In episode 17 of The Real Smile Podcast, Sharon is joined by Clare Williams, owner of Dance Passion in Liverpool, for a conversation about a lifetime in dance and finding where you fit as your life and career evolve.

Clare looks back at growing up completely immersed in dance before discovering a love for Latin and ballroom. She shares how competing opened the door to some incredible opportunities, including representing the UK internationally and appearing on Strictly Dance Fever, as well as what being in the public eye at a young age was really like.

They chat about the journey behind Dance Passion, teaching children and adults, the growing world of solo Latin and ballroom and why Clare would love to see these styles become a bigger part of mainstream dance training.

Clare also shares how dance can mean so much more than learning steps — from adults finding a new social circle to children struggling at school coming alive when they walk into the studio.

The conversation turns to confidence, family, balancing life as a mum and dance school owner, continuing to challenge yourself and finding your place in the industry as you get older.

And when asked what she would tell her 12-year-old self, Clare’s message is simple: believe in yourself and don’t be afraid.

A warm conversation about the joy of dance, lifelong learning and having the confidence to keep evolving at every stage of life.

Brought to you by Smile Productions

In episode 16 of The Real Smile Podcast, Sharon is joined by Sarah Royle for an honest conversation about her journey through dance, performing and teaching, and the experiences that have shaped the person and teacher she is today.

Sarah talks about starting dance at seven, struggling with anxiety and stage fright from a young age, and the audition opportunity she walked away from because she simply didn't have the tools at the time to understand how she was feeling.

She opens up about difficult periods in her life, feeling lost after university and eventually taking a leap and moving to India for a six-month dance contract. Sarah shares some of the incredible experiences that came with performing and travelling, but also the moments that taught her the importance of speaking up when something doesn't feel right — including why “no is a full sentence.”

The conversation also explores life as a dance teacher and school owner, learning to delegate, comparison on social media, supporting young dancers with anxiety and why Sarah believes you never stop developing as a teacher.

Sharon and Sarah also get into some of the bigger conversations within the dance industry, from teaching qualifications and safeguarding to whether dance would benefit from greater transparency and a governing body.

Along the way, Sarah shares why she has become comfortable knowing that she isn't for everyone, why your dance journey isn't finished at 21 and why experience, continued learning and staying in your own lane matter.

A warm, honest and thought-provoking conversation about finding your own path, knowing when to speak up and continuing to learn at every stage of your journey.

Brought to you by Smile Productions

In episode fifteen of The Real Smile Podcast, we're doing things a little differently! This time, Sharon is at home, swapping her usual role as interviewer to answer a few questions from Tony, who's behind the camera. From starting dance lessons at just two and a half years old to opening her own dance school with only 11 children, Sharon looks back on the experiences, people and decisions that shaped her journey and eventually led to the creation of Smile Productions. Sharon shares how Smile grew from local dance school shows into productions in Liverpool, New York, Las Vegas and Salou, opening up about the financial risks, long hours and personal sacrifices that have come with building the business. She also reflects on the challenges of the pandemic, the support of her family and the moments that have made all the hard work worthwhile. We hear some unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories, including the time Sharon had to step in and host a show herself, an expensive accommodation scam in New York and the emotional moment she realised just how much happiness Smile Productions had brought to the families involved. Alongside the business, Sharon talks about her childhood, her love of performing, the teachers who inspired her and why seeing her family happy means so much to her. And, of course, Tony puts Sharon on the spot with a few quick-fire questions, revealing a little more about the person behind Smile Productions! A warm, personal and entertaining conversation filled with memories, laughter and an honest look at the journey behind the smile ❤️ Brought to you by Smile Productions https://www.smile-productions.co.uk/