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Rhinestones and Rants

Rhinestones and Rants

Written by: Alyssa Better
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About this listen

 Welcome to Rhinestones & Rants, where the glitz of the dance world meets the real talk of industry and a dance mom who lived it every day. This podcast isn’t just about perfect pirouettes and dazzling costumes—it’s about the raw, unfiltered journey of raising dancers, navigating the competitive scene, and balancing the chaos of life beyond the studio. Each episode dives into the heart of industry secrets and behind every amazing dancer is dance mom life with humor, honesty, and a little bit of sparkle. From the backstage battles over costume rhinestones to the emotional rollercoaster of competition season, no topic is off-limits. Expect lively discussions, behind-the-scenes stories, expert interviews, and listener call-ins where real moms share their experiences—the good, the bad, and the tutu-clad tantrums.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Art Music Social Sciences
Episodes
  • REPLAY Episode 12: B.A. vs. B.F.A. - Decoding the Dance Degree

    REPLAY Episode 12: B.A. vs. B.F.A. - Decoding the Dance Degree
    Jan 21 2026

    Welcome to Part ONE of our College Dance Series on Rhinestones and Rants💎

    In this episode, host Alyssa Better sits down with dance mom & researcher ReJana Krause to break down what every dancer and parent needs to know before stepping into the college dance world.

    👉 What’s the REAL difference between a B.A. and a B.F.A.?

    👉 How do training hours, performance opportunities, and career outcomes compare?

    👉 Which degree opens doors for YOUR dancer’s future?

    We’re pulling back the rhinestone curtain and telling you the truths they don’t put in the brochures. If you’ve got auditions, applications, or just big dance dreams, this is your roadmap.
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    57 mins
  • REPLAY: Episode 11: When Free Isn't Free

    REPLAY: Episode 11: When Free Isn't Free
    Jan 14 2026

    Not every opportunity in dance is safe.

    From “free” photoshoots to sketchy ambassador deals, predators know how to play the game.

    ⚠️ In this must-see episode, Alyssa Better & Vicky Inger expose the red flags every parent an dancer needs to know.

    🎬 LIVE Premiere: Wed 9/3 @ 8AM PT | 11AM ET

    👉 Subscribe + hit 🔔 so you don’t miss it.

    #WhenFreeIsntFree #DanceSafety #RhinestonesAndRants #ProtectOurDancers #DanceParentsUnite #DanceIndustryTruths #BehindTheCurtain #DanceWorldUnfiltered #RedFlagRealTalk #GlitterAndGrit
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • REPLAY: Confessions of a Crazy Dance Mom with Nichole Long

    REPLAY: Confessions of a Crazy Dance Mom with Nichole Long
    Jan 7 2026

    This week on Rhinestones and Rants, we’re laughing, crying, and glue-gunning our way through the wild world of dance moms with the one and only Nichole Long, aka The Crazy Dance Mom.

    If you’ve ever cried in a hotel hallway, panicked over lipstick No. 78, or labeled 14 hangers before sunrise… you’re one of us. From Dream Duffel drama to snack-list wars, Nichole spills the sparkly tea on the chaos, comedy, and heart of dance mom life.

    🎧 Watch “Confessions of a Crazy Dance Mom”, premiering Wednesday, October 29 at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET!

    👉 Subscribe, laugh with us, and tag your favorite dance mom!
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    1 hr and 4 mins
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