Abun(dance)

We welcome the lovely Kathryn Galimi! Today’s focus is on her business, “The Dance Call,” where performers get online coaching to perfect their dance skills. Give it a listen!

We are proud to welcome Allana Tyson! Have you ever wondered about Flamenco Dance? Well, this is the episode to learn more about it! Allana shares her vast knowledge on the topic. This conversation is engaging and filled with passion just like Flamenco!

We're pleased to welcome Jane Weedon, a licensed physical therapist in Brooklyn, NY. Jane offers insight on how dance can be impactful for child development. Dance can leave a positive long lasting impact that transfers to your adult life. You will get to hear her experiences as a lifelong dancer and how her love of dance has influenced her job as a physical therapist.

Our episode highlights Disney performer Jenny Dzuranin! She opens the conversation about the differences between being a theme park performer versus a concert dancer as well as gives insight and tips on the Disney audition process. Give this episode a listen for a little Disney magic!

This episode illuminates the amazing Javier Rochel! We couldn’t be happier to talk about Javier’s experience dancing in Mexico and the United States. He speaks in great depth about how his dance background has been the catalyst for where he is today. Javier also brings to light some interesting differences between dance across borders.

We couldn't be happier to have Co-directors, Lynn Petersen and Kate Sutter of SYREN Modern Dance in NYC join us! In this conversation we dive into their path to reach the company's 20th year anniversary. Listen to hear about what owning and directing your own dance company entails. We love their emphasis on support! Give it a listen to learn more.

This episode features Gia Salerno! As a physical therapist that specializes in dance at NYU Langone’s Harkness Center for Dance Injuries, she has a lot of expertise. Our point of discussion centers around common dance injuries Gia sees. She talks about how dancers can take preventative measures to avoid injury. If you’re curious about the benefits of Physical Therapy, this is definitely an episode...

This episode features Kristen and Hannah's former professor and mentor from Mercyhurst University, Tauna Hunter. Find out more about her career as she elaborates on her experiences learning, teaching, and dancing the Bournonville technique. You will get to hear firsthand stories that reflect upon her time at Ballet West and the University of Utah. Tauna Hunter is someone that leaves a lasting impr...

This episode features Kristen's former ballet teacher, Linda Giancaspro! Linda has been a huge supporter of the podcast and we are thrilled to have her on. From Ballet Mistress to competition judge, studio owner, and Master Class teacher, she has done it all and continues to leave her mark on the dance world. Linda is truly electric, a natural born performer with a heart of gold. Everyone deserves...

Betsy Moran, director of DanceWorks NYC and Boston, is here with us today to shine light on her career and company. DanceWorks gives a unique space for dancers to continue dancing at a high level even if they are not dancing full time and have other work. Learn more about the ins and outs of DanceWorks and Betsy's positive outlook on life. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Jalyn Gill is our star of the show today! Kristen and Hannah get to learn about how Jalyn's past, present, and goals for the future have shaped her as an artist. As a dancer, choreographer, and teacher Jalyn excels in more ways than one. Give this one a listen to learn more about her -- you won't regret it!

We are happy to illuminate the talented Lydia Soueidan and Anthony Zucchero! Tune in to hear how their individual journeys with dance and music made them into the artists they are today. Not only have they each created their own paths separately, but together they have collaborated and influenced each other in many ways too. We couldn't be more excited for them and we look forward to seeing the am...

we are excited to share our special guest Carole Amend! Thank you to our former guest, Solveig Santillano for introducing us! Carole is a somatic movement educator and Pilates specialist based in California who has her own studio, Bodies Mind. Be sure to check out her studio including her online offerings!

What a pleasure it was to speak with Lauren Stenroos, and our dear friend Stacie Preuhs, both Mercyhurst alums and professional dancers with Cleveland Ballet. We appreciate their nuanced perspectives on topics like physical and mental self-care, finding motivation to keep up with the demands of the field, and pre-show routines. 'Treat your body as a temple,' as Lauren would say. Tune in to hear ho...

We bring to you, Dominic Fortunato, fellow Mercyhurst Alum! Dom has been touring with the production 'CATS!' for the last two years. He shares with us the ins and outs of what it's like to tour with a major production. We are thrilled to have stolen some of his precious time pre-show to make this happen. Dom is truly electric on and offstage. Be sure to give this episode a listen and see him perfo...

We are thrilled to welcome Phil Chan, co-founder and author of 'Final Bow for Yellowface.' With the help of Chan and Georgina Pazcoguin, positive change is happening to eliminate Asian stereotypes and fight for other under-represented people in ballet. This is a critical conversation to be had as we continue to work on diversifying and correctly representing all people with integrity. We highly en...

It is an honor to have spoken with Anisa Tejpar! She is a co-director of 'Hit and Run Dance Productions' based in Toronto, Canada. And Tejpar does very important work as an intimacy coach for dance and film. She helps to break down points of consideration for rehearsals and performances as well as necessary disclaimers for audience members that should be considered to keep all individuals feeling...

Kathleen Bostleman shares with us her breadth of experience ranging from dance, arts administration, yoga, massage therapy, and owning her own business. She speaks on pivotal moments such as her time abroad in China where language was a true barrier, and how an injury temporarily lent her towards gaining new skills. Kathleen has accomplished so much already in her twenties! This is an episode wort...

Sally Tierney, studio owner and director of 'Just Dance,' in Virginia shares her early dance beginnings which led her to become the successful studio owner she is today. She is just about ready to pass on the torch and continue exploring other avenues and sharing her wealth of knowledge through other means such as her very own podcast. Check out 'The Dance Studio Podcast' to learn more! Her passio...

This episode illuminates Vincent Paterson, director and choreographer in film, concert tours, opera, commercials and more, creating behind the scenes for some of the largest names! From lead dancer in Michael Jackson's 'Beat It,' to helping Madonna look her best, Paterson has done it all. Kristen and Hannah are very grateful to have connected with him. Not only does he have such an impressive care...

We welcome the free spirited Marisa f. Ballaro! Whether it is teaching, dancing, or choreographing, she exudes light and positivity in all that she does. Marisa's two favorite quotes will give you a sneak peak on what she is all about: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson and "Be yourself; everyone els...

Kristen and Hannah feel so lucky to have had a conversation with the astounding Michelle Cave! She is an established teacher in New York City and has even developed her own organization called Ballet and Beyond NYC which offers free ballet classes to children in the area. If you want to learn more about Michelle and her many accomplishments, give this one a listen!

We welcome the multi-faceted Mark Santillano! Kristen and Hannah had the opportunity to learn more about their former professor's career. If you are curious about how to incorporate many artistic pursuits into a career, then this is a story worth listening to! He is one-of-a-kind and moves to the beat of his own drum. There is never a dull moment when speaking with this re(mark)able man!

This episode features the extraordinary Kitty Lunn--dancer, teacher, disability activist, and founder of the Infinity Dance Theatre, a company which features dancers with disabilities. Her story is truly inspirational; where there's a will, there's always a way! Thank you, Kitty, for your vulnerability sharing your triumphs and tribulations, and paving the way for more inclusivity in dance.

This week's special guest is Godfrey Muwulya! Through a wonderful partnership and study abroad program, Kristen was able to connect with Godfrey via the NYU community. Tune in to learn some about the spirit of West African dance and the beautiful music that helps to enliven the dance.  Unfortunately, we are missing Hannah from this episode due to her coming down with Covid-19. But, she's doing muc...