Dancespeak

Welcome to episode 117 of DanceSpeak, oh how timely this is! On July 14, Doctors for Dancers put together a panel of medical professionals to answer burning questions around returning to dance as safely as possible during Covid-19. The Panel Consists of Host: Galit (durrr) - Co-Host: Matty Googs (10 years old and he has a podcast on IG) - Dr. Iafrate, DO - Dr. Bluestein, MD - Dr. Meier, MD - Mr. Hyde, MA MBACP. Please note that this is a recording with the best information each medical professional could provide at the time AND that the information on Covid-19 is constantly changing. DanceSpeak itself does not provide medical advice and we encourage staying as physically distanced as possible at this time.

Welcome to episode 116 of DanceSpeak with Chrybaby Cozie. Whether you are an avid follower of the Lite Feet movement or need to Google it real quick, this episode gets into Chry's journey as he shares about growing up in Harlem, the trajectory of Lite Feet as it gained notoriety, and his personal relationship with dance. We also cover the intersection of sports culture and dance, how Chry got his name, and how much dance is born out of a time, place, and context. Listen, share, subscribe, rate, review, we love you!

Episode 115 of the DanceSpeak and we are here with a recording from the KreavitMndz Dance Complex international women's day panel. You read it in the title: Parris Goebel, Laure Courtellemont, Cat Rendic, Kiira Harper, Larke Hasstedt, Eden Shabtai (Episode 13) and Sienna Lyons (Episode 45) sit down as open books in front of a live audience (pre-social distancing days) to discuss their experiences and advice as female powerhouses in the dance world. The ladies don't hold back as we discuss how to assert yourself on a job, managing unwanted energies coming your way, financial advice, motherhood, how to keep progressing regardless of the amount of work you are booking, how to powerfully be yourself when auditioning for the job and more! Listen, share, and subscribe :)

Episode 114 of DanceSpeak is here. Hold on tight to those jazz slippers as we whisk you away to the origins of jazz dance. Not the ballet-based lyrical, not the thrash thrash to the Britney Spears, but the roots... the lesser known story. You might have met Moncell on episode 103 as I interviewed him more broadly on his background as a professor of dance who's been on faculty at some of the top universities in the country (Please know that he would probably cringe at my emphasizing his being a professor, he'd probably say something like "I'm just a person"). One of the ideas that we spoke about after was interviewing him on the origins of jazz dance. I always wondered why I didn't learn jazz dance to jazz music. Where was there a disconnect? Did the two art forms happen to have the same name? These questions and more are answered here. In this episode we start digging into the past, honoring those who came before us... especially to my dancers, dance educators, and choreographers, let our appetites to learn w

Episode 113 - Lindsay Ducos (Chris Brown, P.Diddy, Beyonce, and more) is the second installment in a two-parter packed with knowledge, experience, things that might make you blush, and lessons that can be applied to any field. Lindsay keeps it authentic as we talk about getting grown in the dance world (aka the transition from the 20s to the 30s), the box that women can be put into with professional work, balancing her dance career during her time as a student at UCLA, how to say no on the job, when and how to push yourself on the job, what training looks like for her at this point in her career, RECHARGING, navigating self-doubt, what P.Diddy taught his dancers about freedom, the creative process, and well... more! Listen, rate, review, share with a frand. This episode is an intimate conversation between two people and we are happy to share it with the world, let us know what YOU got from the conversation and subscribe!

Nicole the Pole (episode 105 guest and dancer for Cardi B., Bruno Mars, Snoop Dogg, and more...) and I sat down to share with you some real-time soulful conversations that put us both on the spot with the how we work through what can feel like the 'messier' side of life. We created this one for you as the year was coming to its end and we wanted to give you (1) our truths of where we have struggled this year and (2) access to converting what can feel like a breakdown into a badass breakthrough. Some of the areas we explore are the ways in which we compare ourselves and how to get out of demeaning oneself, letting go of needing to push 1000% all the time when you are tired, my own insecurities that I've dealt with around podcasting (yes, I just wrote that), setting our rates, where Nicole (who is also Nicole the 'Soul Coach') has made herself feel less than, confidence vs. arrogance, dealing with harsh communication on social media, and really truly getting to be your best self through it all. Listen, soak it

Kassy Francis, Texas West, Alexis Avila. Here are three dynamic dancers who have worked in the entertainment industry and also choose to give back using their artistry and leadership. We get into the depth of the WHY, as these women sit with me after a long-day of putting on an event for their organization Dream Complex. We start by discussing Instagram feeds, authenticity in movement, community dance, a conversation on why dancers might not always speak up, professionalism, and then dive into who the women in the room are, balancing industry and non-profit, and motherhood (yes, THAT!).

Welcome to episode 109 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Taylor Thomas. Credits include Justin Timberlake, Pharell, Snoop Dogg, and more... way more. Taylor sits down and opens the door to her experiences in the dance world as she discusses her 3 biggest breakthrough career moments so far, and one of the most heart-wrenching industry experiences that many go through but most don't discuss. It becomes immediately clear to me why Taylor thrives on and off the job and what keeps her working in this highly competitive field (once you listen, you'll understand). We gush over industry and teaching veterans, connect on a human level, and I believe once you listen to this you will feel like you have gotten a unique insight into Taylor's mind and journey. You may even find yourself deeply inspired. Listen, subscribe, share, and enjoy!

I've been regularly running into Brittny Sugarman for the decade that we have both been in Los Angeles. I always knew Brittny was a 'booker' as she's worked on films such as Pitch Perfect 3, Ghostbusters, Footloose, and Nickelodeon's Fresh Beat Band to name a few. What really caught my eye with Brittny (besides her unreal fulloutness and plié in second) was when I learned that in addition to being a legit dancer and makeup artist, Brittny started a brilliant business as the co-creator of Dancekit (basically it has the necessities for dancers who are training hard, auditioning tough, performing...). So, of course, I had to sit Brittny down on the DanceSpeak couch and learn about her whole life. While the first 40 minutes of the interview go through thriving on camera, what makes the great choreographers consistent in their getting-hired, things you want to know when getting your make-up did, starting a f'in business and more... we also couldn't help but get human AF, do a shot, and talk about life, friendship,

In 2015 my career was building the momentum I had worked so hard for. Opportunities seemed to be flowing when I received one of the hardest pieces of information to digest. I learned I was sick with Lymes' disease; a condition that can be chronic and that the medical industry still has much to learn about. It was one of my biggest fears to be 'knocked out' from my dance career. At the same time I learned one of the greatest lessons, which I spoke about at Jojo Diggs' Im-Power-Meant Event: The Power Of Sitting On The Bench. This episode covers the recording of the first time I shared so openly about my experience with the illness and the way it ultimately shifted my career for the better. The talk is followed by a Q and A where I answer questions around balance, energy maintenance, and my background as a personal trainer. I get vulnerable in this one, and after 3.5 years of having others open to me on the DanceSpeak sofa, I thought it was time to share this vital piece of my journey. Other episodes to check ou

With all of the topics that we covered, I really struggled to settle on a title for this episode. Flii Stylz is the man who has auditioned the people who dancers currently audition for. He spent years as the choreographer and creative director behind Chris Brown. He came to Los Angeles decades ago as a member of Housin Authority (who's members also include Rich N Tone Taluega). With credits that include Usher, Missy Elliot, J LO, Gloria Estefan, Michael Jackson, and more... way more... Flii knows the ins and outs of greatness. Although the dance world might know him primarily for his signature movement and artist credits, Flii is also an entrepreneur, recording artist, director, father and wears enough hats that it is straight up jaw-dropping. Topics that we cover include Flii's upbringing, what it was like move to Los Angeles in the 90's, observations on the hardest working entertainers he has met, why his movement stays... FLY(II), how he wears so many hats, what fatherhood means to him, key ingredients to

Welcome to episode 105 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Nicole 'The Pole' Williams! Also known as Nicole 'The Soul Coach' Williams. Yup, not only is she is a renowned pole dancer who you may have seen dancing for Cardi B, Rihanna, Miguel, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris and more, but she is also a certified life coach that will make you feel like you are listening to a TED talk. Of the many topics we explore, Nicole extra wow'd me with her view on why she doesn't see any industry as oversaturated, in-depth talk about finances (I promise it's not boring), how TF she started her pole career at an age where many dancers think they need to retire (and she's STILL working), owning her own dance studio, how she manifests work, being body positive even if your body type isn't 'on trend' and MORE! Listen up, share with a frand, open those ears, SUBSCRIBE, and enjoy!

Welcome to episode 104 of the DanceSpeak podcast as we celebrate pride month with a powerhouse group discussion around being a queer female in the dance world. The group is comprised of Jasmine Rafael, Amy Morgan, Alyssa Stamp, and curated by your host, Galit Friedlander. Topics that are brought to the table include coming out of the closet, actions that can be more harmful than supportive, bringing recognition the queer people who are not highlighted in the media, experiences in the professional dance world as a non-straight woman, uncomfortable social interactions around sexuality and how NOT to ask questions, how TO ask questions, not knowing who is in the queer community, a conversation around non-binary language, laughs, tears, and more. We hope to serve a larger purpose in this episode, to have EVERYONE know that they are LOVED, cared for and that DanceSpeak is here to support all members of our beautiful dance world and beyond. Subrcribe and Enjoy!

Welcome to episode 103 of DanceSpeak with Moncell IllKozby Durden. Moncell is currently on faculty at the widely respected USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. Not only does he teach at USC, but some of the universities where he has taught include Drexel, Yale, Princeton, NYU, The New School, and Temple University. What is even more impressive is that Moncell did not gain a degree from college, rather he has lived the culture, learned from the elders, read continuously, and has never stopped learning. The topics we explore in this episode span from an eye-opening perspective on how a teacher can go above and beyond to serve his/her students, to Moncell's entry into academia, to his cultural perspective as an African-American sharing a heritage that many have not lived (but want to participate in)... Moncell is inspiring in his unapologetic love for dance and the absence of needing approval. One of my favorite aspects of this episode is the information that Moncell shares on different dances that I have barely

Welcome to episode 102 of DanceSpeak, recorded LIVE in front of a senior class at dancers at Chapman University. And whom did we interview? The wise and glowing goddess that is KAchi Alcazar (she's 24 but don't get it twisted, she's like a Lil' Yoda). Kachi originally entered the DanceSpeak world in a shared episode (episode 37) two years ago, as she was in the earlier part of her journey pursuing dance professionally. A little over two years later, Kachi has toured the world with both Kehlani and Camila Cabello, danced in awards shows, and gained a new perspective on her role as a movement artist. Kachi shares with candor about how the experience of touring with an artist compares to the daydream version of if. She gives tips, insights, and stories from before she booked Kehlani and the realizations that have opened up new possibilities for her future. We talk about Kachi's choice to leave college to pursue dance and why she feels it may or may not pertain to others. We get into conversations about stress, m

Our guest for episode 101 is none other than one of the most undeniable forces in today's dance world: Phil Wright. Phil has made a name for himself as a social media maven who graces our pages with high-energy dance classes and most recently has been named the choreographer for MC Hammer's upcoming tour. This episode is so rich with gems and stories that we could write a book for the blurb, so here are some of the highlights (hehehe): Phil shares about the ups and downs of his journey moving to Los Angeles, how he built his YouTube and social media following, the earlier days in Los Angeles when he had to drive an hour to take a dance class and didn't have a home of his own, hearing "no" a lot, what MC Hammer is like off stage, what Phil had to sacrifice on his journey to success, getting signed to a major agency but then not booking work, his business and the phenomenon that is The Parent Jam, Phil's typical day/schedule, his outlook on more difficult days and the self-talk he recommends, lots of giggles,

Call your mom, auntie, uncle, bff, ex boo, cousin and let them know DanceSpeak has made it to episode 100 and our guest is none other than THE Robin Antin! Robin has established herself over the years as a choreographer, producer, director, designer and entrepreneur. She is a BOSS LADY and in our humble opinion represents what it can look like to blow the roof off of what it looks like to be a success in the dance world. In this episode Robin shares about her family's influence and inspirations that ultimately lead to her thriving in the dance world. She walks us through the process that developed the Pussycat Dolls into the phenomena that they are. We then get into the creation of Playground LA, lessons learned in the process, and what has had it do so well! Thank you to Playground LA and Robin Antin for hosting this episode in your studio space. We are geeked to have you have us have you. :)

Welcome to episode 99 of DanceSpeak with Dancer/Choreographer: Kaity Martinez. Kaity originally graced us with her presence in 2016 as episode 8 of DanceSpeak. At the time, she had clearly found her brand, her look, and was on a path to thrive in the dance world. Fast forward to 2019 to find Kaity has worked with some of our favorite artists and you may have seen her on Lipsync Battle but that journey was not without unexpected bumps in the road. Kaity speaks openly with us about a major scare she endured in 2016 when she injured her knee at the end of the year. This takes us into a conversation around how to ground yourself and re-create one's identity when your passion/career is on the line. We then go into how Kaity made a comeback after her injury and the mentality and steps it took for her to bring her dance dreams into fruition. This episode is intended to inspire, while uncovering the realities that many dancers face in their journeys. We hope you enjoy!

Welcome to episode 98 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Jade 'Soul' Zuberi. The title basically says it all. This episode is dedicated to Hip-Hop. More specifically, to how the term 'hip-hop' is used in educational/studio spaces. The use and misuse of it. The 'why should we care' around it. This episode is truly a discussion between your DanceSpeak host (Galit, woot woot) and Jade. We even left in some of the parts we thought we'd need to edit out. Hip-hop deserves to be talked about in a way that honors its heritage and we dare you to listen to this episode with open ears and heart. With love, we ask anyone who consumes hip-hop in any manner, to consider the conversation. Episode 98 here we go!

Welcome to Episode 97 of the DanceSpeak podcast where we deliver you a recording of a panel discussion from Jojo Diggs' Im-Power-Meant weekend in Los Angeles. The panel includes Jojo Diggs (Jabbawockeez, Diggs Deeper), Myself (DanceSpeak, WNBA), Luis Almario (Physical Therapist/Dancer), Pamela Health (The "Yes" Coach), Dana Wilson (La La Land) and Jade "Soul" Zuberi (Winner of Body Talk 2019). The panel is really more of a cypher panel where we exchange ideas and address unanticipated questions. Topics include: the pressure of the pursuit of happiness, why certain people don't make it and others do, the question of what success looks and FEELS like, what makes good art, and a discussion around the success ceiling that the dance world can experience in comparison to other entertainment forms such as film. Our discussion is raw, present, and intended to spark conversations. The "cypher panel" which you're hearing is part of a larger entity, creative soil. More info can be found on Instagram at creative_soil.