The Background Dancer

Welcome to a whole new wave of specials, featuring a roundtable version of the show alongside two new co-hosts in Jacob Caldwell and Joshua Sailo. Throughout this 10 episode series, we present extracts from our Clubhouse sessions on the Why Dance? by J-Cast clubroom. 

In this debut entry, we discussed how different schemas, mindsets and social upbringings have influenced the way we approach dance, perceive the world and vice versa. Knowledge is vast and timeless, constantly everchanging and varies geographically, politically and temporally. Is this one way of knitting the world closer? And is that a powerful and often unconscious advantage that dancers hold? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk 

Support the show

Like our offers? 

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here 
• Email me at [email protected]
• Answer a survey 
• Sign up here to receive future updates 
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

What was the worst dance injury you've ever experienced? How did you eventually overcome it? As a dancer, injuries are almost a given. Some are little niggles, others are massive and potentially career-ending. Since everyone is bound to suffer at the fate of the injury bug at some point, shouldn't there be more support systems in place to prepare a dancer for such circumstances? In this very case, it's most definitely recovery over prevention as prevention is almost impossible. 

As part of another special entry leading up to the launch of Season 2 in 2023, EP.40 officially introduces the J-Cast, the three-men crew on the bi-weekly Clubhouse sessions. We are basically the roundtable version of the podcast, which makes this episode an apt choice for our special series. Furthermore, this was also recorded on the back of two members having suffered major injuries. How did they survive? Listen to find out!

• Joshua Sailo
• All House Dance Collective
• Harkness Center for Dance Injuries

Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk 

Support the show

Like our offers? 

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here 
• Email me at [email protected]
• Answer a survey 
• Sign up here to receive future updates 
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

How does intercultural exchange influence dance? And are people as interdisciplinary as art is? Upon receiving a plea to help out a friend's graduate thesis, a study which investigates how the reality of intercultural exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration and working in Slovakia as a foreign artist all intertwine in the year 2022, we duly complied in providing the best possible account. After being based here in Central Europe for the past three years, there inevitably exists an impression or two about the local landscape. 

Continuing our special episode series as we build up for the launch of Season 2 in 2023, this episode explores how some of the most critical aspects of the global dance market have combined to develop Jason as an artist. Ready to fulfill your own Background Dancer journey? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk | Waterbeat - DJ Lengua

Support the show

Like our offers? 

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here 
• Email me at [email protected]
• Answer a survey 
• Sign up here to receive future updates 
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

What would it take to finally gain cultural and political independence from Russia? How is the cultural landscape changing amidst this relentless conflict? After many false promises of a no invasion stance from President Putin, Russia crossed the border into Ukraine under the guise of a special military operation on February 24, 2022. Almost three months on, that so-called operation continues to wage on in the form of a full scale war. But even after incessant shelling, killing and unspeakable atrocities, Ukraine perseveres.

Amongst those who chose to stay is Oleksandra Korotchuk, a Ukrainian artist and recent graduate of the Academy of Fine arts in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia. Her professional experience have included working as a film director, director of photography, photographer and video editor for the likes of Alliance Francaise and the Puppet Theatre in Banska Bystrica. 

What is it like to be an artist based there now? What is in store for Ukrainian artists heading into the future? What’s next in this evidently cultural war? Throughout this special episode, we explore the five biggest lessons learnt as a Ukrainian artist, told from the experiences of Oleksandra herself. Ready to dive deep into the cauldron of topical fire? Join us as we foreground dance and arts in the background!

• Oleksandra Korotchuk
• Instagram
• On Cultural Occupation
• How Ukrainians are saving art during the war
• History between Ukraine and Russia 

Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk

Support the show

Like our offers? 

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here 
• Email me at [email protected]
• Answer a survey 
• Sign up here to receive future updates 
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

So, we have come full circle and successfully completed a full season of content and creation! While it has not been easy, it was through your truest support and consistency to the show that we have made it. 10 categories, 12 months' worth of content! What do you think about personal anecdotes, stats, tokens of gratitude and so on? As they all obviously provide a very different outlook, it's important to round up with as comprehensive a rundown as possible. 

Concluding the first season, this episode explores crucial aspects of the show in how it has grown, changed and consolidated itself as a one of a kind platform. Ready to fulfill your own Background Dancer journey? Join us as we foreground dance in the background and see you all very soon!

Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk | Hidden - Darkstorm & Diabolik

Support the show

Like our offers? 

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here 
• Email me at [email protected]
• Answer a survey 
• Sign up here to receive future updates 
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

After a year long run, it's time to recollect our thoughts and engage in a little one on one with a very special AMA episode. Here, we listen to 13 unique questions about Jason as a dance artist, podcaster and person in general. Although some were not the most suitable to tackle first hand, this was a wonderful thought experiment and window into the host, producer and founder of the Background Dancer journey. 

Don't forget, this episode is part of a double launch alongside the finale of Season 1 in the next one. In addition to this, we also have a brand new YouTube channel launched and ready to touch your life positively, and passionately.

Concluding the first season, this episode explores some of the toughest questions regarding the industry as well as more general ones about podcasting and the dance artist voyage. Ready to live through some of the toughest and most personal inquiries? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk | Hidden - Darkstorm & Diabolik

Support the show

Like our offers? 

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here 
• Email me at [email protected]
• Answer a survey 
• Sign up here to receive future updates 
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

What does it mean to be a nomadic artist? What exactly is a contemporary nomad? With the increasingly globalized world we live in today, it's only natural that dance artists travel to where opportunity presents itself. However, constant migration often leads to fragmented individualities and scattered homes, which results in a recurring  process of arriving and departing in search for what hopes to be the penultimate destination.

Henry Daniel is a Distinguished SFU Professor, Professor of Dance, Performance Studies and New Technology, scholar, performer, choreographer, and Artistic Director of Full Performing Bodies. As a former dancer, he worked with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Centre Workshop, Pearl Primus African American Dance Company, José Limón Dance Company (USA) and Tanztheater Münster (GER)

Concluding the month of Politics, this episode explores key challenges faced by contemporary artists of past and present concerning migration and fragmented identities . Ready to fulfill your contemporary nomad's journey? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

• Henry Daniel
• SFU School for the Contemporary Arts
• Alvin Ailey American Dance Centre Workshop
• José Limón Dance Company
• Tanztheater Münster

Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk

Support the show

Like our offers? 

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here 
• Email me at [email protected]
• Answer a survey 
• Sign up here to receive future updates 
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

How can we best navigate power dynamics within a dance workplace? What about through active agency and heterarchy? Organizational structures have historically been a challenge for corporates and performing arts groups alike, mostly presenting itself as a tough nut to crack. However, therein lie a multitude of ways to better grasp and understand the psychology and modus operandi of our environment, resulting in a reframing and distancing from the often negative connotations associated with the concept of POWER.

Sarah Rubidge is an educator, academic and choreographer and digital artist working in dance for over 40 years. She was Head of Education at Rambert Dance Company and headed up the MA in Dance Studies at the Laban Centre between 1992 and 1997.  She is currently mentoring Postgraduate students at the Bartlett School of Architecture Masters in Design for Performance and Interaction, and serves as a PhD examiner and mentor.  She was subsequently awarded a Readership and then a Professorship in Choreography and New Media. 

Kickstarting the month of Politics, this episode explores the research and methods of navigating power dynamics within the increasingly complex workplace of the performing arts. Ready to become an active agent and unleash personal power? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

• Sarah Rubidge 
• Paper and articles
• Rambert School
• Laban Centre
• Bartlett School of Architecture
• University of Chichester
• Books on politics

Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk

Support the show

Like our offers? 

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here 
• Email me at [email protected]
• Answer a survey 
• Sign up here to receive future updates 
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

What is the difference between education and learning? And for who exactly is dance education for? Although most of us would have to teach at some point, education accounts for much of what the present and even upcoming generation promises to offer. In other words, it's not easy and should never be taken for granted! Instead of relying on standardized education, why not adapt your way of absorbing and transmitting information as an independent learner?

Zebastian Mendez Marin is an instructor, choreographer, director, dancer, actor and co-founder of Colectivo Priekopník Veverička and the Red Movement Network. He hails from Costa Rica and performed for Belgian company Ultima Vez, touring the revival of Wim Vandekeybus' legendary "What the body does not remember".  In recent years, he has collaborated with the likes of Honey and Dust and Divadlo Štúdio Tanca of Slovakia. 

Concluding the month of Education, this episode explores what it means to be a dance educator outside institutional frameworks, also the key differences between education and learning. Ready to learn better and become a great learner? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

• Zebastian Mendez Marin
• Colectivo Priekopník Veverička
• Red Movement Network
• Education vs. Learning 

Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk

Support the show

Like our offers? 

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here 
• Email me at [email protected]
• Answer a survey 
• Sign up here to receive future updates 
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

Why engage in academic research as a dancer? How does intellectual rigour contribute to the development of a dance artist? While we are often instructed to dance first and think later, careers in the performing arts can resemble a slippery slope to many. So, why not combine the visceral with the exegetical to stand out amongst the 'moving' crowd?

Mohd Anis Md Nor is an educator, author, Research Fellow and Managing Director of the Nusantara Performing Arts Research Centre (NusPARC). He was Professor of Ethnochoreology and Ethnomusicology at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur for many years, pioneering the study of Zapin dance and music in Southeast Asia and has published widely on the said topic, including 20 books to date.

Kickstarting the month of Education, this episode explores the importance of academic research and intellectual training within dance education, also the future of practice as research within the global curriculum. Ready to be debunked on some researcher myths? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

• Mohd Anis
• NusPARC
• Talking About Interview
• Publishing Catalogue

Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk

Support the show

Like our offers? 

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here 
• Email me at [email protected]
• Answer a survey 
• Sign up here to receive future updates 
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community