Dance Careers: Unfiltered

Today's guests are Dr. Chelsea Pierotti and Kirsten kemp. Both Chelsea and Kirtsen help dancers with mental skills to improve their performance and enhance their careers and lives. As y'all know, I love diving deep into the psychology realm, so we got right into it and talked about:How defining values can help guide your pathThe fears and insecurities dancers face and actionable ways to overcome themHow to build your confidence in a positive wayDr. Chelsea Pierotti is a former professional dancer and currently works as a sport psychologist and high performance coach for dancers and dance educators. As a speaker, workshop teacher, and podcast host, Dr. Chelsea's mission is to help create more successful dancers through positive mental skills. Visit her website and check out her podcast, a Passion for Dance at https://chelseapierotti.com.Kirsten Kemp (@kirsten_theconfidentdancer) is a former full-time professional ballet dancer turned High-Performance Mindset Coach for dancers, International Speaker, and Founder of The Confident Dancer. She specializes in helping dancers break through the mental blocks that have been holding them back and build a confident mindset that allows them to feel and perform their best consistently. On top of serving 200+ clients globally, including soloists and principals in top ballet companies and YAGP finalists, she's also the host of The Confident Dancer YouTube channel and podcast, a show with 21k+ subscribers and counting. As a speaker, she's also had the honor of speaking to groups of dancers at top institutions such as Miami City Ballet School, Estonian National Ballet, University of Utah's School of Dance, Texas Ballet Theater School, and many others. theconfidentdancer.comHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Today's guest is the ever so talented professional dancer @RileyGroot. You may have just seen her dancing next to Katy Perry in her Las Vegas residency, but I know Riley from her time as a student at AMDA college here in LA and have had the pleasure of witnessing her career unfold over the years. She's been on “American Horror Story”, the MTV Video Music Awards with BLACKPINK, Disney's Christmas Spectacular, the Grammys, Billboard music awards, to name a few. We chat about:How being a reliable dancer can provide more opportunitiesWhy connections are the most important aspect of your careerThe challenges and mindset shifts to withstand the breaks between gigsHow dancers can self-advocate to make the changes we need in the industryBorn and raised in San Diego, Riley Groot's love for dance sparked at age 13 when she began training with the non-profit company, Unity Dance Ensemble. After winning numerous competitive titles, all while touring nationally as an assistant for established dance conventions, Riley moved to Los Angeles, where she continued her study of dance and the performing arts at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Since her graduation she has grown her resume and reputation through the commercial industry as a hard-working and reliable talent. Her credits include “American Horror Story”, the MTV Video Music Awards with BLACKPINK, Disney's Christmas Spectacular, and The Annual Grammy Awards with J Balvin, to name a few. Currently, she is traveling Asia on Jolin Tsai's Ugly Beauty World Tour, and when she is not on the road or working in LA, you can find her dancing in her fourth Las Vegas Residency: Katy Perry's ‘PLAY', where she leads as dance captain. Riley believes that with every job and opportunity, a new lesson is to be learned. She vows to pass along the powerful insights she has acquired throughout her growing career and hopes to inspire the next generation of dancers, just as her mentors have inspired her.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Kendall Baab is a personal trainer for dancers and dance science educator based in Los Angeles. I met Kendall online actually and I totally aligned with her philosophies. Her business, BodyKinect, has made dance science education accessible for dancers and dance educators - which is so incredibly important. We chat about:Our shared experiences of being on Texas drill teamsThe biggest challenges dancers face when training - both physically and mentallyHow social media can lead to injury and perfectionismThe importance of body autonomy and self advocacyWebsite: https://bodykinect.orgInstagram @trainwithkendall Kendall Baab is a personal trainer for dancers and dance science educator located in Los Angeles, CA. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Science from California State University Long Beach where she trained in ballet and modern dance, and a Master of Science degree in Dance Science from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, UK where she completed dance science research involving perfectionism and self-efficacy in online dance classes and trained in contemporary dance. Kendall is a certified personal trainer, BASI certified Pilates instructor with a dance specialization, and a certified health coach. Kendall works with dancers all over the United States on strength, conditioning, and flexibility to enhance performance and prevent injury. Kendall created her business, BodyKinect, to allow for accessible dance science education for dancers and dance educators.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

I'm thrilled to welcome my first international guest, Fortuna Picardi, from Italy. She is an Italian talent manager and dancer and started her career as a talent manager in 2020 with Be a Pro agency. It was really cool to connect with someone from overseas and see the parallels of dancers in general, but also hear about how things are different in Italy.  We chat about:The dance scene in ItalyHer transition into being a talent managerHow dancers on her roster can gain more attention and train more effectivelyThe biggest mistakes dancers make with their headshotsIG @fortunapicardi_Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Today's guest is the effortlessly cool Mikey Dellavella. I know Mikey through his fiance Maryann Chavez and we're all faculty members for Souldesoul Dance Convention. I really love this episode. We get real, as per usual, and talk about:Typecasting and rejection - starting your career out this way and figuring out your laneHis journey into the acting worldBeing bold and assertive as a dancer so you don't get lost in the mixwww.YouTube.com/mikeydellavellawww.Instagram.com/mikeydellavellawww.TikTok.com/mdellavellaMikey Dellavella comes from upstate New York with a decade of choreographing, creative directing & teaching a unique style of hiphop dance; using a mixture of musicality, control and creative wordplay.His aim is to be sure his students leave his class with a better ear for music and even a stronger appreciation for dance. Having taught at popular Los Angeles studios such as Tmilly studio, Millennium Dance Complex, Movement Lifestyle and Playground la; filming online dance tutorials for Steezy co., Fullouttv & Tmillytv - he is no stranger to the dance world. He has had the privilege to teach in 10 countries and over 30 cities within the U.S., alongside, choreographing/performing for well known artists such as T-Pain, D Smoke, Joyner Lucas, Ester Dean, Britney Spears, and K pop groups, Ateez & Got7. he is also an member for the HHI gold medalist team, S Rank (as seen on NBC's World of Dance: Season 2).Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Todays guest is the lovely caitlin sloan, AKA @thebrainyballerina. You may have seen her popping up on your explore page every now and then with her poignant posts about professional ballerinas, but she also gets real candid with me today on the pod. We chat about the stigma behind shifting focus away from performing in your dance career, juggling self care, and how to get past the ick in social media. IG @thebrainyballerinaWebsiteHi there!

Today's guest is @iamgerranReese dancer, choreographer, educator galore. I've known Gerran now for almost 15 years (!) through lots of different dance education spaces - and I'm so excited I was finally able to get him on the pod. Gerran is super inspirational in so many ways and we chat about:The differences between regular weekly classes and more program based trainingknowing yourself, your strengths/weaknesses, defining your own version of success in dance. How to research and pay close attention to what inspires you before you start your career. Hi! I am Gerran Reese, I have been teaching dance throughout the world for the past fifteen years and consider this my true passion & purpose. I grew up in Portland, Oregon where I trained in all styles of dance including Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and African.I am currently faculty at The Movement Lifestyle,  TMilly Studio, The Brea Space,  Monsters of Hip-Hop Convention (A list), AMDA (BFA Program for Performing Arts,) The Nexxt Move Dance Convention. I have taught internationally at LAX (Paris, France) Studio 68 (London,) SDA Camp (Poland) Base Studios (London), and Brent Street (Sydney).I have worked for artists such as Beyonce, Britney Spears, Kelly Rowland, T-Boz, Daniel Bedingfield, Carmit, Estelle, Muse, Amei, Rochelle Jordan, Kona Rose, Two-feet, and many more. I have worked with top choreographers such as Kevin Maher, Brian Friedman, Tessandra Chavez, Travis Payne, Tabitha & Napoleon, Derrell Bullock, Hi-Hat, Andye J, Tony Testa, and many more.Credits include: Disney's – Black is King, Monsters of Hip Hop Show Cast 2014, The Jefferson Dancers, and The NBA Blazer Hip-Hop Squad. I have done commercial campaign work for Reebok, Puma, and Nike. As well as dancing for television programs such as X-Factor, America's Got Talent, The View, Dancing With the Stars, The TV-Land Awards, The Emmy Gala, and The Grammy's.I would describe my teaching style as an engaging and authentic experience that helps you specifically discover how to become the best artist and dancer you can be. I want you to feel your transformation from the time you walk into class to the time you walk out. Dance is truly a journey, moreover, an individual journey. Art is limitless!Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Can you make a sustainable living as a dancer?Will this work? Will I make it?What does the cheesecake factory have to do with my professional dance career? How do I juggle multiple creative aspirations? Lots of questions answered and food for thought in today's episode. This is definitely one to save for later when you're feeling overwhelmed by your ambition and societal demands. Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Today's guests are Kristin Deiss and Michelle Loucadoux from Danscend, the mental wellness company for dance educators and dancers. These 2 are no strangers to the podcast, having had episodes on both seasons 1 and 2 of the pod. I love chatting with them because we dive deep on all the things behind the scenes no one is talking about. We chat about how the mental wellness space for dancers is evolving and complicated, negative self-talk that dancers endure, and specific exercises for easing anxiety surrounding auditions.@danscendofficialHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

When you think of dance in LA, you think commercial. But there is actually a pretty large community of contemporary dance companies in LA doing amazing things. Today's episode is a Career Spotlight episode and we are highlighting contemporary dance company experiences in Los Angeles. My guests, Michaela Moore and Nicole Hagen, both have a plethora of experience not only as dancers in LA, but also serving in different roles like rehearsal director, community liaisons and marketing. We chat about:the lengthy process of auditioningfiguring out the mutual relationship between company and company memberthe best advice for those looking to be a part of a dance company communityMichaela Moore @__mickmouz was born and raised in Colorado Springs, CO. Her dance education has come from Robin's Danceworks, The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management program at OCU, and the BFA dance program at the University of Colorado-Boulder.  In 2017 she joined AGT's “The Silhouette's” for a 4 month International tour, dancing across Germany and performing in 75+ shows. Michaela is a member and rehearsal director for GEOMETRY dance company, under the direction of Mackenzie Martin, with whom she has performed at MASHUP's International Women's Day Dance Festival, Fiestalonia Sea Sun Festival, Capezio's A.C.E. Awards, Donovan Wood's music video “She Waits For Me To Come Back Down” & Duomo's music video “What About Us”, in collaboration with Netflix's Bridgerton. Aside from performing, her love for teaching and choreographing is expansive and she has choreographed/produced award winning pieces for the past 12 years. You can find her teaching at GENESIS STUDIOS every Tues. Michaela truly believes in the art of dance as a way to globally communicate through movement.Nicole Hagen @nicole_hagen is a LA-based dancer, educator, and choreographer, who has performed works by Elías Aguirre, Gianna Burright, Genevieve Carson, Roderick George, Tess Hewlett, Madison Hicks, Iker Karrera, Kate Hutter Mason, Waeli Wang, and WHYTEBERG. Nicole was a company member with L.A. Contemporary Dance Company and MashUp Contemporary Dance Company, which provided her the opportunity to perform at iconic venues including LA Dance Project, The Odyssey Theatre, ODC Theater, The Architecture & Design Museum, and Highways Performance Space. Commercially, Nicole's credits include Paramore, NBC's This Is Us, Banks, and Netflix's Dear White People.Choreographically, Nicole's work has been seen on a multitude of stages throughout SoCal such as AMDA's Cosmo Theater, LA Dance Project, LA Theater Center, IAF, Bootleg Theater, Sophia B. Clarke Theater at Mt. San Antonio College, McCallum Theatre, Musco Center for the Arts and Waltmar Theater at Chapman University, and ACDA's Screen Dance Festival. She has been a two-time finalist at the McCallum Choreography festival.Nicole is on faculty at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and AMDA College. She holds a BFA in Dance Performance, with a minor in Business Administration from Chapman UniversityHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Yoe Apolinario has danced for artists like Taylor Swift, Madonna, Usher, Cardi B and many more and is dishing it all in today's episode. She's also a published author of two works, “Cafe Con Leche” and her newest book “So You Wanna Move to LA” - a vulnerable, inside look at her journey in the dance industry in LA. I'm a big fan of Yoe's positive energy and we chat about:Her quest in becoming an authorThe behind the scenes of her 3 year experience as a dancer in Usher's Las Vegas residencyThe untold challenges dancers face in audition/job scenarios and navigating social media promotionIG: https://www.instagram.com/yoe.apolinario/Website: Everythingyoe.comTikTok: @yoe.apolinario and @yoewritesYoe Apolinario is a Commercial Dancer and Movement Artist born and raised in Tampa, Florida. After moving to LA in 2015, she booked commercial work with companies like Sprint, Hyper Volt, and Nike. She's also had the opportunity to dance for artists like Taylor Swift, Madonna, Usher, Cardi B and many more. Yoe is trained in multiple styles of dance, from Ballet, Popping, Memphis Jookin' and Clown Dancing, but she is mostly known for her mix of freestyle exploration and contemporary movement.She is apart of an all female collective called The Council. Together, The Council aims to thrive in sisterhood and community while making space for their art in this industry.Outside of dance, Yoe is a published author of two works, “Cafe Con Leche” and her newest book “So You Wanna Move to LA” which comes out November 30th, 2023. As her career continues, Yoe hopes to continue to further her movement artistry, continue writing and remain a bright, positive role model for young women in the industry.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

We've really done our job when people don't understand or realize the grit, blood, sweat and tears that go into sustaining a career in the arts. It's hard work! I'm diving in and debunking these 5 misconceptions that people may have about dancers.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Rachael is a past guest on the podcast and is such a badass. Any kind of job you can think of as a dancer, she has done it - world tours, super bowl halftime shows, feature films, TV shows, the grammy's, and most recently, was an actress in Top Gun: Maverick. We chat about everything from the writers and actors strikes, to recognizing the ebbs and flows of being a working artist,  the nuances of working as a guest choreographer in someone else's studio, and saying no to jobs with grace.Website - https://www.rachaelmarkarian.net/Online Workbook - https://www.rachaelmarkarian.net/storeIG - https://www.instagram.com/rachaelmarkarian/Rachael Markarian is a successful, multi-hyphenate artist with over 20yrs of experience working in the Entertainment Industry as a Pro-Dancer, Actress, Choreographer and Master Teacher. Her dance career began in Los Angeles and took her around the world, touring and dancing for artists like Rihanna, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Pink, Cher, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Panic at the Disco and several others. Additionally she's performed in numerous Music Videos, Awards Shows (The Grammy's, American Music Awards, Billboard Awards, MTV Movie & Music Awards), Print Campaigns, Commercials (Target, Farmer's Insurance, MAC Cosmetics, Microsoft, Absolut Vodka, Chevy, Toyota, H&M) and Super Bowl Halftime Shows (Beyonce/Destiny's Child andKaty Perry/Lenny Kravitz/Missy Elliot).Rachael's Film credits include TOP GUN: MAVERICK, BANDIT, ON A WING AND A PRAYER, RUSH HOUR 3, NO STRINGS ATTACHED, BEHIND THE CANDELABRA, MASCOTS, THE STALKING FIELDS and SOUTHLAND TALES to name a few.Her television credits include roles on TALES OF THE WALKING DEAD, ALL AMERICAN, SWEET MAGNOLIAS, FIRST WIVES CLUB, QUEENS, THE FIRST LADY, THE MS. PAT SHOW, JOHNSON, LEGION, THE MORNING SHOW, GILMORE GIRLS, GLEE, TRUE BLOOD, DOLLFACE, CSI, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, AMERICAN PRINCESS, PARKS & RECREATION and more.Rachael has choreographed Film, TV and Commercial projects including I WANT YOU BACK (Amazon Prime), TARGET, TACO BELL, CABI CLOTHING, FARMER'S INSURANCE, WELLA HAIR, and several others. She's also a Faculty Member on NRG DANCE PROJECT Convention and for CLI STUDIOS, as well as a Guest Choreographer, Master Teacher & Mentor at several studios throughout the US and Canada. Additionally, she created THE DANCER'S EDGE, an in-studio Intensive bringing LA, NYC & ATL Master Teachers & Choreographers into studios across the country providing them with Classes, Choreography & Industry Seminars to helpsupport their journey into the professional world.Rachael used her skills and success as a dancer and parlayed them into her acting career. Proving that dancers can have success in multiple fields, and that a hybrid artist is one that brings versatility and unique qualities to the table. She enjoys pursuing her passion and working in the industry, while also consulting and mentoring young artists.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Getting cut and not understanding why? This episode will create a lot of clarity as to why you aren't getting that feedback we so crave as humans and artists. Also concrete suggestions for things to do create that closure and clarity for yourself.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

If you've ever asked yourself “What do I post??” or “How Often do I post??”, then this is the episode for you. Today's guest, Amy Leisner, after working for Discount Dance, started her own company, A18 Media, a social media agency for dance studios and professionals.We chat allll the things:RepurposingBio basicsStory highlightsPinned postshashtagsand everything in betweenI love this chat because it is SO pertinent for dancers right now who are wondering the who, what when and how for posting on social media. we also chat about some of the roadblocks to posting, and why you should use each post as an experiment. Dance studio content prompts: http://www.a18media.com/cpInstagram: https://instagram.com/a18mediaWebsite: https://a18media.comAmy Leisner is the founder of A18 Media - an online marketing agency for the dance industry. She grew up dancing at studios in her small town in Wisconsin and went on to earn her degree in dance from Columbia College ChicagoShe then became a traveling preschool dance teacher in Southern California. It was during this role that she discovered the power of great marketing to fill up her classes, and so she went back to school and earned her degree in Advertising.After spending time working for marketing agencies throughout Southern California for clients both in and out of the dance industry, she built a successful freelance copywriting business, which has evolved into a full-service marketing agency for the dance world. Amy loves helping dance business owners feel confident and excited about their marketing by demystifying it and co-creating simple strategies that lead to big results!Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Literally everything you need to know about being a Universal performer! This is the debut of a brand new episode type for the podcast: Career Spotlights. Kate Coleman and Jolene Fisher are former students of mine who have both been performing at Universal Studios in Hollywood for many years. I figured the name of this podcasts is "dance careers", so I may as well start talking about different kinds.We chat:how they got their jobs (different roles, same park)what a "day in the life" is like (how many shows, rehearsal process, etc)makeup + hair secrets for daily performances (some in the water!)all the benefits of performing at Universal (flexibility, community & live theatre, oh my!)Kate Coleman works as an associate choreographer and rehearsal director for Mixed eMotion Theatrix. She's had the incredible opportunity to perform in various parts of the world, from New Zealand and France to Argentina and Morocco. Her diverse experiences include dancing with the LA Contemporary Dance Company and her work in exciting film and television productions such as Mysterious Benedict Society, Rutherford Falls, and VEEP. Kate's creative touch extends to choreographing for theatre productions like In Circles, Daughter of the Wicked and the Serpent, earning recognition from the LA Critics Circle. Her choreographic talents have even made their way into series like T-Rex Ranch and the Netflix animated series CoCoMelon Lane. You can also catch her dancing at the TriWiz Spirit Rally in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.Originally from Ontario, Canada, Jolene Fisher is an AMDA College and Conservatory Dance Theatre Alumni, and a Lambton College Office Administrative Executive Diploma Alumni. Some of her credits include: Lead Role of Helen at WaterWorld Universal Studios Hollywood and Japan, Dancer in “The Men In My Life” starring Rochelle Aytes, Dancer in “Kings & Queens” Music Video by Mina Tobias, Choreographer for “Another One” by Mina Tobias feat. Gabi DeMartini and Kai Lucas, Background Actor and Assistant Choreographer in “Scrambled” starring and directed by Leah McKendrick, Dancer at Fast and Furious Pit Crew Universal Studios Hollywood, Lead Role of Martha May and Dancer at Grinchmas Universal Studios Hollywood, Dancer for NBL London Lightning Dance Team, Dancer for Harout Balyan Live at the Dolby Theatre, Dancer for Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, Lead Dancer/Director/Singer/Songwriter in “Outcast” by Jolene Fisher, Lead/Director/Singer/Songwriter in “Mess” by Jolene Fisher, and Lead/Director/Singer/Songwriter in “Running” by Jolene Fisher. @jolenefisherinc Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Self-care isn't selfish. It's paramount. Charity Baroni joins me on the pod to discuss her prolific career as a dancer in LA (2 Taylor tours?!, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, etc), and why recognizing we are all human drove her career further along than anything else. We also dive in to the realities of being a tour dancer, what it was like watching the ERA'S tour as her former dancer, and the mental well-being of professional dancers.IG @CharitybaroniCharitybaroni.com Charity Baroni was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She moved to Los Angeles in 2008 and hustled hard, built relationships and thrived in the entertainment industry as a professional background dancer for almost a decade! She performed and toured with artists such as Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift all over the world, and also performed with artists such as Beyoncé and Maluma in music videos, live performances with Flo Rida, danced on the Grammys with Katy Perry and more. She performed on multiple live shows and awards shows: Billboard music awards, MTV movie awards, X Factor, CMT awards, Radio Disney Awards, Cowboys Thanksgiving half time show, SYTYCD Australia, and Buzzfeed to name a few.She learned and experienced a tremendous amount during her time based in LA and journeyed back home to Nashville to share her professional experiences in her choreography, teaching and mentoring other dancers, as well as performance coaching artists. Her choreography credits include working with Lainey Wilson, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, Sara Evans, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lukas Nelson, Zayn and more. She has also worked with and taught the USA women's gymnastics national and Olympic team as their dance teacher at national team camps and has choreographed several of the gymnast's floor routines.She recently pursued mental health and education and received her BA in Counseling and is a licensed and certified counselor. Through all of her experiences, she has learned how to hold onto truth, boldness, light and fun and reminds people to focus on the importance of mental and emotional health. She does this especially when sharing her passion of dance and life in the entertainment industry with others!Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

You ever go to post something on social media and then start scrutinizing every minute detail.. and then eventually just give up and not post it at all? Yup. This is something we ALL can relate to as artists. And it's even more at the forefront nowadays with social media's "compare and despair". In this episode I break down 3 key things you can remember to change your mindset, focus on what matters most and thrive in your career in the arts. DM me 'perfectionism' to make a plan to beat this and we can thrive - together.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Tackling the nuances of filming in class, today I'm joined by Miller daurey, ex-pro dancer who quit at 19, returned to dance 25 years later and is now documenting the whole thing online. Miller has been garnering a lot of attention online for his candid videos about the dance industry in LA. So we talked a lot about:what it was like for him to return to dance both physically and emotionallythe biggest changes he's noticed in the industrythe ever-evolving state of class culture here in LA Youtube Docu-series: https://www.youtube.com/@BackToGreatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/backtogreat/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@backtogreatHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

It's so hard saying no to work. But how do you determine if a job is right for you or not? It's complicated, and as freelance artists, we are actively seeking work - so how do you turn it down? Boundaries are super important, and it's a work in progress.In this episode I break down the F.A.C.T.S. method to use as a parameter in determining if a job is worth it for you. Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

If you caught last season's premiere, then you know that Jim Keith (Owner, President, Sr. Agent at Movement Talent Agency in LA and NY) is as candid as it gets. With decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Jim, once again, lays it all on line to discuss:submitting for representationthe current state of the industry (strikes, covid, A.I. oh my!)the differences between the dance scenes: NY vs. LAJim on IGMovement Agency Website // MTA on IGHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Yall. We back! It's time for Season 3. Please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss any episodes. Stay tuned :)Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

I couldn't think of a better person to wrap up season 2 with. Antoine Troupe is SO motivational. He talks a lot about success: what that means to him and how other successful people function outside the dance world. Antoine openly shares so much and gives actionable tips to help get your mind (and business!) right. self-development and being a student of life the biggest mindset mistakes dancers make when they first move to LAHow to be proactive instead of reactive in your life both professionally and personally Instagram:@troupe.brand@troupedance.co@antoinetroupeAntoine Troupe is a renowned choreographer, trainer, and passionate advocate for the growth and success of dancers worldwide. Hailing from Fairfield, California, and now based in Los Angeles for over a decade, Antoine's journey began with a taste of the industry on Season 2 of America's Best Dance Crew.At 24, he moved to LA and enjoyed a successful but short dance career. He quickly stepped into choreographing and his first major choreography job was for none other than the legendary Prince. He also went on to choreograph for prominent artists like Chris Brown, Kehlani, Drake, Burna Boy, and Rosalia. However, Antoine realized that his true passion lay in helping others build their careers and transitioned his focus to teaching.Antoine gained an esteemed reputation teaching at major Los Angeles studios such as Millennium Dance Complex and Movement Lifestyle, traveling the world to share his expertise at leading hip-hop and commercial camps like Fairplay Dance Camp, Urban Dance Camp, and RioH2K. Alongside Kolanie Marks, he co-founded KreativMndz Elite, a dance training program that produced numerous successful working dancers. This program later evolved into KreativMndz Dance Academy, which quickly became the go-to training destination in LA before the COVID-19 pandemic forced its closure in 2020.Undeterred, Antoine launched his own brand and company, TROUPE, in 2021 to further develop and explore his unique, holistic training methods. Treating dancers like athletes, he is dedicated to advancing the dance community through TROUPE, with aspirations to become the leading brand specializing in dance training services, facilities, and products. Antoine's unwavering commitment to empowering dancers to thrive is the driving force behind his impressive career and the impact he continues to make in the world of dance.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

I'm positively BEAMING listening and producing this episode. What a treat to have so much insight from people with vast and eclectic backgrounds in dance. So, what ARE the positives to pursuing a career in dance? Industry professionals from all across the country weigh in on how their careers fulfill them and their best piece of advice for anyone looking to do their job. We hear from: professional dancers, dance instructors, social media/marketing specialists, entrepreneurs, coaches, a sports psychologist, and more.Artists featured in this episode: John Barrella, Kendra Hagen, Taylor Hansen, Claire Kampschroeder, Lyndsey Beck, Olivia Wood, Tatum Lang, Kate Coleman, Brittany Lorin, Mary Roberts, Nicole Cardona, Amy Yatta, Olivia Drumm, Nicole Capobianco, Lauren VanGheluwe, Megan Holeman, Lesley Mealor, Candace Egbert Skyler Massey, Gage Wayne, Kristel Richards, Amy LeanderFor the full list and to read all the answers, head over to justinementer.com/adviceHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Do you wear a lot of hats? Have a lot of different interests? Crave creativity in many mediums? This is the episode for you. Galit Friedlander (Prince, Pharrell, WNBA, Doctors for Dancers) Dancespeak Podcast Host, Choreographer and Educator, joins me to chat about all the nuances of living a life of artistry and the diving deep I love so much. aligning your values with your gigs how “not feeling seen” affects us taking action in our self development to improve our artistry One year after graduating from the ‘FAME' school (LaGuardia) as a theatre major, Galit moved to Los Angeles to pursue a degree from the University of Southern California. Shortly after graduating college, Galit found that her drive gained her the opportunity to work as an ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER FOR PRINCE in the Los Angeles leg of his Welcome 2 America Tour. She has WORKED ON PROJECTS FOR PHARRELL AND MC LYTE. She has toured China and the U.S. with groundbreaking artists, choreographed for short film, WORKS FOR THE WNBA'S LA SPARKS as a head choreographer, and has been the SparKids head choreographer since 2017. Within her 18+ years of experience teaching dancers, Galit has discovered that one of HER GREATEST JOYS AND LIFE PURPOSE IS TO KEEP EXPANDING DANCERS' KNOWLEDGE THROUGH her work as a choreographer and teacher. She is also the host and creator of the DanceSpeak podcast since 2016 which shares unfiltered and authentic interviews from dancers all around the globe.www.gogalit.comhttps://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/collectionsInstagram: @gogalit @dancespeakpodcastHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

I ran a dance careers survey last week and collected some data about peoples jobs in the dance world, and leave some insight about their experience. This episode aims to accomplish a few things: erase the stigma of deciding not to be a performer anymoreexplain how dance can teach us and lead us to different career pathsexplore the possibilities of being a dance professional and not a professional dancer. There's lots of diving deep in this episode of how we live our lives as artists, and also a lot of hard data that I was able to use to base the discussion. Nerd-ing OUT and loving it!These are the questions I asked the group:What is your job in the dance world? (title and short description)How long have you been doing the job? Is this dance job your sole source of income?What is your favorite part of your job?Rate your enjoyment of your job from 1-5.What is your biggest piece of advice for anyone looking to do your job?Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Did you go (or are you considering going) to college for dance? It's pretty cutthroat out there and my incredible guest, contemporary and ballet diva, Julie Friedrich, discusses the pro's and con's of going to college for dance, how she's paved her own path professionally (5:00) and how she mentors dancers through her own program (10:42). Julie Friedrich's distinguished career as a professional dancer, mentor, and dance educator in the areas of ballet and contemporary dance spans more than 20 years. Julie received her primary dance education from Meredith Baylis of the Joffrey Ballet School and the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Upon graduation, Julie joined the American Repertory Ballet under the direction of Septime Webre; and then went on to join Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montreal under the direction of Lawrence Rhodes.  Throughout her career she has danced works by George Balanchine, Anthony Tudor, Ohad Naharin, Septime Webre, Nacho Duato, Guy Weizman, Roberto Zappala, and various other European and American choreographers. Upon returning to the United States, Julie joined the acclaimed contemporary dance company BodyTraffic as one of its founding members, where she danced for the last three years of her professional dancing career.Julie taught for over a decade at both the Orange County High School for the Arts and the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Through her guidance, Julie has numerous Young Arts winners and her students have gone on to study at the Juilliard School, USC/Kaufman, SUNY Purchase, Arts Umbrella, Cal Arts, Tisch at NYU, and Pace University just to name a few. Professionally, she has former students working in such companies as ATE9, Kyle Abraham, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Cirque Du Soleil, and on Broadway. Currently, Julie is in her 11th year serving on the performing arts faculty at the Windward School in Culver City, where she teaches, directs, and curates the dance program. Along with her full time work at Windward, she serves as the ballet director for Danceology, and as guest ballet faculty at various institutions across the nation. Since 2012 she has been an integral part of the artistic team at Francisco Gella Dance Works. Julie continues her work mentoring students in preparation for their entrance into the collegiate world through her College Preparatory Program that has developed into a nationwide program serving students and families. In 2013, through the Young Arts Foundation, President Obama and the White House named Julie one of the most influential arts teachers in the country for her mentorship of young dancers.https://franciscogelladance.com/college-career-prep/Instagram@missjulie1220FacebookJulie Rose FriedrichHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Auditions have been slower here in LA. For a multitude of reasons. It has me reflecting and brainstorming productive and affordable ways to keep making progress without being in the audition/gig hustle. I came up with a TOP 10 LIST. I dropped it below, and all the juicy details (and actionable tips) are inside the episode:Update your marketing materials Self-CareCurate a list of Connections/networking opportunitiesEnjoy the downtimeVision/Mood Board Creation and/or partyAuditions AuditMeal plan + prepPlan time away from social mediaJournalMeet with a mentorLet me know which one(s) you try :)Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

I'm thrilled to bring you a conversation I had with my former agent, Janee Lynch, who is now a senior business executive for SAG/AFTRA in LA. Because of her vast experience in the entertainment industry, I had to pick her brain on her time as an agent as well as the pivot to working for the union and being a full time advocate for dancers' rights. I spent a really formative time of my career with Janee as my rep and it's very special to me that she was able to take the time to drop her knowledge and insight with us. It's SUCH an important episode in so many ways, and you'll learn:  how to get your agent to GET YOUwhen to join the union, including eligibility and advantages How the union takes care of its members@janeechereeA Southern California native, Janée Cherée Lynch began working in entertainment at the age of two (2) years old as a model, actress, dancer and singer. Over the years, her resume included several national print and commercial campaigns, television shows, music videos and educational programs. She attended California State University Long Beach, obtaining degrees in Communications and Dance in 2007, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Shortly after graduation, Janée began working on the business side of entertainment, getting her foot in the door at Clear Talent Group, starting out as an assistant and quickly becoming a Dance Agent, representing some of today's top Creative Directors, Choreographers and Dancers. In 2011, Janée branched out on her own, becoming the Director of The S Agency, a boutique talent agency, focusing on representation of Dancers, Singers and Actors. In 2016, Janée merged The S Agency, with Eighteentwentysix, a tour production company, as Director of their agencydivision. During her time as an agent, Janée also judged on the dance and cheer circuit, and was a frequent guest speaker at numerous conventions and intensives, providing today's talent with the perspective of being both a performer and an agent, and educating on the ins and outs of entertainment contracts. With a passion for performer rights, in 2017, Janée joined Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) as a Senior Business Representative in Music. Janée's focus is contract education and enforcement for Singers and Dancers for TV, Film, New Media and Music Video contracts. Janée is also a staff liaison for Singers and Dancers, working on numerous events and educational forums for SAG-AFTRA members, as well as a contributor to the negotiation teams, working on Singer and Dancer contract provisions.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Bust our your notes app, I'm breaking down the basics to commercial dance resumes and a few most frequently asked questions. In this episode, you'll learn:why you need a resume and what kinds of jobs you'll submit them forthe structure of industry resumes and how they differ from "real life" oneshow to organize/save/edit themmy tried and true guidelines for both the training and special skills sectionsAlready have a resume? great! This is a great place to check-in and make sure its hitting all the marks. Don't have a resume? great! This is a great place to start. If ya need a visual, my commercial dance template pack is an instant digital-download away and includes 5 different templates to plug-n-play. On sale this week!Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Super stoked to have the amazing Courtney Ortiz from Making the Impact Podcast join me for today's episode. She wears many hats in the industry and we really just have an honest conversation about real-life issues in the dance world, no matter what coast you are on. I love hearing the different perspective and current trends happening in NYC, and we also dive in to:How auditioning in NYC (and in general) has changed since the pandemicHow to break barriers in the beginning of your careerReal life survival jobs and how they fit in to your unconventional lifestyleWhy the "hustle" can make or break youCourtney Ortiz is a New York City based professional dancer, educator and adjudicator. Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, she is a 2007 YoungARTS award winner in Modern Dance. Her professional dance and teaching career has allowed her to travel the world performing in places such as: Dubai, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Australia and France. Her career spans from stage to screen with credits including: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring The Rockettes, The Chase Brock Experience, Choreographer and Dancer on Youtube's The Key of Awesome, backup dancer for PSY, Chris Brown and Heidi Klum, and performing through Europe on the International Tour of the classic musical West Side Story. Most recently, Courtney performed in the National Tour of Finding Neverland, Lin Manuel Miranda's In The Heights, and the first ever revival in 30 years of Jerome Robbins' Broadway. You can also catch Courtney's feet tap dancing in FX Network's hit series “Fosse/Verdon”, where she was the dance double for young Bob Fosse! Outside of performing, she has been a dance educator and full time adjudicator for over 10 years. You may even recognize her behind the judge's table on Lifetime's “Dance Moms” in Seasons 2 & 3! Courtney is on guest faculty with Steps on Broadway in New York City and is honored to be an original faculty member on REVEL Dance Convention since Season 1 where she teaches Jazz and Broadway! She is also the owner of Impact Dance Adjudicators and the host of their dance podcast Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast. Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Courtney on InstaImpact Dance Adjudicators: www.impactdanceadjudicators.comMaking The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast - www.makingtheimpactpodcast.comHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

I'm diving deep in this episode to talk about the nuances of accepting certain realities we all face as dance professionals. Conquering perfectionism, playing the comparison game, feeling like we're on a never-ending hamster wheel of auditions, jobs and training - are all VERY challenging. But it doesn't have to be, if we adjust our expectations in a healthy way.These are 3 hard truths that I base this episode around:1️⃣ there is no “there” or “you've made it”, only a next2️⃣ there's always going to be someone in the room who is more talented than you3️⃣ they'll talk if you do, they'll talk if you don't. So may as well do YOUHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew. Help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Brandon Henschel is the current resident director for the new show Awakening at the Wynn in Las Vegas. This was an incredible conversation with an industry vet who is equal parts, professional, and kind. In this episode, you'll learn about:how he landed his first gig with Britneythe biggest differences in the industry now and how young dancers can step uphow being malleable on set will make you more cast-able in the future.This episode will leave you feeling inspired to put in the WORK and keep going.

Let's get REEL: A topic that's near and dear to my heart. I've been working on promo content for dancers for over 10 years here in LA. Video content is one of the most important tools you can have in your toolbox to use for auditions, submissions and networking. In this episode, I dive in to:the differences between dance reels and skills clipswhich one is better for submitting yourselfhow to decide what to shoot or use in your reelthe mindset shift you need to finally make your new oneIf you haven't already, check out justinementer.com/reels to download your FREEBIE reels cheat-sheet to get a follow along checklist and information for this episode. If you need extra support, I'm here to work with you 1:1 or you can jump in to the CREW. We GOT THIS, yall :)Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew or become a Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Dances lessons are life lessons, right? My love for diving deep is fully realized in this episode with dance business coach Ali Phillips. I loveee going into the psychology behind what we do- so thank you Ali! She discusses:switching from human DOing --> human BEingeliminating the scarcity mindsether conscious dance leadership philosophywhy you really do need to write that follow up email (or 2!)www.bustamovedance.com.auwww.aliphillips.org@bamdance_@aliphillips.officialAli Phillips is a passionate Dancer, Teacher and Leader from Brisbane, Australia.Her experience in dance started at the young age of 3 years old where her local dance studio quickly became her 2nd home. Feeling a deep sense of belonging and having her confident personality nurtured by her dance teachers, Ali developed a deep passion for Dance teaching that carried into her high school years. At the age of 17 she was invited to begin a dance class for adults with disabilities and parallel to completing her Bachelor of Dance at The Queensland University of Technology, she went on to create her current legacy - Bust a Move Dance - a dance company running classes for kids, teens and adults with disabilities.Throughout her 20s BAMDance acted as the vehicle for Alis blossoming passion for creating safe dance spaces, intentional dance education and Conscious Dance Leadership. She guided her company to perform at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles in 2015 as well as being personally invited by Nigel Lythgoe to perform on both So You Think You Can Dance US and at the Dizzy Feet Gala. As a result BAMDance grew extensively across the greater Brisbane area and in 2017 Ali made the move to Toronto Canada where she began its 2nd branch.With directing BAMDance at an international level, Ali now spends the majority of her time training other dance teachers on how to create more inclusive dance spaces as well as coaching dance entrepreneurs who want to grow intentional and conscious dance businesses. She isdeeply passionate about personal development and is excited to bring her 15 years of knowledge and experience to as many international dance communities as possible.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew or become a Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

I'm so excited to have my dear friends (Eliotte Nicole, Mackenzie Martin, Taylor Hansen) of 10+ years in LA join me in this very special episode. Revisiting this in the editing process was everything I needed and more to put the biggest smile on my face and remind myself of the power of community. I highly respect each of these incredible humans and they share beautiful insight on the importance of community, how not to be a creeper when developing new relationships (aka networking), and the beauty of friendship in a harsh industry. @eliottenicole@_mackenzie_martin_@taylor.n.hansenEliotte Nicole is an eclectic performer originally from San Antonio, TX and a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis. Trained in many forms of dance, Eliotte has performed the works of Kenny Ortega, Tyce Diorio, Charm La'Donna, Jerry Mitchell, Michael Rooney, Martha Graham, and more. She is a Background Vocalist for Taylor Swift and was a part of the award-winning and record-breaking: The RED World Tour, The 1989 World Tour, and The reputation Stadium Tour. Eliotte has performed on TV and award shows with Taylor Swift, Cher, Meghan Trainor, John Legend, Ne-yo, and Pitbull; and in commercials for Ford, Crocs, Nike Training Club, Old Navy to name a few.  Be sure to catch Eliotte on stage with Taylor Swift for the upcoming The Eras Tour!Mackenzie Martin is a Los Angeles based Choreographer and Entrepreneur, recognized internationally for her distinctive and artistically grounded choreography, her ability to create a sense of space, and visionary leadership. Her credits include Missy Elliot, Lululemon, Donovan Woods, Duomo, Sephora, Caesar's Palace, DanceOn, Polica and Simon Birch's "14th Factory" and is a two time Capezio A.C.E Awards nominee. Mackenzie is the Director of LA contemporary dance company GEOMETRY and the CEO & Founder of SOUL DE SOUL Dance Convention where she also teaches on faculty. She is also the founder of GENESIS STUDIOS in Los Angeles.Taylor Hansen is a Los Angeles based Choreographer, Dance Educator, Coach and Manager from Rochester Hills, MI. She danced her way through Hollywood for many years and has officially transitioned her career in dance education. Taylor has traveled the country judging, teaching master classes and setting guest choreography over the last 10 years. Her powerful choreography has won numerous awards in the competitive circuit, with her proudest role being the Head Coach of Saugus High School dance team in Santa Clarita, CA. You can also pop into her open technique class at Los Angeles' newest professional studio, Genesis Studios, where she also happens to be the Manager/Lead Designer. In Michigan Taylor danced with Radio Disney, Variety Charity, Detroit's MotorCity Movements and also appeared on FOX as a Vegas finalist for SYTYCD Season 7. Taylor completed her Bachelor's Degree of Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University.  Find her shouting 5,6,7,8 or on a hike in LA.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew or become a Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Authenticity, kindness and integrity go a long way, right? Do you ever feel a pressure in the industry to act a certain way or be a particular kind of person? I know that I have felt this and many people I know from the last 15 years in LA have struggled with this. You think you have to adopt a certain kind of person to fit in or be accepted. I am stoked to share the conversation with my former student, Jamal Wade, who just recently directed Tinashe's latest music video. He truly embodies a genuine, positive energy and I think that has certainly lended itself to his recent success. We chat:How he started diving in to creative directing at such a young ageThe networking that led to his first big jobHow his authenticity and curiosity created opportunityThis episode is great for a creative project - bust out your glue gun and buckle up.www.jamalwade.comhttps://dreambear.org/portfolio/jamal-wade/www.instagram.com/jamalkwadeJamal Wade is a director and choreographer for film and music videos. His journey as an artist formally began in high school as dancer training on scholarship with the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre. During that time, he also trained and performed with Debbie Allen in several stage productions, and with New Venture Theatre. Jamal attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where he studied and earned his BFA in Dance Theatre. As a choreographer, he's worked with artists including Josh Dean, Ambre, and Ari Lennox. His directing style embraces that background, capturing life and motion in even the stillest moments. His directorial work includes music videos for Lady London, Tinashe, and Willie Jones, whose "American Dream" video was nominated for Video of the Year at the CMT Country Music Awards. As a queer Black artist, Jamal strives to continue creating work with others who want to empower minorities and the underrepresented voices of the world.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew or become a Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

I'm sure you've noticed the influx of mentorship programs in the dance industry in the last couple years. Clearly, I'm not the exception. But I thought I'd put together 5 things to remember and use to evaluate different programs that may be sparking your interest. In this episode I'm breaking down:How to figure out if the program/mentor is right for youWhy it might be beneficial for you to join oneHow to align your goals, program outcomes and work ethic.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew or become a Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Does it seem like every dancer and their mother is starting up a podcast?Well, it might be true. And hi

After 2+ years of running my business online, I've had the privilege of talking to hundreds of dancers about their most pressing issues. I wanted to come through and highlight some of my most asked questions because the insight is REAL on this one and I want to share.The top 3 one's I'm discussing today. And yall, we're diving DEEP Where do I even start?How do I find more work and opportunities as a dancer?How do I best promote myself on social media?If you find yourself asking any of these questions, or if you've EVER asked yourself any of these questions.. this is a great place to check-in. I'm also hosting a workshop online on 2/28 "badass branding" - learn some new tools for developing your online presence. The game has changed, and it's time to start playing by the new rules ;)Go to justinementer.com/shop to sign up!Hey y'all! I'm the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15 years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew or book a 1:1 sesh.Connect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

What happens when you hear the word “no”? Do you use it as a fuel to keep going, or let it hold you back? Henrique and Valentino of HQV2 Creative share their thoughts on making mistakes along your journey and how to make the most of them. They have such a warm, positive energy - and it's all good vibes in this episode where we chat about:the love of learning and how that takes you farhow being present and vulnerable makes you an attractive dancerwhat creative directors look for when hiring dancers@henriquos@vvladimirov@hqv2creativeHenrique Quos and Valentino Vladimirov both come from different backgrounds - Henrique is Brazilian and Valentino is Bulgarian. They have experienced the hardships of the industry in a number of ways and have learned an incredible amount about being a professional, about valuing yourself, about bringing the best out of people, and being kind to yourself and others in environments that can sometimes present themselves as difficult."Everything we do, we do out of love for dance, for our craft, and for people who are brave to pursue the life of an artist. We take all the focus off of ourselves, we become guides, and we dig into the best ways to make people reach their goals." - HQV2 CreativeHey y'all! I'm the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15 years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew or book a 1:1 sesh.Connect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Baring it ALL today: How I got startedHow I made some first moves on MySpace (!!)How I got my first agentWhat I did when I got dropped from an agentWhat I considered when switching agentsWhat you should consider when trying to either gain representation OR maximize your current agency relationshipHow to balance two separate agentsI have not shared a lot of my OWN story, even though this is my podcast. Even though it sometimes feels icky to me (and I'm certainly not going to be doing this every solo episode), I think it's important to be vulnerable, and give my own perspective and experiences in this industry life. If you are ready to submit for representation OR make a plan with your current agent, this is exactly what I do with my clients 1:1. Where are you on your agency journey? Send me a DM on insta and let me know

Today I'm joined by the positive and savvy Audra Allen from the Dance CEO Coach. If you've been feeling that itch to start a side hustle, monetize a skill, service or product, this is the episode to get you pumped up and ready for action. We chat:the pros and con's of dance degreesperspective on balance in your personal and professional lifepersonality and vibes when branding yourself both online and in-personFirst steps to starting an online businessTake notes, yall!You can connect with Audra on Instagram @thedanceceocoachAudra Allen, CEO & Founder of The Dance CEO Coach (est. 2018). Audra helps clients become the CEO of their life and dance business via the Dance CEO Method, 1:1 coaching program and the Business Academy for Dancers, group coaching program. Audra is the host of the Dance CEO Podcast and co-founder of the Dance Business Owner Summit (est. 2021). Audra earned her Master in Fine Arts degree and College Teaching Certificate from the University of Arizona, and Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado Mesa University. Audra has supported 150+ dance business owners to transition their businesses to survive the financial challenges when Covid hit. She was the Director of Dance at the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, Adjunct Professor of Dance at both Northwestern State University in Louisiana and University of Southern Mississippi, and Co-Artistic Director of the non-profit company, Dance for a Cause in Arizona. Audra presented her choreographic work nationally and performed professionally. The basis of all of Audra's work is if you have a dance business idea, you can be a business owner. Audra is the single mom of 2 little humans, a part siamese cat, all the houseplants and a frequent traveler and beach visitor. Hey y'all! I'm the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15 years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew or book a 1:1 sesh.Connect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Every January is the same song and dance. "New year, new you" they say. I personally think it's impossible to achieve a whole new you in 1 year and I also do not like that pressure! I do, however, think it's a great excuse to reassess what's working, what sucked, and take stock of your priorities. I wanted to come up with a list of ACTIONABLE STEPS you can take right now  to boost your digital presence. I also created a free handout for step #1 "what to do before you make a dance reel" that you can download for FREE at justinementer.com/reels.Not sure where to start? There's a lot of ways to get involved with me, that you can find here (membership, private coaching, download-able templates + more), or send me a DM on IG/email me at mntr.mgmt@gmail.com. I would absolutely LOVE to hear from you. Sincerely,JustineHey y'all! I'm the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15 years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew or book a 1:1 sesh.Connect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

Chatting with Cho is always a breath of fresh air. First of all, she is the queen of analogies and dropped so many in this episode. It's always amazing for me to hear the people with the most experience in our industry and their perspectives. I listened to this a few times and each time had a different takeaway. Chonique has that effect on people. You'll learn about: - staying patient and how to surrender to it- how to keep your creative juices flowing amidst so much pressure- chonique's best tip for manifesting your dreamsChoniquesneed.comIG @choniqueTwitter @chosneedLA native Chonique Sneed, a true renaissance woman in every sense of the word, has been entertaining the masses since she was a little girl. As a veteran in the entertainment industry, she's worked with everyone from Diddy, Missy, Janet, Christina Milian & Kevin Hart to name a few. Her journey  includes, Actress, Dancer, Choreographer, Creative Director, Recording Artist & Mentor.  She continues to travel the country and world, teaching workshops and master classes, as a leader of inspiration, sharing tools and guiding the next generation of artists.  Now with her Chobiznes Podcast & IG Live her platform has expanded, leaving her audience, students, and mentees with inspiration, confidence and new ways to develop and share their gifts. Hey y'all! I'm the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15 years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew or book a 1:1 sesh.Connect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

I cannot believe a full year has gone by since I started DC:U. What started as an Instagram live series has transpired into one of my fave creative projects to date.It was pretty amazing editing this episode and listening in marvel at all the incredible wisdom and insight we have all been able to soak up. This was never about me. I'm an educator. And as an educator, my community comes first. It's about giving actionable advice, hearing motivational stories, and staying inspired throughout the tribulations of our careers. There's always a bit of tough love, but I'm a firm believe we need: honesty to move forward authentically, realness to uncover our true paths, and guidance to forge ahead. If you've made it this far, thank you. Thank you for listening and trusting. Happy New Year and may the next shine so much light upon you

Lindsay Rosenberg is arguably one of THE top headshot photographers for dancers in Los Angeles. Not only did she come up in the dance industry (an agent at 12!) and have incredible insight on nailing your next headshot session, I just straight up enjoyed vibing with her. Headshots are your ticket in to auditions, so it's incredibly important to invest in the right photographer who knows the business/formula. This is the episode to soak up invaluable industry knowledge and crush your next shoot.You'll learn about:the relationship between dancer, agent, casting and photographerwhat headshots to take if you are not signedhow she creates her swoon-worthy instagramLindsay's Linktree *When you hear the beginning of this episode, you'll hear me talking about the beginning of our conversation that didn't actually make the cut. If you're curious - its because I had to film this episode from my car! Both my boys were home sick, so I had to retreat into my car in the driveway to get some quiet

Does this even need a description?! I just want you to win. And I want you to recognize any win you've had this year, big or small. Listen in for 3 signs you freakin CRUSHED this year. And go ahead and celebrate, you deserve it.Some BIG changes happening in 2023. Make sure to subscribe if you haven't already so you get the dish first

You name it, Michelle Elkin has done it. She has had her hand in almost all facets of the industry - TV, film, theatre, education, all of it. She lives and breathes it. We chat about: how to stay grounded through the up's and down's of the industryher favorite way to cast dancersthe differences in creating for film vs. stageand oh so much more!Michelle on InstagramMichelle Elkin has served as Choreographer most recently for an episode of Young Sheldon (season 6, airing this Fall) and is currently in rehearsals for “13 the Musical”.  Other Credits include Sutton Foster and Jonathon Groff Live At Lincoln Center for PBS, the tv series Younger, an episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Young Sheldon with Jason Alexander and David Hasselhoff. She was seen on Netflix as a co star in Gilmore Girls “Winter”. She also choreographed the TV show Me and My Grandma with Rhea Perlman, as well as a Southwest Airlines web spot. Select Theater credits include a Regional Production of Something Rotten, The Goodbye Girl (MTG), Broadway To The Rescue (Montalban Theater), Hunchback Of Notre Dame (Broadway World Awards Nominee) Sister Act The musical (Broadway World Awards Nominee, Scenie Award), a piece for the NSO Pops Opening at Kennedy Center and  “Children Of Eden” (Broadway World Awards Nominee). She also created musical numbers featuring Sutton Foster and special guest Joshua Henry for the National Symphony Orchestra at Kennedy Center, the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall and the Houston Symphony at Jones Hall. She has also lent her choreographic talents to the hit ABC Family show, Baby Daddy, a TNT pilot titled “Dawn” directed by Sam Raimi as well as a production of Little Shop Of Horrors in Tampa, FL, the feature films Wild Hogs and What Just Happened, as well as Emmy award winning television shows, Boston Legal, Weeds, Lifetime's reality show “Your Mama Don't Dance”, Warren The Ape on MTV, Marvin, Marvin on Nickelodeon, as well as the tap sequences in ABC Family's Bunheads. She made her professional debut at the age of 8 in the movie musical “Annie”. Since then, she continued to work in numerous film, television, commercial, and theater projects as a dancer and assistant choreographer such as Bunheads, Boston Legal, Joan Of Arcadia, Boston Public, Ally McBeal, Charmed, American Idol, the tv series Fame LA, 3rd Rock from the Sun, That 70's Show, Tracey Takes On, The Country Bears, Batman and Robin, Austin Powers I-III, A Time For Dancing, and Elizabethtown. She was the Associate Choreographer for the films, Semi-Pro, Tropic Thunder, 10 Things I Hate About You, Cinderelmo, Looney Tunes: Back In Action, 13 Going on 30, Starsky and Hutch, tv series Viva Laughlin, Dancing With The Stars, the musical, Sister Act at Pasadena Playhouse, as well as the 58th Emmy Awards with Conan O' Brien, the 63rd Emmy Awards with Jane Lynch and 81st Academy Awards with Hugh Jackman. Michelle was also the Associate Choreographer of the Broadway show, Wonderland at the Marriott Marquis Theater.Hey y'all! I'm the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15 years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew or book a 1:1 sesh.Connect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

I did a group coaching session and I really wanted to share the conversation. It was honest, open, and real - highlighting REAL LIFE dancer struggles of:- finding structure in a chaotic freelance world- juggling multiple passions- artist life post-pandemic Buckle up for some kick-in-your-pants advice, tough love, realness and some actionable advice to take back some control of your life. If this kinda thing resonates with you, this is your invitation to join us in the mntrU Crew :) Guest Insta's/Links:Megan HolemanBriar Rose (& Briar Rose kickstarter)Hey y'all! I'm the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15 years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? join the mntrU Crew or book a 1:1 sesh.Connect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

So thrilled to sit down with Jenni Thomasson, Dance Captain (and more!) for the incredible Todrick Hall, on this week's episode. Like a lot of my guests, Jenni is a former FLIRT Dancer and I've been thrilled to watch her journey with Todrick and see all the magic they have created. She is such a bright light in any space she is in. I'm grateful she took the time to talk about her journey, the digital dance world, playing to your strengths as an artist, and remembering your worth as a human first. Prepare for instant-inspo!@itsmejenniT@todrickTodrickhall.comLike this episode or ones before it? Leave 5 stars on the show page and show us some love