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In this lively conversation, Amanda and Leta kick off the new year by reflecting on their holiday experiences and discussing the upcoming season of the podcast. They delve into the world of tap dance, share their excitement for future guests, and explore the representation of tap in film, particularly in the musical Wicked. The duo also touches on the importance of creativity, inclusivity in dance, and the joy of welcoming new students to their dance studio.

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Are you old enough to remember watching a guy in a suit filled with question marks talk all about free money? Or rushing to Tattered Cover to buy his latest book filled with government grants and lists of other places that gave away money. Before the rise of the internet search engine, there was Matthew Lesko's infomercials, books, and segments on Oprah. And Amanda geeked out on all of them.

This week, Amanda and Leta welcome Matthew onto Leta's Tap Styles to discuss Matthew's latest venture, Lesko Helps, and other places where you can find free money. (All while Amanda fangirls out getting to interview one of her childhood idols.)

Leta's Tap Styles and Matthew found each other on PodMatch, an online podcaster/guest matching site. If you are a podcaster, PodMatch's innovative AI helps connect you to a wealth of experts to bring on your show. PodMatch even tells you how the guest aligns with your show. If you are a guest looking to make connections, PodMatch helps you find the best shows. Use Leta's Tap Styles link to join today. Using the link really helps the show. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/letastapstyles

Resources discussed in today's episode

Lesko Help
https://www.leskohelp.com

SBA
https://www.sba.gov

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Merry Christmas! In today's holiday themed "Leta's Tap Styles", Leta and Amanda discuss Christmas cookies, Santa's upcoming visit, and breakdown one of Leta's favorite pieces of tap choreography of all time; "Ripple" from the movie "Spirited". (Choreographed by Leta's mentor, Chloe Arnold.)

What's your favorite piece of Christmas Choreography? What's your favorite Holiday Treat? Text us your response.

Happy Holidays from Leta and Amanda

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This week, Leta welcomes special guests Marlene Sharp and Judy Uttal. Judy, president of the Orange County Asperger's Support Group and founder of Autism in Entertainment, and Marlene, an ally for Autism in Entertainment, discuss their efforts to increase employment opportunities for people on the autism spectrum in the entertainment industry.

Judi and Marlene dive into the amazing work that Autism in Entertainment is doing. From connecting with other organizations to support and promote autistic talent, to the first Autism in Entertainment conference, Autism in Entertainment has a lot going on.

We start with the importance of groups that support the autism community and help advocate for them within the entertainment industry. Highlights include shining a light on The Miracle Project and the community they are building within the autistic community.

Then we dive a bit into the importance of representation in the media, and how seeing yourself not just on screen but seeing people who are like you working in the industry can be powerful. Especially for hidden disabilities like autism, that are often misunderstood and treated like something an autistic person should be ashamed of.

Donations to Orange County Asperger's Support Group can be made at https://www.memberplanet.com/s/ocasg/donations

Purchase Autism in Entertaniment's cool merch to help support their mission and help them fundraise for another amazing conference by clicking on this link https://www.memberplanet.com/s/ocasg/donations

Judi mentioned the Miracle Project in today's episode. Check them out, and donate to them as well. http://themiracleproject.org/

Leta's nonprofit Autistic Wings Dance Company is booming. They need to raise the funds to move into their own space so they can provide more classes for dancers on the Spectrum. Donate (or register) by going to https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org/

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Join us for a lively chat in this episode of "Leta's Tap Styles Tapped Into Tuesdays," where Leta humorously reflects on her experiences joining "Tapped Into the Holidays, LA" this year by Zoom. Try not to roll on the floor laughing as Leta discusses the challenges of joining master class weekends by Zoom, and in trying to learn Chloe and Maud Arnold Choreography in a couple of days. There may even be some self-deprocating humor about Leta's autism affecting her ability to quickly pick up choreography, especially over Zoom.

This Holiday Season, help Leta's Tap Styles raise money for Leta's nonprofit dance studio, Autistic Wings Dance Company, by becoming a monthly donor today. Leta is hoping to find 350 people willing to donate just $10 a month to help the studio cover its rent as it is starting up. Donate here.

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What happens when a 13-year-old tap-dancing prodigy with autism and severe dyslexia takes on live television? Join us for a heartwarming episode as Letashares her experiences dancing on live television for the first time. From navigating the chaos of live TV, to charming audiences with the help of her sleepy dog co-host, Jack Elvis, to discussing coming up with a team to write and present an academic paper about Autistic Wings Dance Company's innovative Dance Studio IEP, this week's Leta's Tap Styles is filled with humor, resilience, and a touch of amazing dreams. And covers just a bit of everything.

(Note from Amanda: Colorado's Tax Codes allow combined gifts over $500 to charities to be deducted from your taxes. It isn't just this year. Amanda goofed.)

Help Leta and the other dancers at Autistic Wings Dance Company fly on their wings this holiday season by donating to their studio. Your donation will help cover overhead costs like rent, utlilities, and more so we can keep our tuition costs equal to the cost of a traditional dance studio. AWDC is a charity out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Donations are tax deducitable as allowed by the laws. Please visit https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org/donate1 to donate today.

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In the spirit of the holiday season, we turn our Tap Tuesday discussion towards festive choreography. Leta breaks down Chloe and Maud's rendition of "Carol of the Bells", and she recounts the fun of trying to teach her father Chloe's choreography. Join us for a conversation that blends humor, insight, and holiday cheer, as we appreciate the artistry and shared experiences that make tap dance so enchanting.

Check out the original video and the song
Chloe and Maud's "Carol of the Bells"
Video
Music

To help support Leta's nonprofit dance studio for autistic dancers, visit https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org

Follow Leta on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/@letatapstyles

Follow Amanda on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/@antrisdale

Are you a podcaster looking for guests? Or a podcast guest trying to book yourself on podcasts? Leta's Tap Styles uses PodMatch for all of our podcasting needs, whether it is finding guests for the show or being a guest on other podcasts. Using our link helps support the show. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/letastapstyles

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In this episode, Eric Chessen discusses the importance of tailored fitness programs for individuals with autism and neurodivergent conditions. He emphasizes the need for a structured approach to fitness that considers individual goals, capabilities, and the unique challenges faced by this population. The conversation covers various topics, including the significance of core strength, the misconceptions surrounding exercise, the role of sports in promoting normalization, and the importance of understanding and respecting individual differences in fitness and dance. Eric also highlights the need for ongoing education and awareness in the autism community, particularly regarding adult fitness and the infantilization of individuals with autism.

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Ever wonder what's on co-host Leta's Tap Dancer's Holiday Wish List? Don't worry, she's here to tell you. From shoelaces to dance boards, to everything in between, here's her list of things to buy your favorite tap dancer.

We promised you links to all of her favorite things she talked about in the show. (These are not a paid endorsement. Leta just loves these products.)


Dance Daze Dance Boards Jet Setter
Dance Daze Dance Boards District
So Danca Taylas TA800Vs 
So Danca Eat, Dance, Sleep Shoelaces
So Danca Tiler Peck Cali Backpack

Don't forget, Leta and Amanda are co-hosting a livestream on YouTube Sunday, December 8th from 4:00-6:00PM MT to raise funds for Leta's nonprofit, Autistic Wings Dance Company. You can donate today here.

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Spoiler Alert: Contains Discussions About Music from "Wicked: Part 1"

Autism, Dance, and 'Wicked': A Heartfelt Discussion

In this episode of 'Leta's Tap Styles,' Amanda and 13-year-old Leta discuss their recent experience watching 'Wicked' and delve into how the themes and characters resonate with Leta's experiences as an autistic individual. They explore Leta's love for urban tap, her challenges fitting into traditional dance studios, and the significance of representation and inclusivity in the arts. The conversation traverses emotional landscapes, including the stigmas Leta faces, her unique views on stimming, and her connection to the character Elphaba. Amanda also shares updates about their goal of expanding Autistic Wings Dance Company and invites listeners to support their cause during the giving season.

00:00 Spoiler Alert for Wicked Fans
01:07 Meet Leta: A Young Artist with Autism
01:40 Discussing Wicked and Choreography
02:36 Autism and Social Challenges
05:30 Understanding Stimming and Misconceptions
06:26 Leta's Love for Wicked
12:42 Navigating Friendships and Trust Issues
15:14 Autism in Dance Studios
21:44 Wicked's Impact on Leta
31:35 Navigating Social Expectations
32:19 Autism and Identity
33:07 Family Dynamics and Autism
34:07 Challenges in Dance Studios
39:06 Creating Inclusive Dance Spaces
43:45 Reflections on Wicked and Popularity
52:38 Thanksgiving Plans and Traditions
55:54 Fundraising and Community Engagement
58:46 Closing Remarks and Subscription Appeal