Inspiring Young Dancers with BACON
- Marty Jalove
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
What does dance have to do with personal growth, confidence, and shaping the path to success? Everything, according to this week’s episode of Bacon Bits with Master Happiness, where host Marty Jalove had the pleasure of chatting with Alyce Brinkmann, the Artistic Director of the Illinois Youth Dance Theater (IYDT).
With Special Guest:
Follow us at: www.MasterHappiness.com/live or “Bacon Bits with Master Happiness” on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
See it on YouTube
If you’ve ever wondered how dance shapes not just bodies but also minds and souls, this is the episode for you. Marty and Alyse uncovered the incredible impact of dance on personal development, from instilling discipline and resilience to fostering a sense of community. Alyce's inspiring story and passion for mentoring young dancers make this episode a must-listen. Can’t catch the recording just yet? No worries, we’ve got the highlights right here to get you hooked.
The Dual Mission of the Dance Conservatory and Theater
Alyce began by introducing the Illinois Dance Conservatory, where young dancers are trained in everything from ballet to contemporary dance. These students then perform with the Illinois Youth Dance Theater, bringing their talents to life on stage. Alyce explained the complementary roles of these programs, which serve dancers from as young as three years old through young adults, with adult beginner classes also on offer.
The training at the conservatory, particularly their focus on classical ballet, provides the foundation needed for any type of dance. Fun fact? All the ballet terminology is in French, so the students learn a new language while perfecting their movements!
Whether you're a newcomer to dance, returning to a long-lost passion, or looking to expose your child to a transformative experience, the conservatory and theater promise to open doors and create lifelong memories.
Why Ballet Builds More Than Balance
The discussion quickly turned to the physical and emotional benefits of dance, particularly ballet. "Ballet is so much more athletic than most people realize," Alyce shared. Dancers think about eight to ten different elements at once while performing, from the position of their arms to the rotation of their shoulders and the lines of their legs.
The physical benefits are clear, but the emotional benefits are just as impactful. Alyce explained how learning ballet involves constant correction and constructive criticism. Rather than breaking a dancer’s confidence, this teaches them resilience and how to welcome feedback.
Marty pointed out that this life skill mirrors the real world, especially in business and leadership. Learning to gracefully accept and grow from feedback is a trait that sets people apart in any field.
The BACON of Dance
Every Bacon Bits episode features Marty’s signature BACON framework, and Alyce had plenty to say about how dance fits into this dynamic model for personal success.
B - Balance: Dance teaches physical balance, but even more importantly, it fosters emotional harmony. Alyce shared how students learn to manage the highs and lows that come with training and performing, building a foundation for emotional resilience.
A - Achievement: Every little win in dance, from nailing a new move to performing in front of an audience, builds an enormous sense of accomplishment. For students at IYDT, even auditioning for roles in productions like the Nutcracker is a rewarding process. Alyce emphasized that these milestones instill confidence that carries into every aspect of life.
C - Community: Dance brings people together like nothing else. Historically rooted in ceremony and celebration, dance creates an unmatched sense of communal joy. Alyce highlighted how the atmosphere at IYDT is one of mutual support, where students lift each other up and share in one another’s successes.
Marty noted how this sense of community can be a model for teams and workplaces. “If you get a group moving together, there’s no stopping what they can accomplish,” he said.
O - Opportunity: For dancers, the rigor and discipline of training open doors far beyond the stage. Alyce shared stories of students who pursued careers in dance, as well as those who used their skills to excel in entirely different fields. Dance builds confidence, focus, and the ability to push through challenges, making students ready for anything life throws their way.
N - Nurture: Alyce’s role as a mentor is the heart of her work. She spoke about the joy of seeing her students grow, take risks, and achieve their goals. Nurturing young talent isn’t just about teaching dance techniques; it’s about giving students the tools to succeed in life. “I tell them to always pursue their passion,” Alyce said. “Even if others say you’re not the right candidate, prove them wrong.”
Alyce’s Inspirational Journey
Alyce shared her personal story, tracing her love of dance back to her childhood in Erie, Pennsylvania. After watching the iconic ballet film The Turning Point, she knew she wanted to make dance her life. Despite facing physical limitations and skepticism from her instructors, Alyce’s determination pushed her to train harder and carve out a 13-year professional career with the Milwaukee Ballet.
Today, Alyce channels that determination into guiding others. Whether her students aspire to be professional dancers or simply want to enjoy the art of dance, she takes pride in helping them realize their potential.
“My job is to sculpt these students," Alyce said. "Every dancer is a work of art.”
Why Every Child Should Dance
Marty and Alyce wrapped up the conversation by encouraging parents to consider dance for their children, not just for the joy of movement but for the lifelong benefits it brings. From discipline and teamwork to creativity and resilience, dance equips kids with invaluable skills.
“It’s more than just learning steps,” Marty said. “It’s about learning how to fall and get back up. It prepares you for life.”
Alyce added, “Getting out on stage, being vulnerable, and performing, that’s a confidence-builder like no other.”
Join the Dance
Inspired by Alyce’s story and the incredible work at IYDT? Whether your child dreams of being the next prima ballerina or just wants to try something new, the Illinois Dance Conservatory is the perfect place to start.
Check out their classes at ildanceconservatory.com to learn more about their programs and upcoming performances. What are you waiting for? Get up, dance, and discover the joy of movement.
Inspiring Young Dancers with BACON
To learn more about Inspiring Young Dancers with BACON go to: www.MasterHappiness.com/live or “Bacon Bits with Master Happiness” on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Or catch us LIVE on "BACON BITS with Master Happiness" on 983thelife.com, Monday Night at 7:00 PM and start making your life SIZZLE!
Marty Jalove of Master Happiness is a Company Coach, Business Consultant, and Marketing Strategist that helps small businesses, teams, and individuals find focus, feel fulfilled, and have fun. He helps businesses struggling with communication issues between co-owners, staff, and customers grow a happier and healthier business.
Master Happiness stresses the importance of realistic goal setting, empowerment, and accountability in order to encourage employee engagement and retention. The winning concentration is simple: Happy Employees attract Happy Customers and Happy Customers come back with Friends.
Want to learn more about bringing more happiness into your workplace and life? Contact Master Happiness at www.MasterHappiness.com or www.WhatsYourBacon.com
Comments