The Background Dancer – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

The Background Dancer

The Background Dancer

Jason Yap

Arts
Business
Education

Frequency: 1 episode/20d. Total Eps: 88

Buzzsprout
The Background Dancer sheds light on critical aspects underpinning the dance and performing arts industry through topics ranging from management, entrepreneurship, education, technology, fashion, choreography, politics, interdisciplinarity, media and wellness. Host Jason Yap details fascinating and useful information to help deepen your knowledge of all things offstage, while exploring and preparing together for a post-performance career. Listen in for a bi-weekly conversation with dance lovers from across Asia, Europe and the US, sharing experiences and practices that are both intimate and insightful. Jason is a dance artist, multidisciplinary producer and psychology graduate himself. Despite not pursuing it vocationally, he has still adopted many of psychology's approaches throughout his professional life - the concept of multiplicity and the performing arts as a 'whole that is bigger than the sum of its parts' ecosystem. Ready to talk all things dance? Join us as we begin to foreground Dance in the Background!
Site
RSS

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

    No recent rankings available

Spotify

    No recent rankings available

RSS feed quality and score

Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.

See all
RSS feed quality
Good

Score global : 73%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Episodes published by month in

Latest published episodes

Recent episodes with titles, durations, and descriptions.

See all

Dance's Last Slalom | J-Cast

Season 3 · Episode 10

lundi 24 novembre 2025 • Duration 01:43:54

What concerns weigh heaviest on your mind as a dancer or dancemaker? How do these challenges manifest across different regions of the world? To explore these pressing questions, I’ve gathered two of my favorite fellow podcasters for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation in this final guest feature of the J-cast. 

Jacob Caldwell is a storyteller and artistic activist based in North Hollywood, CA. With roots in Corralitos and Oakhurst and formative experiences in Santa Cruz and Los Angeles, Jacob uses acting and dance as his primary mediums of expression. As the founder of All House Dance Collective, he is driven by a vision to create a future where arts and education thrive and where everyone has a seat at the table.

Joshua Sailo is a traveler between worlds and mediums, channeling his life experiences into artistic expressions through dance, music, photography, and visual art. A 2021 Artist-in-Residence at D.R.I.F.T. in Dharamshala, he is currently exploring the concept of “folk” as both a performance practice and a function of community togetherness. As a co-founding member of the 206 Dance Collective, Joshua continues to engage with the global dance community through teaching, performing, and podcasting.

In this final entry of The Background Dancer, I sit down with Jacob and Joshua to examine critical issues within dance across Asia, Europe, and the US. What challenges are deeply personal yet universal? Can we identify real-time solutions by adopting a transcontinental perspective in strategic planning and problem-solving?  Welcome to Episode 10 of S3, Dance’s Last Slalom. 

Soundtracks:

  1. Birds - Tyler Twombly 
  2. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk

Support the show

Like our offers?

Like what we do? Help us grow by

Performing towards Performance Arts | VestAndPage

Season 3 · Episode 9

lundi 17 novembre 2025 • Duration 01:11:54

What is the difference between contemporary dance and performance art?

This fusion finds profound representation in the work of VestAndPage, the renowned artist duo comprising Verena Stenke (Germany) and Andrea Pagnes (Italy). Since their founding in 2006, VestAndPage has redefined contemporary performance art through their exploration of social, political, and environmental themes. Their work delves into fragility, memory activation, and transformation, heavily influenced by their backgrounds in philosophy and theater. In 2020, they released their Manifesto on Performance-Based Filmmaking: Poetics of Relations as a video article in the Journal of Embodied Research, solidifying their thought leadership in performance art and filmmaking. Their art transcends traditional boundaries, incorporating formats such as “collective performance operas” and “temporary artistic communities” that inspire collaboration and connection. Since 2021, Verena and Andrea have extended their influence as founders and co-directors of the Venice International Performance Art Week. 

In this episode, we explored how to navigate across artistic disciplines and roles and discussed the importance of viewing the world through an alternative lens. Their insights remind us that art is not just about the performance — it’s about the deeper, evolving conversation it sparks. Welcome to Episode 9 of Season 3, Performing towards Performance Arts.

Soundtracks:

  1. Birds - Tyler Twombly 
  2. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
  3. Harmitzvah - Coolzey

Support the show

Like our offers?

Like what we do? Help us grow by

Growing Older, Dancing Deeper | Sharon Brach

Season 3 · Episode 12

dimanche 14 septembre 2025 • Duration 58:47

Bonuses don't end with just the one, as we have yet another fascinating character to introduce to the Background family. What does ageing actually mean in dance? To tackle an issue haven't discussed on this platform, we spoke to a fellow Asian born - Sharon Brach.  

Sharon is a highly versatile dancer, instructor, and choreographer on the back of a distinguished career that spans Asia, the US, and Europe. After rigorous training in Manila, she graced prominent stages and appeared on television before moving to the United States, where she refined her artistry at STEPS on Broadway and the Broadway Dance Center. She joined the faculty of the Shirley Martin Dance Company in Los Angeles, taught multiple genres, and coached competitive teams at renowned studios including Bodies in Motion NY, ACT 1 School of Dance, and Dance Arts. Brach is the founder of the Kulmbach Dance Center in Bavaria, Germany, where she also works as a teacher and choreographer. As an author, Brach has self-published several children's books, many of which are bilingual editions to help with English as a Second Language (ESL).

Not often do we come across Asians making it in Europe and who also offer such depth to their career outlooks. If you're ever feeling a little too old to dance, think again! Welcome to Bonus Episode 2 of Season 3, Growing Older, Dancing Deeper.

Soundtracks:

  • Background Music Soft Calm - lNPLUSMUSIC
  • Birds - Tyler Twombly 
  • Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk

Support the show

Like our offers?

Like what we do? Help us grow by

Choreographing Your Dance Career | Janaea Rose Lyn

Season 3 · Episode 11

dimanche 7 septembre 2025 • Duration 56:06

Before diving into yet another fascinating season of dance changemakers, we first have some bonus episodes to wet your appetite! Season 3 is primarily about multi-faceted artists who wear many hats and are brilliant at them all. When the opportunity to host an inaugural LIVE book review presented itself, I duly accepted the challenge to tell choreographer, educator and author, Janaea Rose Lyn.

Janaea's focus is on creating and facilitating work that reflects timeless human experience through timely personal stories. Her book, Choreographing Your Dance Career (CYDC), is a handbook and resource for dancers and educators in any style or career stage. As an advocate, she is committed to strengthening dance communities by fostering dialogue, providing choreographic and career feedback, connecting artists, and encouraging the creative exchange of ideas and opportunities.

If The Background Dancer is the Yellow Pages of dance, CYDC is essentially your daily workbook to level up! Welcome to Bonus Episode 1 of Season 3, Choreographing Your Dance Career .

Soundtracks:

  1. KVZE - Buddies4danite
  2. Birds - Tyler Twombly 
  3. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk

Support the show

Like our offers?

Like what we do? Help us grow by

Finale: Season 2 Review Part 2

Season 2 · Episode 22

dimanche 9 février 2025 • Duration 24:32

We have come full circle yet again and successfully completed another full season of the most niche dance content you can find! Part 2 of the season round-up provides a quick run-through episodes 11 -20 under the thematic categories of Technology, Education, Business, Interdisciplinarity & Politics. How have the stories of these amazing personalities shaped your perception and approach in dance? Will your journey intersect with one of theirs?  

Concluding the second season, this episode recaps the marvelous works achieved by some of our best pioneers and trailblazers in the performing arts. Ready to fulfill your own Background Dancer journey? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

Support the show

Like our offers?

Like what we do? Help us grow by

Finale: Season 2 Review Part I

Season 2 · Episode 21

dimanche 2 février 2025 • Duration 23:05

We have come full circle yet again and successfully completed another full season of the most niche dance content you can find! Part 1 of the season round-up provides a quick run-through episodes 1 -10 under the thematic categories of Management, Media, Science, Fashion & Choreography. How have the stories of these amazing personalities shaped your perception and approach in dance? Will your journey intersect with one of theirs?  

Concluding the second season, this episode recaps the marvelous works achieved by some of our best pioneers and trailblazers in the performing arts. Ready to fulfill your own Background Dancer journey? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

Support the show

Like our offers?

Like what we do? Help us grow by

Dance of International Relations | Urmimala Sarkar Munsi

Season 2 · Episode 20

dimanche 19 janvier 2025 • Duration 56:47

Established as an independent, non-profit organization, WDA-AP originated as the Asia Pacific Dance Alliance in Hong Kong in 1988. It later became part of the global body, World Dance Alliance (WDA), founded in 1990 by Carl Wolz. In 1993, the name of the Asia-Pacific Center was changed to WDA Asia-Pacific to reflect its relationship to the global body. Tasked with serving as a primary voice for dance and dancers throughout the Asia-Pacific region, the WDA-AP encourages the exchange of ideas and the awareness of dance in all its forms.

Led formerly by president, Urmimala Sarkar Munsi (now Anna Chan), who is an associate Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies at the School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. She is a PhD holder in Social Anthropology, specializing in Dance Studies and the socio-cultural context of tribal and folk dance. Beside her principle area of work on body, dance and Society, her research interest is in gender and performance, documentation of living traditions, and performance as politics.

Continuing a brand new season and month of Dance Politics, this episode discussed the expanding global performing arts landscape, how to fortify international relations and what the future holds for representation in dance. Ready to discover the diplomat within you? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

Soundtracks:

  1. Birds - Tyler Twombly 
  2. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
  3. Coverless book - MYAUDIOVISION
  4. Ever flowing - ItsWatR

Support the show

Like our offers?

Like what we do? Help us grow by

Access to AXIS | Nadia Adame

Season 2 · Episode 19

dimanche 5 janvier 2025 • Duration 01:04:21

Founded in 1987, California-based AXIS Dance Company has long been at the forefront of redefining dance and disability. Through world-class productions that challenge perceptions, AXIS quickly established itself as one of the first contemporary dance companies to integrate disabled and non-disabled dancers. AXIS has since toured extensively, performing in over 100 cities across the US, Europe, the UAE, and Russia, while also earning nine prestigious Isadora Duncan Dance Awards.

Current Artistic Director, Nadia Adame, began her international career as a disabled artist with AXIS in 2001 and has now returned to lead the company. An actress, writer, award-winning dancer, and choreographer, Nadia trained in flamenco and ballet at the Royal Conservatory of Dance and Drama in Madrid, Spain, before earning her BA in Theatre at the University of Colorado. Nadia was a company member with CandoCo, AXIS, and Compañía Y in Spain, further solidifying her reputation as a champion for inclusivity in dance.

Kickstarting a brand new season and month of Dance Politics, this episode explore the mission and vision of Nadia and the pioneering work of AXIS, uncovering the potential of the dance world to embrace diversity and inclusion more fully. Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

Soundtracks:

  1. Birds - Tyler Twombly 
  2. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
  3. Harmony - Serge Pavkin
  4. Upbeat Emotive - u_968xy4i23x

Support the show

Like our offers?

Like what we do? Help us grow by

Palette of the Modern Impresario | Paul Seaquist

Season 2 · Episode 18

dimanche 22 décembre 2024 • Duration 01:01:33

One of the most persistent misconceptions surrounding classical ballet is the notion that they are too old-fashioned and rigid. However, true arts enthusiasts recognize its inherent diversity and multi-disciplinarity even in the so-called "olden days." A prime example is the Ballet Russes, one of the greatest ballet troupes of all time, led by the legendary impresario Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev. Fast forward a hundred years, and the landscape has evolved, yet the core principles of collaboration and innovation remain unchanged. My curiosity about the craft of producing and curation has led me to one of the most influential ballet impresarios in Europe today: Paul Seaquist. 

Paul is a visionary in dance, having founded Seaquist Dance Marketing, one of the first dancer and choreographer management companies globally. He has played a pivotal role in developing and directing the careers of some of the most celebrated ballet stars, including Aurélie Dupont, Vladimir Malakhov, Polina Semionova, Carlos Acosta, Daniil Simkin, and Iana Salenko, to name just a few. More recently, he created and directed the “Grand Prix Vladimir Malakhov,” the first ballet competition in Cuba's history, as well as the “Gala de Estrellas de Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic,” both charity-driven dance competitions. Now, he is the CEO of SwanSea Productions

Continuing a brand new season and month of Dance Interdisciplinarity, this episode explore the nuances of working with the world's biggest stars and the challenges of being at the forefront of modern day performing arts. Ready to discover the producer within you? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!


Soundtracks: 

  1. Birds - Tyler Twombly 
  2. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
  3. Ballerina Shoes - Geoffharvey
  4. Free Love Story Clavinet - Lobo_Loco

Support the show

Like our offers?

Like what we do? Help us grow by

Talking Circus with CircusTalk | Stacy Clark

Season 2 · Episode 17

dimanche 8 décembre 2024 • Duration 59:49

The memory of my first-ever invert on a pole — when I hung upside down—remains vivid as if it happened yesterday. That experience with the circus arts community in Malaysia opened my eyes to a vast and captivating genre that thrives on its interdisciplinarity. So, when the opportunity arose to delve into this season's exploration of interdisciplinarity, I was fortunate enough to discover CircusTalk, an international online platform previously led by Canadian Casting Director and Career Coach, Stacy Clark.

Stacy Clark is a seasoned professional in the circus and performing arts industry, and she’s no stranger to the stage herself. Before making a name in the circus world, Stacy worked in marketing and communications. Eventually, she left that behind to perform and teach circus arts across the globe, on stage, at festivals, and even on screen. Her career trajectory then led her to become a talent scout and eventually the Director of Casting at the renowned Cirque du Soleil. In 2021, Stacy joined CircusTalk as CEO, determined to help a small but ambitious team transform the platform into a global hub for the circus arts community.

Kickstarting a brand new season and month of Dance Interdisciplinarity, this episode explores the intricate world of circus arts, challenges of managing an all-encompassing online platform and the essence of interdisciplinary arts. Ready to discover the circus within you? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

Soundtracks:

  1. Birds - Tyler Twombly 
  2. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
  3. Chaos in the Mouse Kingdom - SergeQuadrado
  4. The circus marched down bourbon street - Melodyayresgriffiths


Support the show

Like our offers?

Like what we do? Help us grow by

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Discover shows related to The Background Dancer, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
The Informed Life
Everyone Hates Marketers | No-BS Marketing & Brand Strategy Podcast
Ballet Help Desk
Burnout Recovery: Strategies for Professionals
Thrive: The Podcast for Content Creators
Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement
Practice Disrupted by Practice of Architecture
Unicorn Bakery - Wie Startup Gründer erfolgreiche Firmen aufbauen
Bendy Bodies with Dr. Linda Bluestein
Passion for Dance
© My Podcast Data
About usPrivacy Policy