Dance Uncorked Podcast

Kyra Bannister - friend and fellow local dance artist joins me in episode 5 to discuss her top three dance superpowers that have served her in the workplace. Originally from Florida, but spent most of her early years in San Fransisco, Kyra's dance background spans from musical theatre to Limón and Horton modern dance techniques. She identifies the following dance superpowers that have served her in her current career as a clinical assistant for sports medicine and physical rehabilitation: Resiliency - The ability to keep going, and showing up. Empathy - Understanding life through the eyes of others. Multitasking/Multi-functional Learning - Learning dance in and of itself, exposes individuals to multiple learning styles. Thus, molding dancers into iconic multitaskers. Kyra brings an intellectual approach to concepts that have surfaced in previous episodes, offering listeners a different lens to consider these superpowers. I always appreciate the way Kyra dives head first, straight into the deep end - both in her friendships and the way she experiences dance. Please enjoy this episode as much as I did! Watch on YouTube. Follow Kyra: Company Movimiento

In Episode 4, I'm joined by Cynthia Gutierrez-Garner, Artistic Director of Company Movimiento. She also happens to be a close friend and dance mentor who continuously provides opportunity for fellow artists, observers and dance enthusiasts alike. In this episode, Cynthia dives deep into her dance history and how that led her to starting her own modern and jazz dance company in Eugene, Oregon five years ago. Company Movimiento was born out of Cynthia's desire to represent LatinX voices and increase presence in her local dance community. She talks about her upcoming concert, “Rooted” scheduled to run at Oregon Contemporary Theatre April 28-29, 2023 in addition to two dance superpowers that have served her in jobs outside of dance: Building Community Improvising Accompanied by a beautiful glass of Antiquum Farm's 2019 Juel, Cynthia and I do what we do best - talk dance, sip wine, and dream about changing paradigms deeply embedded in dance one step at a time. Cynthia sums up this episode perfectly: “When you're passionate about something, sharing that is easy.” Check out Company Movimiento and purchase tickets for their upcoming concert, “Rooted.” April 28-29, 2023, 7:30pm Oregon Contemporary Theatre Watch on YouTube. Company Movimiento's Instagram. Company Movimiento's Facebook.

In Episode 3, I'm joined by local dance artist, company director, and choreographer, Nate Boozer. Nate has been in the Eugene/Springfield dance scene for almost 2 decades dancing throughout the community and directing Work! Dance Company for a solid 15-year run. Throughout his dance career, Nate has worked in many industries outside of dance, including his present endeavors working full time as the Director of Training for StarCycle Ride Corporate, and remains in the community as Studio Manager and Instructor at StarCycle Eugene. Playfully naming his current career as his “Las Vegas Residency,” Nate identifies 3 “dance superpowers” that he carries in the workplace outside of dance: - Working with people productively - Confidence and the “Inner Performer” - Artistic Expression While we unpack these superpowers, we enjoy a glass of Hayworth Estate Wines Double E (Mini) Sparkling Brut. Join us in episode 3 as we cheers to the many gifts dance has afforded Nate to find success in a now, corporate career! Watch on YouTube. Follow Nate Boozer on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Work Dance Company on Instagram and Facebook. Follow StarCycle Eugene to stay up to date with Nate's ride class schedule!

In Episode 2, I'm joined by my friend and past colleague, Bryant Henderson Shea. Bryant and I met in Grad School, and we graduated from the University of Oregon with MFAs in 2017. Bryant is a great dancer and choreographer in addition to a fantastic dance educator both in the private sector and higher education. Throughout his dance career, Bryant has worked in many industries outside of dance, including his present endeavors working full time in the corporate world while residing in Alabama. When I asked about the "dance superpowers" he's discovered in the workplace outside of dance, he replied with a list of the following top three: - Collaboration - Empathic Leadership - Negotiation Skills We spend a good deal of time unpacking each of these superpowers, and we do so over big and bold glasses of red blends. During this episode, we each enjoy our own red blends: Estero Wine's 2020 Red Blend, and Edgefield Vineyard's 2018 Black Rabbit Red. Join us in episode 2 as we cheers to Bryant's list of dance superpowers that have brought him success in the workplace outside of dance! Follow Bryant on Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome back to Dance Uncorked Podcast Season 2! After a long break from recording, I'm back with a fantastic season of episodes. Season 2 is all about exploring how past dance training, experiences, and professional careers impact your current career(s) that may or may not be dance related. I'm excited to kick off a great second season with the first episode! In this episode, I share 3 “dance superpowers” I have acquired through my dance past that brings me success in my current career in Safety and Risk Services and the University of Oregon. Adaptability and being able to pivot quickly if needed. If you can produce a show, you can execute a project… and you can do it well. Our desire to authentically connect with others makes us invaluable team members. Accompanied by a beautiful glass of J.Scott Cellars 2019 Petite Sirah, I encourage dancers working in careers outside of dance to consider how your own “dance superpowers” can serve you and bring you success. Watch on YouTube. Featured Wine: J. Scott Cellars 2019 Petite Sirah

In this episode, I am joined by Jess Hoffman and Jimee Alzahrani, co-founders of Oregon-based dance company, Roselynn Dance. We spent time together dancing our way through the dance program at the University of Oregon and reunite during this episode to talk about their dance company and upcoming dance concert, The Process Project. Accompanied by Silvan Ridge's 2017 Pinot Noir, we discuss and explore the broad definition of dance, dance expression, and how we like our art. It is obvious why Jess and Jimee work so well together and that despite living in two different physical locations, they are successful in creating meaningful work. They dive into details about their upcoming concert; an evening of work that offers the audience an interesting lens to experience the creative process that often goes unnoticed during an average night out to watch a performance. I've always loved dancing and creating with Jimee and Jess; artists that are truly open, warm, and grounded in who they are. Their debut concert, The Process Project is November 13, 2021 at 6:00pm in Portland, Oregon. A small audience will have the opportunity to watch the concert in person, and there is a virtual option for viewers to livestream the concert from any location. To purchase tickets (either in person, or virtual) please click here. To follow Roselynn Dance: Website Facebook Instagram

I am joined by one of my oldest and best friends, Brittney Coates, in an episode that covers the controversial, yet important nuances of the relationships between the body (image) and dance. Growing up dancing together in highly competitive studios, we encountered tensions between body image expectations and pressures to look a certain way on stage and even, in the classroom. Brittney expands on the individual challenges she faced as a young woman and the feedback she received from dance mentors on her developing body during that time. She explains how that feedback negatively effected her then and how it informed the relationship she had with her body as a young adult. Together over a glass of Portlandia 2019 Pinot Noir, we uncover how Brittney was able to take that negative feedback from her past, and turn it into a more positive way to teach students who currently attend her yoga classes at Funky Mudra Yoga Studio in Deerfield Beach, FL. I feel that this episode will reach many artists as body image in dance is a major focus, especially in highly competitive environments. I hope that this episode speaks to all listeners, but especially to dance educators who have the privilege and immense responsibility of contributing to the growth of a young human. Sometimes the smallest comments and most insignificant perceived moments can deeply interrupt the healthy ways to build relationships with our bodies over time. I am grateful to Brittney for sharing her personal experiences on this platform, and I hope that listeners see her as I do: a true Wonder Woman. To follow Brittney & Funky Mudra: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkymudrayoga/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funkymudrayogastudio Website: https://www.funkymudrayoga.com/

Episode 4 features a dear friend, fellow dance educator and brilliant dance artist, Allison Eversoll. Over a glass of Cooper & Thief's Red Wine Blend, we recall a phone conversation that spiraled into a podcast-worthy episode. In the dance industry - specifically, higher education dance - employment can often be a difficult journey as the job pool is small, selective, and lengthy in process. These descriptors can also apply to the commercial dance industry or any other field that involves dance/art in general. When presented with a potential job opportunity to teach in higher education across the country, Allison was forced to confront a big (and unfamiliar) decision…choosing herself and her current goals….or her career. This episode breaks down the process specific to her decision making, and unveils larger questions such as: Why do dance artists feel guilty about not choosing or accepting to work in the dance industry, simply because they don't want to? Not only will this rich conversation reach dancers, but will be understood by anyone who has had to finally sit down and be honest with themselves about what they really want. Even if that means reorganizing where your “career” sits on your life-long priority list. Follow Allison: Instagram: @allisoneversoll Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonechasteen Website: https://allisoneversoll.com/ All.Is.One.Fitness: https://allisoneversoll.com/challenges and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/all.is.one.fitness

In this episode, I am joined by an old friend and dance artist, Stephanie Williams, who is lighting up Orlando, FL with her efforts to use dance and the arts in general, to serve the community. As CEO and Director of The Center for the Arts, Stephanie has created accessible programming that fuses the arts with mental health and wellness in order to help young people find confidence and expressive freedom. Her Diamond in the Rough program inspires youth to become the best version of themselves and educates young people how to exist and serve with excellence. We toast to her Royal Diamonds Dance Team with Chandon Brut Bubbles - both the traditional sparkling wine and the Rosé! Stephanie is an amazing mentor to so many, and I am honored to know her. Her words and work remind us that the best kind of art gives back; and that cyclical, community based art-making contributes to a brighter future. Cheers! To follow and support: Instagram: @mscapeverde @thecenterfta @royaldiamondsdanceteam Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.nunes.50 https://www.facebook.com/TheCenter5678 www.thecenterfta.com

Dance artist and educator, David Gabriel joins DU Podcast for a 2-part episode special. In part 1, David reviews his dance history, and how he journeyed into teaching Afro-Latin dance. Most notably, he uncovers how he managed to “break the genre” of Afro-Latin dance into private sector dance studio training in Orlando, FL as a regular multi-leveled class for students. He has found success amidst challenges and obstacles, and is breaking down barriers in dance studio culture. We toast to dance with Union Wine Company’s canned Underwood Pinot Noir and accept that our conversations cannot be limited by time. This 1-hour part 1 episode is filled with laughs, special shout outs, wise words, history lessons of Latin music, dance, and culture….and exposes how a “parent gang” can support you and your art form. David is the director of Dialects Dance Theatre, an instructor at Skyra Studios in Orlando, FL…and one of my dearest friends. Cheers! “If you are the first to do it, everything that you do - every step, every class that you teach is an audition…for years. Every single class has to be notable. Something has to happen that moves people. Every single time.” - David Gabriel To follow David Gabriel and Dialects Dance Theatre: Instagram: @theatreofdance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theatreofdance www.modernlatin.com

Dance artist and educator, David Gabriel joins us for a 2-part episode special. In part 2, we dive deep into a heavier conversation that is rooted in a single question that I ask: “It’s an interesting time for dance instructors, especially dance instructors of color. With the magnification of the BLM Movement this past year, what have you experienced in the last 6 months?” This 30 minute part 2 episode is a meaningful conversation exposing how African or African American art forms are valued in the United States and how David chooses to navigate through that. His life experiences have empowered him to “have the mentality of knowing” when it comes to his stance on the pertinence of his chosen art form, Afro-Latin dance. This episode is filled with powerful words from David that inspires each listener to be their authentic self when creating art. David’s perspective is unique and worth digesting. Cheers! To support David Gabriel and Dialects Dance Theatre: Instagram: @theatreofdance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theatreofdance www.modernlatin.com

Meet dance artist, Sophia Burke, who joins me over a glass of Bogle Vineyards Merlot! Together, we discuss what it’s like right now living in New York City as a Radio City Rockette….without performing this season in the historic Christmas Spectacular Show at Radio City Music Hall. We chat about other entertainment venues and companies that have gone “dark” because of challenges presented by COVID-19. Can working dancers economically survive the pandemic? What does the future hold for dancers and other entertainers as we move into 2021?

Just a clip to introduce myself, the podcast, and my mission. Thank you for tuning in. I look forward to our journey together.