Guests - Ashley Marinelli and Kimberly Soel Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 31 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley are joined by IDA judges and teachers Ashley Marinelli and Kimberly Soel to dive deep into the art of taking class - in the studio, at home, and at conventions. Topics Include: Expectations for students in-studio, on Zoom, and at conventions Helpful ideas for making the most of your virtual class experience Teacher tips for...
Oct 01, 2020•55 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Guests - JT Church and Leslie Church Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 30 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, it's time for our first Spotlight Feature! Courtney and Lesley are joined by 14 year old professional dancer and student, JT Church and mom Leslie Church to hear all about JT's dance journey, from an eager 5 year old who just wanted to move, to winner of Dancing With the Stars Junior! Topics Include: How JT started dancing at 5 years old Advice for y...
Sep 24, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Guests - Jen Garaffa and Jessica Olinik Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 29 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley chat with returning IDA judges and teachers Jen and Jessica about everyone's favorite subject - music at competition! Topics Include: Appropriate music selection Judge's music pet peeves How music influences movement Best practices when searching for and editing music The blog that inspired this episode was released in October ...
Sep 17, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Guests - Becky Chiasson and Erika Hogan Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz In Episode 28 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney sits down with studio owners Becky Chiasson (Spotlight Dance Academy, Westford, MA), and Erika Hogan (New Attitude Performing Arts Center in NC and SC) to discuss the ways COVID-19 has changed the dance studio industry, and how they are navigating a new normal for their businesses. Topics Include: Safety protocols and the differences in the regions Virtual...
Sep 10, 2020•54 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor Welcome to Season 2 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast! In this episode, hosts Courtney and Lesley catch up on what's been happening since the end of season 1, and look at what's coming up in season 2! Topics Include: The success of season 1 of Making the Impact Recap of IDA's Virtual Competitions Podcast cover art contest New release dates for season 2 Spotlight Episodes and LIVE Q&A's for season 2 CLICK HERE to send in your quest...
Sep 10, 2020•24 min
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor After 35 episodes, 48 guests, and hundreds of your questions - Season 1 of Making the Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast is coming to a close! Enjoy a look back at some of our favorite moments in the first season, and hear from our IDA judges one last time with some words of wisdom as we head into the summer. CLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A episode with Courtney, owner of IDA. You can request to stay anonymous...
Jun 01, 2020•1 hr 2 min
In the May edition of Q&A With Courtney, Lesley joins the conversation as the hosts record a live-streamed event to answer your questions in real time! Topics include: Abusing the levels system Parents changing choreography Appropriateness at competition *Please note - due to this episode being recorded from a live-stream event, audio quality may be affected* CLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A episode with Courtney, owner of IDA. You can request to stay a...
May 24, 2020•57 min
Guests - Christina Bodie & Alexis Evans Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 27 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley are joined by IDA judges Christina and Alexis to discuss life post competition dance and which professional dance career route you might consider. Topics Include: What is Commercial Dance? What is Concert Dance? The similarity and differences of each dance world What it's like working as a professional dancer CLICK HERE to ...
May 18, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Guests - Catherine Gregorius, Emma Mangeolle, Francesca Savone Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 26 of Making the Impact, Courtney and Lesley speak with the winners of IDA's Senior Spotlight contest. Catherine, Emma, and Francesca stood out for their unique and inspiring stories, and join the hosts for a conversation on how their final dance competition season has been affected by COVID-19. CLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A episode with...
May 11, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Guests - Kelsey Nelson Lack, Katie McGinnis Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 25 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley are joined by IDA judges Kelsey Nelson Lack and Katie McGinnis to talk about how dancers can incorporate cross training into their dance training to maximize their potential! Topics Include: Why cross training is beneficial for dancers Different types of cross training Safety tips for cross training at home CLICK HERE to se...
May 04, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In the April Edition of Q&A With Courtney, Courtney is joined by some special guests, Sam and Chellie to help answer your questions on topics including: Advancing up to the next level How judges score age appropriateness Training while at home How judges score routines with the same song CLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A episode with Courtney, owner of IDA. You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air! Intereste...
Apr 27, 2020•48 min
Guests - Alexandra Frohlinger, Jesse Miller, Max Vasapoli Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 24 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley are joined by Musical Theatre experts Alex, Jesse, and Max to talk what sets this genre apart from the rest! Topics Include: The differences between Musical Theatre Dance and Theatre Jazz The specific things judges look for in Musical Theatre routines at competition The never-ending debate about lip syncing in...
Apr 20, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Guests - Casey Dipersio & Lainee Uitermarkt Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 23 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley sit down with IDA Judges Casey and Lainee to talk about how they are navigating the new wave of teaching dance online during the Covid-19 pandemic. Topics Include: Their personal experience teaching virtually Tips and tricks on how to have a more successful online class The pros and cons of teaching through zoom CLICK H...
Apr 13, 2020•51 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In Episode 22 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley tackle the topic of levels at Competition, with IDA judges Steven and Amy weighing in with their thoughts. Topics Include: The pros and cons of having multiple levels of competition Why the levels system is so often abused Expectations for dancers in each level Ideas to make the levels system fairer The blog that inspired this episode was released in February of 2017, and it’s called “Levels - A Judge’s Perspec...
Apr 06, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Guests - Carrie Euker, Holly Gannett Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 21 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley bring ballet center stage as they discuss how to keep the style exciting and relevant in the competition world. Topics Include: Ideas for keeping ballet class interesting What judges look for in a ballet competition routine How ballet can benefit other styles of dance Check out our previous blog articles that inspired this topic! ...
Mar 30, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Guests - Melissa Bartrem, Jen Garaffa Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 19 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley dive deep into the topic of performance anxiety with guests Melissa and Jen. **Advice shared in this podcast is solely the opinions of the guests and hosts, and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical disorder. If you are experiencing depression or anxiety, reach out to a medical professional for help. Topics Include: Ho...
Mar 23, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this special episode of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley discuss the effects of the COVID-19 virus on the dance community, from the perspective of teachers, judges, parents, and professional dancers. Topics Include: Suggestions for dancers to stay positive and active during the time away from studios and competitions Insight into the suspension of the NBA season from Miami Heat dancer Julia Galloway The general vibe in cities across the country, including N...
Mar 18, 2020•55 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In Episode 18 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley are joined by IDA judges Kelly and Hillary to discuss the many ways social media has changed the dance world! Topics Include: How social media influences trends in the dance world Easy ideas to self-promote on social media Personal stories of how social media has positively impacted the lives and careers of the guests and hosts The blog that inspired this episode was released in 2018, and it’s called “Social Me...
Mar 09, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Guests - Drew Burgess, Marissa Anderson Hosted by - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 17 of Making the Impact, Courtney and Lesley are joined by some of the best acro teachers in the biz, Drew Burgess and Marissa Anderson, to talk all things acro! Topics Include: Best practices for safe acro skills Incorporating acro into dance routines at competition Translating acro training into a professional career The blog that inspired this episode was released in March 2018 and it’s called “Rea...
Mar 02, 2020•50 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In the February Edition of Q&A With Courtney, she answers your questions about the competitive dance world. Topics include: Judging expectations Competing an Acro solo Transitioning to a higher level Finding your performance in contemporary CLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A episode with Courtney, owner of IDA. You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air! Check out our season sponsor Level Up Dance Supplies for ...
Feb 24, 2020•37 min
This week on Making The Impact - Courtney sits down for our first interview with dance convention owners, Frank Musso and Christian Clark from Revel Dance Convention. They discuss the in's and out's of starting a convention company and their rise to success in the industry. Topics Include: - Why Revel was created - A look into what makes their events unique - How REVEL has grown so quickly since their start - The importance of education and training in the competitive dance industry CLICK HERE t...
Feb 17, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Guests - Lauren Alto, Beau Hutchings, Kelsey Lack Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 15 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley celebrate Valentine’s Day Week by discussing kindness at competition! Special guests Lauren Alto, Beau Hutchings, and Kelsey Lack weigh in on the importance of etiquette and kindness at competition as well as at the studio. Topics Include: Why etiquette is important for dancers to learn and practice Ideas for studio o...
Feb 10, 2020•50 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Guests - Angelina Young Savage, Michelle Tolson Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 14 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley chat with tap specialists Angelina Young Savage and Michelle Tolson about the importance of tap in the dance industry. Topics Include: What judges look for in the tap category The differences and similarities between Rhythm Tap and Broadway Tap How tap influences other styles of dance The blog that inspired this episode...
Feb 03, 2020•45 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In the January Edition of Q&A With Courtney, Courtney is joined by special guest, her co-host Lesley Mealor, to help answer your questions on topics including: How essential are tricks in routines Keeping the stage age appropriate Proper song selection for dancers Clarifying genre placement for competition CLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A episode with Courtney, owner of IDA. You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on...
Jan 27, 2020•59 min
Guests - Sheena DiMatteo, Daniel Tardibono Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 13 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, guests Sheena DiMatteo and Daniel Tardibono sit down with Courtney and Lesley to discuss the ins and outs of costuming for competition! Topics Include: Best practices for costuming dancers appropriately Glitzy costumes vs plain costumes - does it really matter? Inclusivity in costuming Appropriate presentation for the stage The biggest question...
Jan 20, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Guests - Kelli Rooney and Natalie Layton of High Demand Dance Competition. Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz In this week’s episode of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney interviews owners of High Demand Dance Competition, Kelli Rooney and Natalie Layton, and finds out what makes their events stand out from the others in the industry! Topics Include: The background of both owners, and how they started HD Dance Competition Discussing dance in college and the different paths you can...
Jan 13, 2020•45 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Guest - Christina Belinsky Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In this episode of Making the Impact, Courtney and Lesley sit down with IDA Judge, Performer and Choreographer, Christina Belinsky, to talk about how to take critical feedback at competition. This episode includes: Advice for how to apply feedback from competition in class How to challenge yourself if you’re not getting usable feedback Tips to stay motivated and positive when receiving critical feedback The blog that inspire...
Jan 06, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In the December Edition of Q&A With Courtney, Courtney (and a few special guests) answer your questions on topics including: Performance vs. Technique What makes a dancer stand out Proper level to place your dancers at competition Are tricks essential in competition choreography? CLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A episode with Courtney, owner of IDA. You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air! Check out our IDA...
Dec 23, 2019•32 min
In this episode of Making the Impact, Courtney and Lesley chat with Erika Hebron and Mary Roberts about the benefits of technique in all styles of dance. This episode covers: Ideas for keeping technique classes fresh and engaging How a strong technical foundation can prevent injury as well as help a dancer bounce back from injury Tips for how to work on your technique on your own, outside of class Resources mentioned in this episode include: “ Jazz Dance: A History of the Roots and Branches ” by...
Dec 16, 2019•41 min•Season 1Ep. 10
On this week's special episode of Making the Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney interviews Sandra Choi, owner of Just Dance Invitational! The show includes: The backstory behind Just Dance Invitational Just Dance Invitational’s mission to further dance education for students The special assistant training program offered by Just Dance Invitational Follow your Host and Guests on Instagram! Courtney Ortiz @courtney.ortiz Just Dance Invitational @just_dance_invitational Visit www.justda...
Dec 09, 2019•29 min•Season 1Ep. 9
