Episodes
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Today’s guests are Dr. Chelsea Pierotti and Kirsten kemp. Both Chelsea and Kirtsen help dancers with mental skills to improve their performance and enhance their careers and lives. As y'all know, I love diving deep into the psychology realm, so we got right into it and talked about:
How defining values can help guide your pathThe fears and insecurities dancers face and actionable ways to overcome themHow to build your confidence in a positive wayDr. Chelsea Pierotti is a former professional dancer and currently works as a sport psychologist and high performance coach for dancers and dance educators. As a speaker, workshop teacher, and podcast host, Dr. Chelsea’s mission is to help create more successful dancers through positive mental skills. Visit her website and check out her podcast, a Passion for Dance at https://chelseapierotti.com.
Kirsten Kemp (@kirsten_theconfidentdancer) is a former full-time professional ballet dancer turned High-Performance Mindset Coach for dancers, International Speaker, and Founder of The Confident Dancer. She specializes in helping dancers break through the mental blocks that have been holding them back and build a confident mindset that allows them to feel and perform their best consistently. On top of serving 200+ clients globally, including soloists and principals in top ballet companies and YAGP finalists, she's also the host of The Confident Dancer YouTube channel and podcast, a show with 21k+ subscribers and counting. As a speaker, she's also had the honor of speaking to groups of dancers at top institutions such as Miami City Ballet School, Estonian National Ballet, University of Utah's School of Dance, Texas Ballet Theater School, and many others. theconfidentdancer.comHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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Today’s guest is the ever so talented professional dancer @RileyGroot. You may have just seen her dancing next to Katy Perry in her Las Vegas residency, but I know Riley from her time as a student at AMDA college here in LA and have had the pleasure of witnessing her career unfold over the years. She's been on “American Horror Story”, the MTV Video Music Awards with BLACKPINK, Disney’s Christmas Spectacular, the Grammys, Billboard music awards, to name a few. We chat about:
How being a reliable dancer can provide more opportunitiesWhy connections are the most important aspect of your careerThe challenges and mindset shifts to withstand the breaks between gigsHow dancers can self-advocate to make the changes we need in the industryBorn and raised in San Diego, Riley Groot’s love for dance sparked at age 13 when she began training with the non-profit company, Unity Dance Ensemble. After winning numerous competitive titles, all while touring nationally as an assistant for established dance conventions, Riley moved to Los Angeles, where she continued her study of dance and the performing arts at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Since her graduation she has grown her resume and reputation through the commercial industry as a hard-working and reliable talent. Her credits include “American Horror Story”, the MTV Video Music Awards with BLACKPINK, Disney’s Christmas Spectacular, and The Annual Grammy Awards with J Balvin, to name a few. Currently, she is traveling Asia on Jolin Tsai’s Ugly Beauty World Tour, and when she is not on the road or working in LA, you can find her dancing in her fourth Las Vegas Residency: Katy Perry’s ‘PLAY’, where she leads as dance captain. Riley believes that with every job and opportunity, a new lesson is to be learned. She vows to pass along the powerful insights she has acquired throughout her growing career and hopes to inspire the next generation of dancers, just as her mentors have inspired her.
Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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Kendall Baab is a personal trainer for dancers and dance science educator based in Los Angeles. I met Kendall online actually and I totally aligned with her philosophies. Her business, BodyKinect, has made dance science education accessible for dancers and dance educators - which is so incredibly important. We chat about:
Our shared experiences of being on Texas drill teamsThe biggest challenges dancers face when training - both physically and mentallyHow social media can lead to injury and perfectionismThe importance of body autonomy and self advocacyWebsite: https://bodykinect.org
Instagram @trainwithkendall
Kendall Baab is a personal trainer for dancers and dance science educator located in Los Angeles, CA. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Science from California State University Long Beach where she trained in ballet and modern dance, and a Master of Science degree in Dance Science from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, UK where she completed dance science research involving perfectionism and self-efficacy in online dance classes and trained in contemporary dance. Kendall is a certified personal trainer, BASI certified Pilates instructor with a dance specialization, and a certified health coach. Kendall works with dancers all over the United States on strength, conditioning, and flexibility to enhance performance and prevent injury. Kendall created her business, BodyKinect, to allow for accessible dance science education for dancers and dance educators.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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I'm thrilled to welcome my first international guest, Fortuna Picardi, from Italy. She is an Italian talent manager and dancer and started her career as a talent manager in 2020 with Be a Pro agency. It was really cool to connect with someone from overseas and see the parallels of dancers in general, but also hear about how things are different in Italy. We chat about:
The dance scene in ItalyHer transition into being a talent managerHow dancers on her roster can gain more attention and train more effectivelyThe biggest mistakes dancers make with their headshots
IG @fortunapicardi_Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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Today's guest is the effortlessly cool Mikey Dellavella. I know Mikey through his fiance Maryann Chavez and we're all faculty members for Souldesoul Dance Convention. I really love this episode. We get real, as per usual, and talk about:
Typecasting and rejection - starting your career out this way and figuring out your laneHis journey into the acting worldBeing bold and assertive as a dancer so you don’t get lost in the mixwww.YouTube.com/mikeydellavella
www.Instagram.com/mikeydellavella
www.TikTok.com/mdellavellaMikey Dellavella comes from upstate New York with a decade of choreographing, creative directing & teaching a unique style of hiphop dance; using a mixture of musicality, control and creative wordplay.
His aim is to be sure his students leave his class with a better ear for music and even a stronger appreciation for dance. Having taught at popular Los Angeles studios such as Tmilly studio, Millennium Dance Complex, Movement Lifestyle and Playground la; filming online dance tutorials for Steezy co., Fullouttv & Tmillytv - he is no stranger to the dance world. He has had the privilege to teach in 10 countries and over 30 cities within the U.S., alongside, choreographing/performing for well known artists such as T-Pain, D Smoke, Joyner Lucas, Ester Dean, Britney Spears, and K pop groups, Ateez & Got7. he is also an member for the HHI gold medalist team, S Rank (as seen on NBC’s World of Dance: Season 2).Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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Todays guest is the lovely caitlin sloan, AKA @thebrainyballerina. You may have seen her popping up on your explore page every now and then with her poignant posts about professional ballerinas, but she also gets real candid with me today on the pod. We chat about the stigma behind shifting focus away from performing in your dance career, juggling self care, and how to get past the ick in social media.
IG @thebrainyballerina
Website
Hi there! 👋🏻 I’m Caitlin, a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI.I received my Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri.
I danced professionally for nine years with companies including Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). I have taught at schools all over the Midwest, most notably serving as Director of The School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet and Youth Company Director for Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. I am currently on faculty at the School of Madison Ballet.
I founded The Brainy Ballerina® in 2019, a virtual resource providing support and guidance for aspiring ballet dancers. I have worked with dozens of dancers all over the U.S. to give them the skills and confidence they need to successfully pursue professional dance careers.
Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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Today’s guest is @iamgerranReese dancer, choreographer, educator galore. I’ve known Gerran now for almost 15 years (!) through lots of different dance education spaces - and I’m so excited I was finally able to get him on the pod. Gerran is super inspirational in so many ways and we chat about:
The differences between regular weekly classes and more program based trainingknowing yourself, your strengths/weaknesses, defining your own version of success in dance. How to research and pay close attention to what inspires you before you start your career.Hi! I am Gerran Reese, I have been teaching dance throughout the world for the past fifteen years and consider this my true passion & purpose. I grew up in Portland, Oregon where I trained in all styles of dance including Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and African.
I am currently faculty at The Movement Lifestyle, TMilly Studio, The Brea Space, Monsters of Hip-Hop Convention (A list), AMDA (BFA Program for Performing Arts,) The Nexxt Move Dance Convention. I have taught internationally at LAX (Paris, France) Studio 68 (London,) SDA Camp (Poland) Base Studios (London), and Brent Street (Sydney).
I have worked for artists such as Beyonce, Britney Spears, Kelly Rowland, T-Boz, Daniel Bedingfield, Carmit, Estelle, Muse, Amei, Rochelle Jordan, Kona Rose, Two-feet, and many more. I have worked with top choreographers such as Kevin Maher, Brian Friedman, Tessandra Chavez, Travis Payne, Tabitha & Napoleon, Derrell Bullock, Hi-Hat, Andye J, Tony Testa, and many more.
Credits include: Disney’s – Black is King, Monsters of Hip Hop Show Cast 2014, The Jefferson Dancers, and The NBA Blazer Hip-Hop Squad. I have done commercial campaign work for Reebok, Puma, and Nike. As well as dancing for television programs such as X-Factor, America’s Got Talent, The View, Dancing With the Stars, The TV-Land Awards, The Emmy Gala, and The Grammy’s.
I would describe my teaching style as an engaging and authentic experience that helps you specifically discover how to become the best artist and dancer you can be. I want you to feel your transformation from the time you walk into class to the time you walk out. Dance is truly a journey, moreover, an individual journey. Art is limitless!
Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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Can you make a sustainable living as a dancer?Will this work? Will I make it?What does the cheesecake factory have to do with my professional dance career? How do I juggle multiple creative aspirations?
Lots of questions answered and food for thought in today's episode. This is definitely one to save for later when you're feeling overwhelmed by your ambition and societal demands.
Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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Today’s guests are Kristin Deiss and Michelle Loucadoux from Danscend, the mental wellness company for dance educators and dancers. These 2 are no strangers to the podcast, having had episodes on both seasons 1 and 2 of the pod. I love chatting with them because we dive deep on all the things behind the scenes no one is talking about. We chat about how the mental wellness space for dancers is evolving and complicated, negative self-talk that dancers endure, and specific exercises for easing anxiety surrounding auditions.
@danscendofficialHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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When you think of dance in LA, you think commercial. But there is actually a pretty large community of contemporary dance companies in LA doing amazing things. Today’s episode is a Career Spotlight episode and we are highlighting contemporary dance company experiences in Los Angeles. My guests, Michaela Moore and Nicole Hagen, both have a plethora of experience not only as dancers in LA, but also serving in different roles like rehearsal director, community liaisons and marketing. We chat about:
the lengthy process of auditioningfiguring out the mutual relationship between company and company memberthe best advice for those looking to be a part of a dance company communityMichaela Moore @__mickmouz was born and raised in Colorado Springs, CO. Her dance education has come from Robin’s Danceworks, The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management program at OCU, and the BFA dance program at the University of Colorado-Boulder. In 2017 she joined AGT’s “The Silhouette’s” for a 4 month International tour, dancing across Germany and performing in 75+ shows.
Michaela is a member and rehearsal director for GEOMETRY dance company, under the direction of Mackenzie Martin, with whom she has performed at MASHUP’s International Women’s Day Dance Festival, Fiestalonia Sea Sun Festival, Capezio’s A.C.E. Awards, Donovan Wood’s music video “She Waits For Me To Come Back Down” & Duomo’s music video “What About Us”, in collaboration with Netflix’s Bridgerton.
Aside from performing, her love for teaching and choreographing is expansive and she has choreographed/produced award winning pieces for the past 12 years. You can find her teaching at GENESIS STUDIOS every Tues. Michaela truly believes in the art of dance as a way to globally communicate through movement.
Nicole Hagen @nicole_hagen is a LA-based dancer, educator, and choreographer, who has performed works by Elías Aguirre, Gianna Burright, Genevieve Carson, Roderick George, Tess Hewlett, Madison Hicks, Iker Karrera, Kate Hutter Mason, Waeli Wang, and WHYTEBERG. Nicole was a company member with L.A. Contemporary Dance Company and MashUp Contemporary Dance Company, which provided her the opportunity to perform at iconic venues including LA Dance Project, The Odyssey Theatre, ODC Theater, The Architecture & Design Museum, and Highways Performance Space. Commercially, Nicole's credits include Paramore, NBC’s This Is Us, Banks, and Netflix’s Dear White People.
Choreographically, Nicole’s work has been seen on a multitude of stages throughout SoCal such as AMDA’s Cosmo Theater, LA Dance Project, LA Theater Center, IAF, Bootleg Theater, Sophia B. Clarke Theater at Mt. San Antonio College, McCallum Theatre, Musco Center for the Arts and Waltmar Theater at Chapman University, and ACDA's Screen Dance Festival. She has been a two-time finalist at the McCallum Choreography festival.
Nicole is on faculty at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and AMDA College. She holds a BFA in Dance Performance, with a minor in Business Administration from Chapman UniversityHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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Yoe Apolinario has danced for artists like Taylor Swift, Madonna, Usher, Cardi B and many more and is dishing it all in today's episode. She’s also a published author of two works, “Cafe Con Leche” and her newest book “So You Wanna Move to LA” - a vulnerable, inside look at her journey in the dance industry in LA. I’m a big fan of Yoe's positive energy and we chat about:
Her quest in becoming an authorThe behind the scenes of her 3 year experience as a dancer in Usher’s Las Vegas residencyThe untold challenges dancers face in audition/job scenarios and navigating social media promotionIG: https://www.instagram.com/yoe.apolinario/
Website: Everythingyoe.com
TikTok: @yoe.apolinario and @yoewrites
Yoe Apolinario is a Commercial Dancer and Movement Artist born and raised in Tampa, Florida. After moving to LA in 2015, she booked commercial work with companies like Sprint, Hyper Volt, and Nike. She’s also had the opportunity to dance for artists like Taylor Swift, Madonna, Usher, Cardi B and many more. Yoe is trained in multiple styles of dance, from Ballet, Popping, Memphis Jookin’ and Clown Dancing, but she is mostly known for her mix of freestyle exploration and contemporary movement.
She is apart of an all female collective called The Council. Together, The Council aims to thrive in sisterhood and community while making space for their art in this industry.
Outside of dance, Yoe is a published author of two works, “Cafe Con Leche” and her newest book “So You Wanna Move to LA” which comes out November 30th, 2023. As her career continues, Yoe hopes to continue to further her movement artistry, continue writing and remain a bright, positive role model for young women in the industry.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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We've really done our job when people don't understand or realize the grit, blood, sweat and tears that go into sustaining a career in the arts. It's hard work! I'm diving in and debunking these 5 misconceptions that people may have about dancers.
Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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Rachael is a past guest on the podcast and is such a badass. Any kind of job you can think of as a dancer, she has done it - world tours, super bowl halftime shows, feature films, TV shows, the grammy’s, and most recently, was an actress in Top Gun: Maverick. We chat about everything from the writers and actors strikes, to recognizing the ebbs and flows of being a working artist, the nuances of working as a guest choreographer in someone else's studio, and saying no to jobs with grace.
Website - https://www.rachaelmarkarian.net/
Online Workbook - https://www.rachaelmarkarian.net/store
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachaelmarkarian/Rachael Markarian is a successful, multi-hyphenate artist with over 20yrs of experience working in the Entertainment Industry as a Pro-Dancer, Actress, Choreographer and Master Teacher. Her dance career began in Los Angeles and took her around the world, touring and dancing for artists like Rihanna, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Pink, Cher, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Panic at the Disco and several others. Additionally she’s performed in numerous Music Videos, Awards Shows (The Grammy’s, American Music Awards, Billboard Awards, MTV Movie & Music Awards), Print Campaigns, Commercials (Target, Farmer’s Insurance, MAC Cosmetics, Microsoft, Absolut Vodka, Chevy, Toyota, H&M) and Super Bowl Halftime Shows (Beyonce/Destiny’s Child and
Katy Perry/Lenny Kravitz/Missy Elliot).
Rachael’s Film credits include TOP GUN: MAVERICK, BANDIT, ON A WING AND A PRAYER, RUSH HOUR 3, NO STRINGS ATTACHED, BEHIND THE CANDELABRA, MASCOTS, THE STALKING FIELDS and SOUTHLAND TALES to name a few.
Her television credits include roles on TALES OF THE WALKING DEAD, ALL AMERICAN, SWEET MAGNOLIAS, FIRST WIVES CLUB, QUEENS, THE FIRST LADY, THE MS. PAT SHOW, JOHNSON, LEGION, THE MORNING SHOW, GILMORE GIRLS, GLEE, TRUE BLOOD, DOLLFACE, CSI, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, AMERICAN PRINCESS, PARKS & RECREATION and more.
Rachael has choreographed Film, TV and Commercial projects including I WANT YOU BACK (Amazon Prime), TARGET, TACO BELL, CABI CLOTHING, FARMER’S INSURANCE, WELLA HAIR, and several others. She’s also a Faculty Member on NRG DANCE PROJECT Convention and for CLI STUDIOS, as well as a Guest Choreographer, Master Teacher & Mentor at several studios throughout the US and Canada. Additionally, she created THE DANCER’S EDGE, an in-studio Intensive bringing LA, NYC & ATL Master Teachers & Choreographers into studios across the country providing them with Classes, Choreography & Industry Seminars to help
support their journey into the professional world.
Rachael used her skills and success as a dancer and parlayed them into her acting career. Proving that dancers can have success in multiple fields, and that a hybrid artist is one that brings versatility and unique qualities to the table. She enjoys pursuing her passion and working in the industry, while also consulting and mentoring young artists.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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Getting cut and not understanding why? This episode will create a lot of clarity as to why you aren't getting that feedback we so crave as humans and artists. Also concrete suggestions for things to do create that closure and clarity for yourself.
Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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If you’ve ever asked yourself “What do I post??” or “How Often do I post??”, then this is the episode for you. Today’s guest, Amy Leisner, after working for Discount Dance, started her own company, A18 Media, a social media agency for dance studios and professionals.
RepurposingBio basicsStory highlightsPinned postshashtagsand everything in between
We chat allll the things:I love this chat because it is SO pertinent for dancers right now who are wondering the who, what when and how for posting on social media. we also chat about some of the roadblocks to posting, and why you should use each post as an experiment.
Dance studio content prompts: http://www.a18media.com/cp
Instagram: https://instagram.com/a18media
Website: https://a18media.com
Amy Leisner is the founder of A18 Media - an online marketing agency for the dance industry. She grew up dancing at studios in her small town in Wisconsin and went on to earn her degree in dance from Columbia College Chicago
She then became a traveling preschool dance teacher in Southern California. It was during this role that she discovered the power of great marketing to fill up her classes, and so she went back to school and earned her degree in Advertising.
After spending time working for marketing agencies throughout Southern California for clients both in and out of the dance industry, she built a successful freelance copywriting business, which has evolved into a full-service marketing agency for the dance world. Amy loves helping dance business owners feel confident and excited about their marketing by demystifying it and co-creating simple strategies that lead to big results!Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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Literally everything you need to know about being a Universal performer!
how they got their jobs (different roles, same park)what a "day in the life" is like (how many shows, rehearsal process, etc)makeup + hair secrets for daily performances (some in the water!)all the benefits of performing at Universal (flexibility, community & live theatre, oh my!)
This is the debut of a brand new episode type for the podcast: Career Spotlights. Kate Coleman and Jolene Fisher are former students of mine who have both been performing at Universal Studios in Hollywood for many years. I figured the name of this podcasts is "dance careers", so I may as well start talking about different kinds.
We chat:Kate Coleman works as an associate choreographer and rehearsal director for Mixed eMotion Theatrix. She's had the incredible opportunity to perform in various parts of the world, from New Zealand and France to Argentina and Morocco. Her diverse experiences include dancing with the LA Contemporary Dance Company and her work in exciting film and television productions such as Mysterious Benedict Society, Rutherford Falls, and VEEP. Kate's creative touch extends to choreographing for theatre productions like In Circles, Daughter of the Wicked and the Serpent, earning recognition from the LA Critics Circle. Her choreographic talents have even made their way into series like T-Rex Ranch and the Netflix animated series CoCoMelon Lane. You can also catch her dancing at the TriWiz Spirit Rally in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Originally from Ontario, Canada, Jolene Fisher is an AMDA College and Conservatory Dance Theatre Alumni, and a Lambton College Office Administrative Executive Diploma Alumni. Some of her credits include: Lead Role of Helen at WaterWorld Universal Studios Hollywood and Japan, Dancer in “The Men In My Life” starring Rochelle Aytes, Dancer in “Kings & Queens” Music Video by Mina Tobias, Choreographer for “Another One” by Mina Tobias feat. Gabi DeMartini and Kai Lucas, Background Actor and Assistant Choreographer in “Scrambled” starring and directed by Leah McKendrick, Dancer at Fast and Furious Pit Crew Universal Studios Hollywood, Lead Role of Martha May and Dancer at Grinchmas Universal Studios Hollywood, Dancer for NBL London Lightning Dance Team, Dancer for Harout Balyan Live at the Dolby Theatre, Dancer for Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, Lead Dancer/Director/Singer/Songwriter in “Outcast” by Jolene Fisher, Lead/Director/Singer/Songwriter in “Mess” by Jolene Fisher, and Lead/Director/Singer/Songwriter in “Running” by Jolene Fisher. @jolenefisherinc
Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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Self-care isn't selfish. It's paramount. Charity Baroni joins me on the pod to discuss her prolific career as a dancer in LA (2 Taylor tours?!, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, etc), and why recognizing we are all human drove her career further along than anything else. We also dive in to the realities of being a tour dancer, what it was like watching the ERA'S tour as her former dancer, and the mental well-being of professional dancers.
IG @Charitybaroni
Charitybaroni.com
Charity Baroni was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She moved to Los Angeles in 2008 and hustled hard, built relationships and thrived in the entertainment industry as a professional background dancer for almost a decade! She performed and toured with artists such as Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift all over the world, and also performed with artists such as Beyoncé and Maluma in music videos, live performances with Flo Rida, danced on the Grammys with Katy Perry and more. She performed on multiple live shows and awards shows: Billboard music awards, MTV movie awards, X Factor, CMT awards, Radio Disney Awards, Cowboys Thanksgiving half time show, SYTYCD Australia, and Buzzfeed to name a few.
She learned and experienced a tremendous amount during her time based in LA and journeyed back home to Nashville to share her professional experiences in her choreography, teaching and mentoring other dancers, as well as performance coaching artists. Her choreography credits include working with Lainey Wilson, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, Sara Evans, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lukas Nelson, Zayn and more. She has also worked with and taught the USA women’s gymnastics national and Olympic team as their dance teacher at national team camps and has choreographed several of the gymnast’s floor routines.
She recently pursued mental health and education and received her BA in Counseling and is a licensed and certified counselor. Through all of her experiences, she has learned how to hold onto truth, boldness, light and fun and reminds people to focus on the importance of mental and emotional health. She does this especially when sharing her passion of dance and life in the entertainment industry with others!Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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You ever go to post something on social media and then start scrutinizing every minute detail.. and then eventually just give up and not post it at all? Yup. This is something we ALL can relate to as artists. And it's even more at the forefront nowadays with social media's "compare and despair".
In this episode I break down 3 key things you can remember to change your mindset, focus on what matters most and thrive in your career in the arts.
DM me 'perfectionism' to make a plan to beat this and we can thrive - together.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
Connect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt -
Tackling the nuances of filming in class, today I'm joined by Miller daurey, ex-pro dancer who quit at 19, returned to dance 25 years later and is now documenting the whole thing online. Miller has been garnering a lot of attention online for his candid videos about the dance industry in LA. So we talked a lot about:
what it was like for him to return to dance both physically and emotionallythe biggest changes he's noticed in the industrythe ever-evolving state of class culture here in LAYoutube Docu-series: https://www.youtube.com/@BackToGreat
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backtogreat/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@backtogreatHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
Connect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt -
It's so hard saying no to work. But how do you determine if a job is right for you or not? It's complicated, and as freelance artists, we are actively seeking work - so how do you turn it down? Boundaries are super important, and it's a work in progress.
In this episode I break down the F.A.C.T.S. method to use as a parameter in determining if a job is worth it for you.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
Connect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt - Show more
