DanceSpeak

In Episode 24 of DanceSpeak, you will get a fresh perspective on breaking barriers and realizing dreams from the Founder of Yoga for Dancers, Marja Lankinen. I first met Marja while we were on separate tours (as dancers) in China. I remember when she stopped in Los Angeles on the way back and never turned back. Since then, Marja has grown her following as a teacher at Movement Lifestyle, the Debbie Reynolds Scholarship Program, Hot 8 Yoga, Sony Pictures, and UCLA (among others). Marja shares about her awe inspiring creation: Micro Loans for Dancers, giving back to the community, the challenges that grew her as a person, and the life changes that she boldly made over time to get to where she is now. One of my favorite themes we explore is how to know when to follow your instinct. We also learn why Marja LOVES Beyonce, visiting the White House, and a crash course on how neuroscience and its findings on brain patterns. Grab a green tea, open your mind, and enjoy!

In Episode 23 of DanceSpeak, you will meet choreographer and mega teacher, Antoine Troupe. Quickly, one learns that Antoine goes beyond the dance realm and is not-so-secretly a motivational force. But what is the path that lead to the Antoine, the leader, the social media maven, being the person we recognize him as today? Our conversation sheds light on his journey from the Bay Area, through reality television and to the challenges and and successes experienced in Los Angeles. You'll find out about the unintended process that had Antoine working for Prince, and the exciting stories behind the making of a Prince music video and subsequent work. Antoine openly shares advice that he has for professional dancers, teachers, and choreographers looking to break into the industry. Learn what to do and not to do on set, the unknown history to Antoine's infamous movement style and what is next for this mogul in the making.

From the underground battle world, to member of the acclaimed Beat Freaks, Randi's force and skill level as a dancer is undeniable. In Episode 22 of DanceSpeak we talk training, entering the industry, and leaving a positive impact on the scene. Randi speaks on The Dance Fight, a beloved dance event that she co-created in Los Angeles, what it took for her to transition into professionally dancing, and a topic that is not always easily brought to light: being a female in a male-dominated field (yes, we go there). The conversation you here is honest, no holds barred, and filled with inspiration.

DanceSpeak Episode 21 is a game-changer because at last, we begin to unlock the world of the Agent. Within the professional dance world, agencies and their agents bridge a gap between dancer and opportunity. While people have many thoughts and ideas as to what the agent does and is supposed to do, the reality can grateful differ. Andrew Jacobs spent 11 years total (2004-2015) at the reputable, world-renowned MSA Agency in Los Angeles. The information he gives us in this interview is well-worded, though out, and jam-packed. We go through the gambit of topics including: How dancers can tell is this industry is for them, the teaching industry, how to obtain information before reaching out to agencies, how dancers and choreographers can best invest in themselves, negotiating rates, effectively communicating with your agent, factors that go into an agent choosing his/her client, and more...and more... Dancers, Choreographers, and Teachers, this is for YOU.

At the pinnacle of pop's reemergence, with artists such as Britney Spears and Chrstina Aguilera at the forefront, there were a select few dancers who traveled the world on their major tours, and at front/center, was Leo Moctezuma. DanceSpeak's 20th episode gives us an intimate look at Leo, the ultimate dancer, whom began his career in his teens with artists such as Ricky Martin. Leo continued his success working tour to tour, with major names including Pink, the Spice Girls, and more recently, Cirque du Soleil. Leo humbly and openly takes us through many of his life experiences. We learn the processes required to book his noted work, the emotions of each job, and what he has learned that he can share with dancers. Some of the topics we explore include audition advice, professionalism, shifts in the industry, working as Assistant Choreographer for Madonna, life in between gigs, and more...and more...

Craig Hollaman, of the duo Lindsey B. And Craig H., may claim to be boring, but really he is one of the most humble and coolest dudes around town. You might recognize his and Lindsey's work as choreographers with artists such as Cee-Lo, Justin Bieber, John Legend, Usher, or on T.V. shows such as Face Off, X-Factor, and 2 Broke Girls, or with brands such as Nissan, Evian, and Apple... you get the idea. In Episode 19 of DanceSpeak, Craig speaks on his 14 years in Los Angeles. From dancing on tour with B2K, to his success in choreography, it is obvious that Craig has consistently grown in his field. A theme we cover throughout the interview is on finding and sourcing inspiration and staying to true to dance as an art. We also speak about making money outside of dance, and living beyond the industry. Find out what Craig recommends for dancers looking to book auditions, and what they might want to know prior to booking a tour. All in all, this interview is filled with laughs, thought provoking moments, and of course tons of insights and information on the dance industry.

In part II of the interview with Manwé, we get more in-depth with on-the-job experiences. You almost feel like you are in the room with Michael Jackson when Manwé speaks on his experiences rehearsing with the legend himself. We get awesome insights on Lady Gaga before she became the famous star we know her as today. Manwé speaks on falling in love in the midst of his career, and is unafraid to speak about the highs and lows that come with life outside of dance. We then get the behind-the-scenes on dancing for TV shows such as SNL and Lip Sync Battle. And... of course... the story of how Manwé made his way to his next role: Magic Mike Live in Vegas. Listen, learn, take notes, and enjoy!

In Episode 17 of DanceSpeak, we get the unique story of Manwé, who quite appropriately, was born (or at least the water broke) while his mother was teaching a ballet class. As Manwé describes his early intensive training that he attributes must of his dance success to, we also learn fun facts such as... that there is a day in the Bay Area that is Manwé Sauls-Addison day, that he his is white water river guide, and that he nearly became a doctor. Manwé shares with us fun and informative dance stories which include: booking his first audition, the major changes that the dance industry has undergone in the last 16 years, how he has maintained a strong career that is still thriving, how he became Laurie Ann Gibson's Assistant, meeting Lady Gaga for the first time when we worked with her, and more. A lot more.

Tia Rivera is an entrepreneur, motivator, dancer with credits that would make your jaw drop, recently choreographed for VH1's Hip Hop Honors and she JUST turned 26. In this episode of DanceSpeak, we learn what it means to work SMART in the dance industry. Tia breaks down her daily routines, goal setting, and we get a look at her process that leads to success in the highly competative dance world. We get the clear connection between Tia's training as an entrepreneur and how she has applied it to her career in dance. Other important topics include advice on keeping the jobs you book, insights from the crossover from dancer to choreographer, how to powerfully communicate with your agent, and how to stay ready to consistently work.

Jojo Diggs is a world-renowned teacher and freestyle dancer. With a focus on House Dance, she has traveled across the continents sharing her art and gift of moving others. Putting her passion to contribute to others over 'looking good,' Jojo gives us a boldly honest look at her path in the dance world. Once dance found Jojo in Virginia, her love for movement carried her across the country, eventually to Los Angeles. And it wasn't about having a career in LA for Jojo; she just wanted to dance. From there, we learn how Jojo began building an international following and speak on the theme of repeatedly choosing dance over a 9-5. From vonversing on the topinc of what qualifies a dance instructor to teach, to touching on spiritual experiences, Jojo's intelligence, directness, and heart is a treat to experience.