In this week's episode, The Dancing Housewife sit sdown with Denise Holmes, who began ballroom dancing in January of 2024—at age 69.Denise shares her life story, from growing up in Bay City, Texas to stepping onto the competitive ballroom floor later in life. Along the way, she opens up about living with stage four cerebral amyloid angiopathy, a rare and currently incurable, untreatable and progressive neurological disorder and how ballroom dancing has played a significant role in helping her remain active, engaged, and grounded through ongoing health challenges.We talk about navigating more than 15 brain bleeds, managing persistent dizziness, and the unexpected ways dance has supported both her physical , cognitive and emotional well-being. Denise’s story is not about denying difficulty—it’s about choosing movement, connection, and purpose in the midst of it.As Denise puts it: “I believe that if not for ballroom dancing, my life would be a lot different.”This is a thoughtful, honest conversation about resilience, late-in-life beginnings, and the unique power of ballroom dance to shape how we move through hard seasons.Subscribe, share, and follow along so you never miss an episode. Happy dancing.Recovery and rehab support for dancers provided by ToneMeUp Pro:https://www.tonemeup-pro.com/en/

Ever walked out of a dance lesson feeling confident, only to forget the choreography later? Join The Dancing Housewife as she debunks myths about adult learning and provides a structured approach to mastering ballroom dancing through her 'Learning Machine' framework. Discover how adults can excel at learning choreography by focusing on input, processing, quality practice, and consolidation. Plus, get details about joining her virtual Group Mental Performance Training session to dive deeper. Tune in for practical tips and strategies to transform your dance journey! Ready to turn the Learning Machine Framework into action? Grab a spot in this week’s virtual group mental performance training for ballroom dancers.

When: Wednesday, January 7 @ 8pm eastern time

Visit https://antoinettedatoc.com/ballroom-dance-group-training/ for more information and to grab your spot!

00:00 Introduction: The Struggle with Choreography

00:31 Welcome to the Dancing Housewife Podcast

01:26 The Myth of Age and Learning

02:22 The Learning Machine Framework

02:32 Input: Decoding Choreography

03:04 Process: Naming and Organizing Steps

03:51 Output: Quality Over Quantity

04:56 Consolidation: Building Muscle Memory

05:19 Embracing Your Advantage as an Older Dancer

05:39 Homework and Final Thoughts

06:22 Invitation to the Learning Machine Session

07:40 Conclusion and Call to Action

Train Your Mindset: Learned Optimism in Ballroom Dancing

Explore the concept of learned optimism and its impact on ballroom dancers with The Dancing Housewife. Discover how dancers can train their minds to handle setbacks with resilience and confidence. Learn practical steps to separate events from identity, stay specific, control controllables, change inner language, and build evidence for growth. Transform your outlook and emotional strength on the dance floor. Don't miss this insightful episode and remember, optimism isn't just a trait—it's a skill you can practice.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips and inspiration.

Registration is open for January Group Mental Performance Training for Ballroom Dancers!

January 4 & 7: Become a Learning Machine

Learn mental strategies to memorize choreography faster and reinforce muscle memory.

Click the link for more information and to grab your spot:

https://antoinettedatoc.com/ballroom-dance-group-training/

This week The Dancing Housewife dives deep into the concept of learned helplessness and its impact on ballroom dancers. Often, dancers feel discouraged despite their relentless efforts, thinking their hard work doesn't lead to improvement. Learn about the psychological roots of this phenomenon, originally studied by psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven Maier, and discover ways to combat it. We'll discuss how ballroom dance conditions dancers to feel powerless, and provide actionable steps to restore control, clarity, and motivation. By understanding and addressing learned helplessness, dancers can reignite their passion and thrive in their art. Join us to explore this important topic and learn how to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.

In this week’s episode of The Dancing Housewife Podcast, we kick off a brand-new feature: Mailbag Monday, where listener-submitted questions take center stage.

Today’s episode dives into the complex dynamics of Pro-Am dance partnerships—specifically, what good coaching actually looks like and how to navigate situations where an instructor’s behavior leaves you feeling confused, anxious, or unsure of yourself. We talk candidly about communication, boundaries, and when it may be time to reevaluate a coaching relationship in order to protect both your confidence and your love of dancing.

We also tackle a much more practical (and very relatable) question: how to stay warm in freezing-cold ballrooms during competitions. From between-heat strategies to cozy competition-day essentials, you’ll get actionable tips to help you stay comfortable without sacrificing performance.

If you want practical guidance, grounded perspective, and permission to advocate for yourself—this episode is for you.

Products Mentioned:

• Cloak style velvet robe with hood: https://amzn.to/4rY1prU

• Fleece robe with hood: https://amzn.to/4azjMxt

• Spandex/Satin robe with fur trim: https://amzn.to/44XZWbi

• Satin Kimono Style Robe with wide sleeves: https://amzn.to/3MC3km3

• Thick, Large Pashmina/Wrap: https://amzn.to/49bo5h2

• Infinity Blanket Scarf: https://amzn.to/4iWGS37

• Leg Warmers: https://amzn.to/3KS7fuf

Amazon Associate Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from items purchased through the links provided. Shopping via these links is a great way to support the podcast at no extra cost to you.

This week The Dancing Housewife shares advice on managing your energy and staying connected to your ballroom dancing through the hectic holiday season. Explore practical tips like setting realistic expectations, incorporating micro habits, and ensuring consistent training even during the busiest time of the year. Keep your dance journey on track with these insightful strategies and check out the holiday ballroom dance training survival checklist available for download here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ziz2yah2yXj2wnvGihs61l4ZgMKFE_CO/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109054692986324794619&rtpof=true&sd=true

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Struggles

00:29 Meet Your Host: The Dancing Housewife

00:56 Managing Energy During the Holidays

02:07 Setting Realistic Expectations

02:52 Micro Habits for Consistency

04:14 Holiday Dance Game Plan

04:34 Conclusion and Checklist

In this bonus episode The Dancing Housewife shares news about an exciting new resource powered by Antoinette Datoc Mental Performance Coaching, LLC: group mental performance training for ballroom dancers.

Discover a sneak peek of Coach Antoinette’s series of mental training sessions designed to enhance your dance partnerships, mindset, and overall performance. From strategies for accelerated learning and mastering your mindset, to cognitive reframing and burnout prevention, there's something for everyone. Plus, don't miss our special 'Silent Killer of Dance Partnerships' session in December, where you can bring your partner for free as a special holiday bonus! Tune in for important dates, discounts, and how to register. Improve your mental and emotional connection for better dance performance. Happy dancing!

2025–2026 Drop-In Schedule (dates subject to change)

December 7 & 10, 2025 – The Silent Killer of Dance Partnerships

• Understand the difference between effective and ineffective communication

• Explore various communication styles.

• Reflect on how your individual communication tendencies impact your partnership dynamic.

• Learn simple action steps for resolving conflict.

• Learn to turn self-evaluation and insights into productive practice plans that fuel continuous improvement.

January 4 & 7 – Become a Learning Machine

• Explore strategies for accelerated learning

February 1 & 11 – Mastering Your Mindset: Controlling the Controllables

• Learn what’s truly in your control—and recognize common mental traps that sabotage performance.

March 8 & 11 – The Inner Voice & Breathwork

• Understand how thoughts shape emotions, behaviors, and performance.

April 9 & 22 – The Three C’s of Cognitive Reframing

• Learn a simple, step-by-step method to redirect negative thinking at game speed.

May 27 & 31– Avoiding Burnout: Resetting Your Nervous System

• Recognize the warning signs of burnout and nervous system overload.

Click the link below to register! Don’t miss out on the special December money-saving offer: register for The Silent Killer of Dance Partnerships and bring your partner or a dance friend for FREE!

https://tidycal.com/antoinette/ballroom-dance-group-mental-performance-training-sessions-3zxwyxz

Join The Dancing Housewife and USA Dance President, Dr. Chuck Garrett, as they delve into the highlights of 2025 and upcoming plans for USA Dance. Discover exciting updates about the National Dance Championships, governance changes, and initiatives to enhance member engagement. Learn about significant bylaw revisions, successful domestic events, and efforts to foster international relationships through WDSF. Explore new marketing rules and future goals, including increased membership and a robust reserve fund. Plus, don't miss insights on the newly launched vendor marketplace and much more. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the present and future of USA Dance!