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© 2026 Starbound Unscripted
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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!
21 Episodes
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Send us Fan Mail 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 choreography, find inspiration, and stay connected. But it can also bring distraction, comparison, pressure, and noise that slowly chip away at confidence and focus. In this episode, Ms. Jennifer Hawkins shares a powerful lesson she recently taught to middle sc...
Send us Fan Mail 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 powerful cherry orchard metaphor about procrastination, pressure, and what really creates confidence in dancers. When we wait… responsibilities cling. When we prepare steadily… confidence grows quietly. You’ll hear: 🍒 A leadership lesson on procrastination ...
Send us Fan Mail 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? Through personal stories, a powerful classroom moment, and an eye-opening London façade analogy, we explore how easily strength can be misunderstood and how self-talk shapes confidence far more than appearance ever could. We’ll pause for a meaningful Choc...
Send us Fan Mail 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 Hawkins explores how effort alone isn’t always enough — alignment matters. Drawing from recent leadership retreat insights, studio life, and real moments inside Starbound Performers, this episode connects the dots between dance, life, leadership, and lo...
Send us Fan Mail 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 studio owners — including members of my personal dance studio owner squad, Squad 13 and Pod 1, from across the United States and Canada. The conference was a reminder of how powerful community, culture, and shared experiences truly are. While in Arizona, ...
Send us Fan Mail 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, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Through personal stories, studio culture, and real-life examples, she shares why writing things down, reflecting often, and setting intentional goals can shape not just great dancers—but grounded, confident humans. Ms. ...
Send us Fan Mail 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? In Episode 15 of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer introduces the concept of a Quantum Leap — a small but intentional change that unlocks meaningful progress. Inspired by a powerful story of a fly trapped at a glass window, this episode connects mi...
Send us Fan Mail 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 entertainment for the Light the World Giving Machine experience, holiday school performances, city parades, and community events. In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer pulls back the curtain to share why none of it would have been possible...
Send us Fan Mail 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’...
Send us Fan Mail 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 create a values-based dance studio where every dancer feels loved, accepted, and capable of shining. From kindness and respect to confidence and gratitude, discover how strong studio values build not just better dancers — but better people. ✨ You’ll learn: How to communica...
Send us Fan Mail 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 Trunk-or-Treat and Harvest Hoedown to local school and community performances. You’ll hear how these events bring dancers, families, and local partners together in creative and meaningful ways — and get insider tips on how to organize similar festi...
Send us Fan Mail 🎧 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. Jennifer shares real comments from dancers who admit they’re not quite managing it all — and that honesty opens the door for real solutions. From morning routines to after-school resets and smarter homework habits, this episode offers practical ways dancers...
Send us Fan Mail 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. Jennifer Hawkins shares how Starbound Performers structures their fundraising program, from bucket drops and BINGO nights to Texas Roadhouse rolls, cookie sales, and more. You’ll hear how sponsorships strengthen business partnerships, why etiquette mat...
Send us Fan Mail 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. Discover how she sets the tone for a new year with leadership insights, icebreaker activities, studio values, and hands-on classroom strategies. From creative prop challenges to a powerful “problems to possibilities” exercise, you’ll hear how th...
Send us Fan Mail 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 basketball game. In this episode, I’m joined by five of our amazing Starbound Performers students who share their favorite highlights from the year. We’ll also talk about why these experiences matter, how performance opportunities build ...
Send us Fan Mail 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. Join Ms. Jennifer as she explores how families can navigate the demands of studio life without losing sight of connection, how dancers and parents can find joy in small moments, and how studio owners can embrace rest, delegate with confidence, and ret...
Send us Fan Mail 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 guide to etiquette at Starbound Performers, with insights you can apply in your own studio or family: 🎀 Hair & appearance: why “messy hair = messy dancing”💭 Rehearsal mindset: staying positive and taking corrections with grace⏰ Preparedness: the secr...
Send us Fan Mail 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, themed activities, and personal connections to create a warm, welcoming environment that left families excited to register. Whether you’re a studio owner looking to boost enrollment or an event planner searching for fresh ideas, you’ll walk ...
Send us Fan Mail 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. From choosing the right class and understanding recital to handling nerves, absences, makeup classes, dress codes, team auditions, and more — you’ll walk away feeling informed, empowered, and ready to support your dancer every step of the way. Plus, lear...
Send us Fan Mail 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 values, and prepare for that all-important first day. From shy toddlers to high-energy movers, you'll learn how to match your child’s personality with the perfect dance style. Ms. Jennifer also breaks down what to look for in a great studio—and what ...
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