Words That Move Me with Dana Wilson

The fullest couch I have ever had! From the convention ballroom, to boy band battles, to working with Beyoncé’s producer: our wildest episode yet! Join the Full Circle Boys as we spill ALL the tea on their journey from ‘convention kids with a dream’ to working with music industry legends: Studio sessions with Tricky Stewart (the genius behind Beyoncé, Rihanna, and more!) Their hilarious first show at an all-girls Catholic school (featuring Dawson’s epic jacket fail ) Which one of them is the Mariah Carey of the group? (Spoiler: James’s runs are ) ‘Boy Band this or that’ Who’s most likely to be late (but comes with snacks!) Plus, we’re dishing on the shock of going from ‘gentle claps’ to full-on fan frenzy, and why top producers are surprisingly humble. It’s a musical journey from Hansen to harmonies, packed with laughs, lessons, and exclusive music industry insights you won’t want to miss! Watch the full episode on YouTube! Show Notes: Follow the Full Circle Boys on IG  Listen to the Full Circle Boys Single “Call My Name”  N’SYNC at the Yankees World Series N’SYNC VMA 2000 Performance For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE  Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok 

Caroline M. Diamond co-hosts with Dana Wilson and guest Riley Higgins on the Words That Move Me Podcast this week! Caroline and Riley recently joined Dana in her Skeleton Crew for Paula Abdul’s new tour! What IS a skeleton crew? Why is it essential? How can skeleton crew prep be challenging? What do skeleton crew dancers/choreographers do, and how do you get good at it?… We unpack all of it, and we touch on how being competitive dancers positioned us for our professional work (for better and for worse). Listen in to hear a few tips for creating prototypes for your work, tricks for managing impostor syndrome, and many breaks for laughter. Watch the full episode here. Show Notes: Connect with Caroline on IG Connect with Riley on IG For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE  Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok Here is the full transcript.

Dana Wilson hosts Jillian Meyers on the Words That Move Me Podcast this week! Jillian’s work has touched the biggest stages and screens on earth; she has given rhythm to the beating hearts of dancers everywhere. Today, we answer the question: what’s even better than being impressive? We also unpack 20 years of friendship, techniques for teaching and training, the keys to being “successful”, and the challenges that come with it. Listeners, please enjoy the one and only, Jillian Meyers! Watch the full episode here. Show Notes: Connect with Jillian on IG Watch Snap Into It Listen to Mandy’s episode Listen to Dominique’s episode For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE  Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok

This is Will Loftis on creativity as an act of service, finding your personal "in," and the Adele approach to sustainable artistry! In this episode, visionary choreographer and creative director Will Loftis—fresh off his Hollywood Music Video Award nomination for Ariana Grande's "Yes, And?" and his work on the iconic Wicked films—shares wisdom from the biggest stages in entertainment. Will, whose movement has brought life to everything from Met Gala performances to major film musicals, explores: The personal "in" philosophy—how working with director John Chu on Wicked taught him that every project demands finding your authentic connection point, why saying no becomes easier when you can't find that spark, and the difference between taking work because you can versus taking work because you must The Adele model of artistry—embracing cycles of intense creative output followed by intentional retreat, why "you can miss me" creates space for deeper work, and how thinking about desired lifestyle rather than just career goals shapes better creative decisions Creativity as pure service—his revelation that at its truest form, creative work channels something bigger than individual ego, how this perspective removes the pressure of ownership over outcomes, and why remembering "it's never really your thing" liberates artists from perfectionist paralysis Will Loftis represents the intersection of commercial success and artistic integrity in today's entertainment landscape. Whether you're navigating creative career choices, seeking sustainable approaches to high-pressure industries, or exploring the spiritual dimensions of artistic collaboration, this conversation offers profound insights into building a meaningful creative life while working at the highest levels. Watch the full episode here. Show Notes: Connect with Will on IG Listen to Mandy’s episode Listen to Jillian’s episode  Listen to Tyce’s episode Listen to Comfort’s episode Listen to the In The Heights episode Listen to Marty’s episode Listen to the Seaweed Sisters episode Watch "Rather Important" by The Seaweed Sisters Watch “Yes, And”  Watch “Cold Hearted Snake” 

This is Taya Lee on assistant choreography, the clarity of movement, and learning while earning in the dance industry! In this episode, professional dancer and choreographer Taya Lee takes us from her San Diego roots to assisting on Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour and dancing with Doechii. Taya, whose credits span MTV Movie & TV Awards performances to standing in for Missy Elliott, explores: The evolution of assistant choreography—how stepping into rooms with legends like Tyrik Patterson means being ready when "choreographer" in your title suddenly demands you create those crucial 8 counts, and learning that every creative partnership requires different skills, from demonstration to invention Movement as language—why dancing "like water" isn't enough if you're unclear, and her revelation that fluid movement without punctuation creates run-on sentences that leave both performer and audience breathless The myth of complete preparation—discovering that the industry teaches you while paying you, breaking down the assumption that you need to know everything before stepping into professional spaces, and finding freedom in learning through doing rather than studying from the sidelines Taya Lee represents the new generation of dance artists championing work that amplifies Black womxn experiences. Whether you're interested in the behind-the-scenes reality of major tours, the philosophy of clear movement communication, or navigating creative careers where expertise develops through practice, this conversation offers profound insights into growing as an artist while staying true to your values. Watch the full episode here. Show Notes: Connect with Taya on IG Listen to How Do Dancers Make Money For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE  Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok

Kid David on breaking, terrifying tour stories, his Emmy-winning broadcast coverage of the Olympics, and finding freedom through mastery! In this episode, professional B-boy and breaking commentator Kid David (David Shreibman) takes us from the streets where he discovered breaking to the biggest stage in sports—the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Emmy-winning commentator, whose credits span the Step Up film series to NBC's Olympic coverage, explores: The art of "forgetting" your technique—how spending decades mastering footwork, glides, and freezes is ultimately about trusting your body so completely that you can stop thinking and start truly listening, creating those magical moments where raw authenticity emerges through pure reaction Surviving Hollywood's disposable dancer culture—from literally almost dying in a malfunctioning stage lift during a major tour, to learning the harsh reality that performers are often seen as replaceable line items Breaking down breaking for the world—the intense preparation behind NBC's Olympic commentary. Kid David embodies the evolution of breaking from underground culture to mainstream recognition. Whether you're interested in the intersection of street culture and elite competition, surviving creative industries that undervalue artists, or learning how mastery creates space for genuine expression, this conversation offers powerful insights into staying true to your craft while navigating its commercial possibilities. Watch the full episode here. Show Notes: Connect with Kid David on IG  Read The Believing Brain by Michael Shermer Listen to our episode with Marty  Read the Art of Learning by Joshua Waitzkin Listen to our episode with Randi  Listen to the episode with Alison For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER

Kai Martinez on marketing, empowering women through choreography, jealousy, Anderson. Paak, and all things Encanto! In this episode, accomplished dancer and choreographer Kai Martinez shares her journey from passionate performer to industry innovator, revealing how clarity of purpose transforms both artistry and career trajectory. The Latina powerhouse, whose credits span from Christina Aguilera and Kendrick Lamar to Disney's Oscar-winning Encanto, explores: "tuning into your frequency"—discovering what you stand for as an artist and how that clarity naturally aligns you with the right projects, from empowering women through movement to championing underserved communities and sharing diverse cultural stories The groundbreaking process behind Disney's "We Don't Talk About Bruno"—how they reated choreography from storyboards alone, with their studio footage directly informing the animation layout, then spending six months collaborating with Disney's animation team to ensure every hip rotation and beat hit with precision Her revolutionary work bridging dance and animation—collaborating with Disney's Michael Woodside to establish new standards for how choreographers and animators work together on musical sequences, creating a template that elevated the entire industry's approach to animated dance The power of reframing jealousy as a navigational tool—using the "jealousy map" technique from The Artist's Way to transform envy into actionable insight, discovering what you truly want and taking immediate steps toward those goals rather than scrolling past inspiration Kai represents the evolution of choreography across mediums. From her roots watching dancers in underserved neighborhoods to mentoring the next generation, she embodies how finding your authentic voice and values can create pathways not just for personal success, but for lifting entire communities. Whether you're interested in the intersection of live performance and animation, building authentic artistic relationships, or learning how to channel inspiration into action, this conversation offers powerful insights into creating work that truly matters. Watch the full episode here. Show Notes: Connect with Kai Take a class with Kai Kai’s Black Sweat video Watch colorwise by the Seaweed Sisters Listen to our episode with Popin'’ Pete Listen to our episode with Jamal Listen to our episode with Marty  Listen to our episode with Reina  Listen to our episode with Asiel 

Comfort Fedoke on Emotional Choreography, Collaborative Art-Making, and the Power of Adaptability In this episode, Emmy Award-winning dancer, choreographer, and multi-hyphenate artist Comfort Fedoke opens up about her innovative approach to movement as emotional language and the art of authentic collaboration. The Nigerian-American performer, known for her journey from So You Think You Can Dance contestant to All-Star to judge, reveals: Her groundbreaking new show "A/VOID"—a double entendre exploring the emotions we avoid and the void they create, developed with creative partner Zoe Rappaport and set within the immersive light-and-sound installation Chromasonic Field in downtown LA The magic of synesthetic performance—how she's creating work where "color becomes audible and sound becomes visible," using all the senses to help audiences viscerally understand what they're feeling through movement Her collaborative choreographic process—the late-night living room sessions that led to the Ozdust Ballroom Scene in Wicked, where authentic movement language emerges through freestyle experimentation, building "like a puzzle" until the soul speaks louder than technique The biggest lesson from her So You Think You Can Dance journey: learning to be adaptable and understanding her role as a muse and influential collaborator, discovering how to elevate choreographers while maintaining lasting artistic relationships As a performer who has shared stages with H.E.R., John Legend, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, and countless other A-list artists, while also working as a commentator for Red Bull TV and judge on Nigeria's Maltina Dance All, Comfort embodies the evolution of dance as storytelling. From splitting time between London (where she's associate choreographer on "Wicked" and the West End's "Cabaret") and LA, she's creating work that transforms spaces and challenges audiences to feel more deeply. Whether you're interested in the intersection of technology and movement, the business of being a creative collaborator, or simply want to understand how dance can make the invisible visible, this conversation offers profound insights into making art that moves both bodies and souls. Watch the full episode here. Show Notes: Connect with Comfort on IG Get Tickets to Comfort’s show Donate to A/VOID Watch “Try A Little Tenderness” from SYTYCD Listen to our episode with the In The Heights Team Watch the full Ozdust Ballroom Scene For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER

Zoey Anderson on Becoming Undeniable Talent, Defying Gravity, and Finding Your Artistic Home In this episode, Parsons Dance Company principal Zoey Anderson shares her remarkable journey from summer intensive discovery to becoming one of contemporary dance's most captivating performers. A 10-year company veteran, Clive Barnes Award winner, and Bessie Award nominee reveals: Her serendipitous path into Parsons Dance—how being spotted at Marymount's summer intensive led to an immediate company placement when the stars aligned and a dancer departed Dana’s philosophy on developing "undeniable, untouchable talent" over focusing on industry mechanics—why she believes pre-professional dancers should redirect energy from questions about hair color and tattoos to becoming the artist companies can't live without The mesmerizing solo "Caught"—a gravity-defying illusion performed in strobe lighting that creates the impossible: a body suspended in space for five minutes, executing over 112 jumps while appearing to never touch the ground Operating at extremes: her all-or-nothing approach to energy management, planning for both 100% intensity and complete restoration through 13-15 hour sleep cycles As a performer who has graced stages from Broadway's "On The Town" opening night gala to the Academy Award-winning film "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," and competed as a National Champion in Ballroom Smooth dancing, Zoey embodies the athletic artistry and infectious joy that defines contemporary dance. Whether you're an aspiring dancer seeking your artistic home or anyone fascinated by the intersection of illusion and movement, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and pure magic for understanding what it means to become irreplaceable in your craft. Watch the full episode here. Show Notes: Connect with Zoey on Instagram Watch a Parsons Dance performance For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE  Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok 

From Basketball Dreams to Dance Floors: Lisa "L-Boogie" Bauford's Journey of Art, Family, and Finding Light in Darkness   Meet Lisa "L-Boogie" Bauford - a professional dancer, creative entrepreneur, and the heart behind Blame Boogie LLC. In this inspiring conversation, Lisa opens up about her incredible journey from childhood basketball dreams to becoming a world-traveling dancer and emcee.   What You'll Discover: Family DNA of Dance - How Lisa's love for movement began at age 3-4 in a juke joint, with party lights flashing and grown folks cheering her on   The Pivot - Why her first love of basketball led her to an even greater passion for dance and the stage   Chronicles of Tour Life - Stories from her global dance career and how travel experiences influenced her unique clothing designs   Survivalist to Artist - The courageous leap from financial security to chasing dreams, and how her community rallied to support her audition journey   The Philosophy That Drives Everything: "People will forget what you did, people will forget what you said, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou (tattooed on Lisa's body and embedded in her soul)   Plus Some Real Talk: Ever wonder about those pre-performance jitters? Lisa gets hilariously honest about the universal performer experience of suddenly needing to pee right before showtime.   Watch the full episode here.   Show Notes: Connect with Lisa on IG Listen to the Seaweed Sisters episode Listen to Shaun’s episode For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE  Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok

Sydney Mesher on Disability Representation, Kicking Down Barriers, and Changing the Entertainment Industry In this episode, trailblazing performer Sydney Mesher shares her journey as the first visibly disabled Radio City Rockette and her mission to transform representation in entertainment. Born without her left hand, Sydney reveals: Her transformative experience making history with the Radio City Rockettes and performing on iconic stages The often overlooked reality of navigating dance training and professional choreography with a disability, including the mental gymnastics of constantly adapting instructions and movement on the spot while never wanting to disrupt the creative process The profound importance of portraying disabled bodies as desirable and sexy in media—a taboo topic that Sydney addresses with remarkable candor—and how the absence of such representation affected her own self-image growing up Creating more examples of her in the world with her book “She Kept Dancing” As a multi-disciplinary artist working across dance, modeling, and acting, Sydney exposes the stark contrast between being hired as a dancer versus being brought on as "inclusive talent," and her determination to change how the entertainment industry approaches disability. Whether you're a performer with a disability seeking representation or anyone passionate about creating more authentic and diverse art forms, this conversation offers both emotional honesty and inspiring insights for breaking boundaries and embracing your unique artistic voice. Watch the full episode here! Show Notes: Connect with Sydney on IG Buy Sydney’s book “She Kept Dancing” Read Sydney’s ESPN article Listen to Joe’s episode Listen to the Seaweed Sisters episode For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE  Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok

The Business of Dance: Revealing the 3 Paths to Income for Professional Dancers. This episode pulls back the curtain on the financial realities of dance careers through a fascinating analysis of booking patterns and relationship-building. Discover the surprising statistics that show how much work Dana has booked from established relationships rather than auditions. Learn why unpaid passion projects often fuel paid opportunities, and explore the universal value-creation formula that applies to dancers and entrepreneurs alike. This episode will help you: Understand the three primary ways dancers secure paying work See the crucial connection between unpaid artistic projects and paid opportunities Recognize the "full-time job" of community relationship maintenance Apply a simple 6-step formula for creating and monetizing value Balance artistic passion with practical business strategy Transform your perspective on dance as both an art form and a viable career Watch the full episode here. Show Notes: Coach with Dana Listen to our episode with the Seaweed Sisters For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE  Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok

Erik Cavanaugh (Dicks: The Musical, SavageXFenty, Apple Billboard) joins us on Words That Move Me this week! Breaking Barriers in Dance: Erik Cavanaugh on Body Representation, Big City Dreams, and Creating Inclusive Spaces In this inspiring episode, groundbreaking dancer Erik Cavanaugh shares his journey of reshaping the dance world and challenging body stereotypes. Drawing on his experiences across fashion, television, film, and advertising, Erik reveals: His surreal moment seeing himself on billboards in major cities worldwide—from Times Square to Tokyo—and the emotional impact of representation in an industry that often excludes diverse body types Practical wisdom for dancers considering relocating to major entertainment hubs like LA and New York, including why building a strong foundation before making the leap can prevent burnout The frustrating reality of costume departments failing to accommodate plus-size performers, forcing dancers like Erik to bring their own wardrobe or make last-minute purchases out of pocket As the creator of the movement "Dancers Come In All Sizes," Erik is committed to mentoring the next generation and creating spaces where all body types feel welcome in dance. Whether you're a performer facing body discrimination or someone passionate about creating more inclusive creative industries, this conversation offers both validation and actionable insights for breaking barriers and embracing your authentic artistic voice.   Watch the full episode here!   Show Notes: Connect with Erik on IG Watch Dicks the musical  Take Erik’s class in Nashville Watch Holland  For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE  Stay connected with us on IG and

The Choreographer's Canvas: Jasmine JB Badie on Redefining Stage Direction   As both a performer and creator, JB knows the distinction between dance class choreography and effective stage direction. Whether you're a dancer looking to transition into choreography or a creative director developing your leadership style, this conversation offers loads of wisdom for crafting performances that serve the vision while preserving the humanity of everyone involved.   Drawing on her experiences with Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, and more, Jasmine breaks down:   Why her "humane choreographer" approach prioritizes kindness and efficiency over intimidation, creating better results without the trauma The pivotal moment when mentor Gil texted that he and Janet Jackson wanted to attend her show, culminating in a full-circle career validation The importance of purpose-driven choreography—why she refuses to create exhausting "class routines" when they don't serve the artist or audience Her unique creative process focused on viewpoint and feeling rather than technical complexity   Watch the full episode here.   Show Notes: Connect with JB on Instagram Watch the seaweed sisters at Vibe Victoria Monet BET awards Listen to the seaweed sisters episode Listen to Mandy’s episode Listen to Tony’s episode Listen to Gary’s episode  Listen to Toni’s episode Listen to Good Questions episode For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE  Stay connected with us on IG and

Reimagine Your Relationship to Wellness by Understanding Food, Hunger, and Hormones with Sherry Lin In this eye-opening episode, dancer and registered dietitian Sherry Lin shares her holistic, non-diet approach to nutrition and wellness. Drawing on her thirteen years of experience specializing in eating disorders, gut health, and performance nutrition, Sherry breaks down: The three types of hunger we experience (physical, emotional, and mental) and how to identify each in your body Why restrictive approaches to eating often backfire and how an “affirmative voice” can transform your relationship with food The surprising truth about hormonal cycles and metabolism—including why we experience intense cravings during certain phases As the founder of Rhythm and Nutrition and a professional dancer with an MFA from the University of Michigan, Sherry brings a unique perspective on body awareness and nutritional needs. Whether you’re struggling with disordered eating patterns or simply want to develop a healthier relationship with food, this conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone looking to nourish both body and soul.   Watch the episode here.   Show Notes: Connect with Sherry on IG Learn how to work with Sherry  Listen to my episode on Grit vs. Grace For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE  Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok

Beyond Boundaries: The Multifaceted Journey of Samø Soto Join us for a revealing conversation with Samø Soto, a professional who has masterfully navigated the transition from B-boy to Stuntman while challenging industry perceptions about artistic identity. In this episode, Samø shares the emotional complexities of expanding beyond dance—the guilt, the external perceptions, and the struggle to be seen as multidimensional in an industry that prefers singular labels. Despite his passion for choreography and battling still burning bright, he’s determined to prove his commitment to stunts while advocating for a world that embraces versatility.  What you’ll discover: The internal conflict of pursuing multiple passions while fighting against binary job labels How dance fundamentally prepared him for stunt work through adaptability and quick choreographic thinking His journey from being the “weakest link” in crew battles to finding his unique contribution through dynamic movement Why dancers have the “biggest cheat code” in entertainment with unprecedented access across production departments This conversation reveals how dancers occupy a position in the entertainment hierarchy not practiced often—a “hallway lined with doors” offering opportunities to explore lighting, wardrobe, stunts, and beyond. Samø’s story is a powerful testament to creative evolution and finding strength in versatility. Watch the full episode here.   Show Notes: Connect with Samø on Instagram For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE  Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok

Behind the Curtain: The Extraordinary Life and Art of Toni Basil Featuring legendary Choreographer, Dancer, Director, Producer, Recording Artist, Historian, and “Hey Mickey” hitmaker Toni Basil in a rare, intimate conversation! We explore her remarkable career spanning decades in entertainment, from backstage memories as Vaudeville royalty to collaborating with icons like Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Bette Midler, and Tina Turner.  Here’s what you’ll discover: – How Toni’s behind-the-scenes childhood at the Chicago Theater shaped her love for performance  – The creative process behind Elvis’ in “Viva Las Vegas” assisting David Winters  – Her unexpected journey to becoming co-director for David Bowie after connecting through their shared mime vocabulary – Insights on working with superstars who “care about their legacy” and the work ethic behind true stardom This conversation reveals how following your artistic intuition—even when it leads to unexpected places—can create a lifetime of extraordinary creative collaborations. Toni’s fascinating stories illuminate how being fully present in each moment helped her navigate a groundbreaking career across film, television, and music. Watch the full episode here. Show Notes: Follow Toni on: IG: officialtonibasil X:Toni_Basil YouTube: ToniBasilsHouse TikTok: officialtonibasil Listen to Toni’s re-release of “Breakaway” Watch Hey Mickey  Watch Toni in West Side Story Watch Toni’s parents’ Vaudville Act Watch Toni’s aunt and uncle in a silent film from 1919 Watch Toni’s judges’ demo from Street Beat 2024 Watch Street Beat Watch Shopping A-Z For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE  Stay connected with us on

Self-improvement is not about perfection, it’s about finding the right balance between pushing yourself and accepting yourself. When pursuing transformative change, there are two seemingly opposite approaches – “Grit” (hard work and critical coaching) and “Grace” (gentle and nurturing self-care). This episode is all about this “Personal Growth Paradox” and the tools and techniques for identifying and effectively balancing self-criticism and self-compassion.  This episode will help you: Reflect on your current self-talk patterns Recognize that transformation requires BOTH grit and grace Learn to discern when to apply each approach Create a balanced internal dialogue that supports growth Experiment with combining grit and grace in your personal development journey Watch the full episode here. Show Notes: For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE  Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok

Conversations on Creativity: Tony Testa’s Journey from Dancer to Creator Featuring my lifelong friend and visionary choreographer Tony Testa in his FIRST-EVER podcast interview! We dive deep into creative intuition, mentorship, and processing life’s challenges. This conversation reveals how following your instincts—even when they lead you away from what everyone else expects—can open doors to your authentic artistic voice.   Here’s what you’ll learn:   -How Tony discovered his calling as a choreographer while on the “Feedback” set with Ed Moore   -How the commercial dance space can leave artists wanting more   -Keys of mentor relationships: insights from working with legendary director Kenny Ortega and Greek grandmaster Dimitris Papaioannou   -The transformative power of persistence: scheduling time to process difficult emotions and the consistency needed for personal evolution   Watch the full episode here.   Show Notes: Listen to Gary’s episode Listen to Smac’s episode Listen to the Seaweed Sisters episode Listen to Michelle’s episode For more DANA For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY  To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE  Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok