In this episode, I speak with a fellow Dancers Amplified member, Lauren Flower. We talk about how the dance world is slowly (a bit too slowly) making space for LGBTQIA+ dancers, particularly in ballet. We also discuss the transition they went through from company dancer to teacher/choreographer and how that impacted their life as a dancer. Also how the incorporation of activism within the art of choreographing contributes to the ongoing work of diversification for marginalized dancers. I hope you all enjoy our encounter. 

Queer Women Dancers

Blog | Queer Women Dancers

A blog for all LGBTQ+ women in the dance world. www.queerwdancers.com

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In this episode I speak with Rena Butler, a full-time dancer and choreographic associate with Gibney Performing Arts Center and has choreographed for companies such as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Boston Dance Theatre, and BalletX. She is also a 2019 Princess Grace Award Winner for Choreography. Her words inspired me and I know they will inspire you all as well. Enjoy!

@renabutler

https://gibneydance.org/people/rena-butler/

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This is part 2 of my conversation with Jose @the1mrc. In this episode, we speak about his career as a dancer, singer, and actor and how he identifies as a person of color (African American and Caribbean descent). I definitely have to have him on another time because we barely covered his career. Thank you for listening and following the journey of the podcast. 

Listen to his podcast Mindspun on all podcast platforms

The NowHouse education group:

https://www.thenowhouse.org/

https://open.spotify.com/show/4PJYXecZCADJsVIuGrUtVu?si=Lvd_fFwbQ2-kAoHhja6MdA

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In this week's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with my friend Jose Angel Castro @the1mrc.

We talk about his life as a creative and the many hats he wears. We discuss his philosophy as a teacher and how communicating through understanding and respect is key to have a healthy learning environment. I could listen to him forever speak about his urban meadow and the process of the caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly cycle. Enjoy!

Listen to his podcast Mindspun on all podcast platforms

The NowHouse education group:

https://www.thenowhouse.org/

https://open.spotify.com/show/4PJYXecZCADJsVIuGrUtVu?si=Lvd_fFwbQ2-kAoHhja6MdA

Follow us and continue to support Dancers Amplified

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Our merchandise:

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Our blog:

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In this episode, I am speaking with Portia Adams, a dancer at Ballet de Monte-Carlo. We discuss the workplace and how our surroundings, good and bad affect us as professionals, microaggressions, and laugh about our "don't touch my hair" experiences. Enjoy!

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In this episode, I speak with Min Lee @minnnnn__lee, a fellow dancer a Bejart Ballet Lausanne. We speak about the recent violent events that have occurred as a result of hate. Since the pandemic, Asian people have received life-threatening attacks on the streets by people that feel that they can blame the pandemic on every Asian person they come across. We also speak about sexualization/fetishization towards Asian women, sex work, colorism, homelessness, racial slurs, and allyship. We also delve deep into the model minority trope. I hope you all enjoy this long but deep and personal discussion.

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This week, fellow Dancers Amplified activist Jazz Bynum sits down with Chelsea Keefer, a soloist at Ballet West in Salt Lake City, Utah. They talk about her background, life as a professional, her thoughts on the importance of leadership within companies, and the struggles of being a woman in the dance industry. A wonderful listen. Enjoy!

Guest info:

http://www.chelsea-keefer.com

https://www.instagram.com/keeferchels/

https://www.instagram.com/thechelseakeeferpodcast

This week I talk with Leroy Mokgatle @leroy_mx, a professional dancer at Bejart Ballet Lausanne. We discuss his career and what he would like to see evolve in the dance community in order to construct a more inclusive space for all. 

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