Best Dancers Resource Podcasts (2025)

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5 Fun Things for Staff Kick Off 18:24

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28d ago18:24

18:24

In Episode 88, we’re diving into 5 Fun Things from our annual Staff Kick-Off—a tradition that helps us reconnect, realign on our mission, and set the tone for a great season. With our big move coming up, we kept this year’s meeting intentionally lighter, knowing a more intensive training is on deck soon. 1) Staff Lunch Away from the Studio A cozy, …

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Dance Teacher Summit NYC Recap! 21:42

1M ago21:42

21:42

Episode 87 – Dance Teacher Summit Recap In this episode of Make Dance Fun, Becca and Dani share a recap from Dance Teacher Summit in New York City. Dance Teacher Summit Highlights: New York Energy: Being back in NYC was a highlight in itself—the food, style, and nonstop inspiration brought fresh energy to the experience. Connecting with Friends: Th…

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5 Fun Things with Melissa McGhee from Lineage Dance Co. 36:46

1M ago36:46

36:46

In Episode 86, we welcome back Melissa McGee from Lineage Dance in Columbus, Ohio. Melissa has had incredible growth since opening her studio just a few years ago, and she’s here to continue our 5 Fun Things series and share what she’s doing at her studio right now that you might want to try, too! 1. Back-to-Dance Merchandise Boxes Melissa noticed …

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Podcast Replay: One on One Conversation with Casey Nicholaw 1:15:44

1M ago1:15:44

1:15:44

Check out this recording of our webinar conversation with Casey Nicholaw hosted on Zoom in March 2025. This conversation focused on Casey’s expansive career. Topics of discussion included his approach to the craft, serving as both director and choreographer on many productions, and his work on the development of new musicals. A short Q & A followed…

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Podcast Replay: One on One Conversation with Rachel Chavkin 1:23:30

1M ago1:23:30

1:23:30

Check out this podcast of our one on one conversation with Rachel Chavkin that we hosted at Sunlight Studios in January 2025. This conversation was focused on Rachel's expansive career as an artist and approach to her craft. There was a focus on her work as founding artistic director of Brooklyn-based experimental collective the TEAM and how her wo…

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Say I Do - Entertainers Worldwide Wedding Planning 1:54

2M ago1:54

1:54

Episode Notes Your wedding day is one of the most important celebrations of your life, and every detail should reflect your unique love story. At Entertainers Worldwide, we believe that unforgettable moments are made when booking the perfect entertainment brings your vision to life. Whether you dream of a romantic string quartet during your ceremon…

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5 Fun Things As We Head to Dance Teacher Summit in NYC 20:57

2M ago20:57

20:57

We’re heading back to New York City for Dance Teacher Summit, and we couldn’t be more excited! In this episode of the Make Dance Fun Podcast, we’re sharing the top 5 things we’re looking forward to as we prepare for this incredible event. Whether you’re attending DTS this year or just dreaming of a trip to NYC, this episode will inspire you with id…

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Last Night A DJ Wrecked My Wedding 2:48

2M ago2:48

2:48

Episode Notes A wedding is a carefully planned celebration where every detail matters — especially the music. The DJ has a powerful role in setting the mood, getting guests dancing, and creating lasting memories. But what happens when the tracks being played just aren’t hitting the mark? Whether the music feels outdated, too niche, or simply not ri…

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5 Fun Things (aka Resources) We Love! 27:54

2M ago27:54

27:54

In Episode 84 of the Make Dance Fun Podcast, we're back with another edition of our “5 Fun Things” series—this time, highlighting some of our favorite resources that we use at our studio on the regular! Here are 5 fun resources that make our studio lives easier, more creative, and more fun! Check out our blog post for links! 1. Canva Print Services…

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5 FUN Things to Freshen Up Your Studio 25:51

2M ago25:51

25:51

Welcome to Episode 83 of the Make Dance Fun Podcast! It’s the middle of summer, and while we’re all squeezing in a little time off between camps and competitions, it’s also a great window to knock out a few things around the studio—and actually make them fun! We’re continuing our Five Fun Things series with this week’s topic: 5 Fun Things to Freshe…

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The Art of Collaboration: Brandon Stirling Baker & Justin Peck 56:07

3M ago56:07

56:07

We are excited to bring you this new episode in our podcast series, The Art of Collaboration, with Brandon Stirling Baker and Justin Peck. This series focuses on directors and choreographers in conversation with some of their collaborators. The series explores the ins and outs of these processes, both finer details as well as overarching ideas abou…

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5 FUN Things to Do with your Dancers During Intensive Week 23:10

3M ago23:10

23:10

Welcome to episode 82 of the Make Dance Fun Podcast! Today, we’re kicking off a brand-new series called Five Fun Things—a collection of episodes where we’ll share creative ways to bring more FUN into different parts of your dance season. Because, after all, our mission is to help you Make Dance Fun! In this episode, we’re focusing on five fun thing…

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And So It Begins...The NEW Rhythm! 35:34

3M ago35:34

35:34

Welcome back to Make Dance Fun! In episode 81, we’re diving into something BIG: our brand-new dance studio space! Now that nationals are behind us, we’re shifting focus to prepping for the upcoming season—and at the top of our list is building out our brand-new studio! This week, we’re sharing more about the journey that’s been 32 years in the maki…

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Behind the Curtain: The Magic of Rhythm Shows 42:37

3M ago42:37

42:37

In Episode 80, we’re diving into what happens once the show begins—from loading the truck to the final confetti blast!! If you caught Episode 79, you already heard all the behind-the-scenes prep that goes into our show season. If not, make sure to listen to that one as well! In this episode, we're covering: The week of the show: Friday truck load-o…

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Follow The Yellow Brick Road to our Year-End Show: 7 Months of Planning! 1:04:57

3M ago1:04:57

1:04:57

In episode 79, we're taking you behind the scenes of our 7-month journey from our October Year-End Show Retreat all the way through dress rehearsal week! We’re sharing how we plan, what gets done when, and how our team brings it all together to create a magical show experience. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of our show planning timeline: Novemb…

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Slowing Down to Speed Up: Amber’s Journey Through Grief, Binge Eating & Bikini Competing 43:59

3M ago43:59

43:59

Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with Amber, a bikini competitor who shares her raw and real journey through five competitions. After earning 5thplace in her debut show, she faced the harsh reality of binge eating, grief, and a reverse diet gone wrong. Amber opens up about canceling a prep she wasn’t ready for, why slowing down was the be…

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6 Things in 6 Months: Let’s Recap! 29:22

4M ago29:22

29:22

We’re back with Episode 78! And we’re recapping six big things that have happened over the past six months at Rhythm and Confetti on the Dance Floor — and giving you a sneak peek at what’s coming this summer. From new Camp Confettis to our biggest announcement ever (we’re moving!), this episode is packed with all the fun, chaos, and sparkle you exp…

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From NPC to OCB: You Have to Be Able to Rely on Yourself with Kelsey Raley 37:49

4M ago37:49

37:49

Send us a text In this episode of Cupcakes and Protein Shakes, I chat with Kelsey Raley, a competitor who shares her transformation story from stepping on stage with the NPC to switching federations and competing with the OCB. She dives into what she learned, what she wished she knew, and gives real advice for first-time competitors. 👉 Why doing yo…

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From Broke & Burned Out to Backstage Boss: NPC Bikini Competitor Samantha Scales’ Comeback to the Stage 49:49

4M ago49:49

49:49

Send us a text In this powerful episode, Samantha Scales opens up about her rocky start in 2017—cheating on her reverse diet, not taking prep seriously, and ultimately quitting halfway through because she couldn’t afford to continue. Now, years later, she's preparing for Nationals, sharing the hard lessons she learned, and running her own “Stage Mo…

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A Conversation with Anne Bogart 37:16

4M ago37:16

37:16

Enjoy this special stand alone episode with Anne Bogart. This is a recorded in-person conversation held in London with the Young Vic and SDCF in January 2025 that is now in podcast form. Anne discusses working in the theatre as a director including delving into her directing practices both as artist and teacher as well as her work through co-foundi…

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From Ice Skates to the NPC Stage | Mandy Wescott’s 1st Season Transformation Bikini Body Building 47:02

4M ago47:02

47:02

Send us a text In this episode, Mandy Wescott shares how she went from supporting her husband’s prep to stepping on stage herself placing Top 5 at the NPC Ben Weider show in her first season. With a background in sports and ice skating, she mastered posing and leaned into discipline over comfort. Learn how trusting the process and showing up even w…

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From Spine Surgery to Stage: 40+ Mom of 4 Shares Her Bikini Journey Christina Spencer 44:51

5M ago44:51

44:51

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with a truly inspiring athlete — a 40-year-old mom of four who chased her dream of stepping on stage after overcoming divorce, spine surgery, and major life changes. After an unsuccessful prep in 2019, she rebuilt herself mentally and physically, competing successfully in two bikini shows in 2024. She sha…

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Compete Against Yourself | Lisa Schurr's NPC Bikini Journey & Reverse Dieting Advice 39:13

5M ago39:13

39:13

Send us a text Lisa Schurr has competed in 10 NPC bikini competitions since 2022—and she's just getting started. In this episode, she shares her biggest lessons, including: Why reverse dieting is non-negotiable Competing only against yourself The truth about realistic expectations for placing Why posing is everything If you're a first-time competit…

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The Power of Planning: Healing After the Stage with a Former Dancer & ED Therapist 53:01

5M ago53:01

53:01

Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. We talk about her personal struggles with body image and ED from her background in dance, and how that shaped her passion for helping others. We dive into why having a plan—before and after your show—is critical, the role of a support system, and what t…

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Stop. Do You Even Love Yourself Before Stepping on Stage? 42:34

5M ago42:34

42:34

Send us a text 💥 Episode Summary: Before you pick a coach or step on stage, ask yourself: Do you truly love yourself? In this episode, we sit down with a seasoned athlete who's competed in bikini and wellness — now prepping for her fourth show. We break down the 3 must-haves for a successful competition journey: ✔️ How to choose the right coach (an…

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The Art of Collaboration: dots and Anne Kauffman 57:00

5M ago57:00

57:00

We are excited to bring you this new episode in our podcast series, The Art of Collaboration with Anne Kauffman and dots. This series focuses on directors and choreographers in conversation with some of their collaborators. This series explores the ins and outs of these processes, both finer details as well as overarching ideas about what goes into…

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Train Smarter NOT harder. Hormone Health for Competitors: Everything You Need to Know Before Stepping on Stage! 1:16:55

6M ago1:16:55

1:16:55

Send us a text Key Points to Cover: ✅ How Hormones Impact Your Prep – Understanding cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid health. ✅ Common Hormonal Imbalances – How to spot red flags like fatigue, water retention, or stalled fat loss. ✅ Smart Training & Nutrition – Optimizing workouts and diet to support hormone balance. ✅ Supplements & Blo…

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How to Start Bodybuilding & Compete: Beginner’s Guide to Stepping on Stage 54:40

7M ago54:40

54:40

Send us a text 🎙 How to Start Bodybuilding & Step on Stage: Beginner’s Guide 🏆💪 Thinking about competing in bodybuilding but don’t know where to start? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know to go from beginner to stage-ready. Whether you’re new to lifting or dreaming of stepping on stage, this guide covers the essential steps t…

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Bikini Competition Journey: From Beginner to Stage Success, Lessons, Coaching, and Goals | Rachel Dempsey 39:45

9M ago39:45

39:45

Send us a text Guest's Fitness Journey Inspired by Ashley Kaltwasser's videos after two years in the gym. Started as a beginner with no athletic background, gained 15 lbs after marriage. Discovered bikini competitions while stationed in Japan with the military, with no social media influence at the time. First Competition Experience Began competing…

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From College Life to Bikini Stage: Felicia Chang's NPC Journey, Prep Struggles, and Post-Show Real Talk 47:31

9M ago47:31

47:31

Send us a text Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of 22-year-old Felicia, a Texas State University student with a background in musical theater who discovered her passion for fitness and bodybuilding. Felicia shares how a friend's mom and a simple scroll through Instagram introduced her to the NPC Bikini division. …

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Art of Collaboration with Shana Carroll, Jesse Robb, and Jessica Stone - Podcast Replay 1:25:52

10M ago1:25:52

1:25:52

Check out this podcast replay of the SDCF Panel: Art of Collaboration with Shana Carroll, Jesse Robb, and Jessica Stone that we hosted at the Museum of Broadway. They discuss the ins and outs of their creative processes as they collaborated on Water for Elephants, both the finer details as well as overarching ideas about what goes into a productive…

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SDCF Panel: The Journey from Dancer to Choreographer - Podcast Replay 1:23:42

10M ago1:23:42

1:23:42

Check out this podcast replay of our SDCF Panel: The Journey from Dancer to Choreographer with Mayte Natalio, Adesola Osakalumi, and Ellenore Scott. This conversation focuses on career transitions or expansions, specifically for dancers who have shifted or added choreography to their artistic practice. We hosted this panel at Sunlight Studios in Fe…

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SDCF Panel: Demystifying Pre-Production - Podcast Replay 1:31:01

10M ago1:31:01

1:31:01

Check out this podcast replay of the SDCF Virtual Panel: Demystifying Pre-Production with Knud Adams, Maija García, and Delicia Turner Sonnenberg. This conversation focuses on the pre-production process, giving insights and a better understanding of all the things that happen between when a director signs a contract and first rehearsal. The panelis…

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SDCF One on One Conversation with Michael Arden - Podcast Replay 1:23:55

10M ago1:23:55

1:23:55

Check out this podcast replay of our one on one conversation with 2023 Tony Award Winner Michael Arden hosted by SDCF and the Museum of Broadway. Interviewed by SDC Executive Director Laura Penn, this conversation focuses on Michael's expansive career to date including a deeper dive into his work as an artist and practice as a director. We held thi…

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Behind the Scenes: Year-End Show Retreat Highlights 38:32

11M ago38:32

38:32

In episode 77, we're talking about our annual year-end show retreat, sharing our top takeaways, organization hacks, and some creative touches we add to make our year-end show is a fun and unique experience! Annual Year-End Show Retreat Highlights Pre-Retreat Prep Review last season’s recap to set clear goals. Streamline props and sets; reduce and r…

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Fit, Fierce, and Almost Pro: Nurse & Bikini Competitor Jennifer Garland on Health, Hustle, and Smarter Training 1:01:44

11M ago1:01:44

1:01:44

Send us a text In this episode, we chat with Jennifer Garland, who came just one spot away from earning her pro card. Jennifer shares her insights on the importance of maintaining your health to stay agile and active, whether it’s for safety or to keep up with your grandkids. We also discuss the benefits of eating whole foods, reducing cravings, an…

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Make Halloweek Dance Fun! 25:48

11M ago25:48

25:48

In Episode 76, we're talking all things HALLOWEEK and sharing fun things we do at our studio to make dance extra fun! Some of the things we talk about are: Encourage dancers to dress as a character from our show theme and give out a special sticker if they do Staff Pumpkin Pizzazz party Staff photo - everyone chooses a character from our theme to d…

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Confetti Conversation with Melissa McGhee, Head Coach of The Ohio State Dance Team - Part 2 33:35

12M ago33:35

33:35

In Episode 75 of Make Dance Fun, we continue our Confetti Conversation with the amazing Melissa McGhee, Head Coach of The Ohio State Dance Team who also owns her own studio, Lineage Dance in Columbus, Ohio! Make sure you listen to Part 1 if you haven't listened yet! In Part 2, Melissa talks all things team mentality, leadership, how she scouts, rec…

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Season 5: Don’t be a prepzilla & sharing her experience post show with Savana 33:42

12M ago33:42

33:42

Send us a text In this episode, Savana recaps where she’s been the last few months and how her show went in August. We get updated on her reverse diet thoughts, mindset, and feelings. She also dives into the topic about not using prep as an excuse to be a bad person. She touches on her plans for her upcoming season and we find out that she is eight…

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Confetti Conversation with Melissa McGhee, Head Coach of The Ohio State Dance Team - Part 1 29:53

12M ago29:53

29:53

In episode 74 of Make Dance Fun, we are SO excited to have a Confetti Conversation with Melissa McGhee, studio owner and Head Coach of The Ohio State Dance Team! If you do not already know Melissa, you are in for a treat to learn about her background, how she became head coach of the nation's top dance team, and all about her own studio which is no…

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A TWIST of FUN to Your K-2 Dance Classes! 22:58

12M ago22:58

22:58

In this podcast episode, we introduce our new TWIST program, sharing why we created it and how it fits into our dance studio, along with the many class options we offer for our K-2 dancers. We start by giving an update on our "State of Confetti" meeting, an annual planning session for our 9th Confetti season. During this meeting, we planned two Cam…

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From Year-End to Start Over Again: A Big Recap! 36:30

1y ago36:30

36:30

Episode 72: From Year-End to Start Over Again: A Big Recap! - **Welcome Back!** - After a long break, we’re excited to return with Episode 72! Our last podcast was about planning your summer, and now we're sharing what came next—a lot has happened in the past six months! - **CAMP CONFETTI Success** - Launched our most successful camp ever, “In My S…

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From Personal Trainer to Bikini Queen, Carissa Ferguson's advice to New Competitors 45:00

1+ y ago45:00

45:00

Send us a text Get ready to be inspired! Join us as we sit down with bikini athlete and coach Carissa Ferguson for an exclusive peek into her incredible fitness journey. Discover how she went from feeling "not fit enough" as a personal trainer to dominating the bikini stage in eight competitions. But that's not all – Carissa spills the tea on her u…

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Corporate Hustler to Pro Card Pursuit: The Journey of Kellie Keehr 52:24

1+ y ago52:24

52:24

Send us a text Join us for an illuminating conversation with Kellie Keehr as she unveils her remarkable journey of balancing a demanding corporate career with her passion for competition. From navigating the pressures of the boardroom to dominating the stage, Kellie shares her insights, challenges, and triumphs. Now, as she embarks on a well-deserv…

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Transformative 80lbs Weight Loss: The Inspiring Journey of Gloryanne Carswell 53:10

1+ y ago53:10

53:10

Send us a text In this compelling episode, we have the privilege of delving into the extraordinary story of Gloryanne Carswell, a dynamic athlete whose journey embodies resilience, determination, and redemption. At the tender age of 20, Gloryanne embarked on a competitive athletic career with unwavering passion and ambition. However, life threw her…

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Unveiling the Hidden Struggles: Inside the Mind of a Bodybuilding Psychologist Erica Magsam💪🧠 55:30

1+ y ago55:30

55:30

Send us a text In this insightful episode, we have the privilege of chatting with Erica Magsam, a remarkable individual who is breaking barriers in the world of bodybuilding and mental health advocacy. As a clinical psychologist and dedicated athlete, Erica brings a unique perspective to the conversation, shedding light on the often-overlooked stru…

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Runway Reflections: Yocheved's Journey Through Modeling Camp Coco Rocha 1:13:10

1+ y ago1:13:10

1:13:10

Send us a text Join hosts Savana and Yocheved as they delve into the captivating world of modeling through the eyes of Yo. In this episode, Yo shares their exhilarating experience at modeling camp, offering insights, challenges, and memorable moments from their time on the runway. From navigating auditions to mastering catwalk techniques, Yo takes …

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From Mom to Muscle: The Surprising Secrets of a Master Bikini Athlete Julie Taylor 1:07:06

1+ y ago1:07:06

1:07:06

Send us a text Discover the awe-inspiring story of Julie Taylor, a 45-year-old single mom of four and business owner who defies expectations as a master bikini athlete. Standing tall at 5'10", she shares her secrets to balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and competitive fitness, including her unique approach of sleeping in a waist trainer. Join…

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Fit at Any Age: Lessons from turning Pro at 53 with Colleen DiVito 39:05

1+ y ago39:05

39:05

Send us a text Discover the incredible journey of OCB Pro Collen DiVito, who defied conventions by turning pro at 53. In this episode, she shares how she cultivated winning habits, overcame setbacks, and embraced growth, culminating in a confident stage presence and a well-deserved title. Join us as we explore the power of perseverance and self-bel…

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Choreographers in Conversation: Camden Gonzales & Sonya Tayeh 44:46

1+ y ago44:46

44:46

We are excited to bring you another episode in our podcast series Choreographers in Conversation. This series allows choreographers to interview other choreographers whose work excites them as a way to learn more about their craft and preserve the stories of these exciting artists in our industry. In this episode Choreographer Camden Gonzales inter…