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While most dancers like to share that they've been pirouetting since before they could talk, 17-year-old Kenz Couch has proudly been dancing *and* holding good convos since, like, ever. That's why her latest project—a dance podcast lovingly dubbed "Stop Talking Kenz"—is the perfect platform for Kenz's two fave things (dancing and talking, if you couldn't already tell). 

"I just feel like being a podcast host is something I was meant to do, because I'm literally always talking", Kenz shares. "And I feel like in the dance world, there's a lot of unanswered questions and things that girls don't know or don't have the resources to find out." Kenz hopes that her podcast will shine a light on teenage dancer and provide space for girls to feel safe and included. Kinda like a sleepover tell-all with your competitive dancer BFF. 

GL: Tell us a little about the "Stop Talking Kenz" podcast.

Kenz: Well, it's very focused on dance, for sure, but I really wanted to use the podcast to bring in a range of people, whether they're majoring in college for dance or, like, even a mom who has kids in dance to talk about their experiences. And then being a dancer myself, I'll talk about my experiences too. My mom and I kinda realized that there are really no dancers that make podcasts, so we really geared our content towards dance, and college too, because I'm really focused on that right now and a lot of girls are going through that. 

GL: What lessons have you learned since starting the pod? 

Kenz: Okay, I've definitely learned patience. One big thing is, I get really excited and I start talking, and my mom was like, "No, you're the host, you're the one that asks the question. You can't also answer the question". I've also learned how dance has affected people in so many different ways. I just had Dance Moms' Elliana Walmsley on, who used to be a very competitive dancer, but now she doesn't really dance anymore. She talked about how dance was more about winning for her than the love for it. And it was so interesting because she's so talented, but even if you're talented, you may not love it if you aren't doing it for the right reasons. This is all info I'm taking with me to college too, because I'm applying as a dance major. 

GL: Speaking of dance, how is competition szn going? 

Kenz: I love dance right now. I went through a patch where I hated it, but I love it again, and it's my last year competing, which is so sad. But I have four solos right now, and I'm about to have five. I've never had that many solos in my entire life.

GL: And how is the rest of the Couch fam? Are your sisters dancing with you? 

Kenz: I'm competing against my sisters again this year, which should be interesting. But luckily, we've gotten to an age where we don't care who wins. They kind of motivate me honestly, when they're in the room with me all the time, they push me to work harder. And I'm their biggest fan. When they go onstage, I'm probably more nervous for them than they are. My dance teachers are like, "You're literally a stage mom". 

GL: That's hilarious. And because spooky szn is just around the corner, let's do a little fall-themed lightning round of Would You Rathers. First things first: Chocolate or candy?

Kenz: Mmm, this is hard. OK, milk chocolate. But if it's not milk chocolate, than candy. Dark chocolate is just not it for me. 

GL: Pumpkin spice lattes or pumpkin cream chais from Starbucks?

Kenz: Pumpkin creme chai. It's so good, but it's so sweet. I can't get it all the time. 

GL: Go-to spooky szn date—pumpkin patch or haunted house? 

Kenz: OK, pumpkin patch would be cute for the Instagram photo, but the haunted house might be a little more romantic. So either. 

GL: And finally, go to a Halloween party or stay in and watch a scary movie? 

Kenz: Honestly, I'm always just hanging out with my best friend in my room, so let's go with the scary movie. 

GL: Perf! OK, back to the pod. If people listened to just one episode from your podcast so far, which episode should it be?

Kenz: I really like the one with Elliana, and also the one with my sisters.  With my sisters, we shared so much about what we've gone through that we've never shared. I don't think anyone knew that stuff about us. Everyone was a little bit shocked, but I thought it was a good thing to say. I feel like a lot of people think our lives are just like, so great, but a lot of people on social media paint perfect pictures, when in reality that's not how it is. That's another thing I really want to cover [on the podcast]. 

GL: What do you hope that girls take away from your podcast? 

Kenz: The dance world has become such a competitive place. A lot of people I aren't doing it for the right reasons anymore. It might be because they love titles, or that they like to win.  I mean, I'm not the going to be the person to change the dance world because it's constantly changing, but I hope like everyone can really learn to enjoy dance and not feel pressured by social media or what they see others doing. I just hope that people can find something to take away when they're watching each episode, because each episode has a different purpose. I've been doing this thing where we answer viewer questions too, so people can ask their own questions. And that's been super fun.

GL: And what advice do you have for girls who want to step out of their comfort zones and try something new? 

Kenz: If you want to try something new, the biggest thing is consistency. I used to make videos and then not post another one for two years, and like, that's definitely not going to do anything. So I've had to be really consistent, and tell myself when I'm going to post every week. I think just knowing that with consistency, you will grow. 

Listen to "Stop Talking Kenz" on YouTube HERE
and keep up with Kenz on Insta @kenzcouch!

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Images: @kenzcouch.

by Laila Mayfield | 10/29/2023