Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis
Podcast details
Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.
Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast
Impact Dance Adjudicators
Frequency: 1 episode/8d. Total Eps: 293
Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of a dance competition judge? What does it take to impress the people behind the table?
Join your hosts Courtney Ortiz, professional dancer, educator and owner of Impact Dance Adjudicators, and Lesley Mealor, veteran performer and judge, on Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, as they dive into all things dance competition!
Each week, listen as Courtney and Lesley discuss various hot topics with members of the IDA judges’ roster and other special guests in the dance world, from technique, to costumes, to the dreaded question - “Tights…or no tights?” Stay tuned for special spotlight episodes, round table chats and so much more! Weekly episodes launch every Thursday throughout the dance season! @impactdanceadjudicators
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Apple Podcasts
No recent rankings available
Spotify
No recent rankings available
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
See all- https://www.rainn.org/
1235 shares
- http://www.ko-fi.com/makingtheimpact
643 shares
RSS feed quality and score
Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.
See allScore global : 68%
Publication history
Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.
Throwback! S5 EP 175 - Perfecting the Pirouette - Tips from the Pros
Season 7 · Episode 240
jeudi 6 novembre 2025 • Duration 01:26:40
Guests - Drew Burgess and Lisa Curatolo Turpin
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor
Today's throwback episode brings us back to 2024 with a conversation about pirouettes! Like we always say on the pod, good technique never goes out of style, and that goes for pirouette technique too! Enjoy this chat with two experts on pirouettes! This episode originally aired on February 22, 2024.
Topics Include:
- How to set yourself (and your students) up for success when teaching pirouettes
- Opinions on the best prep position for certain turns
- The importance of knowing your audience when choreographing turns
Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
- Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
- Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
- Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 7. No sponsored ads!
- 20% off all IDA Merchandise
- Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
- Discounted IDA Online Critique
- Group Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!
Follow your Hosts & Guests!
- Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
- Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
- Drew Burgess - @drewdances
- Lisa Curatolo Turpin - @lisacuratoloturpin
- Expressenz Dance Center - @expressenz
This episode is sponsored by:
Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's Critiques
Send us a video of your dance and an IDA Judge will critique your routine! You can request a genre-specific specialty judge or add on 10 minutes of additional feedback. 24 hour rush delivery available!
Submit your video now!
Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!
Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!
Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
A Crash Course on Leaps and Jumps
Season 7 · Episode 239
jeudi 30 octobre 2025 • Duration 01:16:19
Guests - Michelle Leagans and Jessica Olinik
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz
In Episode 239 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we hear from two dance educators about the technique and power behind every great jumper! From tour jetés to switch leaps to flying discs, this episode covers your favorite jumps and leaps with helpful hints to take you to new heights!
Topics Include:
- How to achieve maximum suspension in jumps and leaps
- The proper preparation for a variety of jumps and leaps
- Our favorite jumps and leaps to perform and to see on stage
Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
- Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
- Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
- Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 7. No sponsored ads!
- 20% off all IDA Merchandise
- Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
- Discounted IDA Online Critique
- Group Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!
Follow your Hosts & Guests!
- Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
- Michelle Leagans - @michelleleagans
- Jessica Olinik - @jwodance
This episode is sponsored by:
Michelle Leagans's "Hey Dancers...Let's Talk About It!" Journal.
A journaling companion for dancers to thrive as students and team members.
Available for purchase on Amazon!
www.letstalkaboutdance.com
Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's Critiques
Send us a video of your dance and an IDA Judge will critique your routine! You can request a genre-specific specialty judge or add on 10 minutes of additional feedback. 24-hour rush delivery available!
Submit your video now!
Check out our IDA Affiliated Competition and Sponsor: Axis Dance Competition! Visit their website to view their 2026 Tour Dates!
Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!
Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!
Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Welcome to Season 7!
Season 7
jeudi 4 septembre 2025 • Duration 23:30
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor
Welcome to season 7 of Making the Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast! Courtney and Lesley kick off the new season with a recap of the summer and share some exciting news about what's coming up this year!
Topics Include:
- How we spent our summer months! News & Updates
- Cover art contest winners for season 7
- Making the Impact Award fan favorite contest winner
- Upcoming episode topic teasers and new features
Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
- Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
- Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
- Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 7. No sponsored ads!
- 20% off all IDA Merchandise
- Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
- Discounted IDA Online Critique
- Group Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!
Follow your Hosts!
- Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
- Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!
Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!
Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA-affiliated dance competitions, visit our website atwww.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Season 4 Wrap Up!
Season 4
jeudi 1 juin 2023 • Duration 31:48
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor
Season 4 of Making the Impact is coming to an end, but in this episode, we take just a few minutes to share some exciting news and tell you a little about what's coming up in Season 5! Thank you to our loyal listeners for your support this season!
Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
- Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
- Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
- Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
- 20% off all IDA Merchandise
- Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!
Follow your Hosts!
- Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
- Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!
Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!
Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Spotlight Feature - Cost n' Mayor
Season 4 · Episode 148
jeudi 1 juin 2023 • Duration 01:10:42
Guests: Austin and Marideth Talenko - Cost n' Mayor
Hosted by: Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor
Cost n' Mayor, the TikTok duo made up of the talented Austin and Marideth Talenko, join us today to share their unlikely journey to influencer fame! From unorthodox beginnings in the dance world to over 6 million followers on social media, this dancing couple is one you will be hearing about for years to come!
Follow Cost n' Mayor on social media @cost_n_mayor and be sure to check out their upcoming projects.
Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
- Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
- Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
- Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
- 20% off all IDA Merchandise
- Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!
This episode is sponsored by:
Apolla Performance
The benefit of a shoe + the comfort of a sock. Try Apolla Shocks and use code IMPACT10 for 10% off at checkout!
Follow your Hosts & Guests!
- Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
- Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
- Cost n' Mayor - @cost_n_mayor
Join our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!
Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!
Follow us on social media at @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
The 2023 Competition Season - Takeaways From your Judges
Season 4 · Episode 147
jeudi 25 mai 2023 • Duration 01:14:47
Guests - IDA Judges
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor
In Episode 147 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we asked you, our listeners, to choose the topic! The response was heard loud and clear - you want to hear from your judges what they loved, didn't love, and want to see more of from the 2023 competition season! Thanks to 10 of our IDA judges for contributing their thoughts to this episode.
Topics Include:
- Performance tips
- Praise for unique and interesting themes
- Presentation expectations for the stage
- The never-ending commentary on one shoe vs two shoes
Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
- Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
- Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
- Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
- 20% off all IDA Merchandise
- Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!
Follow your Hosts and IDA!
- Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
- Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
- Impact Dance Adjudicators - @impactdanceadjudicators
Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!
Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!
Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Receive personalized feedback from an IDA Judge before you hit the stage. Critiques start at $35!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
How Studios Cast Dancers In Competitive Dance Routines
Season 4 · Episode 146
jeudi 18 mai 2023 • Duration 01:11:26
Guests - Pam Simpson and Glen Meynardie
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor
In Episode 146 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we get real with you about how studios cast dancers in competitive routines. Special guests Pam Simpson, a studio owner for 30 years, and Glen Meynardie, frequent guest choreographer and adjudicator give their insight about the casting process from their perspectives.
Topics Include:
- The variety of ways studios cast their dancers and why
- How the process of casting has changed over the years for both Glen and Pam
- Reasons why your dancer might not be cast in certain pieces or spots in a routine
Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
- Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
- Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
- Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
- 20% off all IDA Merchandise
- Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!
Follow your Hosts & Guests!
- Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
- Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
- Pam Simpson - @pamsimpson
- Glen Meynardie - @gmeynardie
This episode is sponsored by:
Apolla Performance
The benefit of a shoe + the comfort of a sock. Try Apolla Shocks and use code IMPACT10 for 10% off at checkout!
Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!
Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!
Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Special Awards - Recognizing More Than Just Your Score
Season 4 · Episode 145
jeudi 11 mai 2023 • Duration 01:11:12
Guests - Emily Branigan and Amanda Trusty
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor
In Episode 145 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are joined by IDA judge and dance educators Emily Branigan and Amanda Trusty to tell you what judges really think of special awards. (Spoiler alert - we love them).
Topics Include:
- The reasons we love special awards
- Why special awards often mean more than placement or overall awards
- Our favorite special awards to give dancers
Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
- Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
- Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
- Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
- 20% off all IDA Merchandise
- Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!
Follow your Hosts & Guests!
- Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
- Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
- Emily Branigan - @embranigan
- Amanda Trusty - @amanda_trusty
Check out our guest’s current projects!
Join Emily Branigan's studio for open classes this summer @thestudioatguilfordcenter
Find out more about Amanda Trusty's new company, healing theater heARTS. Follow them on instagram: @healingtheaterhearts
Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!
Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!
Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Battling Body Image Issues in the Dance World
Season 4 · Episode 144
jeudi 4 mai 2023 • Duration 01:01:34
Guests - Katrena Cohea and Amanda LaCount
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor
In Episode 144 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we discuss the body image issues that affect dancers and suggest strategies for dance teachers and dance studios to develop a more holistic approach to discussing our bodies. Katrena Cohea and Amanda LaCount join us to help provide a variety of perspectives.
Topics Include:
- How the dance industry has changed over time to reflect a variety of bodies
- How dress codes can be modified for dancers who are struggling with body image concerns
- Body neutrality vs body positivity - the differences
Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
- Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
- Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
- Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
- 20% off all IDA Merchandise
- Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!
Follow your Hosts & Guests!
- Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
- Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
- Katrena Cohea - @diffdrumdance
- Amanda LaCount - @amandalacount
Check out our guest’s current projects!
- Katrena's Different Drummer Dance Summer Wellness Workshops for Dancers are happening this summer! These focus on building better body image in dancers, positive performance rituals, and growth mindset for dancers.
- Check out Amanda's #BreakingTheStereotype clothing line here!
This episode is sponsored by:
Apolla Performance
The benefit of a shoe + the comfort of a sock. Try Apolla Shocks and use code IMPACT10 for 10% off at checkout!
Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!
Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!
Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Revolutionary compression dance socks for all styles! Use code: IMPACT10 for 10% off!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Studio Spotlight - CCJ Conservatory
Season 4 · Episode 143
jeudi 27 avril 2023 • Duration 01:27:44
Guest: Dale Lam
Hosted by: Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor
CCJ Conservatory, formerly known as Columbia City Jazz, prides itself on producing well-rounded, versatile dancers. With over 35 years of experience, Artistic Director Dale Lam leads the studio in its mission and looks towards the future as the dance studio industry evolves.
Follow CCJ Conservatory on social media @ccjconservatory and be sure to check out their upcoming projects.
- CCJ Conservatory's summer intensive is open to all dancers - find out more here!
Who would you like to see featured on our upcoming Spotlight Interviews? Share your recommendations by shooting us an email at podcast@impactdanceadjudicators.com.
Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
- Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
- Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
- Ad-free listening for all of Season 4. No sponsored ads!
- 20% off all IDA Merchandise
- Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!
This episode is sponsored by:
Apolla Performance
The benefit of a shoe + the comfort of a sock. Try Apolla Shocks and use code IMPACT10 for 10% off at checkout!
Follow your Hosts & Guests!
- Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
- Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
- Dale Lam - @dalelam
- CCJ Conservatory - @ccjconservatory
Join our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!
Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!
Follow us on social media at@impactdanceadjudicatorsand for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website atwww.impactdanceadjudicators.com
Revolutionary compression dance socks for all styles! Use code: IMPACT10 for 10% off!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
