Interview Date: June 1st, 2025

Episode Summary:

Menina sits down with Tara-Jean Popowich—winner of So You Think You Can Dance Canada Season 2—for an inspiring look at resilience, self-belief, and adventure. From moving out at 15 to chase training, to struggling with $5/hour jobs in L.A., to the heartbreak of being cut from SYTYCD Season 1 and the comeback that won her the crown, Tara-Jean shares how grit, heart, and community shaped her career.She reflects on the whirlwind that followed—international tours, Bollywood, Dancing with the Stars India, and performing across 74 countries. We hear how she built longevity in an unpredictable industry, the challenges of visas and branding, and her passion project Human First, Dancer Second. Tara-Jean’s honesty about comparison, mindset, and mental health is a gift to young dancers navigating their own journeys.This episode is perfect for dancers chasing professional careers, teachers mentoring students with big dreams, and anyone curious about building a life in the arts that balances adventure, resilience, and authenticity

.Show Notes

(0:00 ) - Welcome & intro to Tara-Jean Popowich

(9:02 ) - Starting in small-town Alberta; cruise ships as “only dream”

(10:59 ) - Moving out at 15; juggling work, school, and dance (13:20 ) - First LA move; cleaning studios to train

(16:09 ) - Cut from SYTYCD Season 1; comeback mindset

(20:49 ) - Winning Season 2; confetti, cash prize, new doors

(23:42 ) - Life after SYTYCD; global whirlwind of jobs

(24:05 ) - India chapter: Bollywood, DWTS, love & challenges

(30:21 ) - Years abroad: London, Costa Rica, NY base

(32:02 ) - New focus: creative direction & Human First convention

(34:57 ) - Advice to younger self: believe earlier, avoid comparison

(36:01 ) - Q&A: mindset, favorite projects, navigating LA

(42:30 ) - The power of personal brand & social media

(45:00 ) - Visa realities: O-1s, green cards, legal path

(49:00 ) - Q&A: favorite country, advice for young dancers

(56:13 ) - Balancing passion vs. career; finding other outlets

(57:53 ) - Final advice: stop comparing, find joy, trust your path
Biography:

Tara-Jean Popowich is most known for winning "So you think you can dance"-Canada Season 2. Since the show she has been based out of NYC, LA, London, and India. During her time in NYC she was "Carly Rae Jepsen's" Choreographer and dancer seen on "Jimmy Fallon" and "Live with Kelly". Tara-Jean is also seen in Pharrells music video "Happy", "Turn it up" American tour, "Groove Street productions" , “Excel” guest faculty, choreographer for "So you think you can dance" Ukraine and special guest performer, choreographed and performed for Ballet Africa, IDS instructor in Madrid Spain, yearly performer with "SYTYCD" USA All-stars in China,  Dove Cameron’s new video with Disney, is 1 of 6 featured dancers in a feature film based in Scotland, with choreographer Stacey Tookey. TJ was living in India and made top 6 as the celebrity on "Dancing with the stars"-season 7. 

TJ was named one of the "hottest top 12 convention teachers" in the U.S. Tara-Jean is seen in Calvin klein's, "Dance in my calvin's" campaign. More recently on tour with VORTEX around South America and Europe. Check out Tara-Jean dancing for Shania Twain “swinging with my eyes closed” video. Also An official judge for “world of dance” in Poland. Tara-Jean is also an official ambassador for “MOVE IT” the biggest dance event in the UK. 28,000 dancers from around the world.

Where Tj will be teaching, performing, autograph sessions, and photo sessions.Tara-Jean directed and choreographed for the famous hand to hand acrobat’s “Charolette an Nicolas” from France’s got talent. Keep your eye out for her dancing in the hit TV series “What we do in the shadows” FX network. 

Connect on Social Media:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tarajeanpopowich/

Website - www.tara-jean.com