Mind over Movement - Mental wellness for dancers before a performance.

Guests: Kristin Deiss & Michelle LoucadouxHost: Anna Harsh

The lights are dimmed.

The music’s about to start.

Your heart races.

Are you ready?

In this episode, we dive into themental side of dance—how to calm the nerves, sharpen your focus, and step onto that stage with confidence. Whether you're prepping for your first recital or a big showcase, we’ve got tools, stories, and mindset tips to help you dance from a grounded, empowered place.

Hit play and get your mind in motion—because performance starts within.

Michelle Loucadoux has danced in 5 Broadway shows, in 4 ballet companies, and on film and television and has traveled the world empowering young dancers. Michelle is a published author (Rowman & LIttlefield), has an MBA, and is currently the Co-Chair of the Dance Division at AMDA Los Angeles. In the past four years, she has worked full-time with Danscend to support the mental wellness of the dance community and its educators.

Kristin Deiss is a dancer, educator, yogi, and mom living her best life through helping others improve theirs. She holds an MA in History, an MFA in Dance, and is currently the Co-Chair of the Dance Division at AMDA Los Angeles. Having battled a JIA diagnosis that changed the trajectory of her dance career, Kristin is dedicated to helping dancers better cope with the challenges of their art form.

Danscend on IG: @DanscendOfficial Danscend’s mission is to bring mental wellness to the forefront of dance training by providing a space for education, application, and community to dancers, educators, and professionals. https://www.danscend.com/

From Spotlights to Stumbles: Tales of Dance & Theater

Guest: Bob Spiotto

Host: Anna Harsh, M.A (Communication) B.A (Dance), E-RYT200 Yoga, Pilates certified. Over 32 years of teaching experience with performances around the world.

Have you had performances that were nothing but stumbles on stages?

My next guest has worked in the entertainment industry for over 40 years with acting, directing and producing is going to offer advice.

Bob Spiotto holds a B.F.A. in Theater Performance - Hofstra University, and a M.F.A. in Directing - The Catholic University of America (Washington,D.C.) Bob has directed hundreds of theater productions at various regional and professional theaters, schools and universities, as well as for various organizations and companies, and while at Hofstra, he also co–founded the LittleTop Theater Company, and was an advisor to several on campus student theatrical organizations.

He has also served as a host, master of ceremonies, writer andauctioneer for many high profile private and public events, as well as benefits.Follow Bob on Facebook: @BobSpiotto https://www.facebook.com/bob.spiotto/

Anna's Websites: www.AnnaHarsh.com

Tarantella Workshop in NY

May 4, 2pm- 4pm

Long Island City School of Ballet, Long Island City NY

www.AllegroDanceCompany.net

#THESHOWMUSTGOON #Showbiz #Performance #Dance #Theater #WomenSpeakers #Podcasting #TheDanceFloorPodcast #AnnaHarshDancer #AllegroDanceCompany #NY

The Ryhthm of Language

Host: Anna Harsh

Guest: Chrissy Pircio

Footsteps throught time is a proud sponsor of Allegro Dance Company.

In this episode Chrissy shares her passion for Italian language and dance and various travel tips plus life advice for the next generation.

This is an 8 day program to study Italian in Italy! Register now for your adventure!

The Footsteps through time experience takes place in Patrica, Italy.

The town is located about 70 kilometers (43 mi) southeast of Rome, 154 km from Naples and about 10 kilometres (6 mi) southwest of Frosinone.

It is at 450 m MSL on a hill that rises, close to the Lepini Mountains, in a dominant position and overlooks the Sacco Valley.

It is an authentic, traditional and rural community, far from tourism, Provincia di Frosinone, in Lazio. There are so many things to discover!

www.FootstepsThroughTimeinItaly.com

Visit www.AnnaHarsh.com

#Italy #ItalianLessons #DanceLessons #Packing #BookingItaly #FootstepsthoughTimeinItaly #TraveltoItaly

#Folkdance #ItalianDance #savingHeritage #WomenSpeakers

The Ups and Downs of Performance

Host: Anna Harsh, M.A, B.A Dance, E-RYT200, Pilates Certified

Guest: Nancy Caronia - Theater Director, Actor, Writer and Scholar who has worked off broadway as a performer to now a Director. She holds a PHD in Literature and Cultural studies, Hofstra University, BFA, Theatre Arts

Nancy talks about the ups and downs of the best and worst performance experiences. She also gives advice and tips for the next generation for performances to go well.

A Dolls House - A must see play!

Tickets www.heritageplayers.orgThe Heritage Players present:
A DOLL’S HOUSE
By Henrik Ibsen
Adapted by Frank McGuinness
Directed by Nancy Caronia
Show dates: April 25-26 & May 2-3 at 7:30 pm
April 27 & May 4 at 2:30 pm

Place: Seton Hall Brookline PA

Tickets at the door!

Anna's Website www.AnnaHarsh.com

#HeritagePlayers #ADollsHouse #theater #Dance #Performances #WomenSpeakers

THE DANCE FLOOR PODCAST Season 8

with Host: Anna Harsh

Take The Lead

Guest: Stephani Sosa is a talented latin ballroom dancer that is known for her appearances on So You Think You Can Dance & Dancing with the Stars.

In this episode:

Stephani tells stories of her studying dance as a young girl as well as gives advice for dancers. She also tells us discusses about her upcoming role in the new musical " Take The Lead."

Paper Mill Playhouse in NJMAR 29–APR 27, 2025 - Show dates

Set in the pulsating heart of New York City, Take the Lead is a joyful new musical based on the 2006 dance film that starred Antonio Banderas. This electrifying tale is the true story of Pierre Dulaine, a former professional dancer who, against all odds, brought the art of ballroom dance into New York City public schools. This world-premiere musical spotlights a dynamic fusion of ballroom and hip-hop in its music and choreography with a book by Robert Cary and Jonathan Tolins (Schmigadoon!) and a score by Elliah Heifetz and Zeniba Now, Take the Lead will be co-choreographed by Jennifer Weber (& Juliet) and Maria Torres (So You Think You Can Dance) and directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli (Newsies, Death Becomes Her).

See Stephani perform and get tickets to the show!

GET Tickets: https://papermill.org/take-the-lead/

Contact Host Anna Harsh: www.AnnaHarsh.com

#TAKETHELEAD #BALLROOMDANCE #STEPHANISOSA

#TheDanceFloorPodcast

Presence and Mindfulness

Host Anna Harsh chats with Meghan Angello about the tools we can use to be more mindful and present on stage and in the dance studio.

This episode offers tips to do before walking onto stage as well as what to do on your way to rehearsal to stay present.

Guest: Meghan Angello, dancer, choreographer has been in the wellness world for over 20 years, creating wellness retreats for companies, building brands and opening Health & Fitness Studios in New Jersey, she prides herself in functional well-being for all. Her training is multifaceted, which assists in her innovative programs.

Meghan holds a degree in Dance and Movement Therapy from Long Island University, which laid the foundation for her development as both an artist and choreographer. Her performance background includes work at the prestigious Broadway Dance Center in New York City, performing as a Radio City Rockette, touring with Reflections of Woodstock (US Tour) , and traveling the country with Steven Van Zandt and The Underground Garage Project .

In addition to her extensive performance career, Meghan is the creative director and developer of Kick Ball Change Podcast, a podcast that features international guests from all avenues of the creative arts.

View more of her work.

https://thekickballchange.com

https://mindfulalternative.com

Host Anna Harsh Website: www.AnnaHarsh.com or www.AllegroDanceCompany.net

Embracing Imperfections

Host: Anna Harsh with Guest: Geoff Steele

Geoff Steele is a choreographer, dancer and an outstanding organizer for various festivals, events and venues.

Dance, like life, is full of surprises, and not everything goes as planned. Sometimes, the most beautiful moments come from mistakes. In fact, many dancers say that it's in those "imperfections" where their most authentic and powerful performances emerge.

Dancers also learn to let go of the need for perfection. This doesn't mean they stop striving to improve, but rather, they embrace the process—the messy, sometimes uncomfortable, yet ultimately rewarding journey of growth. By releasing the pressure to be perfect, dancers free themselves to truly express who they are.

Geoff also offers advice about the do's and don'ts of hosting a dance company at various venues.

Like, Share and Subscribe for more podcast information.

Website: www.AnnaHarsh.com

#THEDANCEFLOORPODCAST #EmbracingImperfections

Communication and Collaboration

Host: Anna Harsh

Guest: Sean Amato Dance, at its heart, is a deeply collaborative art form. Communication and Collaboration are crucial, whether you’re performing as part of a company, a duet, or working with choreographers.

Sean shares various pieces of advice on how to collaborate and the best way to communicate when working in dance or film.

Connect with Sean IG: @SeanAmatoOfficial

Connect with Anna @TambourineChronicles

Tickets for workshops: www.AnnaHarsh.com

Adaptability in Dance

Guest: Rosalie Anthony

Host: Anna Harsh

I’m chatting with a dancer who's mastered the art of stayingflexible—both literally and figuratively. From how to handle asudden change in choreography to embracing new opportunities, we’ll explore how adaptability can fuel your career on and off the stage.

Write in and let us know what you want us to discuss next!

We discuss :

• Adapting to new jobs in dance
• New partners
• New environments
• Mindset for dancers

Follow Rosalie on IG : @RosalinaBallerina

Follow Anna IG @TambourineChronicles

Website: www.AnnaHarsh.com

Like, share and subscribe!

Discipline &Dedicationfor dancersIn this episodehost Anna Harsh interviews Christy Stoeten about her new dance notebook and how it can keep us on track in our career.

How do you stay dedicated to your dance career?

Write in and tell us!

Christy Stoeten is a multifaceted dance artist and educator based in Toronto, Canada. Her journey in dance began in childhood, immersing herself in ballet, jazz, tap, and highland dancing, performing and competing across Canada and the United States.

In 2001, Christy entered the University of Toronto, where she discovered her passion for contemporary dance, leading her to The School of Toronto Dance Theatre and their rigorous three-year Professional Training Program. She has since become a versatile artist, working with esteemed Canadian choreographers like Allison Cummings, Darryl Tracy, and Meryem Alaoui. Her choreography has been showcased by prestigious platforms such as Luminato, Summerworks, DACI and Public Energy. Christy’s choreography explores themes that are grounded in daily life experiences, investigating humour in the everyday, and beauty in the mundane.

Buy her notebook on Amazonhttps://a.co/d/cZnquin

Audition for Allegro Dance Companywww.AllegrodanceCompany.net