Abun(dance)

We couldn't be happier to have Co-directors, Lynn Petersen and Kate Sutter of SYREN Modern Dance in NYC join us! In this conversation we dive into their path to reach the company's 20th year anniversary. Listen to hear about what owning and directing your own dance company entails. We love their emphasis on support! Give it a listen to learn more.

This episode features Gia Salerno! As a physical therapist that specializes in dance at NYU Langone’s Harkness Center for Dance Injuries, she has a lot of expertise. Our point of discussion centers around common dance injuries Gia sees. She talks about how dancers can take preventative measures to avoid injury. If you’re curious about the benefits of Physical Therapy, this is definitely an episode that you’ll want to check out!

This episode features Kristen and Hannah's former professor and mentor from Mercyhurst University, Tauna Hunter. Find out more about her career as she elaborates on her experiences learning, teaching, and dancing the Bournonville technique. You will get to hear firsthand stories that reflect upon her time at Ballet West and the University of Utah. Tauna Hunter is someone that leaves a lasting impression on those who get the privilege to learn from her. She is quite an inspiration!

This episode features Kristen's former ballet teacher, Linda Giancaspro! Linda has been a huge supporter of the podcast and we are thrilled to have her on. From Ballet Mistress to competition judge, studio owner, and Master Class teacher, she has done it all and continues to leave her mark on the dance world. Linda is truly electric, a natural born performer with a heart of gold. Everyone deserves a Miss Linda in their life! Tune in to hear her story.

Betsy Moran, director of DanceWorks NYC and Boston, is here with us today to shine light on her career and company. DanceWorks gives a unique space for dancers to continue dancing at a high level even if they are not dancing full time and have other work. Learn more about the ins and outs of DanceWorks and Betsy's positive outlook on life. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Jalyn Gill is our star of the show today! Kristen and Hannah get to learn about how Jalyn's past, present, and goals for the future have shaped her as an artist. As a dancer, choreographer, and teacher Jalyn excels in more ways than one. Give this one a listen to learn more about her -- you won't regret it!

We are happy to illuminate the talented Lydia Soueidan and Anthony Zucchero! Tune in to hear how their individual journeys with dance and music made them into the artists they are today. Not only have they each created their own paths separately, but together they have collaborated and influenced each other in many ways too. We couldn't be more excited for them and we look forward to seeing the amazing work they create in the future. Don't forget to check out Anthony's band MorphLand!

we are excited to share our special guest Carole Amend! Thank you to our former guest, Solveig Santillano for introducing us! Carole is a somatic movement educator and Pilates specialist based in California who has her own studio, Bodies Mind. Be sure to check out her studio including her online offerings!

What a pleasure it was to speak with Lauren Stenroos, and our dear friend Stacie Preuhs, both Mercyhurst alums and professional dancers with Cleveland Ballet. We appreciate their nuanced perspectives on topics like physical and mental self-care, finding motivation to keep up with the demands of the field, and pre-show routines. 'Treat your body as a temple,' as Lauren would say. Tune in to hear how their different paths led them to Mercyhurst and now dancing together at Cleveland Ballet!