The Dance Podcast
Inspired by big dreams, big let downs and authentic conversations with some of North America's most successful dancers; the Dance Podcast is a series of interviews designed to inspire, share and connect dancers pursuing a career in the industry.
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Lauren Ritchie, Mental Skills at The Moment
10/27/2023
Lauren Ritchie, Mental Skills at The Moment
This is the last faculty Faculty Feature with The Moment Dance convention and we will be hearing from our show creator, Lauren Ritchie, as she is the Mental Skills Educator for dancers, teacher and parents at The Moment. Lauren shares her expertise on confidence, comparison, growth mindset, and the power of self talk as we pursue artistic and athletic growth. Lauren Ritchie (MEd, BA, ESFCC) is an established mental skills educator, dance teacher, and choreographer. Her areas of interest and expertise include sports and performance mental training, as well as the intersection of well-being and mindfulness. Her work has led to the creation of international teacher training programs, dance and sport conventions, the pioneering show The Dance Podcast, and mental performance-based curriculums for dancers, athletes, and coaches. Lauren’s proficiency in performance preparation and enhancement has led to supporting youth and professionals in dance, theatre, hockey, music, gymnastics, volleyball, and soccer. Lauren has been a featured speaker for the Women In Sport Speaker Series, Alberta Dance Alliance, Dance Studio Owners Association, House of Jazz (London), and the Toronto Dance Teacher Expo. She has delivered workshops to prestigious schools and programs like Harbour Dance Centre, the Alberta Ballet School, the Dancer Transition Resource Centre, Capilano University, the University of Calgary, and The Bridge Movement.
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#169 Marguerite Derricks a Legend at The Moment
09/26/2023
#169 Marguerite Derricks a Legend at The Moment
A true legend! MARGUERITE DERRICKS is one of dance’s most highly recognized and respected working choreographers. She is the first and only choreographer to have received three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography, and is also the recipient of five MTV Movie Awards for Best Dance Sequence. Marguerite’s television credits include THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, Netflix’s GLOW, the revival of GILMORE GIRLS, and film blockbusters films like the AUSTIN POWERS franchise, CHARLIE'S ANGELS, TROPIC THUNDER, MR. AND MRS. SMITH, 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, NO STRINGS ATTACHED, and 13 GOING ON 30. In this episode, Marguerite generously shares her dance journey - from ballet roots to TV, Film, Broadway, Vegas and what I am calling Dance-World-Domination. We talk about how she hires and expectations she holds from the dancers she works with. What came after winning 3 Emmy’s, how to best collaborate amongst creatives, pitching projects, where technology is fitting into her career growth, and her biggest mistakes that taught her the most. Please enjoy and share this beautiful conversation with the dance community.
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#168 Draico, Hip Hop at The Moment
09/19/2023
#168 Draico, Hip Hop at The Moment
This season we have been interviewing faculty from the newest dance convention experience called The Moment by KM Agency. Today we are speaking with Hip Hop educator and master teacher Draico. From his late introduction to dance, to comparison, to his Emmy nomination for the Aretha Franklin Story, to moving through creative blocks - we cover so much. Dondraico has created movement for artists like Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, & Jennifer Lopez. His feature film credits include GHOSTBUSTERS, HAUNTED MANSION, STEP UP 3D, STEP UP REVOLUTION, and Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT. Draico and I also have a Parent Conversation posted on the Km Agency Instagram page if you are craving more!
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#167 Liana Blackburn, Empowerment through Movement at The Moment
09/12/2023
#167 Liana Blackburn, Empowerment through Movement at The Moment
She is back for Round 3! Liana believes that art is expressing one's self and their perspective honestly and vulnerably. That genuine expression permeates all aspects of her life and the connections she makes with others. As far as her career, Liana has been training dance since she was three, and choreographing, teaching, and dancing her way all over the world for the last 15 years working on TV and film such as Jane The Virgin, Dancing With The Stars, The Voice, So You Think You Can Dance, Target, The Greatest Showman LIVE Commercial, Footloose, Seventeen Again, Happy Feet 2, as well as dancing on stage with Cirque Du Soleil and alongside some of the most sought after recording artists, such as Katy Perry, Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, The Jonas Brothers, Bebe Rexha, Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, The Rolling Stones, and over 20 others. With a deep desire to help dancers, from beginners to pros, how to find their true inner voice in an often superficial and judgmental industry, she created a dance class called BODY LANGUAGE. Incorporating her numerous years of acting training with her dance career, she focuses on dancing WITH INTENTION, not FOR ATTENTION! While teaching dancers how to find clarity in their voice, confidence in their body, and power in their intention, she has watched lives completely transform before her eyes. Away from the classroom, you can find Liana online as DailyDancerDiet, where she openly shares her over a decade-long journey to healthy happiness. She is passionately dedicated to inspiring and coaching others to navigate their own paths toward delight in their well-being.
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#166 Casey Gonzalez, Ballet & Pilates Educator at The Moment
09/05/2023
#166 Casey Gonzalez, Ballet & Pilates Educator at The Moment
Casey Gonzalez, an Arizona native, has always had a passion for movement. She graduated from The Ailey School Certificate program in 2012 and followed up with achieving a B.S. in Healthy Lifestyles and Coaching From Arizona State University, a classical comprehensive Pilates Certification and both GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® Teacher Training certifications by 2017. Her dance career has bridged the gap between the commercial and concert worlds. She has worked with choreographers such as Mandy Moore and Andrew Winghart, for brands like Master Card, Smirnoff, and Disney and performed on stages across Germany, France, Switzerland, and Dubai touring in Sweetbird Productions “Rock the Ballet X” and “Romeo & Juliette” ballets, choreographed by Adrienne Canterna. Casey began assisting for CLI Studios in 2019 for choreographers like Teddy Forance and Kathryn McCormick and made the move to Massachusetts from Los Angeles in 2021 to be a resident faculty member at The CLI Conservatory. Casey is also on faculty with Dana Foglia Dance programs. Casey takes great pride in working with younger dancers that have professional aspirations. From her own career experience and extensive study of movement, Casey’s mission is to coach and guide dancers to understand and value efficiency in movement. Casey believes that with the right combination of concentration, balance, and energy, even the most advanced movements can be done with ease and flow. Each class is aimed to unlock the greatest potential in each individual body.
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#165 Teddy Forance, CLI Director, Contemporary creator at The Moment
08/29/2023
#165 Teddy Forance, CLI Director, Contemporary creator at The Moment
Teddy Forance is a dancer, teacher, choreographer & entrepreneur in the dance industry. He has performed with Madonna, Janet Jackson, PINK, Usher, Lady Gaga, Florence & The Machine, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Kylie Minogue & Cirque Du Soleil. He has danced on the Oscars, Emmy's, AMA's, Billboard Awards, Britt Awards, Dancing With The Stars, ELLEN, & Good Morning America. He has choreographed on SYTYCD, an Apple commercial & set work on Hubbard street dance company. Teddy is a Co-Founder of CLI Studios & the director of the CLI Conservatory where dancers from all around the world come to train for their future dance careers!
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#164 Julia Pearson, Tiny Tot Teacher Extraordinaire, Adaptive Dance and Ballet Book Author at The Moment
08/22/2023
#164 Julia Pearson, Tiny Tot Teacher Extraordinaire, Adaptive Dance and Ballet Book Author at The Moment
Julia Pearson has been a dance instructor for the past 23 years, specializing in teaching children ages 2-12yrs in ballet, tap, and jazz. Ms. Julia has been a resident instructor at Danceology in San Diego, winner of 2022 Studio of the Year (The Dance Awards). She has coached & taught competitive dancers for the last two decades including national title winners, award-winning mini groups, and tik tok sensations. Ms. Julia has played an instrumental role in developing a student Mentorship program, tots classes, diva division, dance camps, and more specifically at her home studio, Danceology. She was honored with Citizen of Excellence in 2020 for her work with our Adaptive dance class, teaching dancers with special needs and Down syndrome. She holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership and brings a wealth of wisdom & experience to the dance community. Ms. Pearson is the author of the Miss Juju Ballet book series which encourages little ones to find the joy in ballet every day. She cultivates a warm and inviting learning atmosphere for young ones while providing the structure to teach true technique. Every class with Ms. Julia is a delightful experience!
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#163 Blake Stanley, Structural Technique & Anatomy at The Moment
08/15/2023
#163 Blake Stanley, Structural Technique & Anatomy at The Moment
Blake Stanley is an internationally recognized educator, coach, and choreographer. He is a past mentee of contemporary dance legend Mia Michaels, and has spearheaded his own training method, Blake Stanley Techniques. He received his formal education from many studios & educators across the USA, with most notable having been a full-scholarship student at the Indiana Ballet Conservatory. He consistently trained with industry leading choreographers and educational leaders, eventually transitioning into more professional studies ranging from anatomy and physiology, to myofascial pain release, injury-prevention for dancers, childhood development, and is on the forefront of new methods of dancer injury prevention pedagogy; certified in T Spheres Injury Prevention Techniques. He has a kinetically expressive teaching style that is grounded in classical technique and is easily relatable to students of all backgrounds and levels. Blake has held long term residencies with universities and dance studios across the US; currently having students in over 40 US states as well as Canada, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Uganda, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. He is a true trail-blazer in the virtual dance community, with his weekly zoom classes reaching over 1000 students and having launched his own virtual dance app, featuring New York City’s top educators, “DanceX!” In the competitive dance community, he is recognized as a leading educator with students receiving the highest honors such as overall winners at every major convention circuit; including “Best Dance Winner” at The Dance Awards, “Protégé Winner” at Radix Nationals, “Outstanding Dancer” at NYCDA Nationals, invitations to YAGP Finals, performances in YAGP Finals Gala, Young Arts Scholarship invitees, and features in Dance Spirit Magazine. His mentees and students include dancers at, or accepted to, the most prestigious performing arts schools; LaGuardia Arts, Frank Sinatra, and Mark Twain, Summer Intensives; Juilliard Summer Intensive and ABT Summer Intensive, Bolshoi SI, Royal Ballet in London, Pre-Professional Companies; Alvin Ailey, Joffrey, Ballet and Academy East, and Universities; NYU-Tisch, Marymount, Pace, and Point Park.
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#162 Eddie “Neptune” Eskridge - Hip Hop at The Moment
08/08/2023
#162 Eddie “Neptune” Eskridge - Hip Hop at The Moment
Known for his signature smile and captivating dance moves, So You Think You Can Dance Season 12 fan favorite, Neptune, is a multi talented superstar! His fans highlight his ground breaking performances and charming personality. Neptune specializes in Freestyle (i.e. Krump & Popping) and Hip Hop. With no formal training, he surprised America and conquered every genre of dance thrown his way, including Contemporary, Broadway, Bollywood, Jazz etc., which secured his spot in the top 8. After SYTYCD, his career continued to soar as he gained a reputation for being the dancer who does it all! He’s performed and toured with several top artists, including Beyonce, Mary J. Blige & Pharrell etc. Neptune’s featured in many commercials, TV shows and films including the Academy Awards, Grownish, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Coming 2 America, to name a few. His biggest success to date, is getting to combine all of his talents as the lead actor in the award winning short film, Boogie Rage. Neptune’s journey as a Hip Hop instructor started over 9 years ago. He’s taught all ages at various studios in North America and assisted “tWitch” at 24 Seven Dance convention and workshops for over 3 years. Neptune’s teaching style includes a blend of educating dancers on the knowledge of hip hop, creating fun and energetic choreography and giving dancers a challenge they can be proud of. With over 1.2 Million followers on TikTok, social media has allowed Neptune to broaden his creativity and expand his brand! On TikTok, Instagram and YouTube he’s known for his viral and explosive freestyle videos. Neptune’s followers, of all generations, find excitement in doing his trendy dance challenges (from 90s to modern day Hip Hop, Dancehall and Afrobeats). He’s also well known for his dance content with his wife, Keda and their brand “The Eskridge’s”. As a content creator Neptune has collaborated with many of the industry's top brands including Mercedes Benz, Walmart, Paramount Pictures etc. to name a few. Neptune is a natural born entertainer, incredible creator and excited to share his knowledge and elevate the next generation of artists!
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#161 Kim Mcswain, KM Agency & Creator of The Moment
08/01/2023
#161 Kim Mcswain, KM Agency & Creator of The Moment
Kim began training as a dancer at three years old. From the very start, she loved every second of dance. By age eight, she was training in ballet 30 hours a week, and at 12 years old she received 3rd in the nation at a National Tap Event sponsored by tap industry legend Gregory Hines. Mr. Hines was so impressed with Kim that he traveled to her studio in Dallas to give her a private lesson. At 24 years old, Kim moved to L.A., where she quickly achieved success, booking jobs with celebrities such as Britney Spears, N’Sync and Michael Jackson, among many others. As well as working in films with stars such as Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. Despite her growing career, Kim felt drawn to teaching and decided to focus her career strictly on training dancers. As a teacher, Kim first joined Adrenaline on the convention circuit before being picked up by the largest dance convention in the world, JUMP. For six years, Kim taught everything from ballet and jazz to hip-hop, interacting with thousands of students a week. After that experience, Kim joined NUVO as the Children’s Director. Focusing on technical development, she gained a reputation for inspiring young dancers to be more than excellent performers, but also excellent people. The longer she taught, the more other instructors wanted to learn from Kim. In city after city, Kim’s teacher seminars drew huge crowds as she motivated countless instructors to be the best educator and role model they could be for their students. Additionally, many of her own students have gone on to achieve incredible success, working with some of the most talented artists in the dance and film industry. These experiences led Kim to retire from the convention circuit to focus on the success of her unique Changing Lives program. Kim now travels across the country, working directly with studios to educate their faculty and implement her teaching philosophy, along with speaking engagements, parent seminars, and business consulting. With Kim’s experience and reputation in the industry, she enjoys strong relationships with a wide range of teachers and choreographers. As well as teaching young students, her mission now includes training others to be leading mentors and trainers in the dance world.
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#160 Lauren Ritchie. Season 5 Finale. Words from the heart.
10/28/2020
#160 Lauren Ritchie. Season 5 Finale. Words from the heart.
It has been another incredible season! In this episode, Lauren shares the words she needs to hear, a takeaway from 2020, and true facts about rest, recovery, high performance and pivots. Lauren Ritchie Mental Performance and Mindset Educator, MEd, BA, ESFCC. As a human, you can train three things: your mind, your body, and your craft. Lauren Ritchie has been studying, researching, and educating dancers and teachers on the physical, emotional and mental intricacies of dance. Recognizing the lack of mental skills training in dance, Lauren has created programs and exercises dedicated to educating and empowering both dancers’ and educators’ mental health and mindset to optimize physical and artistic training. From her MEd in Coaching Studies to a BA in Professional Communications, to multiple Yoga certifications and an accredited Art & Science of Coaching Certification, Lauren has a unique blend of education and resources that offer a holistic training approach for dancers. An established educator, facilitator and speaker, Lauren has delivered workshops to prestigious schools and programs like Harbour Dance Centre, the Alberta Ballet School, the Dancer Transition Resource Centre, Capilano University and The Bridge Program with The Protege Movement. She is the co-founder of the Dance Teacher reTREAT, the creator of Mental Skills Training Teacher Training program and has been a keynote speaker for the Women In Sport Speaker Series, Dance Studio Owners Association, House of Jazz (London), and the Dance Teacher Expo. Lauren has firsthand knowledge of the attributes required to achieve and sustain peak performance. She was a highly competitive and decorated dancer having classically trained in ballet, jazz, tap and lyrical. After completing her A.R.A.D, Lauren knew she “wanted to dance” but had little guidance and awareness of the true process of transitioning into a professional dance career. This is why Lauren has created and hosts ; an invaluable resource dedicated to inspire and educate dancers, teachers, and parents through candid conversations with industry professionals. Lauren’s engaging and encouraging teaching style has inspired dance teachers and students across the country to be their best – mind, body, and craft.
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#159 Julie McDonald. Los Angeles Talent Agent. McDonald/Selznick Associates
10/21/2020
#159 Julie McDonald. Los Angeles Talent Agent. McDonald/Selznick Associates
Julie McDonald is co-owner of McDonald Selznick Associates (MSA). She is the pioneer in the field of dance and choreography representation, having formed the first talent agency in 1985 devoted exclusively to dance. While breaking ground by representing her clients across all mediums of entertainment, she became an advocate for better terms and working conditions for dancers and choreographers and devoted herself to raising the visibility of the art and craft of commercial dance and especially choreography. In 2000 she and Tony Selznick formed McDonald Selznick Associates. (MSA). Their clients represent a who’s who in the world of dance and have been nominated for or have won numerous Emmy, Tony, and MTV awards. MSA clients have directed and/or choreographed Las Vegas spectacles, Broadway productions, television prime time dramas and sitcoms, awards shows including the Emmys, Grammys, and Oscars, and numerous films spanning the past three decades. Ms. McDonald co-created the American Choreography Awards (1994-2004), an event honoring choreography achievement in media. She was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Choreographers Carnival and Dance under the Stars Choreography Festival for pioneering the representation of dancers and choreographers. She is on the Board of American Dance Movement a funding organization that builds healthy communities by expanding access to dance and movement. She is also on the Boards of Center Dance Association at the Music Center, and Dance Magazine.
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#158 Erin Pride. Dance Boss Podcast. Online Business Coach. Dance Educator.
10/14/2020
#158 Erin Pride. Dance Boss Podcast. Online Business Coach. Dance Educator.
Erin is an online business coach for dance educators and host of the Dance Boss Podcast. She is a Jersey girl all the way, graduated from Montclair State University with a B.F.A. in Dance and received her Masters in Dance Education from New York University. Erin helps dance educators niche down, build an online business, and bring in additional revenue for them and their families. Erin began her coaching journey as a dance education coach, providing resources and training to help dance educators run more successful classrooms. Now Erin helps her fellow dance educators pursue their dreams and start an online business that impacts the masses. To learn more about Erin visit , and you can hang out with Erin on and
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#157 Matt Cady. Madonna. FannyPak. Katie Perry.
10/07/2020
#157 Matt Cady. Madonna. FannyPak. Katie Perry.
Matt Cady is an extremely creative, versatile, and dynamic choreographer and artistic instigator. Madonna said of his movement: “It’s pristine.. wonderful staging.” Adi Salant, Co-Artistic Director of Batsheva Dance Company, remarked: “His movement is very smart.” An young introverted Matt started expressing himself in Sign Language freshman year of high school, which blossomed his interest in theater and ultimately modern dance. In college, Matt double majored in Deaf Studies and Dance, dropping out after two years to pursue an apprenticeship at Millennium Dance Complex, needing to enrich himself in the ever changing culture of the commercial LA dance scene. After being offered his own class at Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio, Matt’s professional choreographic career took off with the success of his company Fanny Pak on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew. This is where he met supervising choreographers Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo, whom gave him his first taste at choreographing for a touring show with ABDC Live. Matt went on to contribute choreography under Chonique Sneed and Lisette Bustamante for Ricky Martin’s World Tour and Britney Spears’ Femme Fatal Tour, which is where he first met tour director Jamie King, whom he would work under years later on Madonna’s tours. Meanwhile, Fanny Pak’s success catapulted being the only dance company to ever win a MTV Video Music Award. They were enlisted for several music videos, Yelle’s “Que Vuex Tu/Safari Disco Club,” Lil Mama’s “Truly In Love,” Patrica Kazadi’s “Go Crazy,” and soulful icon Toni Braxton’s “You Make My Heart.” The movie Honey 2 was Fanny Pak’s cinematic debut, directed by Billy Woodruff. Off screen, Fanny Pak was commissioned for corporate events and collaborations with Canon Electronics, toy makers Hasbro, TeenVogue, MetroPark Clothing, and the hugely popular dairy company, WhiteWave. Continuing in the cinematic world, Pepsi sponsored a short film through USC which Matt choreographed called “Beth Hooper and the Super Awesome Dance Battle.” Matt’s most favorite of his collaborations are with colleague Megan Lawson, whose initial teamwork was scoped by Madonna herself off of a youtube video. Together, they choreographed multiple numbers for her most recent tours MDNA and Rebel Heart, including the tension filled blood bath Gangbang, and “..broadway worthy..” opening number Iconic. Most recently Matt and Meg were commissioned to create dance works for Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman Tour, Ricky Martin’s All In Vegas Residency, brotherly duo Mak + Val’s (from Dancing With the Stars) touring show Our Way, and Katy Perry’s “Bon Appetite” music video. Matt’s ability to materialize an intention and translate his movement across such a spectrum has made him a sought after collaborator and dance instructor, having worked on several American and international dance conventions as well as in studio workshops.
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#156 Rosalynn Miller. Studio Owner. Dedicated Educator. More Than Just Great Dancing Mentor.
09/30/2020
#156 Rosalynn Miller. Studio Owner. Dedicated Educator. More Than Just Great Dancing Mentor.
Rosalynn Miller graduated from Point Park University, Conservatory of Performing Arts, with two dance degrees in 2008. With a duel concentration in jazz dance and dance pedagogy (the art of teaching dance), Rosalynn, affectionately referred to as Roz by her students and peers, quickly landed teaching jobs at various prestigious dance establishments in the Pittsburgh area. While in college she was Vice President to the student hip hop dance group “Impulse”, first Hispanic President to the United Student Government at Point Park and maintained an apprenticeship through the COPA department all four years of her education. She fulfilled her apprenticeship working as a hip hop teacher for an after school dance program at McKees Rocks Middle School. In an effort to continue her dance education, Roz attends an array of dance teacher conventions, seminars, workshops and classes to better serve her students and help strengthen the local dance community. The Dance Teacher Summit in New York, More Than Just Great Dancing with Misty Lown and Dance Masters of Pennsylvania are just some of the dance teacher functions she regularly attends throughout the year. Roz is the owner and artistic dance director of Synergy Performing Arts Academy located in Canonsburg, Pa. Her students perform in local parades and community charity events. The Synergy Dance Company trains and competes at a competitive level. Roz’s choreography has received recognition at both regional and national levels and has received multiple award winning titles. Synergy just celebrated their 10th year anniversary. Outside of teaching, Roz judges for local dance competitions and talent shows. She has judged for Showbiz National Talent Competition and On Stage America dance competition. She is proud to be one of the founding 15 members of More Than Just Great Dancing, “MTJGD”, with Misty Lown, the PA Charter member of MTJGD, and a MTJGD certified Coach . In 2014 Roz was accepted into Dance Masters of America (Pa chapter 10), Dance Educators of America (Pittsburgh chapter) in 2015, and in 2019 she was awarded “Dance Educator of the Year” by GROOVE dance competition at their Myrtle Beach Nationals. In July of 2019 she was honored to be on the faculty and present business seminars at the NYC Dance Teacher Summit. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and playing with her son, a cancer survivor, Cruz!
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#155 Maud Arnold. Tap Superstar. Syncopated lady. DC Tap Festival.
09/23/2020
#155 Maud Arnold. Tap Superstar. Syncopated lady. DC Tap Festival.
Known as one of “Tap’s Leading Ladies” and cover girl for Dance Spirit magazine’s Tap issue, Maud Arnold is a member of and performed in their sold-out full-length concerts in Los Angeles, NYC, DC, and Dubai. We dive deep into rejection and the mental skills needed for a long, healthy dance career. We pick apart topics like success, hustle and the impact of generosity and service. Maud tells us about the phone call that cleared her schedule and how she prioritizes sharing happiness - especially through her instagram show - Maudcast. Maud has appeared on ABC's Good Morning America and at Essence Fest in New Orleans after their video covering Beyoncé’s Formation, went viral. Beyoncé shared the video on all of her social media and then hired the Syncopated Ladies to perform at her Ivy Park active wear clothing line launch at TopShop, London. Maud has quickly become a sought after teacher, judge and performer worldwide. Mentored and trained by Debbie Allen, Maud has taught at Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles and Allen’s Dance Institute in Texas. Further to teaching in the USA, Maud has taught tap dancing and Afro-Funk in Dubai, Brazil, Japan, Spain, United Kingdom, Croatia, Ukraine and Russia. Maud’s Television Credits Include: BET Experience: 106 and Park, The Late Late Show With James Corden, HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, Switched at Birth, Secret Talents of the Stars as a featured dancer with Mya, The Today Show and Syncopated Ladies winning Season 11 of FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance: Dance Crew Battle. Maud can be seen in national commercials and print ads for Toyota, GAP and CANTU and has worked with Beyoncé on several commercials and music videos. Maud is the co-director and producer of the critically acclaimed , pioneering new experiences for dancers and artists worldwide and with her sister Chloé Arnold they were recognized by the US House of Representatives as arts preservers and ambassadors. Maud is also a female entrepreneur that holds a degree from Columbia University. Further to teaching, she oversees and their many entities including their clothing lines: I LOVE TAP and UniLove as well as their tap dance workshops and after school programs. Maud exudes her passion for tap dancing with her high energy, fun and action-packed dancing.
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#154 Lucie Clements. The Dance Psychologist.
09/16/2020
#154 Lucie Clements. The Dance Psychologist.
Lucie is a Chartered Psychologist and has published in peer reviewed articles, spoken at international conferences and worked with leading dance schools and companies across the world. After tears to both of Lucie’s hips ended her dreams of a professional dance career, she redirected her curiosity and creativity towards a BSc Psychology from the University of Surrey. While there, Lucie quickly developed a new goal; to use her understanding of the science of behaviour to help dancers to navigate some of the challenges she herself had faced. After a year working in the neuroscience of dance, Lucie completed her Master’s and PhD in Dance Science at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. During this time, she lectured in psychology and research methods at a number of Higher Education institutions throughout the UK. Now a Chartered Psychologist (British Psychological Society) and Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Chichester, Lucie continues to research the psychology of dance and leads the Wellbeing and Creativity in Performance Lab within the Institute of Education, Health and Social Sciences. Lucie researches the psychosocial underpinnings of optimal performance, including the training environment and significant individuals (such as the teachers/parents) in nurturing healthy dance engagement. Some of her recent research focusses on creativity in the life of a dancer, understanding what it means to achieve not only technical excellence in dance but also to flourish creatively. Since 2016 Lucie has been listed by One Dance UK, the UK’s body for dance, as a recommended Healthier Dancer Speaker, and has since worked freelance within world-leading dance institutions. Lucie uses her expertise gained as an academic researcher to develop evidence-based psychoeducational workshops and consultancy for performing artists.
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#153 Dana Wilson. Justin Timberlake. Seaweed Sister. Words That Move Me podcast.
09/09/2020
#153 Dana Wilson. Justin Timberlake. Seaweed Sister. Words That Move Me podcast.
This one will leave you wanting more! Dana Wilson is a bright and vivacious content creator, choreographer, and performer. She illuminates everything she crosses from the worlds biggest stages to smallest cell phone screens. She may be best known for performing along side Justin Timberlake (on three world tours and at last year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show), Dana’s feature in Dance Magazine declares her “Anything But A Backup Dancer”. Dana shares her expectations after high school, Justin TImberlake Tour experiences, relationship with her body and the stories around navigating “cool” and “sexy” in LA. She has created an incredible podcast, Words That Move Me, and after this convo - I have no doubt you will be seeking her and the Seaweed Sisters out! More on Dana: Most recently, Dana contributed choreography to the Film adaptation of In The Heights, and acted as the pre-production movement coach for Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming Elvis Biopic. Dana also makes up one third of the wildly original and imaginative group “The Seaweed Sisters” (adored and admired by a wide range of audiences from toddlers and their parents to the screens of Dance Camera West, and the Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival). Dana has been teaching for over thirteen years, and she is constantly experimenting with new technologies and techniques (like 360 degree video, VR and Drones). She draws inspiration from every corner of the dance world, from street styles to social dances, and Mime to Burlesque. Most distinguishable by her refined yet bizarre style always calling on a healthy sense of humor sure to leave a smile on every face.
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#152 Richard Elszy. Educator. Choreographer. Building Blocks of Dance.
09/02/2020
#152 Richard Elszy. Educator. Choreographer. Building Blocks of Dance.
Richard Elszy is passionately dedicated to training the next generation of dancers through his technical expertise, and inspiring them with inventive and picturesque choreography. We talk about starting late as a dancer, how he had to work through alignment and his body type that wasn’t technically ideal, the power of using imagery, the nerves that come with sharing his work on social media and online platforms, and Building Blocks of Dance! “Building Blocks of Dance” is an online dance technique program for teachers. BBD provides strategies and tips on how to make complex concepts relatable to young dancers. This program has successfully inspired teachers throughout the US and across the globe. However these are not the only online tools he has to offer. Richard has become a teaching sensation, offering online Lyrical Dance Classes, which are featured on DancePlug.com and as well has his own “Dance Technique on the Edge” videos available to dancers around the world. As a Los Angeles bases choreographer, Richard’s classes at the esteemed Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles are a popular place for students to work toward formulating technique into artistry. He has presented numerous works of choreography at Club Jeté – LA’s Premier Dance Showcase, as well as coaching and choreographing dance concept videos featuring Nia Frazier of ‘Dance Moms’ titled “Young Love”, Chelsie Hill and the Rollettes “Be Boundless” and “We Can Together” campaigns and choreographing a TV pilot for TV star and Emmy nominated actress Shanti Lowry of ‘Family Time.’ Richard also travels throughout the US, Canada and Australia teaching master classes and choreography for studios and conventions such as “Immerse Artists Experience” “Movement Dance” “Dance Masters Of Michigan" “Chicago National Association of Dance Masters” and the “Rollettes Experience”. He was also recently awarded the “Believer Award” at the 2019 “Be Boundless Summit” for his choreography work with the” Rollettes”. Richard’s choreography has earned several national awards, and other accreditations including the 2011 Rainbow Elite ‘Video of the Year’ for “Step Sisters” and nomination for Best Novelty/Character Musical Theater at the 2012 KARTV Dance Awards for “500 Miles.” Richard was recently awarded the Star Award in the Best Ballet/Open Category for his piece “Swim Good” at 2019 Industry Dance Awards in Hollywood. This was Richard’s second time receiving this honor as he was the 2014 winner for his piece “Tornado”. He also received a 2015 Industry Dance Award nomination for his work entitled, “All I Could Do.” Richard combines his extensive understanding of technique with an innovative choreographic style to create a unique class and coaching experience for dancers of all levels across America and abroad. With his endless yearning for knowledge, Richard is eager to see what journeys he will embark on next, and is enthused by the opportunity to continue inspiring future generations of artists.
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#151 Christie Lee Manning. House of Jazz. Inside Out Podcast.
08/26/2020
#151 Christie Lee Manning. House of Jazz. Inside Out Podcast.
Expectations we put on our art and ourselves, how to cultivate our own self worth, embracing the growth and transitions as us as artists and, of course, failure. We cover it all this week with Christie Lee Manning! Christie Lee Manning is one of the UK’s most versatile performers. Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, Christie has worked with such artists as Lenny Kravitz, Nelly Furtado, and Michael Buble. She played a lead role in the musical 'Sweet Mystery', and has performed and adjudicated in Brazil for the XXI International Dance Seminar alongside Chan Goh, Monica Proenca, and Karah Abiog. Other credits include the sitcom Package Deal (TV), sci-fi series Warehouse 13 (TV), and Sky 1's 'Got To Dance' Season 5, mentored by Adam Garcia. Christie has taught all over the world, from New York to Australia, choreographed for the National Lacrosse League, and is also the Creator of Industry Dance Magazine, a Canadian online website for dancers and choreographers alike. She is a member of Lukas McFarlane's contemporary company, UnTitled, and is the artistic director of BODY Jazz Theatre UK.
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#150 Stacey Tookey. Emmy nominated choreographer. Director of The Bridge and Protege Movement.
08/19/2020
#150 Stacey Tookey. Emmy nominated choreographer. Director of The Bridge and Protege Movement.
Stacey Tookey is back and sharing with us current industry conversions and plans, how she has become her own business, the true practice of self care and working through imposter syndrome. After connecting with pre-professionals and professional dancers feeling lost and disconnected, Stacey has created a virtual program called The Bridge where dancers from around the world receive unparalleled training, mind, body and artistry. Emmy-nominated choreographer Stacey Tookey is a multitalented, Canadian-born director, choreographer and dancer who has worked with legendary musical artists such as Celine Dion, Bette Midler, Justin Timberlake, and Michael Bublé. Stacey performed as a member of ’ cutting edge dance company R.A.W., New York’s Parsons Dance Project, Ballet British Columbia, ChuThis, and the Houston Grand Opera’s Carmen. She also earned the coveted role as Assistant Choreographer for Broadway’s A Few Good Men Dancin’ and was an original cast member for the entire five-year run of Celine Dion’s record-breaking show, A New Day at Caesars Palace. Stacey’s passionate pieces on So You Think You Can Dance have earned her three consecutive Emmy nominations from 2010-12. She has also choreographed for Dancing With The Stars in the featured Macy’s Stars of Dance opening number. She choreographed the video for Atlantic Records recording artist Christina Perri’s chart-topping hit Jar of Hearts, as well as Vienne’s She Breaks, and John Torres Ocean music videos.
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#149 Katrena Cohea. Different Drummer Dance. Body Positive Teaching. RAD ballet teacher.
08/12/2020
#149 Katrena Cohea. Different Drummer Dance. Body Positive Teaching. RAD ballet teacher.
We talk about body-positive teaching, the impact of conscious educators and the impact of mindfulness within dance. She trained in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, and has completed their Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS). She also trained at the San Francisco Conservatory of dance and performed professionally with Brisas de Espana, a Flamenco and Spanish dance company. She has been teaching for over 10 years, teaching at both for-profit and not for profit schools and serving a diverse community of dancers. Benicia Ballet School, Community Youth Center, San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, Sonoma Conservatory of Dance are just a few of the places that have been her dance homes. She graduated with B.A. in Theater and Dance from CSUEB, where she had the opportunity to add to her training in modern, choreography, jazz and hip-hop from noted Bay Area directors/choreographers Nina Haft, Eric Kupers and Laura Elaine Ellis. Katrena has performed and taught across the United States and Canada including Vancouver, New Mexico, and New York.
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#148 Liana Blackburn. Body Language. Daily Dancer Diet. Inspirational Mover and Shaker.
08/05/2020
#148 Liana Blackburn. Body Language. Daily Dancer Diet. Inspirational Mover and Shaker.
She is back for round 2! Her first episode on the podcast, Episode 43, was a bomb of inspiration and love. Liana has worked with everyone from Britney Spears to Ricky Martin to Katy Perry. We loved her so much - we brought her back and this time to talk about her program, Body Language. Over the past few years, Liana has taken her love of dance and movement and brought back into an authentic experience - one that is centered around enjoying your how your body moves, how your heart grooves, and how community connects us all.
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#147 Chloe Arnold. Syncopated Ladies. James Corden. Chloe and Maud Foundation.
07/29/2020
#147 Chloe Arnold. Syncopated Ladies. James Corden. Chloe and Maud Foundation.
Emmy Nominated Choreographer, and International tap star Chloé Arnold was discovered at a young age in Washington, DC by the legendary Debbie Allen. A leading lady of tap, Chloé has performed on stages around the globe and her choreography has been featured in over 50 episodes of The Late Late Show With James Corden, including the hit Crosswalk The Musical, Aladdin with Will Smith, Mena Massoud, and Naomi Scott. Also on hit television shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, Good Morning America, HBO's Black Lady Sketch show, and national commercials/print campaigns for Special K, Macy’s, GAP, Aldo/Refinery 29, and Cantu. Chloé’s is the Artistic Director & Founder of Syncopated Ladies, an all-female Tap company that are widely known for viral videos that have accumulated over 50 million views. The most successful being their tribute to Prince and their cover of Beyoncé’s Formation, which Beyoncé shared on all of her social media and then hired Chloé and the Syncopated Ladies to perform at her Ivy Park active wear clothing line launch at TopShop, London. Chloé along with her company performed live on ABC's Good Morning America and have had sold-out concerts in Los Angeles, Dubai, New York City and Washington, DC, receiving rave reviews in The New York Times and more. Chloé is also a female entrepreneur that holds a degree from Columbia University. She and her sister co-founded Chloé and Maud Productions and DC Tap Festival, and co-produced the award-winning documentary TAP WORLD with Hollywood Executive Producer Dean Hargrove. Other career highlights include winning So You Think You Can Dance: Dance Crew Battle (Season 11), HBO’s The Comeback, recurring role as an Onyx Girl on HBO's Boardwalk Empire, guest performing on America's Got Talent and Dancing With The Stars, a sold-out NY run of her One Woman show My Life. My Diary. My Dance. at La MaMa in New York City, Global Fusion Concert in Dubai, Jacob’s Pillow Dance, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids Easter Bonnet at The Minskoff Theatre, numerous musical productions with Debbie Allen including performing at a star-studded gala hosted by Diddy at the Howard Theatre in Washington, DC.
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#146 Justin Su’a. Mental Performance Expert. Increase Your Impact Podcast. Tampa Bay Rays.
07/22/2020
#146 Justin Su’a. Mental Performance Expert. Increase Your Impact Podcast. Tampa Bay Rays.
Let the inspiration flow! We are talking about goals and the complexity of goal setting, how to build confidence and the difference between performative success vs authentic love of the process and so much more. Justin Su’a is an Executive Coach for elite performers. He is currently with the Tampa Bay Rays (Previously Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Browns Organizations). He also travels the country speaking and training various organizations on how to optimize performance and create a culture of excellence. Justin’s clients perform in the NFL, Olympics, WWE, PGA, CrossFit, the U.S. Army and the MLB. He is the author of two books: "Parent Pep Talks: The 10 Must Have Mental Skills Your Child Must Have to Succeed in Sports, School, and Life" and, "Mentally Tough Teens: Developing the Winning Mindset". Justin is also the host of the daily, "Increase Your Impact" Podcast on iTunes.
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#145 Misty Lown. More Than Just Great Dancing. Misty’s Dance Unlimited. Y.P.A.D.
07/15/2020
#145 Misty Lown. More Than Just Great Dancing. Misty’s Dance Unlimited. Y.P.A.D.
Misty Lown is a dance powerhouse and entrepreneurial force. Misty Lown is the founder, president and energized force behind More Than Just Great Dancing™ - A licensed dance studio affiliation program that has a positive impact on over 60,000 dance students around the globe each week. She is also the founder of MoreThanDancers.com, an online lifestyle magazine for young people that has over 35,000 visitors each month. Her dance studio, Misty’s Dance Unlimited, founded in 1998 and named a “Top 50 Studios in the Nation” by Dance Spirit Magazine has provided $225,000 in scholarship for dancers. Misty has been a speaker at the PULSE Teachers Convention, Hollywood Connection, Dance Teacher Web, Dance Teacher Summit, and the DanceLife Conference. She has also been the keynote speaker for the Australian Teachers of Dancing Convention. Misty is on the staff of Dance Revolution Convention, a faith based dance convention, and has authored over 40 industry articles. She is a sought after speaker and recently shared her business methods as a guest blogger on SUCCESS.com and as a speaker at IF:Gathering Local and the US Army Garrison Woman’s Equality Day. She has been recognized as “Teacher of the Year” by Eclipse, "Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year" by the YWCA and awarded the “Pope John XXIII Award for Distinguished Service” by Viterbo University and the “Philanthropy Award” from the Red Cross. Misty is an entrepreneur at heart. In addition to her dance studio and licensing program, she owns a dancewear store, a dance competition and a self-storage business. She is the author of One Small Yes and creator the One Small Yes podcast.
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#144 Bradley Rapier. Groovaloos. Groove Mindset. Canadian Hip Hop Legend.
07/08/2020
#144 Bradley Rapier. Groovaloos. Groove Mindset. Canadian Hip Hop Legend.
A Canadian native and original member of the pioneering dance group Streetscape, Bradley relocated to the U.S. after winning a Canadian Talent Search and top honors at The IMTA Awards in New York and L.A. Choreography honors include an Ovation Award, World Dance Award, and multiple NAACP Awards. Other credits include; La La Land, The Goofy Movie, and World of Dance. Bradley currently serves as Creative Director at Cantinas Arts, is happily married and has three beautiful children. Bradley has a deep desire to share the spirit, freedom, and power behind street dance culture with the world. As the founder of The Groovaloos, Groove Theory, and Groove Mindset, he uses his dynamic life experiences and powerful analogies from the art form to break people free from self-doubt, anxiety, disconnectedness, and fear. Bradley believes it’s crucial for people to step into who they are designed to be and to bring that authenticity into the circle. Initially from an academic background, Bradley dramatically switched gears and dove into twenty-five years of street dance culture. He pioneered a movement in Los Angeles that ignited the community, launched countless artists, and positively impacted the landscape for hip hop and freestyle dance in culture and media. Bradley went on to perform and choreograph at the highest levels in the industry from L.A.’s commercial world to New York’s Broadway stages, orchestrating complex multi-layered theatre productions while creating a curriculum and teaching at universities and conferences internationally. His collaborations include the likes of the directors of Hamilton and Jesus Christ Superstar, to orchestrating the story of his crew in their own Off-Broadway show and leading them onto So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With the Stars, Superstars of Dance, The Wayne Brady Show and Ellen.
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#143 Alex Wong. Greatest Showman. SYTYCD. Boys Dance Too.
07/01/2020
#143 Alex Wong. Greatest Showman. SYTYCD. Boys Dance Too.
From winning the world ballet competition Prix de Lausanne, to hitting the stages with ABT, Miami City Ballet, SYTYCD, and Broadway’s Newsies Alex Wong has crossed over from ballet companies to tv, film, and live theatre. Alex speaks about his resistance to dance at a young age because “only girls dance” to being instrumental in the Boys Dance Too viral movement. He shares how his teachers were the most critical part of his ballet success as well as the multiple, often public, injuries that shaped his career and defined how he moves through life as a person, dancer and artist. Alex can be seen in multiple roles starting in 2011 including the TV series "Smash" directed by Steven Spielberg, "Glee," and as a semi-finalist on "American Idol." On Broadway, he portrayed Sniper in the original cast of "Newsies" and later in "The King and I." In 2014/2015 he landed roles in NBC's "Peter Pan Live!", "Ted 2" and "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" and a co-starring role in the Starz series "Flesh and Bone." Alex also continues to return every season as a reoccurring All-Star on "So You Think You Can Dance."
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#142 Season 4 Finale with Clint Salter. Innovator. Author. DSOA.
09/25/2019
#142 Season 4 Finale with Clint Salter. Innovator. Author. DSOA.
Clint Salter, founder of Dance Studio Owner's Association has been helping us close out each episode this season, so it's only fitting he closes the season with us! In just the past few months, Clint has held a massive Dance event in NYC and released another book, Dance Studio Secrets. Lauren and Clint dive deep into the ideas around innovation, being in flow and showing up in the spaces of personal JOY, what is takes to serve long term thinking over immediate gratification and the courage it takes to make difficult decisions. Listen now on Apple podcasts, spotify or at Learn more about Clint at
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#141 Podcast takeover! Lauren is interviewed by Julianna Bootsman about mental skills training and leadership in the dance community!
09/18/2019
#141 Podcast takeover! Lauren is interviewed by Julianna Bootsman about mental skills training and leadership in the dance community!
This week Lauren speaks to what she has learned from her studies focusing on Mental Skills Training. From the responsibilities we hold as dance educators to building and executing goals to creating and standing for the dance community we desire. Lauren is in the hot seat with guest host, Julianna Bootsman, asking the deep questions about values, intentions and, of course, a few laughs along the way!
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