Summary

In this episode of the Imperfect Cheerleader podcast, host Jasmine Neely engages in a deep conversation with mentor Kevin Hyrams about the multifaceted nature of failure, the importance of resetting and persistence, and the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship. Hyrams shares his journey of founding SideReal Global, emphasizing the role of innovation in dance and the necessity for dancers to embrace their identity as brand ambassadors. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of pro cheerleading, the need for better pay, and the potential for future trends in the dance industry. In this engaging conversation, Kevin R. Hyrams and Jasmine Neely explore the intersection of dance, branding, and personal success. They discuss the importance of shaping one's image in the dance industry, the value of dance in professional sports, and how success evolves over time. Kevin shares valuable lessons learned from the women in his life and emphasizes the need for authentic support systems to overcome fear and achieve goals. The discussion wraps up with rapid-fire insights, highlighting the significance of authenticity and the power of community in personal and professional growth.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Resetting and Persistence

03:56 Navigating Personal Loss and Regret

05:22 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

08:28 The Birth of SideReel Global

11:19 Innovating in Business: Meeting Client Needs

14:08 The Role of Dancers as Brand Ambassadors

17:10 Leveraging Innovation in Performance

19:59 Building Relationships and Networking

23:03 The Future of Dance and Business Integration

40:20 NIL Opportunities for Dancers

42:11 The Value of Dance Teams in Sports

44:59 Maximizing Brand Ambassadors

47:44 Innovative Ideas for Dance Teams

50:47 The Importance of Understanding Dance

52:48 Redefining Success in Dance

56:14 Future Trends in Dance and Technology

01:04:34 The Role of Arts in Society

01:14:25 Defining Personal Success

01:22:05 Carrying a Legacy

01:23:26 Influence of Women in Life

01:26:32 Lessons from Family

01:28:21 Support from a Partner

01:30:45 Empowering Women in Medicine

01:32:13 Respecting Women and Traditions

01:34:15 Overcoming Fear of Failure

01:38:24 Building Authentic Support Networks

01:40:06 Rapid Fire Insights

01:51:03 Looking Ahead

Kevin Hyrams biography

Kevin R. Hyrams is an innovative business leader and entrepreneur, serving as the Managing

Director and Founder of Sidereal Global, LLC. Under his visionary leadership, this diversified holding company excels in business development, branding, digital media, and private equity engagement. Kevin is renowned for integrating advanced technologies with strategic foresight, driving sustainable growth and delivering measurable client success. Sidereal Global reflects Kevin’s dedication not only to entrepreneurial excellence but also to creating solutions that connect business innovation with community betterment.

Kevin’s career is defined by a global perspective and large-scale operational expertise. At Eastman Kodak Company, he managed operations spanning 35 countries across North and South America, crafting market-specific strategies that led to double-digit profit growth.

At Bank of America, Kevin brought his expertise to the digital landscape as Senior Vice President of Consumer E-Commerce Services. Overseeing platforms serving more than 25 million users, he drove a 17% increase in digital engagement and expanded mobile banking adoption to 2 million users within a year. Kevin’s contributions extend to board service for several organizations, including the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, TEGNA/WCNC-TV, and the Urban League of Central Carolinas, where his strategic guidance continues to make a meaningful impact.

Social media and where to find Kevin:

@krhyrams

Sidereal Global everywhere

In this episode, Jasmine discusses the business aspects of cheerleading and dance teams, emphasizing the importance of profitability and audience engagement. She explores the dynamics between coaches and team members, highlighting the need for emotional resilience during auditions and the often impersonal nature of feedback. Jasmine introduces the 'Let Them Theory' as a way to cope with rejection and encourages listeners to focus on personal growth and self-worth beyond team placements.

Chapters

00:00 The Business of Cheerleading and Dance Teams

04:54 Understanding Coaches and Feedback

08:02 The Let Them Theory and Personal Growth

Follow @theprofessionalcheerleader on Instagram and @thepro.cheerleader on TikTok

In this episode, Coach Lain Lee discusses his journey into performance psychology, emphasizing the importance of understanding fear, mental blocks, and the role of discomfort in performance. He shares insights on the impact of pressure on athletes, using Simone Biles' experience as a case study. The conversation also explores cultural attitudes towards rest and recovery, and the distinction between motivation and discipline in achieving success. He discusses the importance of inspiration in training, the toxic aspects of performance-focused cultures in cheer and dance, and the need for emotional intelligence in coaching. He emphasizes the significance of effective communication in building strong teams and explores the relationship between confidence, discomfort, and perfectionism. The discussion also touches on trauma responses and the power of imagination in overcoming fear.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Performance Psychology Coaching

04:47 The Journey from Cheerleading to Coaching

07:39 Understanding Mental Blocks and Their Misconceptions

10:47 The Science Behind Memory and Mental Blocks

13:55 The Role of Discomfort in Performance

16:48 The Impact of Judgment on Performers

19:48 Navigating Auditions and Performance Anxiety

22:36 Childhood Trauma and Its Effects on Performance

25:42 The Importance of Processing Trauma

28:44 The Consequences of Ignoring Mental Health in Sports

31:42 The Case of Simone Biles and Mental Health Awareness

36:51 Understanding Anxiety and Dorsal Vagal Shutdown

40:34 The Impact of Motivation Culture

42:12 The Grind Culture and Its Consequences

50:35 The Toxicity in Cheer and Dance Culture

57:27 Building Effective Teams Through Vulnerability

01:02:30 Confidence: Natural vs. Manufactured

01:07:27 Building Confidence Through Discomfort

01:12:32 The Role of Perfectionism in Performance

01:17:30 Understanding Anxiety and Perfectionism

01:21:56 Responding to Trauma and Discomfort

01:26:08 The Power of Imagination and Reality

01:28:43 Rapid Fire Insights and Reflections

Find Coach Lain @coachlain everywhere!

Follow @theprofessionalcheerleader for pro dance and cheer tips!

Ana Ogbueze will be at the Pro dance intensive on June 7! Sign up now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1357969396019?aff=oddtdtcreator

Summary

In this episode of the Imperfect Cheerleader podcast, Ana Ogbueze shares her journey from being an NBA dancer to becoming a successful dance entrepreneur. She discusses the importance of commitment, professionalism, and the mindset required to succeed in the dance industry. Ana reflects on her experiences with adversity, the distinct roles of choreographers and teachers, and the evolution of dance teams. She emphasizes the significance of character and attitude in auditions and performances, and shares insights about her new opportunities with Choreography Pros. In this conversation, Jasmine Neely discusses her journey in the dance industry, emphasizing the importance of faith, community, and the evolution of dance opportunities in Charlotte. She shares her experiences transitioning from a performer to a producer, her passion for creating spaces for dancers, and her vision for the future of dance in the community. The conversation highlights the significance of embracing imperfection and authenticity in both personal and professional growth.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Milestones and New Beginnings

09:28 From NBA Dancer to Entrepreneur

12:17 Defining Professionalism in Dance

15:19 Overcoming Adversity in Dance

18:11 The Art of Choreography vs. Teaching

21:07 The Journey of a Dance Student

24:12 Growing Up in Dance

27:03 The Transition to Professional Dance

29:48 Memorable Moments as a Lady Cat

33:01 Support and Understanding from Family

35:29 Lessons Learned in Dance

47:32 Mindset and Preparation for Auditions

55:14 The Importance of Character in Auditions

01:01:16 Strategic Auditioning: Standing Out in a Competitive Field

01:07:56 Faith and Career: The Journey of Entrepreneurship

01:16:48 The Role of Faith in Personal Growth

01:26:35 Project Full Out: Empowering Dancers Through Opportunities

01:31:16 Empowering Dancers Through Opportunities

01:34:07 The Future of Dance in Charlotte

01:37:15 Inspiration and Community Impact

01:38:08 Rapid Fire Fun and Personal Insights

01:51:48 Memorable Performances and Advice

02:04:33 Connecting with the Audience

Find Ana on all platforms: @AnaOhBoyZee @ncdancedistrict

Follow @theprofessionalcheerleader on Instagram and @thepro.cheerleader on TikTok for more pro dance and pro cheer tips.

Summary

In this episode of the Imperfect Cheerleader podcast, host Jasmine Neely shares practical strategies for building confidence in preparation for dance auditions. She emphasizes the importance of mindset and self-empowerment through creating an uplifting playlist, performing for supportive friends, and stepping out of comfort zones. Jasmine encourages listeners to embrace challenges and shift their mindset to foster growth and confidence.

Takeaways

• Confidence is crucial for success in auditions.
• Creating an empowering playlist can boost self-esteem.
• Performing for friends helps build comfort and confidence.
• Getting used to being watched is essential for auditions.
• Stepping out of your comfort zone fosters personal growth.
• Confrontation can be a confidence builder.
• Avoid apologizing unnecessarily to enhance self-assurance.
• Accept compliments graciously to strengthen confidence.
• Mindset shifts can lead to better performance outcomes.
• Continuous practice and exposure lead to growth.

Links

May 17th dance class - SIGN UP

June 7th pro intensive - SIGN UP

Summary

In this episode of the Imperfect Cheerleader podcast I am reflecting on my journey and the importance of adapting to different coaching styles in the cheerleading and dance industry. I emphasize the need for flexibility and openness to change, discussing how these qualities are essential for success in a dynamic environment. I also share insights on industry trends and invite you to submit questions via voice notes. Lastly, I remind you of upcoming classes from The Professional Cheerleader.

Takeaways

Happy season six!

You need to do your eyes first!

Study the coach that is coming in.

Adjusting to the coach's style does matter.

Things are always changing.

It's a test that you can overcome.

Think of it more as an opportunity.

Being approachable is important.

Send me a voice note of your question.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season Six

02:31 Understanding Coaching Styles

05:03 Adapting to Change in Dance

07:58 Future Trends in Pro Cheer and Dance

10:01 Engaging with the Audience

____________________________________________

UPCOMING CLASSES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

May 17 in-person class: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1344878340319?aff=oddtdtcreator

June 7 - Full out pro class and mock audition: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-full-out-pro-intensive-tickets-1357969396019?aff=oddtdtcreator

Send voice notes of questions you have to theprofessionalcheerleader@gmail.com and I will answer them live on the show!

Find all the products Caitlyn used on me here!

In this engaging conversation, makeup artist Caitlyn Dominic shares her insights on various aspects of makeup application, from the challenges of posing clients to the intricacies of performance makeup. The discussion covers personal preferences in makeup techniques, the evolution of makeup products, and her transition from a corporate job to a full-time makeup artist. Caitlyn also provides valuable advice for aspiring makeup artists and emphasizes the importance of client interactions and personalized lessons. The conversation concludes with a focus on current makeup trends and the significance of adapting techniques to individual styles.

Takeaways

• Posing clients can be challenging, especially for those who are camera shy.
• Eyeliner is often considered one of the hardest makeup tasks.
• Lips are a focal point in makeup application and can enhance the overall look.
• Performance makeup requires bolder choices to stand out on stage.
• Spot concealing is essential for achieving a flawless finish.
• Makeup trends evolve, with a resurgence of 90s styles like lip liners.
• Teaching makeup lessons can empower clients to enhance their skills.
• Every makeup lesson is unique and tailored to the individual's needs.
• Understanding skin tones and undertones is crucial for makeup application.
• The importance of using quality products cannot be overstated.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Makeup Setup

00:07 Journey into Makeup and Dance Background

09:04 Transitioning from Marketing to Full-Time Makeup Artist

19:18 Dance Experiences and Performance Makeup Insights

20:11 Navigating Client Poses and Makeup Challenges

22:11 Mastering Eyeliner and Eye Makeup Techniques

25:03 The Importance of Complexion in Makeup

28:06 Choosing the Right Products for Performance Makeup

30:52 Daily Makeup Routines and Essential Products

34:02 Understanding Bronzer and Contouring Techniques

37:11 Tips for Dancers on Makeup Application

39:52 Maintaining Makeup for Oily Skin

43:09 Matching Makeup to Skin and Eye Color

46:06 Current Makeup Trends and Industry Insights

46:11 Makeup Preferences and Challenges

48:53 Makeup Application Techniques

51:42 Concealing Blemishes and Skin Care

54:29 Blush and Contouring Tips

57:29 Drugstore vs. Luxury Makeup Brands

01:00:06 Makeup Preferences: This or That

01:03:11 Seasonal Makeup Trends

01:05:04 Client Experiences and Pet Peeves

01:07:55 Dream Clients and Celebrity Makeup

01:10:22 Makeup Trends: Past and Future

01:12:21 Final Touches and Makeup Lessons

Find Caitlyn Dominic:

@Caitlynmichelle.com

@makeupbycaitlyn

@makeupbycaitlynmichelle

Rejection is a part of every dancer's journey, but it doesn’t have to define your story. In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges of facing rejection in the dance world and how to transform setbacks into stepping stones. Whether it’s not landing that coveted audition or struggling with self-doubt, we’ll explore how shifting your mindset can empower you to keep going.

If you’ve ever felt defeated by a “no” or questioned your worth as a dancer, this episode is your reminder that every rejection is an opportunity to grow. 🌟

Follow me on Instagram: @theprofessionalcheerleader