January 21, 2024

11 - Tammy To: "Transitioning from a Cirque du Soleil dancer to casting director"

57 minutes

Episode Summary:

In this enriching podcast episode, we explore the dance world with Tammy To, a seasoned performer with a family legacy in dance. Tammy shares her personal dance journey, from formative family influences to the hurdles she's overcome in her extensive career.

Tammy highlights the critical role of mentorship, describing the significant impact her mentors had on her development and how she now mentors upcoming talents. The conversation turns to dance's business aspects, where Tammy unpacks the challenges of leading a dance company and the nuances of choreography contracts.

A poignant discussion on diversity within dance reveals the industry's strides toward inclusiveness, an evolution Tammy has witnessed firsthand. She speaks to the merging of classical and modern dance, noting how this blend has enriched performance art.

Tammy's insights extend to dance's future, anticipating transformations in presentation and consumption, especially through technological advancements and digital spaces. The episode wraps with Tammy's reflective advice, offering a blend of inspiration and practical guidance for dancers and enthusiasts alike.

Listeners gain an intimate look at a dance luminary's experiences and philosophies, providing valuable perspectives for anyone with a love for dance.

Show Notes:

00:00:56 - Introduction of Guest: Tammy To

00:02:16 - Tammy To's Diverse Background

00:03:21 - Tammy's Early Dance Journey

00:06:30 - Transition to Casting and Cirque du Soleil

00:11:06 - Casting Process Insights

00:15:29 - In-Person Auditions and Workshops

00:17:01 - The Role of Social Media in Casting

00:20:15 - Challenges Faced by Dancers

00:23:30 - Importance of Networking

00:26:50 - Transitioning from Dance to Other Roles

00:29:10 - Advice for Aspiring Dancers

00:32:05 - Diversity in Dance

00:35:20 - The Evolution of Dance Styles

00:38:40 - The Future of Dance

00:41:55 - Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Biography:

Tammy To's passion for dance has been evident from her early days in Seattle. Her initial foray into the world of professional dance began with the NBA Seattle Supersonics. This experience, combined with her academic pursuits in Business Administration from the University of Washington, set the stage for a promising career in dance. The allure of the LA dance scene beckoned, and Tammy soon found herself relocating to Los Angeles. Known for her versatility, she quickly made a name for herself, establishing a strong reputation in the LA dance community.

Her filmography includes notable appearances in movies such as "You Again" and "The Muppets". Moreover, she has had the privilege of dancing alongside music icons like Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Katy Perry, and Fergie. Her diverse roles span from stage to television productions, working with esteemed companies like Disney, Nickelodeon, and the Radio City Rockettes.

2011 marked a significant milestone in Tammy's career when she joined the Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour with Cirque du Soleil. As a member of the original cast, she traveled the world, both as a dancer and dance captain. Her journey with Cirque du Soleil continued with the Las Vegas production of Michael Jackson ONE. After many years on stage, Tammy transitioned to support Cirque du Soleil productions as a member of the Casting Team, leveraging her vast experience to nurture and guide new talent.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/tamzee817/

https://www.facebook.com/TammyTo

Cirque Du Soleil Website

https://casting.cirquedusoleil.com/blog/tammy-to-detraz

...more