The Dance Pod

Special edition to kick off 2022, I have Conner joining us for the very first time in TDP history!We're both stuck in isolation after testing positive together so enjoy a very candid interview between myself and Conner where we discuss how we met, wedding updates, his take on the performing arts industry and more! Don't worry, I still have the usual dance segments and all the bits you love about my catch up episodes just with the added bonus of Conner tagging along!!

Kermond, Freeborn & Mahoney LIVE is a fresh & modernised Vaudeville/cabaret variety show including world class tap dancing, classic and current show tunes with vocals to die for! I Sat down with these talented souls to discuss their upcoming Sydney show on 12th December, 8pm at the Red Rattler Theatre. We also dived head first into their lives outside of the arts and everything in between before they became KFM LIVE! Link for tickets:https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=829349& Link for Socials:KFM Live: https://www.instagram.com/kfmlive_/ Alexander Kermond: https://www.instagram.com/zankermond/Andy Freeborn: https://www.instagram.com/andyrfreeborn/Dylan Mahoney: https://www.instagram.com/dylanmahoney/

Navigating the transition from High School to College and everything in between. We discuss the importance of foundation classes even for professional dancers and how to make sure you're getting the most out of your training regardless of your ability. Sydney is on a journey of self discovery as a dancer and choreographer in LA and I loved being able to sit down and discuss this time in her life as a tool/resource that will hopefully assist other aspiring artists in similar positions.

Here is a list of things to look forward to and apply for!QLD.FORME Programme by Caetlyn Watson 8th January - 14th February 2022 email:forme.theprogramme@gmail.com Global Dance Pro - Hidden ShowTickets:https://www.instagram.com/globaldancepro/ NSW.LOcREaDO Dance Program starts 17th October 2021Website:locreado.com.auemail:locreado@hotmail.comDUTI StudiosWebsite: dutistudios.com.au/timetable Mary Poppins Sydney Lyric Theatremarypoppinsmusical.com.au VIC.Transit Origins training program audition 30th October 2021website:www.transitdance.com.net/origins

Have you ever had to justify your rate and thought, this feels like $@%#. I dive into this topic and the need for further transparency between employers and artists. I also have a solid discussion piece around the offering of free tutorials and classes in the online space and what it means for your colleagues and fellow artists. ENJOY DANCE PODERS

If you have ever been interested in the concept of Reggaeton but don't feel like you know enough about it, THIS is the episode for you! MJ has created the most inclusive platform for dancers and non dancers to learn and thrive in the world of Latin dance. This chat opens up to the history and background of reggaeton, along with it's progress into the charts over the last few years. To learn more about BYLA, Here are the links you need!BYLA:https://www.instagram.com/byla.dance/ MAJO: https://www.instagram.com/majo.byla/YouTube: BYLA - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCylafTr9kXmEqY6sWULlfCwTikTok: @majo.byla - https://www.tiktok.com/@majo.byla?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1Facebook: @byla.dance - https://www.facebook.com/byla.dance Join BYLA Online every Thursday at 7PM (Syd time) through Zoom. Book through their website: https://www.byla.fit/No dance experience needed!Regular classes (when not in lockdown lol):Tuesdays 7PM - CBD (Close to Town Hall Station)Thursdays 7PM - Manly Beach (Plus Fitness)Fridays (once a month) 11:30AM - Newport (Newport Community Centre)Fridays (once a month) 3:45PM - Newport After School TikTok Challenges (Newport Community Centre)

Short sharp and to the point this week. Terrific classes and projects being held in the land of online. Jump on, push yourselves and have a boogie!

LIFE UPDATE: Engagement, Wedding planning in a pandemic, Cat bites, Nude on zoom, Dancing around the world and all of your anonymous stories! If you want to send in your embarrassing stories, good vibes and frustrations, be sure to follow us on instagram @thedancepod or email us at: thedancepod@gmail.com

So much happening this week in the land of online zooms/IG lives and tutorials. Get those laptops charged, clear your living room and get dancing people! There is something for every age and ability level and in this episode we cover the smallest amount of whats out there. Neale's outdoor tutorials: https://nealewhittaker.com/storeAimee's Pilates:https://www.aimeewhittaker.com/Loredo's x3 classes: https://www.loredomalcolm.com/book-onlineLewis Shilvock IGTV live classes:https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQ8RGW4FabO/?utm_medium=copy_linkJarryd Byrne's cha cha cha: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=792535&Querencia Online: https://instagram.com/querencia_tm?utm_medium=copy_linkTyrone Anthony chore class: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=792560&Vi Lam's lyrical/contemporary class: https://www.th3combination.com/book-onlineBroadway Dance Center online: https://bdconline.tv/Stephen Tannos Tutorials:www.stephentannos.com/tutorials

Ever wondered what it would be like to work in the same industry as your other half? Neale and Aimee Whittaker are both creative legends of the dance world in their own right, each bringing various performance, education and business opportunities to the table. They also make one hell of a duo! We talk pros/cons of working together, decision making, parenting and being each others cheerleader!Neale's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nealewhittaker/ Neale's Website:https://nealewhittaker.com/Dance Plus Australia:https://www.danceplusaustralia.com/Aimee's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/aimeelwhittaker/Phly Crew's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phlycrew/

SHE'S BACK BABY! With all of your favourite segments! Letting you all know where I've been for the past month, Stinger suits on vacay, naughty dogs, the great dancing in string bikini top debate, Split pants in a warm up, having "The look" for commercial gigs, no dancers loving the arts + more! Happy listening Dance Poders!

Restrictions have eased and we can celebrate! HOORAY!! Here is your guide to whats on and whats coming up in our entertainment industry!!Hamilton: https://hamiltonmusical.com.au/La Traviata: https://opera.org.au/productions/la-traviata-on-sydney-harbourDance For Sick Kids: https://www.danceforsickkids.com/Sydney Dance Company Holiday Workshops: https://www.sydneydancecompany.com/classes/youth-program/school-holiday-workshops/DUTI STUDIOS Open classes: https://www.dutistudios.com.au/Transit Dance Autumn Intensive: http://transitdance.net/events1/2021/4/13/autumn-intensiveNXTGEN Project shows: https://nxtgenproject.com/show-ticketsMOVE Dance Studios Open Classes: https://movedance.com.au/

3 NEW SEGMENTS!! + life update. CONFESSION OF THE ARTS - Weird and wonderful confessions of the entertainment industry. FISHNETS IN A TWIST - What's got you frustrated about the industry? THE ONLY WAY IS UP - Feel good stories and positive vibes. HAPPY LISTENING DANCE PODERS.

HAPPY MARDI GRAS LOVERS! I sat down with the queen of my absolute dreams this week to discuss all things drag!! We look at the career highs and lows of Hannah Conda as she explains her relationship with this ever so fabulous sector of our entertainment industry! We discuss her plans and celebrations in the lead up to Sydney Mardi Gras 2021 and her partnership with Koala. STRAP IN KIDS! This ones a wild ride! ENJOY!! Instagram: @hannahcondaofficial

Ever considered what your environmental impact as a creative is? This episode I'm joined by mother daughter duo, Olivia and Orla from Zozii Active - An ethical and sustainable activewear company that is changing the way we purchase our workout gear. We discuss where we're going wrong as an industry and ways we can be making a difference for our planet in the studio, on stage, behind the scenes and in everyday life. London Theatre District Statistics:https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/green_theatre_summary.pdf

News room for whats happening in our dance industry. Quick updates on all upcoming auditions, shows, workshops, training programs and where to find out more information. It's all about spreading the love and making sure we're all up to date! If you want it promoted, get in touch with me!!

HELLO DANCE PODERS! Welcome to 2021 and THE CATCH UP with me! Here we'll get to know each other a little more and have a debrief at the start of each week! Life updates, what's coming up for the podcast and our industry and SO MUCH MORE!! This first episode back will get you up to speed on my move back across the country, going viral and my current situation. ENJOY!

Chatting with 7 year old Kenzie aka Combo Girl and her gorgeous mum Tammy about what it's like growing up in today's dance industry, what she loves about our community and what we could all work harder on for this next generation coming through. We also uncover why Kenzie hates mashed potatoes and apparently I look like Lauren Elton with white hair... Love that for me. ENJOY!

Matt is mostly based in London working as a professional dancer/choreographer. Right now, he's back in Australia and is ready to share his knowledge and passion for creativity with other young professionals and emerging artists through his three day mentorship and training program, 'The Intensive by Matt'. This course aims to nurture dancers who are ready to reinvest and reinvent themselves through the transition from student to professional. The Intensive will include advanced technical exercises, various choreography, improvisation and creative tasks, discussions, goal setting and personal feedback. As a bonus, He has the fabulous Sarah Boulter joining him throughout the course to provide the dancers with further guidance and advice. First program starts tomorrow 8th -10th December 2020 with more to come in the future.

Maddy Hassan is the creator and director of Dancers Unite - An annual performance night combining some of the best dancers in Melbourne to raise money for various charities. She sat down with me to explain how others can get involved and what to expect from the night!It was established in 2015 with the goal to raise money and awareness for various charities by bringing together the dance community to educate young girls and boys about real world issues. Being 15 at the time, a school project turned into a fundraising event that I felt important to carry on. The performance night consists of a number of dance schools performing their best dances, a small amount of very talented solo acts and one or two singing show pleasers. The event also offers snacks and drinks, games and prizes and a fun MC to guide the night. To ensure the focus does not deflect from the cause we are raising awareness for, a guest speaker from the foundation will attend and make a brief keynote on the charity, the importance of being aware and thanking the dancers and supporters for their contribution. Funds raised through tickets, purchases on the night and other such donations go towards the chosen charity. We have fundraised for Make A Wish Foundation, Royal Children's Hospital and The Australian Lung Foundation. In 2020 we gained five amazing sponsors who supported our show and hope to further this. Unfortunately, this year's show was cancelled due to Covid-19, however much more is being planned for our 2021 show.

Dancers, your Christmas list is about to have another item added to it…I sat down with Co-Producers Kelley Abbey and Louise Telford to ask all of those questions you're dying to know!Light The Way Dance Collective is the first of its kind. A documented celebration of Australian dance industry greats across multiple generations and genres. From choreographers, tap icons, ballet and commercial dancers to contemporary industry leaders and creatives. There are over 50 incredible people in this book, including some of the biggest names in the business.

Mother daughter duo Kali & Charlie from Dance Matters Podcast share their journey so far with dance, life and podcasting! Kali has some fabulous tips and tricks for new parents entering the dance world, Charlie shares her love of dance, they let me in on some funny stories they've encountered with guests so far and how they manage work, school, extra curricular activities, cohosting a podcast, starting a YouTube channel, meal planning, family life and MORE!

Want to know how to stay current in the dance world? Paul and I discuss the importance of personal evolution in an ever changing and fast paced industry. Staying true to your core values whilst experimenting with new pathways and concepts to ensure we avoid being pigeonholed and breaking free of mainstream short term trends. Paul has had such a unique career so far and his knowledge/hunger to always be doing more for our industry is like no other.

Paul and I are discussing all issues surrounding payment in our industry and the importance of speaking up. This topic is nothing new, it's been a battle we've been having for years and years that sadly is still not resolving itself. The AFL situation has simply highlighted the need for continuing education in the community. Exposure as payment from organisations such as AFL is not acceptable.Our industry needs to be seen as a workplace and not a voluntary hobby. We are not all sitting around waiting for chances to be “seen.” We rely on our training, experience and hard work to make money. For the majority of us, this is our entire lively hood. So much goes into producing a live performance and isn't a matter of just getting out there and dancing. It's already hard enough to convince others that dance is a viable career path. Requesting free performances for events as big as an AFL Grand Final is such a slap in the face and goes against everything we've been working so hard to erase from our industry. #PAYTHEDANCERS

This episode reminds me of the show ‘This Is Your Life' Hosted by Mike Munro, except Tash is the one narrating the entire thing. We chat all things QUERENCIA - ‘THE METHOD' - Which is her mentorship and training program created for female dancers where Tash shares her own knowledge and experiences alongside some of her favourite industry leaders to help inspire and nurture the growth of dancers, giving them the tools they need to be successful and confident for their future.She has already achieved so much in her career with dancing and choreographic credits including X factor, Now United, Grease, Wicked, Dirty Dancing, Paula Abdul, Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Minogue, Flo Rida, Olivia Newton-john… the list truely does go on. Yet Tash is one of the most hardworking and humble people you will ever meet, reminding us all of the importance of being hungry to achieve your goals and accepting your losses.

Known as ‘THE MUSIC GUY' in our industry, Aaron has been creating award winning music for choreographers, dancers and brands for quite some time now! He's jumping on with me to discuss the launch of his incredible new music production company Worldwide Sounds, which includes himself (Airports Music) and his team of crazy talented music producing friends. THIS CHANGES THE GAME!!!! No longer do we have to sit through comps or showcases where the same songs (you know the ones) are being blasted out of the speakers for the 1000000 time. Aaron and his team will work with you to create a sound that represents you/your dance school/your show/ your concept. Listen up to hear how.

Acrobatics in the dance world is rapidly becoming the norm for so many competition dancers and the understanding of safe dance practice and it's limitations has never been more important. Greta Brinsley and I break down the pro's and con's of acro in our industry, how it's impacting competitions, adjudication and a dancer's training expectations. Greta has her own syllabus training program called ACROLINK which is apart of International Dance Technique and helps dancers find the ‘link' and balance between dance and acro. I am also a qualified Acrobatic Arts Instructor, so between the two of us we have a lot of knowledge and things to discuss!

This week we're takin a cruise... Not really but IMAGINE how good a getaway would be right now! Instead, we're going to have to live through 3 professional dancers who have been travelling the world working for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines over the past 5 years. Brittany, Sally, Lily and I discuss the audition process for cruise ship contracts, life at sea, fun facts (as always), travel, relationships and hosting podcasts. This episode is a real fun time and full of ships and giggles.

Ever wondered what goes into the creative process of performances on film and television shows such as The Voice, The Masked singer and Dancing On Ice? Creative producer and choreographer James Maxfield, Talks us through some of his career highlights from being a resident dancer on The X Factor Australia, to Dance captain of My Fair Lady directed by Julie Andrews, Playing a lead role in A Chorus Line and working alongside some of the worlds greatest artists. We also discuss the importance of versatility as a dancer and what a casting director is looking for when they are selecting dancers for film and television.

Nutrition is a vital factor we need to be conscious about as dancers to ensure we have a long and prosperous career in the industry. I sit down with The Holistic Dancer again to discuss the importance of fuelling our bodies with wholesome and meaningful foods as well as the thought process behind our choices and how it impacts our training and performance quality. Jenna Carroll is an ex ballerina turned naturopath and nutritionist with a bachelor of Health Science and Grace Carroll is a full time ballerina who is back in Sydney after returning from The Paris Opera Ballet School due to COVID.

He's an up and coming social media star, TikTok sensation, dancer, choreographer, model and most importantly, HIMSELF. Ramon Israel and I discuss his road to success, it's challenges and rewards and why it's important to go with your gut and never apologise for being yourself.

Mindset, mental heath, meditation & more. They all go hand in hand and are mostly responsible for making or breaking a persons career, especially in this industry... The Holistic Dancer is a new venture for talented sister duo Jenna & Grace who aim to help our community with a holistic approach to creating sustainable, healthy and fulfilling careers in dance.

He's a professional dancer turned physiotherapist and is here to discuss the importance of body maintenance. As dancers we have a responsibility to ensure we are getting the right help and treatment designed for our workload. Courtney and I jump into why it is so important to seek medical advice from professionals that understand the mobility and strength we need as dancers to manage injury prevention, rehabilitation and dealing with reoccurring/pre-existing injuries. THIS IS ONE WE ALL NEED TO HEAR.

If entering the American entertainment industry is something you're interested in pursuing, Sarah Burns is the person to listen to. She's an Aussie dancer/creative who's been living in Los Angeles for over 10 years and has worked with the like of Beyoncé, Jlo, Pitbull, Usher, DJ Khaled and Kelly Rowland. Now Sarah is doing her bit to help Aussie dancers tackle the US dance industry with her Industry L.A. program.

An insight into the wonderfully creative mind of Mitchell Woodcock as we discuss his journey to becoming one of Australia's most sought after creatives. We chat about the opportunities he has been providing the dance community with during COVID19 and what it takes to get into that side of the industry.

Looking at the importance of technique training for dancers and why consistency is imperative regardless of whether you want a long term career in the industry or just do dance for fun. We chat about the different forms of goal setting and applying yourself according to what you want to get out of the dance world.

What it means to be a teacher, a choreographer and a dancer in todays industry. We discuss teaching tips, our experiences and the impact of social media.

Chatting all things latin, ballroom and reality TV as well as having a look at what it's like to be a professional male performer in the dance world today.

A cheeky overview of what The Dance Pod is all about and how I plan on connecting the Australian dance industry even further by discussing everything and anything performing arts with some incredible people who are lucky enough to share a creative passion for DANCE! As well as a sneak peak into the life of your host (Me, Millie Slennett).