Another season comes to a close and we want to say thank you to all of our guests for sharing their time and expertise with us.  We had so many great conversations with our guests and hope you enjoyed them as much as we did.

We will be taking a hiatus for a bit as summer is underway, but are so excited to share season 12 with you.  Please stay tuned and watch our social media channels to see when Season 12 drops.

Thank you Jam Fam for listening and supporting us!  Have a happy and safe summer.

Joe and MIchelle

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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With a talent like Miranda Schry, how could we not have a great conversation?  Welcome back Jam Fam to another fantastic episode of JAM, Joe and Michelle's Dance Podcast!  This week we talk about mentorship, competitions, and sprinkle in some fun.  We hope you enjoy our chat with the wonderful, Miranda Schry!

Miranda Schry is a versatile dance artist and educator based in Los Angeles. A graduate of Point Park University, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Sports, Arts, and Entertainment Management. Miranda began dancing at the age of three and discovered her passion for choreography at sixteen.

Her performance and teaching experience spans both coasts. She has toured nationally as an assistant with Artists Simply Human (ASH) and Revel Dance Convention, where she developed lasting mentorships with some of the industry’s leading voices. Miranda was also selected for the “I Am Force” program led by Chehon Wespi-Tschopp in Los Angeles, and Talia Favia’s “Chapters” intensive in New York City. Additionally, she has trained extensively under Cameron Lee and Rudy Garcia through their mentorship programs, and performed in Cameron Lee’s acclaimed annual show, “Potion”. 

Her recent credits include performances in music videos for Baby Yors, Mother Victory, and XOMG Pop, as well as appearances at World of Dance, in Ed Sheeran’s “Love More” Dolby commercial, and in the Barbie movie. She was also featured in a digital ad campaign for 8Greens. In addition to her performance work, she serves as the Assistant Director for the Step It Up Intensive in Los Angeles. 

Currently, Miranda is a member of the contemporary dance company “HMG the Company”, performing concert works across Los Angeles. Committed to nurturing the next generation of dancers, she continues to choreograph and teach across the East Coast, driven by her passion for inspiring others through movement and mentorship.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Hey Jam Fam, welcome back to another fun episode with guest Christie Sirota- Jordon!  Christie is an experienced industry professional and has worked in all facets of the the dance world.  A true lover of the arts, Christie has wants to give back to the dance community, and it doing so with her fitness and dance programs.  We hope you enjoy our chat with Christie Sirota-Jordon

Christie Sirota-Jordon is a seasoned choreographer, educator, and creative director with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She began teaching and choreographing at the age of 15, developing a unique and versatile style shaped by training with top choreographers across the country—from the East Coast to the heart of L.A.’s commercial dance scene.

A Pittsburgh native, Christie has traveled nationally with renowned conventions and organizations such as Commercial Dance Intensive (CDI), Dance Masters of America, Dance Caravan, Professional Dance Teachers Association, N-House Productions, and VIP Dance Competition. She continues to teach master classes and set choreography for studios and dance teams across the U.S.

Her performance and choreography credits span high-profile projects including Las Vegas Fashion Week, Latin music legend Juan Luis Guerra, Disney’s boyband NLT, dance-pop group Taxi Doll, and the popular fitness program Hip Hop Abs. Christie is also a regional trainer for The BodyBar(re) Fitness Franchise and teaches “conditioning and cross-training for dancers.” 

Christie’s career has transitioned into other facets of the entertainment industry including creating & directing events. She currently serves as a National Director for VIP Dance Competition, co-producing and overseeing events nationwide. In 2018, she founded 412 The Intensive in Pittsburgh, a program designed to empower young dancers through high-level training, artistic exploration, and career preparation. The program has since expanded to Chicago with the launch of 312 The Intensive, alongside a growing suite of mentorship programs.

These mentorship initiatives offer dancers deeper, more personal support—focusing not just on technical growth, but also on confidence, clarity, mental wellness, and mapping out next steps in their dance journeys.

Now, with two decades in the industry, Christie is partnering and preparing to launch her latest program geared toward college-aged dancers looking to break into the entertainment world. Her mission is to redefine what it means to be a freelance artist—shifting the narrative from "starving artist" to confident, thriving artist.

For more information on The Intensive, go to: www.theintensivedance.com 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Joe and Michelle discuss their thoughts on the Tony Awards, what and who they liked, and of course Hamilton (which brings us back to Lin Manuel Miranda). A fun conversation as usual, let us know your thoughts on the this years Tony Awards!

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We couldn't get enough of Courtney, so we had to have her back ASAP!  Thank you Courtney for your generosity in time and sharing with our Jam Fam!

Courtney believes to stay inspired about teaching, choreographing and mentoring,  you need to remain curious about learning and challenging your current knowledge. Courtney’s first drive was dancing herself, training within various disciplines under different educators. Later in her education she trained at a select pre professional company where the elements of business, branding and industry relations were taught and explored. As she transitioned into her professional career in Los Angeles, CA her drive shifted into education and early childhood development. She was given many opportunities to build and manage kids dance programs within studios, create and direct a competition team, develop curriculums to support preschool to early elementary learning as well as an assistant program within dance studios to educate up and coming teachers on the craft of being an educator. She continues her work in early childhood development and education. She is also currently moving into her 9th season with Dupree Dance Competition and Convention where she has had the opportunity of having various titles over the years as Lead Assistant, Collective Program Coordinator and currently the Assistant Event Director and the newest addition of teaching within their young education program and being the director of that program. Courtney’s driving force with any discipline of work is to support and lift the people, the knowledge and culture within it, to build the individual and group to thrive.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  We are excited to share our conversation with the fantastic Courtney Briggs!  Courtney is a wealth of knowledge and a ball of energy and this conversation covered so many things!  An educator, competition and convention teacher and director, she does it all.  We know you will love our chat with Courtney Briggs!

Courtney believes to stay inspired about teaching, choreographing and mentoring,  you need to remain curious about learning and challenging your current knowledge. Courtney’s first drive was dancing herself, training within various disciplines under different educators. Later in her education she trained at a select pre professional company where the elements of business, branding and industry relations were taught and explored. As she transitioned into her professional career in Los Angeles, CA her drive shifted into education and early childhood development. She was given many opportunities to build and manage kids dance programs within studios, create and direct a competition team, develop curriculums to support preschool to early elementary learning as well as an assistant program within dance studios to educate up and coming teachers on the craft of being an educator. She continues her work in early childhood development and education. She is also currently moving into her 9th season with Dupree Dance Competition and Convention where she has had the opportunity of having various titles over the years as Lead Assistant, Collective Program Coordinator and currently the Assistant Event Director and the newest addition of teaching within their young education program and being the director of that program. Courtney’s driving force with any discipline of work is to support and lift the people, the knowledge and culture within it, to build the individual and group to thrive.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  Happy to share with all of you our episode with Dana Generette!  Dana's background is diverse and we had a wonderful conversation around dance in studios, dance teams and touched on her career as a pro cheerleader!  She is an inspiration to her students and she inspired us with her insight.  We hope you enjoy our episode with Dana Generette!

Dana Generette is a graduate of Winthrop University with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She is a native of Sumter, SC where she trained for 16 years in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, and hip hop. Dana has won numerous dance scholarships and received high honors while performing all throughout the southeast region. While attending Winthrop, she was chosen to perform in several Winthrop Dance Theatre pieces and had the opportunity to attendand perform at the American College Dance Association Regional Conference. She also served as captain of the Winthrop University dance team. While finishing her degree, Dana was selected to perform professionally as a Carolina Panthers Cheerleader.

Dana’s current role is Artistic Director, choreographer, instructor, and adjudicator. She travels and teaches at different studios in the southeast. She has completed Dance Teacher Certification from UNLV and certification in Progressing Ballet Technique. Dana hopes that sharing her love for dance and knowledge of the arts will help inspire her students to become artist who never settle.

She believes that mindset training is just as important as dance training, and having a strong sense of focus and discipline will allow her students to accomplish their dreams. 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  What a fantastic season we have had so far, and today's episode adds to that!  Today we talk ballet with the fabulous Heather Jean Wilson.  Her Baa Baa Ballet  and preschool curriculum are used around the country and we had a wonderful time chatting ballet, pre-school, and all things dance.  We hope you enjoy our episode with Heather Jean Wilson!

Heather Jean Wilson is a committed professor, teaching artist, performing artist,writer, founder, photographer, choreographer, and mother. She has trained, danced, or collaborated with former members of Joffrey, Ballet Russe De Monte Carlo, NYCB, ABT, Mongolian Opera, and Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet. Heather has taught, guested, and lectured diverse student populations, including preschool through dance professionals, university students, adults, and senior citizens. She has trained vibrant dancers who perform in all mediums of dance, from classical ballet companies, to Broadway, sports, and beyond.

Ms Wilson has founded schools and companies, created small works and full length ballets, built curricula, and instituted countless outreach services and events. She is known for inventing innovative teaching methods, and is the Founder of Baa Baa Ballet, Preschool Dance Curriculum and Grunt if You Understand, method of Ballet Instruction.

Heather is a mother of four children, 2 of whom are dancers! She is a competitive archer holding state and sectional titles. She enjoys family, motorcycling, camping, skiing, and time on the water.

Heather Wilson possesses infectious energy and enthusiasm, and loves to inspire everyone in the room to love Ballet more than they did before her class. 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  Another great episode today withe the wonderful Michelle Maskas!  Michelle is a wealth of knowledge and has numerous certifications to had to her resume.  We talk all things dance, as usual, with some fun stories thrown in.  We hope you enjoy our episode with Michelle Maskas.

Michelle believes in supporting our local communities to help the younger generations thrive! She began her dance journey at the age of 8, where she studied all styles of dance. During her dance training, she attended competitions and workshops, taking classes from some of the biggest names in the industry. Upon high school graduation, Mrs.Maskas continued her education at PennState obtaining a business management degree and graduated with the highest GPA in her class. She also continued her dance training by attending Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators of America’s Teachers Training Programs. Both organizations are known for requiring teachers to test their dance knowledge before becoming a member. She is a proud member of Dance Educators of America, Dance Masters of America, Dance Masters of Pennsylvania & Pennsylvania Dance Education Organization. She trains recreational and competitive dancers to enjoy the art of dance. Her certifications include: Acrobatic Arts, ALICE training, and National Federation of High School Concussion certification. She trains recreational and competitive level dancers to enjoy the art of dance and all it has to offer. 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  We know you are going to love our chat with Andrea Kron.  Andrea is a wealth of knowledge, having been in the dance world as a performer, educator and choreographer.  Her credits speak for themselves, and you can see why we had her on the show.  

Andrea received her Certificate of Dance from The Ailey School NYC where she was part of the Student Performance Ensemble and toured the New York metropolitan area. She has studied with the late Kevin Rotardier, the late David Howard, Milton Myers, Ann Reinking, the late Tony Stevens, Dorit Koppel, and Savion Glover.

Performance credits include Radio City Music Hall, Helen Hayes Theatre, Hercules on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre, the role of Arabian in The Nutcracker as a guest artist as well as dancing as a Rockette in Cremaster 3, an independent film at the Guggenheim Museum,  directed by Matthew Barney.  She has also premiered numerous dance works at the Two River Theater, Silk City Arts Festival and SUNY New Paltz.

As a choreographer, Andrea has created over fifty repertory works for students and professional companies ranging in style from classical to Modern to Musical Theatre, including full length versions of ballets to full scale musicals.  Some of her favorite shows and performances include A Funny Thing...Forum, Chicago, and Guys and Dolls. Other regional productions include Grease,  Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, Godspell and Footloose.

Andrea guest teaches ballet, Horton modern, theatre dance, audition technique, injury prevention and Pilates.  She has designed injury prevention programs that fuse dance, science and anatomy so that students have a better understanding of how their bodies work.  

Teaching credits include Broadway Dance Center, Marymount Manhattan College, SUNY New Paltz, and Montclair State University. She coaches students and professionals in NYC for auditions and college bound performers.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Commercial Dance Experience at Seton Hill University.  For more information or to apply, go to:  setonhill_dancedept and follow the link in bio on Instagram!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  Today we have a Mind, Body, Soul episode with the wonderful Nicole Sabella.  We talk confidence, training and all things to help contribute to well rounded dancers, including nutrition.  We hope you enjoy our chat with Nicole.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making changes to your nutrition, wellness, or lifestyle practices. Everyone's body is different—what works for one person may not work for another.

Nicole Sabella is a multi-passionate dance professional! She toured the world as a core member of the Mark Morris Dance Group for a decade. Now, she’s a dedicated dance educator, certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Certified EFT Tapping Practitioner, and sought-after wellness workshop facilitator. 

Nicole founded The Nourished Dancer in 2020, offering one-on-one coaching and group workshops that empower dancers with practical tools and heightened inspiration to level up their dance lives from the inside out. 

She has led nutrition and wellness workshops at several distinguished dance institutions like Joffrey Ballet School and Princeton University Ballet, among others. Additionally, Nicole is currently on faculty teaching dance at New York City Ballet Outreach Programs and The School at Mark Morris Dance Group. 

It’s an honor to contribute to the Make It Happen Academy!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Hey Jam Fam, we are excited for you to listen to our new episode with the talented, Molly Moon.  Molly is a dance educator with years of experience as well as a dance mom.  We get her take on the business side of dance, running a studio while your child is on the team, and so much more!  We loved our chat with Molly and know you will too!

MOLLY MOON... grew up dancing in Columbus, Ohio. During college she trainedextensively at the BalletMet in Columbus and competed in all styles of dance including tap, jazz,ballet, lyrical, hip hop, musical theatre, pointe, pom, acrobatics and contemporary. Molly hashad the pleasure of training under esteemed industry professionals including Marge Flemingand Ellie Hite. She has over 30 years of judging experience which includes Showbiz Talent,Mark of Excellence, StarQuest International, PrimeTime Talent, and Starz Dance Competition.She has experience in pageantry and is a retired varsity cheerleading coach. Currently, Molly isthe sole founder and competition director for Studio C School of Dance in Canal Winchester,Ohio. Her studio's competition company consistently receives outstanding scores at regionaland national dance competitions. Molly enjoys touring to teach master classes and creates choreography for several studios all over the nation specializing in tap. Molly was named StarzDance Competition Tap Choreographer for Nationals in 2023/2024 season as well as theirintensive tap instructor. Molly keeps her dance skills current with the latest techniques byattending dance conventions and workshops. Molly is also a “dance mom” for her son that hasfollowed in her foot steps and specializes in the style of tap.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam, for another great season with Joe and Michelle.  We are so pleased to be sharing some new topics with you this season and have a great line up of guests ready to share their insight.  

Thank you for listening, liking and following!  We appreciate you.  Now lets get into it!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Another great season!  Thank you Jam Fam for all of your likes and follows.  Thank you to our incredible guests for their time and knowledge.  We love doing this and we couldn't do it without you.

Enjoy our wrap up conversation!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Jam Fam, you are in for a treat this week.  Our guest is know world wide and has worked with some legends!  We are excited to share our talk with AC Ciulla!

Name sound familiar?  It should.  AC choreographed and was Tony nominated for his work on the Broadway show Footloose.  He is also Emmy nominated and has worked with some of the biggest stars on stage and television.  His career spans Broadway, Television, and even the Miss America Stage. Oh, and did we mention he worked with Michael Jackon?  We hope you enjoy our talk with AC Ciulla.

AC Ciulla, Choreographer/Artistic Director

EMMY Award Winner (Stars On Ice)TONY Nominated Broadway Choreographer for the hit Musical Footloose and the Winner of the FANY (People’s Choice Award) for the best choreography on Broadway. AC has recently been working with Superstar and Fashion Icon BILLY PORTER, choreographing his music video and music tour. He Co-Created and choreographed TONI BRAXTON’s hit residency at the Flamingo Showroom and LIBRA Tour. AC’s work has been seen in films, many commercials including a top five SuperBowl spot and television events including a DGA Award (Directors Guild Award)He appeared on three seasons as a guest choreographer for Ukraines SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, where he was given the title, “the king of contemporary”.He also choreographed Savvy Shield’s winning dance solo (Miss America Winner 2017)AC made his Broadway debut at the age of 19 in STARLIGHT EXPRESS. He was a soloist with the Phili based dance company Waves. AC was a C&C Music Factory Dancer and was in many Music Videos. He was an eight time Winner & Semi-Finalists on STAR SEARCH and had the honor of dancing along side of MICHAEL JACKSON.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  Today we speak with a fantastic educator, adovacate and ally to everyone in the dance world, Anthony Alterio!  Anthony has taught in higher education for some time and has some wonderful insight for dancers getting ready to move into the college scene and the dance world.  We hope you enjoy our chat with Anthony

Anthony Alterio is on faculty at Ohio University. He works in the School of Dance and the School of Theatre as Assistant Professor of Instruction, Musical Theatre and Dance. His research explores how representations of identities in the LGBTQIA+ community in pop culture reflect in academic settings as part of a larger interest in how dancers present themselves. Anthony is a native of Pittsburgh, and he began his professional dance training at The University of Colorado-Boulder, where he received a BA double-majoring in Dance and Psychology and went on to attain an MFA in Dance from the University of Michigan. Upon graduation, he has won multiple choreography awards including the Maggie Allesee Choreography award and since has been showing work across the US. Alterio is a member of the Boulder Jazz Dance Company, (formerly Interweave Dance Theatre), the resident company of the Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop as well as Director of a summer dance intensive geared toward the LGBTQIA+ community called Excessive Realness.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Our guest today, is a true triple threat, starring in one of the most popular shows on Broadway at the moment.  We were excited to have John Edwards on the show to discuss auditioning, Broadway, college and how he keeps it fresh.  We hope you enjoy this weeks episode with the incredibly talented, John Edwards.

John Edwards: Actor/Singer/Dancer/Songwriter. Currently starring in MJ The Musical (Jackie Jackson/tour singer/James Brown soloist) Previously seen in New York City Center ENCORES production of Jelly’s Last Jam, NYC revival of Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Chita Award winner, Lucille Lortel nominee). Broadway and 1st National Tour of Jersey Boys (Hal Miller/Barry Belson/others). National/International tour of Hairspray (Seaweed J. Stubbs) and In the Heights at The Kennedy Center (Domingo). And more. AMDA ALUMN CLASS OF 06

IG @therealjohnedwards

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  You are in for a treat today!  In this episode, we speak to Doriana Sanchez, a legend in the dance world.  So many of you have seen her but didn't know her name.  A creative with an incredible back story, a survivor and warrior, a mentor with a heart of gold, we know you will love todays chat with Doriana!

DORIANA SANCHEZ is an Emmy Award and two-time American Choreography Award nominated choreographer and director, and a World Choreography Award recipient. Her love of Dance and Movement has allowed her to create in all areas of stage and media.

Ryan Seacrest on E News! Has called her “The Dancing Queen”, and Tu Ciudad Magazine named her one of the 25 “Hip Hot Now” Hispanics in arts and entertainment.

As a long time collaborator with Pop Icon Cher, Doriana has Created, Directed and Choreographed the superstars extravaganza performances including; Dancing with The Stars, The Voice, Good Morning America, The Late Show with David Letterman and the associated “Dressed To Kill” Tour” which, met with rave reviews. Doriana has also Conceived, Directed and Choreographed Cher at the Colosseum during its three year, 200-plus sold out performances at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Her work can also be seen in the Love Hurts, Believe and Living Proof tour, which was honored with four Emmy Awards including Outstanding Musical Variety Special. Over three million people saw the show during its 325 performances. It ranks as one of the most successful tours for a female artist, grossing over 200 million dollars. Doriana was also nominated for an Emmy for Best Choreography for the show’s HBO special.

Doriana’s Stage, Circus and Touring credits include, choreographing the world premiere of Frank Loesser’s musical Senor Discretion Himself, at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. for which she received a Helen Hayes Award nomination for Best Choreography, Barry Manilow’s Copcabana, at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London, which was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best new Musical, The Night is a Child, at Pasadena Playhouse and Blade To The Heat at the Mark Taper Forum.

Her great love of circus arts led Doriana to China where she created The Galaxy Stars Circus featuring over 150 international performers. Other circus credits include Circo Fantastico, the all-Latin circus that Doriana wrote, directed and choreographed, as well as Odyssey, the first circus ever presented on a cruise ship, for Princess Cruises.

Additional Directing and choreography credits include, Video Games Live, Jane’s Addiction’s Jubilee Tour, Perry Farrell’s Porno for Pyros Tour, Peter Gabriel’s Secret World Tour, Dirty Dancing Concert Tour (2 weeks Sold out shows at Radio City Music Hall. Her productions have been seen in nearly every large scale arena in the US and abroad.

She has worked with musical legends such as Latin superstar Shakira, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Frankie Valli, and David Foster musical prodigies, Jackie Evancho and Charice, as well as comedy superstar Ellen DeGeneres.

She received a TEA award for outstanding achievement, for Resorts World’s Crane Dance, in Singapore Harbor, the largest animatronic water and video spectacular in the world and was director and choreographer for Festive Walk’s Lake of Dreams also at Resorts World.

Corporate clients include, Redken, Target, Toyota, Mattel and Canon

Doriana’s television credits include the Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, Divas Live, Euro VMAs, Blockbuster Awards, Be Good Johnny Weir, 11 seasons as Resident Choreographer on Fox’s hit show So You Think You Can Dance, Disney Channels, Best Friends Whenever and Dream School USA for the Sundance Channel. Recent creations include a TV pilot for Lifetime Television, and a new touring show coming out of Cuba.

Doriana continues to teach master classes and lectures in Dance, Movement and Healing throughout

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Sometimes you just have to have a part 2, especially when Michael Taylor is offering his two cents.  Another great episode full of chat, opinions and knowledge from the Jam team and the fun, Michael Taylor!

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Hot Topics!  One of our favorite segments on Jam with one of our favorite guests, Michael Taylor!  We take topics from social media and give our commentary, opinions and thoughts.  We hope you enjoy this episode with the always funny, Michael Taylor!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Email: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com

Jam Fam, you are in for a treat today!  Today's episode is one of living your best life, following your dreams, advocating for yourself and doing things that make you feel good.  We so lucky to have Kimberly Marable with us today, currently starring on Broadway in Chicago!

Kimberly Marable has spent over 15 years as a working actor. Her Broadway appearances include CHICAGO (Velma Kelly), THE LION KING (u/s Nala, Shenzi, Sarabi) and SISTER ACT (u/s Deloris van Cartier). She was an original cast member of the TONY and GRAMMY Award winning musical HADESTOWN on Broadway where she understudied Persephone and a Fate.  Her National and International Touring credits include HADESTOWN (Persephone), THE BOOK OF MORMON, SISTER ACT (standby Deloris van Cartier), DREAMGIRLS, HAIRSPRAY, and THE WEDDING SINGER (u/s Linda). Kimberly has performed at regional theaters including The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, The Signature in Arlington, VA and Arkansas Repertory Theatre ("The Rep") in Little Rock, AR; and has participated in the pre-Broadway development of HADESTOWN, PAL JOEY with Marin Mazzie & Patina Miller, and THE WANDERER with NKOTB's Joey McIntyre, which made its world premier at Papermill Playhouse. She has appeared on CBS' FBI & BULL, NPR Music's Tiny Desk Concert series, and numerous television specials, including the 85th & 93rd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parades and the 73rd Annual TONY Awards. Kimberly is the voice of Lorelai in the Netflix Anime series, CANNON BUSTERS and does promotional voice overs for various tv networks. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Kimberly earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in Theater modified with Sociology from Dartmouth College. She was an adjunct professor for the Theatre Program at Drexel University. In 2012, Kimberly co-founded Broadway Serves, an affiliate program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, which provides theater professionals with community service opportunities. She serves as the Vice Chair on the Advisory Committee for the Entertainment Community Fund’s Looking Ahead program, is on the Entertainment Community Fund’s Human Services Committee, and serves on the Board of Trustees for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

We hope you enjoy today's conversation with the incredibly talented, Kimberly Marable.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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New Year, new ideas, and new inspiration!  We are so lucky to have Dr. Chelsea Peirotti back as a guest with us again. Chelsea brings her usual positivity with some new ideas for dance educators to dig into as we start competition season.

You can find Chelsea at: www.chelseapierotti.com
Instagram: dr.chelsea.pierotti

And don't forget to listen to her Passion For Dance podcast!

Thank you Chelsea for spending time with us again and offering your knowledge and insight into mental health of the dance industry.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Here we go with another great episode hosted by Michelle and our #1 fan, Matthew Donnell!  Today, Matthew takes control of the episode and puts Michelle in the hot seat.  Learn a little more about Michelle's background, performance experience, teaching tools and a fun fast five!

We hope you enjoy this episode and don't forget to like and subscribe!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Joe is in the hot seat this week, as our #1 fan and incredible dance educator, Matthew Donnell, interviews Joe.  Get to know who he is and what he is up to on this weeks episode!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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And we're back!  Happy 2025 to our Jam Fam.  We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are ready for another season of great guests, hot topics, and all the shenanigans that Joe and Michelle bring every week.  

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We wanted to take a quick minute to say hello to our listeners and leave you with some information.  We are looking forward to being back with you all soon!

If you listened to the episode and want to help out, here is the link:
https://gofund.me/99515e37

See you soon Jam Fam

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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What a great season we had Jam Fam!  Thank you to our amazing guests for lending their time and expertise to us and giving back to the dance community.  We appreciate all of you!

Our wrap up includes some shout outs, Hot Topics (of course), and a run down on what is next for JAM.

Thank you all for listening, subscribing, commenting and being such a supportive community.  We do this for you and welcome all your feedback.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  We are excited to finish this season with the wonderful, Chasta Hamilton.  Chasta has so much insight into the world of dance and has recently been named to the Advisory Board of Dance Teacher Magazine!  A great conversation with a great friend, we hope you enjoy this episode with Chasta Hamilton!


About Chasta:
Orphaned as a child, Chasta found comfort in the creativity, play, and catharsis of the performing arts. This led to a life as an arts entrepreneur where she has developed a niche in: (a) change management, (b) brand strategy and differentiation, and (c) accelerated revenue growth. At her core, Chasta believes that every person has the power to reach their fullest potential and disrupt the status quo in an empowering, inspiring, and lasting way. She is doing this through her business endeavors, writing, and motivational speaking. Chasta is the founder and CEO of Stage Door Dance Productions and the founder and president of the nonprofit Girls Geared for Greatness. You can read more about her journey in her books: Trash the Trophies and Handle the Horrible as well as her latest release, the children's book The Trophy Trap. Stay in touch via her website: www.chastahamilton.com or via Instagram (@chastahamilton). 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  We know you are going to love this episode with the fabulous Caylie Rose Newcom.  Caylie is a wealth of knowledge, positivity, charm and great energy that has made her mark in the NYC dance world.  An educator and a triple threat, she has worn many hats in her career.  Today we talk a bit about what makes her tick, how to be your authentic self in the dance world, and all the other fun things that we get into on the podcast.  We hope you enjoy listening to our latest episode!

Caylie Rose Newcom  is a professional performer, associate, and dance teacher in NYC! Favorite NYC credits include: Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular (Swing, Asst Dance Captain), Noir, a new musical workshop and The Tony Awards 2023 where she performed in the Opening Number. Tours include the 1st National Tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and FAME: The Musical. Some regional credits include performing at The MUNY, Paper Mill Playhouse, Casa Manana Theatre, North Carolina Theatre, Weathervane Playhouse, and the Palace Theatre.
 
Caylie has worked in Ensemble, Principal, Dance Captain, Understudy, Swing, Associate Choreographer, and Associate Director positions. She has taught at Marymount Manhattan College and Circle in The Square Theatre School. Caylie currently shares her joy for dance while teaching at AMDA!

This episode is proudly sponsored by Thrive Dance Experience.  For more information, go to: https://thrivedanceexperience.com/

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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When we started this podcast almost 3 years ago, we never thought we would have a legend like Sheila Barker on our podcast as our very first guest!  Sheila is a giant in the industry, a mentor, a motivator and part of history at Broadway Dance Center in NYC.  We thought that we would drop this episode again, as this came out so long ago, for some of our new listeners, and for some to listen to again.

Thank you Sheila Barker for all you do!  You are loved by so many.

Jam Fam, enjoy our 1st episode again, with Miss Sheila Barker

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Hey Jam Fam, we are back with some Hot Topics straight from dance forums on social media.  We talk compensation for teachers, guest teachers, artists in videos, competition costumes and a few other fun things.  We hope you enjoy this episode!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  We have a great episode for you featuring Natalie Nostrant and Kelli Guardin-Rooney, Owners and Directors of High Demand Dance Competition.  High Demand believes in the artistry of the dancers and choreographers while expanding the dancers vocabulary and introducing an improv part of their competition (which is our favorite part).  We talk all things comp, levels, costumes, improv and why they started High Demand.  We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

High Demand Dance Competition is the product of two best friends, Natalie Nostrant & Kelli Rooney, who met in college and formed an immediate friendship through their shared passion for dance. They were both once young competitive dancers themselves and after college spent years as instructors and choreographers for competitive dance studios. Their diverse dance backgrounds and strong business and event planning skills led them to create the dance competition of their dreams for the young dancers like they once were. HD Dance is a reflection of their passion and love for dance and they are committed to bringing the dance community high-quality, innovative and inspiring events while providing a positive atmosphere for dancers to grow and learn!  For more information, check out their website: https://www.hddancecompetition.com/

This episode is proudly sponsored by Thrive Dance Experience!  For more information, go to: https://thrivedanceexperience.com/

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Email: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com

JAM Fam, welcome back!  Today's episode is a must listen for studio directors and owners.  Our fantastic guest, Laura Ward-Moran, advises and guides us through some scenarios of dance studio, dance teacher and director life.  How to navigate difficult conversations and of course, all things dance.  

Laura Ward-Moran is a passionate and experienced individual who has dedicated over 26 years to a career in dance education and business ownership. She has a background in ballet, modern dance, and authentic Pilates and has established multiple successful businesses and dance programs. Laura is the founder of the college preparatory dance program at The John Carroll school, where she guides college-bound dancers. Her diverse experiences and dedication to dance education make her a valuable asset in mentoring and coaching roles for her business, Unparalleled Pursuits.
https://unparalleledpursuits.com/

We hope you are inspired by todays podcast with Laura Ward-Moran!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Today we feature a new performing arts program happening in NYC, Flourish!  This program, founded and created by Alan Dornak, helps deliver additional training to individuals in the performing arts.  Gathering some of the finest faculty in voice, acting and dance, Flourish is a one stop shop for aspiring performers.

FLOURISH PERFORMING ARTS
Flourish Performing Arts is pleased to present an exciting new three-week musical theater training program based in Washington Heights - Upper Manhattan. Flourish prioritizes the individual needs of both the aspiring professional and the established performer seeking to further develop their craft.  We hope you enjoy this episode of Jam with Alan Dornak.

Flourish is not a traditional “school” that emphasizes curriculum and grades, but rather a community of passionate performers, teachers, and industry professionals working together to uncover and investigate hidden potential, expand and polish established attributes, and help craft a path to success. This summer is a launching point for future workshops, master classes and more extended curricular programs.

Flourish Summer 2024 offers personalized attention focusing on, but not limited to, the three main disciplines of musical theater: Singing, Acting, and Dance. With a set weekly schedule that includes Individual Lessons, Coachings, Group Classes and Master Classes, participants will be encouraged to develop and deepen their personalized understanding of the performing craft. These three weeks will also offer professional development opportunities such as Audition Training, Resumé and Website Instruction, as well as Workshops with guest industry professionals.

There is still time to register for this season.  For more information go to:
https://www.flourishperformingarts.com/

This episode proudly sponsored by Thrive Dance Experience.  For more information go to: https://thrivedanceexperience.com/

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We are back Jam Fam, with our Midseason Chat!  We love just chatting with one another all things dance, and our Hot Topics have been a hit with our listeners.  This episode will not disappoint.  Talking summer dance, dance intensives, guest teachers and a few other fun things, we hope you enjoy our episode made just for you!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  We are so excited to share this fun episode with you featuring Connor Schwantes!  Connor recently worked on the Tony nominated show, Days of Wine and Roses and is an incredible dance educator and choreographer.  We dive into his early life in dance, football, and growing up with parents in the industry.  We hope you enjoy our conversation with Connor!

Connor Schwantes is a teacher, associate, and choreographer in theatre and JAZZ. Most recently acting as the Associate Choreographer on Days of Wine and Roses with Kelli O'Hara and Brian d'Arcy James on Broadway. Connor has performed all over the USA and internationally, from cruise ships to NYC. Some favorites include American Dance Spectacular, Trip of Love, When Change Comes, Sophisticated Ladies, SNL, PBS, and Jimmy Fallon Late Night. After performing for over a decade, Connor has moved to making shows and building new pieces of art under Karla Puno Garcia. Some recent standouts are The Tony Awards 2023, Noir, Other World, and (upcoming) Ask for the Moon. Connor specializes in partnering, communicating dance to those who might call themselves singers, and making that "good jazzy" vibe in the room. 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Thrive Dance Experience.  For more information, go to:  https://thrivedanceexperience.com/

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  Today we talk with the fantastic Jenny Oehlwein, on stepping outside your comfort zone, fighting imposter syndrome, finding your place in the dance community, and of course, dance competitions!  Jenny has a vast resume and is coming on strong in the Latin Jazz genre.  Thank you Jenny for sharing your time with us.  Jam Fam, we hope you enjoy another great episode featuring Jenny Oehlwein!

Jenny grew up dancing in the competitive dance world and ballroom circuit. She graduated from Point Park University with a BA in Dance and a minor in Musical Theatre. She has made her career of performing, choreographing, directing, and judging across the globe. During college she had the privilege of training with Hubbard Street and River North for their company summer intensives. Upon graduating she took to the seas with Royal Carribean, singing and dancing. She continued her ballroom training there in shows choreographed by Louis Van Amstel, dancing with partners from all over the world. Upon moving to NYC a new opportunity fell into her lap working as a Rehearsal Director for a world-renowned entertainment company. Directing and installing casts for cruise-ships, theme-parks, industrial gigs, and occasionally assisting the casting team on their auditions. Some of Jenny's musical credits include- West Side Story, Legally Blonde, The Producers, The Bodyguard, the national tour of Elf, and Broadway Bares. Most recently Jenny was featured in Disney's 50th anniversary celebration concert as well as a Coca-Cola commercial. Additional commercial/tv credits include- Succession, Billions, Malouf, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Adventureland.

As an educator she is very passionate about sharing her love of dance and helping people be their truest self in the room. She teaches on the convention level for Encore Extreme and Dinamic Dancers Inc. Jenny is a regional director for the competition Encore DCS and a proud judge on the IDA panel. She travels and teaches all over the country, inspiring the next generation of dancers. She considers herself lucky to have made a career out of her passion and to be able to help others find theirs.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Today we take a moment to highlight another great program in higher education, Salve Regina University.  We were lucky enough to speak with Department Chair and Dance Program Coordinator, Lindsay Guarino, about this unique program.  Lindsay also has had a hand in changing the program and has been involved in some incredible projects.  Located in Rhode Island, this program has specialty focuses as well as flexibility.    We hope you enjoy our chat today with Lindsay Guarino.

Program overview:
At Salve Regina University, the bachelor's degree in dance offers a transformative education through the study of dance in a liberal arts environment.  Through the curriculum, students engage in critical dialogue, physical practice and creative production as they study dance history, theory, technique, performance, composition and pedagogy.  Students develop their artistic voices across a range of styles, including jazz, contemporary, tap, hip hop and ballet.  The curriculum emphasizes jazz studies with courses designed to honor, investigate and practice jazz as a historically Black American art form best understood through awareness of one's own identity and culture.  Community is at the heart of Salve Regina's dance program with an environment that encourages and supports individuality, personal creativity, dynamic exchanges of energy, risk-taking and resilience - all enduring values within the jazz aesthetic.

About Lindsay:
Lindsay Guarino is a jazz dance artist, educator and scholar.  As associate professor
and department chair of Music, Theatre and Dance at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI she has grown the dance program from a minor to a B.A. focused in jazz and justice.  As an educator and a leader, Lindsay prioritizes community at the heart of her practice and seeks to cultivate spaces where individuality is celebrated and recognized as vital to personal and collective growth.  Lindsay’s commitment to revealing and preserving jazz dance in connection to its roots led her to co-edit Jazz Dance: A History of the Roots and Branches (University Press of Florida, 2014), and the award winning text Rooted Jazz Dance: Africanist Aesthetics and Equity in the Twenty-First Century (UPF, 2022).  Through the National Dance Education Organization, Lindsay developed and planned two special topics jazz dance conferences (2016 & 2019) and developed and taught Jazz Dance Theory and Practice for their Online Professional Development Institute.  She appears in and consulted on the documentary Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance (2020), available on HBO Max.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  Today, we have a great conversation with Patrick Cook discussing the commercial dance scene,  touring with some of the biggest artists in the world and teaching.  Patrick brings to us a conversation that will especially those interested in performing in the commercial world.  Some credits include:

Performance with Renowned Artists:  Toured with Taylor Swift and Paula Abdul, dancing alongside and for esteemed artists such as Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, BTS, and Harry Styles.

Film and Television Experience:  Performed in films such as "La La Land," "VICE," and "Spirited." Additionally, appeared on popular shows like "Two and a Half Men"  

We hope you enjoy our episode with our friend, Patrick Cook

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Kicking off season 9 with a bang, we are excited to bring you this episode featuring creatives Hannah and Alex Isenberg!  We highlight their three day intensive, Bridge The Gap, and discuss the industry and how to navigate the ins and outs of this ever changing landscape.  We hope you enjoy our conversation with Hannah and Alex.

Meeting as professional dancers in Los Angeles, Alex and Hannah joined forces to bring immersive classes, workshops and choreography to pre-professional and professional students across North America. With their 40+ years of combined experiences covering all avenues of the industry, Alex + Hannah's classes are designed to focus on the fundamentals of the discipline, as well as developing important performance techniques that apply both in and out of the classroom. They are both award-winning competitive dance choreographers, convention faculty members, adjudicators and in-studio recreational and competitive coaches. Alex and Hannah are currently choreographing for the 2024 Women of Inspiration Awards in Toronto this April.

 Outside of the dance world, Alex and Hannah make up the alt-pop music duo the Savage Patch Kidds, both working as writers and creative directors for their own work. They have been featured in Mundane Magazine, Canadian Musician Magazine and performed with the John Lennon Tour Bus, winning Love Song of the Year in 2021. They are excited to continue spreading the joy of genuine performance art across the nation this year and look forward to the opportunities that come their way!

For more information on the Bridge The Gap Program, check out their website:
https://www.isenbergent.com/

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Jam Fam, hard to believe we have completed another season!  Thank you to all that listen and follow! 

Our Season 8 wrap up is a conversation with Joe and Michelle talking about guest teachers for your studio, non compete contracts, levels at competition and a huge thank you to our season 8 guests.  You don't want to miss this one!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Email: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com

And she's back!  We were so happy to have Alicia back on the show, talking about Bold Dance Project,  the dance world, dance competitions  and all things dance.  Alicia brings up some great things in this episode and we know you will enjoy every moment!

Alicia Pociask is a Brooklyn based choreographer, director and educator. She attended Point Park University, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance and Minor in Theater Arts. Alicia’s worked at theme parks and theaters around the country, performed in industrials for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and was a video tracked dancer for Pepsi. She spent her last performance years as a dancer with Holland America Cruise Line.

Alicia spent 8 years as a resident show supervisor, choreographer, and director for the Emmy Award winning production company, RWS Entertainment Group where she choreographed five mainstage production shows for Holland America Cruise Line, was an associate choreographer for STEP ONE Dance Company, and directed and choreographed three mainstage shows for Azamara Club Cruises. Alicia had the honor of assisting Al Blackstone (SYTYCD) for the workshop of Crazy in Love, an original short musical written by Kooman and Dimond. Most recently Alicia choreographed six shows for Carowinds in Charlotte, NC and travels around the country as an audition instructor for Creative Studios by Norwegian Cruise Line.

Alicia is extremely passionate and invested in the education of young performers. She travels around the world as a guest teacher, choreographer and judge and is the Owner of NYC based company bold dance project.

instagram: @aliciarose33

website: aliciapociask.com

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance Podcast
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Email: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome back Jam Fam!  We are so excited to share our episode featuring Miranda Spada with you,  Another great conversation about dance, a dance teachers life and what mentoring means to her and our young dancers.  Miranda shares some of her experiences in the dance world and we can't wait for you to listen today!

Miranda Spada received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance from the University at Buffalo under the direction of Tom Ralabate. There she was a member of the prestigious Zodiaque Dance Company where she was able to work with numerous choreographers. She was honored with being named Director of Dancers Workshop for two years. After graduation, Miranda stayed in the Buffalo area where teaching opportunities opened and she found her passion. She is currently the Competition Director at Tonawanda Dance Arts and also directs and runs her own Mentorship Program called L.E.A.D. This program facilitates the growth of individuals who are looking to enhance their training and work towards pursuing a possible career in dance. She enjoys giving her students opportunities in and out of New York that enhance their dance journeys. 

She is involved with the More Than Just Great Dancing Organization under Misty Lown and is also certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and Modules 1 and 2 of Alixa Flexibility. Miranda also does guest teaching and choreography. Training under Larraine Susa, she continues to go back to her roots in PA to provide dance education. As Pennsylvania's Outstanding Young Woman for 2008, she was provided many opportunities to share her love of dance. Miranda is an adjudicator with many organizations within the Industry including IMPACT Dance Adjudicators, Eleve Dance Competition where she also helps run the Ambassador Program, Beyond The Stars, Breakout, AMP, and Guidance Dance Experience. She loves being able to pass on her education and passion to the next generation. 

Our episode today is proudly sponsored by Thrive Dance Experience!  For more information, go to: https://thrivedanceexperience.com/

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Email: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com

We talk all things dance with Miss Kosha!  Kosha is a dance educator, mentor and entrepreneur, leading the way in the dance industry in the Pittsburgh area.  We talk about working with young dancers, starting a business and creating curriculums and programs that work for YOUR studio.  We hope you enjoy this fun episode with Kosha!

As the founder of Dance Unleashed, Kosha brings over 16 years of experience as a studio owner,collaborating with industry peers and teachers.

Acknowledged as a top leader, her work extends beyond teaching dance, encompassing mentorship and strategic partnerships within the dance community. Emphasizing the significance of class management and staff training,  Kosha has cultivated a culture that values professionalism, creativity, and effective leadership. Her dedication extends to empowering individuals through dance, emphasizing the transformative power of movement and self-expression. 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance Podcast
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Email: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com

Angela has amassed a following on her Instagram page @fulltimedanceteacher.  That is how we found her!  We have used her quotes and nuggets of advice and finally said, we need her on the show!

We had a fantastic talk with Angela about teaching, mentoring, and all things dance of course.

Angela is a dance artist, choreographer, teacher and content creator based in Providence, RI. After training at the Dancing Arts Center in Holliston, MA, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Roger Williams University, where she was the recipient of the Kelli Wicke Davis Outstanding Achievement in Dance Award. Upon graduating, Angela was a 2017 Young Artist in Residence at Bearnstow, Maine, and then went on to perform as a freelance artist while teaching dance and fitness classes. Angela has danced for Natalie Johnson Dance in Cambridge, MA, and co-founded ProviDANCE Project, a contemporary dance collaborative with her artistic partner, Ellen Oliver. Angela is currently a company member at Providence Ballet Theatre, and also teaches dance throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. When not dancing and teaching, Angela is busy creating online resources for dance teachers through her Instagram page, @fulltimedanceteacher. 

This episode is proudly sponsored by the  LEAP Program.  For more information, go to:
https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/academics/liberal-arts/leap

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Email: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com

JAM Fam, we are so excited to share with you this wonderful program in Alabama with our new friend, Aidan Nettles.  Finding the right college, university or conservatory program can be a challenge, are we are happy to be shining the spotlight on some wonderful programs around the country.

The University of Alabama offers a Bachelor of Arts Degree program in dance and a Master of Fine Arts degree program in dance. Students in our program have the opportunity to train in a wide range of virtuosic techniques including ballet, modern/contemporary, and jazz. Our students are encouraged to explore and develop skills as choreographers and scholars in addition to their movement-based practices. Additionally, we offer courses in dance history, anatomy/kinesiology for dance, choreography, lighting and sound, dance and the camera, pedagogy, and special topics. Dancers are able to audition for our pre-professional dance company, Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre, which produces 2 concerts each academic year. The Emerging Choreographers' Showcase also provides additional opportunities for students to present choreography or perform in our student showcase. 

Check out this video featuring two of our current students in the BA dance program to learn more about UA Dance: https://youtu.be/jMr0U29r63g

For more information on the Dance Program at The University of Alabama, please visit Dance.ua.edu. 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Thrive Dance Experience.  For more information go to: https://thrivedanceexperience.com/

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  This week we have an wonderful conversation with Lee Daniel, a multi hyphenate with an incredible background.  We talk all things dance, plus a little more!  We hope you enjoy this weeks episode.

Lee Daniel is a Creative Director, Choreographer and Educator located in Los Angeles. He has 15+ years of professional experience in TV, film, tours and international instruction with some of the most accomplished names in music. 

Lee's credits include:

Ariana Grande, Jason Derulo, Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood, Usher, Selena Gomez, Queen Latifah, "Queen of K-pop" BoA, Asian Superstar Amei, Jordin Sparks, and Japanese pop icon Jin Akanishi to name just a few. 

Most recently he was a featured movement artist on the hit Netflix Show, Soundtrack. 

No stranger to stage or screen, Lee is often sought for his creative aesthetic and unique movement vocabulary. 

TV credits include:

Ellen, Good Morning America, Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, David Letterman, American Idol and The Voice amongst others.   

While being Co-Choreographer for KidZBop, Lee has helped the brand build arena-filling numbers across three successful tours and a stream of music videos that have been visually and virally successful!

Most recently, he was an assistant choreographer on Season 2 of the eclectic fan-favorite, The Masked Singer!

An elite graduate of the Monsters of Hip Hop brand, Lee transformed his training into opportunities that established him as one of the most sought-out, consistent and technically astute educators in Los Angeles. He is a featured instructor at TMIllyTV, one of the top institutes for working dance professionals globally. 

In addition to choreographing and teaching across the world, he is a select faculty member for the Monsters of HipHop A-List Convention. This convention is attended by thousands of international professionals monthly, each seeking the highest level of training for prospective careers in dance. 

Powerful grooves and feel-good fluidity are a few ways to describe Lee’s style. He challenges movers to translate dynamic rhythms into seamless performance. He constantly references his HipHop, Jazz-Funk, House, and Commercial dance background -- offering diversity and a myriad of foundations.

As an Educator:

Lee aims for you to leave the classroom with a new perspective and a strong connection to your own unique artistic value!

As a Creative Director:

Lee offers a 360-degree creative outlook on any project. Whether relaying creative messages for brands using dance; filling an arena with high energy for artists; or troubleshooting technical issues to get the best looking visual, Lee is a force that embodies artistic integrity, collaboration and an ability to get the job done while making it all fun!

 This weeks episode is proudly sponsored by the LEAP program.  For more information visit:
https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/academics/liberal-arts/leap

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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And she's BACK!  We are so excited for the return of the one and only, Rachelle Rak.  In this episode we talk about her new venture in theater, dance conventions, her fabulous song and all things Sass!  Thank you for making time for us Rachelle and we couldn't be happier for you!

Jam Fam, we hope you enjoy our follow up episode with Broadway veteran, Rachelle Rak!

This episode is proudly sponsored by The Leap Program.  For more information go to:
https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/academics/liberal-arts/leap

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Jam Fam, today we celebrate 100 episodes because of you!  Thank you to listening, liking, subscribing and following.  We do this for our listeners and we are so happy you are a part of our community.

A huge shout out to all of the guest that have given their time and knowledge to our podcast.  It fills our cup to have these conversations and we feel very lucky to know each of you.  Thank you for all you do in the dance world.

When we started this podcast we had no clue where it was going to go.  We are so proud of what we have been able to offer our listeners and look forward to doing 100 more.  

Enjoy Episode 100 with Joe and Michelle!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Today's episode we Spotlight the LEAP Program!  We loved our conversation with Andrew Pearson, Assistant Director of LEAP, and we hope you enjoy this informative conversation about programs in dance.

The LEAP (Liberal Education for Arts Professionals) Program is a Bachelor's in Performing Arts online degree completion program uniquely designed for current and former professional dancers. LEAP provides remote and affordable higher education of exceptional quality with a part-time, low-impact class schedule.

For more information on LEAP, you can go to:
https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/academics/liberal-arts/leap/degree-completion-program-for-dancers

This episode is proudly sponsored by Thrive Dance Experience
https://thrivedanceexperience.com/

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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A wonderful and insightful conversation with the owners of Dance Ink!  Lindsey and Stephanie created a non profit called Ink Cares,  and are doing wonderful work in the community.   Studio owners, we think you are going to love this episode!

MISSION:

At Ink Cares, our mission is to foster a community where movement and art transcend barriers and inspire boundless possibilities. We believe in the transformative power of the performing arts, not merely as art forms, but as forces capable of unlocking creativity, confidence, empathy and resilience.

Our foundation is rooted in the profound belief that the arts possess an unparalleled capacity to enrich lives, foster thriving communities, enhance academic absorption, and promote the vitality of neighborhoods. Our commitment extends beyond the building walls, reaching to touch the hearts and lives of others where the tapestry of our shared humanity is woven with the vibrant colors of artistic expression.

At Ink Cares, we believe in the ink that writes the stories of beauty, resilience, equality, and unity.

VISION:

Through the four pillars of Ink Cares, we strive to leave a positive mark on the lives of those of which we are fortunate enough to cross paths.

Through Dance Ink and Ink University, we teach our students to have an openness to critical thinking and an exchange of ideas, to respect diversity through thought and being, and to have a commitment to excellence through professionalism, athleticism, hard work and self-discipline.  We teach mindfulness and wellbeing, as well as use multimedia and technology, to ensure our students have a chance of great success in this ever-changing world.  

Through our professional company (Ink Productions), community outreach, and our associates, we practice all of what we preach to produce world class performances, develop the skills and footprints of our associates, and be increasingly involved in providing solutions and impact for the needs of our surrounding communities.

Jam Fam, we hope you enjoy this wonderful episode with Dance Ink!

This episode is proudly sponsored by The Leap Program.  For more information go to:
https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/academics/liberal-arts/leap

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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JAM Fam you are in for a treat!  We were lucky enough to catch up with Jena VanElslander before she started as the associate choreographer for the revival of the Broadway show, Cabaret!  Jena has been gracing Broadway stages for years and is making her debut on the artistic side with Cabaret.

You may have seen Jena in Jagged Little Pill,  Life of Pi or King Kong.  Regionally she has performed in multiple shows including A Chorus Line, Footloose and Cats.  You have danced with her on the many convention circuits she teaches for, or have been lucky enough to be her student at AMDA where she teaches jazz, modern, contemporary, ballet, gymnastics and strength and conditioning.

Our talk with Jena was full of fun stories and look at a dancers life now in NY.  We hope you enjoy our episode with the incredible Jena VanElslander.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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And we are back with a great season and our usual kickoff episode talking all things dance.  Fun guests with lots to share with all of you this season.

Jam Fam, thanks for listening to us for 7 seasons and trusting us.  We do this for you and couldn't be happier chatting all things dance.

Enjoy our newest episode and don't forget to like and subscribe!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Wrapping up the season with a wonderful talk with the multitalented, Rashaan James! In this episode with talk tap, Equity, Miss America and so much more.  A fun way to wrap up our season, we hope you enjoy our chat with Rashaan James!

Rashaan James II went to the University of Buffalo for a BFA in Musical Theatre and a BA in dance. He’s performed all over the world in productions like Crazy for You at Lincoln Center, the Dirty Dancing U.S. tour, the West Side Story international tour, and the South Pacific 1st National Tour. He’s currently on faculty at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway in NYC. He is an elected member of the National Council for Actors’ Equity Association

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Another fantastic episode with a lovely guest!  Holly Gannett has been working in the dance industry for years as a performer, educator and choreographer.  Her mother owned a dance studio in Maine, which she grew up dancing at and then later became a teacher at the studio.  We discuss being a studio "baby", teaching with your parent, working in the industry and so much more.  

We hope you enjoy this weeks episode with Holly Gannett!

Holly Gannett is a 1999 graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo with a B.F.A. in Dance. She is Vice President of the Maine Dance Teachers Club.  She is the former Dance Director at Maine Arts Academy of 5 years, where she created the dance curriculum for the school, Maine’s first performing arts high school. Holly travels as a convention teacher and competition judge and continually holds master classes across the country. She has judged & taught for a variety of Competitions & Conventions over the past 16 years including Impact Dance Adjudicators, Dancers Inc., Headliners, and Elite Performance Challenge/Excel in Motion.  She has been teaching for over thirty years at Kennebec Dance Centre in Augusta where she grew up as a “studio baby”. Holly has been a guest instructor/adjunct faculty at several Maine Colleges including Colby, Thomas, & University of Maine at Augusta in addition to other dance schools in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, Indiana, and Wisconsin. In addition to dance education, she works in her community district schools as an ed tech in Physical Education & library.  

She is the former Fitness Program Supervisor of 12 years at the Eastside Wellness Center in Augusta for MaineGeneral Medical Center as a personal trainer and
 instructor of Zumba, Cardio Kickboxing, and Pilates. Holly began her dance training at Kennebec Dance Centre in Maine and with Andrei Bossov of the Kirov Ballet. Mr. Tom Ralabate was able to recruit Holly to UB (State University of New York at Buffalo) where she majored in dance. Holly was offered a job performing with Busch Gardens while attending college, which she declined in order to finish her schooling. Holly was employed at the Central Wisconsin School of Ballet where she was hired to expand and develop the professional ballet school's jazz, tap, and musical theatre programs. While under contract in Wisconsin, she was also offered a job performing for Sesame Street Live on their European tour as well as a scholarship to work study with Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago.  

Holly’s Musical Theatre performance and choreography credits include the roles of: Dance Captain for the US premier of Fame Forever, Carmen Diaz in Fame, Ariel Moore in Footloose, Mersister inThe Little Mermaid, Marge inSuds, June (Squish) in Chicago,
Adelaide in Guys & Dolls, as well as dancing ensemble roles in Cabaret, Oklahoma,
Little Shop of Horrors, West Side Story, Man of La Mancha, Working, and Mrs. Greer in
Annie. Holly danced in a music video that was seen on MTV & VH-1 by artist Thomas John Veilleux called “A New Generation”.  While in WI, Holly choreographed forThe Carnival of the Animals  which was narrated by actor Tony Randall.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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This week, Joe and Michelle turn to the internet to answer and give their opinions on hot topics shared.  Reminder, these are just opinions!  

We would love to hear from you Jam Fam!  What would you like us to talk about?  What topics are important to you?  Where do you want us to weigh in?

We hope you enjoy our conversation with Joe and Michelle.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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A lovely conversation to kick off the New Year with our friend, Angie Hubbard!  We get into the mechanics of dance physically and how we can better train our young dancers and ourselves!   Thank you Angie, for sharing your knowledge and passion with our listeners. 


 ANGELIA HUBBARD-OWNER/INSTRUCTOR: NASM-CPT, NCPT

Angie has had a lifelong love of movement. Ranging from a career as a professional dancer and educator, to teaching Pilates, Yoga, Barre and Personal Training.  She has been teaching children and adults for over 20 years throughout Pittsburgh, South Florida, and Bermuda. She is a former company member of the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda, Bermuda Dance Company and has also performed works by Nathan Trice, Keira Martin and Gia T Productions. Her dance study has included the Martha Graham School, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Koresh Dance, Doug Verone, ABT and the incredible Arthur Mitchel of the Dance Theater of Harlem to name a few.  In 2018, she became a fully Certified NCPT through the Pilates Method Alliance, and has been an instructor of all aspects of the method since 2001. In 2020 Angie  also became a  YUR back certified instructor through PHI Pilates. A program dedicated to those with back issues. She trains Pilates clients ranging from kids to seniors as well as Pre/Post Natal woman,  special populations and those with injuries and during recovery. Through her studio, she offers programing on Pilates Mat, Apparatus, CoreAlign and Garuda Technique on the Reformer.  In 2003 she began her journey to become a Yoga instructor. Currently she has completed her training in Levels 1,2,3, Pre/Post Natal, Kids, Seniors and Anatomy and Alignment. Most recently, Mrs. Hubbard also holds  certifications as an instructor in Tracey Mallet’s BootyBarre, BootyBarre Sculpt Programs as well as Alixa Flexibility Level 1 and 2. She is a certified teacher in Progressing Ballet Technique, Progressing Contemporary Technique as well as Sugarfoot Therapy which is a program designed to prevent injuries in dancers. Mrs. Hubbard is also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. At 41, she has gone back to college to study for her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from PennWest University in Pennsylvania. She is continually improving her knowledge so she can offer the most up to date and beneficial programs to her students. With her studio Three Little Lotus, LLC, Mrs. Hubbard offers private, semi-private and small group classes.  Her studio specializes in Pilates, Yoga, Dance coaching in all styles of dance (ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary and hip hop), Strength/Conditioning and Flexibility training, Barre, Personal Training and Injury Prevention and Recovery. You can find her busy teaching, being a student herself, and best of all a full-time mom to her three girls.
 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Happy holidays Jam Fam!  We are so excited to share with you our episode with members of ROCA, the Rockettes of Color Alumnae!  Lainie Sakakura, Sally Hong and Keisa Parrish took some time to speak with us about the mission of ROCA, why is was founded and what the group is looking to do in the community.  Along with all that wonderful information, Rockettes stories are told and of course a bunch of laughs.

The Mission statement for ROCA is: Rockettes of Color Alumnae (ROCA) was formed to share our unique history; support and advocate for former and current Rockettes of Color; and to identify, nurture, and mentor the next generation. We seek to share our knowledge from our experiences on the line with strength, perseverance, persistence, and unity.

For more information, please visit: www.Rockettesofcoloralumnae.org

You can also follow them on Instagram at: rockettesofcoloralumnae

We hope you enjoy this special holiday episode with ROCA!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We are delighted to have Tommy Scrivens back on as our guest this week.  Tommy is no stranger to all things dance, and hearing his insight into some dance related topics is always refreshing.

We hope you enjoy our second conversation with the incredibly talented, Tommy Scrivens!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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It's that time in the season again - Midseason Chat with Joe and Michelle!  We love talking about all things dance, offering opinions and thinking outside of the box.  This chat was a bit longer that our usual midseason, but we had a lot to talk about!  Jam Fam, thanks for listening.  We hope you enjoy this weeks episode with Joe and Michelle.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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JAM Fam, we are so happy to have Matthew Donnell back as a guest on the show.  Matthew is a wonderful educator, mentor and our #1 Fan!  

In this episode we get life updates, talk about the dance community, share some giggles and offer a bit of insight into our dance world.

We hope you enjoy our talk with our friend, Matthew Donnell!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  We couldn't be more excited to share with you this episode with the incredible talented, Dana Wilson!  You've seen her work everywhere and her style is one of kind.  When not choreographing, you can listen to Dana on her podcast "Words That Move Me".  Our conversation with Dana covered the choreographers guild, the importance of choreographers in the business and bringing Joy into dance!  

Dana Wilson is a choreographer, performer, and movement coach who understands how to move real people.  Her work is undeniably bright, refined and classic, yet bizarre with a healthy dose of HAPPY.  Dana’s feature in Dance Magazine declares her “Anything But A Backup Dancer”.  Her contribution as associate choreographer on the film In The Heights, her movement coaching for Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic, and her advocacy efforts as leadership of the Choreographers Guild all back that up.

While working in TV, Film, and alongside pop industry megastars, Dana also makes up one third of the wildly original and imaginative group “The Seaweed Sisters”.  They celebrate humor, the unusual, and above all – play.

Dana has been teaching for over 15 years and she is the master mind (and master mover) behind Apple Top 100 Performing Arts Podcast: “Words That Move Me”.  With her thoughtful and fresh voice, and a pension for moving people, Dana illuminates everything she crosses from the world’s biggest stages to smallest cell phone screens.

Enjoy this weeks episode with Dana Wilson!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Continuing the conversation with Danscend Founders, Kristin Deiss and Michelle Loucadoux.  We had so much to talk about, we had to do a part 2!  If you like what you're hearing and want more information on Danscend, head on over to www.danscend.teachable.com to check out the great work these inspiring educators are doing.

Enjoy Jam Fam!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We are so happy to welcome back our friends from Danscend, Kristin Deiss and Michelle Loucadoux!  We get some life updates and delve back into mental health wellness for both the student and for our teachers.

Danscend’s mission is to bring mental wellness to the forefront of dance training by providing a space for education, application, and community to dancers, educators, and professionals. Danscend resources are thoroughly researched, vetted by mental health professionals, and created from peer-reviewed scientific studies.

We are happy to bring you a Mind, Body and Soul episode with some of the best in the business.  Enjoy or chat with Kristin and Michelle.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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She's back!  We couldn't be happier to have Kelsey Nelson back on the podcast, sharing life updates, teaching strategies, sharing knowledge and packing this episode with everything you want!  Kelsey is a sought after teacher throughout the country, and we are thankful that she was able to carve out some time for us.

Jam Fam, enjoy our episode with Kelsey Nelson

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We are so happy to welcome back our guest from Season 3, Shannon Dooling Cain!

Looking back and looking ahead, Joe and Michelle have a conversation about dance, the dance world, dance studios, competitions and all things dance.  Shannon has a wonderful perspective that she shares with our listeners, and we are excited to share with you Jam Fam.

If you want to learn more about Shannon, head back to Season 3, episode 9 to hear our Mind, Body and Soul episode!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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And we're back!  We are so excited to bring you another fabulous season with amazing dance educators and professionals in the industry.  Thank you Jam Fam, for your continued support.  We do this for you!

Today, Joe and Michelle kick off season 7 with a little chat about all things dance, and of course, some giggles thrown in.

We hope you enjoy our Season 7 Kick off episode!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Ending Season 6 with conversation surrounding community, authenticity and a few giggles thrown in.  We love having this platform where we can share ideas and start conversations with other dance educators and artist across the globe.  Thank you Jam Fam for listening, following and sharing.  

We hope you enjoy our Season 6 Wrap Up with your favorite podcast hosts, Joe and Michelle!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Jam Fam, we are so excited to welcome back Matthew Shaffer to the show!  Catch up on what's new with Matthew, his new work and life after graduate school.  Thank you Matthew, for sharing your time and story with us once again!

You may already know interdisciplinary artist, educator, and advocate Matthew Shaffer from his television work on the top Netflix original series Wet Hot American Summer, or from his notable advice on Dance Moms, or perhaps you recognize him from his short-lived role as a Pottery Barn sales associate.

 Matthew’s debut book So You Want To Be A Dancer launched as an Amazon #1 New Release in Performing Arts and continues to dominate the charts. His second book, Dancing Out of the Closet––a collection of creative nonfiction essays––is “One of the most delightful and insightful reads in the last few years . . . “ –CNN contributor Dr. Paul Hokemeyer

​After attending the prestigious Orange County School of the Arts, Matthew continued his professional career as a principal dancer for the world-renowned company, Giordano Dance Chicago.  Highlighted credits include Cold Case, Jackass Number Two, The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, Hansel & Gretel at The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Earth to America with Jason Alexander, Broadway Cares with Rosie O’Donnell, Disney XD’s Kickin’ It, Bunheads, he appears alongside Adam Levine on Broad City, and on the hit show Crazy Ex Girlfriend.

​In 2010, Matthew co-founded A Group Production, serving as executive producer and collaborating on over 40 projects between Broadway, Film, and Television.

​On the heels of a global pandemic, Matthew returned to graduate school to earn his Master of Fine Arts in directing and choreography from Wilson College. There, Matthew turned his attention to exploring gender, identity, and grief related to narratives in theater and commercial art.
 
 Whether directing and choreographing Matilda the Musical with a half-million dollar budget or working with emerging artists in community theaters and festivals, Matthew fosters a creative environment to craft a story grounded in the idea that emotion is genderless, that we’re all looking to connect and feel validated. Art should be an equitable and accessible space for all.
 
 For the past 20 years, Matthew has worked as a dance educator at leading performing arts conservatories and conventions across the United States and Europe including the Broadway Dance Center and Giordano Dance Center.  He is currently an adjunct professor at Hussian College; In Studio, Los Angeles and on faculty with Fluid Dance Convention. You can follow Shaffer's journey on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook: @funnyshaffer.

Links to new works:
“NRHP: Growing Pangs BTS Documentary

https://vimeo.com/matthewshaffer/nrhpdocubts

“Nostalgia Radio Hour Presents: Growing Pangs” 

https://vimeo.com/matthewshaffer/nrhp

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We loved talking all things dance with Shana Simmons!  Jam Fam, we hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.

Shana Simmons 

BA DANCE Point Park University 2003 (Pittsburgh)

MA Choreography Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance 2009 (London)

New York City:
Simmons lived in New York City for four and a half years and performed with choreographers such as Noemie Lafrance "Agora", Alexandra Beller, Tomé Cousin, bigGRITS dance co, Debra Wanner/ Amy Larimer, Amanda Drozer, and was a company member of white road dance media. Whilst in New York, Simmons was chosen to present work at the HATCH Series twice, through Jennifer Muller Works. Simmons also taught for the Internationally acclaimed National Dance Institute, founded by Jacques D’Amboise, for three years.

London:
She performed and choreographed with companies and choreographers such as Flat Feet Dance Company, Stacy Abalogun and Nadine Doran-Holder and independently presented work at the Reverie Dance Festival in Ghent, Belgium. Simmons collaborated with the visual art company Artmongers, in two site-specific works in London and Simmons has performed her own works in New York City, Belgium, London, Chicago, Boston, and Pittsburgh. Simmons has presented at APAP, pearlPRESENTS Dance Festival, the Next Stage Residency, SpringUP Dance Festival, New Moves Festival, The Three Rivers Arts Festival, and Evolve Productions.

Pittsburgh:
SHANA SIMMONS DANCE(SSD),  was founded in 2009 by Artistic Director Shana Simmons to create unique and engaging contemporary dance. Simmons is a movement artist who creates immersive dance theatre works that have a heavy focus on research as practice.  Simmons and SSD have produced a variety of works in Pittsburgh since 2012: Relative Positions (2012), PASSENGER (2014), Objective I (2015), The Missing Peace (2018), ELEVATE (2019), IN/BEtween (2022), Living Landscapes (2023). SSD has received support from the Heinz Small Arts Initiative, The Pittsburgh Foundation, PACE Capacity Building, the Kelly- Strayhorn Theater & the National Aviary.

In 2021, the company received a $100,000 grant award through the Arts. Equity. Reimagined. Fund for a collaborative project to discuss race and age diversity in dance, generating discussions related to the Pittsburgh dance scene and ways of creating sustainable futures for all types of dancers here in Pittsburgh. Along with this new endeavor, the companies (SSD, Bianca Johnson & Dancers, Chrisala Brown, and XRconnectED) filmed in 360-degree format, creating a new virtual work blending different dance styles, with community at its core center. The company has also created the Constructed Sight Dance Film Festival, an international online film festival which hosts an in-person Opening Night Event, an online Artist Meet & Greet, and an online Dance Film Workshop.

Simmons has been commissioned to choreograph for Texture Contemporary Ballet, Indiana University of PA, Point Park University, the VALEES Conference, & Leadership Illinois Conference. Simmons is trained in Graham technique, has worked with various release based choreographers and teachers, values non-gender based partnering as integral to her choreography, and is trained in various Garuda method pilates/yoga classes. Simmons has been a nominee for the Carol R Brown Award (2016), received Pittsburgh’s Best Dance award (2014, 2015, 2018) and independently teaches within the community, taught at Point Park University for the past ten years, and is Part-Time Faculty at Seton Hill University. 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Many of you have seen his videos on Instagram or might follow him on YouTube!  We are excited to share our talk today with Miller Daurey, as he talks about his journey with dance, his docuseries, and what lies ahead for this talented performer!

Miller Daurey is a former professional teen dancer who quit dance at 19 — just when his career was really taking off. In his new docuseries, Back To Great, he explores returning to dance training 3 decades later and all that entails. It’s his hope to inspire and remind others… it’s never too late to go back to something you once loved.

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A wonderful chat with a total dynamo of a person, Shea Sullivan.  Her career spans many facets of the dance world and we can't wait to be in the front row of her show.  We hope you our episode today!

Shea Sullivan is an award winning director and choreographer who has worked in film, television, and theater. The New York Times describes her choreography as “adds high gloss” and “creating infectious joy”. Recently Shea was nominated for a Chita Rivera Award for her choreography of the Off- Broadway show Neurosis. 

For 20 years, Shea was the protégé of Tony Award-winning Choreographer Dr. Henry LeTang. She assisted Mr. LeTang on many projects and taught with him until his passing in April 2007. She was the assistant choreographer to Mr. LeTang for the Showtime
 movie, Bojangles, starring Gregory Hines. Shea credits her understanding of the work of a choreographer to the unique relationship she had with Mr. LeTang. 

Select credits include: Pre Broadway development: SOPH- The Sophie Tucker Musical. YES! The Musical . Henry & Me. Off-Broadway : R.R.R.E.D, Neurosis (Chita Rivera Award Nomination), Polkadots- The Cool Kids Musical (Off Broadway Alliance Award), Pageant! (Drama Desk Nomination Best Revival) , I’ll Say She Is. For Westchester Broadway Theatre : Newsies. For PACE University : Pete (Her) Pan. For Cape Playhouse : Drowsy 

Chaperone, Sweet Charity, Legally Blonde, Crazy For You; Kiss Me Kate . For Maltz Jupiter Theatre: The Producers, Will Roger Follies, Music Man (Carbonell Award), Crazy For You (Carbonell Award) . For Barrington Stage: Ragtime (Berk Theater Critic Award Nomination), Southern Comfort. For Arts Center of Coastal Carolina: Newsies, White Christmas. Pan Am (ABC),Christmas Carol ( Fords Theater) , Dames at Sea (Bay Street Theatre), DanceBreak '08. Proud member of SDC. Board member of the Ziegfeld Club. Shea's choreography has also been featured at Fire Island Dance Festival, Dancers Responding to Aids , Broadway Bares, Easter Bonnet and The Red Bucket Follies (formally known as Gypsy of the Year). 
www.SheaSullivan.com 
@thesheasullivan 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Catch up with Joe and Michelle as they talk about all things dance is this mid season chat!

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We were so excited to speak with Jennifer Jones, the first African American Rockette, author and cancer survivor.  We loved having the conversation about breaking barriers, diversity, dance and so much more.  we hope you enjoy our conversation with Jennifer Jones!

Jennifer Jones is an award-winning American performer recognized worldwide for her groundbreaking accomplishments and equal rights advocacy in the arts.

In 1987, she became the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette, making her the first black female performer since the troupe’s 1925 foundation to be honored with the distinction. Her RCMH Rockette national debut was in 1988 during the Super Bowl XXII Halftime Show.

Jones’ revolutionary milestone abolished a longstanding Radio City Music Hall Rockettes policy against hiring African Americans for its chorus line so as not to distract from its hallmark of perfectly-synchronized precision and rigid color uniformity.

By transcending the racial barrier, she ushered-in a transformative, modern era for the RCMH Rockettes, among others: in 1989, she was crowned Miss Morris County Pageant Queen in her native New Jersey as its first African American champion.

She enjoyed a fifteen-year career with the RCMH Rockettes, which included a national tour and televised performances. In 2002, she hung-up her RCMH Rockettes’ dance heels and joined the Rockette Alumnae Association.

Born and raised in New Jersey, she began dancing at an early age, nurturing a unique and dynamic approach to the arts, and mastering innovative interpretations of tap, ballet, jazz, and modern repertoires.

During her penultimate year rostering at the RCMH Rockettes, she performed in the ensemble of the 2001 Broadway revival of “42nd Street,” which won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical that year.

Her children’s book “On the Line” will be available October 31, 2023 and her memoir “Becoming Spectacular ” also  published by Harper Collins and will be on book shelves late 2024.

Jones is also a colorectal cancer survivor. She speaks openly and publicly about her cancer battle. She a staunch advocate for colon screenings, which are now at the age of 45. She was diagnosed with stage III and wants people to know this cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We were lucky to catch Emily Bufferd while she had a minute of downtime.  A sought after teacher, and a regular at BDC and Steps, we hope you enjoy our conversation with this amazing educator.

“Emily Bufferd continues to impact the New York dance scene.” – Examiner.com 

Emily Bufferd is the Producer of The Young Choreographer’s Festival, an annual NYC event presenting the most up-and-coming 18-25yr old choreographers, described by Dance Spirit Magazine as, ”The perfect way to get inspired.”. An Educator in NYC at Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, and Steps Youth Programs, she has taught at The Ailey Extension, Peridance, World Dance Movement in Switzerland, The University of Alabama, Jazz on Tap – Atlanta, The Eglevsky Ballet, First-Act/Paris, Dance Centre Orebro/Sweden, Aurora Dance School/Malaysia, Google Headquarters, 360 Dance Festival, Joffrey Ballet School, The Annual Teacher Workshop, and more. 

Emily has been featured by Dance Magazine, Dance Teacher, Dance Spirit, Dance Informa, Dance Mogul, Dance Studio Life, The Dance Podcast, the television show Inside NYC Dance, and has been a contributing writer for Discount Dance Supply’s Blog, DanceLife, and Apolla Performance's Blog, The Muse. 

As the Choreographer for “Made to Dance in Burning Buildings’ presented by The Public Theater at Joe’s Pub, OnStageBlog.com, “The show was choreographed brilliantly...”. Emily’s concert choreography (BEings) has been presented at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Joyce SoHo, Symphony Space, the 92nd St. Y, New York Moves, The Giving Tree Benefit Shows,The Elan Summer Dance Festival, and Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, among others. Described as, “technically superb and amazingly emotive.” -Examiner.com, and “a display of versatility...” -The DancEnthusiast. Her award winning work continues to be commissioned by dance companies and private studios around the country and abroad. 

Emily has served as a curator for Dumbo Dance Festival/Wave Rising Series/SoloDuo Festival (2010-2021), guest host for Hatch Presenting Series at The Works Studio, and is the former Co-Producer of APAP at Peridance. She was the Production Coordinator for Director Wes Veldink for Aimee G. Spring Line, and Assistant Choreographer to Pascal Rekoert for Berenik’s Fashion Week presentation. 

Emily has performed at Teatro Galileo(Spain), Carnegie Hall, The Kravis Center, Lincoln Center, and was featured in the documentary ‘The 20Something Project’, among others. 

www.EmilyBufferd.com. IG @ebufferd 

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Another great talk with another fantastic guest!  Thank you Erin Marino for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with us and our Jam Fam!

Erin Marino has provided a pathway for dancers to build a solid foundation in Los Angeles and jumpstart their careers within the dance industry for over a decade. She founded the Scholarship Program at Debbie Reynolds Studio, built TMilly Studio alongside owner, Tim Milgram, and currently serves as director and producer of LA Establishment and MSA Educate Programming.

While working alongside Julie McDonald and Tony Selznick, Erin thoughtfully crafts programming for MSA Educate using extensive knowledge from her career in dance, choreography, education, production and as an agent, while keeping in mind the current needs of the entertainment industry and dance community. She is proud to represent the best educators in the industry, and impact artists all over the world.

Alumni from programming under Erin’s direction have gone on to tour and perform with artists such as Beyonce, Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, Pharrell, Diddy, Chance the Rapper, Quavo, Dua Lipa, Camila Cabello, Anderson Paak, Lizzo, Doja Cat, Becky G, Halsey, Katy Perry, Janelle Monae, Gwen Stefani, Saweetie, and FloRida, as well as dance in commercials and on industrials for brands such as Target, Disney, Pepsi, Lululemon, Reebok and Adidas and on major network television shows and events including the Oscars, the AMA’s, the Grammy’s, the Primetime Emmy Awards, the MTV Movie Awards, the Latin AMA’s, the BET Awards, Encanto Live and Hairspray Live on NBC. Others have gone on to work in education, fitness, choreography, and production support. Proof that training in the arts has no bounds- it’s only the beginning!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We are excited to have two of our favorite guests back for a second time together!  We hope you enjoy our talk with Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

Courtney Ortiz, a native of,Baltimore, MD, is a 2007 youngARTS award winner in Modern Dance. Her professional career has allowed her to travel the world performing and teaching in places such as: Dubai, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Australia and France. Her career spans from stage to screen with credits including: Company Member with The Chase Brock Experience, Choreographer and Dancer on Youtube’s hit web series "The Key of Awesome", Backup Dancer for PSY and Chris Brown on "The Today Show", Dancer for Heidi Klum at Madison Square Garden in "Macy’s Fashions Front Row" on E! Network, and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. One of her favorite and most memorable credits was performing throughout Europe on the International Tour of the classic musical West Side Story as a Jet Girl and the Assistant Dance Captain. 

Some of her most recent credits include the 1st National Tour of the Broadway Musical Finding Neverland, Lin Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights, and the first ever revival in 30 years of Jerome Robbins’ Broadway at The Muny’s 100th Season in St. Louis, MO! You can also catch Courtney’s feet tap dancing in FX Network's hit series, “Fosse/Verdon”, where she was the dance double for Young Bob Fosse! Outside of performing, she is on faculty with REVEL Dance Convention, a national/international guest educator and also a full-time competition judge. You can even see her behind the judges table on Lifetime’s “Dance Moms” in Seasons 2 & 3. Currently, she resides in New York City, is repped with The Movement Talent Agency, and is the owner of Impact Dance Adjudicators! Follow her @courtney.ortiz and tune in to her dance podcast - Making the Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast! 

Lesley Mealor has been professionally involved in all facets of the dance world for the past 15 years. Originally from Marietta, GA, Lesley grew up dancing under the instruction of her mother, Brenda Mealor, at The Dancers Studio. She is a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a degree in Dance Performance. 

Lesley’s performance career has taken her around the world with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, across North America with tours of "Sweet Charity" and "The Music Man", and everywhere in between with numerous industrials and regional theatre work. She is very good friends with Elmo and Abby Cadaby through her work with Sesame Workshop, and surprises people regularly with Flash Mob America. She is currently based in New York City, where she has transitioned out of performing and is exploring life on the other side of the industry. She has worked for Capezio in the product testing division, and currently judges and directs events for Spirit of Dance Awards. 

Lesley is inspired by teaching young performers that what they bring to the table is enough, that good technique is the foundation for all styles, and that telling the story is more important than any trick you can do. She continues to teach locally in the tri-state area, specializing in jazz and theatre dance. Lesley currently writes for Dance Parent 101, is a sought-after adjudicator for competitions across North America, and is a founding member of Impact Dance Adjudicators, the only company in the US that provides pre-screened judges to competitions. Lesley is also the co-host of Making the Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast. Follow her work at www.lesleymealor.com. 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Today's episode we talk two of the most talented and versatile performers in the dance world right now, Kevin and Marcel Wilson!

Kevin and Marcel Wilson credits include working with artists such as Madonna, Beyonce, Toni Braxton, Tom Cruise and Wayne Brady. They also have toured the world with artists such as Janet Jackson (All for You & Damita Jo promotional tour), Britney Spears (Onyx Hotel tour), Christina Aguilera (Stripped & Back to Basics World tours) and Cher (Final Farewell/Dressed to Kill tour). 

Marcel was integral part of Christina Aguilera’s Xperience Residency show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino as a creative consultant and supervising choreographer. He also has been an associate creative director and choreographer for Latin superstars such as Farruko, Anitta, and Justin Quiles featuring Chimbala, Zion, and Lennox for Premios Lo Nuestro, Premios Juventud. and also Boza & Paloma for the Latin Grammys. Marcel also can be seen as a celebrity choreographer, on BYU Tv, “Wayne Brady’s IQ Comedy show.” 

Kevin's work can be seen in Broadway show's such as Finding Neverland and Radio City Rockettes Spring Spectacular as an associate choreographer. Kevin also worked as associate choreographer in films such as Netflix ’s Feel the Beat starring Sofia Carson, and films"Sponge Bob: On the Run, and Paramount Studios “Rumble." 

Recently the Wilson brothers choreographed and danced in the upcoming film “Marriage Made in Heaven” debuting later this year on Netflix and in May, completed the production of Tale of the Lion King at Disneyland’s Fanstyland Theatre in Anaheim, California. You can see their work as choreographers in Gloria Trevi’s Isla Divina’s World Tour and have been show directors, associate creative directors and choreographers for the highly acclaimed Holidaze Christmas show in association with Cirque du Soleil called “Cirque Dreams Holidaze.” 

The Wilson brothers are no strangers to television, contributing choreography for shows such as "So You Think You Can Dance", "America's Got Talent", " Dancing with the stars”, 2020 BET Awards featuring Wayne Brady as Little Richard and seasons 1, 2, and 3 of the Fox Hit show “The Masked Singer.” Awards include Outstanding Choreography award for their work on Cher's Dressed to Kill Tour. 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We are back and so excited to bring you Season 6 of JAM!  We are incredibly fortunate to have amazing guests joining us this season with their stories of tenacity and positivity.

Thank you Jam Fam for listening!  We hope you enjoy our kick off episode

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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A recap of season 5 with Joe and Michelle!  Thanks Jam Fam for listening and taking this journey of all things dance with us!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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A fun way to close out season 5!  Thank you Tiger Brown for such a great conversation and offering your insight and positivity to our listeners.

Tiger Brown is a multi-hyphenate creative, performer, and educator based in NYC. Recent choreographic credits: Ride The Cyclone (Arena Stage/McCarter Theater), The Lesson (lab with NY Theater Barn), the Jimmy Awards (Iowa PBS, 202, 2019), Stars in the House with Seth Rudetsky. Associate Credits: Rock of Ages (John W. Engeman), Matilda (1st Regional at Tuacahn Amphitheater, Engeman), Holiday World (RWS), and Elf (Engeman). Proud NYU Tisch grad, and current dance faculty and AMDA in NYC. This summer, Tiger will be directing/choreographing The Jimmy Awards for the state of Iowa, and choreographing Matilda at Forestburgh Playhouse. Check out Tiger-Brown.com and @stigerb on IG/TikTok for updates.

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Crystal Frazier is a one of a kind educator and a leader in the Hip Hop industry.  Our talk revolved around the history of Hip Hop and how the genre is now being recognized on the collegiate level.  We hope you enjoy our talk with Professor Crystal Frazier!

Crystal Frazier, a native of New Jersey, holds an Associate Degree in dance from The University of the Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in choreography from Jacksonville University. Currently, she is a director for Dancers Inc. competition and convention in N.J and has recently been promoted to the title of Associate Professor of Hip Hop at Point Park University.

Frazier is a former senior member with the world-renowned Rennie Harris Puremovement (RHPM). She has performed and taught nationally and internationally with RHPM, including in the Middle East and Central Asia. She is also the former co-founder of “Montazh,” an all-female Hip Hop dance company based in Philadelphia, Pa., and former co-founder of Hope College’s H2 dance company.

Frazier's industry performance credits include: MTV and BET, VH1's Vogue Fashion awards, BET awards, Italy tour with Kathy Sledge, Nike All-Star showcase, among others. She was the featured dancer and choreographer for Grammy Award-winning artist Jill Scott’s “Big Beautiful Tour." On film, she made an appearance in the movie Beloved, TV show Monk as well as in commercials. Recently, she was a part of a tour for the Dance International Workshop program teaching fundamentals of Hip Hop street dance in Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka and Tokyo.  

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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A day late, but worth the wait!  We hope you enjoy our wonderful talk with Sterling Masters!

Sterling Masters recently completed a 12 year run in the Broadway Company of the blockbuster hit musical WICKED as the Witch’s Mother. She is also a former Dance Captain for the company. Her journey to Broadway includes five National Tours: WICKED (Dance Captain/Witch’s Mother), A CHORUS LINE (1st National, Original Cast), JOSEPH…DREAMCOAT (Dance Captain), THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Dance Captain), and FOSSE. Before dancing professionally, she trained at JMSD in Charlotte, NC under the direction of her mother, as well as programs at North Carolina School of the Arts, American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet School, Kirov Academy of Ballet, and Ann Reinking’s Broadway Theatre Project. She was Petite Miss, Junior Miss, Teen Miss and Miss Dance for DMA Chapter 15, and was the first dancer to hold all four titles for Carolina Dance Masters. In addition to performing, Sterling loves teaching, choreographing and coaching students across the country. She is a member of Dance Masters of America Chapter #15 and is certified in Children’s Yoga through YogiBeans. @sterlingmasters

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Hey Jam Fam we are back with great conversation and some late night banter we are sure you will enjoy.  We dive into competition talk, performance on stage and food!  

We hope you enjoy this weeks episode and we love you for listening!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Speaking with Trevor Sones was such a delight!  A ray of light and positivity in the dance community, we hope you enjoy our conversation this week with Trevor!

Originally from Clearfield, Pa – Trevor received a BA degree in Dance from Mercyhurst University.  National Tour Credits: CATS, Beauty and the Beast.  TV/Film Credits: ZIPS Dry Cleaners, The Knot, CATS National Tour commercial, “Step Up 3D”, Good Morning America, “Do You Dance, Ms. Parker?”. Trevor has worked extensively with Royal Caribbean as a Dancer/Dance Captain (Hairspray, MAMMA MIA), Associate Choreographer (GREASE, Name That Tune), and Director (Bada Bing Bada Boom).  He then worked with RWS Entertainment Group in NYC as a Dancer/Dance Captain, Casting Assistant, Associate Choreographer, and Director/Choreographer.  Currently, Trevor is a Regional Director/Guest Teacher for Encore DCS and on Faculty as well as a Regional Director for REVEL Dance Convention! Most recently he toured Germany, Switzerland, and Dubai with SweetBird Productions "Rock The Ballet X" and "Romeo and Juliet" a Dancer/Dance Captain. Follow his journey at @trevorsones 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Such a pleasure to speak with today's guest, Marinda Davis!  You've seen her work on World of Dance and all over social media.  Today, find out what inspires Marinda and how she navigates the dance world through good and bad times.

Originally from Florida, Marinda's dance training began at the young age of two. Between her training at Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy, Blake High School of the Arts, and regional musical theater, it was during these pivotal years that Davis' signature style gained its eclectic roots. Touring with conventions from age 15, it was on the circuit that Davis began to spread her wings working as assistant to Gus Giordano, Frank Hatchett, Ray Leeper, Dennis Caspary, & Lisa Allain. At 18, Marinda moved to NY to attend Marymount Manhattan College where she obtained a BA in Dance with a Musical Theater minor. Simultaneously, she trained extensively at BDC studying with her mentor, Sheila Barker. Marinda danced professionally with Sting, 98 Degrees, & was a founding & principal dancer for Anthony Morigerato's, AMDP, NY.

You’ll often find Marinda on the convention circuit inspiring countless dancers across the world. Marinda is on faculty at EDGE, BDC, Peridance, Dancerpalooza, Dance Teacher Summit, in10sive, Art of Movement, The Space, Power Pak, Genesis, and WILD. Dance.com recognized her gifts for choreography early on, when they named her a Top 10 Young American Choreographer 25 & Under. 

Marinda is the Artistic Director of her company, marInspired ; the storytellers, founded in 2009. In 2012, she premiered marInspired’s first full length NY show, "Breakable".  That same year, Marinda received her 1st Capezio ACE Award nomination. Now based in LA, Marinda was nominated for her 2nd Capezio ACE Award in 2015 & received 2nd place & funding for "UNbreakable", the company’s 2nd full-length show. 

In late 2017, Marinda choreographed a piece for the DWTS Season 25 finale starring Julianne Hough. Marinda’s powerful story was the subject of the Emmy Honored docuseries My Last Days that premiered on the CW in 2018. That summer, her company, marInspired, as well as her choreography was featured on Season 2 of NBC's World of Dance. Marinda was the Executive Choreographer for Season 10 of Comedy Central's Tosh.0 as well as for Abbvie’s “Speak Endo” campaign where she choreographed a number of PSA’s starring Julianne Hough. 

In 2019, Marinda was commissioned to set a new work on Giordano Dance Chicago. "Flickers" which premiered at The Harris Theatre in March of 2019, was named as “Best in Chicago Dance” by the Chicago Tribune ; the piece reviewed as a "masterpiece" and a "genre unto itself." That summer, marInspired was chosen to be the company in residence at the SCERA Theatre in Orem, Utah, where they presented "UNbreakable" yet again. In 2020 Marinda choreographed the film, "Clouds" for Disney Plus and in 2021, an art docufilm yet to be released, “Steadfast.” She recently appeared as a guest celebrity judge on Siwa’s Dance Pop Revolution on E !

Marinda recently launched and self produces “The Storytellers” an elite dance intensive for Pre Pro - Professional dancers, hosted twice a year in NY and LA.

She continues to guide countless artists to and through their professional careers as a faculty member for Pace University Commercial Dance and remains a beacon of light to the industry through her choreography, classes, public speaking engagements, and writings

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We were lucky enough to speak with the fabulous Lauren Blakeney this week and can't wait for you to hear the episode.  Lauren candidly shares her experience in the dance world and offers some wonderful insight.  Thank you Lauren for sharing your story with us!

Lauren Blakeney grew up dancing in the Houston, Texas area under Kingwood Jazz and Company, and the International Ballet of Houston. She was a finalist on Season 9 of So You Think You Can Dance, making it to Top 30 girls of Vegas week. At the age of 19, she booked a Principle Dancer role, touring over 20 countries with Rasta Thomas's Rock the Ballet and Bad Boys of Dance. Lauren next was a part of Stacey Tookey’s Still Motion Dance Company, as well as assisting her on convention, and for So You Think You Can Dance. 

She then joined Norwegian Cruise Lines as a Principal Dancer and became Aerial Captain for 2 European contracts. Making the move to London, she starred in a national commercial for Wowcher and danced for numerous English choreographers in London, New York City, and Los Angeles. Upon returning to the United States, she joined NUVO Dance Convention as a judge, teacher, and assistant. Lauren now resides in Tampa, Florida focusing on teaching and choreography. Ballet and a strong technical foundation have always been a huge part of her life and career. Her goal as a teacher and educator is to provide a safe, healthy, and open environment to make everyone feel dance is for them.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Speaking with Al Blackstone was a delight!  Many of you know Al from So You Think You Can Dance, but his credits show that he has long been in the game.  Thank you Al for sharing your time and knowledge with all of us!


AL BLACKSTONE (short for Albert) is an Emmy-winning director, choreographer, and educator based in New York City. He loves to tell stories and believes deeply in the power of dance, community, and kindness. 

Born and raised in a dance studio, his passion for bringing people together to experience something meaningful has driven him to create work for concert, film, television, theater, ships, basements, parks, and many many stages. This includes original dance narratives such as Freddie Falls in Love (Joyce Theater), Happy We’ll Be (Roseland Ballroom), Elephant in the Room (Arts on Site), NORMA (Steps on Broadway) and Brown Eyed Girl (2011 Capezio A.C.E. Award for Choreographic Excellence). Al has directed/choreographed reinventions of classic musicals such as An American in Paris (Cape Playhouse), Pippin (Music Theater Wichita) and Annie (Axelrod Performing Arts Center) and has choreographed dozens more around the coun- try and Off-Broadway. 

In 2020 Al won an Emmy for his work on the iconic television show So You Think You Can Dance where he has been making dances since 2016. Additional network television credits include Good Morning America and The Macy!s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He continues to create self-produced short films including La Vista, The Suburbs, and A Good Thought (up- coming with playwright Rachel Bonds). In 2019 he choreographed the film Double Exposure (On the Rocks Films) and the next year he was chosen by the Irving Berlin Estate to direct and choreograph Isn’t It A Lovely Day to commemorate the 85th Anniversary of the classic musical Top Hat. Most recently, in 2023 he assisted choreographer Mandy Moore (La La Land) on the dance sequences for the upcoming film IF directed by John Krasinksi and starring Ryan Reynolds. He also danced in the film. 

As an educator Al is deeply indebted to the many brilliant teachers he has encountered throughout his life including his parents Richard and Denise Blackstone, Doug Caldwell, Frank Hatchett, Sheila Barker, and Andy Blankenbuehler. Their wisdom inform and inspire his own classes which have been shared with dancers all over the world for more than two decades. He has been on faculty at Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, and JUMP Dance Convention and in 2019 he was featured in the documentary film Uprooted which sheds light on the African roots of jazz dance in America. He has been a guest artist at many universities including The University of the Arts, Pace University, Point Park University., and Marymount Manhattan. Al is proud to be a part of the New York dance community including being a board member at Arts On Site a woman-owned arts organization dedicated to providing artists with opportunities to create and perform new work. In 2020 collaborated with his husband designer Abraham Lule on MOMEN NYC, a project that highlights and celebrates the power of dance through live events, workshops, and virtual offerings for adult dancers. Their weekend work- shop MOMEN&FRIENDS has brought hundreds of dancers together from around the world to form deep and lasting dance memories. He lives in Queens and has kept a journal since he was twelve. 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We were delighted to have Jody Reynard back to speak with him one on one!  If you are a frequent listener, you may remember that Jody was on with his husband, David Bushman.  This week we speak with Jody about his long Broadway career, highlights and lots of stories.  You don't want to miss this one!

JODY REYNARD has been dancing non-stop for almost 30 years!!  He has taught musical theatre/Broadway dance master classes at dance studios and educational institutions around the country.  He attended the Cobb Center Excellence for in the Performing Arts outside of Atlanta, GA and graduated with a dance major.  He then earned a BA in Theatre with Music minor from Kennesaw State University (where he also helped to establish the first dance ensemble, Wings) all while performing with The Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern, The Atlanta Opera and Georgia Ballet.  From there, his regional theatre career began with dancing roles in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, On the Twentieth Century at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT and Mame at the Papermill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ.  Soon thereafter he caught the eye of the late Ann Reinking at an open audition and made his Broadway debut in Fosse, dancing featured specialties such as “From the Edge,” “Rich Man’s Frug,” and the “Take Off with Us” adage.  Other credits include the Broadway companies of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Legally Blonde, Taboo, Saturday Night Fever and the national touring companies of Camelot, Kiss Me Kate, My Fair Lady, Memphis and Chicago.  Jody has also worked as a “Rosie Boy” dancing behind Emmy Award winning Rosie O’Donnell on Rosie Live! and on The Oprah Winfrey Show in the “Farewell Spectacular” episode.  Jody worked as a dance captain and/or  assistant for Broadway choreographers Denis Jones, Josh Prince, & Alex Sanchez and international theatre choreographer, Darren Lee.  He can also be seen dancing behind six-time Tony Award winner, Audra McDonald, in the movie musical, Hello Again! Some of his favorite roles include Darren in Take Me Out, Paul in Kiss Me Kate, Happiness in Thoughts of a Colored Man, Ken in Smokey Joe’s Café, featured dancer with the NY Philharmonic, Omaha Symphony & South Dakota Symphony Orchestras AND substitute instructor of jazz & tap at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY.  Jody is also a proud Core Company Member of Quick Silver Theatre Company.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Competition season is upon us and we decided to have a conversation around all things comp!  We talk about competition etiquette, our pet peeves and all kinds of good stuff (including wearing 2 shoes!).

We hope you enjoy this weeks episode!  Good luck to all the studios and dancers competing this season

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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This season we are coming in HOT!  Excited to share with you our conversation with the one and only, Sue Samuels!

Sue Samuels (Teacher, Choreographer, Performer) has
 established herself as one of the staples of the
 performing arts community of today. With over 45 years
 of experience, her expertise is often sought after for
 mentoring and coaching purposes by professionals and
 aspiring artists alike from around the world. Her students
 have included numerous stage, film and tv stars including Melba Moore, Brooke Shields, and Irene Cara. She received the Flo-Bert Award from the NY Committee To Celebrate National Tap Dance Day for her many contributions to both the Jazz and Tap dance community and continues to serve on the Bessie Award Committee (New York Dance and Performance Awards).  Sue was awarded the Dance Teacher Award in 2018, The Legacy Award 2021 from Dancers Over 40 and was awarded a special Proclamation from the City Council of New York 2022.

 Performance and choreographic credits include lead dancer and assistant choreographer in such shows as Got Tu Go Disco at the Minskoff Theater on Broadway, The Johnny Hallyday Show in Paris, and the The Brazil Export Show in Rio de Janeiro, to name a few. 

Sue Samuels was the co-founder/owner of JoJo’s Dance Factory in New York City for ten years, which later became Broadway Dance Center. Ms. Samuels was also the director of the Jazz Department and founded the Jazz program for Children at the Fort Lauderdale Ballet in Florida, and ran her own Children’s program in Boca Raton for five years. Ms. Samuels was commissioned to teach at New York University in the Cap 21 program with theater majors, as well as Olympic Gymnastic Instructors in Tokyo, Japan. Other teaching credits include The Joffrey School of Ballet Summer Intensive, The Ailey Extension, The annual Los Angeles Tap Festival at Debbie Allen Dance Academy, The Broward Civic Ballet, Frank Hatchett’s Professional Childrens Program, Dance Masters Association, the Haitian-American Academy of Ballet & Arts, the Dance Teachers’ Association of Haiti (L’Association des Professeurs de Danse d’Haiti), Bento de Danza the Brazil International Jazz Dance Congress (Congresso do Jazz Internacional do Brasil), Bento em Danca (Brazil), and Helsinki Tap Festival in Finland. 

In 2009 she founded Jazz Roots Dance Company, in order to preserve and promote original repertoire from JoJo’s Dance Factory as well as continue to develop her own choreographic voice that is rooted in classic jazz. She also aims to preserve the work of other classic jazz styles and influences by including works in the styles of Luigi, Matt Maddox, Phil Black, Bob Fosse, Jack Cole, Ron Lewis as well as lesser known choreographers who have influenced the field.

For a complete bio, please visit Sue Samuel's webpage on Divine Rhythm Productions.

Purchase Sue's DVD and CD of jazz barre, floor exercises and isolations at Divine Rhythm Productions 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam to another fantastic episode of JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance Podcast.  Today, our guest is the immensely talented, Germaine Goodson.  A staple in the NYC teaching world, we hope you enjoy our chat with Germaine.

Germaine was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She started taking ballet and acrobatics classes at age 3. Her God Mother gave her everything and insisted on giving her classes ln all styles of dance, voice, acting violin, and swimming. She had great teachers, who were very strict and demanding. She developed a passion for dance, by watching the Variety shows on television that showcased dancers, singers, musicians, and comedians. Their glitz and glamor made her dream of becoming a great tap dancer.

Germaine believes that getting a good education is very important.  She has a BA, in Liberal Arts, with a concentration in Child Psychology.  She is an MA, candidate with a concentration in Musical Theatre and Dance.  She loves teaching dance classes, and has been an Adjunct Professor in many of the Universities here on the East Coast, as well as those in Southern, CA.  She teaches here in New York City, at Steps on Broadway, and at the Ripley-Grier (520) Studios on a regular basis.  Germaine has taught and worked with the legendary Jazz Dance Masters: Matt Mattox, Frank Hatchett, and Steven Peck.  She has taught workshops, boot camps and classes with legendary Tap Dance Masters:  Henry Le Tang, Buster Brown, and Eddie Wright.  Germaine had her own dancing school, while attending Graduate school, in CA. 

  
Germaine has performed in Commercials, Prime time TV shows, Feature films, Dance Companies, Musical Productions in Regional and Community Theatres.  She has performed in the Off-Broadway production, “BACK in the BIG TIME,” with Harold Nicholas.  She performed on Broadway, in “BLACK and BLUE,” and Duke Ellington’s “PLAY ON!”  She is a member of SAG-AFTRA, AEA, and AGVA, theatre unions.  

She moved to NY and got her big break dancing and traveling with famous Tap stars and the legendary, velvet Tap Master and Choreographer, Henry Le Tang.  Henry Choreographed Broadway/Off-Broadway shows.  He created the Rhythm Queens, for the film, “THE COTTON CLUB,” which was originally a tap trio. Germaine and her dance partner, Deborah Mitchell, are now a tap duo.  The highlight of their career was traveling and performing as the opening act for the legendary, Singer/band leader, Cab Calloway. 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We were honored to have THE Nan Giordano as our first guest of season 5.  Thank you Nan for your time, wisdom and generosity.  We hope you enjoy this incredible episode Jam Fam

At the helm for 38 years, Nan’s leadership of Giordano Dance Chicago began in 1985 as Associate Director, and in 1993 was appointed the title of Artistic Director. Nan was trained by her father and mentor, Gus Giordano, who created the world-renowned Giordano Technique. Developer of the Nan Giordano Certification Program®, Nan is the world’s preeminent authority on the essence, discipline, progression and continuance of the Giordano Technique; the vision of NGCP®
is to provide worldwide, ongoing, and in-depth access to this ground-breaking dance form. She had an extensive performing career in concert dance, as well as in the industrial and fashion worlds. Before taking the reins on the artistic side, her concert dance experience began with Giordano Dance Theatre, apprenticing and then joining GDC. With her father leading the company, she traveled and performed extensively around the world; she also had the opportunity to perform in numerous WTTW dance television specials choreographed by her father including the Emmy Award winning The Rehearsal. When an injury ended her performing career in 1985, Nan became Associate Director of the company and was instrumental in establishing a working Board of Directors, which has evolved into today’s three separate boards. In the last 37 years, under Nan’s direction, GDC has established a high-profile reputation for excellence in the Chicago dance community, as well as in the national and international dance worlds. 

For more information you can check out Giordanodance.org
Instagram: @Giordanodancechicago

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We say it every time, but it just keeps getting better!  Thank you to our incredible guest this season: Phil LaDuca, Keisa Parrish, Daniel Gold, Tara Harrison, Matthew Donnell, Amanda Spilinga, Mark Burrell, Sheila Barker, Brandon Kelly, Tommy Scrivens, Dr Chelsea Pierotti, Alexandra Salerno, Ian Campanyo and Mara Greer.  We appreciate all of you and what you do in the dance world!

Season is ready to drop next and we promise you, it won't disappoint!  Thank you Jam Fam for listening!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Great conversation with a wonderful friend and educator, Mara Greer!

Mara Greer is a performer, teacher, and director/choreographer. She performed on Broadway in A Christmas Story, The Musical as well as the 1st National Tour of Shrek the Musical. As a director/choreographer, she has worked at Paper Mill Playhouse, Seattle 5th Ave, the Fulton Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, Gateway Playhouse, Music Theatre Wichita, Broadway at Music Circus, The Cape Rep, Front Porch Theatricals, Palm Beach Opera, Chautauqua Opera, Tuacahn, and Pittsburgh CLO. She has taught for studios across the country as well as Beyond the Stars Dance Convention, Company Dance, and Thrive Dance Experience. Mara received her BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We hope you enjoy this Mind, Body and Soul episode featuring our amazing guest, Alexandra Salerno!

 Alexandra is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania and serves as a Peak Performance Consultant at KPEX consulting. She works with clients of various ages in the areas of building resilience, mental toughness and overcoming mental blocks. Alexandra is also a supervisor at Western Behavioral Health, the UPMC Center for Eating Disorders, where she oversees outpatient programming. Alexandra received her degree at The University of Pittsburgh.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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A great episoded speaking with Ian Campayno, currently in the hit musical on Broadway, Some Like it Hot!

Thrilled to be back on Broadway! 
Broadway: Mary Poppins 
Off-Broadway: Trip of Love Tours: Something Rotten!, Chicago, Mary Poppins TV/Film: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Lovestruck: The Musical 
Regional: Arvada Center, NSMT, Ogunquit Playhouse, Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Rucks Countv Plavnouse. 
BFA Shenandoah Conservatory. 
@ icampayno

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  We couldn't be more excited to share this episode with you, featuring guests from past seasons.  Each guest chats about moving forward, what Joy means and share some wonderful insight.

We hope you enjoy our special JAM episode!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season celebrating with friend a family.

We are back with a fun episode with Mark Burrell!  Thank you Mark for joining us and the Jam Fam!

Mark Burrell is an American dancer/choreographer best known for his work on Broadway and abroad in Pippin, Fosse, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular and CATS.  For the movie going audiences he can be pictured in The Producers: A Movie Musical.  Currently Mark serves as a Visiting Artist in Residence at Southern Methodist University.  He was also an Assistant Professor of Dance at Point Park University and just recently made his choreographic debut for the Pittsburgh CLO's Cabaret with the 80’s roller-skating musical, Xanadu.

 Mark was raised in Lake Orion, Michigan, a small town just north of Detroit where he started taking dance classes at a young age in the basement of a home.  While discovering his passion for dance and musical theatre in high school he went on to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Juilliard School in New York City.

 Mark’s performance experience is extensive throughout the United States and internationally, including engagements in Japan, Zambia, Peru, and South Africa.  Other theatrical productions include:  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Broadway for Hilary, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.  Television credits include:  CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman, NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien and MTV’s Step 2 This.  Mark has been involved in numerous industrials for such companies as Macy’s Department Stores, Ford Motor Company, Intel Computers, IBM, and Tupperware. He has also engaged in the classical and contemporary works of Chet Walker with his company WalkerDance as a principle dancer, Lar Lubovich, Paul Taylor, Jiri Kylian, Lila York, and David Parker and The Bang Group where he is an honorary guest artist.

Mark serves as a masterclass instructor & panel contributor for several different teaching organizations including Pittsburgh’s CLO Academy, Barbara Ingram’s School of the Arts, The Joffery Ballet School, Jacob's Pillow, Tokyo’s Broadway Dance Center, Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute, The Institute for the Blind, Instituto Cultural Peruano Norteamericano & others.  He also serves as a private dance & acting coach to students all over the country.

Mark is a passionate supporter of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and various other human rights groups.  He frequently performs in charity concerts at various venues in New York City and across the country.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Hey Jam Fam!

Our episode today features Joe and Michelle discussing relevant topics in the dance world.  We talk tWitch,  mental health, dance etiquette, being thankful and much more.  Thank you for listening and sending in great questions and comments.  

We will be taking a short break for the holidays, but will be back in January 2023.  Happy Holidays to our listeners and thank you for following us!  We look forward to the new year with you!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Hey Jam Fam!  Our episode today features a creator and dance educator making moves in NYC.  Originally from Italy, Amanda Spilinga has founded her own company and created a style of movement fusing the fundamentals of contemporary, jazz and hip hop that brings energy to her style.  We hope you enjoy todays episode!

Amanda Spilinga started her journey of becoming a versatile artist at age 11. She took lessons in Ballet, modern, jazz and contemporary. After spending some time doing acting and singing she knew dance was her calling.

She started to achieve recognition by known choreographers as up and coming dancer at 16. She went on to receive many scholarship offers and winning competitions between the ages of 16 and 19. She was able to complete a year of courses and receive the certification as professional modern dance instructor from the International Dance Association at the age of 17. She achieved all of those while studying as an interpreter and translator in foreign languages.

She was exposed to street dance culture after traveling to NYC, which expended her dance vocabulary and was able to unleash her creativity.

Ever since when she was a little girl, Amanda has been compelled by the need to share her passion for dance with others. She began teaching contemporary dance class to all dancers, regardless of their experience in dance. That passion propelled her to create ASTC in 2014.  Check out the company at alternativesynergythecompany.com

The company embodies Amanda's core values. It is comprised of dancers from many nationalities, backgrounds and dance styles. She is taking many different voices and merging them to create a story that will resonate with many. Since the company's inception, they have performed in clubs, theaters and TV.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Our episode this week features the truly talented Matthew Donnell!  An educator, professional ballet dancer, published author and Dad, we hope you enjoy our conversation.

Matthew C. Donnell is a native of Mt. Airy, North Carolina. He received his formal training from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) and the Rock School of Pennsylvania Ballet. He spent his ballet career with the Kansas City Ballet, where he performed soloist and principal roles by the great ballet and contemporary masters. He has instructed, choreographed, set repertoire, and rehearsed professional ballet companies and schools across the country including Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB), UNCSA, Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, The University of Alabama, Kansas City Ballet, Montgomery Ballet, Alabama Dance Theatre, Dance West Virginia, and Dance Teacher Web Live. He has served as the Director of the UNCSA Preparatory Dance Program and as a board member for the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), the union that represents ballet and opera performers. In addition to dance, he enjoys teaching physical comedy to dancers, actors, and anyone willing to learn. 

Donnell is also an actor, singer, film maker, and physical comedian (clown), and father. His theater credits include Kansas City Starlight Theatre, Kansas City New Theatre, Houston Theatre Under the Stars, and the New York Musical Festival. With partner Alana Niehoff, he wrote, produced, and performed in his one-man clown/physical comedy show The Chapeau Show in NYC benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. His short film series, The Adventures of Jim has been screened in film festivals on the East and West Coasts. 

He is the author of the illustrated children’s book The Boy with the Patch, The Nutcracker Chronicles. 

He has received teacher training in the CPYB syllabus, Classical Character Dance training and certification with Inna Stabrova, and is an ABT® Certified Teacher who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. 

Instagram: @matthewdonnell 
Facebook Matthew C. Donnell
 Twitter: @matthewdonnell 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Tara Harrison is our guest today, and we take a look at the wellness side of dance and fitness.  Thank you Tara for sharing your time and story with us and our listeners

Tara is the owner and operator of Resilient Fitness Inc with over 15 years of Pilates and GYROTONIC® instruction experience.  After a dance injury in 2004, Tara turned to Pilates and GYROTONIC® as part of her rehabilitation. In 2007 she began her official journey in becoming an instructor and received her Authentic Pilates certification in New York City. Quenching her thrist to expand her knowledge of the body and the benefits of efficient movement, Tara then obtained her license in the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® in 2010 working under Master Trainer Young ah Kim. Completing the philosophy of health is a lifestyle, Tara enrolled at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition to become a Certified Health Coach. Combining her knowledge of fitness and holistic well being, Tara strives to show her clients that being healthy is easy, accessible and an overall lifestyle choice.

Tara works with special populations in both Pilates and GYROTONIC®.  She is trained for shoulder/neck issues, scoliosis, lower back/hip pain, Osteo(penia/perosis), and Pre and Post Natal clients. 

Tara also holds a Bachelors Degree in Theater Performance with minor in both English Literature and Dance from Wagner College. Additionally, Tara most recently received her Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion leadership Certificate from Northwestern University. 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We loved talking with Daniel Gold and we know you will love listening to this episode!

Daniel Gold is an NYC based artist that stretches in numerous areas of the arts world. They work as a performer, choreographer, teacher, and try to bring artists together through their non profit, Leg Up On Life. They have toured across the country on the 1st National Broadway revival tour of Miss Saigon and flipped around the country with Disney's Beauty and the Beast. In addition, they have performed at Lyric Opera Of Chicago, North Shore Music Theatre, The Rev Theatre Co., and even on screen through holiday pay per view specials like A Drag Queen Christmas. As a Choreographer/Director, they have worked on numerous music videos for reality stars from Ru Paul's Drag Race, stage musicals acting as Director/Choreographer or Choreographer, creating shows for theme parks, and even creating works for one time pop up events. Daniel is currently on faculty at STEPS On Broadway and PMT House Of Dance. Keep up with Daniel Gold at @djpgold or Daniel-gold.com.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Former Radio City Rockette, Keisa Parrish joins us this week with a great discussion on goals (past and present), wellness and how to make the most out of all your experiences.

Keisa Parrish has been teaching dance and choreographing for the past 25 years, judging dance competitions for the last 17 years and helping to develop dance programs for over 15 years. She is a graduate of the Fordham University/ Alvin Ailey BFA program, which she completed while performing as a Radio City Rockette in the Christmas Spectacular. For the past 22 years, since living in NYC, Keisa has worked with amazing organizations including Harlem School of the Arts, where she was a teacher and also the Assistant Dance Director. Next Step Broadway, where she was the Manager, Assistant Artistic Director and a teacher. Keisa has been an adjunct professor at New York City College. Judged and Emceed at Elite Dance Challenge Competition, Dancers Inc. Competition, Backstage Competition and many more. She was the former New Jersey Director of scholarship program Distinguished Young Women and has taught and choreographed at many dance schools all over the Tri-State area. As a certified Yoga/Pilates/TRX instructor, she’s been featured in Fitness Magazine, on Pix 11 Morning News, NBC New York and Buzzfeed. Keisa’s has been teaching fitness and wellness classes/workshops for over 13 years and has worked for great companies such as YogaWorks, Sports Club LA/NY and Clay Gym. Colgate Palmolive has hired her to teach their global leaders "How to use Mindfulness to Alleviate Stress,” while The Covenant House hired her to teach “Exercising & Eating Your Stress Away,” and has taught Pilates as a Team Building program to the Nike Basketball Team New York. Keisa is the Founder & CEO of Luebirta and Kaleonani Inc, a company that inspirse you to leverage your talent, organize your dance curriculum, move your body, take excellent care of yourself and create your best possible life.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Hey Jam Fam!  We are excited to share today's episode with you, featuring Phil LaDuca!  We know you know the name for being the shoe maker to the stars, but there is so much more to his story.  Thank you Phil for honesty and carving out time for us!

 Most recognize the name LaDuca as the pinnacle of dance shoes, but before shoes, there was Phil LaDuca, the performer, who went from classical ballet and contemporary dance, onto Broadway as a song and dance man, to ‘hoofing’ with the biggest stars onstage, offstage and the big screen. 

Phil began his early stage career singing in rock bands in Chicago before switching gears to a dance career studying classical ballet with the premier ballet masters, Bentley Stone and Walter Camryn (actually performing in the ballet Romeo and Juliet with the legendary Rudolf Nureyev).  jazz with Lou Conte founder of Hubbard Street Dance Company, and contemporary with the Joel Hall Dancers.  

On Broadway he appeared in “Brigadoon” for Agnes DeMille  (alongside Jerry Mitchell), the “Pirates of Penzance” , and was the original understudy for the Gene Kelly role in “Singin’ In the Rain” for Twyla Tharp. Phil toured in “Camelot” along with staring on tour in the lead role, of Bill Snipson in “Me and My Girl”. 

  While in New York Phil first performed with American Dance Machine under the legendary Lee Theodore, working with such greats as Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins, Ona White, Danny Daniels, Patricia Birch, Anne Reinking, Wayne Cilento and Chita Rivera.

Fulfilling another creative side, Phil created the international acclaimed LaDuca Shoes, crowned the “Shoemaker to the Shoes”; designing shoes for the likes of Katy Perry, Meryl Streep, Taylor Swift, Emma Thompson, Hugh Jackman, Catherine Zeta Jones, Lea Salonga, Pink, Shania Twain, Penelope Cruz, Selena Gomez , Christina Aguilera, Harry Connick Jr. and most of the shows on Broadway and tour; Moulin Rouge, The Music Man, Wicked, Book of Mormon, Frozen, Some Like It Hot, The Cher Musical, Bandstand, An American in Paris, Kinky Boots, Matilda, Pippin, Sister Act, Annie, Anastasia, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Aladdin; TV – Fosse/Verdon, Hairspray Live, So You Think You Can Dance, SMASH; Movies – The Eternals, The Prom, The Greatest Showman, La La Land, Chicago, Burlesque, NINE, Mamma Mia, Julie/Julia, Hail Caesar, working with such stars as Meryl Streep, Catherine Zeta Jones, Liza Minnelli, Cher, Arianna Grande, Antonio Banderas, Bette Midler, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Hudson, Sophia Loren, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Judith Dench, Glen Close, Reba McIntire, Sarah Paulson and Tatum Channing to name a few.

Along with being the first, “Shoe commentator’ for Miss America in 2015, Phil is most proud of being bestowed a Drama Desk Award 2017 for, “Proving that character comes from the ground up, the designer’s innovative flexible dance ensures that hoofers on any stage remain on point”.

Mr. LaDuca continues to design but still finds time to teach Master Theatre Jazz Dance classes. “I believe in not only giving back to this great community of dance, but I also feel obligated to ‘pass the baton’ to future generations, all the knowledge I was gifted by the greats who taught and influenced me to achieve my goals and dreams”.

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  Hard to believe we are streaming our 4th season, but we couldn't be happier.  We can't wait to share with our Jam Fam the great guests and their stories this season.  Thank you to all of our listeners and followers.  We do this for you!  Let us know how we are doing and drop us a line to tell us who you want to hear from and what kind of stories you want to hear.

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Thank you to our season 4 guests that made time for us to share their stories!  

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What an incredible season this was.  Thank you to all of our guests for taking the time to sit with us and share their passion and knowledge.

Thank you to our listeners for tuning in and being our Jam Fam!  

We hope you enjoy our recap of season 3!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We are so honored to have Dr. Chelsea Pierotti back to close out season 3 and give us some insight with working with our students.  We hope you enjoy this Mind, Body and Soul episode

Chelsea Pierotti, Ph.D. is a Sport Psychology Consultant for dancers through her organization, Passionate Coach LLC. As a former professional ballet dancer and dance team coach she focuses on mental skills training including mental toughness, confidence, anxiety control, motivation, team building, and leadership.  Much of her work is done in person through private workshops offered at studios, high schools, and colleges around the country. She is also a speaker on topics such as growth mindset, mental skills for competitive success, reducing performance anxiety, and more.  Private phone coaching for individual dancers is also available. As dancers we train our bodies for hours on end, but sometimes it’s the mind that gets in the way of our success. As a Mental Performance Coach, Dr. Chelsea focuses on the mental side of dance, helping to ensure dancers can perform at their full potential when it counts.

You can listen to Chelsea's podcast,  Passion For Dance,  anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts

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Thanks Jam Fam for tuning in each week!  We adore you

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A fun episode with our guest and friend, Allynn Simons

ALLYNN SIMONS - is an NYC based freelance casting director who has the pleasure of casting for TV/Film, commercials, theater and print.  She holds a B.A. in Musical Theater with a minor in dance from Point Park University.  While in school, Allynn was chosen to dance in original pieces choreographed by Kiesha LaLama and Kiki Lucas, just to name a few.  Before settling in New York City, Allynn taught dance and musical theater all over Pennsylvania and New Jersey and still teaches numerous classes all over NYC.  She is also a regular faculty member of QUEST Intensive; a prestigious in-studio dance experience that brings the industry to the studio. She is excited to be teaching for numerous dance conventions all over the U.S.A. and enjoys mentoring students who are looking to pursue a degree in the arts.  Some of her favorite casting credits include :  the North American premier of Dirty Dancing, The Mansion which premiered at Sundance and an OLD NAVY campaign that featured Amy Poehler.  She grew up in the dance competition community and loves seeing young artists flourish. Currently, Allynn is writing, directing and filming a movie short about the societal expectations of women which will hit the film festivals next season. The future of the arts is in the hands of the next generation, so let's cultivate it!

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A fun conversation with our guest, Oren Korenblum!

Oren Korenblum is an NYC-based artist, performer, choreographer, dance instructor, and the founder/director of O.K. DANCE Company.  

He is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City.  He has trained as a tap and jazz instructor at the International Dance Teacher’s Association (IDTA), as well as studied ballet with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). 

Oren was born and raised in Israel and moved to NYC in 2010 to achieve his goals as a creator and performer. 

In Israel, Oren started his dance/choreography/teaching career right after high school in various acting schools, the Israeli opera, and shows all over Israel. 

He performed commercials and with The Aluminum Show dance company's international tour in the US, Mexico, Colombia and Israel.

As a performer in the US - Since graduating from AMDA, he has performed at numerous regional theaters all over the country in classic musicals such as 42nd Street, Mary Poppins, Cats, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Oklahoma!, Singin' in the Rain, Spamalot, The Music Man, A Chorus Line and countless others. 

Oren recently performed at the 'Broadway by the Year' concert in NYC.

As a choreographer - Oren has choreographed for NBC (Red Nose Day), The Town Hall NYC, various theatres, dance competitions, and music videos. 

With his O.K. Dance company, Oren was featured on Ellen's DeGeneres Youtube and multiple dance festivals.
Oren recently choreographed the NEW musical Come out! Come out! in Florida. 

As a dance instructor, Oren has more than 15 years of experience teaching tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, theatre dance, and contemporary, in the US, Europe, China and Israel. He’s currently teaching at Broadway Dance Center, Steps On Broadway and AMDA NYC.

FInd out more about Oren at - 

www.orenkorenblum.com

Instagram and TikTok @taporen

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We are excited to bring you our second episode in our Mind, Body and Soul series with guest, Shannon Dooling-Cain

Shannon Dooling-Cain was born in New Mexico, grew up dancing in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and moved to Arizona in 2016 after spending six years in the Washington, D.C. metro area. She enjoys a multi-faceted career as a dance educator, choreographer, performer, arts advocate, and writer. Her background is in modern, ballet, improvisation, jazz, and jazz-derived forms including lyrical and contemporary. She holds an MFA in Dance from University of Maryland College Park and a BA in Dance from DeSales University in Pennsylvania. Shannon has had the great joy of teaching students ages 2-60+, from absolute beginning through professional levels. She has proudly served as faculty member and guest artist at universities, studios, K-12 schools, community organizations, intensives, and festivals, and as an adjudicator for local competitions and local dance conventions. Her choreography has been presented at venues in Arizona, Philadelphia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, New Jersey, and New York. For seven years, she co-directed New Street Dance Group, a collaborative modern dance company in Philadelphia, and went on to co-found NACHMO/D.C., a hub of the National Choreography Month initiative, with Glade Dance Collective. In the world of musical theatre, she has choreographed productions of West Side Story, Oliver!, and Titanic. As a dancer, Shannon has had the pleasure of working with choreographers and local ballet and modern companies in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Arizona. For almost a decade, Shannon has worked with the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), where she has been involved in research, advocacy, program administration, and major writing projects. Shannon is the creator of The Holistic Dance Teacher, an approach to teaching and choreography and a collection of practical, affordable resources for teaching, choreography, and studio management. The Holistic Dance Teacher seeks to serve the dance community by providing resources and support to elevate our teaching practices, grow and keep our creative spark, and foster a positive dance culture – all while maintaining our own health and well being!

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We hope you enjoy our episode with  Lesley Mealor as much as we did!

Lesley Mealor has been professionally involved in all facets of the dance world for the past 15 years. Originally from Marietta, GA, Lesley grew up dancing under the instruction of her mother, Brenda Mealor, at The Dancers Studio. She then went on to graduate from Oklahoma City University with a degree in Dance Performance. 

Lesley’s performance career has taken her around the world with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, across North America with tours of "Sweet Charity" and "The Music Man", and everywhere in between with numerous industrials and regional theatre work. She is very good friends with Elmo and Abby Cadaby through her work with Sesame Workshop, and surprises people regularly with Flash Mob America. She is currently based in New York City, where she has transitioned out of performing and is exploring life on the other side of the industry. She has worked for Capezio in the product testing division, and currently judges and directs events for Spirit of Dance Awards. 

Lesley is inspired by teaching young performers that what they bring to the table is enough, that good technique is the foundation for all styles, and that telling the story is more important than any trick you can do. She continues to teach locally in the tri-state area, specializing in jazz and theatre dance. Lesley currently writes for Dance Parent 101, is a sought-after adjudicator for competitions across North America, and is a founding member of Impact Dance Adjudicators, the only company in the US that provides pre-screened judges to competitions. Lesley is also the co-host of Making the Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast. Follow her work at www.lesleymealor.com. 

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Our first episode in the Mind, Body and Soul series features Anna Meighan!

Anna is a licensed professional counselor in the state of PA and a recreational and competitive tap dance teacher at Donna's school of dance in Murrysville PA. She grew up dancing competitively at Rosalene Kenneth Professional School of dance, under direction of Rosalene Kenneth, Donna Denmark (deemark), Rachelle Rak, and Samantha Macklin. Anna is trained in tap, jazz, ballet, and lyrical.

Anna received her BA in psychology from Washington and Jefferson College and her MS in counseling psychology from Chatham University. Her professional direction has led her to work with children and adolescents in therapeutic care. She is currently employed by a non profit agency to provide mental health services within school districts, easing the access of care for children K-12 with concerns related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-harm, suicidal thinking, identity exploration, LGBTQIA+, family conflict/dynamics, stress management, and mood liability. Anna is a trauma informed provider and brings this mindset with her into the dance studio, using a strengths-based, person-first mindset and language with the students in her dance classes.

Thank you for listening to our first episode in the Mind, Body and Soul series!

*The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a United States-based suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 9-8-8. It is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

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We have talked to so many great guests, and we find that a lot of our conversations on the podcast talk about wellness and health.  We have decided to start a series on JAM, focusing on the mind, body and soul.  No, we are not experts, but as long time dance educators, we feel that there is a need in the industry.  Our guests are professionals in their fields and we hope that you find them as educational and interesting as we did.

Feel free to let us know what you would like to hear more of!

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Thanks to our Jam Fam for supporting us!

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A wonderful chat today with incredible educators, Kristin Deiss and Michelle Loucadoux

Kristin Deiss and Michelle Loucadoux have a shared sixty years in the dance industry. Both have worked extensively as professional dancers and are well-versed and experienced in the realm of dance education.

After working together in the education field for seven years, the idea of Danscend was born because of an overwhelming need that Deiss and Loucadoux observed in their students. No stranger to the need for mental health awareness, both creators wrestled with various issues in their professional dance careers as well.

In Danscend, Deiss and Loucadoux have created a resource that they wish was available when they were beginning their dance careers, a resource that will benefit not only their students but also the dance industry as a whole.

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A wonderful talk with our friend, Brandon Kelly

Brandon Kelly (he/him) is an NYC-based choreographer, dancer, and teacher. He strives to cultivate teachings that combine dynamic movement, musicality, and engaging storytelling. He has created entertainment experiences for cruise ships, theme parks, and events around the world. Choreography credits include: Escape to Margaritaville (Ogunquit Playhouse), Sweet Charity, Rent (Wright State University), The Full Monty (West Virginia Public Theatre), RWS Entertainment Group, Holland America Line, Billboard, Kennywood, Postmodern Jukebox, Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruise Lines, and Carowinds. Brandon is currently the Asst. Choreographer with Come From Away. www.BrandonKellyCreative.com

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We were so lucky to speak with the queen of precision dance, Kenna Morris Garcia!

Kenna has had a performing and teaching career that has taken her all over the world. After graduating from the Youth Performing Arts School (Louisville, KY), she attended the University of Oklahoma where she studied modern dance and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy. Kenna continued her dance training in New York after being accepted to the Certificate Program of The Ailey School. Her diverse dance training in modern, jazz, musical theater, ballet, tap, and hip hop has allowed her to have a long and diverse performing career. She has performed with recording artists such as Missy Elliott, Pharrell, and Diddy. Her film and television credits include Saturday Night Live, MTV Video Music Awards, America’s Got Talent and feature films Idlewild, Bolden, and Sisters. Kenna has also performed in various Broadway national tours, Off- Broadway, and regional theater productions including the 1st National Tour of Memphis (Dance Captain/ Swing), The Wiz (City Center Encores), and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular as a Radio City Rockette. Most recently, she worked with the Verdon Fosse Legacy, LLC reconstructing and preserving the works of Bob Fosse. As an instructor, Kenna has been teaching various forms of dance for over 20 years in studios across the country, Japan, and Europe. She is currently on faculty at the Steps Conservatory in New York helping to train the next generation of professional dancers. Kenna has also held numerous residencies in New York City public schools and community programs, and serves as a mentor and coach to young aspiring dancers. 

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Episodes release on Mondays! Tune in on Spotify, Stitcher, Itunes, or anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts

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Hayley Podschun takes the mic as our guest this week!

Hayley Podschun was last in Sacramento as Penny Pingleton in Hairspray ('08).  Broadway: Wicked (Glinda, National Tour), Hello, Dolly!, Something Rotten, Chaplin (Mildred Harris), Anything Goes, Pal Joey, Sunday in the Park..., Hairspray, The Sound of Music.  Film/TV: Hairspray (Tammy), Fleishman is in Trouble (FX on Hulu), The Blacklist (NBC), Louie  (FX).  Regional Favorites include:  Catch Me If You Can (Brenda-Arena Stage), Holiday Inn (Linda Mason-Paper Mill), Legally Blonde (Elle-Arvada Center), Peter Pan (Peter-ArtPark), Gypsy (Dainty June-MUNY), Royal Family of Broadway (Gwen-Barrington Stage) and more.  Hayley is also a Guest Host on QVC for Zodiac Shoes.  You can follow Hayley:  @hayley_podschun

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Such a blast talking to Leonard Sullivan on this weeks episode!

Leonard E. Sullivan made his broadway debut performing in the Book of Mormon.  A Detroit native; Nat’l tours;  Book of Mormon, Hairspray, Disney’s High School Musical,  European tours;  A Chorus Line, Smokey Joe’s Café, And The World Goes Round.  He has performed at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre,  Maltz Jupiter, Paper Mill Playhouse, Goodspeed Opera House, Atlanta Theatre Under the Stars, San Jose Music Theatre.  He can be heard on the Hairspray,  the Movie, soundtrack. When he’s not performing Leonard has worked;  Off-Broadway: Broadway Bounty Hunter by Joe Iconis,  Associate Director/Choreographer.  Regional: Hairspray, Director (Kalamazoo Civic Theatre) The world premiere of Mystic Pizza,  Associate Director/Choreographer. (Ogunquit Playhouse).  The world premiere of Punk Rock Girl by Joe Iconis (Argyle Theatre)

The Wiz, Associate Choreographer/Dance Captain (Maltz Jupiter Theatre).   


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This week we feature, Courtney Ortiz!

Courtney Ortiz, a native of,Baltimore, MD, is a 2007 youngARTS award winner in Modern Dance. Her professional career has allowed her to travel the world performing and teaching in places such as: Dubai, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Australia and France. Her career spans from stage to screen with credits including: Company Member with The Chase Brock Experience, Choreographer and Dancer on Youtube’s hit web series "The Key of Awesome", Backup Dancer for PSY and Chris Brown on "The Today Show", Dancer for Heidi Klum at Madison Square Garden in "Macy’s Fashions Front Row" on E! Network, and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. One of her favorite and most memorable credits was performing throughout Europe on the International Tour of the classic musical West Side Story as a Jet Girl and the Assistant Dance Captain. 

Some of her most recent credits include the 1st National Tour of the Broadway Musical Finding Neverland, Lin Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights, and the first ever revival in 30 years of Jerome Robbins’ Broadway at The Muny’s 100th Season in St. Louis, MO! You can also catch Courtney’s feet tap dancing in FX Network's hit series, “Fosse/Verdon”, where she was the dance double for Young Bob Fosse! Outside of performing, she is on faculty with REVEL Dance Convention, a national/international guest educator and also a full-time competition judge. You can even see her behind the judges table on Lifetime’s “Dance Moms” in Seasons 2 & 3. Currently, she resides in New York City, is repped with The Movement Talent Agency, and is the owner of Impact Dance Adjudicators! Follow her @courtney.ortiz and tune in to her dance podcast - Making the Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast! 

Career Highlights: 

- Faculty at Revel Dance Convention  

- Guest Faculty at Steps on Broadway NYC

- Young Bob Fosse Dance Double - FX’s "Fosse/Verdon”

- West Side Story - International Tour

- Finding Neverland - National Tour

- Jerome Robbins’ Broadway 

- Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights

- The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

- Judge on “Dance Moms” - Seasons 2 & 3

- Owner of Impact Dance Adjudicators 

- Podcast Host - “Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast"

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Season 3 kicks off with the incredibly talented, Will B. Bell!

Will B. Bell began his formal training with the dance competition circuit at the age of 15 in the Baltimore area. After high school, Will attended Towson University where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance. During his collegiate years, Will had the opportunity to train in prestigious summer programs such as the Ailey School and the Lines Ballet School. During his training at Towson University, he studied heavily and worked under Linda Denise Fisher Harrell (former Ailey principal dancer), Vincent Thomas (VT Dance Director), and Runqiao Du (former Washington Ballet principal dancer).

After college, Will moved to LA to pursue his career in commercial dance, where he has worked with TV and movie choreographers such as Michael Rooney, Ryan Heffington, Kitty McNamee, Keither Young, Denise Faye, Melanie Williams, Tony Gonzalez, Michael Rooney, and more. Through these choreographers, he has worked with Hugh Jackman, and can be seen on ABC's General Hospital, SciFi's Face Off, a music video with Arcade Fire's Will Butler featuring Oscar winner Emma Stone, and an AT&T commercial, among others. He has also performed in productions with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra at the historic Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Over the past few years, some of Will's contemporary ballet choreography has gone viral, and has been recognized internationally on many major platforms. Some of his work has been set at collegiate institutions such as Towson University, AMDA, The Studio School (formerly known as the Relativity School). Will had the opportunity to perform with Japanese pop icon Koichi Domoto in Endless Shock, The Musical in Tokyo. He was also seen dancing and acting in Hairspray Live on NBC alongside Derek Hough, Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Hudson. 

Will had the opportunity of performing in Bejing and Scotland in a production called Apologue 2047 (a show about the endless possibilities of what happens when dance meets technology), directed by iconic Chinese movie director Zhang Yimou, and choreographed by international choreographers Lisa Keegan and Emma Seward. Recently his contemporary ballet work was featured in Son of a Bishop's music video Love Left Me Lonely. 

Currently Will is on faculty at Millennium Dance Complex, Edge Performing Arts Center, and Movement Lifestyle, and teaches jazz, contemporary, contemporary ballet, and modern internationally. 

You can follow Will on Instagram @willbbell

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Thank you to all of our wonderful guests that shared with us this season!  We are so lucky to have such wonderfully talented, educated and humble artists willing to share a little of their personal stories and the journey that got them to where they are today.  We hope you enjoy a recap with Joe and Michelle

Thanks for listening Jam Fam!

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Jam Fam, this episode is incredible.  Thank you to our guest, Lainie Sakakura, for lending your knowledge, humor and memories to this episode.  We were honored to have you as our guest.  
LAINIE SAKAKURA is a NYC based writer, director, choreographer, educator.

Most recently directed the new musical, Corner of Bitter and Sweet adapted from New York Times Best Seller, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Book by Lainie Sakakura, Music and Lyrics by Paul Fujimoto. NYC 29 hour Equity reading co-produced by the 5th Avenue Theatre, Abingdon Theatre Company. Writers, Sakakura and Fujimoto attended the 2020 Goodspeed Musicals Johnny Mercer Writers Grove following the reading. 

Award winning choreographer - 2015 Joe A. Callaway Award Outstanding Choreography for the Off Broadway show, Red Eye of Love in collaboration with Alex Sanchez. 2002 Joseph Jefferson Award Best Choreography for Damn Yankees, Marriott Theatre in collaboration with David H. Bell. 2003 Joseph Jefferson Nomination Best Choreography for Hot Mikado. Currently a Choreography Advisory Board Member for New York Theatre Barn.

Fosse Reconstruction - worked on approximately 70 Bob Fosse numbers from 1994-1999 with Gwen Verdon and Chet Walker. The original onstage Dance Captain starting with the 1996 workshop through Broadway. Dance Reconstruction and onstage Dance Captain for Ann Reinking in the 1999 Tony Award Winning Best Musical. Other Fosse reconstruction work includes Big Spender starring Chita Rivera and Ann Reinking for Cy Coleman's Memorial, Majestic Theatre (ASCAP). Mexican Shuffle, Gwen Verdon memorial tribute at BCEFA Gypsy of the Year, Palace Theatre. Currently, Verdon Fosse Legacy instructor.

Broadway - Ms Sakakura was offered original casts of 8 Broadway shows, but ultimately accepted 6 including: Fosse (dance reconstruction and onstage dance captain); Chita Rivera The Dancer's Life; Flower Drum Song (2002 revival); Tommy Tune's The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public; The King And I (1996 Lou Diamond Phillips, Donna Murphy revival), The King And I  (2015 Ken Watanabe, Kelli O-Hare revival). Recorded on 4 Broadway cast albums including 2015 Grammy Nominated, The King And I.

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Diversity and inclusion - Co-founder/Co-chair Rockettes of Color Alumnae. In 1994 Sakakura became the second AAPI RCMH Rockette hired following Setsuko Maruhashi, who was not only the first AAPI Rockette but also the first Rockette of color. Previously 7-year Co-chair of PS 87 Culture & Community Committee, producing and directing almost 30 multicultural performance events for a NYC public school of nearly a thousand students. 

Educator - 32 years teaching experience. Guest teacher and/or choreographer in countless programs across the country including: New York University Tisch - New Studio on Broadway (Adjunct Professor), Carnegie Mellon, Chapman Univ, Sam Houston State, American Ballet Theatre, Jacob's Pillow, Joffrey Ballet, LINES Dance Center, Pace University (Adjunct Professor). Private program, Sakachez™

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Another great episode with another fantastic guest!  Thank you Rory Freeman for sharing your time with us and sharing your incredible journey as an artist.

Rory Freeman most recently performed with recording artist Rita Ora at the People’s Choice Awards. He was a Principal Dancer with  Shaping Sound on the brand new show “After The Curtain.” He has toured with the company for the past 5 years across the nation as well as performing on The Ellen Degeneres Show.  Rory had the honor of performing in Sonya Tayeh’s first full length show in New York City called “You Still Call Me By Name.” You may have  seen him as a Featured Dancer on the hit television shows America’s Got Talent Season 11.  He has worked with some of the top music artists such as: Taylor Swift, Rita Ora, Paula Abdul, Earth, Wind, & Fire, and Jack Wagner.  Music video credits include: Taylor Swifts’ “Shake it Off’ and Paula Abdul’s’ “Check Yourself”. In 2014, he was part of the skeleton crew to create a number as part of the Opening Ceremonies for the Winter Olympics. Rory is blessed to have been able to perform all over the world with the world renowned dance company, MOMIX. Before his career started he proudly earned his BFA in Modern Dance from SUNY Purchase (NY) in 2010. This gave him the opportunity to perform pieces by Bill T. Jones, Paul Taylor, Bella Lewitsky, and Luca Veggetti.  At the age of 18, he received the prestigious Silver Award in Modern Dance from the National Foundation for Advancements in the Arts (NFAA).  Rory is a part of the faculty and judges for various national conventions and competitions. He is proud to be YPAD (Youth Protection Advocates for Dancers) certified. He has taught & choreographed at numerous studios across North and South America. He is honored to also be a CLI Studios choreographer. Rory is also the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Move: The Initiative, a 4 day Dance Intensive based in Rhode Island.

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Such a fun episode with the incredibly talented, Dylan Pearce!  Dylan has done a bit of everything and is a highly sought after choreographer.  Thank you Dylan for spending some time with us and the Jam Fam!

Based in New York City, Dylan Pearce has over 21 years in the industry with credits as a dancer, choreographer, director, educator, entrepreneur, and artist. Dylan is Associate Choreographer for the world-renowned, Radio City Rockettes. Over the past 12 years with The Rockettes, Dylan has held roles as both a performer and choreographer for stage, television, and digital content, including collaborations with artists like Dua Lipa, Abba, and Pit Bull, and in 2021 choreographing for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Christmas in Rockefeller Center. Most recently, Dylan was the director and choreographer for Kate Spade’s 2021 Summer and Fall campaigns, where he led the creative vision, celebrating the vibrance of New York City through dance in digital, print, out of home, and social media formats.

Dylan’s distinctive choreography has been featured in music videos for Amy Lynn & The Honey Men and the 2021 Broadway Bares (“Closet Diva”), supporting the non-profit, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. He has choreographed for studios and universities across the country and is the founder and co-director for DEViATE Dance and The Process, a new kind of dance convention and competition that recreates real-world professional experiences to help students grow as artists. Using social media as a stage to share uplifting content during the pandemic, Dylan conceived, choreographed, and directed a series of short dance films, one of which was the inspiration for the summer Kate Spade campaign.

A lifelong student, Dylan continues to learn and grow as an artist. Since the age of 6, he has studied at schools in the New York/New Jersey area, including the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School. As a performer, Dylan danced in televised and staged productions including Off-Broadway in Shea Sullivan’s ‘Dancing on a Dream’, WNBA All-Star Halftime Show, Miss New Jersey, Miss New York, and The Miss Florida pageants, The Michael Awards, Trump Plaza, Equity Fights AIDS, Bravo Summer Showcase, Knicks City Dancers, Tri-State Youth Invitational, RayBan and Rite Aid industrials, The Nutcracker as well as the International Dance Festival in NYC. Dylan was a backup dancer for International Recording Artists, Tina Ann and Brenda K. Starr, and a company dancer in the modern company, Momix. He also served as dance captain for the Walt Disney World’s “Twas The Night Before Christmas,” and toured the world, performing and setting shows for Princess and Norwegian Cruise Lines.

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We are excited to share with you this episode featuring our guest, Anna Harsh!  A new topic to the show, we touch on World Dance, what it is and why it important to add to dance curriculum

Anna Harsh, an award winning dancer/ choreographer and Artistic Director of Allegro Dance Company, is the author of La Danza - Conflict, Passion, and Healing. With over three decades of research and teaching experience, Anna offers a unique and refreshing voice in the Italian-American community on how to preserve Italian traditional dances for the next generation. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Communication from West Virginia University, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Slippery Rock University, an RYT200 in yoga, and is also a certified Pilates Instructor. She has traveled extensively throughout Italy to research and study dances from various regions. Her adventurous personality and passion for her Italian heritage has taught her unique life lessons. Her work has been featured in magazines such as: Fra Noi, Ambassador, and Dance Spirit. Find more information and classes with Anna at www.AnnaHarsh.com.

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Many of you watched her and her sisters on World of Dance and we are so happy to have Madeline Mihacevich as our guest this week

Madeline Mihacevich is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer based in Los Angeles, California.  Born and raised in Brunswick, Ohio, she grew up dancing with her 2 sisters and training under her mom, who was her first dance teacher.  Along with dance, Madeline began choreographing and teaching at age 13.  

When Madeline was 17, she competed with her two sisters on season 1 of NBC's World of Dance, featuring her and her sisters choreography.  Following the airing of the show, the Mihacevich Sisters performed their original choreography at various World of Dance events, toured with the first ever international WOD Live Tour, and taught at the WOD DX convention.  Madeline also got the opportunity to judge and perform solo at World of Dance Events.  

Madeline moved to LA when she turned 18.  Since then, she has danced with Jennifer Lopez in her music video “Medicine”and in her NBC’s New Years Eve performance in 2019, Derek Hough at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, Sofia Carson at WE Day in NYC, Karol G at the Billboard Music Awards, and multiple artists at the 2021 Latin American Music Awards.  She has also worked with Rudy Abreu’s “RAdiance” on season 3 of World of Dance and later with Tessandra Chavez’s "Unity LA”.  Other credits include assistant choreographer for the “Kissing Booth 2” movie, AJ McLean’s “A Boy and a Man” music video, a commercial for Mario World at Universal Studios in Japan, and Season 2 of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”.  

​Some of Madelines teaching credits include The House Dance Complex, Titans of Dance VIP All Access Program, Wild Dance Intensive, WOD DX, and LA Establishment.  She is also a faculty member at TMilly TV is Los Angeles, California, and has multiple classes on their instagram and website.  

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Another episode with a fabulous guest!  Wonderful stories about the professional life at an early age and where she is now.  We hope you enjoy Rachel Kreiling!

Rachel Kreiling began performing at 18 as a featured dancer at Tokyo Disney. She performed throughout Europe as the featured adage team and aerialist/contortionist on a luxury cruise line. Rachel has worked extensively with Alison Chase, the founder of Pilobolus & Momix, as well as Rasta Thomas' ROCK - The BALLET and served as the dance captain for the US tour of Revolution.

Also in her credits are international commercials, corporate industrials, NYC based contemporary companies, Dance Spirit & Dance Teacher Magazine features, assistant to renowned choreographers and much more.

Rachel choreographs and teaches guest workshops across the US, Costa Rica, and Mexico. She is a Corrective Exercise Specialist, holding a B.S. in Kinesiology & Neuroscience, and teaches movement education programs for dancers focusing on proper technique, conditioning, alignment, biomechanics, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. She recently founded FreeBody, a unique and fresh approach to physical training, movement education, and performance enhancement. Rachel is also proud to serve on the prestigious faculty of the New York City Dance Alliance

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A Valentine's Day release with two incredible artists, Jody Reynard and David Bushman!  Immensely talented and incredibly humble, our guests this week talk about the road to Broadway for each of them.  

JODY REYNARD has been dancing non-stop for almost 30 years!!  He has taught musical theatre/Broadway dance classes at dance studios, intensives and educational institutions around the country.  He attended the Cobb Center Excellence for in the Performing Arts outside of Atlanta, GA and graduated with a dance major.  He then earned a BA in Theatre with Music minor from Kennesaw State University (where he also helped to establish the first dance ensemble, Wings) all while performing with The Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern, The Atlanta Opera and Georgia Ballet.  From there, his regional theatre career began with dancing roles in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, On the Twentieth Century at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT and Mame at the Papermill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ.  Soon thereafter he caught the eye of the late Ann Reinking at an open audition and made his Broadway debut in Fosse, dancing featured specialties such as “From the Edge,” “Rich Man’s Frug,” and the “Take Off with Us” adage.  Other credits include the Broadway companies of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Legally Blonde, Taboo, Saturday Night Fever and the national touring companies of Camelot, Kiss Me Kate, My Fair Lady, Memphis and Chicago.  He served as swing and dance captain for the new musical, Roman Holiday, in its pre-Broadway tryout at the Golden Gate Theater in San Francisco, CA.   Jody has worked as an assistant choreographer for Denis Jones, Josh Prince, Alex Sanchez and Darren Lee.  He can also be seen dancing behind six-time Tony Award winner, Audra McDonald, in the movie musical, Hello Again! Some of his favorite roles include Darren in Take Me Out, Paul Happiness in Thoughts of a Colored Man, Ken in Smokey Joe’s Café, featured dancer with the NY Philharmonic, Omaha Symphony & South Dakota Symphony Orchestras AND substitute instructor of jazz & tap at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY.  Jody is also a proud Core Company Member of Quick Silver Theatre Company.

DAVID BUSHMAN began his professional career in classical and contemporary ballet. He received a BFA in Dance from University of North Carolina School of the Arts.  While still studying there, David was asked to join the professional company, North Carolina Dance Theatre (NCDT, now known as Ballet Charlotte).  He traveled the country with NCDT and danced leading roles in works by the great George Balanchine and the company’s director, Salvatore Aiello.  He was then invited to audition for FeldBallets/NY (now known as Ballet Tech) and was hired into the company. For the next three years, he was featured in the vast repertoire of Eliot Feld.  David then went on to dance for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montreal, Canada.  There, he danced works by renowned choreographers Jiri Kylian, Nacho Duato, Ohad Naharin and many others. Since retiring from concert dance, David has been associated with the hit revival of CHICAGO since 2003.  He performed in the first French speaking productions, in Montreal and Paris, and the US National/International touring company. In 2013, he was invited to set the choreography for the US Tour and continued to do so until 2019.  He has also set the CHICAGO choreography for television in China and worked with the Mexico City company.  David joined the Broadway company as Dance Captain/Swing in 2014.

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The one and only Michael Taylor joins us in our latest episode

Michael Taylor has been a master teacher for 25 years, giving seminars, setting original choreographic works and teaching dancers around the world in both the private and public sectors, as well as college and university dance and fine arts programs. As a performer, some of his credits include: River North Dance Company, AKASHA Dance Company; Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, serving as associate director and rehearsal choreographer for six years,; The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, serving as an assistant choreographer for five years, as well as several theater, fashion and industrial credits to his name, including Papermill Playhouse's Funny Girl, and Disney's Magical Moments in Chicago and Rome, Italy. Michael proudly served as a director and rehearsal choreographer for Royal Caribbean Entertainment, also providing service in the audition and casting department, and has also taught and adjudicated for numerous internationally recognized dance organizations and institutions.

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A wonderful conversation with the incredibly talented, Tommy Scrivens

Tommy graduated from The Ohio State University with a BFA in dance performance in 2005. He has performed with Columbus Dance Theater contemporary ballet company, in the UK tour of Tap Fusion, as a guest artist with BalletMet, Parsons Dance, dre.dance, Nicholas Andre Dance, marInspired, and Kristin Sudekis Dance. In addition to company work Tommy has been featured in several movies, musicals and TV shows. Recent highlights are The Big Gay Musical movie, City Center Encores' production of "Where's Charley ?" and "Fiorello" and the premier of Rosie O'Donnell's return to prime time TV on Rosie Show. He has had the honor of working with Verdon/ Fosse Legacy LLC and a principal member of American Dance Machine for the 21st Century. Most recently he performed in the pre-Broadway run of the new musical Roman Holiday, Sophisticated Ladies directed by Andrè De Shields and appeared in an FX show Fosse/Verdon starring Michelle Williams and Sam Rockwell.

As a teacher he has taught master class all over the world including Brazil, China, and Russia. In the US he has been privileged to teach at Peridance, Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, The Ohio State University, Adelphi University, and Manhattanville College. He currently on staff as a adjunct professor for Marymount Manhattan and was recently named a legacy teacher for American Dance Machine for the 21st Century. 

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A great talk with the incredibly talented GEO Hubela!

With over 25 years’ experience in the Entertainment Industry, GEO Hubela is a Choreographer, Artistic Director, Dancer & Teacher. He also is Co-owner and Director of one of New Jersey’s leading Dance Education facilities, ICON DANCE COMPLEX, home of the ICONic Dance Company.

GEO has choreographed internationally for stage and screen in France, Germany, the UK and Taiwan. His most recent work is Choreographing the first ever Live Stage Show for Lionsgate Films “STEP UP” franchise at Motiongate Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.  His other recent work includes multiple campaigns for Old Navy, including a holiday campaign starring Stranger Things co-star Gaten Matarazzo.

GEO was seen on Season 1 of MTV’s Randy Jackson presents “America’s Best Dance Crew” and “America’s Got Talent” as Director, Choreographer and dancer for the ICONic Dance Crew. Other choreography credits include Aaron Carter, Kelly Rowland, Lil’ Mama, Brian McKnight on Celebrity Apprentice 2, and industrial shows for companies such as Prudential, Macy’s, Murphy USA, Food & Wine Magazine, the Big Apple Awards and more. He has also choreographed national commercials for Jet Blue, Best Buy, Slim Fast, and was Asst. Choreographer on the Campbell’s Soup campaign starring John Lithgow.

As a performer, GEO has danced with some of the biggest stars in the music industry such as Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, P!NK, Britney Spears, ‘NSYNC, Jessica Simpson, Macy Gray, Selena, Smashmouth, Lindsey Lohan, Deborah Cox and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. GEO’s other Film and TV credits include; GLEE, Standing Ovation Movie, The Wedding Singer, Boys & Girls, Step Up, That 70’s Show, Chicago Hope, The Young and the Restless, Fame LA, The Nikki Cox Show, The Miss America Pageant, The Goodwill Games, The NAACP Image Awards and the 69th Annual Academy Awards.

With 25 years’ experience teaching Hip Hop and Street Jazz, GEO has been on faculty and guest faculty for such Dance Conventions as Tremaine, Co. Dance, Monsters of Hip Hop, The Pulse, Starpower, Headliners and more. Today, GEO is currently on faculty and tours the country with Showstopper, Dance Educators of America, Danza, Encore DCS, Encore Performing Arts Dance Conventions and the Dance Life Teacher Conference.

GEO’s ICONic Dancers are performing professionally, appearing at events such as World of Dance Live, Beatstock, the Apollo Theater, Madison Square Garden and on TV specials on Nickelodeon and MTV. GEO’s students also dance for the Brooklyn Nets Kids and NY KNICKS City Kidz dance teams.  They have also performed at special events for such brands as Clearasil, Microsoft, Old Navy, ESPN and more.  One of GEO’s biggest accomplishments is Creator, Choreographer and Manager of the internationally known ICONic Boyz Dance Crew. The Boyz were Runner-Up on Season 6 of Randy Jackson presents America’s Best Dance Crew on MTV and had become teen pop culture dance sensations.

GEO’s biggest reward is passing on his passion for dance to the next generation of dancers and teachers.

Check out GEO’s Social Media:

www.facebook.com/hiphopgeo

www.instagram.com/geohubela

www.twitter.com/geohubela

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Season 2 kicks off with Alicia Pociask!


Alicia Pociask grew up dancing, singing, and acting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She attended Point Park University, receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance and a Minor in Theater Arts. Alicia has worked at Hershey Park, Cedar Point, Paramount King’s Dominion, Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, performed in many industrials for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and was a video tracked dancer for the Pepsi Corporation. Alicia spent her last five performance years traveling the world as a dancer with Holland America Cruise Line.

Alicia spent 8 years as a resident show supervisor, choreographer, and director for the Emmy Award winning production company, RWS Entertainment Group where she choreographed five mainstage production shows for Holland America Cruise Line, was an associate choreographer for STEP ONE Dance Company, and directed and choreographed three mainstage shows for Azamara Club Cruises. In 2015 Alicia had the honor of assisting Al Blackstone for the workshop of Crazy in Love, an original short musical written by Kooman and Dimond.

Alicia is extremely passionate and invested in the education of young performers. She travels around the world as a guest teacher, choreographer, and judge for StarQuest International, Beyond the Stars, and Precision Arts Challenge. She also is the Musical Theater Program Director for Kona Dance and Performing Arts in Kona, Hawaii. Currently, Alicia resides in Brooklyn, New York.

instagram: @aliciarose33

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  We are so excited to be back for season 2 with all the fun and even more incredible guests.  This season promises to be as informative as last, with just as many accomplished guests and all the laughs you have come to expect from us.  Thank you all for listening and let us know what you want to hear from us and who you would like us to have on the show.  New episodes released every Monday starting January 10th, 2022

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We had the best time speaking to our guests in our first season of JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance Podcast!  Thank you to everyone that has followed us, has liked and subscribed and shown love for us.  

In this episode, we share a little about us and what we loved about our first season.

Happy holidays to all!  Looking forward to season 2

Best
Joe and Michelle

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A fantastic episode with TWO incredible artists - Crystal Frazier and James Washington Manning

Crystal Frazier, a native of New Jersey, holds an Associate Degree in dance from The University of the Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in choreography from Jacksonville University. Currently, she is a director for Dancers Inc. competition and convention in N.J.

Frazier is a former senior member with the world-renowned Rennie Harris Puremovement (RHPM). She has performed and taught nationally and internationally with RHPM, including in the Middle East and Central Asia. She is also the former co-founder of “Montazh,” an all-female Hip Hop dance company based in Philadelphia, Pa., and former co-founder of Hope College’s H2 dance company.

Frazier's industry performance credits include: MTV and BET, VH1's Vogue Fashion awards, BET awards, Italy tour with Kathy Sledge, Nike All-Star showcase, among others. She was the featured dancer and choreographer for Grammy Award-winning artist Jill Scott’s “Big Beautiful Tour." On film, she made an appearance in the movie Beloved, TV show Monk as well as in commercials. Recently, she was a part of a tour for the Dance International Workshop program teaching fundamentals of Hip Hop street dance in Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka and Tokyo. 

James (Washington) Manning, a native of Rochester, NY graduated from the Conservatory at Point Park University, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in dance. His choreography credits include Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Slippery Rock University, Cleveland School of the Arts, Houston Met Too Youth Company, Netflix and Lifetime Television. James was the male recipient of the “Brazzy Award” given for outstanding achievement in the field of dance.

James is a proud member of Actors Equity Association, former faculty member on Revel Dance Convention, Millennium Dance Complex PGH, Westinghouse Arts Academy and is thrilled to be the Dance Department Chair at Pittsburgh CAPA - the 6-12 Performing Arts Magnet School within Pittsburgh Public Schools. 

We are so excited to share with you an episode full of insight, humor and insight into the dance world.  We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording this show

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A fun episode with Chip Abbott!

Chip Abbott is a NYC based choreographer, director, and dancer who’s performance career spans the worlds of concert dance, commercial dance, and Broadway. Chip served as assistant choreographer, dance captain, and swing to Emmy Award winner Joshua Bergasse on the Broadway Revival of On The Town (Tony nominee for best choreography) and he was also seen on Broadway in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.