Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Guests - Josh Bergasse, Richard J. Hinds, Sarah Meahl

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 191 of Making The Impact—A Dance Competition Podcast, we are joined by some of the top choreographers in the industry whose choreography was stolen in a scandal that went viral this summer.

Topics Include:

• The details of how it was discovered that multiple choreographers' work was stolen and taught for profit in Spain
• What steps are being taken to raise awareness of the plagiarism problems that affect the dance industry
• How choreographers, dance teachers and dance organizations can help prevent plagiarism in the future

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, 5 & 6. 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
• Josh Bergasse - @joshuabergasse
• Richard J. Hinds - @richardjhinds
• Sarah Meahl - @happymeahl

This episode is sponsored by:

Roots Dance Summit
A groundbreaking Educational & COMPETITIVE experience for studio communities. A three-day event beginning on Friday and ending on Sunday afternoon. Register now to attend an event in their 2025 premier season! 

YoungArts
Applications are open for the 2025 National YoungArts Competition, for artists ages 15-18 or in grades 10-12. Deadline to apply is October 17, 2024 at 8pm. Learn more at www.YoungArts.org

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

Support the show

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

Season 6 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast is finally here! Listen as Courtney and Lesley recap their very busy summers, share some highlights of season 5, and give you a sneak peek into what's in store for season 6!

Topics Include:

•  Cover art contest winners for season 6
•  Making the Impact Award fan favorite contest winner
•  Upcoming episode topic teasers

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, 5 & 6. 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 at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Guests - Richshawna and Saliha Sims, and Emily Martin

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 184 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we hear from three perspectives - a studio owner, a dance parent, and a dancer about how to change studios and what to look for when making the decision!

Topics Include:

•  How to recognize when it may be time to change studios
•  Best practices for researching a new studio
•  How to address any negative repercussions of changing studios

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 & 5. 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
• Saliha Sims - @salihadjenne
• Emily Martin - @Emmjmartin 

This episode is sponsored by:

Francisco Gella Dance Works - Season 5 Premier Sponsor!
Educational and developmental programs, intensives, and seminars designed to empower students, parents, educators, and artists.
Register now for an upcoming intensive, workshop or seminar!


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 our additional feedback to take your performance to the next level.
Click here to 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

Support the show

In the April Edition of Q&A With Courtney LIVE, Courtney and special guest IDA Judge Jessica answer your questions on topics including:

• Does your dancer need an Instagram?
• Guest choreographers and re-using choreography
• Pursuing a professional career in New York City

CLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode. You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!

If you love Making The Impact and want to support our podcast, buy us a coffee now on Ko-Fi! Your donation will go directly towards helping us create quality content for future episodes. We appreciate your support! ❤️

This episode is sponsored by:

Dancer Fitness - Hundreds of exercises & training plans designed for dancers!
Monthly membership starts at just $1
Use code: IMPACT20 for 20% off your annual membership!


FAVE4 Haircare - High-performing hair products built for the stage!
Use code: IMPACT15 at checkout to receive 15% off your first order!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

• Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
• Jessica Olinik - @jwodance

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!  

For a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Guests - Jim Keith and Jason Styres

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 98 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, casting director Jason Styres and dance agent Jim Keith sit down with Courtney and Lesley to explain what their respective roles are in relation to professional dancers, and how competitive dance can be a great training tool for the commercial dance world.

Topics Include:

• How to cultivate a good relationship with casting directors, and why reputation matters
• What agents do (and do not do)
• Why having a digital footprint is important for competitive dancers wanting to pursue a professional career 

If you love Making The Impact and want to support our podcast, buy us a coffee now on Ko-Fi! Your donation will go directly towards helping create quality content for future episodes. We appreciate your support! ❤️

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

• Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Jason Styres - @CastingByJasonStyres 
• Jim Keith - @jimkeith76

Learn more about Jim's agency and Jason's casting company! 

• The Movement Talent Agency
• The Casting Collaborative

Check out some of the resources we spoke about in the episode! 

• Actors Access
• Backstage
• Playbill
• Casting Networks
• Answers 4 Dancers

This episode is sponsored by:

FAVE4 Haircare - High-performing hair products built for the stage!
Use code: IMPACT15 at checkout to receive 15% off your first order!


Check out IDA Affiliated Competition Star Talent Productions!
View their 2022 season tour dates and register now at www.startalentproductions.com

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 Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Guests - Lenaya Williams and Maddie Barnes

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 97 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, special guests Lenaya Williams and Maddie Barnes give us the inside scoop on what their transitions were like from being competitive dancers to becoming competitive dance teachers. Both provide unique perspectives that are must-hears for dancers wanting to dive straight into teaching competitive dance!

Topics Include:

•  How these comp teachers got the teaching bug, and how their competitive experiences shaped their teaching styles
•  Differences between the perspective of a seasoned comp teacher and a new comp teacher, and how that influences their work
•  What to do when studios and teachers differ in their approach to teaching competitive students

If you love Making The Impact and want to support our podcast, buy us a coffee now on Ko-Fi! Your donation will go directly towards helping create quality content for future episodes. We appreciate your support! ❤️

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

• Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Lenaya Williams - @Len_nik18
• Maddie Barnes - @maddiembarnes

This episode is sponsored by:

Dance Costumes by Urzúa
Custom Dance Costumes and Dancewear for made every body!
Use code: IMPACT15 for 15% off all costumes and dancewear!

The True and Unquestionable Account of Dr. Joseph Snodgrass
An immersive musical play about Edgar Allan Poe’s best friend and most terrible nemesis, created and produced by IDA Judge Ashley Marinelli. Support the show here!


Check out our IDA Affiliate Competition and Sponsor - Diva Dance Competition!
Head to their website to view their upcoming 2020 tour dates at www.divacomps.com 

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 Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Guests - Summer Aiello & Shannon Thomas

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

Being a dance parent requires learning a lot of new information, from theatre etiquette to competition structures. But one thing that’s not covered in any studio handbook is how not to be a stage mom. Joining us on this week's episode of Making the Impact is dance parent Summer Aiello and studio owner Shannon Thomas to school us on the behaviors and qualities that make up an ideal dance parent and how NOT to be a “stage mom.”

Topics Include:

• Understanding boundaries between your dancer and your studio owner
• learning what is acceptable dance parent behavior
•  how to stay involved without pushing limits

If you love Making The Impact and want to support our podcast, buy us a coffee now on Ko-Fi! Your donation will go directly towards helping create quality content for future episodes. We appreciate your support! ❤️

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

• Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Summer @Summerbellies
• Shannon @legacydance386

This episode is sponsored by:

FAVE4 Haircare - High-performing hair products built for the stage!
Use code: IMPACT15 at checkout to receive 15% off your first order!


Dance Costumes by Urzúa - Custom Dance Costumes and Dancewear for made every body!
Use code: IMPACT15 for 15% off all costumes and dancewear!  

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 Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Guests - Rachel Gentry and Justin Quandt

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 95 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, IDA judge Rachel Gentry and studio owner Justin Quandt share helpful ideas for studios trying to keep competition dances fresh throughout the season!

Topics Include:

•  Why specific goal setting throughout the season will keep boredom at bay
•  New ideas for tedious rehearsal sessions
•  Why focusing on angles and perspectives should be part of your rehearsal process

If you love Making The Impact and want to support our podcast, buy us a coffee now on Ko-Fi! Your donation will go directly towards helping create quality content for future episodes. We appreciate your support! ❤️

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

• Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Rachel Gentry -  @rachgentry
• Justin Quandt - @justinquandtdance

This episode is sponsored by:

Level Up Dance Supplies - Dance gear and Dance bags!
Receive $10 off your next order with code: IMPACT21

Check out our IDA Affiliate Competition and Sponsor - Diva Dance Competition! Head to their website to view their upcoming 2020 tour dates at www.divacomps.com

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 Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Guests - Dr. Chelsea Pierotti and Claudia H. Stein

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 94 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast,  Courtney and Lesley discuss mental health in the dance competition industry with Dr. Chelsea Pierotti, a sports psychology consultant for dancers, and Claudia H. Stein, a mindset and wellness coach for dancers. Please note that the information discussed in this episode is not a substitute for mental health care. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your physician. 

Topics Include:

•  How language can affect dancers' mental health
•  Outdated training methods and what can be used in their place to help achieve success
•  Signs of burn out in competitive dancers 
• The influence of social media on dancers' mindsets

If you love Making The Impact and want to support our podcast, buy us a coffee now on Ko-Fi! Your donation will go directly towards helping create quality content for future episodes. We appreciate your support! ❤️

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

• Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Dr. Chelsea Pierotti - @dr.chelsea.pierotti
• Claudia H. Stein - @claudiahstein

Check out our guest’s current projects! 

Mindset Coaching For Dancers With Claudia
More Than Just Dance Weekend Workshop With Claudia
Passion For Dance Podcast With Dr. Chelsea Pierotti


Check out some of the products we spoke about in the episode! 

100 Days Of Dance Journal 

This episode is sponsored by:

Dance Costumes by Urzúa
Custom Dance Costumes and Dancewear for made every body!
Use code: IMPACT15 for 15% off all costumes and dancewear!

Check out IDA Affiliated Competition Star Talent Productions!
View their 2022 season tour dates and register now at www.startalentproductions.com

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 Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Guest: Kimberly Walsh Rishi
Hosts: Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor


Studio Bleu Dance Center in Ashburn, Virginia is one of the largest dance studios in the country, run by Kimberly Rishi. With programs ranging from recreational to competitive dance, acting and vocal groups, a boys program and a ballet program, Studio Bleu truly offers it all, and produces unparalleled talent that is well known throughout the dance industry. Today on Making the Impact, we take a trip into the world of Studio Bleu to hear more about what makes them unique in the competitive dance world! 

Follow Studio Bleu Dance Center @studiobleudc


Check out some of their performance videos:
"American Pie" choreographed by Justin Lewis
"Gotham" production number

Follow your Hosts!

• Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Impact Dance Adjudicators - @impactdanceadjudicators 

This episode is sponsored by:
IDA Virtual Competition - 2022 Solo-Only Event
Entries are $55 and registration is open until April 25th, 2022
Enter your dance now!

If you love Making The Impact and want to support our podcast, buy us a coffee now on Ko-Fi! Your donation will go directly towards helping us create quality content for future episodes. We appreciate your support! ❤️

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! 

For a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show