The Studio North Podcast

In this finale episode, we catch Scott and Carmen Forsyth in the middle of a full-on season of life—getting ready to welcome a new baby while preparing for the upcoming IDL season (t-minus 43 days at time of recording). They share how their priorities are shifting, what they’re learning as they juggle it all, and how they’re staying grounded through the chaos. It’s an honest and thoughtful look at...

In this episode, Scott sits down with Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist and Dora Award winner Raoul Wilke for a conversation filled with depth and inspiration. Raoul shares his journey from discovering dance to becoming a professor, unpacking the history of vernacular jazz, the creation of his crew Moon Runners, and the importance of staying a lifelong student. Known for his incredible wisdom...

In this episode, Scott, Carmen, and baby Tommy sit down with Tyler Quincy as he shares how he was introduced to waacking after stumbling across it on YouTube. He talks about how the pandemic reshaped his dance journey while he was simultaneously navigating law school and building a professional career. Tyler also breaks down how battle culture influences the way he approaches teaching and why stro...

In this special Black History Month episode, Jay Musodi, our guest host, sits down with Felicity Kuyena for a heartfelt conversation about dance and identity. Felicity shares her origin story, from feeling like an underdog on her high school dance team to stepping into a teaching role at Studio North. Together, they reflect on what Black History Month means on a personal level, the responsibility...

In this episode, Derick Robinson shares his journey from competitive soccer to dance, reflecting on the pivots, rejections, and defining moments that have shaped his longevity in the industry. From judging opportunities in Macedonia to building community through The Original Gentlemen, Derick offers honest insight into staying true to yourself. We also deep dive into his 14+ year teaching career,...

In this episode, Scott sits down with Humuza to chat about his remarkable underdog story. From not making his high school dance team to winning Red Bull Dance Your Style multiple times, Humuza shares his honest reflections on what it takes to win and his mindset to get there. He opens up about what it’s like dealing with so much pressure, balancing choreography with battle culture, and finding his...

In this episode, Carmen sits down with Emily Mustard to chat about all things Style & Grace, where her passion for dance began, and creating safe spaces as a heels teacher. Emily opens up about confidence, girlhood, and how her experience as an RMT shapes the way she cares for dancers both in and out of the studio. We also dive into what it’s really like working with her husband, Kelvin, plus...

In this episode, Scott sits down with Percy Anane-Dwumfour to talk about his journey as a dancer, teacher, and multifaceted artist—from teaching the Toronto Raptors how to dance to leading workshops in Rwanda with Giants of Africa. Percy shares how his early influences, faith, and willingness to face rejection shaped his path across dance, visual art, and acting, including landing his first acting...

Episode 21: In this episode, Scott sits down with Eldon Lingsangan for his very first podcast appearance, unpacking his journey from his early days as a breaker to becoming a viral TikTok creator with millions of followers. Eldon opens up about screen time, his strategy for content creation, and what life is really like behind the lens while navigating industry work and his role in Brotherhood. He...

Episode 20: In this episode, Scott and Carmen (and baby Tommy!) sit down with Carl Mandac for peek into his dance journey; from growing up in the Philippines to becoming one of Toronto’s leading choreographers. Carl opens up about discovering dance later in life, the mentors who shaped him, what students can expect in his class, and his unexpected hobbies. We also talk about everything from the di...

Episode 19: In this episode, Scott sits down with Deion Rojas to talk about his journey from scrappy beginnings to becoming one of Toronto’s most respected teachers. Deion opens up about the evolution of the Toronto dance scene, lessons learned in the studio, and the ongoing balance between teaching and staying a student. Plus, we get into his inspirations, what dancers can expect in his classes,...

Episode 18: In this episode, we sit down with powerhouse dancer and choreographer Jac Valiquette to talk about her journey from her first dance class to becoming an inspiring leader in the industry. Jac opens up about teaching, growth, humility, and what it means to build confidence while staying true to yourself. (This episode was recorded on November 21, 2024) 0:00 - Intro 01:06 - Welcome Jac Va...

Episode 17: After a six-year hiatus, Brotherhood is back and bigger than ever. In this episode, we’re joined by Adrian Vendiola and Kelvin Tu to talk about what it was really like reuniting the crew, preparing two massive sets for the inaugural IDL competition, and ultimately taking home the win. From last-minute setbacks to viral moments and what’s next for the crew, we’re diving into everything...

Episode 16: In this first episode of Season 2 Scott and Carmen discuss what they’ve been up to for the last year: Brotherhood winning the inaugural International Dance League event, the growth at Studio North, work/life integration, Scott’s new hobby and Carmen’s life as a WAG. 0:00 — Welcome & Intro 1:04 —  We’re back for Season 2! 4:13 — Scott’s new hobby 10:33 — The Studio North Team Grows!...

In this episode, Scott and Carmen talk about Studio North updates, flying with Tommy for the first time, Breaking at the Olympics, and answer some of your questions in the finale of Season 1. Be sure to leave us a review, drop a comment, and let us know if you enjoyed this season! 0:00 — Intro 1:54 — We Got Air Conditioning! 4:15 — Tommy’s First Flight 10:25 — Studio 6 in Toronto 13:02 — Hip Hop I...

Episode 14: In this episode, Scott and Shaun talk about working in the Kpop industry, the closure and reopening of Movement Lifestyle, and his experience visiting Studio North. Shaun Evaristo is the creator of Movement Lifestyle, co-founder of The Company, has worked with some of the world's biggest artists, and continues to travel internationally, inspiring generations of movers. 0:00 — Intro...

Episode 13: Shaun Evaristo is the creator of Movement Lifestyle, co-founder of The Company, has worked with some of the world's biggest artists, and continues to travel internationally, inspiring generations of movers. In this episode, Scott and Shaun talk about his choreographic process, advice for the next generation, how Movement Lifestyle started, and so much more. 0:00 — Intro 1:02 — Shau...

Episode 12: In this episode, Carmen and Scott reveal that they’re opening a new studio in Vancouver! They delve into the rich history of the building, reflect on 5 incredible years of Studio North, and talk about the unique challenges of building a studio with a newborn. 0:00 — Intro 0:49 — New haircut 1:45 — Big News 2:10 — Mount Pleasant 6:31 — Timing with Tommy & the buildout 9:41 — History...

Episode 11: In this episode, Scott and Carmen sit down with Habi Clement to talk about his dance journey, battling imposter syndrome, and how he applies computer science to his choreographic process. 0:00 — Intro 1:40 — How Habi started dancing 5:29 — Differences between dancing back home and in Canada 9:00 — Enjoying dance  12:52 — Motivation for taking class after a long day 16:30 — Battling imp...

Episode 10: In this episode, Scott and Carmen sit down with Jay Musodi to talk about his journey as an educator, tips for anyone thinking of getting into teaching as a career, and how teaching is ultimately a form of service.  0:00 — Intro 2:15 — How Jay started dancing 4:41 — Moving to the west coast 5:13 — How Scott first met Jay 7:17 — Moving to Vancouver 11:55 — How Jay started teaching 22:55...

Episode 09: In this episode, Scott and Carmen introduce their son, Tommy, to the podcast, talk about how he came into this world, and what it’s been like living with a newborn these past few weeks. 0:00 — Intro 1:20 — Special Request 2:23 — Introducing Tommy 4:39 — First Few Weeks 6:50 — How Tommy Arrived 18:06 — Carmen’s Perspective 21:23 — What to Expect When Baby Arrives 28:16 — Postpartum 30:3...

Episode 08: In this episode, Maria Villanueva shares the benefits of training on a team, what it was like transitioning from a dancer to a director of a team, and tips on training smarter, not harder.   0:00 — Intro 1:57 — How Maria started dancing  2:20 — The competitive world 4:57 — How to stay motivated on a team 6:33 — Training on a team vs. taking drop-ins 11:40 — Benefits of being on a team...

Episode 07: In this episode, Michael Delleva sits down and shares his dance journey, revealing how he made the jump from dancer to actor. 0:00 — Intro 01:17 — Who is Michael Delleva? 05:44 — What makes a good team director? 10:18 — Michael is one of the greatest performers 12:21 — When did Michael get into directing teams? 15:36 — Transitioning into acting 20:54 — Where can you find Michael on the...

Episode 06: In this episode, Scott and Carmen reflect on how dance brought them together over 10 years ago, how they broke up using concept videos, and relationship green flags.  0:00 — Intro 00:29 — How Dance Brought Us Together 01:03 — How We Met 05:54 — The Breakup 07:03 — Breakup Concept Videos 13:14 — The Era of Concept Videos 16:19 — Relationship Advice for the Youngins 21:18 — Pillars of a...

Episode 05: Adrian Vendiola talks with Scott and Carmen about pursuing dance as a career, the difference between inspiration vs. discipline, and how he makes choreography for stage vs. class. 0:00 — Intro 1:27 — Adrian’s Origin Story 2:00 — Magic Tricks 4:12 — How Adrian Started Dancing 7:42 — Pursing Dance As Your Career 25:36 — Inspiration vs. discipline 31:16 — Coming up with Brotherhood’s them...