ArtistDirect News
Christi Lukasaik and Kelly Hyland to Host Live Podcast Back to Barre at Portlands Alberta Rose Theatre
Portland’s Alberta Rose Theatre will become a backstage pass to the world of Dance Moms on July 17, when former cast members Christi Lukasaik and Kelly Hyland bring their podcast Back to Barre to the stage. The live show will open the doors at 7 p.m. and launch at 8 p.m., offering fans an intimate glimpse into the dance studio that once made headlines.
Back to Barre debuted in 2022, pairing Lukasaik and Hyland in a weekly conversation that digs beneath the surface of the reality series. Rather than replaying the show’s on‑screen drama, the hosts revisit episodes with fresh insight, focusing on the grind of competitive dance, the pressures on young performers, and the friendships forged behind the cameras. A recent news release noted that the pair’s chemistry "comes through in this podcast," a sentiment echoed by listeners who appreciate the duo’s candid storytelling.
Tickets for the July 17 performance cost $54.25 each and are available online through etix.com as well as at the theatre’s box office. The price covers standard seating; no premium options are listed. The event is open to minors, provided they are accompanied by an adult, in line with the venue’s age policy.
The original Dance Moms series aired on Lifetime from 2011 to 2019, chronicling the training of children under Abby Lee Miller’s direction. The show’s mix of dance instruction, parental dynamics, and competitive tension made it a cultural touchstone for discussions about reality television and youth performance. Lukasaik and Hyland’s podcast expands the conversation beyond the show’s drama, offering a nostalgic yet realistic look at the hardships and triumphs that defined the series.
A news release added that the program "takes viewers beyond the drama of the show, while giving the audience a glimmer of nostalgia," and highlights broader topics such as the sacrifices dancers make and the weight of parental expectations. The hosts, former cheerleaders turned dancers, bring a unique perspective that underscores the broader narrative of ambition and artistic development.
The Alberta Rose Theatre, located at 3000 N.E. Alberta St., is a mid‑size venue that regularly hosts concerts, comedy, and theatrical performances. Its capacity and stage layout are well suited for a live podcast format, allowing the hosts to interact directly with a small audience while recording the episode for later distribution.
Back to Barre has been touring live since 2022, complementing its weekly releases on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart. The tour gives fans a chance to experience the hosts’ chemistry in person—a contrast to the purely audio format that dominates streaming platforms. Promotion has run through the podcast’s social media channels and the theatre’s event listings.
The live performance will not feature the pyramid choreography that became synonymous with Dance Moms. Instead, the focus remains on conversation and storytelling. "There won’t be any pyramids in sight at this ‘Dance Moms’ event coming to Portland," the news release said.
Lukasaik and Hyland emphasize that the show’s narrative is only one part of a larger story about training, ambition, and the role of parents in a child’s artistic journey. By sharing their experiences, they aim to illuminate the realities of the dance industry while appealing to a broader audience interested in the pursuit of excellence.
Adding to the theatre’s 2026 lineup of music, comedy, and theater, Back to Barre offers Portland residents an opportunity to engage with a popular podcast in a live setting—an experience that bridges the gap between the studio and the stage.
In summary, Christi Lukasaik and Kelly Hyland will host a live episode of Back to Barre at the Alberta Rose Theatre on July 17, 2026. Tickets cost $54.25 and can be purchased online or at the box office. The event promises a behind‑the‑scenes look at Dance Moms and the competitive dance world, delivered through the hosts’ established chemistry and storytelling.
Back to Barre debuted in 2022, pairing Lukasaik and Hyland in a weekly conversation that digs beneath the surface of the reality series. Rather than replaying the show’s on‑screen drama, the hosts revisit episodes with fresh insight, focusing on the grind of competitive dance, the pressures on young performers, and the friendships forged behind the cameras. A recent news release noted that the pair’s chemistry "comes through in this podcast," a sentiment echoed by listeners who appreciate the duo’s candid storytelling.
Tickets for the July 17 performance cost $54.25 each and are available online through etix.com as well as at the theatre’s box office. The price covers standard seating; no premium options are listed. The event is open to minors, provided they are accompanied by an adult, in line with the venue’s age policy.
The original Dance Moms series aired on Lifetime from 2011 to 2019, chronicling the training of children under Abby Lee Miller’s direction. The show’s mix of dance instruction, parental dynamics, and competitive tension made it a cultural touchstone for discussions about reality television and youth performance. Lukasaik and Hyland’s podcast expands the conversation beyond the show’s drama, offering a nostalgic yet realistic look at the hardships and triumphs that defined the series.
A news release added that the program "takes viewers beyond the drama of the show, while giving the audience a glimmer of nostalgia," and highlights broader topics such as the sacrifices dancers make and the weight of parental expectations. The hosts, former cheerleaders turned dancers, bring a unique perspective that underscores the broader narrative of ambition and artistic development.
The Alberta Rose Theatre, located at 3000 N.E. Alberta St., is a mid‑size venue that regularly hosts concerts, comedy, and theatrical performances. Its capacity and stage layout are well suited for a live podcast format, allowing the hosts to interact directly with a small audience while recording the episode for later distribution.
Back to Barre has been touring live since 2022, complementing its weekly releases on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart. The tour gives fans a chance to experience the hosts’ chemistry in person—a contrast to the purely audio format that dominates streaming platforms. Promotion has run through the podcast’s social media channels and the theatre’s event listings.
The live performance will not feature the pyramid choreography that became synonymous with Dance Moms. Instead, the focus remains on conversation and storytelling. "There won’t be any pyramids in sight at this ‘Dance Moms’ event coming to Portland," the news release said.
Lukasaik and Hyland emphasize that the show’s narrative is only one part of a larger story about training, ambition, and the role of parents in a child’s artistic journey. By sharing their experiences, they aim to illuminate the realities of the dance industry while appealing to a broader audience interested in the pursuit of excellence.
Adding to the theatre’s 2026 lineup of music, comedy, and theater, Back to Barre offers Portland residents an opportunity to engage with a popular podcast in a live setting—an experience that bridges the gap between the studio and the stage.
In summary, Christi Lukasaik and Kelly Hyland will host a live episode of Back to Barre at the Alberta Rose Theatre on July 17, 2026. Tickets cost $54.25 and can be purchased online or at the box office. The event promises a behind‑the‑scenes look at Dance Moms and the competitive dance world, delivered through the hosts’ established chemistry and storytelling.