Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast

By Impact Dance AdjudicatorsArts Performing Arts

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast episodes

April 03, 2025The Over-sexualization of Kids In Competitive Dance
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Guests - Leslie Scott Zanovitch and Dr. Christina "Dr. T." Donaldson
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 221 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are shining a light on an uncomfortable topic - the over-sexualization of kids in the competitive dance world. Please take care when listening, and screen this episode before listening with children.

Topics Include:
What counts as sexualized choreography?
How over-sexualization of children at a young age affects their sexual development
How social media has normalized and encouraged sexual movements in competitive dance

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Season 4, 5 & 6. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Discounted IDA Online Critique
Group Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!
Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Leslie Scott Zanovitch - @lesliescottsays
Dr. Christina "Dr. T" Donaldson - @dancin.dr.t

If you have listened to this episode and need support, please utilize the following resources:
ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-Child
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 - RAINN
NEAMA - Nonprofit Education and Advocacy for the Movement Arts

This episode is sponsored by:
Dance Teacher Web Conference and Expo.
This summer July 22nd-25th in Las Vegas, NV!
140+ master classes, seminars, events, & more for continuing education and networking in the dance community!
Use code: IMPACT50 for $50 off!

Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's Critiques
Send us a video of your dance and an IDA Judge will critique your routine! You can request a genre-specific specialty judge or add on 10 minutes of additional feedback. 24 hour rush delivery available!
Submit your video now!

Check out IDA-Affiliated Competition Positive Vibes! Visit their website for their 2025 season schedule!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!
Support the show
1 hr 37 min
March 27, 2025The Never Ending Debate - Two Shoes, One Shoe, or No Shoes?
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Guests - IDA Judges
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 220 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we devote a full episode to the conversation that seems to never end in the competitive dance world - to wear two shoes, one shoe, or no shoes? Our IDA judges chime in with their thoughts and we (try to) look at the opposing point of view!

Topics Include:
The variety of reasons to wear two shoes
Why dancing barefoot can be beneficial
A few arguments for wearing one shoe

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Season 4, 5 & 6. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Discounted IDA Online Critique
Group Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!
Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Impact Dance Adjudicators - @impactdanceadjudicators

This episode is sponsored by:
Dance Teacher Web Conference and Expo
This summer July 22nd-25th in Las Vegas, NV!
140+ master classes, seminars, events, & more for continuing education and networking in the dance community!
Use code: IMPACT50 for $50 off!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Support the show
1 hr 23 min
March 20, 2025Genre Spotlight - Breaking
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Guests: Bonita "Bgirl Bonita" Saldana and London "Bboy London" Reyes
Hosted by Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor

Our Genre Spotlight series continues with a conversation about the history, culture, and importance of breaking. Our guests are two giants in the field - Bgirl Bonita, studio owner and Team USA Breaking Olympic coach, and Bboy London, member of the NYC Breakers and breaking expert.

Follow Bgirl Bonita @bgirlbonita and Bboy London @bboylondon on social media and be sure to check out their upcoming projects.

Check out Bgirl Bonita's Levels Breaking Curriculum, an on-demand platform for studio owners and individuals to advance their craft

Who would you like to see featured on our upcoming Spotlight Interviews? Share your recommendations by shooting us an email at [email protected].

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Season 4, 5 & 6. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Discounted IDA Online Critique
Group Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

This episode is sponsored by:
Dance Teacher Web Conference and Expo
This summer July 22nd-25th in Las Vegas, NV!
140+ master classes, seminars, events, & more for continuing education and networking in the dance community!
Use code: IMPACT50 for $50 off!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!
Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Bgirl Bonita - @bgirlbonita
Bboy London - @bboylondon

Join our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow us on social media at @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Support the show
1 hr 32 min
March 13, 2025A Day in the Life of an NFL Cheerleader
Send us Fan Mail
Guests - Jessica Butler and Madeline Massingill
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 218 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, our "Day in the Life" series continues with a deep dive into the world of NFL cheerleading! These talented performers share what it's like to represent some of the country's biggest teams, and how they got there!

Topics Include:
The audition process and expectations for NFL cheerleaders
What other responsibilities you have when you represent a team
The perks and challenges that come with being an NFL cheerleader

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4, 5 & 6! No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Discounted IDA Online Critique
Group Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!
Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Jessica Butler - @jessssssss91
Madeline Massingill - @Madeline_massingill

This episode is sponsored by:
Dance Teacher Web Conference and Expo.
This summer July 22nd-25th in Las Vegas, NV!
140+ master classes, seminars, events, & more for continuing education and networking in the dance community!
Use code: IMPACT50 for 50% off!

Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's Critiques
Send us a video of your dance and an IDA Judge will critique your routine! You can request a genre-specific specialty judge or add on 10 minutes of additional feedback. 24 hour rush delivery available!
Submit your video now!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Support the show
1 hr 8 min
March 06, 2025From Setback to Spotlight - Recovering From a Dance Injury
Send us Fan Mail
Guests - Kate Pagano and Andrew Wilson
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 217 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we take a look at what it's like to recover from a dance injury. Guests Kate Pagano and Andrew Wilson, alongside your hosts Courtney and Lesley, share their personal experiences and advice for how to cope with an injury both mentally and physically.

Topics Include:
How to stay motivated while you are injured
What changes might occur in your relationship to dance while you are injured
What kind of support is needed when recovering from an injury

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4, 5 & 6. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Discounted IDA Online Critique
Group Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!
Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Kate Pagano - @itskatethegr8
Andrew Wilson - @andrewwilsonny

This episode is sponsored by:
Relative Motion - Injury Prevention apparel, teacher trainings and in-studio workshops to transform your technique while preventing injuries.
Receive 10% off any apparel/program purchase or $500 off workshop pricing with the code: IMPACT10

Dance Teacher Web Conference and Expo.
This summer July 22nd-25th in Las Vegas, NV!
140+ master classes, seminars, events, & more for continuing education and networking in the dance community!
Use code: IMPACT50 for 50% off!

Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's Critiques
Send us a video of your dance and an IDA Judge will critique your routine! You can request a genre-specific specialty judge or add on 10 minutes of additional feedback. 24 hour rush delivery available!
Submit your video now!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Support the show
1 hr 18 min
February 27, 2025Lifestyle Sacrifices You Make to be a Dance Professional
Send us Fan Mail
Guests - Casey Carruthers and Amanda LaMotte
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 216 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are discussing the sacrifices that must be made to succeed as a dance industry professional. From lifestyle sacrifices to personal sacrifices, your hosts and guests get real about what it actually takes, and whether or not it was worth it (spoiler alert - it was).

Topics Include:
The struggles many dancers go through just to get to auditions
The balance between having a life and having a career
The importance of having support from your family and friends

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4, 5 & 6. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Discounted IDA Online Critique
Group Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!
Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Casey Carruthers - @casey_carruthers
Amanda LaMotte - @tinylamotte

This episode is sponsored by:
Dance Teacher Web Conference and Expo.
This summer July 22nd-25th in Las Vegas, NV!
140+ master classes, seminars, events, & more for continuing education and networking in the dance community!
Use code: IMPACT50 for 50% off!

Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's Critiques
Send us a video of your dance and an IDA Judge will critique your routine! You can request a genre-specific specialty judge or add on 10 minutes of additional feedback. 24 hour rush delivery available!
Submit your video now!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Support the show
1 hr 12 min
February 20, 2025The Importance of Stage Entrances and Exits
Send us Fan Mail
Guests - Joseph Corella and Alex Frohlinger
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 215 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we're chatting about first and final impressions when performing on a competitive stage! Entrances and exits may seem small, but our guests are here to tell you why they make a big difference!

Topics Include:
Choreographed vs unchoreographed entrances and exits
Why both entrances and exits matter to the overall feel of your dance
The importance of teaching dancers to bow

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4, 5 & 6! No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Discounted IDA Online Critique
Group Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!
Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Joseph Corella - @josephcorella5678
Alex Frohlinger - @alexfrohlinger

This episode is sponsored by:
Dance Teacher Web Conference and Expo
This summer July 22nd-25th in Las Vegas, NV!
140+ master classes, seminars, events, & more for continuing education and networking in the dance community!
Use code: IMPACT50 for 50% off!

Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's Critiques
Send us a video of your dance and an IDA Judge will critique your routine! You can request a genre-specific specialty judge or add on 10-15 minutes of additional feedback. 24 hour rush delivery available!
Submit your video now!

Check out IDA Affiliated Dance Competition The Artistry Tour!
Visit their website to register for a 2025 event!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Support the show
1 hr 8 min
February 13, 2025When Your Student is Also Your Child - The Journey as a Dance Teacher & Parent
Send us Fan Mail
Guests - Lori Fields and Andrea Zerilli
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 214 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we chat with two dance educators who have had the unique experience of having their own children (and in Lori's case, her grandchildren!) as students in the dance studio!

Topics Include:
If favoritism is really a thing when your child is on the team
Challenges faced by dance teachers who teach their own children
Advice for other dance teachers with their own kids in class

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4, 5 & 6. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Discounted IDA Online Critique
Group Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!
Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Andrea Zerilli - @glamour_by_andrea
Lori Fields - @Darronlori

This episode is sponsored by:
Squirrel Trench Audio
Stage-ready soundtracks for Choreographers
Explore hundreds of clean, stage-ready song edits, mixes, and production mixes. Custom song editing for Competition!

Dance Teacher Web Conference and Expo
This summer July 22nd-25th in Las Vegas, NV!
140+ master classes, seminars, events, & more for continuing education and networking in the dance community!
Use code: IMPACT50 for 50% off!

Check out IDA Affiliated Competition True Dance Challenge!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Support the show
52 min
February 06, 2025Mastering Competition Etiquette: From Dressing Rooms to Backstage
Send us Fan Mail
Guests - Miranda Spada and Kyrie Kowalik
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 213 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we discuss some of the behind the scenes etiquette that is expected from dancers, parents, and audience members at competition with IDA judges and dance educators Miranda Spada and Kyrie Kowalik.

Topics Include:
the "why" behind some dressing room etiquette rules
backstage etiquette tips to remember
unexpected rules for the dressing room

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4, 5 & 6! No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Discounted IDA Online Critique
Group Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!
Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Miranda Spada - @mirandarosespada
Kyrie Kowalik - @Annekyrie

This episode is sponsored by:
Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's Critiques
Send us a video of your dance and an IDA Judge will critique your routine! You can request a genre-specific specialty judge or add on 10-15 minutes of additional feedback. 24 hour rush delivery available!
Submit your video now!

Check out our IDA Affiliated Competition and Sponsor: Just Dance Invitational

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Support the show
1 hr 1 min
January 30, 2025Representation and Diversity on Competition Judging Panels
Send us Fan Mail
Guests - Crystal Mann-Hollinger and Jody Reynard
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 212 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, diversity and representation take center stage as we discuss why it's so important to have a well-rounded judging panel.

Topics Include:
The different kinds of diversity we should see on a panel of judges - style specialty, gender, age, race, and background
What it's like to feel un or under-represented in dance
What having a diverse panel of judges can offer to all dancers

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Season 4, 5 & 6. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Discounted IDA Online Critique
Group Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!
Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Crystal Mann-Hollinger - @crissy930
Jody Reynard - @otherblkguy

This episode is sponsored by:
Relative Motion - Injury Prevention apparel, teacher trainings and in-studio workshops to transform your technique while preventing injuries.
Receive 10% off any apparel/program purchase or $500 off workshop pricing with the code: IMPACT10

Francisco Gella Dance Works
Educational and developmental programs, intensives, and seminars designed to empower students, parents, educators, and artists.
Register now for an upcoming intensive, workshop or seminar!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Support the show
1 hr 7 min

About Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of a dance competition judge? What does it take to impress the people behind the table?

Join your hosts Courtney Ortiz, professional…