DanceSpeak

Episode 26 of DanceSpeak proudly presents an interview with the highly respected, Chuck Maldonado. Celebrating his 20th anniversary as a professional in the dance industry, Chuck has a completely unexpected story, that will for sure inspire. Carrying a resume of over 28 feature films and work on hundreds of television shows, Chuck is clearly someone we can learn a lot from. One of the first jaw-dropping facts I learned in my interview with Chuck, is that he began his career as a professional dancer at 29. With a strong sense of purpose, and unbeatable work ethic, Chuck shares what it took to train himself to the level of his peers and make his dreams tangible. Some of the highlights of this episode include: what has changed in Los Angeles' dance industry in the last 15 years, tips on networking, how Chuck chooses his assistants, a choreographer's perspective on hiring friends, thoughts on having a back-up plan, advice for choreographers and dancers booking work in the industry, recommendations on how a dancer should prepare before moving to L.A. for dance, tips on head shots, Chuck's new dance convention, and more. Enjoy this episode, and I recommend taking notes!

In Episode 23 of DanceSpeak, you will meet choreographer and mega teacher, Antoine Troupe. Quickly, one learns that Antoine goes beyond the dance realm and is not-so-secretly a motivational force. But what is the path that lead to the Antoine, the leader, the social media maven, being the person we recognize him as today? Our conversation sheds light on his journey from the Bay Area, through reality television and to the challenges and and successes experienced in Los Angeles. You'll find out about the unintended process that had Antoine working for Prince, and the exciting stories behind the making of a Prince music video and subsequent work. Antoine openly shares advice that he has for professional dancers, teachers, and choreographers looking to break into the industry. Learn what to do and not to do on set, the unknown history to Antoine's infamous movement style and what is next for this mogul in the making.

DanceSpeak Episode 21 is a game-changer because at last, we begin to unlock the world of the Agent. Within the professional dance world, agencies and their agents bridge a gap between dancer and opportunity. While people have many thoughts and ideas as to what the agent does and is supposed to do, the reality can grateful differ. Andrew Jacobs spent 11 years total (2004-2015) at the reputable, world-renowned MSA Agency in Los Angeles. The information he gives us in this interview is well-worded, though out, and jam-packed. We go through the gambit of topics including: How dancers can tell is this industry is for them, the teaching industry, how to obtain information before reaching out to agencies, how dancers and choreographers can best invest in themselves, negotiating rates, effectively communicating with your agent, factors that go into an agent choosing his/her client, and more...and more... Dancers, Choreographers, and Teachers, this is for YOU.

Craig Hollaman, of the duo Lindsey B. And Craig H., may claim to be boring, but really he is one of the most humble and coolest dudes around town. You might recognize his and Lindsey's work as choreographers with artists such as Cee-Lo, Justin Bieber, John Legend, Usher, or on T.V. shows such as Face Off, X-Factor, and 2 Broke Girls, or with brands such as Nissan, Evian, and Apple... you get the idea. In Episode 19 of DanceSpeak, Craig speaks on his 14 years in Los Angeles. From dancing on tour with B2K, to his success in choreography, it is obvious that Craig has consistently grown in his field. A theme we cover throughout the interview is on finding and sourcing inspiration and staying to true to dance as an art. We also speak about making money outside of dance, and living beyond the industry. Find out what Craig recommends for dancers looking to book auditions, and what they might want to know prior to booking a tour. All in all, this interview is filled with laughs, thought provoking moments, and of course tons of insights and information on the dance industry.

In Episode 17 of DanceSpeak, we get the unique story of Manwé, who quite appropriately, was born (or at least the water broke) while his mother was teaching a ballet class. As Manwé describes his early intensive training that he attributes must of his dance success to, we also learn fun facts such as... that there is a day in the Bay Area that is Manwé Sauls-Addison day, that he his is white water river guide, and that he nearly became a doctor. Manwé shares with us fun and informative dance stories which include: booking his first audition, the major changes that the dance industry has undergone in the last 16 years, how he has maintained a strong career that is still thriving, how he became Laurie Ann Gibson's Assistant, meeting Lady Gaga for the first time when we worked with her, and more. A lot more.

Jojo Diggs is a world-renowned teacher and freestyle dancer. With a focus on House Dance, she has traveled across the continents sharing her art and gift of moving others. Putting her passion to contribute to others over 'looking good,' Jojo gives us a boldly honest look at her path in the dance world. Once dance found Jojo in Virginia, her love for movement carried her across the country, eventually to Los Angeles. And it wasn't about having a career in LA for Jojo; she just wanted to dance. From there, we learn how Jojo began building an international following and speak on the theme of repeatedly choosing dance over a 9-5. From vonversing on the topinc of what qualifies a dance instructor to teach, to touching on spiritual experiences, Jojo's intelligence, directness, and heart is a treat to experience.

Not only will Eden Shabtai's credits make your jaw drop, but her resilience and journey to a consistent dream-worthy career in the dance industry proves that one does not need to sacrifice their values to 'make it' in entertainment. Eden shares the unbelieveable story of her beginning in dance and the work ethic that lead to choreographing for artists such as Chris Brown. For professional dancers, you will get tips and insights on topics such as do's and dont's for headshots, what casting/choreographers look for in auditions, and her view on booking talent she is familiar with. This episode of DanceSpeak will show the attitudes and spirit of someone who has defied many odds to become someone who proudly books dancers on their dream jobs and never stops growing.

This episode of DanceSpeak 'goes there' with a no holds barred conversation on the dance world. Jay Chris has accomplished a lot as a high-level dancer and leader of his own dance company. It is a treat to get his thoughts on the gambit of what dancers out here are talking about in our daily lives. Keep in mind, opinions are what we are providing here, opening up the conversation on topics such as: social media sugar coating, dating for dancers, variation in opportunities depending on height, and the facebook post that sparked a back-and-forth on the impact of social media following connected with teaching. Grab a coffee, a water, your favorite snack, and enjoy Episode 11 of DanceSpeak!