Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast

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**Making The Impact – A Dance Competition Podcast**

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of a dance competition judge? What does it take to impress the people behind the table?

Join your hosts Courtney Ortiz, professional dancer, educator and owner of Impact Dance Adjudicators, and Lesley Mealor, veteran performer and judge, on Making The Impact – A Dance Competition Podcast, as they dive into all things dance competition!

Each week, listen as Courtney and Lesley discuss various hot topics with members of the IDA judges’ roster and other special guests in the dance world, from technique, to costumes, to the dreaded question – “Tights…or no tights?” Stay tuned for special spotlight episodes, round table chats and so much more! Weekly episodes launch every Thursday throughout the dance season! @impactdanceadjudicators

Latest Episodes:

How Studios Cast Dancers In Competitive Dance Routines May 18, 2023

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Guests - Pam Simpson and Glen Meynardie

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 146 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we get real with you about how studios cast dancers in competitive routines. Special guests Pam Simpson, a studio owner for 30 years, and Glen Meynardie, frequent guest choreographer and adjudicator give their insight about the casting process from their perspectives.

Topics Include:

The variety of ways studios cast their dancers and why
How the process of casting has changed over the years for both Glen and Pam
Reasons why your dancer might not be cast in certain pieces or spots in a routine

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year

Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!

Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Pam Simpson - @pamsimpson
Glen Meynardie - @gmeynardie

This episode is sponsored by:

Apolla Performance
The benefit of a shoe + the comfort of a sock. Try Apolla Shocks and use code IMPACT10 for 10% off at checkout!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Special Awards - Recognizing More Than Just Your Score May 11, 2023

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Guests - Emily Branigan and Amanda Trusty

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 145 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are joined by IDA judge and dance educators Emily Branigan and Amanda Trusty to tell you what judges really think of special awards. (Spoiler alert - we love them).

Topics Include:

The reasons we love special awards
Why special awards often mean more than placement or overall awards
Our favorite special awards to give dancers

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year

Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!

Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Emily Branigan - @embranigan
Amanda Trusty - @amanda_trusty

Check out our guest’s current projects!

Join Emily Branigan's studio for open classes this summer @thestudioatguilfordcenter
Find out more about Amanda Trusty's new company, healing theater heARTS. Follow them on instagram: @healingtheaterhearts

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Battling Body Image Issues in the Dance World May 04, 2023

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Guests - Katrena Cohea and Amanda LaCount

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 144 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we discuss the body image issues that affect dancers and suggest strategies for dance teachers and dance studios to develop a more holistic approach to discussing our bodies. Katrena Cohea and Amanda LaCount join us to help provide a variety of perspectives.

Topics Include:

How the dance industry has changed over time to reflect a variety of bodies
How dress codes can be modified for dancers who are struggling with body image concerns
Body neutrality vs body positivity - the differences

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year

Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!

Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Katrena Cohea - @diffdrumdance
Amanda LaCount - @amandalacount

Check out our guest’s current projects!

Katrena's Different Drummer Dance Summer Wellness Workshops for Dancers are happening this summer! These focus on building better body image in dancers, positive performance rituals, and growth mindset for dancers.
Check out Amanda's #BreakingTheStereotype clothing line here!

This episode is sponsored by:

Apolla Performance
The benefit of a shoe + the comfort of a sock. Try Apolla Shocks and use code IMPACT10 for 10% off at checkout!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Apolla Performance
Revolutionary compression dance socks for all styles! Use code: IMPACT10 for 10% off!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Studio Spotlight - CCJ Conservatory Apr 27, 2023

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Guest: Dale Lam

Hosted by: Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor

CCJ Conservatory, formerly known as Columbia City Jazz, prides itself on producing well-rounded, versatile dancers. With over 35 years of experience, Artistic Director Dale Lam leads the studio in its mission and looks towards the future as the dance studio industry evolves.

Follow CCJ Conservatory on social media @ccjconservatory and be sure to check out their upcoming projects.

CCJ Conservatory's summer intensive is open to all dancers - find out more here!

Who would you like to see featured on our upcoming Spotlight Interviews? Share your recommendations by shooting us an email at podcast@impactdanceadjudicators.com.

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year

Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!

Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

This episode is sponsored by:

Apolla Performance
The benefit of a shoe + the comfort of a sock. Try Apolla Shocks and use code IMPACT10 for 10% off at checkout!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Dale Lam - @dalelam
CCJ Conservatory - @ccjconservatory

Join our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow us on social media at@impactdanceadjudicatorsand for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website atwww.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Die Hard Dance Dads! Apr 20, 2023

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Guests - Dwayne Vincent Elliott, Kyle Fishbein, and Jamie Johnson

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 142 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are joined by the three most die-hard dance dads we could find to share stories of their adventures in the competitive dance world. Dwayne, Kyle, and Jamie were chosen from over 50 nominations to be featured on this special episode!

Topics Include:

Why they love being a dance dad
How they feel their studio supports them as fathers in the dance community
Advice to other dance dads and parents in general

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year

Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!

Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Dwayne Vincent Elliott - @d_v_e
Jamie Johnson - @jamiejams55433

This episode is sponsored by:

Apolla Performance
The benefit of a shoe + the comfort of a sock. Try Apolla Shocks and use code IMPACT10 for 10% off at checkout!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

How To Avoid Burn Out During the Dance Season Apr 13, 2023

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Guests - Donielle Richmond and Kristi-Ann Phillips

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 141 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are talking about burnout - the perfect topic for the middle of comp season! Our guests share their strategies for combating burnout, as well as insight into how to help dancers.

Topics Include:

How to recognize burnout within yourself and your students
How to manage your time effectively to avoid burnout
Boundary setting and the benefits of saying "no"

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year

Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!

Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Donielle Richmond - @DONIELLERICHMONDCHOREOGRAPHY
Kristi-Ann Phillips - @misskristiLDC

Check out our guests' current projects!

Donielle's convention company, Activate Your Artistry, is holding its first summer convention - July 19-21, 2023 in Chicago! Find out more at:
https://activateyourartistry.com/summer-intensive

This episode is sponsored by:

Apolla Performance
The benefit of a shoe + the comfort of a sock. Try Apolla Shocks and use code IMPACT10 for 10% off at checkout!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Appropriateness of Choreography in Competitive Dance Apr 06, 2023

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Guests - Debbi Sampson and Tommy Scrivens

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 140 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are tackling the topic of appropriateness of choreography, from the subtle nuances we wish we would see to the outrageous things we do see on stage sometimes. Joining us for this discussion are IDA judges and dance educators Debbi Sampson and Tommy Scrivens.

Topics Include:

How inappropriate themes, music, and costumes all come into play when assessing inappropriate choreography
What we as judges can and cannot do when it comes to docking points or disqualifying a routine due to inappropriate choreography
Ways to allow dancers to grow and mature as artists without subjecting them to overtly inappropriate movement

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year

Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!

Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Debbi Sampson - @pamelot_dance and @dancerwhrt
Tommy Scrivens - @tommytoes7

This episode is sponsored by:

FAVE4 Haircare - High-performing hair products built for the stage!
Use code: IMPACT15 at checkout to receive 15% off your first order!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Spotlight Feature - Derek Mitchell Mar 30, 2023

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Guest: Derek Mitchell

Hosted by: Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor

Derek Mitchell has been a staple in the NYC dance scene for decades, teaching and inspiring dancers of all ages. His experience ranges from choreographing for SYTYCD Ukraine and the Knicks City Dancers to serving as Resident Choreographer of the 1st national tour of Hamilton. Nowadays you can find him traveling the country teaching on the convention circuit as well as in New York, where it all began!

Follow Derek Mitchell on social media @Derekmitchellg and be sure to check out their upcoming projects.

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year

Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!

Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

This episode is sponsored by:

Apolla Performance
The benefit of a shoe + the comfort of a sock. Try Apolla Shocks and use code IMPACT10 for 10% off at checkout!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Derek Mitchell - @Derekmitchellg

Join our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow us on social media at @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

How To Brand Yourself As A Dancer Mar 23, 2023

Show notes

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Guests - Justine Menter and Sam Quinn

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 138 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, IDA judge and publicist Sam Quinn and industry coach and dance educator Justine Menter join us to talk about the ins and outs of personal branding for dancers.

Topics Include:

What branding actually is in the dance industry today
Best practices in social media branding
How parents should be involved in their child's personal brand

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year

Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!

Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Justine Menter - @justinementer and @mntr.mgmt
Sam Quinn - @samquinn

Check out our guest’s current projects!
Visit MNTR MGMT for more info on Justine's Dance Biz Playbook Course and Commercial Dance Template Pack
Listen to Justine's Podcast - Dance Careers: Unfiltered

This episode is sponsored by:

Apolla Performance
The benefit of a shoe + the comfort of a sock. Try Apolla Shocks and use code IMPACT10 for 10% off at checkout!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

I Want To Be a Rockette Mar 16, 2023

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Guests -Allyson Kelly and Paige Williams

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 137 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are joined by two former Radio City Rockettes, Allyson Kelly and Paige Williams, to discuss their experience on the line, as well as how their competitive and non-competitive dance training informed their success in the precision dance world!

Topics Include:

Personal audition experiences
Helpful advice for future Rockettes
A look at the typical schedule for the holiday season

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
20% off all IDA Merchandise
Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year

Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!

Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Allyson Kelly - @Ally_kelly214

This episode is sponsored by:

Apolla Performance
The benefit of a shoe + the comfort of a sock. Try Apolla Shocks and use code IMPACT10 for 10% off at checkout!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!

Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

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