Welcome to Episode 89 of the DanceSpeak podcast with the beautiful Jasmine Rafael. You may have seen Jasmine dancing with Ariana Grande on the recent VMA's or in her class videos from Millennium.
Of course, I had to geek out a little on Jasmine's teaching and ask her about how she prepares for her classes, etc, but, the heart of this episode lives in us having a REAL human-to-human conversation about the 'less glamorous' aspects that might be harder to discuss in an industry that praises perfection.
Jasmine shares about her focus on being a professional dancer in the midst of teaching success and her big move from Los Angeles to New York City, followed by a choice to move back to Los Angeles. This is a brave person right here who takes the reigns on her destiny!
We then explore topics that I hear a lot about in confidence, but I'm not sure they are discussed in the open. We talk about depression, addictive patterns, body image, relationships, and being 'in it.' AND, how we can still stay plugged into the world and seek help and not ignore our state of being, when we are going throw a low time.
Jasmine: I applaud you, I admire you, I respect you for sharing yourself so fully, in the belief that this conversation let's us all connect in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Instagram: instagram.com/jasminejrafael
Website: jasminerafael.com/biography
YouTube: youtube.com/killaJAMzz
IMDb: imdb.com/jasminerafael

Welcome to episode 88 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Mel Mah. As a dancer, credits include Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Britney Spears, and more. As Mel has been pursuing directing, in addition to her own projects, she recently assisted the director on the film: The Hate U Give. That's a big deal y'all.
This episode covers stories and insights from Mel's experiences as a professional dancer, her passion for mindfulness as a yoga teacher, her journey as a film director, her business life with You Got This Girl, and, life lessons as a human being.
From Mel's dance life, she shares what she did to stay working and empowered during the 'slow seasons' as well as her choice to drastically change her look, even if it meant booking less work. We then explore Mel's choice to transition out of dance and into the film world, even if it meant turning down a potential second tour experience with Janet Jackson. Mel shares some of her favorite takeaways from touring with Janet Jackson for over a year (again, before diving completely into film).
Then, we get into the FILM journey and how she knew when/that it was time to transition into a new role. Beneath all of her stories in dance and film, Mel's path as a yoga teacher intersects and plays an important role in her success and staying grounded.
I almost feel like I'm writing a novel with this blurb... but we cover sooo much (and in a relatively short time)... there's also Mel's life as a business owner with You Got This Girl (YGTG). Mel shares about this important company, overcoming a split with her business partner, and how she ultimately had and continues to have it all work.
And...we talk about LOVE. I had to ask about it, as Mel does it all and also opens up about the positive influence her hubby has had on her professional life, and I feel this is something we need to hear and can be inspired by!
If you're still reading, you are awesome. This interview is a gem that I am excited to share.

Mel Mah
Website: melmah.com
Twitter: twitter.com/melmah
Instagram: instagram.com/mellymah

You Got This, Girl!
YGTG Website: ygtgofficial.com
YGTG Twitter: twitter.com/ygtgofficial
YGTG Instagram: instagram.com/ygtgofficial

Welcome to episode 87 of DanceSpeak with Devin Solomon and Jimmy Weeden. Both originally from Indiana, these two friends bring a sense of calm in their demeanor, with a work ethic that is undeniable. I believe that this episode fulfills on the podcast's intention to have listeners feel closer to the guests they listen to and hopefully more connected to the sometimes-enigmatic dance world.
Devin and Jimmy discuss their experience of moving away from their hometowns and the cultural differences they noticed. We geek out on the dance styles of the Midwest, pay homage to YouTube and the doors it opened for them, discuss teaching as a passion that is also becoming a trend... We talk about what drives these talented men, their strengths, their weakness, making lemons out of lemonade (hayy), and their biggest lessons on 2018.

Devin Solomon
Instagram: instagram.com/devin_solomon
Twitter: twitter.com/devin_solomon
YouTube: youtube.com/DDARRELL1000
MDC: millenniumdancecomplex.com/devin-solomon

Jimmy Weeden
Instagram: instagram.com/jimmyweeden
Twitter: twitter.com/JimmyWeeden
YouTube: youtube.com/jimmyweeden317
Facebook: facebook.com/JimmyWeeden

Welcome to episode 86 of DanceSpeak with Lauren Ritchie, the host and creator of the Dance Podcast. There is a relatively small number of dance podcast-ers out there, so I was not only geeked to 'meet' Lauren, but dumbfounded to find her to be such a passionate dance educator, with background in fitness (like me) AND a major care for self-development (like me!).  
This interview will take you through a deep-dive on how to be a continuously growing dance educator, leader, and/or student in the dance world (and even outside if you apply it to other disciplines). We span topics from how to powerfully deal with unrest in the community, to discussing the concept of 'tribal shaming', and how to choose the right programs to 'grow' your knowledge and self.
Of course, I made sure to ask Lauren about her experiences as a dance podcast host, as well as lessons she has learned in this field. We touch on some genuine topics including, an exploration of how staring the mirror for so long (as dancers) can impact the way we view ourselves, and the question around entering a potentially saturated market as a dance teacher.
This episode is filled with uplift, honesty, care, and unabridged thought that comes from a lifetime in the dance community and industry.  Please...enjoy!

Lauren Ritchie
Twitter: twitter.com/lauren_ritchie
Instagram: instagram.com/lauren_m_ritchie
Website: bdybylauren.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/Ritchie.L
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The Dance Podcast!
Website: thedancepodcast.com
Twitter: twitter.com/thedancepodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/thedancepodcast
iTunes: itunes.com/the-dance-podcast/

Episode 85 with Tim Milgrim (T.Milly Creative) takes you on the journey with one of the most impactful creators behind some of the most popular dance content on your computer, phone, and t.v. screens. (Yes, I know this is a super bold/blanket statement, but it's true... look up Tim's work).
In this episode we cover: 
- Tim quitting his computer programing career to pursue dance
- Tim’s transition from dancing professionally to filming 
- Advice on choosing between dance and other passions 
- Being from another country and moving around
- What Tim finds the most exceptional dancers have in common 
- What it’s like working for Tim
- Growing his brand and from an individual into a company 
- Tim’s secret dream 
- How he developed his craft in filming dance 
- Perspective on what it’s like to be the director on a job 
- How Tim balances out professional life with personal 
- The basic film knowledge Tim thinks all dancers should have for social media 
- How Tim goes about combining the classroom experience with in-studio filing
- Tim starting and hosting its/his own classes
- New perspective as studio owner
- What’s next for the dance world 
- What from his upbringing helped prepare him with his career 
- Dealing with stress
- We get philosophical AF near the end, and it's AWESOME
Enjoy, take notes, let us know what you think! We love when you leave us a review on iTunes. Keep in touch with us on Insta @dancespeakpodcast!!!

Twitter: twitter.com/timmilgram
Instagram: instagram.com/timmilgram
YouTube: youtube.com/timmilgram
Facebook: facebook.com/milgram
Website: timmilgram.com
T.Mily Creative: tmilly.com
TMilly TV: tmilly.tv
IMDb: www.imdb.com/timmilgram

Episode 84 of DanceSpeak proudly presents a re-release of our 2016 interview with Chuck Maldonado.
In this episode, you'll find Chuck Maldonado celebrating his 20th anniversary as a professional in the dance industry. Carrying a resume of over 28 feature films and work on hundreds of television shows, Chuck is clearly someone we can learn a lot from.
One of the first jaw-dropping facts I learned in my interview with Chuck, is that he began his career as a professional dancer at 29. With a strong sense of purpose, and unbeatable work ethic, Chuck shares what it took to train himself to the level of his peers and make his dreams tangible.
Some of the highlights of this episode include: what has changed in Los Angeles' dance industry in the last 15 years, tips on networking, how Chuck chooses his assistants, a choreographer's perspective on hiring friends, thoughts on having a back-up plan, advice for choreographers and dancers booking work in the industry, recommendations on how a dancer should prepare before moving to L.A. for dance, tips on head shots, Chuck's dance convention, and more.
Enjoy this episode! I recommend taking notes!

Welcome to episode 83 of the DanceSpeak podcast where we give you a POWERFUL DanceByte from our 2016 episode with Chuck Maldonado. In this conversation, Chuck shares his jaw-dropping testimony on how his dance career found him in the most unexpected of ways.
For more of Chuck's story, check out the full interview re-released as episode 84.

You might know the guest for episode 82, Liana Blackburn, through her body language class, her daily dancer diet instagram page, or from her abundant resume (credits include Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez, Glee and more). Regardless of which avenue in Liana's career inspires you most, it is clear in each facet of her life that she cares to empower others and is stopped at nothing in her pursuits.
Topics that we explore include: 
- Liana's mindset around goals  
- Who inspires and has influenced Liana 
- Intention vs. attention
- The approach that transformed Liana’s creative process
- The magic of taking an acting class as a dancer
- The story behind her sought after body-language class
- Building a class from scratch 
- Brainstorm: How can the health enthusiasts of the dance world unite?
- The role nutrition plays in Liana's life and some tips
- Where she draws work boundaries and what she’s focused on now
- And an in-depth conversation around shifting one's relationship to make-up
Enjoy, and thank you for listening to DanceSpeak!

Twitter: twitter.com/dailydancerdiet
Instagram: instagram.com/dailydancerdiet
Website: dailydancerdiet.com
YouTube: youtube.com/DailyDancerDiet
Facebook: facebook.com/dailydancerdiet
BroadwayDanceCenter: broadwaydancecenter.com/liana-blackburn

Galen Hooks has a resume and accolades that could make you gasp, pass out, wake up, review, and pass out again. To name a few... Galen has worked with Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber, Usher, Ne-Yo, on LXD (League of Extraordinary Gentlemen), Dream Girls... Galen has advocated for dancers rights through her 10 years on the Dancers Alliance board and, oh yeah, she has a law degree.

Beyond being a unicorn of many talents and super-hero focus, she is a person (a person-unicorn). Galen warmly opens up on many topics including: the boundaries she draws with social media, tips of being sexy with your headshots (if you're going there) without overdoing it or being underwhelming, her recent injury, how she manages wearing so many hats, decision-making, thoughts on burnout and her own experience with ups and downs, who she looks up to, finding love, what being a true professional looks like, her progression from having empty classes to packing them out, and... well... more!
​
Thank you for listening and ENJOY :) 

Instagram: instagram.com/galenhooks
Twitter: twitter.com/galenhooks
Website: galenhooks.com
YouTube: youtube.com/galenhooks
Facebook: facebook.com/Galen-Hooks
Wikipedia: wikipedia.org/Galen_Hooks

Welcome to episode 80 of DanceSpeak with Christina Shipp, CEO of Accelerated Artist. In this segment we focus on how to powerfully be YOU while thriving in your business/success as an artist. (Also...Christina is really fun to listen to, period... regardless of what you do, she's just that kind of gem).
Topics that we cover (some of them, at least) are: GETTING UNSTUCK when you feel you've been taking all of the steps to thrive in your career, figuring out your 'look', how to get back to YOUR essence, self-care, what to do if you have a chip on your shoulder, the benefit of choosing and failing, wearing one hat vs. wearing many hats, how to powerfully show up at an audition when you are told to “show up as you” and you still want to stick out, how to be honest with where are you emotionally, and more.
Listen, enjoy, and let us know what you think!

Twitter: twitter.com/christinashipp
Instagram: instagram.com/rockandrollromantic
Website: christinashipp.com
YouTube: youtube.com/TheChristinaShipp
IMDb: www.imdb.com/ChristinaShipp
Accelerated Artist: acceleratedartist.com