DanceSpeak

Welcome to episode 143 of the DanceSpeak podcast with veteran dancer, choreographer and creative director, Chase Benz (Britney Spears, Rihanna, J Balvin, Florida Georgia Line and so many more!). Booking his first tour at age 15, Chase's career is an action-packed trajectory of growth and jaw-dropping work. Chase, a family man, shares about how he finds balance between being a husband, father, and working creative. As we go into the 'tour files' Chase opens up about what can cause a severe emotional dip for so many touring dancers. We get into stories from the stage, why Britney Spears' Vegas residency was one of the most challenging jobs ever, and keys to thriving as a creative. This interview is raw, packed with heart, and as enjoyable as it is educational (if I may say so myself). Listen, share, subscribe, and remember to listen to YOUR inner voice.

Welcome to episode 142 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist John Sovec. First and foremost, let me clarify that John was a full-on working dancer for years and years before transitioning into being a phenom therapist. So... John GETS it! Naturally, one of the first things we dive into is how John had clarity when it was time for him to transition out of dance and how he found being a therapist was his next step. Although I am all for dancing at all ages, the life of a professional dancer tends to be limited in years and there is a huge question of how and when we know when it's our time to transition to what's next. Topics that we explore include: mental health and what to expect as we return to in-person classes during pandemic times (and afterwards) | how to reframe negative self-talk | best approaches in communicating with young dancers when it comes to body care | what made John a constant 'booker' in his dance days | how to advocate for your time off and way way more! Listen, share, subscribe, enjoy, follow us on IG @dancespeakpodcast and let us know what you got from this episode.

Welcome to episode 141 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Brian 'Footwork' Green (A BONUS episode that follow's up on Brian's longer interview in 140). This interview moment is kind of the dream. We were wrapping up a conversation and Brian starts sharing GEMS, so I ask+ed if I could record and he was cool with it and here is how our bonus episode came to be. The originating question that spurred this episode had to do with what it is about dancing with certain people that Brian enjoys. This turns into Brian sharing about how to dance with the best of the best. Also, how one can constantly improve regardless of physical limitations. It goes a lot deeper than that, gets into dance contests, the history of dance being taken from places and commodified and so much more. This episode exemplifies how a conversation can be converted into action which can lead to improvement. Listen, and it'll make sense!

Welcome to Episode 140 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Brian 'Footwork' Green. Brian is that teacher, that mentor, that dancer, that does not need an introduction within most dance spaces. He is the teacher to teachers, and the one that can back it up with a level of dancing that has most of us asking ourselves 'do I even know how to dance?' Brian shares about civil rights and how it interweaves with dancer rights. How parenting and teaching had a shift in the 90's. We get a peek into Brian's early years as a dancer and how the landscape of New York influenced his movement. Brian shares about the dancers and teachers that he loves dancing with, the difference between mixing dance and fusion, the source of his confidence and so much more. I recommend listening with open ears and an open heart. Brian is one of the most brilliant people I have met and I do not use this lightly. The episode is layered, is best accompanied with a paper and pen, and inspired me to re-ignite my own training in dance after interviewing Brian.Listen, learn, subscribe, and share! TW: This episode deals with sensitive topics including references to drug use, violence, and pedophilia.

Welcome to episode 139 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Maleek Washington (Camille A.Brown & Dancers, Sleep No More, Abraham.In.Motion, Sia, Rihanna, and more). I met Maleek at LaGuardia H.S. of the Performance Arts when we were students there 200 years ago (that wasn't a typo). He ALWAYS booked work, and continued to always work and still continues... So naturally, I wanted to learn about how Maleek approaches career. Not only has he performed in many notable companies, but he has also been teaching for years at famous institutions such as Jacob's Pillow and Broadway Dance Center. As Maleek shares his philosophies and tips on navigating work, he provides poignant clarity on how he knows when something is within his purpose or not. Within this, we learn about Maleek's near-death experience that nearly paralyzed him, how he has navigated difficult decisions, how higher education for dance has changed in the last decade, and much more! Listen, Subscribe, and SHARE!

Sitting with Anissa Williams (Straight Outta Compton, Missy Elliot, 2Pac, Nike etc.) brings the HUMAN side from casting to our ears. Anissa shares about her journey from graduating school to getting into casting and how she earned he seat at the elite level that we so venerate. Anissa and I talk about everything from working on In Living Color, to the importance of work-life balance. The thing I'm most hyped about here: I have forever been curious about the perspective of the casting director. Casting can seem like an elusive, mysterious, all-powerful entity that determines our fates. We thank casting when we are booked, we (don't hate me) blame casting when we don't get it (or maybe that's just me) but it is an INTEGRAL part of the performer's journey. This episode will teach you, potentially challenge your perspective, and also warm your hearts as you hear about Anissa's deep-rooted connection to social justice and what inclusion can look like in this time.

Welcome to episode 137 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Kara Mack (Coming 2 America, Kendrick Lamar, Africa in America) Let me just say Kara Mack. Is. The. One. I promise you will fall in love with her in this week's episode of the podcast. We go through it all, including: - The beginning of her journey studying African and African diasporic movement - Bringing African diasporic movement and studies to universities - Working with the one and only Fatima Robinson - Being involved in casting and choreography for "Coming 2 America" - Creating for Kendrick Lamar - Everything else under the sun. This episode is like a cup of tea for the heart, mind, and soul. Be sure to share with your friends, follow us on IG, rate, review, and check out our library of 137 (and growing) episodes!

Here we are! Episode 136 with are three-peat Teresa Espinosa has arrived. I finally got to indulge and ask for juicy tidbits from dancing on the legendary Velvet Rope Tour. Then we talked about navigating through a pandemic with a world-famous studio that is between homes (and how it's still going) and... high-performance coaching. This episode answers the question: what can life look like after pursuing dance professionally? Episode 136 of Dancespeak Podcast is LIVE on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

Welcome to episode 135 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Jonte' (Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Tamar Braxton, and more). We talk about everything from auditioning for years without results and then booking Janet Jackson's infamous Super Bowl performance to being a celebrity in Japan! We also cover topics including what it looks like to put your foot down and chase your dreams, navigating homophobia, and tips on taking classes above your level. Jonte' brings such a raw and unique voice, and I PROMISE you don't want to miss out! Subscribe, share, care, and don't be afraid to express your flare.

Welcome to Episode 134 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Noel Bajandas. Noel is a dancer and choreographer with decades in the industry and credits that include the upcoming movie “In The Heights”, LA LA Land, Circue Du Soleil’s Delirium, Madonna and Toni Braxton. This is the most perfect time for Noel's episode to be released as his story is inspiring, fun, and he keeps it REAL. Noel shares about how he started his professional career in dance at the age of 18 with little formal training. The genres that Noel has spanned are numerous and we get to the core of how he has managed to jump into the variety of projects that he has. This episode dives into one of our foundational styles of episode: the journey of the dancer from humble beginnings to great successes... what works, and how to get there. Listen, subscribe, share, and enjoy!