Send us Fan Mail

Salutations! When was the last time a simple hello made you feel truly welcomed?

In Episode 31 of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer Hawkins explores the surprising power of a simple greeting and why teaching kindness, confidence, and connection is just as important as teaching dance steps.

Inspired by a childhood favorite, Charlotte's Web, Ms. Jennifer reflects on the importance of acknowledging others, especially as she notices more young people struggling with everyday greetings and social interactions.

She also shares a personal story about searching for a florist for Starbound Performers' recitals and how one business's warm welcome turned into a lasting relationship.

In this episode, discover:

• Why first impressions can create lasting connections.
• How dance teachers can help students develop meaningful communication skills.
• Five ways receptionists and studio staff can create a welcoming environment.
• Simple greetings and activities that build confidence in children and teenagers.
• The Starbound Salutations Challenge!
• Why kindness matters, even when someone doesn't respond.

Plus, during our Chocolate Break: Be Someone's Charlotte! Discover how small gestures can make others feel seen, valued, and appreciated.

Ms. Jennifer also introduces a new recurring segment, A Little Light Goes a Long Way, highlighting the 2026 Central Florida Light the World Giving Machine initiative and how families can make a difference this holiday season.

Because sometimes the most important connection begins before the first dance steps.

At Starbound Performers, we believe every performer is a star.

Keep dancing, keep connecting, and remember that a simple hello can change someone's day!

Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted!
Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration.
🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound! Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com
🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/starbound.performers/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarboundPerformers

Send us Fan Mail

Why does it sometimes feel harder for young dancers to focus, follow directions, transition between activities, or stay engaged in class?

A recent conversation among the Starbound Performers staff got Ms. Jennifer thinking when her receptionist, Ms. Debbie, brought up one simple word: structure.

In this episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer explores how predictable routines and clear expectations can help young dancers—especially ages 2–8—feel more secure, confident, and ready to learn.

You'll hear practical ideas for creating structure without taking the FUN out of dance, including how to establish classroom routines, communicate what's coming next, teach expectations just like you teach dance steps, offer choices within boundaries, and use consistency to gradually build independence.

Ms. Jennifer also brings parents into the conversation with simple ways they can set young dancers up for success before class even begins.

And during this episode's Chocolate Break, there's an important question for all of us:

What are we actually practicing?

Because sometimes, before children need another step, they need stronger roots.

🎧 Listen to Structure Before Steps: Helping Young Dancers Learn to Focus and discover how a little more structure might create a lot more freedom for our young dancers to learn, grow—and fly.

Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted!
Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration.
🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound! Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com
🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/starbound.performers/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarboundPerformers

Send us Fan Mail

What are you counting—the things going wrong, or the good that is happening all around you?

In this personal episode of Starbound Unscripted, Ms. Jennifer shares an update on her unexpected journey with acute angle-closure glaucoma and a powerful moment during a recent doctor's appointment. Frustrated after learning she would need to wait another month before taking the next step in her recovery, Ms. Jennifer received a simple reminder from her doctor: she was incredibly blessed to still be able to see.

That moment brought back a lesson Jennifer heard years ago from singer and songwriter Hilary Weeks about intentionally noticing—or "clicking"—the good things happening in our lives.

From dancers focusing on the one turn they missed to parents, teachers, and studio owners concentrating on everything that still needs to be done, it's easy to give our biggest challenges all of our attention.

But what happens when we start clicking the good?

This episode is a reminder that gratitude doesn't mean pretending the difficult things aren't difficult. It means learning to see the whole picture.

So grab some chocolate, find your imaginary clicker, and join Ms. Jennifer for a conversation about gratitude, perspective, dance, and finding joy in the middle of an unexpected journey.

What will you click today?

Starbound Unscripted — because sometimes the greatest lessons we learn through dance have very little to do with the steps.

Thanks for tuning in to Starbound Unscripted!
Follow along for more studio stories, performer highlights, and sweet moments of inspiration.
🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe and stay Starbound! Find more at www.starboundunscriptedpodcast.com
🌟 www.starboundperformers.com | @starboundperformers

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/starbound.performers/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarboundPerformers