And You Will Dance Podcast

Burju Perez is a mommy of two, wife, former professional Latin Dancer and CEO and lead designer, of the world renowned quality, customizable professional dance shoe/dance heels brand Burju Shoes, based out of Massachusetts.  Burju was born in Istanbul Turkey prior to immigrating to the United States.  As an adult, she began her professional career by studying International Business at Boston University, prior to landing a job in banking.  Burju began Latin dancing in college, where she met her then dance partner, now husband, and launched herself into the world of Latin dancing for 15 years, which included instructing, competing and paid gigs around the world. An artist at heart, Burju combined her love of creativity and dance when altering modern Latin dance shoes for her teammates with more fun colors, jewels, feathers and with an emphasis on comfort.  Burju unknowingly unlocked a level of her passion and was building her business before she knew it; Burju Shoes was created in 2010.  Burju has collaborated with widely respected and talented names in the dance industry such as Kiira Harper, Nicole Kirkland and Janelle Ginestra.  Burju heels have been worn by high profile music artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Normani, Christina Aguilera, Ariana Grande, Cardi B, Hadise, Meg the Stallion, for numerous concert tours and award shows such as MTV’s Video Music Awards.  Most importantly, Burju’s shoes are worn by dancers of all ethnic/gender/non-binary backgrounds all over the globe.  Burju Shoes is a brand that celebrates diversity and aims at strengthening our communities by highlighting the individual's inner confidence through fashion.In this episode, Burju and Ariana speak about the story of Burju Shoes and what it was that challenged Burju to stay true to her vision and mission as a brand and a person.Burju Shoes Instagram: @burjushoesWebsite:  https://burjushoes.comEpisode Highlights:About BurjuA brand that doesn’t just profit - a brand that lifts and supportsBurju: An Artist’s spiritChild of immigrant parentsChallenging the structureHeels community, pole dance community (!!)Branding It + Pop Up ShopsHer crossroads and full time BurjuBURJU SHOES: The BeginningConstant observationShoe TalkArtist bucket list?Serving a needThe importance of appropriate gearBURJU’S DANCE“I have to maybe fail at this.”Full Transparency: Defining herself and her businessLearn and grow as a business owner and human beingBurju’s little nuggets of wisdomBURJU’S GIFT 

Paula Ayotte is a professional dancer, entertainer, former marine scientist, model, actress and inspirerer based out of Los Angeles.  Paula Ayotte started her professional dance journey in the 1980s when she was in her 20s, working gigs such as the Disneyland Christmas Parade, Sesame Street Live U.S. tour, the Las Vegas Show “Splash at the Riviera” was a backup dancer for a Latina Artist in Mexico City and roller skating as an Apple on the Newhart show.  She had a shift in careers in the 90s and turned to corporate consulting and only danced on the occasion for fun.  A career in Hawaii later, it wasn't long after a life event changed her perspective on the need to pursue her dream of dancing.  Paula’s credits include Ariana Grande, I Can See Your Voice, Ellen, Kelly Clarkson and commercials for Beis Luggage, Piercing Pagoda, Sherwin Williams, and Etsy and modeling for many more.In this episode, Ariana and Paula discuss Paula’s career, returning to college to pursue her dream job as a marine scientist, auditioning for her music videos and feeling her purpose is to inspire people on her journey to show that your dreams have no boundaries or age requirements.  Your time is now.Follow Paula and her journey on her Instagram: @paulaayotteEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:Starting to dance in the 80s then heading into corporate consultingReturning to school in her 30s to pursue her next chapter: marine scienceTrying to fill her cup with the occasional classes - searching for moreLosing a mentor and what that meant for herLanding a commercial with A list artist - the start of the dreamImposter syndrome - in a dance room full of 20 somethingsPursuing acting - understanding that she’s learning something new"Aging is not a bad thing, getting older is not a bad thing- "Reassurance from other creativesVulnerability, unafraid and unashamedAnalysis Paralysis gets you no where you want to go!Making a decision and using her gift to inspire - breaking barriers

Ariana discusses five ways to return to yourself and your creativity that helped her  after moving through a period of overwhelm, loss and imbalance.   In this episode, Ariana’s starting point of conversation is the importance of recognizing when you need to take a step back and take care of yourself.

Emily Leibert is a writer, journalist, reporter, former NFL cheerleader, former public relations professional and dancer who is originally from Southern California and is now based out of New York City and is currently attending New York University in pursuit of her Master’s Degree in journalism.Emily previously attended USC, where her peak interest into the world of entertainment began and she studied broadcast journalism in the Public Relations field.  After three years of experience as a professional cheerleader with the Los Angeles Rams while balancing her traditional college career, she was quick to realize that she was meant to pursue a career in writing and applied for the Master’s program at NYU during the pandemic in 2020.With the experiences in the world known organizations like the Los Angeles Rams, Dreamworks Animation and working red carpets in Hollywood on the PR side, Emily has gained knowledge and first-hand experience to include in her writing.  Emily is fueled by her passion for social change and is hopeful for a brighter future not only in the NFL cheer organization, but in social issues such as women’s rights, gender roles and women in the arts.  Emily also has experience grant writing for dance companies.  She's always hoping to tell stories of gender inequity with empathy, compassion, and trust.If you have a story that deserves to be told, you can send news tips or interview ideas to by.emilyleibert@gmail.com or reach out to her on Twitter @by_emilyleibert.You can connect with Emily on Instagram as well: @emilyleibertVisit these sites to see some of Emily's work:LINDSAY ROSENBURG IS CHANGING HOW PRO CHEERLEADERS ARE SEEN ONE PHOTOGRPAH AT A TIMEhttps://www.teenvogue.com/story/lindsay-rosenberg-pro-cheerleadersHOW THE NFL RISKS THE HEALTH OF CHEERLEADERS https://jezebel.com/how-the-nfl-risks-the-health-of-cheerleaders-its-harde-1846199936THE CL!CK - NEW YORK UNIVERSITY’S JOURNALISM ONLINE MASTERS PROGRAMhttps://theclick.news/emily-leibert/Episode HighlightsCreativity rooted from DanceBroadcast Journalism at USC turn Public Relations - life as the multi-professionalWhat kept her from exclusively picking journalism?Roles as a publicistA defining moment that ultimately put into question - am I aligning with my purpose?NFL Cheerleader LifeThe 3 year moment - hanging up the pom pomsBalancing NFL rehearsal schedule + Daily life Mental and Physical exhaustionThe progression of the careerThe loose unofficial requirementsPushback for expressing concern for fundamental rights in sports industry in regards to womenThe Second Full time jobOptimism about the future of the industryFurloughed during the pandemic “Pandemic Guilt”Hopeful for the industryHighlight article in Teen Vogue - highlighting female photographer of NFL cheerleadersUnderstanding the ramifications for speaking upEmily’s “Dance” and her Gift

Sarah Baudner is a 32 year old woman with ambition based out of Vancouver Canada who has always had dance and fitness as a big part of her life and created her dance fitness brand, Rock Your Baudy.  In an effort to connect with her friends from the eastern coast during the early days of the worldwide pandemic, she created her virtual dance fitness brand, a combination of HIT cardio with modern dance moves with an upbeat playlist to get her participants sweating and moving.  Her classes are held weekly and soon, she hopes to expand to outdoor classes in Vancouver to connect and build a stronger sense of community with in-person classes.  Rock Your Baudy is an energetic class blend meant to build confidence within one's body to feel inspired and motivated.  Sarah loves building personal relationships with all who participate in her classes.Sarah’s feature is And You Will Dance’s first international guest!  Episode Highlights:Sarah combining her love for dance in fitness with creating Rock Your BaudyCreatives in the familyGetting placed into dance at a young ageA Common Love for Musical TheatreFirst to start her high school dance teamCombining Dance and FitnessCreating Rock Your BaudyDiscussing taking dance classes in Los AngelesHow is your self-confidence when dancing in classes with professionals?How loss changed herDifficulty in saying when she was not okaySarah’s GiftAriana and her “why?”Taking a ChanceTo book a class with Rock Your Baudy:https://www.rockyourbaudy.comFollow Sarah on IG: @rockyourbaudy 

In this episode, Ariana recollects the feeling of self-doubt and the pressure of the creative process.  After receiving a message from a friend, her self-doubt in the creative process began to unfold and reveal the importance and the realness to the meaning "Create from Truth", as quoted by Kobe Bryant.  The episode serves as a reminder that all that you need is already within you.Instagram: @andyouwilldance; @ari_sanchez

Tess Henderson is a professional Interior Designer. Founder, Creative Director, and Principal Designer of Tess Interiors based out of Los Angeles California.  Also, Tess is a lover of all things beautiful, an adrenaline junkie, dog mom, sister, daughter, auntie, girlfriend, and an all around empath.  A creative experimenter at heart, she had always found opportunities in the ability to create.  Growing up, she was introduced to the idea of interior design by her mother and experimented with color palettes of different papers after trips to Michaels.  It was then, shortly into her teen years when her mom introduced to her the idea of Interior design as a career.After a brief experience working at an admirable design firm, Tess was catapulted into making a determination for her career’s turn of events due to the unpredictability of 2020 and its impact on businesses.A young woman who was sure in who she was and aspired to be her own boss and in creative control of her vision, she went onto becoming CEO of her Interior Design firm, Tess Interiors. Episode Highlights:Interior Designing and it's many layersConstruction managementArchitectureWhat interior designing means to Tess - it's more personalHow her Mom inspired and pushed her to pursue this fieldWorking in the industry in San FranciscoHospitality interior designingHer "Devil Wears Prada" ExperienceHer nephew's birth that changed her trajectoryMoving back to Los AngelesDream position cut short due to the pandemicLayoff and jump start into her business on the same dayBeing in love with the processInterior Design - It's deeper than that creative process with clientsMaking her client's vision come to lifeTess's Dance - Feeling of loss and importance of "feeling everything""Having is not so great a thing as wanting."Where to connect with Tess and seek her services:Instagram: @tessinteriorsWebsite: https://www.tessinteriors.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessinteriors/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tessinteriors/

Sasha Lewis is a blogger, graphic artist,  dancer, mental health and well-being advocate and single mama to a two year old baby girl.  Sasha didn’t always think that her creative journey would lead her to blogging.  In fact, she always believed dance was going to be her way. However when she was in her teens, her world was flipped upside down when she was told after an accident that she was never going to be able to do the things she loved to do, and her struggle to understand herself and her mental health began.Sasha attended The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and initiated the possibility of a career in retail design, merchandising, and marketing.  She silently battled her mental health hurdles when she began dealing with with anxiety, depression and OCD, but knew that it couldn't break her completely.  After years of struggling with her mental health and one beautiful baby girl on the spectrum of Autism later, Sasha created a safe space for those struggling with their mental health to turn to: The Cha-Cha blog.  Her blog touches on wellness, lifestyle and even home decor as a way to serve as inspiration, and a source of information and entertainment.  Most importantly the blog has created a community of positivity and open communication.  The Cha Cha Blog is intended to be the outlet for others, that she wishes she had at the start of her journey.Episode Highlights:The Cha Cha Blog and The Orderly Disorder about parenting and autismDancing and an accidentFIDMRetail design, marketingDance competitions and breaking out of the validation constructSocial Media - an artist’s new portfolioFull Time: Graphic Design, blogging and Single mama to baby with autismThe How question and future kidsSeeing life through the eyes of someone with special needs“Numb”Postpartum depression & OCDFeels unnatural, but normalWhere to find Sasha’s blog:www.thechachablog.comInstagram:  @sasha___monique

Kobe Bryant, best known as the NBA superstar for his 20 year career with the Los Angeles Lakers and leading them to 5 championship rings, an 18 time all star and a man who coined the term Mamba Mentality and who displayed relentless work ethic on and off the court - was also a creative.  In the second act of his career, he began to build a new empire in the entertainment and storytelling world with one mission - to inspire the next generation.  Kobe combined his worlds and love for sports and fantasy with meaningful life lessons in the forms of podcasts, The Punies, and The Wizenard Series and also, film.In this episode, Ariana pays homage to Kobe the creative and storyteller and discusses what we can learn from him and his final chapter of life on Earth, a little over one year after his untimely passing.Episode Highlights:The Second ActKobe the Creativewriting on the roadSophomore year englishstructure of a game is like a storyCombining his two passions - sports + fantasyThe Wizenard SeriesEverything had intention - like Hamilton the MusicalWinning the OscarKobe's version of the mental "dance"GreatnessWhat Kobe taught usWhat we are left withFollow us on our IG: @andyouwilldanceFollow Ariana on her IG: @ari_sanchez

Jonathan Dixon is a photographer, artist, Black creative, adventurist and lover of the outdoors who works to capture the magic of moments through photos.  Jon is from Ventura, CA and has always had a passion for photography.  However, it wasn’t until 3 years ago in 2018, after much time spent going through the motions working in an industry where he lacked passion, he decided to walk down the street on his lunch break and make a purchase of his first professional camera - the first major step into walking into his creative purpose.Since then, Jon has shot family sessions, weddings, landscapes and after a tumultuous year that 2020 soon became known to be, he also captured the social justice movement that occurred in Ventura County, CA during times of civil unrest and the loud plea for justice.  Jon shortly after served beyond the US borders and flew out to Kenya in East Africa, with The Love Foundation and connected with his camera to Kenya’s exotic animals and its beautiful people and felt a realignment in doing so.Jon embodies the creative process and enjoys the process of pushing himself into uncomfortable positions to test his limits with his art that is now his full time profession.Episode Highlights: Photographer, Landscape Junkie + Pushing the boundariesLandscape photography Breaking out of the corporate structureInvesting in his technology“Accidentally” Capturing the 2020 protests - as a Black CreativeRe-connecting in Kenya with the Love FoundationWildlifeConnecting with the people in the villages and slumsSelf-Taught & Family mentorship in  photographySink or Swim - Creating necessary pressureBooking his first gig, with clients at his “regular” jobJon and his “Gift”The change in human connection with social mediaEndless creative potentialWhere to connect with Jon:Instagram - @Jdixon_shotsWebsites - Jdixonphoto.com, for prints, session inquiries and more of his work

Podcast host of Word by Lolo, Founder CEO of the digital marketing agency, Rise DMA, writer and poet - Elizabeth Hidalgo, or Lolo, is a southern california native who is now based out of Salt Lake City, Utah.  Lolo is pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Audiences at Arizona State University and has over 5 years of experience in creative writing, social media management and re-branding.  Lolo mentioned that she “loves people through her words” and it’s proven true as she’s carried on her love for reading and writing and after a heavy time in her personal life, Lolo turned to the microphone and started her podcast show, Word by Lolo.  Elizabeth also “rose” through pain in her previous job, which inspired her to start her business, RISE Digital Marketing services, with the centralized goal to storytell through content creation.Lolo’s desire to create is moved by her will to connect with people through her words.Word by Lolo is available for streaming on Apple, Spotify and Soundcloud.Episode HighlightsWho is Lolo?Creating AuthenticallyA natural writerReciprocating feeling and writingHer present version of herself envisioned  as  a  childPoetry Background(s)Lolo’s debut poetry slam piece inspired by the movie “Love Jones”How a toxic workplace led her to kick start her business at the front of the pandemicHer first “Dance” - Calling the suicide prevention hotline"I want to keep dancing"Where to connect with Elizabeth:Instagram: @classic_hidalgo; @wordbylolo; @risedmaWebsites: www.risedigital.marketing/https://linktr.ee/classic_hidalgoSUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: 1-800-273-8255Visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org for more info if you or someone you know may need assistance.  On this website:You can obtain professional resources for mental health services24 hour live chat with personnelDiscover how you can get involvedRead stories of hope and recovery

Byron Bucao is the Founder/Director of the Alias Dance Company based out of Oxnard California, the Cofounder/Owner of the Retour clothing brand, the Community Benefits Director for the City of Oxnard, a mental toughness athlete, dancer, choreographer and mentor.  With years worth of experience of dancing in all male hip hop groups, he pursued dance by joining and choreographing for Cal State Long Beach's well known competitive dance team,  PAC Modern.  Now, he runs his own dance company, The Alias Dance Family in Oxnard and has been doing so for the past 17 years.  The team is composed of over 150 dancers, ranging from age 4 to the collegiate level.  Byron has brought his dancers on America’s Got Talent, George Lopez Tonight Show, Dance Moms, Dancing with the Stars and Blackish.  Byron has trained and mentored over 2,000 kids in his dance company alone in the city that raised him.He's driven to help others and himself through dance - to become stronger dancers and even stronger people.Episode HighlightsTeaching the Youth in his CityHow He Started:  All Male Hip Hop CrewThe Underdog of the GroupGarage RehearsalsExclusive High School Competition Dance TeamHip hop Mega CrewsJoining 1 of the “Big Three” - PAC Modern of Cal State Long BeachAll male Alumni Dance Team “Non Stop”Byron’s Rehearsal Grind Birth of his Dance Team businessRETOUR Clothing Brand & the skill of ThriftingFamily Support & Sticking to his InterestsDance & CommunityByron’s Dancer Slump & his old VicesFitness & Understanding self-careDavid Goggins ChallengeBreaking Down GoalsByron Running every 4 hours for 24 hours… no seriously he did thatMental Fitness---Keep up with Byron and his creative endeavors by following his pages:IG: @byronbucaoOther IGs:  @aliasdancefam; @retourcoWebsites: www.aliasdanceco.com; www.retourco.com

On this solo episode, Ariana expresses gratitude for the new creative venture laid out for her.  Ariana recounts multiple instances during the beginning of her podcasting journey that put temporary roadblocks in her way and speaks on the lessons learned during the process.  She identifies the importance of refocus, redirection and reflects on how Disney and Pixar’s movie “Soul” reframed how she views her execution of her life’s purpose.Episode Highlights:And You Will Dance - FeedbackThe Initial DropArchived EpisodesThe Wrong Music & Rolling with itDeleting AYWD Pre-Launch DateNos & RedirectionExcitement/GratitudeDisney and Pixar’s Soul was for big kids (adults)Ariana & PurposeYour Purpose May Not Pay YouImplementing Your Intentions DailyFollow the And You Will Dance page and Ariana's Page!@andyouwilldance - https://www.instagram.com/andyouwilldance/@ari_sanchez - https://www.instagram.com/ari_sanchez/

Danielle Giordano is a 27 year old writer, actress,  producer and travel bug based in Los Angeles, who continues to expand her creative reach and growth as an individual.  When she was a young girl, Danielle developed a love for the arts and fell in love with the world of entertainment through theatre.  As she dove into her craft by auditioning for agencies and investing in multiple acting classes, she knew in her heart that entertainment was where she wanted to be.  As time passed and life and its  experience came, she went on to discover her love for travel and passion for writing scripts and even books.  Danielle is in the final editing stages of her first book!Danielle shares the appreciation of her journey with Ariana and emphasizes that is okay to "wander" to different directions as each moment brings you closer to understanding yourself.You can follow Danielle by following her pages:Instagram: @d.giordano_ Travel Instagram:  @giordiaryFor accounts of her travel and resources on how to plan for your next trip, visit her website: www.wanderlustwithme.com  Episode Highlights & Topics: Career in the field of entertainmentActor lifestyleThe need to be multifaceted during the times of social mediaA wall up, but not for writingDanielle’s motion picture script inspired by an Eminem songWriting a children’s bookAction acting & Muy ThaiDanielle’s “Dance” - A “situationship” & the passing of a close friendTravelingKeeping MomentumDanielle’s gift

Business Owner/entrepreneur, professional dancer and choreographer, educator and investor, Mocha Mckenzie is an intentional force in all she sets out to do.  A graduate of UCLA's performing Arts program, she's had 15 years of experience in the Los Angeles dance industry and her passion to teach has led her back to her hometown in Ventura County to start her Heels Dance class Strut Don't Stress.Ariana and Mocha have a fun and free conversation about Mocha's journey and reflect on Mocha's perception of her never-ending "dance".Episode Highlights & Topics: Background in Dance & teachingThe birth of Strut Don't Stress Heels Dance ClassMocha and her never-ending "dance"Mocha's conversation with top choreographer Parris GoebelHer giftMaking decisions & "make a decision"Investment advice - 1% dailyLooking aheadFilling your cupWriting down what you wantFollow Mocha for the latest on whatever she decides to conquer next:Instagram: @omgitsmocha & @strutdontstress Websites: www.strutdontstress.comwww.instagram.com/strutdontstresswww.instagram.com/omgitsmocha

"And You Will Dance" was inspired by Ariana's personal journey and her will to work past fear and self-doubt that put a temporary pause on pursuing one of her life's passions - dance.    In the very first episode of And You Will Dance, Ariana introduces herself, discusses what felt like her "quarter life crisis", her background with dance, her turning point and the "why" behind the pod.   Being involved in the artistic world since she was three years old, creatives and their artistry hold a special place in Ariana's heart.  She finds inspiration from creatives from all over the spectrum, and admires their tenacity as she believes they're prime examples of people who are relentless and persevere to make their passions come to life with their skillsets.    Through connecting with other creatives and discussing their instances of grit, this podcast is intended to inspire listeners to get out of their own head, propel forward and boldy pursue their full potential.Episode MarkersPart 1 - Background "Quarter life crisis" @ 23 years oldThe Job Search"Why did you stop?"Part 2 - Ariana & Dance (9:24)"You can't do it all"On the Back Burner & Re-focusDance Class Dry SpellsJune 2019 & Grandma's HousePart 3 - "What I Realize Now" (23:27)"The Gift"Why Creatives?Part 4 - "And You Will Dance" (37:58)

Welcome to And You Will Dance!"And You Will Dance" was inspired by Ariana's personal journey and her will to work past fear and self-doubt that put a temporary pause on pursuing one of her life's passions.  Through connecting with other creatives and discussing their instances of grit, this podcast is intended to inspire listeners to get out of their own head, propel forward and boldy pursue their full potential.Join in on each episode for fun and inspiring conversation and for the reminder to keep dancing.  Available 11/30 on Apple, Spotify and Stitcher podcasting.Follow us on social:IG: @andyouwilldanceHosted by Ariana SanchezIG: @ari_sanchez