In this episode of Beyond the 8 Count, Paige and Brianne get honest about favoritism. From the students we naturally connect with to the moments when our own teaching deserves a closer look.

As dance teachers and studio owners, we’ve seen how differently students can experience the same classroom. A teacher might see a dancer earning an opportunity, while a parent sees preferential treatment. And sometimes, favoritism really is happening.

We talk about:

• The difference between connecting with a student and giving them unfair advantages.

• Equal versus equitable treatment—and why every dancer won’t always need the same thing.

• How friendships and personal connections can affect classroom decisions.

• Why casting, corrections, and opportunities can feel personal.

• Taking accountability when our actions leave a dancer feeling overlooked.

We’re asking ourselves these questions, too. Are we giving every dancer a chance to grow? Are we explaining our decisions clearly? And are we willing to listen when someone tells us we’ve missed the mark?

An honest conversation for teachers, dancers, and parents about fairness, connection, and helping every student feel valued, even when their opportunities look different.

How did Dominic Rayman end up working with Abby Lee Miller? It started with taking a chance.

For our first guest episode of Beyond the 8 Count, we’re joined by our friend Dom to talk about his journey as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer! The episode includes how he landed an opportunity to work with Abby and appear on Madhouse.

Dom shares his first impressions of Abby, what it was like stepping into reality TV, and the behind-the-scenes experiences that came with it. Of course, we also share a few memories of our own, including the time Paige unexpectedly asked him to perform an improv solo for the dancers at her competition.

The conversation gets personal as Dom opens up about losing his mother and the role dance played in helping him through that grief. He reflects on his unexpected path into teaching, the relationships he’s built with students, and why those connections mean so much to him.

We also explore his approach to the classroom: helping dancers feel supported, making room for joy, and encouraging students to discover their own passion for dance.

There are laughs, heartfelt moments, and honest conversations about teaching, taking chances, and finding your way in the dance industry. We’re so excited for you to get to know our friend Dom!