What if that racing heart before you try something new isn’t anxiety… but your body cheering you on?

In this episode of Mind Juice, Miss Jen talks about the idea of “inner applause” — the belief that nervous energy is actually your body preparing you for something that matters. From backstage moments with dancers to big life decisions for adults, this episode reframes fear as fuel and nerves as a sign of growth.

Jen shares how she teaches her dancers to be “nerve-sited” (nervous and excited at the same time), why discomfort often means you’re leveling up, and how parents, teachers, and leaders can help kids — and themselves — walk into challenges with confidence instead of avoidance.

If you’re heading into something that feels scary, exciting, or uncertain, this episode is your reminder: you don’t need to feel fearless to be brave. Your body might already be cheering for you.

As competition season ramps up, it’s easy for dancers, parents, and teachers to feel the pressure to be perfect. In this episode of Mind Juice, we’re shifting the focus back to what truly fuels growth — joy, passion, and showing up with heart.

This episode is for:

• Dancers who are learning to trust themselves

• Parents who want to support without adding pressure

• Teachers who are balancing excellence with empathy

We talk about why worth is not found in scores or trophies, how calm and encouragement build confidence, and why the experiences we gain on stage matter far beyond dance.

You don’t have to earn joy.

You’re allowed to enjoy the journey while you’re becoming better.

Because joy isn’t separate from success — it’s part of the process.

Drama doesn’t just “happen” — the brain actually gets addicted to the emotional intensity of it.

In this episode, I break down the Drama Triangle (Victim, Villain, Rescuer), why people get pulled into it, and how drama creates a dopamine loop that keeps dancers, parents, and even teachers stuck.

Most importantly, we talk about how to break the cycle, stop rescuing, protect your peace, and keep drama out of your studio.