Studio Small Talk - Conversations with Dancers

On this episode, Sarah is joined by Taylor McMahon and Adam Wedesky to discuss their upcoming show Arts for Alz (ticket link below.) Sarah and Taylor take a look back at her journey in the dance world, from touring with a convention to taking on the role of associate choreographer and dive into Arts for Alz and why this show is so important. Plus we hear from Adam as he sails the seas to give us his insight on this amazing show. @StudioSmallTalk @Taylorjmcmahon @adamwedesky https://thetanknyc.org/calendar-1/artsforalz

This week, in honour of the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) finals happening tonight in New York City, we are joined by two finalists, Sabrina Yap and Kaeli Ware. Both of these young dancers have been competing at YAGP since they were young and will be performing as part of the senior soloist competition. Both Sabrina and Kaeli share their dance journeys, taking them away from home and into very prestigious ballet schools, and help them work towards their goals of entering a ballet company. We hear about their lives in the dance world as well as their experiences with YAGP and dance competitions.  @StudioSmallTalk

This week, in honour of the Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) happening next week in New York City, we are joined by Calvin Royal III. Calvin is a soloist with American Ballet Theatre and a past competitor of the YAGP. We hear all about Calvin's journey in the ballet world, from his slightly later beginnings, to learning how to self motivate and continuing to learn and grow as a dancer in his roles with ABT. Plus we hear about his experiences with the YAGP and how he is still involved with them today. @StudioSmallTalk

This week, we are joined by Katie Kilbourn and Courtney Murray of Borne Dance Company. The artistic director and assistant artistic director discuss the history and the mission of Borne Dance Company. Through fundraising performances and workshops, Borne Dance aims to raise awareness and educate its audience on eating disorders and mental illness, promoting recovery through art. We talk about their recent performance, their workshops as well as some of the struggles of running a dance company. @StudioSmallTalk

In this weeks episode we are joined by co-founders of Think Tank, Adam Wedesky and Taylor DeNapoli. These twosit down to share how a want for a creative space with friends, grew and developed into its own entity. Think Tank allows dancers and artists to come together in a stress-free, collaborative space. We hear all about what makes Think Tank special, and where it is headed in the future. Plus conversations about audition life, surviving New York City and why you have to work for your dreams. @StudioSmallTalk

This week on the podcast, we are learning to trust our guts as we sit down with Jyliann Davis. Jyliann is not only a dancer, choreographer and teacher, she is also the owner, operator and artistic director of Jump, Move, Dance, a studio in Maryland. Jyliann followed her instincts to open a brand new business and is now in her second year. We catch up with Jyliann about the whole process, the ups and the downs, plus we go back through her full dance career. @StudioSmallTalk

This week, we are joined by dancer, choreographer and teacher Danny Davalos. Danny shares his journey from watching Michael Jackson on the television, to moving to Toronto and now as co-founder of the Badass Babes Toronto dance company. Danny has so much to share from his years in the industry. Working with a ton of amazing artists such as Ricky Martin and Shakira, opening a drop in dance studio, his many years as a teacher and starting a company, he has seen it all and knows what it takes.  @StudioSmallTalk @dannydavalos_ 

This week we are joined by Melissa McCann to chat all about her journey through the professional dance world. From her studio in New Jersey, making her way into the Big Apple all the way to touring around the United States, she has so much knowledge and wisdom to share. We talk all about what makes a strong Swing and Dance Captain, how people can smell desperation behind the table and why "A League of their Own" needs to come to Broadway. @StudioSmallTalk

Happy New Year from Studio Small Talk! Today we are revisiting some past guests to get everyone fired up and inspired for the new year! Hearing words of wisdom from past guests Chelsea Seward, Amber Tacy, Lizz Picini, Jen Theissen and Madison Embrey. Plus Sarah shares her own New Years "Dance-olutions" and encourages you to dive into how you are going to make 2019 a GREAT DANCE YEAR! @StudioSmallTalk on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

This week we are looking back over 2018 and revisiting past guests to bring you our Best of 2018 Tales from the Audition room! We hear some great stories, anecdotes and conversations all focused around auditions. We will hear from Kacie Burns, Steven Blandino, Ginny Germakian, Tess Liantonio, Marika Matuszak, Cleo Sykes and Lizz Picini. Plus Sarah shares one of her own most memorable auditions. @StudioSmallTalk

We are back with Louis Reyes Chavez for part 2 of our conversation. This week, Louis shares a recent experience of his time performing on a cruise ship. Louis has recently gone public with these experiences, and is aiming to spread awareness and start the conversation of harassment in the workplace for dancers and performers, specifically on cruise ships.  @StudioSmallTalk @LouisReyesChavez

This week, we are sharing part 1 of our two part conversation with Louis Reyes Chavez. Diving into his childhood, and introduction into theatre and the arts and how they have helped to shape him. We discuss Louis battle with mental illness and his exploration to find himself and how theatre and dance have been there along the way. Plus you will hear a little bit of what we discuss in Part 2 (available next week.) @StudioSmallTalk @Louisreyeschavez

This week we are joined by dancer and blogger, Tess Liantonio. Tess's professional dance career has taken her to the other side of the globe and back again. From training in New York City, to getting through her first cruise contract, Tess has a ton of knowledge that she wants to share with younger dancers and does so through her blog Tess Talks. She aims to be a source for younger dancers and also pull back the curtain on some not so glamorous parts of the job. @StudioSmallTalk @tess_liantonio @tess_talks

This week, we sit down with Michalis Schinas to hear all about his journey from Cyprus, to the United States and around the world. Starting from a young age, Michalis was always interested in dancing and after his first visit to Las Vegas, he knew he wanted to perform in the United States. His journey has taken him through many ups and down, working for his Artist Visa and then his Green Card, but with his passion, drive and perseverance, Michalis has continued to strive for greatness. @StudioSmallTalk @michalisrise

This week, Sarah is sharing her Top 5 Dance Reel Tips! As audition season and the new year approaches, having all your materials ready to go can be on every dancers mind! As Sarah works on her own dance reel updates, she wanted to share some of her tips to making a reel that screams BOOK ME! @StudioSmallTalk

This week we are joined by David Norsworthy to talk about his journey of exploration through the dance world. David's knowledge spans far as a performer, teacher and choreographer, and he shares it all with us while telling his story of gymnastics to competition dance to modern dance, all the way to where is is today as co-founder and co-artistic director of TOES FOR DANCE. Tune in to hear from this incredible dancer! @StudioSmallTalk @david.norsworthy @toesfordance

This week, we sit down with the founders and directors of Guilty Pleasure Cabaret, Bridget Bose and Andrea Palesh. These two ladies have been dancing and working together for their whole lives. From their years growing up in Colorado to presenting a monthly cabaret show in the Big Apple, they have created their own opportunities and gained new skills to take the New York City dance world by storm.  @StudioSmallTalk @gpcabaret

This week, we are sitting down with dancer and yoga instructor Renay Wright. From the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, to Las Vegas to completing her Yoga certification, Renay has seen a lot in the dance world. She has worked as an avid performer in Las Vegas and LA, and has now shifted her focus to yoga, practicing and teaching and sharing her love of Yoga with others. Plus, what job would Renay like to be doing if she wasn't dancing? Find out on this episode! @StudioSmallTalk @jrenaywright

This week we are sitting down with assistant professor of Dance Lauren Gaul. Lauren is on faculty at Pace University in the Commercial Dance program in New York City. We chat all about her decade as a Rockette, why she thinks university is so important for dancers, and she shares some words of wisdom for young dancers entering school and professional dancers in the industry. @StudioSmallTalk @lgfunk2, @officialpacecommercialdance

On this episode, we sit down with dancer, teacher and choreographer Dani Albertina. We talk about her journey moving to New York City, her vast knowledge of the drill team world and how her dual degree in Dance and Family Studies helped shape how she acts as a teacher. @StudioSmallTalk @daniellealbertina

This week, I sit down and catch up with Marika Matuszak to talk all about her journey through the dance world. From upstate New York and now touring with a top dance competition and convention, Marika's "I'll figure it out" attitude has brought her many opportunities. Plus how she came through a tough time in her dance life. @StudioSmallTalk @marikamatuszak

This week, we are joined by Steven Blandino to talk all about performing and choreographing and how he balances the two. Steven shares his journey of being persistent and consistent and how that helped him establish his name as a choreographer, plus we hear all about his first New York City audition. @StudioSmallTalk Steven: @sbalndino720

This week we are joined by the "ultimate dance enthusiast" Deanne Kearney. We talk all about her journey through Dance Academia and how that lead her to the urban dance world. We also talk about her time at Jacob's Pillow and hear about her time with the Badass Babes Toronto. Plus what is her go-to dance treat? Tune in to find out! @StudioSmallTalk @deekearneyy

This week we sit down with Cleo Sykes to hear about her journey from Florida to NYC and all the ups and downs in between. We discuss the importance of dance class, and classroom etiquette. Plus we spend some time fan-girling over the incomparable Mandy Moore and discuss how Cleo handled the title of "studio owners daughter." @StudioSmallTalk @sykess_7

This week we sit down with dancer, singer and actress Stephanie Visconti to hear all about her journey in the dance and musical theatre world. Over the past few years, Stephanie's life and career has taken her from Toronto to NYC and back again and we talk all about the ups and downs she has faced over this journey. Why does Stephanie love tap dancing? What advice does she have for up and coming dancers? Tune in to find out! @StudioSmallTalk @stephanievisconti

**REBROADCAST** This week, Sarah is joined by her dear friend Richie Lucibello. The two reminisce about their time at Pace University and discuss Richie's transition from student to teacher. What happens when Richie and his dance partner switch sides of the stage at the last minute? Find out on this week's instalment of Studio Small Talk! @StudioSmallTalk @ollebicul_eihcir  

This week, we are 1 on 1 with our host Sarah as she shares her lists of things she has learned and things she is learning in the dance world. From simple classroom reminders, to bigger picture frets, she covers it all! Tune in to see how these dance lessons resonate with you. @StudioSmallTalk @sbadham3

This week, Studio Small Talk brings you a round table discussion about Dance Reality Competition Television shows. Sarah is joined by her co-workers and friends, Alex and Erica and together the three discuss what they like about dance on TV, what they don't like, what they think of this season of World of Dance, and so much more. Plus find out who they think would make great judges for a dance competition reality tv show! Follow @StudioSmallTalk

This week we sit down with dancer and personal trainer Amber Tacy. As well as dancing, Amber is a trainer who specializes in weight training and nutrition for professional dancers. We talk all about her own journey and her struggles with nutrition and how she began the blog Dancers who Lift. @Studiosmalltalk @dancerswholift

This week we are joined by Kelly Stevens to share her journey through the dance world. Using her ballet training and love for the Rockettes, Kelly has embraced the showgirl life and it has taken her around the world. Plus what are her go to mid dance snacks? Tune in to find out! Studio Small Talk: @studiosmalltalk  Kelly Stevens: @kelly_t_stevens

This week, Sarah is joined by Knox Harter to talk all about the world of burlesque dance. Upon graduating from university, Knox landed by accident in the world of Burlesque dance, and has been working and thriving there ever since. She is also the co-artistic director and choreographer of High Society Cabaret, a dance company based out of Toronto. Knox shares her story of finding burlesque, its importance in the world and how her company came to be. @studiosmalltalk @kknoxharter @highsocietycabaret

This week Sarah is joined by dancer, choreographer, performer and Aussie, Jennifer Theissen. We hear all about Jen's move from down under to Canada, and how she continues to train and hustle while she works. Plus we hear about her upcoming podcast Tits and Teeth! Join us for another inspiring dancers journey through the dance world. @StudioSmallTalk @jenniferclareorgan 

This week, Sarah sits down with dancer and choreographer Kristen Pepper to talk all about Kristens journey in the diverse world of Toronto and about her upcoming show at the Toronto Fringe Festival, Hooked. Kristen's life in the dance world is one full of many cultures, styles, experiences and passion. From Samba showgirl, to contemporary choreography, the two discuss it all.  @StudioSmallTalk Kristen Pepper: @k.pepps #pepperdanceprojects

This week we are joined by the founder of Adagio Performance Training, Ali Keller. A trained dancer with a passion for fitness, Ali has combined her two loves and created a program meant to cross train any and all dancers, from younger studio kids all the way to professionals. We hear all about the background of Adagio PT as well as where Ali sees it growing into. Studio Small Talk: @StudioSmallTalk Adagio PT: @adagiopt, www.aperformancetraining.com

This week, we are joined by Alex Burgio to hear all about her journey through the dance world. As a dancer, choreographer, teacher, magic assistant, b-girl, and so much more, Alex has been immersed in the commercial dance and urban dance world for many years. We discuss her path into the world of magic and dive into how she found herself in a hip hop dance crew.  Studio Small Talk: @studiosmalltalk Alex Burgio: @axburgio, @omegacrew_2.0

In this bonus episode, we are joined by Corry Ethridge as he shares his thoughts on RIOULT Dance NY's most recent season Written For Dance, which premiered at the Joyce Theatre in New York City this spring. The season included 3 works by Pascal Rioult including the world premiere of Nostalghia with an original score by Polina Nazaykinskaya. We hear from Corry about his experience seeing the performance, hear a little bit of this beautiful original score, and Sarah talks about sitting down with Polina and Pascal. @StudioSmallTalk @cjethridge91 @rioultdanceny  

This week, Sarah is joined by dancer and real life super hero Madison Embrey. The two talk everything from dance competitions, auditions, stunt work, what is or isn't commercial dance and how to handle it all as a person. Tune in for real life stories from a working artist and true super hero! Studio Small Talk: @StudioSmallTalk Madison: @madisonembrey

This week, Sarah sits down with her friend and former dance partner Sam Spare to dive into what it means to work on a cruise ship. As he enters his 7th cruise contract, Sam talks everything from rehearsal process to life aboard the ship. We even hear a few funny performing stories! Check it Out! Studio Small Talk: @StudioSmallTalk  Sam Spare: @iamsammyspare Dance Theatre Life Discussions Performance Conversations

This week Sarah is joined by Tina Desrochers. The two talk about dance competitions, from both a choreographers viewpoint and an adjudicators viewpoint and we hear all about Tina's extensive training. This french Canadian gal shares her knowledge and wisdom about dance classes and the industry, and we hear about a time that following her heart was a difficult but right thing to do. Follow @StudioSmallTalk on Facebook and Instagram!

Lizz Picini is a New York City dancer, singer, actress and is on faculty at the prestigious Broadway Dance Centre. From her days as a bun head, all the way to performing around the country, she has many words of wisdom that will leave you inspired. She is a sought after educator, whose classes at BDC will help work on your story telling and audition technique. How did she go from a professional girl scout to a theatre powerhouse? Find out on this week's episode of Studio Small Talk (@studiosmalltalk.)

This week, Sarah is joined by her friend and past cast mate Rachael Switzer. Rachael shares her story as she moved in and out of New York City, working dance and desk jobs, all while working towards her biggest dreams! Enjoy hearing all about this hard working, leggy lady on this weeks episode of Studio Small Talk. Studio Small Talk: @studiosmalltalk Rachael Switzer: @bevelingbrunette  

This week, Sarah sits down with esteemed dancer, choreographer and presenter Yvonne Ng. Yvonne tells us of her journey moving to Canada from Singapore to further her studies, and shares the journey she has taken going from student to now choreographer and producer. Plus we hear all about her current studies on intergenerational dance. Studio Small Talk: @studiosmalltalk Yvonne Ng: @yvonneng, @tigerprincessdanceprojects

On this weeks episode, Sarah is joined by dancer, teacher, choreographer and director Chelsea Seward. Chelsea is a performer as well as the co-founder and choreographer of Badass Babes Toronto. We hear all about her amazing journey, moving her from Vancouver to Edmonton and finally to Toronto as she followed her passion for dance and teaching. Chelsea shares how dancing in heels has helped her own confidence and why she believes all women can benefit from taking a heels class. Plus we hear the origin story of Badass Babes.  Studio Small Talk: @studiosmalltalk  Chelsea Seward: @chelseaseward_ @badassbabestoronto

This week, Sarah sits down with dancer, teacher and choreographer Adam Martino to talk all about his journey in the dance world. The two discuss how Adam's business degree has influenced his dance career, and how social media is changing things for the next generation of dancers. Plus what is Adam's pump up song? Tune in to find out! @StudioSmallTalk @adammartino1989

In this instalment of Studio Small Talk, Sarah jumps into a new seat, as she shares a little bit of her personal dance journey. Through many types of training and the professional jobs that came after, Sarah has seen a lot and met a ton of people and had a blast moving through this journey. Enjoy getting to know the host of Studio Small Talk! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @StudioSmallTalk    

In this weeks instalment of Studio Small Talk, Sarah sits down with Megan Peterson to talk all things dance, theatre, Rockettes and food. Megan is a dancer, singer actress from New Jersey, who when she isn't performing on stage she enjoys trying new foods and restaurants and enjoys sharing them with the world. Follow Megan's food adventures @foodieoutloud Studio Small Talk @studiosmalltalk

This week Sarah is joined by Alisa MacKinnon. Alisa is currently in the home stretch of completing a joint masters at York University where she will be receiving her MBA as well as an MA in Dance. Alisa and Sarah talk about her days as a studio and competition dancer as well as her transition into university dance and now into an arts admin position. They also dive deep into Alisa's research which deals primarily with 360 video and how it can be used in a dance setting. Follow @studiosmalltalk on Instagram and Twitter!

Todays episode comes from the heart of a New York City Audition Season! Sarah sits down with NYC based triple threat Kacie Burns. We hear all about how this Michigan babe started in competitive dance and took on the big apple and continues to grow as a dancer (and a human!) What is Kacie's special talent that she shared during her first audition? Find out now! Guest: @kacieburns Follow @studiosmalltalk on Instagram and Twitter

This week, Sarah is joined by dancer and choreographer Ginny Germakian. Ginny shares her journey as a student of dance all the way to now where she is teaching, choreographing and still performing. We hear the great advice that Ginny has received from esteemed choreographers she has worked with, as well as discuss the importance of social media for up and coming choreographers.  Ginny Germakian: @ginnygermakian #GinGerChoreo Studio Small Talk: @studiosmalltalk  

This week Sarah is joined by Larah Pamplin. Larah was dancing before she was even born, and with her mom as her dance teacher she was brought right into the dance world. Moving from San Antonio to New York city was a big jump for Larah, but one that has made her into the dancer she is today. Sarah and Larah discuss New York vs LA, Larah gives her thoughts on ship life, and they discuss how the Pure Barre method works for dancers cross training. 

This week, Sarah is joined by her dear friend Richie Lucibello. The two reminisce about their time at Pace University and discuss Richie's transition from student to teacher. What happens when Richie and his dance partner switch sides of the stage at the last minute? Find out on this week's instalment of Studio Small Talk! *Recorded November 2017*