From Principal Dancer to Purpose-Driven Leader: Dolly's Inspiring Global Journey

Get ready to be inspired by Dolly Kelepecz, a legendary ballet dancer, educator, preservationist, and adventurous soul chasing her dreams across continents. Her journey from grace on stage to pioneering in Kenya is a story about embracing change, following your heart, and daring to say yes.

Main Insights:

• ​Dolly's early days at Jazz Etc. and how her grace made ballet feel magical
• ​Transition from principal ballet dancer with Zurich Opera Ballet to teaching at UNLV
• ​Her role in preserving Las Vegas entertainment history through the Showgirl Museum
• ​Adventure and discovery in Europe, circus, and international performance ventures
• ​How Rikki Lugo profoundly influenced her career and life
• ​The significance of humility, confidence, and resilience in artistic pursuits
• ​Introducing Pilates to Las Vegas and expanding her impact globally
• ​Dreaming big about opening Pilates studios in Kenya—combining purpose with passion
• ​The power of saying yes to opportunities, even when they push you out of comfort zones
• ​Embracing change and the evolution of passions over time
• ​⁠Showgirl Museum⁠
• ​⁠Dolly’s Published Books in Japanese⁠ (search for Dalí Calapes on Amazon)
• ​⁠Art for Africa - Mombasa Project⁠
• ​Connect with Dolly:
• ​⁠Pilates Land Las Vegas⁠
• ​⁠LinkedIn Dolly Kelepecz⁠
• ​⁠Instagram @pilatesland_ & @pilatesbydolly⁠
• ​YouTube - @PilatesByDolly

Timestamps:00:00 - Dolly’s early dance days at Jazz Etc. & her graceful impact

02:02 - Transition from ballet to teaching, history, and preservation

02:55 - Dolly’s connection to Kenya and her vision for future projects

04:04 - How Rikki Lugo modeled mentorship and inspired Dolly

08:20 - Dislocating her knee and the harsh realities of ballet life

10:12 - Meeting Rikki Lugo and her influence on Dolly’s dance journey

13:41 - Moving to Vegas, working at Bally’s and the circus adventures

16:18 - Performing in the Zurich Opera Ballet & the significance of discipline

18:11 - Dropping everything to pursue international opportunities

22:34 - The story of Dolly’s return to Vegas and her rising dance career

25:22 - How Rikki Lugo changed her for good and the importance of mentorship

28:31 - Dolly’s passion for Pilates and its transformational power

34:33 - Seeing art and beauty within, inspired by Pilates & dance

43:20 - Dolly’s plans for introducing Pilates in Kenya & Africa

45:58 - The unforgettable experience of the wildebeest migration

55:32 - Wisdom for dancers: confidence, action, and seizing opportunities

57:50 - The importance of meaningful connections, love, and gratitude

Resources & Links:

Favorite Quote: "If you're going to be a dreamer, you better be a doer."

-Lainey Wilson

Mentioned in this episode -

BALLET Russes

David Lichine

Tatiana Riabouchinska

Irina Kosmovska

Larry Rosenberg

Cynthia Henry (Jazz Etc.)

Sean Curran

Fluff Lecoque

Patricia Neary

Madonna

Finding Your Voice Through Art, Faith & Life Transitions

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about embracing your authentic self, finding the courage to speak up, and navigating the twists of life with faith and resilience. Gloria shares her journey of discovering her voice through art, the power of accepting imperfections, and trusting God's plan during major life changes.

In this episode:

• How art becomes a means of self-expression and empowerment
• The significance of embracing mistakes as part of growth
• Navigating real estate and life transitions with faith
• The importance of speaking up for those who can't
• How to cultivate gratitude and positivity in everyday moments
• Lessons on aging gracefully and self-acceptance
• Biblical verses that inspire and motivate us to stand up and speak out
• Practical tips for trusting God's timing and preparing for blessings

Resources & Links:

• Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak Up for Those Who Cannot
• Wildflower Soul Art
• Canvas Rebel
• Bold Journey Magazine

Connect with Gloria:

• Instagram: @Wildflower_soulart

• Website: Wildflower Soul Art

Timestamps:00:00 - Intro: Discovering the magic of a smart bird feeder
02:00 - The humorous joys of watching wildlife and managing your property
05:00 - Navigating the real estate market and bidding wars
08:00 - Learning to accept life's loud and quiet moments
11:00 - Embracing aging with confidence and faith
14:00 - The wild adventures of backyard wildlife
17:00 - Finding strength through resistance — lessons from prayer and life
20:00 - Speaking up for those who can't and the power of faith-driven advocacy
23:00 - Trusting God's timing and the blessing of obedience
25:00 - Offering hospitality and community, staying open to new chapters

Let this episode inspire you to speak your truth, embrace every imperfection, and trust the divine timing for your blessings. Remember, your voice matters — stand up, speak out, and let faith lead the way!

Finding Courage in the Chaos: How to Show Up When It Feels Hard. This episode hits straight to the heart of what we all struggle with — the fear, the overthinking, the awkwardness of just showing up. Lynne shares her raw, authentic journey of embracing vulnerability, imperfect action, and the power of emotional safety. If you've ever hesitated to turn that camera on or speak up, this one will ignite your fire to step into your voice now.

In this episode:

• The truth about hiding behind camera and why it’s more common than you think
• The difference between confidence and feeling safe enough to step forward
• Why the goal isn’t fearlessness, but showing up despite it
• How vulnerability creates real connection and personal growth
• The concept of “living” your confidence in everyday moments
• Practical tips for embracing awkwardness and uncertainty
• The power of small acts of courage — 60 seconds, one question, a post
• How grief, joy, and transition are part of your authentic story

• (0:01) - Overcoming the urge to hide in meetings and behind screens
• (0:21) - Humor and honesty about Zoom hiders and emotional safety
• (1:14) - Why confidence isn’t about being fearless but about showing up messy
• (1:47) - The importance of participating before feeling fully ready
• (2:10) - Perceived embarrassment as the real obstacle
• (2:39) - The power of repetition: saying your truth, imperfectly
• (3:16) - How the Voice Method™ helps validate and express true feelings
• (3:40) - Living confidence in real life, awkward moments included
• (4:16) - Embracing vulnerability as strength, not weakness
• (4:46) - The hilarious reality of Zoom hiding and shared human experience
• (5:15) - The shift from avoidance to courage: small, brave acts
• (0:04) - A message about showing up even when the background is a sheet
• (0:31) - The importance of presence and unpolished authenticity
• (0:01) - New season, new opportunities for growth amid grief and transition
• (0:54) - Allowing space for joy and grief to coexist
• (1:16) - Moving away from others’ expectations toward self-truth
• (3:49) - The encouragement to seek connection and not give up
• (4:18) - Choosing growth and gratitude in everyday moments
• (4:32) - Invitation to work together for clarity and confidence
• (5:01) - Urging loved ones, sharing genuine connection

• MAKE SURE YOU WATCH TO THE VERY END ;)

• 
  

  Resources & Links:

  Connect with Lynne: https://linktr.ee/LynneStreetOfficial

• ⁠The Voice Method™⁠ — Learn to validate and express your authentic voice.
• Coaching Circle ⬇️https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfI0G1tXtreFAniX782a-4Qqxu9UYI9qLoRNcxED0URGPw4wg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=100690921509366794246

• Instagram @LynneSt22
• This episode is a powerful reminder: Your voice matters, your imperfect actions matter, and your courage — no matter how small — is enough. Step into it today. The world is waiting for your authentic story

Episode 10: Embracing Joy in Life Transitions — Season 1 Finale: Throw the Confetti

The “C” in VOICE stands for Courage — and sometimes courage looks like going live anyway. In this episode of Still Finding My Voice, Lynne shares what it was like to go live for the first time, what fear and overthinking tried to tell her before she hit the button, and what happened when she did it anyway.
This is not a conversation about polished courage, fearless confidence, or having everything figured out before you begin. It’s about real-life courage — the kind that shows up when your heart is racing, your thoughts are all over the place, and your nervous system would very much prefer that you back out. It’s about doing the thing scared, surviving the awkwardness, and realizing that courage often comes before confidence.
In this honest and encouraging solo episode, Lynne talks about how easy it is to disqualify ourselves when we are new, how often we think we need more practice or more proof before we are “allowed” to begin, and why that mindset can keep us stuck. She reflects on what it means to take one brave step before you feel fully ready, and how even one uncomfortable moment can become evidence that you are more capable than you thought.
If you’ve ever delayed posting, speaking, showing up, launching, going live, or trying something new because you didn’t feel experienced enough, confident enough, or ready enough, this episode is for you. This is your reminder that experience comes from beginning, not from waiting. Your first step does not have to be perfect to count. It just has to be real.
This episode is part of Lynne’s The VOICE MethodTM series inside Season 1 of Still Finding My Voice, a podcast for people navigating change, reinvention, courage, grief, joy, and the messy beauty of becoming more fully themselves. With warmth, honesty, and a little humor, Lynne invites listeners to stop overthinking every step and start trusting that growth can happen in real time.
In this episode:

• The “C” in VOICE: Courage
  
• Going live for the first time
  
• Why courage usually comes before confidence
  
• How overthinking keeps us stuck
  
• Learning to stop disqualifying yourself for being new
  
• Taking brave steps before you feel ready
  
• Trusting yourself through discomfort and growth
  

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend, follow the show, and keep finding your voice — one honest thought at a time

Come join us on our Facebook Group called Still Finding My Voice Community. High Kick Optional.

5 Episodes of Still Finding My Voice are in the can!

This next episode will be with a special guest...I'm soooo excited!

Take a sneak peak why i am thrilled to pieces...spoiler alert!

Who can it be now? 🎶🎙️🔊

Episode 8 | Finding Courage on Easter When Family Traditions Change

Easter looked different this year — quieter, lonelier, and more tender than I expected.

In this episode of Still Finding My Voice, I share what it was like to move through Easter as an empty nester when the holiday no longer looked the way it used to. Both of my sons were working. One called, one didn’t. There was no traditional family meal, no full table, and no familiar rhythm I had counted on in years past. Just a lot of quiet, a lot of feelings, and a choice about how I was going to care for myself in the middle of it.

I talk honestly about holiday loneliness, changing family traditions, and the emotional reality of spending Easter alone. I also share how going to church helped me feel grounded and connected, even though the ache was still there, and how self-care became more important than trying to force the day to look like the Easter celebrations I used to have.

This episode is about more than one holiday. It is about what happens when life changes, family dynamics shift, and the traditions that once felt automatic begin to look completely different. It is about finding the courage to face the day as it is, not as you wish it would be.

This is the C in The Voice MethodTM

VOICE: Courage.

Not the flashy kind. Not the kind that arrives with a big speech and a soundtrack. The quieter kind. The kind that gets up, gets dressed, goes to church, feels the feelings, practices self-care, and makes it through the day anyway.

If you are navigating an empty nest, holiday loneliness, changing family traditions, or a season of life that feels quieter than you expected, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Easter as an empty nester
• Holiday loneliness and changing family traditions
• One son calling, one not, and the feelings that come with that
• Going to church while still carrying sadness
• Choosing self-care over pressure and expectations
• The C in VOICE: Courage
• Making it through a hard day with honesty, faith, and grace

Because sometimes courage is not about doing something big. Sometimes it is simply making it through the day with your heart intact.

#EmptyNest #Easter #HolidayLoneliness #SelfCare #Courage #LifeTransition

In Episode 7 of Still Finding My Voice, Dr. Alice Benton joins Lynne Street for a meaningful and down-to-earth conversation about boundaries, community, mental health, parenting, and why helping children matters. A psychologist, author, mom of three, and co-host on New Life Ministries, Dr. Alice shares practical wisdom on how to handle angry people, stand up for yourself, protect your peace, and create healthier personal boundaries in everyday life. Together, Lynne and Dr. Alice talk about emotional resilience, difficult relationships, community support, and the importance of helping children through organizations like Olive Crest. They also discuss Dr. Benton’s book, Understanding and Loving Your Child in a Screen-Saturated World, along with real-life parenting, connection, and how to care for children in today’s digital world. Lynne and Dr. Alice also reflect on their connection through New Life Ministries, where they first met. This episode is filled with practical encouragement, honest conversation, and real-life insight for anyone navigating stress, relationships, parenting, personal growth, or life transitions. And because no meaningful conversation is complete without a little comic relief, the episode also includes a funny tech moment involving Zoom settings, accidental filters, and a pair of moving eyebrows that definitely stayed on longer than intended. So yes, along with wisdom on boundaries and helping children, you’ll also get a gentle reminder to double-check your Zoom filters.

Dr. Alice's book

Understanding and Loving Book: https://amzn.to/3QhOdzO

Free Parenting Class: https://forms.gle/LE8FVKKTTd4vU8fX6

FASTer Way to Fat Loss

https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/become-a-ambassador?aid=Alicebenton

Todd McIntyre Community Engagement Director, Inland & Desert Communities

www.olivecrest.org | 800.550-CHILD

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.olivecrest.org/&sa=U&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwjfkvavndOTAxV7M0QIHbXWKe4QFnoECCEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0LwJwY4GEx1RtpEuezxr8G

Creation note: Portions of the planning and structuring process for this podcast were supported by reflective writing tools, including ChatGPT, used as a creative aid. All stories, reflections, and conversations are original and shared from lived experience.