Dancespeak

In Episode 17 of DanceSpeak, we get the unique story of Manwé, who quite appropriately, was born (or at least the water broke) while his mother was teaching a ballet class. As Manwé describes his early intensive training that he attributes must of his dance success to, we also learn fun facts such as... that there is a day in the Bay Area that is Manwé Sauls-Addison day, that he his is white water river guide, and that he nearly became a doctor. Manwé shares with us fun and informative dance stories which include: booking his first audition, the major changes that the dance industry has undergone in the last 16 years, how he has maintained a strong career that is still thriving, how he became Laurie Ann Gibson's Assistant, meeting Lady Gaga for the first time when we worked with her, and more. A lot more.

Tia Rivera is an entrepreneur, motivator, dancer with credits that would make your jaw drop, recently choreographed for VH1's Hip Hop Honors and she JUST turned 26. In this episode of DanceSpeak, we learn what it means to work SMART in the dance industry. Tia breaks down her daily routines, goal setting, and we get a look at her process that leads to success in the highly competative dance world. We get the clear connection between Tia's training as an entrepreneur and how she has applied it to her career in dance. Other important topics include advice on keeping the jobs you book, insights from the crossover from dancer to choreographer, how to powerfully communicate with your agent, and how to stay ready to consistently work.

Jojo Diggs is a world-renowned teacher and freestyle dancer. With a focus on House Dance, she has traveled across the continents sharing her art and gift of moving others. Putting her passion to contribute to others over 'looking good,' Jojo gives us a boldly honest look at her path in the dance world. Once dance found Jojo in Virginia, her love for movement carried her across the country, eventually to Los Angeles. And it wasn't about having a career in LA for Jojo; she just wanted to dance. From there, we learn how Jojo began building an international following and speak on the theme of repeatedly choosing dance over a 9-5. From vonversing on the topinc of what qualifies a dance instructor to teach, to touching on spiritual experiences, Jojo's intelligence, directness, and heart is a treat to experience.

Meet Emeroy Bernardo. He owns his own social media marketing company, has a family, and to top it off, is a B-boy/Locker who travels doing what he loves. Oh, and of course, he also worked a 9-5 in his 'previous life.' Today Emeroy is here to sharer his expertise on social media, as it has become a major tool for dancers, teachers, and choreographers. With different platforms available and the world of on-line teaching expanding, there are many ways to market yourself and build a following. Take out a a note pad, or use an app on your phone to get valuable nuggets of information which include: recommendations on which platforms are growing fastest, creating passive income as a dance teacher, utilizing the internet to expand your roster, tech advice for filming tutorials, how Instragram's new 1 minute video impacts other social media platforms, Snapchat 101, outsorcing your workload, utilizing Facebook ads, and more... and more... oh, and then some more.

Not only will Eden Shabtai's credits make your jaw drop, but her resilience and journey to a consistent dream-worthy career in the dance industry proves that one does not need to sacrifice their values to 'make it' in entertainment. Eden shares the unbelieveable story of her beginning in dance and the work ethic that lead to choreographing for artists such as Chris Brown. For professional dancers, you will get tips and insights on topics such as do's and dont's for headshots, what casting/choreographers look for in auditions, and her view on booking talent she is familiar with. This episode of DanceSpeak will show the attitudes and spirit of someone who has defied many odds to become someone who proudly books dancers on their dream jobs and never stops growing.

Truth be told, there is no one title that can do justice to Episode 12 of DanceSpeak with Aisha Francis. As a teacher/movement coach/choreographer who has a jaw-dropping resume that she started as a dancer, Aisha walks us through her journey through the ever-evolving dance industry. Some of the topics we go over are: performance over perfection, working your brand around your target jobs, how Aisha developed her heels technique, and not being afraid to take breaks. We speak about Aisha's early start in teaching and the day she booked Beyonce. You'll also get to hear advice that Aisha has for dancers auditioning, from her pespective as a choreographer. Regardless of the hat you wear in the dance world, or if you're listening as a fan (I know I sure am one), this episode will be rich with tips, anecdotes, and inspiration for your journey.

This episode of DanceSpeak 'goes there' with a no holds barred conversation on the dance world. Jay Chris has accomplished a lot as a high-level dancer and leader of his own dance company. It is a treat to get his thoughts on the gambit of what dancers out here are talking about in our daily lives. Keep in mind, opinions are what we are providing here, opening up the conversation on topics such as: social media sugar coating, dating for dancers, variation in opportunities depending on height, and the facebook post that sparked a back-and-forth on the impact of social media following connected with teaching. Grab a coffee, a water, your favorite snack, and enjoy Episode 11 of DanceSpeak!

Nellie delivers a very honest and vulnerable interview on her story, giving you insight on the perserverance that it takes to be a working dancer who stays true to herself. She speaks about pushing through personal circumstances to maker her dream career happen and all the "Noes" that lead to the "Yes" of her dancing on stage in Jennifer Lopez's Vegas Residency. We discuss femininity, freestyle culture, and the training that prepared her for the biggest auditions and bookings of her career thus far. Nellie opens up about the process she has been in to work as an international dancer in America and gives valuable insight as to what being unstoppable looks like in the entertainment world.

Derrell Bullock, the dancer, teacher, choreographer, gives us the story of his journey (thus far) from quitting his 9-5 and the process it took to become a working dancer. This interview gets into the persistence that Derrell put into his career and importance that building professional relationships over time has had on his success.

Kaity Martinez chose her path as a professional dancer at 21 and has never looked back. In this episode of DanceSpeak, some of the topics we cover are how Kaity strategized her dance training to prepare for her professional goals, how she developed her signature look, and staying grounded in the hectic and demanding world of dance auditions. This episode combines branding and marketing with real life stories from Kaity's experiences in New York and Los Angeles.

Tyrone 'The Bone' Proctor claimed his career on Soul Train after flying from Philly to LA with a declaration that he would make it. This episode of DanceSpeak takes a look at one of the most prominent Soul Train dancers and what happened behind the scenes of this iconic show. Find out how Tyrone defines Waackin and the social climate that influenced the movement and the dancers of the time. Tyrone draws parallels between society, dance, and music in a way that will expand your knowledge and understanding of dance.

Ever wonder what it is like to be on the creative team for Usher? Or how a dancer stays at peak performance condition and ready to book a 90 minute show? The difference between dancing/creating for an artist versus film? Codie Wiggins (Usher, Beyonce, "Get On Up," "Pitch Perfect 2," Jason Derulo, Chris Brown, and more...) has been building his epic career since being 'discovered' as a teenager in Atlanta's underground dance scene. From his no holds barred story of his youth, to the lessons that he has learned along the way, this episode gives you an intimate look at what the journey of Codie looked like through now, and the work ethic and practices that have kept him working with the best over the years and currently.

In this second part of the Ade Chike interview, we get a very honest and sobering look at the reality that many dancers face with negotiating contracts for their jobs. From transitioning out of the SYTYCD limelight to the world of FELA, Ade generously shares some of his most difficult insustry moments and the performance that almost cost him his Broadway debut. Learn how Ade stays ready for major dance jobs, what had him choose to move across the country, and what it looks like to play hardball in what is known to be a sometimes unforgiving industry.

Imagine being a working dancer without auditioning... while running a thriving business, traveling the world, and being an involved mother and wife. Sounds too good to be true? In this week's episode of DanceSpeak, I sit down with Ebonee Arielle (founder of Show Off Dance, America's Best Dance Crew Alum, and more...), who has managed all of the above, and we find out what has taken to all work out. From being an 'unknown' who booked Nicki Minaj's Tour, to breaking down the taboo of growing a family while in the dance industry, this episode will give you insight on balance, taking the road less traveled, and having it all. Stay tuned till the very end for a bonus clip from Ade Chike Torbert!

In this episode of DanceSpeak, So You Think You Can Dance alum, Ade Chike Torbert, shares the stories before, in between, and behind the string of success he has experienced over the years. Adechike begins painting a powerful picture of the difficult early lessons that molded his unstoppable work ethic, and all of the times he persevered through unimaginable circumstances. The interview I had with Adechike was so epic that we decided to create two episodes from this. In part 1 you will learn what prepared the dancer for reality television life, the seed that was planted for his run with FELA! the musical, and a retrospective on a career that started before Adechike had reached the age of 10. Get ready to be inspired.

The transition from dancing to acting is one that many people in our industry dream of. From spending years in the dance industry to having lead supporting roles in multiple Spike Lee projects, Michelle Mitchenor has gone from successful dancer to actress in a relatively short period of time. In her interview, we begin to delve into Michelle's experience spanning different genres of entertainment and what has lead to her well-earned success.

For many people, pursuing dance as a profession is considered taboo. He/she might be a rare breed, but the dancer who is consistently working TOP jobs DOES exist, and we having one right here: Tre Holloway. In this podcast, we tap into what has had Tre working consistently in the commercial dance industry for the last 10 years.