DanceSpeak

Latest Episodes:

13 Eden Shabtai - The Power Of Persistence Aug 15, 2016

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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.

12 Aisha Francis - Entrepreneurship Meets Pumps Aug 08, 2016

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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.

11 Jay Chris Moore - Uninhibited Perspective and Conversation on the Dance World Aug 01, 2016

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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!

10 Nellie Bethel - From Feestyle Cyphers to Vegas With JLO... A Dream that Started in Europe and is Realized in America Jul 25, 2016

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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.

9 Derrell Bullock - From Quitting 9-5 Life to Touring the World with Madonna and Everything in Between Jul 18, 2016

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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.

8 Kaity Martinez - Strategizing Dance Career, Branding Tips, and Always Staying True Jul 12, 2016

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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.

7 Tyrone Proctor - The Legend, The Stories... Soul Train, Waackin, Dancers' Rights Jul 05, 2016

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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.

6 Codie Wiggins - From Atlanta to Hollywood Jun 27, 2016

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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.

5 Ade Chike Torbert - Part 2 - Knowing Yourself and Your Worth as an Entertainer... Jun 20, 2016

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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.

4 Ebonee Arielle - on Being a Working Dancer, Mother, Business Owner, and How to Listen to Your Own Truth Jun 13, 2016

Show notes

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!

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