“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey  and Sydnie Liggett-Dennis, Executive Director of the dance company, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham .

In this episode of  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey,  join host Joanne Carey as she chats with Special Guest, Sydnie Liggett- Dennis. Listen in as Joanne and Sydnie not only share their love of dance, but they dive into the role of Executive Director, and what its like to be an administrator; sharing the importance of this crucial behind-the-scenes role. Sydnie also discusses navigating a dance company through COVID and this "new normal." She also speaks of the vision of A.I.M and Kyle Abraham advocating and caring for his dancers through providing a livable yearly salary, healthcare insurance, 401K and wellness offerings. Sydnie Liggett-Dennis is a true leader in every way.

Sydnie Liggett-Dennis, became Executive Director of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham in 2019 prior to the pandemic Shutdown. Despite the challenges faced in quarantine, Ms. Liggett-Dennis rose to the occasion not only in the demanding role of an Executive Director, but she embraced the core values of the company and brought them to fruition. Sydnie is known to be a dynamic leader, excelling at organizational skills and maintaining exceptional implementation and execution. She is well-versed in the performing arts as an administrator, teacher, and performer through with an extensive background in programming, coordination, and project management. She is also great fun to speak with!
Ms Liggett-Dennis has been the Director of Programs for Dance/USA, School Director and School Administrator of the Mark Morris Dance Group, and has worked at Dance New Amsterdam. Her love of dance drew her to make it her life's work.

Follow on Instagram @aimbykyleabraham

Find out more on the company's website

https://aimbykyleabraham.org/

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“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey and International Bharatanatyam performer and Scholar, Bala Devi Chandrashekar.

In this episode of  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey,  join host Joanne Carey as she chats with Special Guest: Bala Devi Chandrashekar. Listen in as we chat about this unique style of Indian Classical Dance, Bharatanatyam (the highest form of yoga). Hear Bala share about about the profound and spiritual wisdom of this style of dance and learn the meaning of what a Guru is and the humility needed to learn wisdom. Every movement, every gesture, every moment tells a story...

This dance style and the words of Bala not only leave you feeling inspired, but lifted and part of a united, loving and peaceful humanity.

Namaste.

Bala Devi Chandrashekar is a Bharatanatyam exponent and research scholar. Bala is known for her distinct scholarly style and takes on subjects based on ancient texts supported by intense research. She collaborates with renowned scholars in their respective fields, carving messages from scriptures relevant to the contemporary world and actively presenting this form worldwide.
Bala Devi's lineage is from a family of philosophers and literary scholars. Through her classical dance, she strives to interpret ancient philosophical and esoteric concepts and present them in a distinct classical style that is always contemporary in interpretation and communicates across cultures. Bala started her initial training under Guru Jayalakshmi Narayanan in Hyderabad and then went on to learn with Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam in Chennai.

Bala Devi Chandrashekar has given over 300 performances across 30 countries. Bala is an empaneled artist of the ICCR, New Delhi, and an approved artist by the Ministry of Culture, Govt, of India for overseas performances.

Bala is one of the few Bharatanatyam artists worldwide to have released nine critically acclaimed productions. These productions are Nandanar Charithram, MLV favorites, Krishnaarpanam, Vishwam: The Omnipresent, Uddhava Gita: Lord Krishna's last message, Tripura - Divine Feminine, Karna: Destiny's Child, Brihadeeswara: Form to formless & Padmavati - an Avatar. All her productions are accompanied by exceptional world-class music. Bala consistently performs at several prestigious venues across India, the USA, Europe, and the Middle East.

In a unique honor, Bala is one of the few Bharatanatyam dancers in the world to have presented her " Brihadeeswara - Form to formless, through eyes of a Devaradiyal " ( based on the 1000-year-old UNESCO Heritage site, The Thanjavur Big Temple) at the UNESCO head office in Paris in June 2019, as a part of the world heritage week celebrations. The show was attended by over 500 art enthusiasts, including ambassadors and dignitaries.

As a Professor of Practice, Bala is constantly developing “Performing studies” in collaboration with Theater and Dance, History, Philosophy, Linguistic anthropology, and South Asian Departments of various Universities in the United States and served as a Fellow and Artist in Residence at The Carl A fields Center@Princeton University. Bala Devi in partnership with Sangam festival - 501 c 3 not for profit charity, through art performances, has raised over $500,000 for various social and educational causes in the USA and India.

Follow on Instagram @baladevi_chandrashekar

Find out more on her website

https://www.baladevichandrashekar.com/

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“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

Kick- Off Season 2 of “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey and the Artistic Director of New York Theatre Ballet, Steven Melendez.

In this episode of  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey,  join host Joanne Carey as she chats with Special Guest: Steven Melendez. Listen in as we have a candid chat about where Steven's career began, where it is now and where it is going. We also talk about the full-length documentary film Lift based on his life and the Lift Program at NYTB that serves children living inside homeless shelters in NYC through the art of ballet. It was in that very program that Steven discovered ballet and ballet discovered him. This is a talent whose mission is to "Bring the Dance Where the People Are'" and his new program "Between the Acts" is doing that by addressing diversity, equity and inclusion by creating greater access to dance." For NYTB, "the future of our organization and the future of dance lie with new audiences. "

Steven Melendez, was born in New York City in 1986 and began his ballet training as part of the LIFT

Steven is the subject of a feature-length documentary, LIFT, directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker David

Follow on Instagram @nytheatreballet

To get involved, check out their website

https://nytb.org/⁠

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“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

In this episode of  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey,  join host Joanne Carey as she chats with Special Guest: Gavin Larsen, retired professional ballerina, author, writer and teacher.

Gavin sits down with Joanne and talks about her career as a professional dancer, a writer and a teacher. Together they also reminisce; sharing dance stories from Gavin's book: Being a Ballerina, The Power and Perfection of a Dancing Life , and her career. The beauty that is ballet is not only evident in Gavin Larsen's writing, but in her conversation and her ability to make her words dance.

Gavin Larsen, Born and raised in New York City, Ms. Larsen received her professional dance training at the School of American Ballet, the Pacific

Follow @gavinlarsen on Instagram

Find out more about Gavin on her website

https://gavinlarsen.com/

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“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

In this episode of  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey,  join host Joanne Carey as she chats with Special Guest: Aurélia Sellier, Founder and President of the International Organization, "The What Dance Can Do Project." 

Aurélia sits down with Joanne to discuss the reality that dance changes lives. Aurélia shares her everyday and firsthand witness of the work she is doing along with the volunteer artists she has gathered in her organization to bring dance to those who would not traditionally have access to dance on a regular basis. Her unshakeable belief that dance brings about positive change, giving hope to those without hope, is creating a ripple effect and becoming a growing worldwide movement.

Aurélia Sellier, French from origin, Aurélia lives in Zurich where she has worked in various roles for large multinational companies, mostly in the field of leadership and organization development. She now is working as a freelance presence and public speaking coach.

Initially from a Literature and Business academic background, a career break gave her the opportunity to make a dream come true: bring an artistic and philanthropic project to life. Passionate about dance, the topic came to her very naturally.

“The What Dance Can Do Project was born from the belief that dance can change lives. And that more people should know about it. Dance is empowering in so many ways, it can play an active role in driving positive change at individual, community and society levels. Dance programs are not a cost; they are an investment in the future of humanity.”

Follow @whatdancecando on Instagram

To get involved, check out their Website

https://thewhatdancecandoproject.com/

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“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

In this episode of  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey,  join host Joanne Carey as she chats with Special Guest: Terry Hyde, Dancer's Psychotherpist and Workshop Presenter.

Terry sits down with Joanne to discuss to importance of dancer mental health and how important self-care is offering the tools necessary to help performers manage anxiety, stress, mental health and their overall well-being, while navigating the world of performing and beyond, something that wasn't fostered while he was in the business. Changing the narrative and removing the taboo of mental health has become his mission and purpose not only in the UK, but worldwide. Welcome Terry and this important conversation to Dance Talk!

Terry Hyde is a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) and abides by their code for ethical practice. Terry has been a psychotherapist/counsellor since 2010.

He started ballet classes at the age of 6 and at age 10 was awarded a 5 year scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dance in London, later attending the Royal Ballet senior school. At 18 Terry joined the Royal Ballet and later moved to London’s Festival Ballet (now English National Ballet) as a soloist.  After 5 years, he moved to musical theatre, performing in London’s West End, Film and TV.

Because of his own experiences as a performer Terry brings a genuine understanding of the unique demands that are placed on dancers into his psychotherapy practice.

Follow Terry Hyde and Counselling for Dancers https://www.counsellingfordancers.com/

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“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

In this episode of  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey,  join host Joanne Carey as she chats with Special Guest: Maeghan McHale, dancer, choreographer, mentor, coach, and YGAP judge. 

Maeghan sits down with Joanne to discuss the trajectory of her career that led her from a classical ballet career to one in the contemporary jazz dance world. Now as a choreographer and well respected YAGP judge, Maeghan talks about wanting to create opportunities for dancers and wants those she mentors to experience all the possibilities dance provides- anything is possible. Leading by her example of the one path you're on, may just be the stepping stone where you can make a long lasting difference. Stay the course.

(We share a good laugh during our interview when, for a few moments, the sound goes out. It was purposefully decided to leave those few moments in the episode to demonstrate how we were able to laugh through the situation and 'stand by' as we stayed true to our the show biz adage: The Show MUST Go On!)

MAEGHAN McHALE, named one of Dance Magazine’s Top 25 to Watch in 2010, was born in Baltimore, MD. She studied at the Baltimore School for the Arts where she performed works by David Parsons, David Grenke, and John Clifford. She received a scholarship to Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she performed with the Dancing Through Barriers Ensemble. While living in NYC Maeghan studied at Steps on Broadway and performed with Extended Dance Company, as well as Off-Broadway under the direction of Tony Award Winner Hinton Battle. She has also participated in The Chicago Dancing Festival, Jazz Dance World Congress, The Miss America Parade, and Dancers Responding to Aids Benefit. In 2005 Maeghan received a scholarship to the Giordano Dance School, and in 2006 became a performing apprentice. 2007 marked her first season with Giordano Dance Chicago, and she enjoyed 13 seasons performing in places such as Hawaii, Latvia, Germany, Luxembourg, Austria, Netherlands, Turkey, Guatemala, Italy and Israel. Along with establishing herself as a dancer, she has also had the opportunity to set her own work on the Giordano II Company. Just recently she had the honor of working with the dancers of First State Ballet Theatre setting her new work “Out of the Silence” which premiered in November 2022. Maeghan has had her work performed on the Joyce Theater Stage, through Dancin Downtown at The Joyce, as part of the DRA Benefit. In 2011 her piece “Angelica” won the Performance Award and performed in NYC for Central Park Summer Stage. Her piece “If” also part of the DRA Benefit in 2013 won the Performance Award and they performed for Central Park Summer Stage as well. Her Choreography has been recognized with awards such as Outstanding Choreography/Choreographer, Regional Ensemble Winner and Outstanding Choreography Award at Youth America Grand Prix and has placed First in the Ensemble Category at YAGP Finals in 2021. As well as 2018 YAGP National Choreographer Award with the opportunity to travel to Russia to set her work on the Bolshoi. Her Ensemble work had the honor of being part of YAGP “Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow” tour. In the Summer of 2014 she was on the School Faculty at the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, MS and was invited to be on Faculty at CNADM in the Fall of 2015. She was a Full Time Faculty Member at The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities for the 2021/2022 School Year. She also serves as a Judge/Teacher for Youth America Grand Prix. She continues to travel and teach Master Classes and Choreography.

Follow @maeghanmchale on Instagram

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“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

Movement at the Still Point, An Ode to Dance

In this episode of  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey, join host Joanne Carey as she chats with Special Guest: Mark Mann, renowned Celebrity Photographer, who found himself, like all of us, silent and without a space to create during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. For an artist, not being able to create is lonely, for a dancer, not being able to move, is a daily death. Enter sister-in-law, Loni Landon, choreographer, dancer & movement director living in NYC who suggested to Mark to take some photographs of her community who were hurting as well. Together with Loni, Jacob Levy (Mark's producer) along with a host of other yes's, and over 140 dancers, a collaboration was born that transcends any photographic lens. Mark says it best: "In what had been my first moment of stillness, I discovered boundless humanity in their movement. This book is a testament to the power of their expression, in movement and stillness."

MARK MANN is a renowned celebrity and advertising photographer who originally hails from the sun-soaked streets of Glasgow Scotland. The countless list of famous faces photographed in Mann’s unique and recognizable style includes President Barack Obama, President Bill Clinton, Iggy Pop, Rihanna, Martin Scorcese, Jennifer Aniston, Stevie Wonder, Eartha Kitt, Robin Williams, Emma Stone, Bill Murray, Jessica Lange, Arthur Miller, Margot Robbie, Robert Redford, Queen Latifah, Michael Douglas, Gillian Anderson, Dave Chappelle, Olivia Wilde, Bradley Cooper, Willie Nelson, Sean Connery and many more. Mark’s editorial work has appeared in Esquire, Men’s Health, Vibe, Spin, Fortune, Billboard, Parade, and Complex, and his clients include Reebok, Adidas, Hennessy, Bombay Sapphire, Pepsi, Gillette, Vitamin Water, NHL, Zumba, Ford, Chrysler, and Svedka to name a few.

Always hungry for new subjects and challenges Mark has spearheaded his own projects over the years, one of which was creating a collection of LUCHA LIBRE wrestlers.  Where all the photographs were shot on a vintage Graflex camera using polaroid instant film. Most recently he was struck by the contrast of dancing bodies to his traditional portraits in a new body of work which culminated in a book titled Movement at The Still Point: an Ode to Dance published by Rizzoli International in March 2023. 

Mark was born in Glasgow, where he lived until he was accepted to the prestigious photographic program at Manchester Polytechnic. Upon graduating Mark was immediately taken under the wing by innovative fashion photographers, Nick Knight and Miles Aldridge, where he learned the ropes and quickly built his own body of work. Three years later, Mark started shooting on his own and relocated to New York City where 26 years later he still lives with his wife and son, and their recently adopted Chihuahua, Shaq.

https://movementatthestillpoint.com/

Follow @markmannphoto on Instagram

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“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey 

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

Join host Joanne Carey as she chats with Special Guest: Jacqulyn Buglisi, Artistic Director/Co-Founder of Buglisi Dance Theater

This episode of “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey, is a part of an exciting series on the work of Artistic Directors.

Artistic Directors; "Creating the Torch: Legacy, Mission, Vision; Making and Keeping, History in the 21st Century"

Several guests join Joanne to dive into the responsibility of carrying on the mission and legacy of a dance company, dance institution or academy as well as the journey of artistic directors who have created new companies and institutions; paving the way in the dance world, for generations to come.

This episode, Joanne sits down, with Jacqulyn Buglisi,  sharing special moments about her career, life, the healing power of art as well as the exciting upcoming 30th Anniversary Season Celebration for the Buglisi Dance Theater.  Jacqulyn is "committed to creating theatrical dance works that enable us to pause to consider issues of peaceful coexistence, environmental conservation, empowerment of women, and social justice. To transcend all boundaries, and embolden audiences to recognize within themselves their own humanity.”

There are people who inspire you to be a better human being, Jacqulyn Buglisi is one of them!

Jacqulyn Buglisi has a five-decade career as a choreographer, artistic director, dancer, educator, and advocate, having made an indelible impact on the field of dance. She is the recipient of the 2022 Juilliard President’s Medal, cited by President Damian Woetzel as “a model of citizen artistry,” and a 2020 Bessie Award Special Citation for the Table of Silence Project; and is on the Advisory Boards of Kaatsbaan Cultural Park and vildwerk Foundation.

She cofounded Buglisi Dance Theatre in 1993 following a career as a principal dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company. She danced in honor of Miss Graham for the CBS presentation of the Kennedy Center Honors, and is featured in the film “An Evening of Dance and Conversation with Martha Graham.” Her ballet Sospiri premiered on the 1989 MGDC NY City Center season.

Ms. Buglisi is co-founder of the Teatro Danza Contemporanea di Roma, Italy’s first contemporary dance company and school, and was a member of the Pearl Lang Dance Theatre, Mary Anthony Dance Theatre, a charter member of the Joyce Trisler Danscompany, and Stuart Hodes Dance Company, among others.

She has choreographed nearly 100 ballets for BDT and has been commissioned worldwide. 

Ms. Buglisi is deeply committed to dance education. As a master teacher of the Graham technique for 50 years, she is Chair Modern Department at The Ailey School/Fordham BFA program and a member of the faculty since 1987, teaches at the Martha Graham School and served on the faculties of the Juilliard School, Aspen Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival Contemporary Traditions, the famed Performing Arts H.S. (alumna), among others, and in educational residencies throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Her awards and honors: Artistic Director’s Council Chair, Dance/USA Board of Trustees, National Endowment for the Arts Choreographer fellowships and grants, American Dance Guild Award, Fini Italian International Lifetime Achievement Award, Kaatsbaan Playing Field Award, Fiorello LaGuardia Award for Excellence in Dance, Gertrude Shur Award for Dance, and interviews for inclusion in the Oral History Project by The Jerome Robbins Dance Division of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, due to be completed in 2024. She has been featured on the cover of Dance Teacher magazine, in articles for Dance Spirit, Dance Magazine, and as an Arts & Leisure feature in The New York Times

https://www.buglisidance.org/

“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey 

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

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Join host Joanne Carey as she chats with Special Guest: Gina Tse, Artistic Director International dance School, Stockholm, Sweden

This episode of “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey, is a part of an exciting series Joanne has created that is focusing on the work of Artistic Directors titled:

Artistic Directors; "Creating the Torch: Legacy, Mission, Vision; Making and Keeping, History in the 21st Century"

Within the series, several guests join Joanne to dive into the responsibility of carrying on the mission and legacy of well established and often world famous dance companies, dance institutions and academies as well as the journey of artistic directors who are forming and have created new dance companies and institutions; all whom are paving the way in the dance world, making their artistic mark for generations to come.

In this episode, Joanne sits down, across time zones, with Gina Tse, to discuss Gina's artistic vision and the freedom of creating a dance organization from the ground up and in doing so is instilling the mission of "giving back — teaching from the heart to spread the joy of dance". By keeping the love of the art form, the well-being of her students, and the leadership of her staff at the forefront, Gina has taken both her extraordinary dance and theater background as well as her professional career as a principal dancer with the Royal Swedish Ballet, to create a school where the joy of artistry is nurtured and the vehicle of dance is used as the building blocks of life.

Gina Tse began her ballet training at 3 years of age and commenced her pre-professional training at The Royal Ballet School in London seven years later. She was a dancer with English National Ballet before joining The Royal Swedish Ballet  in 2004. There, she was promoted to First Soloist in 2007 and Principal Dancer in 2011–– the same year she was awarded Dancer of the Year in Stockholm.

She danced with Stockholm 59°North soloists and was also nominated for Benois de la Dance in Moscow at the Bolshoi Theatre in 2016. Gina has danced for The Swedish Royal Family on numerous occasions, including The Nobel Banquet, and has performed Swan Lake for the Opening of Parliament.

Gina’s instrumental role in the development of The International Ballet School and Arts Centre has been constant. From teaching 3 year olds the thrill of movement within classical dance steps, to preparing her pre-professionals and Trainee Professionals for coming careers at the world’s leading ballet schools and companies, her infectious love of dance and performance is contagious. With a remarkable 100% graduate success rate, it’s no surprise that Gina Tse and the IBS teaching staff are in demand. Students and professionals from near and far regularly turn to IBS for masterful preparatory ballet training, and IBS senior associates have won scholarships from Carina Ari Foundation, as well as Gold and Silver Medals at the AED International Dance Competition held in Italy. Gina and her staff have taught at numerous summer dance workshops and schools across the globe.

You can find more information on the International Dance School, their programs and offerings, on their website

https://www.internationalballet.se/

Follow her on Instagram @balletiner

https://instagram.com/balletinter?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey 

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

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