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This season we are coming in HOT!  Excited to share with you our conversation with the one and only, Sue Samuels!

Sue Samuels (Teacher, Choreographer, Performer) has
 established herself as one of the staples of the
 performing arts community of today. With over 45 years
 of experience, her expertise is often sought after for
 mentoring and coaching purposes by professionals and
 aspiring artists alike from around the world. Her students
 have included numerous stage, film and tv stars including Melba Moore, Brooke Shields, and Irene Cara. She received the Flo-Bert Award from the NY Committee To Celebrate National Tap Dance Day for her many contributions to both the Jazz and Tap dance community and continues to serve on the Bessie Award Committee (New York Dance and Performance Awards).  Sue was awarded the Dance Teacher Award in 2018, The Legacy Award 2021 from Dancers Over 40 and was awarded a special Proclamation from the City Council of New York 2022.

 Performance and choreographic credits include lead dancer and assistant choreographer in such shows as Got Tu Go Disco at the Minskoff Theater on Broadway, The Johnny Hallyday Show in Paris, and the The Brazil Export Show in Rio de Janeiro, to name a few. 

Sue Samuels was the co-founder/owner of JoJo’s Dance Factory in New York City for ten years, which later became Broadway Dance Center. Ms. Samuels was also the director of the Jazz Department and founded the Jazz program for Children at the Fort Lauderdale Ballet in Florida, and ran her own Children’s program in Boca Raton for five years. Ms. Samuels was commissioned to teach at New York University in the Cap 21 program with theater majors, as well as Olympic Gymnastic Instructors in Tokyo, Japan. Other teaching credits include The Joffrey School of Ballet Summer Intensive, The Ailey Extension, The annual Los Angeles Tap Festival at Debbie Allen Dance Academy, The Broward Civic Ballet, Frank Hatchett’s Professional Childrens Program, Dance Masters Association, the Haitian-American Academy of Ballet & Arts, the Dance Teachers’ Association of Haiti (L’Association des Professeurs de Danse d’Haiti), Bento de Danza the Brazil International Jazz Dance Congress (Congresso do Jazz Internacional do Brasil), Bento em Danca (Brazil), and Helsinki Tap Festival in Finland. 

In 2009 she founded Jazz Roots Dance Company, in order to preserve and promote original repertoire from JoJo’s Dance Factory as well as continue to develop her own choreographic voice that is rooted in classic jazz. She also aims to preserve the work of other classic jazz styles and influences by including works in the styles of Luigi, Matt Maddox, Phil Black, Bob Fosse, Jack Cole, Ron Lewis as well as lesser known choreographers who have influenced the field.

For a complete bio, please visit Sue Samuel's webpage on Divine Rhythm Productions.

Purchase Sue's DVD and CD of jazz barre, floor exercises and isolations at Divine Rhythm Productions 

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Welcome back Jam Fam to another fantastic episode of JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance Podcast.  Today, our guest is the immensely talented, Germaine Goodson.  A staple in the NYC teaching world, we hope you enjoy our chat with Germaine.

Germaine was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She started taking ballet and acrobatics classes at age 3. Her God Mother gave her everything and insisted on giving her classes ln all styles of dance, voice, acting violin, and swimming. She had great teachers, who were very strict and demanding. She developed a passion for dance, by watching the Variety shows on television that showcased dancers, singers, musicians, and comedians. Their glitz and glamor made her dream of becoming a great tap dancer.

Germaine believes that getting a good education is very important.  She has a BA, in Liberal Arts, with a concentration in Child Psychology.  She is an MA, candidate with a concentration in Musical Theatre and Dance.  She loves teaching dance classes, and has been an Adjunct Professor in many of the Universities here on the East Coast, as well as those in Southern, CA.  She teaches here in New York City, at Steps on Broadway, and at the Ripley-Grier (520) Studios on a regular basis.  Germaine has taught and worked with the legendary Jazz Dance Masters: Matt Mattox, Frank Hatchett, and Steven Peck.  She has taught workshops, boot camps and classes with legendary Tap Dance Masters:  Henry Le Tang, Buster Brown, and Eddie Wright.  Germaine had her own dancing school, while attending Graduate school, in CA. 

  
Germaine has performed in Commercials, Prime time TV shows, Feature films, Dance Companies, Musical Productions in Regional and Community Theatres.  She has performed in the Off-Broadway production, “BACK in the BIG TIME,” with Harold Nicholas.  She performed on Broadway, in “BLACK and BLUE,” and Duke Ellington’s “PLAY ON!”  She is a member of SAG-AFTRA, AEA, and AGVA, theatre unions.  

She moved to NY and got her big break dancing and traveling with famous Tap stars and the legendary, velvet Tap Master and Choreographer, Henry Le Tang.  Henry Choreographed Broadway/Off-Broadway shows.  He created the Rhythm Queens, for the film, “THE COTTON CLUB,” which was originally a tap trio. Germaine and her dance partner, Deborah Mitchell, are now a tap duo.  The highlight of their career was traveling and performing as the opening act for the legendary, Singer/band leader, Cab Calloway. 

Thank you for listening Jam Fam! Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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We were honored to have THE Nan Giordano as our first guest of season 5.  Thank you Nan for your time, wisdom and generosity.  We hope you enjoy this incredible episode Jam Fam

At the helm for 38 years, Nan’s leadership of Giordano Dance Chicago began in 1985 as Associate Director, and in 1993 was appointed the title of Artistic Director. Nan was trained by her father and mentor, Gus Giordano, who created the world-renowned Giordano Technique. Developer of the Nan Giordano Certification Program®, Nan is the world’s preeminent authority on the essence, discipline, progression and continuance of the Giordano Technique; the vision of NGCP®
is to provide worldwide, ongoing, and in-depth access to this ground-breaking dance form. She had an extensive performing career in concert dance, as well as in the industrial and fashion worlds. Before taking the reins on the artistic side, her concert dance experience began with Giordano Dance Theatre, apprenticing and then joining GDC. With her father leading the company, she traveled and performed extensively around the world; she also had the opportunity to perform in numerous WTTW dance television specials choreographed by her father including the Emmy Award winning The Rehearsal. When an injury ended her performing career in 1985, Nan became Associate Director of the company and was instrumental in establishing a working Board of Directors, which has evolved into today’s three separate boards. In the last 37 years, under Nan’s direction, GDC has established a high-profile reputation for excellence in the Chicago dance community, as well as in the national and international dance worlds. 

For more information you can check out Giordanodance.org
Instagram: @Giordanodancechicago

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We say it every time, but it just keeps getting better!  Thank you to our incredible guest this season: Phil LaDuca, Keisa Parrish, Daniel Gold, Tara Harrison, Matthew Donnell, Amanda Spilinga, Mark Burrell, Sheila Barker, Brandon Kelly, Tommy Scrivens, Dr Chelsea Pierotti, Alexandra Salerno, Ian Campanyo and Mara Greer.  We appreciate all of you and what you do in the dance world!

Season is ready to drop next and we promise you, it won't disappoint!  Thank you Jam Fam for listening!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam! Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Great conversation with a wonderful friend and educator, Mara Greer!

Mara Greer is a performer, teacher, and director/choreographer. She performed on Broadway in A Christmas Story, The Musical as well as the 1st National Tour of Shrek the Musical. As a director/choreographer, she has worked at Paper Mill Playhouse, Seattle 5th Ave, the Fulton Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, Gateway Playhouse, Music Theatre Wichita, Broadway at Music Circus, The Cape Rep, Front Porch Theatricals, Palm Beach Opera, Chautauqua Opera, Tuacahn, and Pittsburgh CLO. She has taught for studios across the country as well as Beyond the Stars Dance Convention, Company Dance, and Thrive Dance Experience. Mara received her BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan.

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We hope you enjoy this Mind, Body and Soul episode featuring our amazing guest, Alexandra Salerno!

 Alexandra is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania and serves as a Peak Performance Consultant at KPEX consulting. She works with clients of various ages in the areas of building resilience, mental toughness and overcoming mental blocks. Alexandra is also a supervisor at Western Behavioral Health, the UPMC Center for Eating Disorders, where she oversees outpatient programming. Alexandra received her degree at The University of Pittsburgh.

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A great episoded speaking with Ian Campayno, currently in the hit musical on Broadway, Some Like it Hot!

Thrilled to be back on Broadway! 
Broadway: Mary Poppins 
Off-Broadway: Trip of Love Tours: Something Rotten!, Chicago, Mary Poppins TV/Film: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Lovestruck: The Musical 
Regional: Arvada Center, NSMT, Ogunquit Playhouse, Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Rucks Countv Plavnouse. 
BFA Shenandoah Conservatory. 
@ icampayno

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  We couldn't be more excited to share this episode with you, featuring guests from past seasons.  Each guest chats about moving forward, what Joy means and share some wonderful insight.

We hope you enjoy our special JAM episode!

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Welcome back Jam Fam!  We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season celebrating with friend a family.

We are back with a fun episode with Mark Burrell!  Thank you Mark for joining us and the Jam Fam!

Mark Burrell is an American dancer/choreographer best known for his work on Broadway and abroad in Pippin, Fosse, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular and CATS.  For the movie going audiences he can be pictured in The Producers: A Movie Musical.  Currently Mark serves as a Visiting Artist in Residence at Southern Methodist University.  He was also an Assistant Professor of Dance at Point Park University and just recently made his choreographic debut for the Pittsburgh CLO's Cabaret with the 80’s roller-skating musical, Xanadu.

 Mark was raised in Lake Orion, Michigan, a small town just north of Detroit where he started taking dance classes at a young age in the basement of a home.  While discovering his passion for dance and musical theatre in high school he went on to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Juilliard School in New York City.

 Mark’s performance experience is extensive throughout the United States and internationally, including engagements in Japan, Zambia, Peru, and South Africa.  Other theatrical productions include:  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Broadway for Hilary, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.  Television credits include:  CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman, NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien and MTV’s Step 2 This.  Mark has been involved in numerous industrials for such companies as Macy’s Department Stores, Ford Motor Company, Intel Computers, IBM, and Tupperware. He has also engaged in the classical and contemporary works of Chet Walker with his company WalkerDance as a principle dancer, Lar Lubovich, Paul Taylor, Jiri Kylian, Lila York, and David Parker and The Bang Group where he is an honorary guest artist.

Mark serves as a masterclass instructor & panel contributor for several different teaching organizations including Pittsburgh’s CLO Academy, Barbara Ingram’s School of the Arts, The Joffery Ballet School, Jacob's Pillow, Tokyo’s Broadway Dance Center, Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute, The Institute for the Blind, Instituto Cultural Peruano Norteamericano & others.  He also serves as a private dance & acting coach to students all over the country.

Mark is a passionate supporter of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and various other human rights groups.  He frequently performs in charity concerts at various venues in New York City and across the country.

Thank you for listening Jam Fam! Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

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Hey Jam Fam!

Our episode today features Joe and Michelle discussing relevant topics in the dance world.  We talk tWitch,  mental health, dance etiquette, being thankful and much more.  Thank you for listening and sending in great questions and comments.  

We will be taking a short break for the holidays, but will be back in January 2023.  Happy Holidays to our listeners and thank you for following us!  We look forward to the new year with you!

Thank you for listening Jam Fam! Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance Podcast
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Twitter: @jamdancepodcast
Email: [email protected]