Dance Careers: Unfiltered

Today’s guest is the ever so talented professional dancer @RileyGroot. You may have just seen her dancing next to Katy Perry in her Las Vegas residency, but I know Riley from her time as a student at AMDA college here in LA and have had the pleasure of witnessing her career unfold over the years. She's been on “American Horror Story”, the MTV Video Music Awards with BLACKPINK, Disney’s Christmas Spectacular, the Grammys, Billboard music awards, to name a few. We chat about:How being a reliabl...

Kendall Baab is a personal trainer for dancers and dance science educator based in Los Angeles. I met Kendall online actually and I totally aligned with her philosophies. Her business, BodyKinect, has made dance science education accessible for dancers and dance educators - which is so incredibly important. We chat about:Our shared experiences of being on Texas drill teamsThe biggest challenges dancers face when training - both physically and mentallyHow social media can lead to injury and pe...

I'm thrilled to welcome my first international guest, Fortuna Picardi, from Italy. She is an Italian talent manager and dancer and started her career as a talent manager in 2020 with Be a Pro agency. It was really cool to connect with someone from overseas and see the parallels of dancers in general, but also hear about how things are different in Italy. We chat about:The dance scene in ItalyHer transition into being a talent managerHow dancers on her roster can gain more attention and ...

Today's guest is the effortlessly cool Mikey Dellavella. I know Mikey through his fiance Maryann Chavez and we're all faculty members for Souldesoul Dance Convention. I really love this episode. We get real, as per usual, and talk about:Typecasting and rejection - starting your career out this way and figuring out your laneHis journey into the acting worldBeing bold and assertive as a dancer so you don’t get lost in the mixwww.YouTube.com/mikeydellavellawww.Instagram.com/mikeydellavellawww.Ti...

Todays guest is the lovely caitlin sloan, AKA @thebrainyballerina. You may have seen her popping up on your explore page every now and then with her poignant posts about professional ballerinas, but she also gets real candid with me today on the pod. We chat about the stigma behind shifting focus away from performing in your dance career, juggling self care, and how to get past the ick in social media. IG @thebrainyballerinaWebsiteHi there! 👋🏻 I’m Caitlin, a Dance Educator and Career Men...

Today’s guest is @iamgerranReese dancer, choreographer, educator galore. I’ve known Gerran now for almost 15 years (!) through lots of different dance education spaces - and I’m so excited I was finally able to get him on the pod. Gerran is super inspirational in so many ways and we chat about:The differences between regular weekly classes and more program based trainingknowing yourself, your strengths/weaknesses, defining your own version of success in dance. How to research and pay clo...

Can you make a sustainable living as a dancer?Will this work? Will I make it?What does the cheesecake factory have to do with my professional dance career? How do I juggle multiple creative aspirations? Lots of questions answered and food for thought in today's episode. This is definitely one to save for later when you're feeling overwhelmed by your ambition and societal demands. Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industr...

Today’s guests are Kristin Deiss and Michelle Loucadoux from Danscend, the mental wellness company for dance educators and dancers. These 2 are no strangers to the podcast, having had episodes on both seasons 1 and 2 of the pod. I love chatting with them because we dive deep on all the things behind the scenes no one is talking about. We chat about how the mental wellness space for dancers is evolving and complicated, negative self-talk that dancers endure, and specific exercises for easing a...

When you think of dance in LA, you think commercial. But there is actually a pretty large community of contemporary dance companies in LA doing amazing things. Today’s episode is a Career Spotlight episode and we are highlighting contemporary dance company experiences in Los Angeles. My guests, Michaela Moore and Nicole Hagen, both have a plethora of experience not only as dancers in LA, but also serving in different roles like rehearsal director, community liaisons and marketing. We chat abo...

Yoe Apolinario has danced for artists like Taylor Swift, Madonna, Usher, Cardi B and many more and is dishing it all in today's episode. She’s also a published author of two works, “Cafe Con Leche” and her newest book “So You Wanna Move to LA” - a vulnerable, inside look at her journey in the dance industry in LA. I’m a big fan of Yoe's positive energy and we chat about:Her quest in becoming an authorThe behind the scenes of her 3 year experience as a dancer in Usher’s Las Vegas residencyThe ...

We've really done our job when people don't understand or realize the grit, blood, sweat and tears that go into sustaining a career in the arts. It's hard work! I'm diving in and debunking these 5 misconceptions that people may have about dancers.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and ...

Rachael is a past guest on the podcast and is such a badass. Any kind of job you can think of as a dancer, she has done it - world tours, super bowl halftime shows, feature films, TV shows, the grammy’s, and most recently, was an actress in Top Gun: Maverick. We chat about everything from the writers and actors strikes, to recognizing the ebbs and flows of being a working artist, the nuances of working as a guest choreographer in someone else's studio, and saying no to jobs with grace.W...

Getting cut and not understanding why? This episode will create a lot of clarity as to why you aren't getting that feedback we so crave as humans and artists. Also concrete suggestions for things to do create that closure and clarity for yourself.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and ...

If you’ve ever asked yourself “What do I post??” or “How Often do I post??”, then this is the episode for you. Today’s guest, Amy Leisner, after working for Discount Dance, started her own company, A18 Media, a social media agency for dance studios and professionals.We chat allll the things:RepurposingBio basicsStory highlightsPinned postshashtagsand everything in betweenI love this chat because it is SO pertinent for dancers right now who are wondering the who, what when and how for posting ...

Literally everything you need to know about being a Universal performer! This is the debut of a brand new episode type for the podcast: Career Spotlights. Kate Coleman and Jolene Fisher are former students of mine who have both been performing at Universal Studios in Hollywood for many years. I figured the name of this podcasts is "dance careers", so I may as well start talking about different kinds.We chat:how they got their jobs (different roles, same park)what a "day in the life" is like (...

Self-care isn't selfish. It's paramount. Charity Baroni joins me on the pod to discuss her prolific career as a dancer in LA (2 Taylor tours?!, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, etc), and why recognizing we are all human drove her career further along than anything else. We also dive in to the realities of being a tour dancer, what it was like watching the ERA'S tour as her former dancer, and the mental well-being of professional dancers.IG @CharitybaroniCharitybaroni.com Charity Baroni was born...

You ever go to post something on social media and then start scrutinizing every minute detail.. and then eventually just give up and not post it at all? Yup. This is something we ALL can relate to as artists. And it's even more at the forefront nowadays with social media's "compare and despair". In this episode I break down 3 key things you can remember to change your mindset, focus on what matters most and thrive in your career in the arts. DM me 'perfectionism' to make a plan to b...

Tackling the nuances of filming in class, today I'm joined by Miller daurey, ex-pro dancer who quit at 19, returned to dance 25 years later and is now documenting the whole thing online. Miller has been garnering a lot of attention online for his candid videos about the dance industry in LA. So we talked a lot about:what it was like for him to return to dance both physically and emotionallythe biggest changes he's noticed in the industrythe ever-evolving state of class culture here in LA&nbsp...

It's so hard saying no to work. But how do you determine if a job is right for you or not? It's complicated, and as freelance artists, we are actively seeking work - so how do you turn it down? Boundaries are super important, and it's a work in progress.In this episode I break down the F.A.C.T.S. method to use as a parameter in determining if a job is worth it for you. Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer,...

If you caught last season’s premiere, then you know that Jim Keith (Owner, President, Sr. Agent at Movement Talent Agency in LA and NY) is as candid as it gets. With decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Jim, once again, lays it all on line to discuss:submitting for representationthe current state of the industry (strikes, covid, A.I. oh my!)the differences between the dance scenes: NY vs. LAJim on IGMovement Agency Website // MTA on IGHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind t...

Yall. We back! It's time for Season 3. Please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss any episodes. Stay tuned :)Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe an...

I couldn’t think of a better person to wrap up season 2 with. Antoine Troupe is SO motivational. He talks a lot about success: what that means to him and how other successful people function outside the dance world. Antoine openly shares so much and gives actionable tips to help get your mind (and business!) right. self-development and being a student of life the biggest mindset mistakes dancers make when they first move to LAHow to be proactive instead of reactive in your life both...

I'm positively BEAMING listening and producing this episode. What a treat to have so much insight from people with vast and eclectic backgrounds in dance. So, what ARE the positives to pursuing a career in dance? Industry professionals from all across the country weigh in on how their careers fulfill them and their best piece of advice for anyone looking to do their job. We hear from: professional dancers, dance instructors, social media/marketing specialists, entrepreneurs, coaches, a sports...

Do you wear a lot of hats? Have a lot of different interests? Crave creativity in many mediums? This is the episode for you. Galit Friedlander (Prince, Pharrell, WNBA, Doctors for Dancers) Dancespeak Podcast Host, Choreographer and Educator, joins me to chat about all the nuances of living a life of artistry and the diving deep I love so much. aligning your values with your gigs how “not feeling seen” affects us taking action in our self development to improve our artistry&nbsp...

I ran a dance careers survey last week and collected some data about peoples jobs in the dance world, and leave some insight about their experience. This episode aims to accomplish a few things: erase the stigma of deciding not to be a performer anymoreexplain how dance can teach us and lead us to different career pathsexplore the possibilities of being a dance professional and not a professional dancer. There's lots of diving deep in this episode of how we live our lives as artists...

Did you go (or are you considering going) to college for dance? It's pretty cutthroat out there and my incredible guest, contemporary and ballet diva, Julie Friedrich, discusses the pro's and con's of going to college for dance, how she's paved her own path professionally (5:00) and how she mentors dancers through her own program (10:42). Julie Friedrich’s distinguished career as a professional dancer, mentor, and dance educator in the areas of ballet and contemporary dance spans more th...

Auditions have been slower here in LA. For a multitude of reasons. It has me reflecting and brainstorming productive and affordable ways to keep making progress without being in the audition/gig hustle. I came up with a TOP 10 LIST. I dropped it below, and all the juicy details (and actionable tips) are inside the episode:Update your marketing materials Self-CareCurate a list of Connections/networking opportunitiesEnjoy the downtimeVision/Mood Board Creation and/or partyAuditions Au...

I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation I had with my former agent, Janee Lynch, who is now a senior business executive for SAG/AFTRA in LA. Because of her vast experience in the entertainment industry, I had to pick her brain on her time as an agent as well as the pivot to working for the union and being a full time advocate for dancers’ rights. I spent a really formative time of my career with Janee as my rep and it’s very special to me that she was able to take the time to drop her knowle...

Bust our your notes app, I'm breaking down the basics to commercial dance resumes and a few most frequently asked questions. In this episode, you'll learn:why you need a resume and what kinds of jobs you'll submit them forthe structure of industry resumes and how they differ from "real life" oneshow to organize/save/edit themmy tried and true guidelines for both the training and special skills sectionsAlready have a resume? great! This is a great place to check-in and make sure its hitting al...

Super stoked to have the amazing Courtney Ortiz from Making the Impact Podcast join me for today's episode. She wears many hats in the industry and we really just have an honest conversation about real-life issues in the dance world, no matter what coast you are on. I love hearing the different perspective and current trends happening in NYC, and we also dive in to:How auditioning in NYC (and in general) has changed since the pandemicHow to break barriers in the beginning of your careerReal l...

I'm diving deep in this episode to talk about the nuances of accepting certain realities we all face as dance professionals. Conquering perfectionism, playing the comparison game, feeling like we're on a never-ending hamster wheel of auditions, jobs and training - are all VERY challenging. But it doesn't have to be, if we adjust our expectations in a healthy way.These are 3 hard truths that I base this episode around:1️⃣ there is no “there” or “you’ve made it”, only a next2️⃣ there’s always g...

Brandon Henschel is the current resident director for the new show Awakening at the Wynn in Las Vegas. This was an incredible conversation with an industry vet who is equal parts, professional, and kind. In this episode, you’ll learn about:how he landed his first gig with Britneythe biggest differences in the industry now and how young dancers can step uphow being malleable on set will make you more cast-able in the future.This episode will leave you feeling inspired to put in the WORK and ke...

Let's get REEL: A topic that's near and dear to my heart. I've been working on promo content for dancers for over 10 years here in LA. Video content is one of the most important tools you can have in your toolbox to use for auditions, submissions and networking. In this episode, I dive in to:the differences between dance reels and skills clipswhich one is better for submitting yourselfhow to decide what to shoot or use in your reelthe mindset shift you need to finally make your new oneIf you ...

Dances lessons are life lessons, right? My love for diving deep is fully realized in this episode with dance business coach Ali Phillips. I loveee going into the psychology behind what we do- so thank you Ali! She discusses:switching from human DOing --> human BEingeliminating the scarcity mindsether conscious dance leadership philosophywhy you really do need to write that follow up email (or 2!)www.bustamovedance.com.auwww.aliphillips.org@bamdance_@aliphillips.officialAli Phillips is a pa...

I'm so excited to have my dear friends (Eliotte Nicole, Mackenzie Martin, Taylor Hansen) of 10+ years in LA join me in this very special episode. Revisiting this in the editing process was everything I needed and more to put the biggest smile on my face and remind myself of the power of community. I highly respect each of these incredible humans and they share beautiful insight on the importance of community, how not to be a creeper when developing new relationships (aka networking), and the ...

Authenticity, kindness and integrity go a long way, right? Do you ever feel a pressure in the industry to act a certain way or be a particular kind of person? I know that I have felt this and many people I know from the last 15 years in LA have struggled with this. You think you have to adopt a certain kind of person to fit in or be accepted. I am stoked to share the conversation with my former student, Jamal Wade, who just recently directed Tinashe’s latest music video. He truly embodie...

I’m sure you’ve noticed the influx of mentorship programs in the dance industry in the last couple years. Clearly, I’m not the exception. But I thought I’d put together 5 things to remember and use to evaluate different programs that may be sparking your interest. In this episode I’m breaking down:How to figure out if the program/mentor is right for youWhy it might be beneficial for you to join oneHow to align your goals, program outcomes and work ethic.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behin...

Does it seem like every dancer and their mother is starting up a podcast?Well, it might be true. And hi 🙋‍♀️ But for real - It’s been a really fun way to let out some creativity, share insight from over 15 years in the biz, and, most importantly, connect with industry peers who I truly admire. Any interest in what it takes to start a podcast of your own? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Krystle Frey, who is a former pro dancer and Podcast Editor with Pivot Ball Change. She breaks do...

After 2+ years of running my business online, I've had the privilege of talking to hundreds of dancers about their most pressing issues. I wanted to come through and highlight some of my most asked questions because the insight is REAL on this one and I want to share.The top 3 one's I'm discussing today. And yall, we're diving DEEP Where do I even start?How do I find more work and opportunities as a dancer?How do I best promote myself on social media?If you find yourself asking any of th...

What happens when you hear the word “no”? Do you use it as a fuel to keep going, or let it hold you back? Henrique and Valentino of HQV2 Creative share their thoughts on making mistakes along your journey and how to make the most of them. They have such a warm, positive energy - and it's all good vibes in this episode where we chat about:the love of learning and how that takes you farhow being present and vulnerable makes you an attractive dancerwhat creative directors look for when hiring da...

Baring it ALL today: How I got startedHow I made some first moves on MySpace (!!)How I got my first agentWhat I did when I got dropped from an agentWhat I considered when switching agentsWhat you should consider when trying to either gain representation OR maximize your current agency relationshipHow to balance two separate agentsI have not shared a lot of my OWN story, even though this is my podcast. Even though it sometimes feels icky to me (and I'm certainly not going to be doing this...

Today I'm joined by the positive and savvy Audra Allen from the Dance CEO Coach. If you've been feeling that itch to start a side hustle, monetize a skill, service or product, this is the episode to get you pumped up and ready for action. We chat:the pros and con's of dance degreesperspective on balance in your personal and professional lifepersonality and vibes when branding yourself both online and in-personFirst steps to starting an online businessTake notes, yall!You can connect with Audr...

Every January is the same song and dance. "New year, new you" they say. I personally think it's impossible to achieve a whole new you in 1 year and I also do not like that pressure! I do, however, think it's a great excuse to reassess what's working, what sucked, and take stock of your priorities. I wanted to come up with a list of ACTIONABLE STEPS you can take right now to boost your digital presence. I also created a free handout for step #1 "what to do before you make a dance reel" t...

Chatting with Cho is always a breath of fresh air. First of all, she is the queen of analogies and dropped so many in this episode. It's always amazing for me to hear the people with the most experience in our industry and their perspectives. I listened to this a few times and each time had a different takeaway. Chonique has that effect on people. You'll learn about: - staying patient and how to surrender to it- how to keep your creative juices flowing amidst so much pressure- chonique's best...

I cannot believe a full year has gone by since I started DC:U. What started as an Instagram live series has transpired into one of my fave creative projects to date.It was pretty amazing editing this episode and listening in marvel at all the incredible wisdom and insight we have all been able to soak up. This was never about me. I'm an educator. And as an educator, my community comes first. It's about giving actionable advice, hearing motivational stories, and staying inspired throughout the...

Lindsay Rosenberg is arguably one of THE top headshot photographers for dancers in Los Angeles. Not only did she come up in the dance industry (an agent at 12!) and have incredible insight on nailing your next headshot session, I just straight up enjoyed vibing with her. Headshots are your ticket in to auditions, so it's incredibly important to invest in the right photographer who knows the business/formula. This is the episode to soak up invaluable industry knowledge and crush your next shoo...

Does this even need a description?! I just want you to win. And I want you to recognize any win you've had this year, big or small. Listen in for 3 signs you freakin CRUSHED this year. And go ahead and celebrate, you deserve it.Some BIG changes happening in 2023. Make sure to subscribe if you haven't already so you get the dish first <3Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more...

You name it, Michelle Elkin has done it. She has had her hand in almost all facets of the industry - TV, film, theatre, education, all of it. She lives and breathes it. We chat about: how to stay grounded through the up's and down's of the industryher favorite way to cast dancersthe differences in creating for film vs. stageand oh so much more!Michelle on InstagramMichelle Elkin has served as Choreographer most recently for an episode of Young Sheldon (season 6, airing this Fall) an...

I did a group coaching session and I really wanted to share the conversation. It was honest, open, and real - highlighting REAL LIFE dancer struggles of:- finding structure in a chaotic freelance world- juggling multiple passions- artist life post-pandemic Buckle up for some kick-in-your-pants advice, tough love, realness and some actionable advice to take back some control of your life. If this kinda thing resonates with you, this is your invitation to join us in the mntrU Crew :) Guest Inst...

So thrilled to sit down with Jenni Thomasson, Dance Captain (and more!) for the incredible Todrick Hall, on this week's episode. Like a lot of my guests, Jenni is a former FLIRT Dancer and I've been thrilled to watch her journey with Todrick and see all the magic they have created. She is such a bright light in any space she is in. I'm grateful she took the time to talk about her journey, the digital dance world, playing to your strengths as an artist, and remembering your worth as a human fi...

Branding... One of my favorite topics and I'm breakin' it DOWN! If you're thinking about changing your look, or just curious about what that would look like if you did in the future, I've laid out all the details. I dive into all costs involved, what it means for you, your agent and everything else ato take into consideration. When you want to chat about your look, HMU because I looooove chatting all things hair, aesthetics and branding. Book a free 1:1Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind...

Rachael's tenured career is quite impressive. But she is equally humble, eloquent, and kind. We talk a lot about:- how taking risks will drive your journey- making the leap into the acting world- letting the joy drive your career decisions- the differences in the Atlanta scene vs. LA. Rachaelmarkarian.net | IMDB | @RachaelMarkarianThe Dancer's Edge Rachael is a successful and multi-hyphenate artist with over 20yrs of experience working in the Entertainment Industry as a Pro-Dancer, Actre...

I had a lot of revelations myself while recording this episode. I truly feel like this is an important topic that doesn't get talked about often. After 15+ years of navigating life in the industry in LA, I can say with certainty the rejection = redirection and it's all a part of the big picture that is your unique career.The reason this all came up was because of a guest blog post I did with Love Notes to LA - Thank you for bringing me on and sparking the inspiration for this post!I want to h...

I can't hold back the giggles in this episode - Cedric just has so many positive vibes and one-liners that get me every time. While I've known Cedric a long time (10+ years!?), it was important for me to peel back the layers and give everyone a glimpse into the drive, passion and hard work that he's poured into his career. We chat a lot about listening to your inner voice, being confident in your assets, and how that can help you carve your niche. Cedric Dodd is an AMDA alumni who receiv...

Being an artist and a freelancer, can lead to a lot of time on the struggle bus. I recently had a revelation I wanted to share and dive deeper into: we. never. get. feedback! This is not just a bummer, but wildly stifling after leaving school that we are used to our whole lives.This is the first micro episode of tips/tricks/insights into the dance world that will be sandwiched in between my industry interviews. Let me know what you think!If you feel compelled to join the mntrU CREW, reach out...

Jim Keith, Founder, President and Sr. Agent at Movement Talent Agency in LA has been my choreography agent for 10 years. This episode is a recording from a zoom event we did (minus the exclusive Q&A section for participants) and it spills all. the. tea! If you want to know what's currently happening in the industry in regards to casting and what kind of materials you need, and even the best ways to stay on good terms with your agent, then this episode is for you, my friends! @jimkeith76@m...

Ok y'all. We're back! Welcome to Season 2 of Dance Careers: Unfiltered. This season I'm going to switch it up a bit. I'll still be a weekly podcast (now dropping on Tuesdays) but now I'll be posting interviews with badass/inspirational guests every other week and infuse the content with tips/tricks in between. I'm aiming to have all of these episodes easily digestible so you can use them to fuel your career growth, on-the-go. I'm SO excited to dive back into the nitty gritty behind the e...

Meet the positive light that is Kelly Allen. With over 16 years in LA and 30+ tv/film credits under her belt, Kelly brings her wisdom and experience to the DCU listeners. I LOVE that she dishes all the goods about being an assistant choreographer and a glimpse into how she got where she is now. She just finished filming Amazon's Marvelous Mrs. Maisel final season assisting Marguerite Derricks! Um, can you say baller?MNTR MGMTWebsite@mntr.mgmt@justinementer KELLY ALLENWebsite@kellallen_KELLY A...

There's some people you just vibe with from the get-go, and Emily Wanserski is for sure one of those for me. We have super similar philosophies on the business of dance and I'm so excited for the intensive that her and co-producers WHYTEBERG (Laura Berg + Gracie Whyte) and Madison Hicks are whipping up this summer for the LA dance community. We talk alllll about it in this week's episode. If I were a new-ish dancer in LA, I would 100% be at Jumpstart/LA. Whatcha waiting for?MNTR MGMTWebsite@m...

It's super refreshing when you have an artist who creates work based on their genuine, innate belief system. Toogie talks to us about her unique dance journey, how her upbringing inspired her career, and how meditation and breath work amplified her work and her world. She has this super grounding presence that will leave you feeling simultaneously both zen and ready to get-after-it upon listening to this episode. Her upcoming show Metanoia will surely be a sensory experience, and premieres Ju...

We get into how dancers need to see themselves as a business! Erin Pride from the Dance Boss podcast is back with us to discuss how to take your dance skills and work towards monetizing your skill set. We talk about the boom of online dance presence on social media. We also talk about the biggest pitfalls of dancers on social media. An episode we ALL need right now as our professional lives continue in this digital age. MNTR MGMTWebsite@mntr.mgmt@justinementerErin Pompa (Pride):W...

Most of the guests I have on here are seasoned vets, so it was a breath of fresh air to welcome Tal Kamin as a super inspiring representative of GEN Z. This woman is barely out of college and already established a non-profit organization spanning 20 college chapters across America. I also align greatly with her philosophies and approach to building community and development for the dance community. THIS makes me hopeful for our future. MNTR MGMTWebsite@mntr.mgmt@justinementerTal KaminWebsiteW...

I could go on and on with Teddy! He makes me laugh quite a bit and beyond our (really awesome) jokes, we go beyond the surface to chat about the starving artist mentality and forging your own path. We also dive in to the ever-evolving landscape of the classroom and how to juggle the need for digital representation in that space. I love his unique voice and journey and you will too. MNTR MGMTWebsite@mntr.mgmt@justinementerTeddy TedholmDirector, tedted Performance GroupEditor-in-Chief, Da...

When you are in LA long enough, you get to see your friends do some pretty cool things. Leah McKendrick is one of those people for me. I started choreographing for her in 2009 for a live show and then went on to collaborate on multiple projects after that. I've watched her morph into an incredible producer, screenwriter and just an overall badass boss babe! I'm happy to get a perspective from a different side of our biz and she throws out SO many gems of advice. MNTR MGMTWebsite@m...

Ohh man I loved this conversation with Monika Felice Smith. She is such a positive light and we talk a lot about who we want to work with in the industry and gravitating towards the right people. Once you find your people, it just clicks. MNTR MGMTWebsite@mntr.mgmt@justinementerMonika Felice SmithWebsite@monikafelicesmithMONIKA FELICE SMITH is a professional choreographer, director, movement coach, & dancer from NY, currently based in Los Angeles, CA. Having transitioned to the contempora...

Here goes nothing: today is my first solo episode. I want to document as much as I can about my journey - both the good and the bad. I want yall to know that I don't have a perfect career.. but we are all here to learn and grow, including myself. Here are a few things I wish I knew before I started my pants career.. I mean dance career :) Listen to the episode to find out. And send me a DM @mntr.mgmt to tell me what you think of this new venture. Don't worry, I'll keep interviewing badass ind...

Welcome back! We are getting all into mental wellness with our good friends at Danscend. We are talking about dealing with stress on the daily instead of having all the emotions pile up.. Olympic athletes have mental coaches so why don’t dancers? Yes, we are talking about a healthy mindset around auditions. Not to mention.. What's going on in the dance class world? MNTR MGMTWebsite@mntr.mgmt@justinementerDanscendWebsite@DanscendDanscend’s mission is to bring mental wellness to the...

Anything is possible at any age! Kim Hale does it all and is kicking butt! She is going after her dance career and social media in full force at a sophisticated age and she is absolutely killing it. Kim Hale can inspire us all to take control of our own narratives and careers. In this episode, we really break down what it takes to be that hustler behind your career at any age. MNTR MGMTWebsite@mntr.mgmt@justinementerKim Hale Website@mskimhaleKim Hale: Mentored by Emmy Award and Gol...

Today we are joined by Caitlin Sloan AKA the Brainy Ballerina. We discuss the difference and similarities between commercial and ballet company worlds. We talk about how to make yourself valuable as a dancer by: being the most prepared, most on time and being a pleasant professional over relying on your talent. We discuss how your go-getter attitude and work ethic can outweigh your audition skills.. finally!Ready to join a community and thrive in your career? mntrU waitlist is officially open...

Let's get into the real methods behind social media. Dr. Sandra Colton Medici has done it all! She has performed with some big names in the industry such as Rihanna and Justin Timberlake, and was a cast member on the 1st ever season of So You Think You Can Dance! Many lives later she started College of Style for entrepreneurs. She is dropping some easy tips and tricks to boost your social engagement while also reminding us it’s more important to get content out there than for it to be p...

Y'all know I love speaking about the psychology behind the biz, too. The insightful John Sovec, who is a former dancer turned therapist, joins me in this important episode to discuss the importance of attitude and positive energy within the entertainment field. We talk about how to support yourself emotionally and the importance of supporting your friends and colleagues. He explains how this can help you be the best version of yourself when you walk into the audition room. Super. importa...

Life is for sure a crazy roller coaster ride. Especially the last 2 years. Today I'm joined by Maryann Chavez to discuss the importance of self-care, staying up to date and working on your craft. She knows it’s paramount to know who you are as an artist and also how to work on your dance skills in this crazy time to prepare for the future! MNTR MGMTWebsite@mntr.mgmt@justinementerMARYANN CHAVEZWebsite Lume Website @thee.mac.chavez MARYANN CHAVEZ was born and raised in Huntingto...

The word of social media as a dancer has become an integral part of your portfolio. But, where do we start? Is it important to have the followers, the aesthetic, or the content? In this episode we are joined by “Dance Boss” podcast host Erin Pride to discuss how to navigate Instagram and branding as a dancer.The mntrU waitlist is now open! Jump on for community, career support and educational tools.MNTR MGMTWebsite@mntr.mgmt@justinementerErin Pompa (Pride): Website @erinprideFacebookPod...

Today I am joined by the radiant light that is Mackenzie Martin who I've known for the better part of a decade. We are talking all things purpose and creation, along with how to tackle the hustle and work at your own unique pace. This is an episode to keep your mind full of possibilities and help relax those dance anxieties. There is always a path as long as you keep creating. MNTR MGMTWebsite@mntr.mgmt@justinementerFollow Mackenzie: @_mackenzie_martin_@souldesoul_danceconvention@_mmmethod@ge...

If there were ever an episode to get me super AMPED - this is the one! Maybe its because of my psychology degree background, or maybe because I'm obsessed with Michelle and Kristin.. the founders of new company Danscend. Mindset is so important. Our self-talk matters. This episode we are joined by the lovely minds behind Danscend to talk all things mental health. We really get into how important it is to take care of your mental health while you pursue a dance career (or just in life, for tha...

In today’s episode, I am joined by Addison Reed Holmes AKA the "Salty Ballerina". We talk about her ballet journey, growing up in Texas and attending SMU before moving to Los Angeles and New York. We chat about the importance of being a well-rounded dancer and person, the struggles of being a dance competition judge, and the challenges with dance competitions nowadays. Addy and I grew up dancing at the same studio in Dallas and its really cool to see how our paths both intertwine and differ.&...

Have you ever been the underdog or lost motivation? I am joined by Janeeva Pettway, who you may see dancing behind Jason Derulo on stages across the globe, to talk about mental strength and how to harness your natural performance energy. We discuss drive and motivation, and that at the end of the day passion and hard work actually make the difference.MNTR MGMTWebsite@mntr.mgmt@justinementerJaneva PettwayWebsite@janeeva_pettwayHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNT...

Jenna and I share a lot of the same philosophies when it comes to the biz - just from different sides of it. In this episode, we talk about the shifts in the dance industry and its dear sister: the acting world. Many dancers don't know this, but if you are a signed dancer in LA, you are going to be labeled as an actor who moves well. Dancers have to learn how to play the part and/or sell the product, even if you aren't hired as an "actor". I love Jenna's perspective.. listen on to see how we ...

Today’s episode I am joined by Alexis Rowland, former competition dancer turned professional. She is humble, super talented and oh so sweet - and not to mention, one of my fave dancers ever. In this episode we talk about the journey of leveling up after the competition dance world. We also discuss our journey together, having worked together in my former company FLIRT, and now both starting our own businesses: Lex connect and Mntr Mgmt.Wanna learn how to transition from competition dance...

In this episode we are joined by talented performer Eliotte Nicole. Not only is she an incredible dancer with credits such as The Prom, Dancing with the Stars, and Meghan Trainor, but she is also an accomplished singer, having toured around the world 3x over with her boss Taylor Swift. We discuss what is behind the entertainment business and how to be a dancer that stands out against the pack. We also flip the bill and Justine also explains the breakdown of a few of the programs that Mntr Mgm...

If you are looking for motivation.. this is your episode. We are diving deep behind the drive and work ethic of a dancer with the impressive G Madison. We talk about how to stop searching outward for validation, and focus on what you bring to the table as your own unique dancer. We talk about how dancers have to always need to be ready to pivot. Get ready for a really inspirational talk about what it truly takes to be a dancer. MNTR MGMTWebsite@mntr.mgmt@justinementerG MadisonWebsite@GMa...

Dance Careers: Unfiltered is a conversational dance podcast that focuses on what it really takes to make it in the dance industry. LA-based Choreographer and Dance Educator turned Career Coach, host Justine Menter keeps it real with actionable advice, inspiration and a touch of sass. On DCU you can expect honest conversations with industry peers and most importantly: real-life tips to keep dancers motivated along their unique career paths. MNTR MGMTWebsite@mntr.mgmt@justinementerHey y'all! I'...