May 27, 2026

269: Tali: Representation, Range, and the Right Job for You

54 minutes

Tali has spent 20+ years at every level of the dance world, with credits ranging from Rihanna and P!nk to the West End production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. She joined me this week to talk about what it really means to advocate for choreographers, why freestyle is one of the most advanced skills in the room, and how a single conversation got one of her clients double the offer.

Spoiler: Productions will lowball until someone teaches them not to. Tali's decided that's part of her job too.

We explore:

Can we just be storytellers? Tali on representing Black and Brown choreographers in an industry that too often boxes them into Black and Brown stories, and why the chance to choreograph a fantastical world, post-COVID, felt like a gift.

The pros and cons of freestylers showing up in more traditionally "choreographed" spaces.

Production not batting an eye when she asked for double the rate for one of her clients: What that says about bottom-line culture, and why asking is always worth it.

This episode is for anyone who's ever watched an artist undercharge, underestimate themselves, or wait for permission to take up more space.

Watch the full episode here.

Show Notes:

Connect with Tali on IG

Join Tali’s Programme: “identity/ideas/industry”

Read the Choreographer’s Guild Handbook

Read The Choreographer’s Handbook

For more DANA

For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY

To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER

To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES

Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE

Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok

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By The Dana Wilson LLC

4.9

139139 ratings