In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, I sit down with mother–daughter duo Kate and Kyra Martinov to explore the shared journey of teaching, parenting, and dancing together. Kate reflects on her own path from small-town beginnings to performing overseas and eventually founding Bay Dance Academy in Nelson Bay. She shares the joys and challenges of teaching her daughter within a family-run studio while balancing the transitions of career and family life. Kyra, now in the Queensland Ballet’s pre-professional program, speaks candidly about the pressures of elite training, the role of journaling and routines in maintaining balance, and the grounding influence of time spent in nature. Together, Kate and Kyra reflect on the values of respect, openness, and resilience that supported their relationship both inside and outside the studio. Listeners will hear: The realities of navigating a mother–daughter relationship in a dance studio. How family values shape training environments and dancer wellbeing. Strategies for managing stress, discipline, and pressure as a pre-professional dancer. Reflections on resilience, joy, and what sustains a love for dance. Stay tuned right to the end of the conversation for some very exciting news about Kyra’s next chapter.

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Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.