DANCE +

By Dana Wilson

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... more

4.9

139139 ratings

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FAQs about DANCE +:

How many episodes does DANCE + have?

The podcast currently has 318 episodes available.

DANCE + episodes:

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
...more
22min
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
...more
48min
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
...more
1h 3min
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
...more
59min
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
...more
58min
March 12, 2025 233. Toni Basil: The Extraordinary Life and Art of the “Hey Mickey” Hitmaker
Behind the Curtain: The Extraordinary Life and Art of Toni Basil
Featuring legendary Choreographer, Dancer, Director, Producer, Recording Artist, Historian, and “Hey Mickey” hitmaker Toni Basil in a rare, intimate conversation! We explore her remarkable career spanning decades in entertainment, from backstage memories as Vaudeville royalty to collaborating with icons like Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Bette Midler, and Tina Turner.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
– How Toni’s behind-the-scenes childhood at the Chicago Theater shaped her love for performance
– The creative process behind Elvis’ in “Viva Las Vegas” assisting David Winters
– Her unexpected journey to becoming co-director for David Bowie after connecting through their shared mime vocabulary
– Insights on working with superstars who “care about their legacy” and the work ethic behind true stardom
This conversation reveals how following your artistic intuition—even when it leads to unexpected places—can create a lifetime of extraordinary creative collaborations. Toni’s fascinating stories illuminate how being fully present in each moment helped her navigate a groundbreaking career across film, television, and music.
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
Follow Toni on:
IG: officialtonibasil
X:Toni_Basil
YouTube: ToniBasilsHouse
TikTok: officialtonibasil
Listen to Toni’s re-release of “Breakaway”
Watch Hey Mickey
Watch Toni in West Side Story
Watch Toni’s parents’ Vaudville Act
Watch Toni’s aunt and uncle in a silent film from 1919
Watch Toni’s judges’ demo from Street Beat 2024
Watch Street Beat
Watch Shopping A-Z
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
...more
1h 17min
March 05, 2025232. Transformative Change: The Delicate Balance of Grit and Grace
Self-improvement is not about perfection, it’s about finding the right balance between pushing yourself and accepting yourself. When pursuing transformative change, there are two seemingly opposite approaches – “Grit” (hard work and critical coaching) and “Grace” (gentle and nurturing self-care). This episode is all about this “Personal Growth Paradox” and the tools and techniques for identifying and effectively balancing self-criticism and self-compassion.
This episode will help you:
Reflect on your current self-talk patterns
Recognize that transformation requires BOTH grit and grace
Learn to discern when to apply each approach
Create a balanced internal dialogue that supports growth
Experiment with combining grit and grace in your personal development journey
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
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
...more
23min
February 26, 2025 231. Persistence + Passion: Tony Testa’s Artistic Journey
Conversations on Creativity: Tony Testa’s Journey from Dancer to Creator
Featuring my lifelong friend and visionary choreographer Tony Testa in his FIRST-EVER podcast interview! We dive deep into creative intuition, mentorship, and processing life’s challenges. This conversation reveals how following your instincts—even when they lead you away from what everyone else expects—can open doors to your authentic artistic voice.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

-How Tony discovered his calling as a choreographer while on the “Feedback” set with Ed Moore

-How the commercial dance space can leave artists wanting more

-Keys of mentor relationships: insights from working with legendary director Kenny Ortega and Greek grandmaster Dimitris Papaioannou

-The transformative power of persistence: scheduling time to process difficult emotions and the consistency needed for personal evolution

Watch the full episode here.

Show Notes:
Listen to Gary’s episode
Listen to Smac’s episode
Listen to the Seaweed Sisters episode
Listen to Michelle’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

...more
1h 7min
February 19, 2025230. Be Unflappable with Byron Tittle
The Art of Letting Go: Byron Tittle on Dance, Spontaneity & Finding Flow
Mastering the “first time feeling” – how commercial dance taught Byron to embrace every performance as the final version
The power of relaxation: discovering how letting go actually amplifies your technique & expands possibilities
Beyond the tap shoes: hearing rhythm in everyday life & staying present in every moment
From Broadway to the Grammys: invaluable lessons from crossing industry boundaries
PLUS! A New segment we call “Where’s the One?”
Featuring Princess Grace Award Winner & industry-bending performer Byron Tittle – bringing his wisdom from The St. James Theater to Grammy’s stage with Sabrina Carpenter! Watch as we explore why sometimes doing less leads to accessing more, and how dance lessons become life lessons.
Watch the full episode here!

Show Notes:
Listen to our In The Heights
Listen to Martha’s episode
Listen to Jillian’s episode
Listent to Michelle’s episode
Listen to Marty’s episode
Listen to Caroline’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
...more
1h 18min
February 12, 2025229. “I’m Not Working Right Now” and Other Useless Thoughts
Facts vs. Fiction – A Deep Dive into YOUR Thoughts on the Industry’s Changing Landscape
Critical Thinking in Crisis: The danger of making career decisions based on rumors instead of facts, plus actionable strategies for navigating change
Power of Perspective: Redefining what it means to be “working” in entertainment – from on-set gigs to personal growth & skill development
Breaking Down the Numbers: Why the “mass exodus” narrative might be more dramatic than the data suggests
Listen now for a myth-busting exploration of the entertainment landscape and learn how to separate your thoughts from facts from fiction!
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
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
...more
20min

FAQs about DANCE +:

How many episodes does DANCE + have?

The podcast currently has 318 episodes available.

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