Retrace Your Steps

This could not be a more perfect episode to close out Season 3, y'all! Happy New Year! Today's guest is none other than Professor Bernard Brown. Step in to this warm, thoughtful space and we discuss many common threads between us including the Los Angeles native experience. It's going to get honest, intimate, vulnerable...and maybe even naked as we Retrace the steps of this beautiful Black and Queer Dance maker and educator. So, take a deep breath and let's step back into time, starting in South Central LA... Bernard Brown: IG - @bb.moves @renaissancebrown Email - bbmoves1@gmail.com Ariana Toriz: IG - @hernameis.ari @saltcircle.dance Email - ari.is.not.sorry@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/support

We are nearing the end of the season, and we have another amazingly talented Queer Black Woman to uplift...trumpet sounds...Britta Grant. Britta has had an upward slope in her career and has worked with the likes of Zendaya, Cher, and even muvva, herself...Beyonce! We dive into those experiences and stories on this episode, as well as her humble beginnings in the nightclub scene. This incredible young artist has a lot to say, especially as an advocate. The gurls are gonna gab...so find your seat. The show is starting! Britta Grant: IG - @Britta_grant email - brittanymeanna@gmail.com Ariana Toriz: IG - @hernameis.ari @saltcircle.dance email: ari.is.not.sorry@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/support

I know I say this every time...but THIS is a special episode! I have been trying to get Tinaiya Tank to sit down for a chat on the pod since the beginning! She did not disappoint. Ms. Tank shares her experiences with navigating through the world of Pro Dance Team, opens up about growing up in Lompoc, CA, reflects on our young sleepover nights, and even gives me some tips on becoming a plant parent. This remarkable, talented woman is a VERY dear friend, and I am more than happy to share with you all why that is. So, enjoy listening to us cackle, love, support, and maybe even get a little messy... Tinaiya Tank: IG- @iamtinaiya Ariana Toriz: IG - @hernameis.ari @saltcircle.dance --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/support

This has been a season of a lot of firsts, and this episode is no exception! This week we have our first double-guest session with the 2 creators of the CRay Project. Try to keep up because this 3-way dialogue moves fast! Chatiera and LaRonica share stories of growing up in Ohio, their separate challenges in their undergrad program at Kent State, and how they cultivate an inclusive, welcoming space in their burlesque group PINS. The gloves are definitely off, and it gets brutally honest...so brace yourself for this raw and uncensored conversation. Chatiera Ray: IG - @1dancing_cookie Email - chatierar@crayproject.org LaRonica Southerland: IG - @lalawearsprada Email - laronicas@crayproject.org The CRay Project: IG - @crayproject Email - thecrayprojectllc@gmail.com Ariana Toriz: IG - @hernameis.ari Email - ari.is.not.sorry@gmail.com saltcircledance@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/support

It's our 2nd Re-Retrace, and we're throwing it back again to an artist from yesteryear! True to form...we're keeping it Black! In 2021, we recorded this conversation where Gia Calhoun opened up about her struggles with finding her place in the dance world as a young light-skinned Black girl. She is poised, well-spoken, and elegant...but this chick has a silly side, too. She, also, has a perspective to share on implicit discrimination. Let's throw it back on this Thursday and practice some of those BAD dance moves! Gia Calhoun: IG - @giaelizabeth Ariana Toriz: IG - @hermameis.ari @saltcircle.dance --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/support

On this very special episode, we have a late night recording, appropriately, with Burlesque royalty, Kirby La Brea. We discuss an array of topics including his training at Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Queer Black representation in mainstream entertainment, his appearance on the OutTV reality competition "Gogo For The Gold," and highlights of his concert dance career. It's all family here, so we get comfortable, speak in our own language, and share a lot of love with an extra long warm up! Kirby La Brea: IG - @creoleshowboy Email - kirbylabrea@gmail.com Ariana Toriz: IG - @hernameis.ari @saltcircle.dance Email - saltcircledance@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/support

It's our first Re-Retrace episode! We're throwing is back on this Thursday to Season 1, but staying on theme and keeping it Black! Travel back to the year 2020 with Ariana as she goes on location to the San Fernando Valley to visit Zantino Bustos during the height of the COVID-19 Shutdown. These two alumni of CSU Dominguez Hills discuss topics like Male Privilege in the Dance industry, the concept of "Fake It Til You Make It," and their shared experiences with leaving 9-5 jobs to pursue their Dance careers full-time. Zantino talks (when Ari is not interrupting him) about the optimism and hope of a future in the Dance community and about taking his time to reach for his dreams. So, in his words "Let's gooo!" --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/support

This is quite an episode. I hope y'all can keep up! Curtis T. Lassiter aka Finessa Jawn and I sit down and reflect on the impactful experience of working with the one and only Miss Peppermint. We have a little trouble staying on track, but this is truly a special conversation. We share our struggles with being able to express our gender in the professional Dance World, and even get a little emotional as we vulnerable share the difficulty of having to bottle up our authentic selves for hirability. Curtis/Finessa has become a very close friend and we very much are sisters under the skin. It's a cold run so I hope you're warm, Retracers! Curtis/Finessa: IG - @curtjawn Ariana Toriz: IG - @hernameis.ari @saltcircle.dance --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/support

It's an all new season of Retrace Your Steps and we're opening STRONG with James McQueen. In this episode we discuss the difference between the East and West Coast approaches to rehearsing, how James feels about "Shuckin' & Jivin," and his travels overseas. It's nothing but great energy in this conversation, Retracers, so make sure those laces are tied tight! Thank you, 5! James McQueen: IG - @the_mahkween_method @reflectshowcase @cat_call_production Email - mahkweenmethod@gmail.com Ariana Toriz: IG - @Hernameis.Ari @saltrcircle.dance Email- ari.is.not.sorry@gmail.com saltcircledance@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/support

Welcome Back for Season 3! I've been hard at work; curating a line up of amazing Dance artists to sit down and chat with. I'm so excited to share with you all of these fantastic conversations. This season is PREDOMINANTLY artists of POC and Queer experience. Enjoy this tidbit with James McQueen, who checks all of those boxes! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ariana-toriz/support

The Season 2 Finale is upon us! I can't think of a better way to take our bow than with the person so many of you have come to hear stories about. Today, I'm sitting down with none other than the one and only Doris Ressl-Acosta! She has been a very important figure in several peoples' lives, including mine, and you will definitely hear me gush about it. Doris not only is the Chair for the Dept. of Theatre & Dance at CSU Dominguez Hills, but she also runs a Fresh Water Dance Collective, organizes an annual dance festival, and sits on the Board for the American Collegiate Dance Association. She has definitely taught me some valuable life lessons, and we will absolutely be sharing them with you all! So, cue curtain...the show's about to begin! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

This episode was truly a pleasure and a joy! What more could I ask for, as we head into the end of Season 2?! My dear friend, Mayra Pedraza, has lived quite a life and she gets very vulnerable as we Retrace it with her. We talk about her intro to Dance and the training experiences she received while growing up in Mexico! She divulges what it was like when discovering as a young adult that she is a Type 1 Diabetic. Most of all, she shares her love and desire to learn as much as she can as an artist...and her positive attitude is absolutely infectious! Get ready for some Brown Girl Magic, as the title implies... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

I am so impressed with this week's guest for making this happen under such short notice. Nhan Ho is a busy person with faculty positions at both studios and college campuses, as well as a company to run! He is such a breath of fresh air. He shares his experiences growing up in dance environments where he was often one of few male participants. We tackle topics like Male Privilege, Cultural Appropriation, and finding your Voice as an Artist. Listen in on this kiki between 2 friends! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

This busy lady was a tough pony to lasso! Linnea Snyderman and I danced and toured together a few years ago, and I've been relentlessly pursuing her to stop by the Pod for quite some time now. She has a fascinating story that starts at the San Francisco Ballet and ends in a swimming pool. She's got a strong will and a commitment to technical training like I've never seen before! Listen in as we chat about fights breaking out on stage, shattered dolls, and blurry street signs. Remember...don't practice it wrong, practice it right! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

This guest might have a voice that's better suited for Audio than I do! I am talking about the pleasantly poised Gia Calhoun! We got to catch up, reflect on times when we danced together, and chuckle a little over the way our Artistic Director titled ballets. She shares the insights of a young light-skinned dancer of color that grew up with the struggles of finding her place in the Performing Arts, and opens up about the confusion that comes along with implicit discrimination. She does know how to have a good time and play a prank or two, so enjoy this conversation and let us know what YOUR favorite bad dance moves are! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

Make sure you're warm before walking into this Master Class! Try to keep up as I chat it up with friend, fan, and patron of the pod: Sarah Cashmore-Hummel! Most of the of time we stay on topic, but not always. Sarah shares her mission to bring more focus, awareness, and importance to Cultural Dance. She, also, lets me in on the duality of teaching both college students and small children. I may have met my match in the talkative department, but I've got my work cut out for me when it comes to steering this conversation in any certain direction. You're going to enjoy listening to what I think just may be the FUNnest episode of the season! After all,  she's here to remind everyone that is what dance is all about... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

You're catching the Final Run of this episode! Morgan and I had an accidental Dress Rehearsal when our first recording did not go great in the editing process. So, it's opening night! Listen as she gushes over the amazing people that she's been blessed to receive instruction from. We dive into the need for Ballet to catch up to present day, the normalization of Directors that exhibit mental health issues, and the importance of meeting people that believe in you. Now, the overture begins and the curtain is rising... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

In our very first Zoom recording, I reconnect with Delaney Zieg. She's a highly talented dancer, and prime example of pushing yourself to your limits. We chat about the first time she saw The Nutcracker on stage, her tight-knit relationship with her Dance partner, and her growth as she owns more of her body over time. We relate on so many levels...including our taste in Canadian comedy. Join in on this conversation as we go on a journey that you're going to LOVE for US!  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

Melanie Kushida is a fellow Toro, class of 2014! She and I spent a lot of time together in our Undergrad program at CSU Dominguez Hills...but real life came along and took us in different directions. I got her to take a long drive out to Long Beach from Temecula, CA and we had our chance to catch. Listen in as we share our thoughts on Commercial Dance, Type Casting, and ACDA. Cackle along with us as we recall old times, and share our promise to keep in touch more...through the art of Pole Dancing! Cue the tenor saxophone... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

The time has come! Season 2 is just around the corner, so tell a friend! We'll be chatting at you soon! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

It's heeeeere! We are going out with a bang! It's a Grande Adagio with this extended episode! We are rejoined by our VERY first guest, Marco Carreon, but this time he's leading the Master Class. Ms. Ari is in the spotlight on this good day, and we are Retracing HER Steps before we go on off-season. She shares her many firsts in her Dance career including her first performance for Multi-Cultural week in 5th Grade, her first tawdry affair with another dancer, her first time attending the Laguna Dance Festival, and her first time presenting work at ACDA...all on our LAST episode of Season 1! Cackle along with her and her Good Judy, Marco, and stay tuned for Season 2... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

It's our last episode before the finale! What better way to go out then with a fun and fresh conversation with Josh Alvarez? For such a young person, Josh has a lot to offer the Performing Arts world and he's on a mission to share and experience it all! We discuss his cross sectionality in his ethnic culture as a Latinx, Filipinx, and Japanese American. He opens up about sketchy scenarios that he's found himself in and learned from. We kept each other laughing throughout the entire chat on things like Show-mances, Ethnic ambiguity, and Day jobs. You're going to enjoy this sit down, and keep an eye out for this one because Josh is aiming straight for the top! Which is where we always reset to... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

Welcome back to the Sequel! We're completing our conversation with Kistina Pressler. We start with Dance Appreciation and our dear Mrs. Pressler spills about the long list of reasons she loves and appreciates Dance in her life. We finish with Dance Perceptions, and she brought sooo many goodies for me to rifle through, and y'all know I'm nosey! We really open up and share our experiences about choreographing about the losses of our grandmothers, and I continue to gush about all the ways I love the human sitting across from me. You ready to hear her tap dance on my heart? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

Well, Retracers, we have arrived at another Saga. This time, we sit down with Kistina Pressler, a friend and colleague. In this first part, we only get through our first segment! Kistina shares her connection with Judaism, her guilt about observing discrimination take place, and her deep desire to make those around her feel comfortable and taken care of. As much as she thinks heavily about the world around her, this lady can also be VERY silly, and you'll hear just how much she tickles me. So, take out your notebooks and pop open your highlighters because we're starting at page 1 of Kistina Pressler's Dance History... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

Welcome back to 2nd part of this Saga! We're finishing up our conversation with Ashley L. Jones. We discuss the values that she hopes to impart on her students, the differences in our experiences and relationships with Ballet, and her desire to see more female Dance artists in positions of leadership. Are you ready to keep up with THIS Jones? You better tape up those toes and head to barre... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

Happy New Year, Retracers! We're starting off the year with another 2-Parter!! *cue air horn*  On this first episode of the year, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Ashley L. Jones! Talk about a renaissance woman...this chick has really taken over the cockpit and steered her life in the direction she saw fit. Conversations with her are always fascinating due to her sense of conviction, unapologetic ambition, and strong policy on not taking "No" for an answer. In this first part we talk about her early negotiations with her parents to put her in Dance classes, her strong connection to the Nutcracker, and her rendezvous with an R&B artist. You're gonna enjoy hearing her stories and opinions, and if you don't...she won't be phased. Are you ready? Cuz Ashley is and she's probably rehearsed harder than you!  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

Happy Holidays! We hope you're all having a safe and warm Winter. This episode is sure to bring the sun out because I'm chatting with my bright-eyed and perpetually chipper friend, Coree McKee-Gonzalez.  I can never go long without smiling when she's around! In this sit-down, we discuss our experiences auditioning for Disney in our younger years, we sing the praises of Misty Copeland, and I share what I believe to be Coree's Super Power is. Feel free to be a fly on the wall for one of the more light and breezy episodes of the season. Ready for warm up? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

Welcome Back for PART 2 of this conversation! Are you on the edge of your seats? We've built up so much suspense! Not really, but I'm glad you're nosey enough to wander on back and eavesdrop on our chat. We pick up in the middle of Dance Appreciation and discuss Olivia's need for the 2 C's: Community & Creativity. I open up about difficulties of continuing to work  and have jobs available to me since beginning my transition, and I also get to snoop through Olivia's happy memories. Join us as we finish Retracing her Steps back through the several companies that she's been a part of! Here we go! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

Hello Retracers! I was so excited about recording this episode that we went WAY over time. I had some work cut out for me as far as editing because when Olivia Hamilton and I get together we can TALK! This is the first half of our first 2-parter, so tune in next week for the 2nd half. Some of the things we cover during our sit down are her experiences growing up in rural Georgia, her resilience towards being underestimated, and the ugly and awkwards parts of being a dancer that the average audience member does not get to know about. Ha! Take your seats while we rest to the top! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

Welcome back! On this first day of November, I'm on location in the San Fernando Valley to sit down with my fellow alumni of CSUDH, Zantino Bustos! We cover topics like Male Privilege in the Dance industry, the concept of "Fake it til you make," and our shared experiences with leaving a 9-5 job to pursue our dreams as dancers. Zantino Retraces his Steps back to YouTube where it all began. So in his words "Let's go!" --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

Episode 3!  I chat with the lovely Jana Taylor! We discuss the need for more positive, supportive learning environments, as well as the battle with inner negative voices. We address the wake up call that 2020 has provided to people who want to do better, and Jana shares some of the things on her Dance Bucket List! Follow along as she Retraces her Steps back to Las Vegas, Nevada; where it all began... Places! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

EPISODE 2! I'm catching up with my colleague, AJ Dirickson. We chat about degrees of separation, our love for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and the struggles of distance learning in Dance. Join us as we Retrace his pointed Steps. Maestro? From the top, please? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

First Episode! I'm sitting down with my Good Judy, Marco Carreon. We discuss his career in dance, his lessons about burning and building bridges, and reflect back on some good times he's had. Join us as we Retrace his Steps...5,6,7,8... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support

Just a tidbit... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariana-toriz/support