What if those mystery symptoms you’re feeling as a dancer aren’t “just part of the job,” but clues your body is asking you to look deeper?

This week, I’m joined by fellow dancer and certified functional medicine health coach Amanda Soukoulis. Amanda shares her own story — how her body simply shut down, forcing her to search for answers when illness and unexplained symptoms took over her life.

We get practical about where to even begin if your body feels off, what functional medicine and nutrition can offer dancers, and why living with “mystery symptoms” doesn’t mean you’re broken.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms have a deeper cause — or if hope and real healing are actually possible — this conversation is for you.

Let’s connect!
Instagram: @bootykickingballerina
Connect with Amanda: @amandasouks

What happens when dancers stop trying to fit one “perfect” mold and start understanding their own unique anatomy?

In this episode, The Dance Scientist, Maria Haralambis, joins me to unpack how dance teachers can help young dancers tune into their bodies in ways that are safe, smart, and even fun.

From reducing injury risk to making technique more memorable, this shift can change the way your dancers move and learn. This episode is Part One — Maria will be back soon for more!Let's connect!: https://instagram.com/bootykickingballerina

Connect with Maria: https://www.instagram.com/the.dancescientist

Ever feel like you’re “not enough” or even "too much" — in class, on stage, or in life? 💜

This week, I sit down with my friend Audra Queen — dancer, educator, extraordinary human, and The Dance CEO coach — to talk about following the dance of life, freeing the process from the outcome, and staying human before dancer.

Plus, we close the episode with 4 practical keys to conquer imposter syndrome in the moment — tips you can use today to step into your confidence and move forward.

Let's connect!

https://www.instagram.com/bootykickingballerina

Connect with Audra: https://www.instagram.com/thedanceceocoach

What if being a dance mom didn’t have to look like everyone else’s version? In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Jenny Taylor — accomplished multi-passionate entrepreneur and incredible dance mom to a rising competitive hip hop champion. Listen in as Jenny shares her story of what it really means to give yourself permission to dance mom differently — for you and your dancer.

Let's connect!: https://www.instagram.com/bootykickingballerina

Connect with Jenny:https://www.instagram.com/jennydoesgrace

What happens when your body can’t keep up with your passion — and no one can tell you why?

I’ve been there — and I know I’m not alone. Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s are way more common in the dance world than we realize, but no one’s really talking about it.

In this episode, I’m joined by Functional Nutrition Practitioner, hypothyroid expert, and former dancer Kat Spangler, who shares her personal journey through years of mystery symptoms, missed diagnoses, and finally finding answers.

We talk about what standard tests often miss, the toll thyroid issues take on dancers’ bodies, and how to actually support your health without giving up what you love.

Get ready to take some notes, because Kat also shares simple, practical strategies you can start using right now to keep dancing AND keep your thyroid happy and healthy. 

Listen in! 

Let’s Connect!: https://www.instagram.com/bootykickingballerina

Connect with Kat: https://www.instagram.com/follow.your.gut.nutrition

What if dance education actually nurtured the whole dancer? In this episode, I sit down with @theballeteducator Austin Crumley, whose work moved me to tears the first time I saw it. We talk about what’s been missing in traditional dance training, what today’s dancers really need, and how Austin is helping students find their identity, artistry, and voice — without sacrificing technique. Whether you’re a dancer who’s felt unseen, or a teacher ready to do things differently, this conversation is a breath of fresh air.

Let's Connect!: https://www.instagram.com/bootykickingballerina

Connect with Austin: https://www.instagram.com/theballeteducator

Hey, Booty Kickers! I'm absolutely giddy with excitement for this one.

In this episode, I sit down with Lacey Ware, my dance bestie of over twenty years ago, for a raw, powerful conversation about the journeys we’ve both taken since those early company days.

But this isn’t only a story about the past. It’s about choosing to live fully, in the present.

About what happens when a dancer decides to stop waiting for anyone's permission and starts dancing for herself.

Now thriving in the world of competitive country dance, Lacey is flying in the face of everything that once tried to shut her down. And she’s doing it with joy - unapologetically.

I can't wait for you to hear her story. Listen in.

Let's connect: https://bootykickingballerina.com

https://www.instagram.com/bootykickingballerina

Connect with Lacey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancewithlacey

Have you ever felt like what you wanted more than anything… was just to quit?
To walk away from the thing you love because it hurts too much to keep going?
If you’ve been there...or you’re there right now...this one’s for you.
In this episode, I’m sharing one of the deepest, darkest moments of my story — and the words that shifted everything. Listen in.

Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/bootykickingballerina

https://bootykickingballerina.com/

If you’ve ever felt like you had to earn your worth—or prove you’re enough just to be loved—this one’s for you.
It’s raw. It’s real. And it might hit closer to home than you expect.
In this episode, I’m sharing vulnerable, unfiltered reflections I didn’t plan to say out loud... but maybe you’ve been needing to hear them too.
The journey of untangling love from performance is messy—and still unfolding. Even for me.
And what I’m learning right now?

Well... you’ll have to listen in.

Like the episode? Let's connect!

www.bootykickingballerina.com

Book mentioned in this episode: Untangle Your Emotions by Jennie Allen

As dancers, we’re often our own toughest critics—I know that's been very true in my own journey. But what if we let go of the need to be perfect all the time? In this raw and vulnerable episode, I share some lessons I’ve been learning recently about embracing grace instead of chasing perfection. What if not having it all together is okay? And what if grace is one of the greatest gifts we can offer ourselves—both inside and outside of the studio? Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bootykickingballerina

Learn more about my coaching: https://bootykickingballerina.com/

Ever feel like you’re moving but not really getting anywhere? I hear you. This special episode, recorded on my birthday hike, is for you.

Connect with me on Instagram:

instagram.com/bootykickingballerina

Learn more: https://bootykickingballerina.com/

Welcome to the Booty Kicking Ballerina podcast, where we dive into raw, real conversations about the lifelong journey of a dancer—and the power of healing from the inside out.

I’m Rachel Jenks, your host. As an intuitive mobility coach for dancers, certified personal trainer, retired ballet professional, former dance teacher, fitness instructor, speaker, author, entrepreneur, and always, a dancer at heart, I bring my passion and experience to every episode.

Grab your favorite drink, and join me as we boldly explore the realities of a dancer’s life—from shin splints to self-doubt—and arm you with the tools to heal from the inside out.

Connect with Rachel on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bootykickingballerina

Learn more: https://bootykickingballerina.com