DanceSpeak

Episode 84 of DanceSpeak proudly presents a re-release of our 2016 interview with Chuck Maldonado. In this episode, you'll find Chuck Maldonado celebrating his 20th anniversary as a professional in the dance industry. Carrying a resume of over 28 feature films and work on hundreds of television shows, Chuck is clearly someone we can learn a lot from. One of the first jaw-dropping facts I learned in my interview with Chuck, is that he began his career as a professional dancer at 29. With a strong sense of purpose, and unbeatable work ethic, Chuck shares what it took to train himself to the level of his peers and make his dreams tangible. Some of the highlights of this episode include: what has changed in Los Angeles' dance industry in the last 15 years, tips on networking, how Chuck chooses his assistants, a choreographer's perspective on hiring friends, thoughts on having a back-up plan, advice for choreographers and dancers booking work in the industry, recommendations on how a dancer should prepare before moving to L.A. for dance, tips on head shots, Chuck's dance convention, and more. Enjoy this episode! I recommend taking notes!

You might know the guest for episode 82, Liana Blackburn, through her body language class, her daily dancer diet Instagram page, or from her abundant resume (credits include Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez, Glee and more). Regardless of which avenue in Liana's career inspires you most, it is clear in each facet of her life that she cares to empower others and is stopped at nothing in her pursuits. Topics that we explore include: Liana's mindset around goals - Who inspires and has influenced Liana - Intention vs. attention - The approach that transformed Liana’s creative process - The magic of taking an acting class as a dancer - The story behind her sought after body-language class - Building a class from scratch - Brainstorm: How can the health enthusiasts of the dance world unite? - The role nutrition plays in Liana's life and some tips - Where she draws work boundaries and what she’s focused on now - And an in-depth conversation around shifting one's relationship to make-up. Enjoy, and thank you for listening to DanceSpeak!

Galen Hooks has a resume and accolades that could make you gasp, pass out, wake up, review, and pass out again. To name a few artists Galen has worked with Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber, Usher, Ne-Yo, on LXD (League of Extraordinary Gentlemen), Dream Girls... Galen has advocated for dancers rights through her 10 years on the Dancers Alliance board and, oh yeah, she has a law degree. Beyond being a unicorn of many talents and super-hero focus, she is a person (a person-unicorn). Galen warmly opens up on many topics including: the boundaries she draws with social media, tips of being sexy with your headshots (if you're going there) without overdoing it or being underwhelming, her recent injury, how she manages wearing so many hats, decision-making, thoughts on burnout and her own experience with ups and downs, who she looks up to, finding love, what being a true professional looks like, her progression from having empty classes to packing them out, and... well... more! Thank you for listening and ENJOY :)

Welcome to episode 80 of DanceSpeak with Christina Shipp, CEO of Accelerated Artist. In this segment we focus on how to powerfully be YOU while thriving in your business/success as an artist. (Also...Christina is really fun to listen to, period... regardless of what you do, she's just that kind of gem). Topics that we cover (some of them, at least) are: GETTING UNSTUCK when you feel you've been taking all of the steps to thrive in your career, figuring out your 'look', how to get back to YOUR essence, self-care, what to do if you have a chip on your shoulder, the benefit of choosing and failing, wearing one hat vs. wearing many hats, how to powerfully show up at an audition when you are told to “show up as you” and you still want to stick out, how to be honest with where are you emotionally, and more. Listen, enjoy, and let us know what you think!

Episode 79 with Gigi Torres is HERE, woot woot, and ready to give you a deep and guided look into how Gigi built her career as a world-renowned teacher, choreographer and community builder. What I found so fulfilling in my interview with Gigi was the core story of how a determined person in the dance world can make their own lane. Some of the highlights of the episode include: how Gigi manages her projects and continues to build, branding advice, the conversation around BURNOUT (how it happened to Gigi, what she learned, and recommendations), the inspiration around Gigi's intensive and events, how Gigi developed and continues to develop her business savvy, recommendations for teachers looking to get more work, what Gigi has observed as a difference between those who last for the long haul in the dance world and those who do not and well... more. Thank you for listening and ENJOY!

Welcome to DanceSpeak episode 78 with Mykell Wilson (Justin Bieber, Prince, Gnarles Barkley). I feel that this episode can really serve as motivation to a person in any given field, and feel so lucky that the dance world has so much of him. As a dancer, choreographer, public speaker, singer, teacher, and author, Mykell’s talent, tenacity, and grit, shows what an epic work ethic looks like and what it can do. Some of the topics we cover include: what lead Mykell into teaching, how Mykell transitioned into dance and experienced success in a relatively short period of time (note: pay attention to how Mykell approached his career change), owing your purpose and how hard to push, starting a professional dance career at age 23.5, what Mykell has observed about some of his awesome and successful peers, how Mykell’s book came to be, and more. Thanks for listening!

Welcome to Episode 77 where we explore what the term 'Masterclass' means and how it can be utilized in the teaching world. I took an unorthodox approach and interviewed piano expert and world-renowned teacher/professor Edna Golandsky on this topic. With over 50 years of teaching experience under her belt, a degree from Julliard, and as founder of the Golandsky Institute, I saw the opportunity to gain a non-biased (in terms of dance) and interesting perspective. I was inspired to dedicate a shorter but full episode to this topic, as the question of "what is a masterclass" and "who is rightfully one to teach it" comes up abundantly both on the podcast as well as in conversations in and around the dance community. I approach this with curiosity, as well as an understanding that there may not be a single answer, as much as a holistic approach to the various tiers and styles of teaching.

Welcome to episode 76 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Viktor Manoel. This episode brings you a little closer to Viktor, a very important dancer in BOTH the underground scene as well as the commercial dance world. Do I start with his connection to David Bowie or being on the first Star Search, or that he's the last left person standing from the 1st generation of dancers who started a dance style/form of expression that has spread across the globe or that he has dedicated a part of his life to raising money for charity... OR... that Viktor can break down what whacking and punking is SO WELL that by listening to this, you might become a better dancer? From the projects to Star Search. From starting technical dance at the age of 20 to touring with David Bowie. From Mexico to Los Angeles. Please enjoy this episode with the incomparable Viktor Manoel. Be sure to check out our 'DanceSpeak' YouTube Channel to see this in video format!

Welcome to episode 75 of the DanceSpeak podcast! This is where I give away the keys that played a vital part in my opportunities to work for Prince, having this very podcast right here that you are listening to, work for the WNBA, and the projects that I continue to churn out and enjoy working on. I cringed while writing the title, as I don't want it to sound like a gimmick, but really... This episode provides 10 steps to choose from, mix and match, and do without waiting to move what you want in your life and career. Something that comes up in the industry both on and off of the podcast is the topic of networking. I've heard many people speak about how much they dislike it, while others see it as a job, and I, personally, see it as access to opening doors while being yourself an fulfilling on the basic need to connect with others. In this episode I cover 10 steps from what I have found works best in networking. These are easy steps that can be fun and elevate you in both your career as well as personal life. I have given these ideas in the past with very positive feedback and they have furthered me in my own process. Listen, take notes, enjoy, and I dare you to take on your favorite right now and let us know how it goes! www.facebook.com/dancespeakpodcast, [email protected]

Welcome to episode 74 of DanceSpeak with Fresh Redding! Credits Include: Kendrick Lamar, Pharell, Justin Bieber, Will.I.Am, Busta Rhymes, America's Best Dance Crew, Nike, DWTS, Kia and more. Fresh has proven himself to be an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and a true entrepreneur. With a clothing brand, event company, and management company, Fresh epitomizes what it can look like to do it all and be an artist. Topics we explore include: What Fresh has learned from working with Kendrick Lamar, giving yourself a 'grace' period while preparing for a career in entertainment (and learning as much as possible in the process), when to work without monetary compensation, the many hats he wears and how he does it all, the significance of leaving his home environment to go to college, dealing with the loss of peers, branding for himself and others, his first experience working for Will.I.Am, what motivates Fresh, and much much more! We also have a segment where I ask fresh to give impromptu coaching to one of our team members in the room and it is AWESOME!