Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast

Swings and Understudies - The Unsung Heroes of the Dance World



Guests - Brittany Nicholas and Miranda Quinn

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor


In Episode 159 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, two incredible former competitive dancers turned professional dancers join us to talk about their experiences as swings and understudies, and how their time in the competition world helped prepare them for these unique roles on stages from Broadway to concert dance.



Topics Include:

  •  A crash course on professional stage terminology
  •  The ins and outs of what it takes to be a swing and an understudy in both the concert dance world and Broadway
  •  Advice for young dancers interested in pursuing a career that includes swing and understudy work



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Follow your Hosts & Guests!

  • Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
  • Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
  • Brittany Nicholas - @brittnnicholas 
  • Miranda Quinn - @mirandaming4



Check out our guest’s current projects!

  • See Brittany in "& Juliet" on Broadway! 
  • See Alvin Ailey Dance Theater at New York City Center from November 29th-December 31st!



This episode is sponsored by:

Francisco Gella Dance Works - Season 5 Premier Sponsor!
Educational and developmental programs, intensives, and seminars designed to empower students, parents, educators, and artists.
Register for an upcoming intensive!


DecaDance Competition - IDA Affiliated Competition
View their 2024 tour dates and register now!


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Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at

Francisco Gella Dance Works
In-person intensives & seminars for pre-professional dancers.
Use code: MAKINGTHEIMPACT for $75 off

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