The Dance Podcast

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#051 Heather Laura Gray Mar 08, 2017

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Heather has performed on stage and screen as an actor, dancer and singer. Her journey has lead her to weave in and out of the commercial and company sectors of dance. She recently choreographed the Lifetime Biopic "Britney Ever After". As an on set choreographer Heather has choreographed for The CW Network's iZombie (season 2& 3), A&E's "Bates Motel", Hallmark Network's "Harvest Moon", and many more! The premiere of her new full length contemporary dance piece "The Tunnel" will be presented by New Works at The Roundhouse Theatre, April 2017 in Vancouver. HLG shares her insights as an adjudicator, what it's like to work as the only head female in a male, and how she has made a long career grow and flourish in Canada.

#050 Andrea Dvorak. Vancouver. London. Eating Disorder recovery. Mar 01, 2017

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Andrea Dvorak was deep into her Ballet training when she started to struggle with identity, self worth and relationship with food. When she could no longer walk, she knew she needed help. We talk about she was able to deepen her artistry and compassion as she recovered and share some tidbits of wisdom to anyone working through their emotions.... which is all of us, right?!

#049 Sharkcookie, or David Hofman, shares how he has become one of the most popular dance photographers and entrepreneurs! Feb 22, 2017

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David Hofmann, better known as 'Sharkcookie', is a renowned dance photographer with over 600k follows on instagram alone! David shares how he took his career from the movie industry into the dance community, what he believes makes a great photo shoot, and how experimenting and failing is the best thing you can do for your craft.

#048 Dancer & Chiropractor, Scott Maybank, shares the keys to physical success and longevity. Feb 15, 2017

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The best kind of reunion - old duet partners!! Scott Maybank had a late start in his training, but that didn't let him shy away from pursuing the top Ballet schools across Canada. Over his ten year career Scott worked for Ballet British Columbia, West Australian Ballet and the Queensland Ballet, eventually retiring in his hometown of Edmonton after dancing with Alberta Ballet. With the help of the Dancer Transition Resource Centre, Scott is now a Chiropractor committed to helping Dancers feel healthy & work efficiently. From the worst thing you can do to your body, to best physical & mental practices- Scott shares his how to create a successful career with a lot of laughter!

#047 Jeff Mortensen covers it all Disney's The Descendants to Cirque to SYTYCD! Feb 08, 2017

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Jeff Mortensen is a multi-talented dancer, gymnast, assistant choreographer, and performer. Jeff shares his unique journey through So You Think You Can Dance, to Cirque Du Soleil, to performing and assisting on renowned productions like Disney's The Descendants and Rocky Horror Picture Show. Jeff gives quick and applicable advice on what you can use as inspiration in your career and solid tips when on set!

#046 Talent agent Melissa Panton shares advice & best practices when pursuing & working with agencies! Feb 01, 2017

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Headshots, Resumes, Reels, Agent introductions- we cover it all with Melissa Panton! Although a performer at heart, Melissa was always interested in the business side of entertainment. While building credits as a choreographer in Toronto, she began studying Arts Administration at Humber College, and gathering experience in production, casting, and stage management. Melissa is now the principal agent in Vancouver, BC and gives LOADS of advice about getting and working with an agent!

#045 Ballet Boy, Chris Scruggs, on perfection, finding yourself outside of the studio and why you don't want to be #58 at a Ballet Audition! Jan 25, 2017

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Chris Scruggs is an Alberta Ballet Company member, who shares his love music, movement and people both in and outside the dance community! He started his training with the Maryland Youth Ballet, later attending summer programs with Washington Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Chris finished his training at Indiana University, graduating with a dual degree in Ballet Performance and Political Science. Chris opens up about his career obstacles, how to properly audition for a Ballet Company , and what he regrets most in his training.

#044 Award-winning filmmaker, Tomer Heymann, introduces us to his latest Dance documentary MR. GAGA. Jan 18, 2017

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What is is like to follow an internationally acclaimed choreographer for 8 years? Filmmaker Tomer Heymann shares his latest documentary capturing Ohad Naharin, one of the world's most influential choreographers who created his own "movement language", Gaga. When he was 22, Ohad was invited to perform with the prestigious Martha Graham dance company and attended Juilliard and the School of American Ballet simultaneously. But Ohad was not happy until he could do exactly what he wanted. Moving back to Israel, Naharin became the Artistic Director of the Batsheva Dance Company, developing Gaga within his own ensemble. Listen now as Tomer shares his insights, perspective, and love for both Ohad and the dance community!

#043 From Selena Gomez, to Kylie Minogue, to Ricky Martin and Britney Spears, Liana Blackburn is a force in the commercial dance scene! Jan 11, 2017

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She has worked for Talyor Swift, Nick Jonas, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Kylie Minogue, CeeLo, Michael Buble, Glee, Dancing with the Stars, The Voice, Fresh Beat Band, X Factor, Cirque Du Soleil and many more. Liana Blackburn has been seen dancing in films such as Behind the Candelabra, Footloose and Seventeen Again and performed with Ms.Britney Spears in her resident show "Piece of Me" at Planet Hollywood in Vegas. Liana shares her incredible story from audition surprises to asking for what you truly want. After a scary incident while touring, Liana had to get real about the food she was eating (you mean french fries isn't a food group?!) and start to use food as a source of healing. Liana has now founded The Daily Dancer Diet, an online journal of inspiration and education!

#042 Lukas McFarlane, or #onesock, opens up about winning a reality show, starting a new company and the UK commercial world. Jan 04, 2017

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Originally from Canada, Lukas McFarlane chose to jump the pond and make a commercial dance career for himself in London! His life took a drastic turn when he won the reality show Got To Dance and became famously known as #onesock. So, he had money, fame, titles and opportunities - that should mean happiness and success, right? He opens up about his journey after the show, shares where his career is now blooming with how his company, Untitled, shapes his choices, dreams, and artistry.

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