to Host an Unforgettable Open House: Ideas to Wow Families & Boost Enrollment
Step inside Starbound Performers recent H2O Let’s Go! themed open house and discover creative, budget-friendly ideas you can use to make your own event a success. In this episode, Ms. Jennifer shares how her team used student ambassadors...
How to Start Strong: Your Biggest Dance Parent Questions, Answered
Got questions about dance class? We’ve got answers! In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer dives into the most common (and most important!) questions dance parents ask — especially at the start of a new season.
How to Start Your Child’s Dance Journey Right—From Class to Studio to Day One
Getting ready to register your child for dance? In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer shares practical tips and heartfelt guidance to help parents choose the right dance class, find a studio that aligns with their value...
Behind the Curtain: Let the Journey Begin! Welcome to Starbound Unscripted!
Welcome to the very first episode of Starbound Unscripted! I’m your host, Jennifer Hawkins—dance educator, studio owner, mentor, and the heart behind Starbound Performers. In this debut episode, I’m pulling back the curtain to share ho...