5.6.7.EIGHT

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Genevieve Weeks, Founder and CEO of Tutu School — a collection of boutique-style ballet schools for young children.

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra sits down with "The Shoemaker of the Stars," Phil LaDuca. This shoemaker lives up to his name, as dancers and actors have worn his famous shoes in well over 200 Broadway productions. His shoes are well-known for providing the support and stability that dancers need and the flexibility to perform many different styles of dance, without changing footwear. Prior to shoes, Phil was a Broadway song and dance man for over 20 years and has worked with esteemed choreographers such as Agnes de Mille and Twyla Tharp.

On the podcast, Phil shares the story of how he transitioned from dancer to shoemaker, which includes making the best out of a difficult situation. Phil's story is a unique blend of inspiration and advice for either the dancer or the entrepreneur, as the podcast is littered both with stories of working with incredible dance choreographers and valuable advice on finding a market need and starting a business. He has rubbed shoulders with the biggest celebrities yet gains inspiration from the humblest of people. His stories are sure to entertain and inspire all listeners.

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra sits down with “The Shoemaker of the Stars,” Phil LaDuca. This shoemaker lives up to his name, as dancers and actors have worn his famous shoes in well over 200 Broadway productions.

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra chats with Sonica Shah, a renown Indian wedding dance choreographer and teacher based out of Mumbai, India. Though Sonica received a degree in Accounting and Finance, she decided to set aside the comfortable "9 to 6 job" to pursue a career that more aligned with her passions. Sonica now spends her days planning Indian wedding dance routines, which average a minimum of 20 dances spread across an entire week. Sonica is also the house dance faculty at Hillspring International School, where she teaches students how to fully appreciate dance and the arts.

On the podcast, Sonica details her rise as a sought-after Indian wedding dance choreographer, while being honest about the fears associated with a drastic career change. However, Sonica has come out of this transition on top and is convinced that anyone who decides to pursue his or her dreams will do the same. Sonica's story is inspirational, her wisdom is practical, and listeners will enjoy hearing about the unique flavor of dance that she specializes in.

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra chats with Sonica Shah, a renown Indian wedding dance choreographer and teacher based out of Mumbai, India.

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Lizzie MacKenzie, co-founder of Extensions Dance Company, which is currently in its 14th year, and its associated Extensions Dance Center, which is now in its 8th year. This Chicago-based nonprofit serves the community by offering both competitive and non-competitive dance lessons to dancers of all ages. Lizzie herself has been dancing, teaching, coaching, and offering award-winning choreography to the Chicago area for over 21 years and also spearheads a custom-feel dance apparel company named Zilliewear. She is a graduate of both Interlochen Arts Academy and the Giordana Dance Chicago.

On the podcast, Lizzie looks back at her journey and reflects on the nature of her life and work. She speaks on taking care of your whole person — physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional — and regrets not discovering this vital lesson until later in life. As a multi-time entrepreneur, Lizzie shares her smarts around the ins and outs of building a business and discusses the importance of listening to "the universe" and following the winds of change. This is a can't miss podcast for dancers, entrepreneurs, or anyone who has ever looked to fulfill his or her dreams.

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Lizzie MacKenzie, co-founder of Extensions Dance Company, which is currently in its 14th year, and its associated Extensions Dance Center, which is now in its 8th year.

This week on 5.6.7. EIGHT, Aleksandra chats with Tania Moskalenko, Executive Director of Miami City Ballet. Tania's resume is extensive in the world of dance, including over 20 years in performing arts and executive management expertise and having most previously been CEO of Chicago's renown Auditorium Theater. Her accomplishments have gained praise by many, both inside and outside of the performing arts. In 2017, Chicago Tribune named Tania the "Chicagoan of the Year," and the Chicago Latino Network recently named her "Latino Leader of the Year." In October 2013, Indiana Business Journal also honored Tania as the "2013 Woman of Influence."

As one would imagine, wisdom and passion defines someone as accomplished as Tania, and on the podcast, she spends time sharing that wisdom with listeners. Tania discusses how she first fell in love with ballet, what she believes is the future of the art form, why education is important, and more. She also shares some invaluable advice for both dance and everyday life around how to handle failure well and why role models are vital to success.

This week on 5.6.7. EIGHT, Aleksandra chats with Tania Moskalenko, Executive Director of Miami City Ballet. Tania’s resume is extensive in the world of dance, including over 20 years in performing arts and executive management expertise and having most previously been CEO of Chicago’s renown Auditorium Theater.

This week on 5.6.7. EIGHT, Aleksandra sits down with nationally-recognized financial planner Katerina Simonetti, Private Wealth Advisor and Senior Vice President – Wealth Management at UBS Bank. Katerina is one of the most successful private wealth advisors in the United States, having been recognized as a "Best-in-State Advisor" on multiple occasions by Forbes and as "Top Wealth Advisor Mom" on multiple occasions by Working Mother Magazine.

On the podcast, Katerina relives some of her earliest memories of dance and how lessons learned from these performances still impact her current career. She spends time talking about the power of women in the workplace and provides some incredible advice around how she manages to juggle work, home, hobbies, and everything in between. In a day and age where our attention is pulled in one thousand different directions at all times, Katerina's drive to live "in the moment" is truly a must-hear message.