Guests - IDA Judges Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 147 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we asked you, our listeners, to choose the topic! The response was heard loud and clear - you want to hear from your judges what they loved, didn't love, and want to see more of from the 2023 competition season! Thanks to 10 of our IDA judges for contributing their thoughts to this episode. Topics Include: Performance tips Praise for unique and interesting themes Pr...
May 25, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 4Ep. 147
Guests - Pam Simpson and Glen Meynardie Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 146 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we get real with you about how studios cast dancers in competitive routines. Special guests Pam Simpson, a studio owner for 30 years, and Glen Meynardie, frequent guest choreographer and adjudicator give their insight about the casting process from their perspectives. Topics Include: The variety of ways studios cast their dancers and why How the ...
May 18, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 146
Guests - Emily Branigan and Amanda Trusty Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 145 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are joined by IDA judge and dance educators Emily Branigan and Amanda Trusty to tell you what judges really think of special awards. (Spoiler alert - we love them). Topics Include: The reasons we love special awards Why special awards often mean more than placement or overall awards Our favorite special awards to give dancers Help support ou...
May 11, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 145
Guests - Katrena Cohea and Amanda LaCount Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 144 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we discuss the body image issues that affect dancers and suggest strategies for dance teachers and dance studios to develop a more holistic approach to discussing our bodies. Katrena Cohea and Amanda LaCount join us to help provide a variety of perspectives. Topics Include: How the dance industry has changed over time to reflect a variety of bo...
May 04, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 144
Guest: Dale Lam Hosted by: Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor CCJ Conservatory, formerly known as Columbia City Jazz, prides itself on producing well-rounded, versatile dancers. With over 35 years of experience, Artistic Director Dale Lam leads the studio in its mission and looks towards the future as the dance studio industry evolves. Follow CCJ Conservatory on social media @ccjconservatory and be sure to check out their upcoming projects. CCJ Conservatory's summer intensive is open to all danc...
Apr 27, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Season 4Ep. 143
Guests - Dwayne Vincent Elliott, Kyle Fishbein, and Jamie Johnson Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 142 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are joined by the three most die-hard dance dads we could find to share stories of their adventures in the competitive dance world. Dwayne, Kyle, and Jamie were chosen from over 50 nominations to be featured on this special episode! Topics Include: Why they love being a dance dad How they feel their studio supports th...
Apr 20, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Season 4Ep. 142
Guests - Donielle Richmond and Kristi-Ann Phillips Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 141 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are talking about burnout - the perfect topic for the middle of comp season! Our guests share their strategies for combating burnout, as well as insight into how to help dancers. Topics Include: How to recognize burnout within yourself and your students How to manage your time effectively to avoid burnout Boundary setting and the be...
Apr 13, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 141
Guests - Debbi Sampson and Tommy Scrivens Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 140 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are tackling the topic of appropriateness of choreography, from the subtle nuances we wish we would see to the outrageous things we do see on stage sometimes. Joining us for this discussion are IDA judges and dance educators Debbi Sampson and Tommy Scrivens. Topics Include: How inappropriate themes, music, and costumes all come into play whe...
Apr 06, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Season 4Ep. 140
Guest: Derek Mitchell Hosted by: Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor Derek Mitchell has been a staple in the NYC dance scene for decades, teaching and inspiring dancers of all ages. His experience ranges from choreographing for SYTYCD Ukraine and the Knicks City Dancers to serving as Resident Choreographer of the 1st national tour of Hamilton. Nowadays you can find him traveling the country teaching on the convention circuit as well as in New York, where it all began! Follow Derek Mitchell on soc...
Mar 30, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 4Ep. 139
Guests - Justine Menter and Sam Quinn Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 138 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, IDA judge and publicist Sam Quinn and industry coach and dance educator Justine Menter join us to talk about the ins and outs of personal branding for dancers. Topics Include: What branding actually is in the dance industry today Best practices in social media branding How parents should be involved in their child's personal brand Help support our ...
Mar 23, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 138
Guests -Allyson Kelly and Paige Williams Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 137 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are joined by two former Radio City Rockettes, Allyson Kelly and Paige Williams, to discuss their experience on the line, as well as how their competitive and non-competitive dance training informed their success in the precision dance world! Topics Include: Personal audition experiences Helpful advice for future Rockettes A look at the typic...
Mar 16, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 137
Guests - Ellen Marshall and Katie Kruse Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 136 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are talking about the green-eyed monster - jealousy. IDA judge and dance competition team director Katie Kruse and studio owner Ellen Marshall join us today to talk about strategies for handling jealousy between dancers and even parents in the competitive studio environment. Topics Include: How can studio owners and teachers cultivate an envir...
Mar 09, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 4Ep. 136
Guests - Damien Bassman and Kaelyn Gray Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 135 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are joined by tap dance educator and owner of Bring Tap to the People, Kaelyn Gray, as well as Broadway percussionist and college music professor Damien Bassman to talk about the importance of counting music and learning music theory for dancers. Topics Include: What is music theory? Do dancers really have to learn to count to be successful? H...
Mar 02, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 4Ep. 135
Guests: Allain Lupien & Andrew Insanally Hosted by: Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor Canadian Dance Company from outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada has been a staple in the dance industry for over 30 years. Under the direction of owners Allain Lupien and Artistic Director Andrew Insanally, CDC trains employable dancers - but more importantly, gives them a creative outlet to express their passion. You may recognize their dancers from shows like The Next Step, and for their outstanding achi...
Feb 23, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 4Ep. 134
Guests - Maddie Kurtz and Jonathan McGill Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 133 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are talking about transitions - those all-important but often forgotten-about steps in between the technical elements of dance. Joining us for this discussion are dance educators and IDA judges Maddie Kurtz and Jonathan McGill. Topics Include: What are considered transitional steps and when they should be taught Why transitions are so import...
Feb 16, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 4Ep. 133
Guests - Jaimie Goodwin and Maria Haralambis, M.Ed., NASM CES, FMT Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 132 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are joined by dance educator and entrepreneur Jaimie Goodwin and dance scientist Maria Haralambis for an important discussion on physical safety in the competitive dance world. Topics Include: Why dance has evolved to be less safe than it used to be How to incorporate more dance science into your classes Best practic...
Feb 09, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 4Ep. 132
Guest: Teddy Forance Hosted by: Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor As a fourth-generation dancer, Teddy Forance has had an incredible career in the dance industry, from performing with the likes of Cirque du Soleil and Janet Jackson, to assisting Mia Michaels, to creating CLI Studios and CLI Conservatory. We are excited to share his story as our third Spotlight Feature of Season 4 of Making the Impact! Follow Teddy Forance on social media @TeddyForance and be sure to check out their upcoming pro...
Feb 02, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 131
Guest - Sean Webb Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 130 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, casting director and former professional dancer and comp kid Sean Webb join us for an in- depth discussion on two of the most important items a dancer can have in their possession - the headshot and resume! Topics Include: What you need (and don't need) to include on a resume What the headshot and resume are really for Do you need to spend tons of money on a headshot?...
Jan 26, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 4Ep. 130
Guests - Amie Bush and Jen Garaffa Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 129 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we're discussing the prevalence of stealing competitive choreography with special guests Amie Bush, dance educator and choreographer, and IDA judge and dance educator Jen Garaffa. Topics Include: Why choreography is stolen in the first place Tips to prevent stolen choreography The fine line between stealing and paying tribute *Making the Impact does n...
Jan 19, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 129
Guests - Caleb Dicke and Glenn Kelich Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 128 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley discuss their experiences with stage fright with two wonderful guests. Caleb Dicke, professional dancer and IDA judge, and Glenn Kelich, former professional dancer turned mental health professional, remind listeners that they're not alone in struggling with stage fright. Topics Include: Strategies for handling stage fright Perso...
Jan 12, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 128
Guests - IDA Judges Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 127 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, your IDA judges chime in on their most favorite, least favorite, and downright despised dance competition trends of all time. Topics Include: Old favorites that we wish would return to the competition stage Trendy but dangerous skills and tricks And everyone's favorite - one shoe? Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today...
Jan 05, 2023•1 hr 40 min•Season 4Ep. 127
Guests - Dana Generette and Maria Pomerleau Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 126 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are discussing the pros and cons of the title division at competition. Is it worth it? Hear the answer to that question and others from competition team director Dana Generette and former studio owner and current IDA judge Maria Pomerleau. Topics Include: An explanation of the title division as it exists at various competitions Why competi...
Dec 29, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 126
Guests - Alexa Conway and Francisco Gella Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 125 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we welcome studio owner Alexa Conway and master dance educator Francisco Gella to discuss the benefits of modern dance training in the competitive studio setting. Topics Include: The benefits of introducing modern dance to young dancers How to best approach modern dance instruction in a competitive studio Why modern dance is more relevant now t...
Dec 22, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Season 4Ep. 125
Guest: Amanda Plesa Hosted by: Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor Amanda Plesa, owner and artistic director of In Motion Dance Project in Orlando, Florida, has truly "lived the dream" with a career spanning Broadway to Disney to studio ownership. Joining us today on our second Studio Spotlight episode of Season 4, Amanda gives us the details on the unique reasons In Motion Dance Project is home to so many dancers. Follow In Motion Dance Project on social media @inmotiondanceproject! Who would yo...
Dec 15, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Season 4Ep. 124
Guests - Alma-Lea Pace and Steve Wappel Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 123 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are joined by two spectacular guests, studio owner Alma-Lea Pace and StarQuest Dance Competition owner Steve Wappel. Today we're talking about the evolution of levels at dance competitions, and how they've changed the industry, for better or for worse! Topics Include: What dance competitions were like back in the "Wild Wild West" of the 1990s ...
Dec 08, 2022•1 hr 31 min•Season 4Ep. 123
Guests - Melissa McGhee and Carsen Rowe Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 122 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley dive into the (unknown to them) world of college dance teams! Special guests Carsen Rowe, founder of Tribe 99 Choreography, and Melissa McGhee, coach of the 9x national champion Ohio State University dance team, lead the conversation about this side of the dance industry! Topics Include: The differences and similarities in the...
Dec 01, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 122
Guest - Mary Marrone Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 121 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, IDA judge and dance studio owner Mary Marrone joins us for a conversation on the benefits and detriments of private lessons for dancers. Topics Include: How to know when your dancer is ready for a private lesson What a private lesson should and shouldn't include What to do if private lessons aren't available or affordable for your family Help support our podcast! J...
Nov 24, 2022•53 min•Season 4Ep. 121
Guests - Halle Mastroberardino and Donna Michelle Vaughn Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 120 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we discover the many ways things can go wrong at a live dance performance, from costume malfunctions to dropped props and more! Joining us for this discussion today are professional dancers and IDA judges Halle Mastroberardino and Donna Michelle Vaughn to give you some tips and tricks to salvage any mishaps that might happen on s...
Nov 17, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Season 4Ep. 120
Guest: Stacey Tookey Hosted by Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor Stacey Tookey has had a long and varied career in the entertainment industry, from pro dance team work to aspiring ballerina to choreographer for So You Think You Can Dance to entrepreneur and business owner. We are excited to bring you Stacey Tookey as our second Spotlight Feature of Season 4. Follow Stacey Tookey on social media @sjtookey and be sure to check out their upcoming projects. THE PROTÉGÉ MOVEMENT - The Protégé Moveme...
Nov 10, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 119
Guests - Kendall Baab and Adrienne Hicks Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 118 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, dance trainer Kendall Baab and IDA judge and dance educator Adrienne Hicks join us to discuss the importance of a proper warm-up for dancers, and why sitting in a straddle is not the answer! Topics Include : The 4 parts of a proper warm-up The differences between static and dynamic stretching The benefits of a cool down Help support our podcast!...
Nov 03, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 118
