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!
Starbound Unscripted
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. Jennifer Hawkins takes you behind the scenes of choosing competitions, preparing routines, building props, teaching awards etiquette, and creating unforgettable memories during dance convention and competition weekends.
✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How Starbound Performers selects family-friendly competitions aligned with novice and intermediate dancers
• Why we attend a mix of dance conventions, stage competitions, and All-Star events
• The full process of preparing choreography, costumes, props, and production numbers
• What goes inside our famous Starbound Competition Packet (spoiler: EVERYTHING!)
• How we teach dancers award ceremony etiquette and microphone confidence
• Why kindness, connection, and sportsmanship matter more than trophies
• How parents, students, and studio owners can make competition weekends smooth, fun, and stress-free
• The importance of bonding at hotels and Airbnb’s
• How we use photos, videos, and judges’ feedback to continue developing technique
💙 From handmade props and celebratory dinners at Texas Roadhouse, to handing out glow sticks and Starbursts to other teams, this episode celebrates everything that makes competition season uplifting, memorable, and meaningful for dancers.
🍫 Chocolate Break Message: “Shine bright — the world needs your light.”
Whether you’re a dancer, parent, or studio owner, this episode reminds us that competition is about growth, teamwork, joy, and showing kindness everywhere you go.
🎧 Tune in and get ready to sparkle!
Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted!
Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration.
🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound!
🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers
