DANCE +

By Dana WilsonBusiness Education Arts Performing Arts Careers

DANCE + episodes

June 18, 2025243. Dance Your Mission Statement with Kai Martinez
Kai Martinez on marketing, empowering women through choreography, jealousy, Anderson. Paak, and all things Encanto!
In this episode, accomplished dancer and choreographer Kai Martinez shares her journey from passionate performer to industry innovator, revealing how clarity of purpose transforms both artistry and career trajectory. The Latina powerhouse, whose credits span from Christina Aguilera and Kendrick Lamar to Disney's Oscar-winning Encanto, explores:
"tuning into your frequency"—discovering what you stand for as an artist and how that clarity naturally aligns you with the right projects, from empowering women through movement to championing underserved communities and sharing diverse cultural stories
The groundbreaking process behind Disney's "We Don't Talk About Bruno"—how they reated choreography from storyboards alone, with their studio footage directly informing the animation layout, then spending six months collaborating with Disney's animation team to ensure every hip rotation and beat hit with precision
Her revolutionary work bridging dance and animation—collaborating with Disney's Michael Woodside to establish new standards for how choreographers and animators work together on musical sequences, creating a template that elevated the entire industry's approach to animated dance
The power of reframing jealousy as a navigational tool—using the "jealousy map" technique from The Artist's Way to transform envy into actionable insight, discovering what you truly want and taking immediate steps toward those goals rather than scrolling past inspiration
Kai represents the evolution of choreography across mediums. From her roots watching dancers in underserved neighborhoods to mentoring the next generation, she embodies how finding your authentic voice and values can create pathways not just for personal success, but for lifting entire communities. Whether you're interested in the intersection of live performance and animation, building authentic artistic relationships, or learning how to channel inspiration into action, this conversation offers powerful insights into creating work that truly matters.
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
Connect with Kai
Take a class with Kai
Kai’s Black Sweat video
Watch colorwise by the Seaweed Sisters
Listen to our episode with Popin'’ Pete
Listen to our episode with Jamal
Listen to our episode with Marty
Listen to our episode with Reina
Listen to our episode with Asiel
Listen to our episode with Yoe
Read The Artist's Way
More about the Jealousy Map
Listen to our episode with Shaun
Listen to our episode with Jillian
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
1 hr 3 min
June 10, 2025242. The Power of Adaptability: Comfort Fedoke's Journey Through Dance
Comfort Fedoke on Emotional Choreography, Collaborative Art-Making, and the Power of Adaptability
In this episode, Emmy Award-winning dancer, choreographer, and multi-hyphenate artist Comfort Fedoke opens up about her innovative approach to movement as emotional language and the art of authentic collaboration. The Nigerian-American performer, known for her journey from So You Think You Can Dance contestant to All-Star to judge, reveals:
Her groundbreaking new show "A/VOID"—a double entendre exploring the emotions we avoid and the void they create, developed with creative partner Zoe Rappaport and set within the immersive light-and-sound installation Chromasonic Field in downtown LA
The magic of synesthetic performance—how she's creating work where "color becomes audible and sound becomes visible," using all the senses to help audiences viscerally understand what they're feeling through movement
Her collaborative choreographic process—the late-night living room sessions that led to the Ozdust Ballroom Scene in Wicked, where authentic movement language emerges through freestyle experimentation, building "like a puzzle" until the soul speaks louder than technique
The biggest lesson from her So You Think You Can Dance journey: learning to be adaptable and understanding her role as a muse and influential collaborator, discovering how to elevate choreographers while maintaining lasting artistic relationships
As a performer who has shared stages with H.E.R., John Legend, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, and countless other A-list artists, while also working as a commentator for Red Bull TV and judge on Nigeria's Maltina Dance All, Comfort embodies the evolution of dance as storytelling. From splitting time between London (where she's associate choreographer on "Wicked" and the West End's "Cabaret") and LA, she's creating work that transforms spaces and challenges audiences to feel more deeply. Whether you're interested in the intersection of technology and movement, the business of being a creative collaborator, or simply want to understand how dance can make the invisible visible, this conversation offers profound insights into making art that moves both bodies and souls.
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
Connect with Comfort on IG
Get Tickets to Comfort’s show
Donate to A/VOID
Watch “Try A Little Tenderness” from SYTYCD
Listen to our episode with the In The Heights Team
Watch the full Ozdust Ballroom Scene
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
49 min
June 04, 2025241. Defying Gravity: Zoey Anderson on Dance, Magic & Training
Zoey Anderson on Becoming Undeniable Talent, Defying Gravity, and Finding Your Artistic Home
In this episode, Parsons Dance Company principal Zoey Anderson shares her remarkable journey from summer intensive discovery to becoming one of contemporary dance's most captivating performers. A 10-year company veteran, Clive Barnes Award winner, and Bessie Award nominee reveals:
Her serendipitous path into Parsons Dance—how being spotted at Marymount's summer intensive led to an immediate company placement when the stars aligned and a dancer departed
Dana’s philosophy on developing "undeniable, untouchable talent" over focusing on industry mechanics—why she believes pre-professional dancers should redirect energy from questions about hair color and tattoos to becoming the artist companies can't live without
The mesmerizing solo "Caught"—a gravity-defying illusion performed in strobe lighting that creates the impossible: a body suspended in space for five minutes, executing over 112 jumps while appearing to never touch the ground
Operating at extremes: her all-or-nothing approach to energy management, planning for both 100% intensity and complete restoration through 13-15 hour sleep cycles
As a performer who has graced stages from Broadway's "On The Town" opening night gala to the Academy Award-winning film "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," and competed as a National Champion in Ballroom Smooth dancing, Zoey embodies the athletic artistry and infectious joy that defines contemporary dance. Whether you're an aspiring dancer seeking your artistic home or anyone fascinated by the intersection of illusion and movement, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and pure magic for understanding what it means to become irreplaceable in your craft.
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
Connect with Zoey on Instagram
Watch a Parsons Dance performance
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
48 min
May 28, 2025 240.Lisa "L-Boogie" Bauford: Be Good Do Good
From Basketball Dreams to Dance Floors: Lisa "L-Boogie" Bauford's Journey of Art, Family, and Finding Light in Darkness

Meet Lisa "L-Boogie" Bauford - a professional dancer, creative entrepreneur, and the heart behind Blame Boogie LLC. In this inspiring conversation, Lisa opens up about her incredible journey from childhood basketball dreams to becoming a world-traveling dancer and emcee.

What You'll Discover:
Family DNA of Dance - How Lisa's love for movement began at age 3-4 in a juke joint, with party lights flashing and grown folks cheering her on

The Pivot - Why her first love of basketball led her to an even greater passion for dance and the stage

Chronicles of Tour Life - Stories from her global dance career and how travel experiences influenced her unique clothing designs

Survivalist to Artist - The courageous leap from financial security to chasing dreams, and how her community rallied to support her audition journey

The Philosophy That Drives Everything:
"People will forget what you did, people will forget what you said, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou (tattooed on Lisa's body and embedded in her soul)

Plus Some Real Talk:
Ever wonder about those pre-performance jitters? Lisa gets hilariously honest about the universal performer experience of suddenly needing to pee right before showtime.

Watch the full episode here.

Show Notes:
Connect with Lisa on IG
Listen to the Seaweed Sisters episode
Listen to Shaun’s episode
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
49 min
May 21, 2025239. A New Image: Sydney Mesher Transforms Dance & Disability
Sydney Mesher on Disability Representation, Kicking Down Barriers, and Changing the Entertainment Industry
In this episode, trailblazing performer Sydney Mesher shares her journey as the first visibly disabled Radio City Rockette and her mission to transform representation in entertainment. Born without her left hand, Sydney reveals:
Her transformative experience making history with the Radio City Rockettes and performing on iconic stages
The often overlooked reality of navigating dance training and professional choreography with a disability, including the mental gymnastics of constantly adapting instructions and movement on the spot while never wanting to disrupt the creative process
The profound importance of portraying disabled bodies as desirable and sexy in media—a taboo topic that Sydney addresses with remarkable candor—and how the absence of such representation affected her own self-image growing up
Creating more examples of her in the world with her book “She Kept Dancing”
As a multi-disciplinary artist working across dance, modeling, and acting, Sydney exposes the stark contrast between being hired as a dancer versus being brought on as "inclusive talent," and her determination to change how the entertainment industry approaches disability. Whether you're a performer with a disability seeking representation or anyone passionate about creating more authentic and diverse art forms, this conversation offers both emotional honesty and inspiring insights for breaking boundaries and embracing your unique artistic voice.
Watch the full episode here!
Show Notes:
Connect with Sydney on IG
Buy Sydney’s book “She Kept Dancing”
Read Sydney’s ESPN article
Listen to Joe’s episode
Listen to the Seaweed Sisters episode
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
53 min
May 14, 2025238. How Do Dancers Make Money?
The Business of Dance: Revealing the 3 Paths to Income for Professional Dancers. This episode pulls back the curtain on the financial realities of dance careers through a fascinating analysis of booking patterns and relationship-building. Discover the surprising statistics that show how much work Dana has booked from established relationships rather than auditions. Learn why unpaid passion projects often fuel paid opportunities, and explore the universal value-creation formula that applies to dancers and entrepreneurs alike.
This episode will help you:
Understand the three primary ways dancers secure paying work
See the crucial connection between unpaid artistic projects and paid opportunities
Recognize the "full-time job" of community relationship maintenance
Apply a simple 6-step formula for creating and monetizing value
Balance artistic passion with practical business strategy
Transform your perspective on dance as both an art form and a viable career
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
Coach with Dana
Listen to our episode with the Seaweed Sisters
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
22 min
May 07, 2025237. Erik Cavanaugh: Dancers Come In All Sizes
Erik Cavanaugh (Dicks: The Musical, SavageXFenty, Apple Billboard) joins us on Words That Move Me this week!
Breaking Barriers in Dance: Erik Cavanaugh on Body Representation, Big City Dreams, and Creating Inclusive Spaces
In this inspiring episode, groundbreaking dancer Erik Cavanaugh shares his journey of reshaping the dance world and challenging body stereotypes. Drawing on his experiences across fashion, television, film, and advertising, Erik reveals:
His surreal moment seeing himself on billboards in major cities worldwide—from Times Square to Tokyo—and the emotional impact of representation in an industry that often excludes diverse body types
Practical wisdom for dancers considering relocating to major entertainment hubs like LA and New York, including why building a strong foundation before making the leap can prevent burnout
The frustrating reality of costume departments failing to accommodate plus-size performers, forcing dancers like Erik to bring their own wardrobe or make last-minute purchases out of pocket
As the creator of the movement "Dancers Come In All Sizes," Erik is committed to mentoring the next generation and creating spaces where all body types feel welcome in dance. Whether you're a performer facing body discrimination or someone passionate about creating more inclusive creative industries, this conversation offers both validation and actionable insights for breaking barriers and embracing your authentic artistic voice.

Watch the full episode here!

Show Notes:
Connect with Erik on IG
Watch Dicks the musical
Take Erik’s class in Nashville
Watch Holland
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
48 min
April 30, 2025236. Jasmine JB Badie: Short and Sweet and Seriously Smart
The Choreographer's Canvas: Jasmine JB Badie on Redefining Stage Direction

As both a performer and creator, JB knows the distinction between dance class choreography and effective stage direction. Whether you're a dancer looking to transition into choreography or a creative director developing your leadership style, this conversation offers loads of wisdom for crafting performances that serve the vision while preserving the humanity of everyone involved.

Drawing on her experiences with Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, and more, Jasmine breaks down:
Why her "humane choreographer" approach prioritizes kindness and efficiency over intimidation, creating better results without the trauma
The pivotal moment when mentor Gil texted that he and Janet Jackson wanted to attend her show, culminating in a full-circle career validation
The importance of purpose-driven choreography—why she refuses to create exhausting "class routines" when they don't serve the artist or audience
Her unique creative process focused on viewpoint and feeling rather than technical complexity

Watch the full episode here.

Show Notes:
Connect with JB on Instagram
Watch the seaweed sisters at Vibe
Victoria Monet BET awards
Listen to the seaweed sisters episode
Listen to Mandy’s episode
Listen to Tony’s episode
Listen to Gary’s episode
Listen to Toni’s episode
Listen to Good Questions episode
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
1 hr 3 min
March 26, 2025235. Body Wisdom & Food Freedom for Performers with Sherry Lin
Reimagine Your Relationship to Wellness by Understanding Food, Hunger, and Hormones with Sherry Lin
In this eye-opening episode, dancer and registered dietitian Sherry Lin shares her holistic, non-diet approach to nutrition and wellness. Drawing on her thirteen years of experience specializing in eating disorders, gut health, and performance nutrition, Sherry breaks down:
The three types of hunger we experience (physical, emotional, and mental) and how to identify each in your body
Why restrictive approaches to eating often backfire and how an “affirmative voice” can transform your relationship with food
The surprising truth about hormonal cycles and metabolism—including why we experience intense cravings during certain phases
As the founder of Rhythm and Nutrition and a professional dancer with an MFA from the University of Michigan, Sherry brings a unique perspective on body awareness and nutritional needs. Whether you’re struggling with disordered eating patterns or simply want to develop a healthier relationship with food, this conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone looking to nourish both body and soul.

Watch the episode here.

Show Notes:
Connect with Sherry on IG
Learn how to work with Sherry
Listen to my episode on Grit vs. Grace
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
59 min
March 19, 2025234.The Movement Multi-hyphenate: Samø Soto’s Journey from Breaking Battles to Breaking Falls
Beyond Boundaries: The Multifaceted Journey of Samø Soto
Join us for a revealing conversation with Samø Soto, a professional who has masterfully navigated the transition from B-boy to Stuntman while challenging industry perceptions about artistic identity.
In this episode, Samø shares the emotional complexities of expanding beyond dance—the guilt, the external perceptions, and the struggle to be seen as multidimensional in an industry that prefers singular labels. Despite his passion for choreography and battling still burning bright, he’s determined to prove his commitment to stunts while advocating for a world that embraces versatility.
What you’ll discover:
The internal conflict of pursuing multiple passions while fighting against binary job labels
How dance fundamentally prepared him for stunt work through adaptability and quick choreographic thinking
His journey from being the “weakest link” in crew battles to finding his unique contribution through dynamic movement
Why dancers have the “biggest cheat code” in entertainment with unprecedented access across production departments
This conversation reveals how dancers occupy a position in the entertainment hierarchy not practiced often—a “hallway lined with doors” offering opportunities to explore lighting, wardrobe, stunts, and beyond. Samø’s story is a powerful testament to creative evolution and finding strength in versatility.
Watch the full episode here.

Show Notes:
Connect with Samø on Instagram
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
58 min

About DANCE +

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The dance podcast where movers and shakers like you get the information and inspiration you need to navigate your creative career with clarity and confidence. Master mover, Dana Wilson, taps into 20…