Guests - Brittany Nicholas and Miranda Quinn

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 159 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, two incredible former competitive dancers turned professional dancers join us to talk about their experiences as swings and understudies, and how their time in the competition world helped prepare them for these unique roles on stages from Broadway to concert dance.

Topics Include:

•  A crash course on professional stage terminology
•  The ins and outs of what it takes to be a swing and an understudy in both the concert dance world and Broadway
•  Advice for young dancers interested in pursuing a career that includes swing and understudy work

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. No sponsored ads!
• 20% off all IDA Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year

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
• Brittany Nicholas - @brittnnicholas 
• Miranda Quinn - @mirandaming4

Check out our guest’s current projects!

• See Brittany in "& Juliet" on Broadway! 
• See Alvin Ailey Dance Theater at New York City Center from November 29th-December 31st!

This episode is sponsored by:

Francisco Gella Dance Works - Season 5 Premier Sponsor!
Educational and developmental programs, intensives, and seminars designed to empower students, parents, educators, and artists.
Register for an upcoming intensive!


DecaDance Competition - IDA Affiliated Competition
View their 2024 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

Francisco Gella Dance Works
In-person intensives & seminars for pre-professional dancers.

Use code: MAKINGTHEIMPACT for $75 off

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show