No Starving Artists

This guided conversation brought together some influential voices in the competitive dance space to talk about: What happens when private equity, outside investment, and corporate acquisitions enter the world of competitive dance? We discussed:• Why investors are suddenly interested in dance • Rising costs for studios and families • The impact of consolidation on competitions, conventions, and studios • Whether artists are losing influence in the industry • New opportunities for studio owners looking toward retirement • How we balance business growth with artistic integrity • Who should have a seat at the table as dance continues to evolve This wasn't a debate about who's right or wrong. It was a conversation about transparency, education, and making sure dancers, families, educators, and artists remain at the center of an industry that's changing rapidly. Whether you're a studio owner, teacher, parent, dancer, or industry professional, this is a conversation worth listening to. Guest speakers:Menina Fortunatohttps://www.instagram.com/meninafortunato/ Rhee Goldhttps://www.instagram.com/rheegold/ Chasta Hamiltonhttps://www.instagram.com/chastahamilton/ Mandy Yiphttps://www.instagram.com/mandyjyip/ Jeff Homerhttps://www.ensembleschools.com/ Presented by No Starving Artists and hosted by Jason Pickettwww.nsadance.comhttps://www.instagram.com/heyitspickett/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Jamie Hodgins from ICDR - this is a part 2 with Jamie taking about ICDRs current position in competitive dance, how they want to help and clarifying some pushback. Their links:https://icdrdance.com/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Kristina Cross & Brie Pena from Elevation on Tour. We chat about the beginnings of their business, challenges they faced and where they see things going from here. Their links:https://www.instagram.com/elevationontour/https://elevationontour.com/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Bree Hafen -Jason Pickett sits down with Bree Hafen, founder of Tiger Friday, to break down her journey from professional dancer to building a successful dancewear brand. They dive into the realities of running a business, the purpose behind ambassador programs, and the balance between opportunity, marketing, and responsibility in today’s dance world. This episode offers an honest look at the intersection of dance, business, and the evolving culture around young dancers online. Their links:https://www.instagram.com/tigerfriday/https://www.instagram.com/breehafen.choreo/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Calan Bryant -Jason Pickett sits down with choreographer and creative director Calan Bryant to unpack his unconventional journey from football to dance and how relentless work ethic and intentional growth shaped his career. They dive into the realities of training, industry gaps in hip-hop education, and the importance of understanding culture—not just copying movement. If you're serious about leveling up as a dancer, this episode is packed with perspective and real talk. Their links:https://www.instagram.com/calanbryant/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Buddha Stretch -Jason Pickett sits down with hip-hop pioneer Buddha Stretch to break down the true foundations of hip-hop culture, from its origins in music and community to the misconceptions seen in today’s dance world. They dive into musicality, freestyle, and why understanding history and doing the work is essential for any dancer. If you want a deeper, more authentic perspective on hip-hop, this episode is a must-watch. Their links:https://www.instagram.com/buddhastretch/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

In this special bonus episode of the No Starving Artists Podcast, host Jason Pickett sits down with dance educator and performance coach Shane Wuerthner to explore the current state of ballet and the evolving culture surrounding it. The conversation was sparked by recent comments from Timothée Chalamet, which ignited widespread debate across the dance community. Together, Jason and Shane unpack the bigger questions behind the controversy: • Is ballet evolving or resisting change?• Why does ballet continue to spark such passionate discourse?• What role does tradition play in modern dance culture?• How can dancers, educators, and audiences push the art form forward? Rather than focusing on who is right or wrong, this discussion centers around curiosity, nuance, and open dialogue. By examining multiple perspectives, the goal is to better understand where ballet stands today—and where it might be headed next. Whether you’re a dancer, choreographer, dance educator, competitive dance parent, or lifelong ballet fan, this conversation invites you to think deeper about the traditions, expectations, and future of ballet. Enter the conversation with an open mind—and leave with new ideas. Connect with Shane Wuerthnerhttps://instagram.com/athletistry Connect with Jason Picketthttps://instagram.com/heyitspickett.comwww.heyitspickett.com Follow No Starving Artistswww.nsadance.comwww.instagram.com/artistswhoeat

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Kara Tatelbaum - Author, educator and mentor.We talk about her journey in dance, writing her book and where she is headed now. Their links:https://www.instagram.com/karatatelbaum/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Jimmy Morgan - Figure Skating Movement Coach & Choreographer We talk about the similarities between figure skating and dance, competition issues and more! Their links:https://www.instagram.com/hashtagjimmy/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Kiara Leigh - Dance educator and choreographerWe chat about how she approaches her classroom, creating safe and productive spaces and more! Their links: https://www.instagram.com/misskiaraleigh/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Matt Tennie - Owner of Apex Training in Long Island, NY. We chat about cross training and how he approaches training dancers. Their links: https://www.instagram.com/apextraining/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Donovan Gibbs - Choreographer, dancer & program director We chat about his methodology, transitioning away from LA and more! Their links: https://www.instagram.com/iamdonovangibbs/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Neo Lynch - Choreographer, educator and speaker. We talk about emotional adultification of dancers, the competition world and more! Their links: https://www.instagram.com/neolynch/ This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career. Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media! https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/