Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast

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Guests: Angela Carter and Caleb Teicher

Hosted by Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor

In the second Genre Spotlight episode of Season 6, we are joined by two tap dance professionals to get specific about rhythm tap (if there were such a thing). Tune in to hear more about that caveat!

Topics Include:

• Why there might feel like there is a difference between tap styles
• What judge or audience expectations there might be when attending a regular dance competition with a tap dance
• Why tap dance sometimes gets the short end of the stick in dance training

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!

Check out our guest's upcoming projects:

• Find out when Caleb is performing next on their website: www.calebteicher.net
• Learn more about Andrea's tap intensive Tap Into The Network

This episode is sponsored by:

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!

Capezio
Get a free “Everyday Dance Duffle” bag with any purchase. To redeem, add the Everyday Dance Duffle style #B246 to your cart and use code IMPACT at checkout, while supplies last.

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! 

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

• Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor  - @miss.lesley.dance
• Angela Carter - @angelacarter.co
• Caleb Teicher - @CalebTeicher

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

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Emily Williams, Robb Gibbs

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 210 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are joined by IDA judge Robb Gibbs and mindset coach Emily Williams to bring back a popular and important topic in the dance world - winning and losing. Both are bound to happen for all dancers, so how can you prepare for each scenario to win or lose gracefully?

Topics Include:

•  How losing can be a motivator
•  The role of parents, teachers, and coaches in cultivating a healthy mindset around winning and losing
•  Advice for dancers looking to change their thinking about winning and losing

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
• Emily Williams - @championmindsetconsultingllc
• Robb Gibbs - @robb.gibbs

Check out our guest’s current projects! 

Find more information about Champion Mindset Coaching and how Emily can help your dancer or gymnast at www.ChampionMindsetConsulting.com

This episode is sponsored by:

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!


Check out IDA-affiliated competition Elevation on Tour! Visit their website to find a date near you at www.elevationontour.com


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.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Melanie Brooke Durham, Troy Haywood

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 209 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we take a journey around the United States to discover the differences we see in each region at competition, and chat about how those differences can impact scoring, perception, and more!

Topics Include:

• Why regional differences still seem to exist even in our global, connected world
• Styles that are more prevalent in different parts of the country
• What we would love to see each region borrow from other regions

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
• Melanie Brooke Durham - ms_melanie5678
• Troy Haywood - @thetroyhaywood

This episode is sponsored by:

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! 

Michelle Leagans's "Hey Dancers...Let's Talk About It!" Journal.
A journaling companion for dancers to thrive as students and team members.
Available for purchase on Amazon!
www.letstalkaboutdance.com


Check out IDA Affiliated Competition Gems Dance Competition!
View their 2025 tour dates and register now at www.dancegems.com

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

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Gene Biscontini, Marina Stacey

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 208 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we chat about what it's like to have one of the most unique jobs in the dance industry - working for a cruise line! Our guests have years of experience performing on the high seas, and we can't wait to give you the ins and outs of a day in the life of a cruise ship dancer!

Topics Include:

•  Cruise ship auditions and how to book the job
•  The types of dance training you will need to work on a cruise ship
•  Day to day life at sea while on contract

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
• Gene Biscontini - @gdbisco
• Marina Stacey - @mstacey56

This episode is sponsored by:

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!


Lilly Lashes
Top quality, multi-dimensional, reusable eyelashes!
Use code IMPACT20 in all caps at checkout to receive 20% off your order!


Check out our IDA Affiliated Competition and Sponsor: Axis Dance Competition! Visit their website to view their 2024 Tour Dates!


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

Send us Fan Mail

Guest: Dione Hamza

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz

Platinum Premium Exclusive! To end out the 2024 year strong we are bringing back our popular Q&A with Courtney LIVE episodes! Our Q&A episodes now record monthly for Platinum Premium subscribers only. Dive in to a chat about all things competitive dance with Making the Impact host Courtney Ortiz and special guest IDA Judge Dione Hamza! This episode was recorded in December 2024.

Topics include:

• Difference between movement quality vs movement maturity.
• The fast growing hobby of dance and how it impacts a future career.
• What skills do you expect to see at each level?
• Advice for Studio Owners on tuition structure.

Want more Q&A episodes?  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. 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 Host & Guest!

• Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
• Dione Hamza - @dione.hamza

Check out our episode sponsor:

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

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

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Full Circle Boys (Jagger Moon, James Herron, Sean Garrity, Dossan Bell, and Oliver Hincy)

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 206 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we get a glimpse into the lives of The Full Circle Boys! The five members of this boy band started out as competitive dancers, and their music is quickly making its mark in the convention world and beyond! 

Topics Include:

• The origin stories of all five members of The Full Circle Boys
• What they loved about competitive dance and how it influenced the performers they are today
• Transitioning from dancers to singers
• Advice for young dancers and entertainers

Check out the Full Circle Boys on Apple Music & Spotify!

Watch The Full Circle Boys' latest music video for "Call My Name"! 

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 and 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
• The Full Circle Boys - @fullcircleboys

This episode is sponsored by:

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!


Check out IDA Affiliated Competition Streetz Convention and Competition!
View their website and register for the 2025 season!


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.impactdanceadjudi

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Shannon Dooling-Cain and Rachel Roberts

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 205 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are diving into a highly requested topic - team building and team bonding. The most successful teams are the ones that work together seamlessly, and that starts with fostering a sense of community and shared commitment to a goal, whether that's to perfect your pirouettes or win first overall. 

Topics Include:

• How to avoid a culture of "mean girls" at the studio
• What to do when your team just isn't clicking
• Why working as a team in dance can help prepare dancers for collaboration in any setting

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 and 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
• Shannon Dooling-Cain - @shannondoolingdances
• Rachel Roberts - @Rachelbenke

Check out these resources from Shannon Dooling-Cain: 

• Team-Building Dance Games
• Blog Post on Team-Building
• Blog Post on Team Bonding

This episode is sponsored by:

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!

Capezio
Get a free “Everyday Dance Duffle” bag with any purchase. To redeem, add the Everyday Dance Duffle style #B246 to your cart and use code IMPACT at checkout, while supplies last.

Michelle Leagans's "Hey Dancers...Let's Talk About It!" Journal.
A journaling companion for dancers to thrive as students and team members.
Available for purchase on Amazon!

Check out IDA Affiliated Competition Star Talent Productions!
View their 2024 season tour dates and register now at www.startalentproductions.com

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! 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Eddie Strachan and Azuki Umeda

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 204 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we explore the intricate and personal world of choreographing for dance competition with two listener-chosen industry leaders. Eddie Strachan and Azuki Umeda have a wealth of knowledge to share and inspire up-and-coming choreographers and those looking for fresh insight!

Topics Include:

• the differences between choreographing for competition and for other settings
• tools to use when choreographers are feeling stuck
• ideas to create meaningful and creative choreography for all levels

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. 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
• Eddie Strachan - @emotion.choreo
• Azuki Umeda - @azuki.u and @au.thenticitydance

This episode is sponsored by:

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!

DecaDance Competition - IDA Affiliated Competition
View their 2025 tour dates and register now!

Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's Critiques
Send us a video of your dance, and an IDA Judge will critique your routine delivered back in 5 business days. You can request a genre-specific specialty judge, add on our additional feedback or even receive 24 hour rush delivery!
Click here to 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

Send us Fan Mail

Guest - DJ Smart

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 203 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, convention director and professional dancer DJ Smart joins us to share some insider tips on how to stand out at all kinds of auditions, including at conventions, for colleges, and for professional jobs!

Topics Include:

• Why first impressions really do count
• Things NOT to do at auditions
• How to get out of your head and do your best in any scenario 

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 and 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
• DJ Smart - @djsmartjr

This episode is sponsored by:

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!

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

Capezio
Get a free “Everyday Dance Duffle” bag with any purchase. To redeem, add the Everyday Dance Duffle style #B246 to your cart and use code IMPACT at checkout, while supplies last.

Elevation on Tour - IDA Affiliated Competition!
Engage, Embrace and Elevate your dance experience at an Elevation Convention. Check out their 2024/25 season and register for an event today! 

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

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Julie "JJ" Joseph and Khori Petinaud

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 202 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we bring on two seasoned dance industry professionals to debate the merits of the product versus the process in dance, both competitively and professionally.

Topics Include:

•  Examples of a product-focused process and why they are important
•  Examples of a process-focused process and why they are important
•  Personal anecdotes about both process and product

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 and 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
• Julie "JJ" Joseph - @jj_choreography
• Khori Petinaud - @kmr8787

This episode is sponsored by:

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!

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

Michelle Leagans's "Hey Dancers...Let's Talk About It!" Journal.
A journaling companion for dancers to thrive as students and team members.
Available for purchase on Amazon!

DecaDance Competition - IDA Affiliated Competition
View their 2025 tour dates and register 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