DanceSpeak

I had a ball co-hosting this episode with Derrell Bullock where we follow our 'Happy Hour' format (thank you Derrell) as we get into nitty gritty dance topics with Jose "Hollywood" Ramos and Andye Jamieson. We forget the mic is there and get into conversations that cover a wide range from when to give and take critique, to the teachers' journeys to becoming household names... agency talk (even on getting dropped), the idea of authenticity when creating for a job, and much much more.

Chris Dupré is the quintessential dancer, choreographer... CREATIVE being. With credits that include Janet Jackson, Prince, and Diana Ross (literally, that's just a SLIVER of his resume...) and decades of experience under his belt, Chris is one of the most knowledgeable people on and in the dance industry. Chris shares on-the-job experiences from his professional career that started while in Middle School, what gets a person rehired... or fired, insights from auditioning dancers, his work as a director, the journey of him once being part owner in a production house, the whispered-about topic of dating within the dance world, how he faces challenges on the job, a different approach to networked... and well... even more!!! Chris is warmth, he is soul, and he is... as he puts, a conduit of creativity!!!

I was going to jokingly dub this episode 1000 f--kin questions, as Derrell Bullock (credits incl Madonna, Madonna, Madonna) and I were discussing the universal (I think) post-class time where students gather around and start asking questions. Now, first, please know how much I/We LOVE students/people/humans/aliens/dancers asking questions. However, there is one vital question around improvement that Derrell points out as being approached all wrong. I was able to capture this audio during a meeting turned into impromptu interview, and now it is available for everyone's benefit! I also believe this can be taken into a larger scope outside of the dance world. Enjoy!

Besides having very cool names, Brazil Siqueira and Kalyne Leonhardt are a power couple with a lot to offer the world. In this short-and-sweet interview, the two co-founders/presidents of Brazil-Lionheart Entertainment, share the do's and don't of entering a business relationship with a close friend or romantic partner. Additionally, we talk about how to balance personal life with business, the type of contract you want, and how to know when it's the right person to partner up with. Enjoy!

Episode 59 of DanceSpeak with Yusuf Nasir is not for the faint of heart! Yusuf, the passionate choreographer, seasoned dancer, incredibly intelligent teacher, shares his thoughts, his dreams, his disappointments, and his inner-workings with honesty and vulnerability. Before I go on, I HIGHLY recommend looking up Yusuf's work, because upon seeing it, you will WANT to know what his artistic process is... and we definitely get into that. The heart of the episode is in our discussion on mental health and well-being, as Yusuf opens up about breaking down during opening night of one of the most noted jobs he has booked. It's the thing dancers tend to not speak on out of fear of the stigma that surrounds it, and Yusuf holds nothing back here. Hold on to your ipods/listening devices... this episode is going to take you on a journey!!! Oh... and the language is explicit, so take out the ear muffs if needed.

Nearly a year ago, in my first interview with Brazil, we learned about the son of two dancers whom proved himself in his young teens years as a video editor and directed video projects for artist whom I still DREAM of meeting. In this interview, we dance in conversation... beginning with the art of networking and how to affect your state, Brazil both informs me on how to sharpen my meeting-people game while also shedding juicy tidbits on his love life and the fun-joyment he has deconstructing party-going and mingling with his partner in crime/business partner/girlfriend, Kalyne Lionheart. Then we go from reminiscing about people whom have impacted us and opening up about vulnerabilities to tapping into the steps it takes to increase your social media following, and what type of content to create depending on which 'hat' you are wearing in the industry. Yes, I know this blurb is made up a few run-on sentences (insert tears of laughter emoji), but I thought it would only be appropriate to write in the stream-of-consciousness that the interview takes place in. If you've made it this far, hurray! Take notes or sit and be purely inspired... DanceSpeak episode 58 is not to be missed!

Antoine Troupe is definitely one of those people I have an unlimited list of questions for. In less than a decade he has managed to become globally recognized, work with the legend, Prince, favorite artists such as Chris Brown, and new top artists including Kehlani. As if that's not impressive enough, Antoine is one of the co-founders of the KreativMndz Dance Academy and has recently launched his clothing line: Troupe Gear. In this second interview with Antoine (first interview is over 20 episodes ago!) we get familiar with Antoine the entrepreneur, the leader, the visionary. Topics that we explore include self-development, the preparation that Antoine took on to build his brand, how to find a focus, taking your time in your career, his relationship (yep, I managed to ask some bold questions), and what took Antoine from fearful to fearless. Antoine talks about books he reads, the public figures he looks up to, and the mission he is on to get dancers to the next level. Take notes and enjoy!!!

Episode 56 with Soraya Lundy (Missy Elliott, Drake, Alicia Keys and more...) represents my original vision of DanceSpeak: It is a full no-holds-barred conversation on life and dance, where we forget that there is a device to record our shenanigans and go IN. Soraya, as a dancer/choreographer/teacher who has done very well in the dance industry, has a clarity on her purpose as a mover, and a non-conformist approach, which truly inspires. Between reminiscing about what we were like as teens in NYC, we discuss differences between coasts, what professionalism looks like in the dance world, staying true to one's artistry, and way way more. Tune in and enjoy what 14 years of friendship sounds like in this week's episode.

Episode 55 brings you the inner workings, thoughts, and journey of the renowned Teacher/Choreographer/Dancer: Lee Daniel. Our interview moves across topics including preparation vs. luck, having a life outside of dance, and a breakthrough way of looking at time as something we construct rather than rush against. Lee allows us in on his earlier years in Los Angeles, as he 'figured out' how to create a foundation in a constantly changing environment. He also shares on his choice of pursuing a career in dance while in school, and so much more. This episode will speak to the benefits of hard work, patience, and getting rooting in what you love!