Dancespeak

Antoine Troupe is definitely one of those people I have an unlimited list of questions for. In less than a decade he has managed to become globally recognized, work with the legend, Prince, favorite artists such as Chris Brown, and new top artists including Kehlani. As if that's not impressive enough, Antoine is one of the co-founders of the KreativMndz Dance Academy and has recently launched his clothing line: Troupe Gear. In this second interview with Antoine (first interview is over 20 episodes ago!) we get familiar with Antoine the entrepreneur, the leader, the visionary. Topics that we explore include self-development, the preparation that Antoine took on to build his brand, how to find a focus, taking your time in your career, his relationship (yep, I managed to ask some bold questions), and what took Antoine from fearful to fearless. Antoine talks about books he reads, the public figures he looks up to, and the mission he is on to get dancers to the next level. Take notes and enjoy!!!

Episode 56 with Soraya Lundy (Missy Elliott, Drake, Alicia Keys and more...) represents my original vision of DanceSpeak: It is a full no-holds-barred conversation on life and dance, where we forget that there is a device to record our shenanigans and go IN. Soraya, as a dancer/choreographer/teacher who has done very well in the dance industry, has a clarity on her purpose as a mover, and a non-conformist approach, which truly inspires. Between reminiscing about what we were like as teens in NYC, we discuss differences between coasts, what professionalism looks like in the dance world, staying true to one's artistry, and way way more. Tune in and enjoy what 14 years of friendship sounds like in this week's episode.

Episode 55 brings you the inner workings, thoughts, and journey of the renowned Teacher/Choreographer/Dancer: Lee Daniel. Our interview moves across topics including preparation vs. luck, having a life outside of dance, and a breakthrough way of looking at time as something we construct rather than rush against. Lee allows us in on his earlier years in Los Angeles, as he 'figured out' how to create a foundation in a constantly changing environment. He also shares on his choice of pursuing a career in dance while in school, and so much more. This episode will speak to the benefits of hard work, patience, and getting rooting in what you love!

Episode 54 introduces you to Melanie Buttarazzi, who is a dancer extraordinaire and founder of the non-profit organization: Fostering Dreams Project. In this interview, we explore the mindset that has allowed Melanie to pursue her successful career while building an organization, a way to be able to discern one's own intuition, and what it takes to build a non-profit. Melanie shares very touching stories from the foster youth she has worked with and brings us into the experience of being pulled by one's purpose. If you are a person who likes to look at the 'bigger picture' this episode will certainly inspire you!

She's down to earth. A Beatfreak. Worked as supervising choreographer and stand-in for... Madonna. Had a 4.3 GPA in school. Toured the world with Pink. Is choreographer for Magic Mike 1, 2, and Magic Mike Live. And makes sure to meditate for 10 minutes every day. Who is she? Alison Faulk! Get ready for Episode 53 of DanceSpeak Alison Faulk openly speaks about her journey from dancing as a child, to traveling to Los Angeles on scholarship, training as hard as a person can, and working through an epic and constantly growing career. This episode speaks to what hard work and consistency looks like for a successful dancer, professionalism, owning your purpose, how to get unstuck, audition inspiration and more!!! As a dancer, as a choreographer, as a person with a dream... this episode will give you so many beautiful lessons and motivation for you to pursue your... life.

Episode 52 features the fascinating, the inspiring, the intelligent: Teresa Espinosa. The topics we cover are so varied that I am struggled to write this with eloquence, but I will do my best! When we speak about her contribution as a teacher, we dig through the debate of what it takes to be a teacher, as well as how Teresa has utilized her life experience to shape her classes. As a dancer and choreographer, stories include auditions from the earlier years in Los Angeles, the manifestation of dancing for Britney Spears and experiences working with Miley Cyrus. Of course, I had to ask as many questions as possible on Magic Mike. All I'll say is Vegas + female perspective + the research that went into building the show + thoughts on tearaway pants. Our conversation ultimately takes us is into the mind of Teresa, the writer, the reader, the thinker. It all ties back into knowing one's self worth and how it impacts the industry we are in. This is one of those episodes that might blow your mind. It's vulnerable, h

Episode 51 with G Madison IV (Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, JLO, Chaka Khan) captures what it is that makes it possible to have it ALL. G is someone whom I've being crossing paths with over the years and I have seen host red carpets, travel internationally (on a consistent basis), create workshops, teach at nearly every major studio in Los Angeles, dance for our favorite artists, choreograph for... Mariah 'freakin' Carey, and the list goes on!!! At last, I have the opportunity to sit down and ask him how he does it all. Not to mention, he always has a positive energy and really earns respect. Topics we explore include (but are not limited to): What G was training in before dance, self-development to have 'it' all work, being married to one of the most incredible women in the world, story-time on working with Lady Gaga, recommendations on what to do with work slows down, the businesses that G runs and how, and way way more!

Episode 50 of DanceSpeak departs from the norm, as the creator and host, Galit Friedlander, is finally interviewed... wait... that's ME. Let's try this again... I've gotten a lot of feedback over this last year that people kind of have no clue, who I am, where I came from, and how the hell I've managed to grow a podcast from what seems like thin air. So after a year I decided it's time to put myself in the hot seat! I chose Taylor Edgin to interview me, as she is intelligent, inquisitive, and I knew she wouldn't be afraid to ask the tough questions. Believe me, we GO THERE. Beyond covering my background in dance, we get into conversations about lifestyle, how to draw boundaries as a woman in this industry, a couple of secrets that I haven't shared publicly until now, heartbreak, personal growth, what has kept me in Los Angeles for so long, a debate about naps, where the dance world is heading, and more. What I will say is, neither of us holds back. A lot of heart was poured into this one... and I kind of feel

Episode 49 of DanceSpeak takes an unreleased part of our original interview with Eric Sanchez to give you a treat! Hear behind-the-scenes experiences on what it was like working with Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Fergie. I literally felt like I was there with the artists, when Eric gives the insider perspective on these opportunities and wanted to share this perspective with you all!

Welcome to Episode 47 of DanceSpeak with Eric Sanchez! You may have seen him on TV and with credits including Ciara, Ariana Grande, Fergie, Lady Gaga, you will want to hear how he built his career, step by step, to find what it takes to make it in the dance industry. Eric Sanchez is an authentic New Yorker who will walk you through his journey from growing up in the Bronx to performing in front of thousands. Eric shares about navigating the dance company world, seeking mentors in both technique as well as business, and how he would get himself 'unstuck' through times and injury and inconsistency with dance work. Eric is savvy, with a deep understanding of the responsibilities that come with sharing dance to a wide audience. This episode will inspire, and draw a blueprint for reaching ones goals in the face of unexpected obstacles.

Episode 46 introduces you to the chiropractor, Dr. Patrick Bennett. With over 19 years of experience adjusting dancers and a commitment to always furthering his education, Dr. Bennett has a WEALTH of knowledge that is really gold for dancers. I also find him easy to speak to, understand, and inspiring in the way he takes on his career. In this episode, I ask all types of questions that come from conversations I've had with other dancers about self-care and overall curiosity in regards to the world of chiropractic.

Sienna Lyons is an impressive woman, human, dancer, teacher, choreographer, and one quickly learns that she speaks from a place of unabashed truth and experience. She has worked with artists such as Selena Gomez, JLO, Jennifer Hudson, and Nick Jonas, and for as hard working and accomplished as she is, Sienna is humbly always growing. In Episode 45 we focus deeply on the idea of how long success in the entertainment industry is expected to take, versus the unpredictable timeline that it seemingly operates on. Sienna opens up about difficult lessons she has learned in the dance industry, her vulnerabilities, and a handful of behind-the-career stories that have served as benchmarks in her decade-long journey in Los Angeles. This episode is excellent for people of all professional backgrounds as Sienna shares ways that she has accessed self-confidence in the most difficult of moments. We discuss what makes a teacher excellent, the importance of teachers always being students, and how a student can optimize his/he

Episode 44 of DanceSpeak will inspire you to own what makes YOU special, as we introduce you to the business woman, the dance teacher, the b-girl: Casie "Tynee" Goshow. With a start in martial arts, Casie learned at a young age that discipline is key. A theme that emerges throughout our interview is the importance to let even life's lowest moments guide you to being your best self. One instance is when Casie shares about how a back fracture in her teen years ended her gymnastics career, but ultimately led her to dance. Years later, when she dealt with what seemed like a devastating career loss, she started what has now become a thriving clothing line. For the dance teachers and those aspiring, I made sure to ask many questions with you in mind! Casie walks us through how she became a dance teacher at Penn State while she was still a student, how Zumba has given her skills for teaching any style of dance, and how she has progressed into a sought-out teacher whom travels on convention and teaches regular in Los

Episode 43 of DanceSpeak brings you the the intriguing renaissance man: Adrian "DJ DUBZ" Wiltshire. I met Adrian around 15 years ago, taking his Hip-Hop class in New York City. Since then, he has gone on to dance/choreograph/assist/DJ with such artists/on films including Dreamgirls, Stomp The Yard, Ariana Grande, Fergie, Straight Outta Compton, and way way more. What hyped me up the most about sitting down with Adrian, is that not only does he wear so many hats, but with each aspect of his career, he achieves EXCELLENCE. For instance, within less than 3 years of becoming a DJ, he became tour DJ for Ariana Grande. You just can't beat that. Adrian walks me through his process as he went from dancer to choreographer, and worked his way into the DJ world, with a major overlap occurring in his dance life. He also goes in depth as to what had him start booking consistently as a dancer, what he recommends nowadays for dancers (particular the guys out there), fatherhood, his love for bowling, what a 'day in the life'

Episode 42 of DanceSpeak with BShaw takes you on a journey of the many inspirations that lead to a successful career in the highly competitive dance world. Brandon is a prime example of knowing his field, as he walks me through the moment he knew he wanted to pursue dance and how he learned (and continues to learn) from those whom he respects the most. Coincidentally, as this is episode 42, Brandon unintentionally gave around 42 shout outs (yes I counted) throughout the episode to his predecessors, peers, and up-and-coming movers. To all those whom love and admire dance, this interview will touch your heart and awaken your mind. We speak about getting on tour with Chris Brown when he was a new artist, to things Brandon openly shares he wish he would have listened to in his early 20's. We then go into the way that Brandon trained himself to being a professional with a one year goal after dropping out of college. From beautiful acknowledgements that will give you a list of people to research, to what is next fo

For Episode 41 of DanceSpeak, we have taken some of our favorite never-heard-before clips from a variety of guests to create an insightful and hilarious DanceSpeak sampler platter. From professional tips for class, to a discussion on spirit animals, you can be sure to expect the unexpected on this one!

Episode 40 delivers you with the powerful, incredibly humble, Brittany Perry-Russell (Chris Brown, P. Diddy, Lil' Wayne, Ciara, Honey 2, JLO and more). With years on years booking the most prestigious dance jobs in the commercial dance world (and acting world as well), Brittany opens up on her life as mentor, actress, model, role-model, dancer, and... well, we will let her other hats come as a surprise in the episode. Brittany speaks passionately about starting her professional dance training later than her peers, and the obstacles she overcame as she worked unbelievably hard to become a sought after dancer. Highlights of this episode include, but are not limited to, Brittany's advice for new dancers booking their first jobs, maintaining a balanced relationship with her multiple agents, how to respectfully speak up on a job, the creation of Black Girl Magic, what a typical day in her life is like, and more!!! This episode delivers on a wealth of information for dancers and actors, and will give you a look at

Cliff McGhee (dance credits including: Usher, Ginuwine, You Got Served, Beyonce and more…) is a powerful man who delivers a jaw-dropping interview from the heart in Episode 39 of DanceSpeak. This is one of the more explicit interviews I have had so far, and must tell you…this is not for delicate ears. But for those whom are ready, this will be one of the most enriching and eye-opening conversations in the recorded dance world, and I mean what I say. Cliff communicates with strength, soul, emotion, and has a wealth of experience that he generously pulls from. We somehow managed to get through a dynamic and thorough list of topics including what had Cliff, as a short dancer, booking top jobs throughout his dance career, audition inspiration that will shake your world, tour stories, stage woes, advice from Ne-yo and Ginuwine, what most people don’t know about Beyonce, fatherhood, his successful transition into acting, and more. Enjoy, enjoy, your welcome, and enjoy!

Episode 38 of DanceSpeak will take you to a whole different niche in the dance world as you meet Richard Keilar, Ballet and Dance Producer, Artistic Adviser, and Fundraising Consultant. Richard, who's experience in the arts world began with singing, fell in love with dance while at a technical college. Richard shares about his experiences watching everything from avant-garde downtown New York dance shows to the Royal Ballet and the choreographers whom inspire him most. This episode is excellent for those whom love live shows and especially for those whom want to create dance for the stage. Richard goes in depth on how aspiring dancers can develop themselves from the moment they chose dance as a possible career. We go into conversation about the blurred lines of what contemporary dance is, whether Hip-Hop can be used to express the classics, what exactly it is that Richard does in his professional life, and an overall beautiful retrospective of ballet, modern, and contemporary dance over the years. Grab your n