5.6.7.EIGHT

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Paul Vasterling — Artistic Director at Nashville Ballet. As a choreographer with a deep affinity for music, Paul has created over 40 works, ranging from classical, full-length story ballets to contemporary one-acts. Since becoming Nashville Ballet's Artistic Director in 1998, the company has commissioned 22 original scores for brand-new ballets under Vasterling's direction. Vasterling has also grown the Nashville Ballet from 12 to 25 professional dancers and has led the company to its Kennedy Center debut. Paul is a Fulbright Scholar and was selected as one of the Fellows in residence at The Center for Ballet and Arts at NYU in 2017.

Paul fully understands the power that the arts have in shaping humanity and has dedicated his life to showcasing the arts — and particularly dance — to the masses. Additionally, as a veteran leader, Paul understand the strategic importance of keeping an organization's mission front-and-center and moving towards that true north. On the podcast, Paul dives into both sides of the ballet, sharing his thoughts on the importance of artistic expression but also giving tips on being a successful organization and a successful dancer.

Moving Quotes:

"The mission statement of an organization is like a filter. It helps you decide what you're doing and if you're on the right track."

"Ballet is merely a means to an end; it is not an end unto itself. We use it and try to create fine instruments with our bodies so that we can express something that is important to humanity."

"Part of the process of a choreographer is doing as much work as possible. Some of them are good; some of them are not good. Some of them last; some of the don't last."

"Art makes us understand each other as humans better. It enables us to step into someone else's shoes and see the world through a different lens. Then we can understand the world a little bit better."

"An advantage of being around for a long time is that you start to let the ego part of the job move aside a little bit, and you start to concentrate on the bigger picture. It's not about you."

"The dancers who make it [in auditions] are the ones who do their homework."

"To become a professional dancer, you have to want it so much that you can taste it. And if you don't want it that much, that is okay. Go in another direction. There are so many things you can do as an artist."

"As an artistic director, you live in many seasons at once. And, often, you can't remember which season you're living in."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

3:56: Paul discusses what the Nashville Ballet is currently crafting and the difficult but exciting challenges of pushing creativity during a pandemic.

8:31: Paul explains the importance of remembering the purpose of ballet as an art instead of getting lost in the individual movements.

12:20: Vasterling describes the extreme importance of keeping a company's mission statement at the forefront of everything the company does.

15:50: Paul discusses the symbiotic relationship between the School of Nashville Ballet and the actual Nashville Ballet company.

20:27: Vasterling, who has choreographed 40 works, walks through his creative process and how choreography has always been a part of who he is.

25:37: Vasterling shares some auditioning tips for those dancers looking to break into companies.

31:37: Paul discusses why the arts are and forever will be important for humanity.

35:54: Vasterling shares some sage advice on being willing to cut ties with the dream of professional dance, if necessary, and find a different way to get plugged into the arts.

41:00: Paul describes what's next for him personally and for Nashville Ballet as a company.

Bullet List of Resources –

Paul Vasterling

• LinkedIn

Nashville Ballet

• Company Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Dr. Merritt Moore — an absolutely remarkable woman who is both a professional ballet dancer and a quantum physicist. Dr. Moore holds a degree in Physics from Harvard University and a PhD in Quantum Optics from the University of Oxford and combines her expertise as a quantum physicist and professional ballet dancer throughout her creative practice. Dr. Moore has also been featured on the Forbes 30 under 30 in Arts and Culture and has spoken at the Forbes Women's Summit. Most recently, Dr. Moore has been honored as an artist-in-residence at the Harvard ArtLab, where she joyfully experiments with creativity.

Dr. Moore is one of the most remarkable podcast guests to date, and on the podcast, she and Aleksandra only scratch the surface on her incredible journey in dance. However, through the conversation, Dr. Moore discusses how all of her accomplishments stemmed from overcoming doubters in her earliest dancing days and ultimately created one of the most unique ballet careers of all time.

Moving Quotes:

"Both the right brain and the left brain are extremely necessary for both ballet and physics. Creativity is so necessary in the physics lab to solve new problems. And having an analytic brain can help you when practicing dance."

"Perfect is replaceable. Don't try to be perfect. Strive to be yourself. What can you bring to the table that no one else can?"

"My parents encouraged me to audition because they wanted me to get that strength to fail and get back up."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

4:27: Dr. Moore retells her entire story and how she proved doubters wrong in becoming both a professional dancer and a PhD-educated Oxford graduate in Quantum Optics.

10:46: Dr. Moore explains what initially drew her towards the field of science and how understanding science takes practice.

13:00: Dr. Moore discusses the origins of one of her featured videos, where she dances with a robot.

15:14: Dr. Moore describes the Harvard University ArtLab and the freedom of being able to experiment with creativity with no expectations.

18:05: Dr. Moore, who was featured at the Forbes Women's Summit in 2019, discusses the incredible and rewarding experience of sharing with prominent women.

20:59: Dr. Moore shares her ideas around why there are so few women in the field of science, even while the gender gap in other fields have narrowed.

25:39: Dr. Moore describes her experience competing on BBC's reality show Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes and how this show ignited a fire to become a real astronaut.

31:17: Dr. Moore discusses what's next in her career and in her creative experiments.

Bullet List of Resources –

Dr. Merritt Moore

• Personal Website
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews LaMar Baylor, an award-winning dancer and Broadway performer who is also a Board Member and Cultural Ambassador for MindLeaps. LaMar holds a BFA from The University of the Arts and recently completed his Master of Science in Arts Administration from Drexel University. As mentioned, he is a performer with Disney's The Lion King on Broadway and is an alumnus of Philadanco, the Eleone Dance Theater, and the Rebecca Davis Dance Company.Baylor, who himself was a "renaissance man" in high school before finding his niche, is a firm believer that dance equips its artists with the physical, mental, and emotional skills to tackle any of the world's challenges. To LaMar, this fact explains why dance has been so transformative for individuals in the MindLeaps program, which takes dance to vulnerable populations internationally. On the podcast, LaMar recounts lessons he's learned in his career and expands on the importance of the arts in our world, particularly in 2020.

Moving Quotes:

"I'm a firm believer that if you are a dancer, you can do anything."

"I've never come across a person who has stepped into the theater and not been touched in some way, shape, or form … Our job as artists is to impact others' lives."

"There's a saying that says, 'Earth with no art is eh.'"

"There's nothing like being able to fully express yourself. We're seeing that across the country right now. The arts is my protest. It is my ability to say what I want to say in whatever capacity."

"There are so many opportunities and windows that dance actually affords people. I don't know if everyone is aware, but they are out there. In trying to find your purpose, see where your passion and interest lies the most. Then do your research."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

3:37: LaMar discusses his eager anticipation to return to the stage after the COVID-19 virus subsides and the overall importance of the arts.

7:46: LaMar explains the importance of live performances in a day and age where anything can be accessed from a phone, tablet, or TV.

13:17: Baylor reflects on his experience on Broadway and how The Lion King has been such a moving experience for him.

16:27: LaMar describes his role in The Lion King as a "swing" and how the fluid nature of his role is "like a roller coaster."

18:18: Baylor retells his journey from youth to Broadway and emphasizes the importance of doing research up front and finding your passion.

22:51: Aleksandra and LaMar dialogue around lessons LaMar learned in his upbringing and, specifically, around the importance of being open to all opportunities as they arise.

29:59: Baylor speaks to the importance of money management as an artist and why artists are so prone to avoid issues dealing with money.

32:26: Baylor discusses his involvement with the organization MindLeaps and his first exposure to a third-world culture, far unlike anything he'd experienced in the US.

38:42: LaMar explains why he believes the MindLeaps program is so powerful in transforming the lives of youth around the globe.

Bullet List of Resources –

LaMar Baylor

• On Playbill
• Instagram

MindLeaps

• Company Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Jim Cooney, a New Yorker who has collaborated with multiple Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winners in his career as an award-winning director, choreographer, and educator. Jim's work spans both national and international audiences, and he has been praised by The New York Times for training performers with "audition must haves: character, motivation, and endurance." Most recently, Cooney has developed a curriculum to help artists integrate their artistry, finances, and health and take charge of their careers.

Jim is a wealth of knowledge, both around the art and technique of dance and how to succeed on and off the stage. On the podcast, Jim deep dives on the elements that make dancers (and, frankly, any professionals) successful in their careers and shares some practical advice for listeners on taking steps towards developing a healthy mentality and, thus, unlocking profound success.

Moving Quotes:

[On having a healthy mindset] "For most artists, the roadblock is themselves… You can create anything you want to create. You don't need to wait for someone else to give you an opportunity."

"A lot of branding work [as a dancer] is the mindset work — knowing yourself and how you want to position yourself and how you want to shape the conversation around yourself."

"Be kind to yourself and realize anything is possible. You can be your biggest cheerleader or your biggest enemy."

"What you have to offer the world, the world does need. If you keep your gifts to yourself, you are robbing people who need your gifts… Just imagine how fruitful the industry would be if everyone's gifts were allowed to flourish."

[On personal branding] "Your social media and your personal website are the best ways for you to shape your reputation and provide the talking points that you want people to say about you."

"If you don't pay yourself first, you're never going to feel like you have enough money to save."

"Our bodies are our own vocabulary, and we love to explore it and make new words and phrases."

"When you're focusing on the art form [of dance] — on the movement — politics doesn't matter. Government doesn't matter. Dance is an artistic expression of our humanity."

"What is your 'why'? What is your bigger reason that you get up in the morning and make every decision you make?"

"People who are called to the arts tend to not want to be people who segregate. Artists are more about understanding the human condition and are more empathetic."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

4:57: Jim explains why he recently spent some time in Aleksandra's birth country, Russia.

7:41: Jim discusses how dance is a cross-cultural language and why bodily expression is such a powerful language.

13:46: Cooney walks through his "three pillars" to unlocking a successful career in the arts.

24:02: Jim shares some exercises that may help individuals find purpose and fulfillment in their lives.

30:25: Cooney discusses some ways that listeners can further learn about his professional development methods and ideas.

34:27: Cooney shares some tips for freelancers who may be looking for a more stable income stream.

39:50: Jim describes the importance of developing a personal brand and gives some pointers for how he's developed his own personal brand.

43:02: Jim shares some advice for dancers (and professionals, in general) around having a healthy mindset and being willing to share your gifts with the world.

45:00: Jim discusses his latest projects and what the future holds for him.

Bullet List of Resources –

Jim Cooney

• Personal Website
• Sign up for Jim's FREE newsletter
• More info on Seeing 20/20 on 2020 training
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra welcomes Alex Svoboda, Founder at freedomDANCE and all-around renaissance man. Alex, who currently hails from London, has lived in three different countries, studied at five different universities, and holds a Ph.D. in history and sociology. Over the course of his career, he has worked as an analyst and manager at some of the world's leading consulting firms and is a former university instructor. He currently sits at the helm of freedomDANCE, where he teaches his conscious dance methods alongside over 30 other teachers and trainees.

Alex is a firm believer that every person on the planet has a right to dance — that dance is a part of who we are and is a way for humans to move, express, and connect with themselves and others. His end goal is to make dance accessible to everyone as a means to grow and develop and is working to make this a reality via his dance company. On the podcast, Alex discusses his company, his methods, and how dance is for more than the good of the stage; it's for the good of our souls.

Moving Quotes:

"Dance doesn't need to be the exclusive privilege of those people who spend their lives starting at age five rehearsing and perfecting their technique. There's a joy of dance that should be available for everyone."

"We have a fundamental human need to move, express, and connect."

"I think I'm addicted to this job because, every day, I see miracles happening."

"I define my mission as 'mainstreaming conscience dance' or 'mainstreaming dance meditation' … We are different because we use dance as a way to grow, to build awareness, to develop."

"When carrying out virtual dance classes, you have to take that extra step for the social aspect."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

3:29: Alex discusses the evolution of his dance company, freedomDANCE, since its founding in August 2009.

7:10: Alex explains why his company's mission — to make dance accessible for all — is important and how his company accomplishes this goal.

14:43: Svoboda discusses how making "dance meditation" more of a mainstream activity is beneficial for our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

16:54: Alex explains how virtual dance classes, which were initially started out of necessity, have grown into something extremely beneficial for dancers around the world.

21:27: Svoboda walks through his unique career and how each of his seemingly disconnected vocations have equipped him for his current role in dance.

26:10: Svoboda shares some practical advice for how to make the most out of a virtual dance class — as both the teacher and as the student.

32:00: Alex rounds out the podcast by sharing his optimal future plans for both himself and for freedomDANCE.

Bullet List of Resources –

Alex Svoboda

• LinkedIn

freedomDANCE

• Company Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Erica Hornthal, a therapist that makes lasting changes in clients by harnessing the power of the body for improved mental health. Erica — otherwise known as "the therapist who moves you" — is the Founder and CEO of Chicago Dance Therapy. Her methods, which can be labeled as dance or movement therapy, are for those that are struggling with mental health, have exhausted talk therapy options, or are seeking a holistic approach to emotional well-being.

To Erica, the key to unlocking a healthy mental and emotional state is by being fully in tune with your body, and every day, she works with clients to achieve that goal. On the podcast, Hornthal deep dives on movement therapy — what it is, why it is important in 2020, and how it can be achieved to better one's life — as well as the excitement and challenges of starting your own business and many other topics.

Moving Quotes:

"In the end, it's about how we connect to our bodies. And when we connect to our bodies and we're aware of how we move, we're able to manage our emotions better and have better mental health."

"Movement therapy creates change through body movement and through connection… It's not only about the fun activity. We're trying to achieve goals."

"Dance as a form of exercise has always proven to be one of the most comprehensive forms of exercise. It stimulates every part of us."

"For someone to gain the tools to see their body as their greatest resource and avenue for untapped potential is very empowering. That keeps people coming back."

"I tend to act and then the fear comes up. The fear doesn't stop me from doing things; it just comes up after the fact."

"When building my business, a lot of people told me, 'That's not going to work,' or asked me, 'Why are you doing that?' But I just kept using my own body as a reference. If it was ethical and authentic to me, then I kept going."

"I'm big into not settling the status quo… If I did a more traditional route, I know I wouldn't be satisfied. I'd always be asking, 'What if?' I would have had regrets."

"I try not to get too caught up in where I see myself because, if that doesn't happen, I don't want it to deter me from going forward. But I also have hopes and dreams."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:07: Erica defines "movement therapy" and how the discipline improves others' lives.

5:19: Erica retells her unique experience working with a prior patient who was 107 years old.

8:19: Hornthal discusses how movement therapy has manifested itself during the COVID-19 crisis.

11:01: Erica describes her career journey and the choices that she made along the way to get her to where she is today.

17:07: Hornthal shares some advice for entrepreneurs who may be looking to start their own businesses but with limited resources.

22:59: Erica, who is well known as being an expert in her field, explains what she believes is her "secret sauce" that draws people in and keeps them coming back.

25:14: Erica discloses her favorite thing about her job as a movement therapist.

29:18: Hornthal sets expectations for any future clients who may be interested in movement therapy but may not have a background in dance.

35:59: Hornthal discusses the book that she's currently working on and the difficulties that she's experienced thus far working with publishers.

38:48: Erica looks to the future and discusses her hopes and dreams for Chicago Dance Therapy.

Bullet List of Resources –

Erica Hornthal

• Personal Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Chicago Dance Therapy

• Company Website
• Facebook

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Kelly Maryanski, who is currently primarily working as a freelance aerialist. Historically, Kelly has been a dancer, aerialist, choreographer, actor, singer, musician, and even sometimes dabbles in freelance illustration. Prior to the COVID outbreak, Kelly was preparing to perform as an aerialist and actor in the Lyric Opera's RING Cycle. Kelly also works as a Circus Coach with Circeseem, which teaches circus skills to underprivileged youth to promote teambuilding and camaraderie.

Being a freelance performer and illustrator has allowed Kelly to pave her own way to career success; however, the freelance lifestyle hasn't come without hardship. On the podcast, Kelly lays out the advantages to pursuing your own passions and trailblazing your own career but is also honest about the challenges of freelance work, sharing some key takeaways for anyone looking to follow in her footsteps.

Moving Quotes:

"It's okay to have a bunch of different interest and be doing a lot of things. I know I've heard the phrase 'Jack of all trades, master of none.' I don't necessarily think that's true. I think it's to everyone's benefit to have more than one interest and goal."

"It's really rare to go out for your dream job and get cast in it right away. There always has to be work put in."

"Especially in the industry now, you have to be so good at promoting yourself, even if you have an agent. You have to know how to market yourself."

[On auditioning] "Even though I think I can play a certain part and sing a certain role and dance a certain role, it doesn't mean I'm going to get it if I'm not that puzzle piece… Unfortunately, sometimes, it doesn't have to do with talent. It just has to do with the whole picture."

"Having an extra part-time job while starting out in the dance industry is important, but that also doesn't mean that it has to be something you're not interested in."

"A few years ago, another actor friend of mine always said that, after every audition, you should get yourself a treat or a present. And if you get the callback, that's as if you got the job. You just want to be remembered and seen."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:43: Kelly briefly discusses her extremely diverse career, including where she is now and what types of roles she has historically taken.

4:37: Kelly explains how she organically built a well-rounded career, as opposed to planning it from the beginning.

10:48: Maryanski describes the intense physical strain of aerial dance on the body and the most difficult thing about the art.

12:45: Kelly explains how, in such a strenuous artform, she avoids burnout.

15:53: Maryanski discusses the challenge of pursuing a degree while performing aerial dance but shares how the permanent positives far outweighed the temporary negatives.

19:28: Kelly shares about Circesteem and her involvement with the incredible organization, which teaches circus skills to underprivileged youth to promote teambuilding and camaraderie.

22:14: Kelly gives some advice to any looking to pursue a career in dance and expresses the importance of having supplemental income at the beginning.

26:41: Maryanski shares some wisdom on standing out in auditions and dealing with rejection, which will inevitably come more often than not.

29:34: Kelly discusses the joys and challenges of being a freelance artist.

31:12: Maryanski discusses the integral role that patience plays in the journey of a professional dancer.

Bullet List of Resources –

Kelly Maryanski

• Personal Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Circesteem

• Company Website

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Sherry Zunker — Artistic Director, Choreographer, Creative Director, Theater Director and Founder of BeMoved® Dance based out of Chicago, Illinois. Sherry has a stunning resume, boasting a 35-year-long run as a dance teacher and working as a creator, director, and choreographer on over 35 productions for Royal Caribbean International. Sherry also has had an extensive career as a dancer and, now, runs BeMoved Dance, which is founded on the belief that dance and music has the transformative power to enrich lives.

Sherry firmly holds to the idea that all people should be allowed to express themselves through motion and has dedicated her life to helping others find this gift. Through BeMoved, Sherry is truly using her passion for good. On the podcast, Sherry takes her natural position as a teacher and walks her students — the listeners — through some incredible lessons she's picked up around dance, entrepreneurship, auditioning, and so much more.

Moving Quotes:

"I believe everyone has the right to dance and to move… I also feel that dance helps people's capacity to cope with the world. It would make people healthier and happier."

"At the heart of everything I do, I'm a good teacher. I love to inspire people to be better."

"People are more creative than they probably realize. For me, creativity starts with a problem. I ask, "What's the problem?" And I solve that problem with creativity."

"The reason I feel that I have worked so much and was able to make a living at dance is because I was open to trying so many different things… Every discipline can benefit and help the other discipline."

"In life, people are the reason you're going to succeed."

"[In entrepreneurship,] you have to venture out into all of these unknown areas and know that it's okay to learn on the spot… It's not so much what you know than how you think."

"The hardest thing [when you audition others] is to be very efficient but, at the same time, figure out a way to inspire even those that you turn away."

"A lot of people come to auditions and look like a student and not like a performing artist or a person. I want a person who performs and dances — I don't want a dance student. There's a different vibe."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

3:11: Sherry, who has had an extremely diverse and unique career, discusses the importance of learning a variety of skills and dance styles.

5:45: Sherry explains the perks of being a teacher while pursuing a career in dance and how journey was profoundly impacted by her love of teaching.

7:07: Zunker shares some thoughts on how she is able to spot potential during auditions.

11:08: Sherry, who has run numerous auditions throughout her career, shares some very good advice on how to stick out while auditioning for roles.

15:39: Zunker spends some time describing her dance business — BeMoved — and how it came to be.

22:41: Zunker discusses the music that one may come across when attending one of her classes.

25:40: Sherry describes one of the most challenging aspects of entrepreneurship and the necessity of learning as you go.

28:43: Sherry explains how her love for creativity has played into her love for entrepreneurship.

32:41: Zunker shares some advice for aspiring entrepreneurs around the importance of networking.

34:26: Sherry discusses what's next for BeMoved and why she's passionate about sharing movement with others.

Bullet List of Resources –

Sherry Zunker

• LinkedIn

BeMoved

• Company Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Kate Jablonski, owner and artistic director of Beyond Words Dance Company, The Kate Jablonski Statement, and Camp Kate. Jablonski — a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago — has danced for some of the greatest teachers and choreographers on the East Coast and has garnered several accolades such as a Gold Leo's Award and a Capezio A.C.E. Award. Kate's entrepreneurial endeavors have even expanded internationally, opening Camp Kate locations in London and Italy.

Kate would be the first to admit that, to grow big, she had to start small; her current success that spans continents started with a future vision and with the discipline to get there. On the podcast, Kate shares her unique perspective as someone who has been profoundly successful in both dance and business and gives some behind-the-scenes insight on the joys and challenges of entrepreneurship.

Moving Quotes:

"As an entrepreneur, it doesn't get any easier — the workload never ends — so you have to be passionate about what you do."

"Competition — a healthy competition — can very valuable, beneficial, and motivating for students, as long as it's not the sole focus of [dance training]. I don't want them to feel like terrible dancers if they don't win first place."

"I would tell parents to encourage their children to expand upon their passions… People told me that I needed a back-up plan, which implied I was going to fail. Instead, I tell my students that you don't want to be a 'one trick pony.' … Make your palette as wide as you can."

"I would say to any business owner that, if you want to start a business, take some courses in accounting or finance. Those subjects are not my favorite, but it was good to have to learn about them."

"Over the years, it's been hard to delegate to other people… I have a wonderful staff, but it's sometimes hard to let go of those things that you're used to doing and to trust other people to run this business that's so near and dear to me."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

4:14: Kate explains the origins of the Beyond Words Dance Company.

6:12: Kate gives her point of view on why healthy competition can be good for young dancers.

10:20: Jablonski walks through her journey as an entrepreneur and how starting small was key to her long-term success.

14:58: Kate discusses some unexpected struggles that she has faced as an entrepreneur, including staying disciplined and being willing to delegate.

17:00: Jablonski explains how her dance companies are built for scale through her culture of teaching and mentorship.

19:17: Jablonski discusses her other two dance endeavors — The Kate Jablonski Statement and Camp Kate — and how Camp Kate has recently grown internationally.

21:20: Kate walks through the events that drove her into a full-time dance career.

26:35: Kate shares some advice for parents who want to be supportive of their child's dance passion.

32:05: Jablonski, who is a highly decorated dancer and artist, describes the joy of receiving several top dance awards for her work.

34:27: Kate looks to the future and casts some vision for where she'd like her dance companies to go in the next few years.

Bullet List of Resources –

Kate Jablonski

• Facebook
• Instagram

Beyond Words Dance Company

• Company Website
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

Camp Kate

• Company Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Rebecca Davis and Bashir Karenzi of MindLeaps — a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the education of vulnerable children around the world through creative arts. Davis, who is the Founder and Executive Director of MindLeaps, holds several degrees and had an extensive dance career prior to taking over the nonprofit. Karenzi, who is Technical Director at MindLeaps, hails from Rwanda, holds a degree, boasts an accomplished dance resume, and speaks five different languages.

Both Davis and Karenzi have witnessed first-hand the lifechanging impact of dance on societies and the world and have dedicated their lives to helping vulnerable populations succeed through the arts. On the podcast, they deep-dive on MindLeaps's incredible mission, retell some of their most inspiring stories, detail how the company works on an operational level, and look back on an amazing journey that got them to where they are today.

Moving Quotes:

"Many times, I think dance is seen as entertainment or as a discipline that we do with our bodies. But dancers have really seen how it's changed the way they think about themselves and their world. It has a huge effect emotionally and mentally."

"We are strong because we were broken."

"Dance triggers a belief in possibility — if I can do these steps that I only see on TV or only see 'cool kids' doing, then there's an understanding that I can do more in life and I'm capable of it."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:58: Rebecca and Bashir describe their organization — MindLeaps — including what they do, where they operate, and how many are involved in their program.

7:46: Bashir discusses the MindLeaps curriculum, who the program is targeted towards, and the end goal of the program's graduates.

13:41: Rebecca and Bashir share some of the most inspiring success stories from their time working alongside the MindLeaps students and teachers.

16:54: Rebecca describes the incredible way her company measures the success of its program.

20:16: Rebecca and Bashir explain how they prepare their leaders to be effective coaches and mentors for the MindLeaps students.

26:06: Rebecca discusses why she believes her program has a 95 percent success rate in the areas where it operates.

28:46: Rebecca recaps her incredible journey that led her to eventually founding MindLeaps.

36:55: Rebecca discusses how she eventually filed for 501(c)(3) and organized her nonprofit, as a young woman in her mid-20s.

39:24: Rebecca provides information around how to donate to MindLeaps.

40:31: Rebecca and Bashir end the conversation by projecting their ultimate vision for the MindLeaps project.

Bullet List of Resources –

Rebecca Davis

• LinkedIn

Bashir Karenzi

• LinkedIn

MindLeaps

• Company Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube