Dancespeak

Our Special Guest this week is the one and only Brian "Footwork" Green. This is Brian's second visit to the podcast and as always he shares with us a gorgeous boatload of knowledge on how to keep growing as dancers, teachers, humans (I know I know). My conversation with Brian weaves through broader lessons of the human experience while also being specific to dance knowledge. For instance, when it comes to confidence, Brian has a way of looking at things that I feel can apply to anyone who's interested in showing up with a stronger sense of self. Brian and I also get into musicality and the different ways of looking at it to keep one's dancing or freestyle from getting stale. From there we discuss culture, the erasure of a generation of dance, and where to still access the source inspiration for so many dance forms we love today, such as Chicago Jit, footwork, and house fusion. Are you ready to get into it?

Welcome to episode 156 of the DanceSpeak podcast with special guest Taja Riley (Janet Jackson, Bruno Mars, Beyonce, Justin Bieber, the list goes ON). Taja, a dance prodigy, has been working professionally for years and is now using her platform to stand UP for dancer’s rights by breaking the myth of the “replaceable dancer”. This is a must-listen episode for dancers and I would say for anyone who appreciates dance too. Taja bravely shares some of her personal experiences on the job, including on-set treatment of the dance artists that was not up to par. We also discuss how gratitude is not an invitation to be any less respected, navigatong how to get needs met on set, injury talk, mental health in the audition space, MONEY, and what we can do as members of the dance community to break the viscous cycle of low pay and mistreatment. Listen, subscribe, share, let's grow!

Welcome to Episode 155 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Erica Hornthal (dance/movement therapist and counselor). I originally met Erica as a colleague on Doctors for Dancers. She impressed me with the way she approaches well-being and her understanding of dancers' needs from her own background in dance. I knew that I wanted to unpack some of the longer-term impacts of the demands of dance, especially in the professional world. In order to bring more than just my own lens, Codie Wiggins, who has a major list of professional accomplishments, joined in to ask questions and discuss. Some of the major topics we discuss and ask Erica about include how to deal with the constant comparisons of dance (and social and life), how to navigate going in and out of burnout (or in and never leaving?!), and ultimately learning to listen to yourself. Listen, enjoy, share, subscribe!

Welcome to Episode 154 of the DanceSpeak podcast with repeat guest Codie Wiggins (first episode was ep... 6?!). Codie's credits are plentiful including Justin Timberlake, Usher, Pitch Perfect, Get On Up... the film! To be real, when I read the resume I blushed, but what REALLY gets me about Codie is his humanity. Striking the balance between unparalleled focus and humor galore, Codie is a joy to sit on the DanceSpeak couch with as he shares about finding love while on tour for Justin Timberlake and walking us through the journey to... mmmmm... we won't give it away! Codie also opens up about his journey from Los Angeles to living in 4 separate countries/5 different cities all while continuing to propel his career. Listen, enjoy, subscribe, and let us know your favorite part (that's what IG is for right?).

Welcome to episode 153 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Yani Marin (The Beyoncé Experience, Broadway's Westside Story, Empire, Jack Ryan and more). From starting ballet as a child at one of the most competitive ballet schools in New York (School of American Ballet) to making her debut as an actress on television with Empire, Yani knows the entertainment industry and what it takes to pivot. This episode looks at choosing between New York and Los Angeles for work while navigating longevity in the entertainment industry regardless of what you're told you 'should' do. Yani is a powerhouse who shares about being fearless when it's time to take a break, proving herself multiple times for every career change she has made and what the different iterations of her career have taught her over the years. We also get into love advice... when it comes to finding romantic partnership with an artist and why you shouldn't let life 'should' on you (get it?!). Enjoy this episode, share, subscribe, and remember: you do not need pe

Welcome to Episode 152 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Gordon Watkins (Prince, Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd at Super Bowl LV and moreee). Gordon originally appeared on the podcast early on as one of our youngest guests at the time. The general public might know Gordon best at the moment for his presence on social media, but what is behind it is years of experience in Los Angeles and a work ethic that we get to learn more about in this episode. Personally, as a Millennial, my views of social media are mixed. I came into this interview with loads of curiosity as Gordon has learned how to propel his own brand and also my general fear of losing myself in social media and ‘trying to make it.’ What I walked away with after speaking with Gordon is an expanded sense of what can be done right with social media and also how it can ultimately benefit the dancer and dance world. With a crossover between the dance industry and social media insta-verse this episode gets into the nitty gritty of growing your pre

Welcome to episode 151 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Dr. Arnel Calvario (Culture Shock LA, Beat Freaks, Kinjaz, Fanny Pack, Kabba Modern, and MORE!). Arnel is an Occupational Therapist who simultaneously maintains his purpose and distinguished role in the dance world. This episode explores who to make room for the things you love. Arnel's journey teaches us that you don't have to choose or be just one thing. Things we explore include the difference between the LA dance scene in the 90's/early 2000's and now, how to affect major change in large dance organizations, pacing yourself during the busy season, ways to give back to the dance world, and so much more! Enjoy, share with a friend and subscribe!

Welcome to Episode 150 of the DanceSpeak podcast where we lift the veil of podcasting and SHARE SHARE SHARE. Jojo Diggs (previous guest episodes 15 and 91), who is known in the dance world as a community leader and educator, is starting work on her own podcast: "Healing Shame." Jojo asks me to go in-depth on how I started DanceSpeak, the creative choices I have navigated, pitfalls, and wins. Beneath it all, this episode is about making a new pathway in your life, career, and journey. Listen, enjoy, share, and subscribe!

Welcome to episode 149 of the DanceSpeak podcast where we talk about love, s-x, romance, our own experiences and do not hold back. Dare I say more? Jasmine Raphael and Alyssa Stamp sit down with me for a roundtable where we get into different types of relationship styles, benefits and drawbacks, our own identify, and things no one seems to talk about that go down in the bedroom. This episode is an expansion of a conversation we had a little over two years on episode 104 where Jasmine, Alyssa, and Amy Morgan discussed experiences being fem. and queer in the dance world. In the space of 2021 Jasmine and Alyssa share about what they've learned over these years and open up about navigating their own journeys in love, romance, and personal growth.

Welcome to a re-release of April 2018's episode 74 of DanceSpeak with Fresh Redding!! (Credits Include: Kendrick Lamar, Pharell, Justin Bieber, Will.I.Am, Busta Rhymes, America's Best Dance Crew, Nike, DWTS, Kia and more...) Fresh has proven himself to be an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and a true entrepreneur. With a clothing brand, event company, and management company, Fresh epitomizes what it can look like to do it all and be an artist. Topics we explore include: What Fresh has learned from working with Kendrick Lamar, giving yourself a 'grace' period while preparing for a career in entertainment (and learning as much as possible in the process), when to work without monetary compensation, the many hats he wears and how he does it all, the significance of leaving his home environment to go to college, dealing with the loss of peers, branding for himself and others, his first experience working for Will.I.Am, what motivates Fresh, and much much more! We also have a segment where I ask fresh to give

Welcome to episode 147 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Ray Basa. Ray is one of those unbelievably fly dancers who is equally as warm as he is talented. To keep it so real, this episode does one of the best jobs we've done so far at keeping the conversations as real AS IF it wasn't even being recorded. And that's what I LOVE. We talk about everything from freeing up your freestyle, to choreographing on the spot, to finding love, our thoughts on cussing, finding fashion without having to buy new, and more and more. I feel strongly that this episode can apply to all creatives and beyond!

Welcome to Episode 146 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Kim Gingras (Madonna, Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Justin Timberlake... the list goes OOOON). I think it's impossible not to love Kim. She came from Montreal to Los Angeles with a dream and unstoppable work ethic, which paid off FOR SURE. On top of this, Kim emanates humility and kindness, with a clear passion for sharing as much as she can to contribute to others' journeys. In this episode Kim speaks about her choice to move countries for career and how the parameters of being on work visa actually helped her in the long run. It becomes clear quite quickly that Kim is balancing wearing different hats and she shares how she makes it all work (there is actually a clear approach that is GOLDEN). We talk about how to find your mentors at any stage of life, which celebrity she has worked with that has the most surprising (and fun) difference in personality on and offstage, and I somehow manage to elicit excellent dating advice (wooohooo!). Enjoy this episode, share, rat

Welcome to episode 145 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Violeta Galagarza (In The Heights, Grand Theft Auto, the Latin Grammys). Violet is a forever dancer, choreographer, and founder of a non-profit dance company, KR3Ts, which plays a major role in the bridge between underground and industry dancers in New York City. Violet and KR3Ts have come up in loads of episodes here (if you re-listen or go back into the library, you'll NOTICE), and it is long overdue to have the woman herself come on and tell it like it is. Get ready for a story that exceeds what fiction can ever do. Violet lives hip hop; she lives the melting pot that NYC is; she lives what it is to be a strong Latina woman... we laugh, we reminisce, and I get REEALLL INSPIRED. I can't wait for you to hear the full story for yourself! Listen, subscribe, share, and never give up on your dreams!

Welcome to episode 144 of the DanceSpeak podcast; this is the Fifth Year Anniversary episode! This episode is a switcheroo as the industry vet and 'Words That Move Me' host, Dana Wilson, interviews me, Galit, the creator and regularly scheduled host of DanceSpeak. I let Dana know we can go DEEP and that nothing is off limits. We get into what prepared me for my journey to move and STAY in Los Angeles, what keeps me going in the face of failure... the life experiences that nearly took me out (in many ways). I share one of my favorite memories during my time working as Asst. Choreographer for Prince. I also learn some really surprising similarities that Dana and I have! This episode lifts the veil as your host becomes the guest and I share to let you all know... you never know what one may go through to show up in the packaging - in the light - that they might show up in today. Listen, enjoy, share, and thank you for these 5 years, we are only getting started!!!

Welcome to episode 143 of the DanceSpeak podcast with veteran dancer, choreographer and creative director, Chase Benz (Britney Spears, Rihanna, J Balvin, Florida Georgia Line and so many more!). Booking his first tour at age 15, Chase's career is an action-packed trajectory of growth and jaw-dropping work. Chase, a family man, shares about how he finds balance between being a husband, father, and working creative. As we go into the 'tour files' Chase opens up about what can cause a severe emotional dip for so many touring dancers. We get into stories from the stage, why Britney Spears' Vegas residency was one of the most challenging jobs ever, and keys to thriving as a creative. This interview is raw, packed with heart, and as enjoyable as it is educational (if I may say so myself). Listen, share, subscribe, and remember to listen to YOUR inner voice.

Welcome to episode 142 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist John Sovec. First and foremost, let me clarify that John was a full-on working dancer for years and years before transitioning into being a phenom therapist. So... John GETS it! Naturally, one of the first things we dive into is how John had clarity when it was time for him to transition out of dance and how he found being a therapist was his next step. Although I am all for dancing at all ages, the life of a professional dancer tends to be limited in years and there is a huge question of how and when we know when it's our time to transition to what's next. Topics that we explore include: mental health and what to expect as we return to in-person classes during pandemic times (and afterwards) | how to reframe negative self-talk | best approaches in communicating with young dancers when it comes to body care | what made John a constant 'booker' in his dance days | how to advocate for your time off and way way more! Lis

Welcome to episode 141 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Brian 'Footwork' Green (A BONUS episode that follow's up on Brian's longer interview in 140). This interview moment is kind of the dream. We were wrapping up a conversation and Brian starts sharing GEMS, so I asked if I could record and he was cool with it and here is how our bonus episode came to be. The originating question that spurred this episode had to do with what it is about dancing with certain people that Brian enjoys. This turns into Brian sharing about how to dance with the best of the best. Also, how one can constantly improve regardless of physical limitations. It goes a lot deeper than that, gets into dance contests, the history of dance being taken from places and commodified and so much more. This episode exemplifies how a conversation can be converted into action which can lead to improvement. Listen, and it'll make sense!

Welcome to Episode 140 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Brian 'Footwork' Green. Brian is that teacher, that mentor, that dancer, that does not need an introduction within most dance spaces. He is the teacher to teachers, and the one that can back it up with a level of dancing that has most of us asking ourselves 'do I even know how to dance?' Brian shares about civil rights and how it interweaves with dancer rights. How parenting and teaching had a shift in the 90's. We get a peek into Brian's early years as a dancer and how the landscape of New York influenced his movement. Brian shares about the dancers and teachers that he loves dancing with, the difference between mixing dance and fusion, the source of his confidence and so much more. I recommend listening with open ears and an open heart. Brian is one of the most brilliant people I have met and I do not use this lightly. The episode is layered, is best accompanied with a paper and pen, and inspired me to re-ignite my own training in dance after interviewin

Welcome to episode 139 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Maleek Washington (Camille A.Brown & Dancers, Sleep No More, Abraham.In.Motion, Sia, Rihanna, and more). I met Maleek at LaGuardia H.S. of the Performance Arts when we were students there 200 years ago (that wasn't a typo). He ALWAYS booked work, and continued to always work and still continues... So naturally, I wanted to learn about how Maleek approaches career. Not only has he performed in many notable companies, but he has also been teaching for years at famous institutions such as Jacob's Pillow and Broadway Dance Center. As Maleek shares his philosophies and tips on navigating work, he provides poignant clarity on how he knows when something is within his purpose or not. Within this, we learn about Maleek's near-death experience that nearly paralyzed him, how he has navigated difficult decisions, how higher education for dance has changed in the last decade, and much more! Listen, Subscribe, and SHARE!

Sitting with Anissa Williams (Straight Outta Compton, Missy Elliot, 2Pac, Nike etc.) brings the HUMAN side from casting to our ears. Anissa shares about her journey from graduating school to getting into casting and how she earned he seat at the elite level that we so venerate. Anissa and I talk about everything from working on In Living Color, to the importance of work-life balance. The thing I'm most hyped about here: I have forever been curious about the perspective of the casting director. Casting can seem like an elusive, mysterious, all-powerful entity that determines our fates. We thank casting when we are booked, we (don't hate me) blame casting when we don't get it (or maybe that's just me) but it is an INTEGRAL part of the performer's journey. This episode will teach you, potentially challenge your perspective, and also warm your hearts as you hear about Anissa's deep-rooted connection to social justice and what inclusion can look like in this time.