Dance Careers: Unfiltered

I ran a dance careers survey last week and collected some data about peoples jobs in the dance world, and leave some insight about their experience. This episode aims to accomplish a few things:  erase the stigma of deciding not to be a performer anymore explain how dance can teach us and lead us to different career paths explore the possibilities of being a dance professional and not a profession...

Did you go (or are you considering going) to college for dance? It's pretty cutthroat out there and my incredible guest, contemporary and ballet diva, Julie Friedrich, discusses the pro's and con's of going to college for dance, how she's paved her own path professionally (5:00) and how she mentors dancers through her own program (10:42).  Julie Friedrich’s distinguished career...

Auditions have been slower here in LA. For a multitude of reasons. It has me reflecting and brainstorming productive and affordable ways to keep making progress without being in the audition/gig hustle. I came up with a TOP 10 LIST.  I dropped it below, and all the juicy details (and actionable tips) are inside the episode: Update your marketing materials  Self-Care Curate a list of Connections/ne...

I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation I had with my former agent, Janee Lynch , who is now a senior business executive for SAG/AFTRA in LA. Because of her vast experience in the entertainment industry, I had to pick her brain on her time as an agent as well as the pivot to working for the union and being a full time advocate for dancers’ rights. I spent a really formative time of my career with...

Bust our your notes app, I'm breaking down the basics to commercial dance resumes and a few most frequently asked questions. In this episode, you'll learn: why you need a resume and what kinds of jobs you'll submit them for the structure of industry resumes and how they differ from "real life" ones how to organize/save/edit them my tried and true guidelines for both the tr...

Super stoked to have the amazing Courtney Ortiz from Making the Impact Podcast join me for today's episode. She wears many hats in the industry and we really just have an honest conversation about real-life issues in the dance world, no matter what coast you are on. I love hearing the different perspective and current trends happening in NYC, and we also dive in to: How auditioning in NYC (an...

I'm diving deep in this episode to talk about the nuances of accepting certain realities we all face as dance professionals. Conquering perfectionism, playing the comparison game, feeling like we're on a never-ending hamster wheel of auditions, jobs and training - are all VERY challenging. But it doesn't have to be, if we adjust our expectations in a healthy way. These are 3 hard tr...

Brandon Henschel is the current resident director for the new show Awakening at the Wynn in Las Vegas. This was an incredible conversation with an industry vet who is equal parts, professional, and kind. In this episode, you’ll learn about: how he landed his first gig with Britney the biggest differences in the industry now and how young dancers can step up how being malleable on set will make you...

Let's get REEL: A topic that's near and dear to my heart. I've been working on promo content for dancers for over 10 years here in LA. Video content is one of the most important tools you can have in your toolbox to use for auditions, submissions and networking. In this episode, I dive in to: the differences between dance reels and skills clips which one is better for submitting you...

Dances lessons are life lessons, right? My love for diving deep is fully realized in this episode with dance business coach Ali Phillips. I loveee going into the psychology behind what we do- so thank you Ali! She discusses: switching from human DOing --> human BEing eliminating the scarcity mindset her conscious dance leadership philosophy why you really do need to write that follow up email (...

I'm so excited to have my dear friends (Eliotte Nicole, Mackenzie Martin, Taylor Hansen) of 10+ years in LA join me in this very special episode. Revisiting this in the editing process was everything I needed and more to put the biggest smile on my face and remind myself of the power of community. I highly respect each of these incredible humans and they share beautiful insight on the importa...

Authenticity, kindness and integrity go a long way, right? Do you ever feel a pressure in the industry to act a certain way or be a particular kind of person? I know that I have felt this and many people I know from the last 15 years in LA have struggled with this. You think you have to adopt a certain kind of person to fit in or be accepted.  I am stoked to share the conversation with my former s...

I’m sure you’ve noticed the influx of mentorship programs in the dance industry in the last couple years. Clearly, I’m not the exception. But I thought I’d put together 5 things to remember and use to evaluate different programs that may be sparking your interest. In this episode I’m breaking down: How to figure out if the program/mentor is right for you Why it might be beneficial for you to join...

Does it seem like every dancer and their mother is starting up a podcast? Well, it might be true. And hi 🙋‍♀️ But for real - It’s been a really fun way to let out some creativity, share insight from over 15 years in the biz, and, most importantly, connect with industry peers who I truly admire.  Any interest in what it takes to start a podcast of your own? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Kr...

After 2+ years of running my business online, I've had the privilege of talking to hundreds of dancers about their most pressing issues. I wanted to come through and highlight some of my most asked questions because the insight is REAL on this one and I want to share. The top 3 one's I'm discussing today. And yall, we're diving DEEP  Where do I even start? How do I find more wo...

What happens when you hear the word “no”? Do you use it as a fuel to keep going, or let it hold you back? Henrique and Valentino of HQV2 Creative share their thoughts on making mistakes along your journey and how to make the most of them. They have such a warm, positive energy - and it's all good vibes in this episode where we chat about: the love of learning and how that takes you far how be...

Baring it ALL today:  How I got started How I made some first moves on MySpace (!!) How I got my first agent What I did when I got dropped from an agent What I considered when switching agents What you should consider when trying to either gain representation OR maximize your current agency relationship How to balance two separate agents I have not shared a lot of my OWN story, even though this is...

Today I'm joined by the positive and savvy Audra Allen from the Dance CEO Coach. If you've been feeling that itch to start a side hustle, monetize a skill, service or product, this is the episode to get you pumped up and ready for action. We chat: the pros and con's of dance degrees perspective on balance in your personal and professional life personality and vibes when branding you...

Every January is the same song and dance. "New year, new you" they say. I personally think it's impossible to achieve a whole new you in 1 year and I also do not like that pressure! I do, however, think it's a great excuse to reassess what's working, what sucked, and take stock of your priorities. I wanted to come up with a list of ACTIONABLE STEPS you can take right now  ...

Chatting with Cho is always a breath of fresh air. First of all, she is the queen of analogies and dropped so many in this episode. It's always amazing for me to hear the people with the most experience in our industry and their perspectives. I listened to this a few times and each time had a different takeaway. Chonique has that effect on people. You'll learn about: - staying patient an...

I cannot believe a full year has gone by since I started DC:U. What started as an Instagram live series has transpired into one of my fave creative projects to date. It was pretty amazing editing this episode and listening in marvel at all the incredible wisdom and insight we have all been able to soak up. This was never about me. I'm an educator. And as an educator, my community comes first....

Lindsay Rosenberg is arguably one of THE top headshot photographers for dancers in Los Angeles. Not only did she come up in the dance industry (an agent at 12!) and have incredible insight on nailing your next headshot session, I just straight up enjoyed vibing with her. Headshots are your ticket in to auditions, so it's incredibly important to invest in the right photographer who knows the b...

Does this even need a description?! I just want you to win. And I want you to recognize any win you've had this year, big or small. Listen in for 3 signs you freakin CRUSHED this year. And go ahead and celebrate, you deserve it. Some BIG changes happening in 2023. Make sure to subscribe if you haven't already so you get the dish first <3 Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice beh...

You name it, Michelle Elkin has done it. She has had her hand in almost all facets of the industry - TV, film, theatre, education, all of it. She lives and breathes it.  We chat about:  how to stay grounded through the up's and down's of the industry her favorite way to cast dancers the differences in creating for film vs. stage and oh so much more! Michelle on Instagram Michelle Elkin h...

I did a group coaching session and I really wanted to share the conversation. It was honest, open, and real - highlighting REAL LIFE dancer struggles of: - finding structure in a chaotic freelance world - juggling multiple passions - artist life post-pandemic Buckle up for some kick-in-your-pants advice, tough love, realness and some actionable advice to take back some control of your life. If thi...