DANCE +

By Dana WilsonBusiness Education Arts Performing Arts Careers

DANCE + episodes

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
1 hr 17 min
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
23 min
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

1 hr 7 min
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
1 hr 18 min
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
20 min
February 05, 2025228. Marie Poppins: Writes Her Own Rules (on Learning, Auditioning, and Mastering Dance)
Breaking Rules & Breaking Through – A Raw Conversation About Dance, Freedom & Finding Your Way with Marie Poppins:
“Technique should facilitate freedom” – dive into why mastery doesn’t mean conformity
From baggy clothes to bare skin: exploring how clothing choices impact movement & confidence
The audition heard around the world – turning voguing into victory when classical dance was “required”
Real talk about owning your style & challenging dance gatekeepers Plus, candid confessions about fear, judgment, and finding YOUR authentic expression!
Watch this episode for all the inspiration & insights!
Show Notes:
Connect with Marie on IG
Listen to Lorin’s episode
Listen to Rhapsody’s episode
Listen to Pete’s episode
Listen to the Seaweed Sister 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 4 min
January 01, 2025227. THAT’S A WRAP ON 2024! A.I, New Years Resolutions, and Where We Go Next
From friendly New Year reflections to game-changing networking strategies – we’re kicking off 2025 with warmth and wisdom:
Should you be buying followers? We discuss it!
Learn why generic “pick your brain” requests fail and what questions actually open doors
Explore the rise of AI in creative fields, including its surprising impact on choreography and dance
Get real about building genuine connections through sincere appreciation and follow-through
Plus, we’re mixing serious career advice with playful moments! ENJOY!

Ready to ring in 2024?

Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Show Notes:
For show notes and more PODCAST:
https://link.chtbl.com/dEaK10ZE
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD0FUzWuOMbzFjA83cj8-QlwSxFxMQEKN

For more DANA:
https://www.thedanawilson.com/

For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY:
https://www.wordsthatmoveme.com/community/

To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER:
https://www.danceresourcecenter.org/fundraiser/the-dana-wilson-llc/

To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES:
https://www.wordsthatmoveme.com/wtmm-shop/

Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok:
https://instagram.com/wordsthatmovemepodcast?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.tiktok.com/@wordsthatmoveme?_t=8g0z5pktPwo&_r=1
58 min
December 18, 2024226. 2024’s Unfiltered Stories of Struggle in the Entertainment Industry
Diving deep into the unfiltered stories of success and struggle in entertainment:
Uncover the raw, behind-the-scenes realities of creative careers
Learn how professional journeys are anything but linear
Discover the power of resilience, advocacy, and honest self-reflection
Understand why failures are just as important as successes
Plus, we’re exploring the untold stories of every guest from 2024, breaking down the glamorous myths, and revealing the true human experience behind creative achievements! From choreographers fighting for talent to navigating the unpredictable waves of career success – it’s a must-listen that pulls back the curtain on what really happens in the entertainment world!
Ready to hear the unvarnished truth?
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
1 hr 27 min
November 20, 2024225. A Dancer’s Guide to Conflict Resolution
Diving deep into the art of conflict resolution this holiday season:
Learn game-changing insights from Dana Caspersen’s transformative book
Discover why understanding beats winning in difficult conversations
Master the gentle art of “untangling” conflicts like delicate knots
Transform your approach to heated discussions with dance-inspired wisdom
Plus, we’re exploring powerful metaphors, practical conflict resolution techniques, and discovering how dance class mindsets can revolutionize difficult conversations! Perfect timing for those challenging holiday dinner discussions – it’s a masterclass in communication that brings grace and understanding to life’s toughest moments!
Ready to change the conversation?
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
Read Changing the Conversation by Dana Caspersen
Learn more about the Palm Desert Choreography Festival
Listen to Spenser & Jermaine’s episode
Listen to our episode on Processing.
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
20 min
October 30, 2024224. Harry Shum Jr. & Shelby Rabara Dare To Dance… and Act & Write
Stepping into the studio with power couple Harry Shum Jr. and Shelby Rabara:
How they both got started on Glee (and who was there first)
Bringing movement to life in their new children’s book ‘Martee Dares to Dance’ (available to order now!)
The secret language of dance that enhances their acting craft
How dance training can help you multitask
Plus, we’re exploring impromptu dance demonstrations, trading stories about movement inspiring character work, and discovering how rhythm shows up in the most unexpected places! It’s a masterclass in artistic expression where dance meets storytelling, packed with laughs, live movements, and insider perspectives from two of entertainment’s most dynamic performers!
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
Connect with Harry on IG
Connect with Shelby on IG
Buy their book Martee Dares to Dance
Listen to Gary Tacon’s episode
Follow Models Doing Ballet
Listen to Technique VS Style
Listen to Gary Imhoff’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
1 hr 5 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…