Global Dance Network

From tour life, battling insecurity and fear to finding joy within the art form of dance, Carley Ballett is sure to help and encourage right where you're at in your own journey. ---Carley started dancing at the age of 3 at a competitive dance studio in Michigan. Here, she trained and competed in various styles of dance such as ballet, tap, hip hop, acro, lyrical, jazz, and contemporary. Carley started assisting at the age of 12 and teaching/choreographing herself at 17 years old. After g...

Welcome to Season II of the Global Dance Network podcast. We invite you to join the conversation with artists who are passionate about inspiring and equipping you for whatever sphere you find yourself in. 2020 - what a year it has been! Certainly not what any of us had expected. Come and listen in on what our Founder Carolin Smolek has seen and experienced in this year and be encouraged to trust in His promise over our lives. ---We would love for you to subscribe to our podcast and ...

Enjoy this Q&A panel from our first virtual conference. Lesley Ligthelm, Steve Rooks and Fred Vassallo share from their own experiences and journeys as artists. Listen to their insight on questions, such as "What would you say to the discouraged artist?","What do you think God is doing in the artist community in this season of Covid-19?", "What have you experienced with power in movement?", and much more... A discussion that is sure to encourage and inspire you, as wel...

Hayna Gutierrez is a principal ballerina with a rich heritage in dance who shares honestly about career, recent retirement and transitioning into teaching. “That’s what I want to give - passion. I don’t only want to teach technique. It’s very hard to teach that, but I would love to try to give them the passion that I still have inside, because you never stop dancing. You think you stop dancing, but it’s impossible. We can’t live without music and movement.”---Hayna was born in Havana, Cu...

What is life like as a professional male ballet dancer? This interview with Garrett Groat, dancer with the Alberta Ballet, will give insight into company life and will inspire more men to pursue their dream of dance. ---Garrett Groat was born and raised in Edmonton, AB where he trained at Dance Unlimited in various styles. At age 17, Garrett was awarded a scholarship to train at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre in New York City. Some of his favourite roles...

In this episode, Catherine Colon shares her journey of how her artform and faith intersected and what her creative process with the Holy Spirit looks like. Cat speaks profoundly and honestly about how she approaches choreographies and rehearsals, how she allows others to partake in the experience and where to start when it comes to creating a piece. Transformation must first take place in us before it is able to take place in others. -----Catherine Colon has been studying dance for...

Meet Shirlene! Listen in on her journey as a dancer and how the unexpected continues to surprise her. Shirlene wants to use her experience and successes to be a testimony for this generation worldwide. Being a woman of God and leader in the entertainment industry, she hopes to use the gifts God has given her to inspire, motivate, and build other great leaders to step into destiny. ---SHIRLENE QUIGLEY WAS BORN AND RAISED IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, AND IS BEST KNOWN FOR HER WORK AS A PROF...

In this episode, Fred Vassallo shares passionately and profoundly about the power of movement. Recorded during our GDN event in Los Angeles, Fred speaks about personal experience and testimonies around dance and spirituality. ---Fred is a Choreographer, Director, Writer, Dance Educator and speaker specialising in Hip Hop Dance, with over 20 years of professional experience. Fred fuses his love and training of original Urban Dance styles with his background in Movement Therapy.He has been...

In this episode, Jessica Richens, second runner up in Season 11s SYTYCD, shares how her passion and diligence for excellent training launched her to where she is today. She inspires young people to train hard and use their technique in all opportunities that come their way. ---Jessica Richens’ lifelong love for dance began at age three during her early training. She studied many styles including jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, hip hop, musical theater, and tap. During this time, she...

In this episode, Jerron Herman shares his story of defying the odds. Born with cerebral palsy, he was told he would never be able to walk, eat or live on his own. Fast forward to now being a strong advocate for disabled athletes and performers, Jerron speaks of his experiences, dreams and hope for the future. ---Jerron Herman is an interdisciplinary artist creating through dance, text, and visual storytelling. He's based in New York City. Jerron was born and grew up in the San Franc...