DanceSpeak: Recent Episodes
Galit Friedlander
From a living room in Los Angeles, DanceSpeak brings you candid interviews with the movers and the shakers of the global professional dance community. Get inside stories, advice, and blueprints to success, from dancers, choreographers, teachers, and some of the hidden gems whom have been in the industry for years.
In episode 201 host Galit Friedlander and Choreographer/Creative Director Kayla Janssen (Dua Lipa, Disney, Rita Ora, Millennium Dance Complex faculty), discuss breaking free of pressures to go viral, dry fit underwear as the unknown must-have (you're welcome), and secrets to building a successful class. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ Fit From Home: https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home You can connect with Kayla on Instagram. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
In episode 200, host Galit Friedlander welcomes the movement artist and visionary Sheopatra S.R. (The Council, NIKE, Daddy Yankee), known for her groundbreaking dance mixtapes and Memphis-born movement, for an enlightening discussion on embracing authenticity, overcoming self-doubt, and manifesting dreams through consistency. Join Galit and Sheopatra as they delve into the fascinating world of dance, sharing insights into what it means to let the dance take over your being, what 'Southern Boughie' is, and how to surrender to your intuition. Follow Galit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website: https://www.gogalit.com/ Fit From Home: https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home You can connect with Sheopatra S.R. on Instagram and the Council on Instagram. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 199, host Galit Friedlander sits down with Artistic Director/Choreographer Eden Shabtai (the Grammys, DTWTS, Chris Brown, Ava Max...) for a candid conversation about navigating motherhood, health challenges, and excelling in one of the most challenging industries: entertainment/dance. This episode delves into Eden's unique perspective on resilience and the approach that has saved her life and created a successful career in dance. WE GET INTO EDEN'S MINDSET, you will want to take notes! With humor and wisdom, Eden and Galit discuss the evolving landscape of auditions, the intersection of beauty and artistry, and the challenges of forging meaningful connections in a fast-paced industry. Join the conversation as they reflect on the highs and lows of a career in dance, and the enduring power of creativity to inspire and uplift. Tune in for an hour(ish) of empowerment, inspiration, and celebration of resilience as Galit and Eden share their insights on life, art, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Follow Galit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website: https://www.gogalit.com/ Fit From Home: https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home Follow Eden on Instagram and check out her website.
In the latest episode, host Galit Friedlander is joined by the remarkable dancer Ai Shimatsu (Beyoncé Renaissance World Tour, Madonna, Pharrell, Ariana Grande and morrrre). From the exhilarating highs of opening nights to the behind-the-scenes realities of tour life, Ai shares her experiences navigating the dance industry with resilience and grace. Discover the unique challenges and triumphs of her time on the Renaissance tour and the profound impact it had on her perspective as a performer. Through candid conversations, Ai reflects on her journey from ballet beginnings in Japan to her adventurous move to New York City. Delve into the cultural nuances that have shaped her career and discover the secrets behind her success as a dancer and teacher. With humor and authenticity, Ai opens up about the stereotypes and struggles faced by Asian women in the dance industry, shedding light on the importance of representation and inclusion. Join the conversation as she shares her insights into mastering choreography, navigating photo shoots, and finding balance in a demanding profession. Tune in for an hour of laughter, inspiration, and cultural exploration as Galit and Ai delve into the joys of dance, teaching, and the vibrant flavors of Japanese cuisine in LA. Follow Galit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website: https://www.gogalit.com/ Fit From Home: https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home Follow Ai on Instagram.
In episode 197, host Galit Friedlander invites Sherry Lin, a fellow mover (MFA) and registered dietician specializing in dancer's nutrition, to explore the intricacies of nourishing the dancing body and mind. Join them as they embark on a journey through the nuances of nutrition, starting with early signs of disordered eating and the disconnect between hunger and body cues. Galit shares personal insights into her own journey, while Sherry offers invaluable advice on navigating societal pressures and stress impacts on overall well-being. Discover the importance of expanding the definition of health beyond physicality, and delve into topics like intermittent fasting, nutritional timing, and the role of electrolytes in dancers' diets. With candid moments and humorous anecdotes, they tackle complex issues such as approaching someone who might be suffering from disordered eating and the challenges of finding the right nutritionist. Tune in for an hour of enlightening conversation and practical tips on nurturing the dancer's body, mind, and soul. Follow Galit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website: https://www.gogalit.com/ Fit From Home: https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home Follow Sherry on Instagram and enjoy her FREE Nutrition Masterclass for Performers here.
In episode 196, host Galit Friedlander and renowned dancer/choreographer Ava Bernstine-Mitchell (La La Land, Spirited, Britney Spears, Dancers Alliance board member) dive into the dance world's intricacies. From Ava's early dance steps to the mentorship under Debbie Allen, they explore creating on-the-spot choreography, overcoming on-the-job challenges, and empowering young talents. Highlights include candid moments about respecting one's body, setting boundaries, and Ava's approach to hiring dancers. The conversation covers reframing the industry competitiveness, the role of relationships in getting work, and the delicate balance of doing projects for free. Tune in for a 1-hour journey filled with laughter, wisdom, and profound reflections on dance, purpose, and community. Follow Galit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website: https://www.gogalit.com/ Fit From Home: https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home Follow Ava on Instagram.
In episode 195 host Galit Friedlander and Pilar Gerasimo (founding editor-in-chief of Experience Life magazine and author of the Healthy Deviant: A Rule Breaker's Guide to Being Healthy in an Unhealthy World), discuss the 3 simple game-changers to having more healthy and productive days, navigating our well-being when there are major global crisis' at play, and understanding your ultradian rhythms for peak performance. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ Fit From Home - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home You can connect with Pilar on Instagram and through her website. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 194 host Galit Friedlander and Reggie Oliver (The Weeknd, Keke Palmer, Pitbull, Ozuna, and more), discuss how Reggie stays booked year-round in all the major U.S. dance markets, words you'd only know if you're from Philly, and how to approach thrivers to be your mentors. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ On-line Fitness Courses - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/collections You can connect with Reggie on Instagram. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 193 host Galit Friedlander and Jillian Schmitz (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Grey Maybe Podcast, Physical, DWTS), discuss what burlesque is and what it isn't, the pros and cons you'll want to know about when dancing on TV, and deconstructing the patriarchy (don't be scurred, we think you'll find this empowering regardless of gender). Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ On-line Fitness Courses - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/collections You can connect with Jillian on Instagram and through her website. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 192 host Galit Friedlander and Charles "Lil Buck" Riley (Madonna, Vogue, Blindspotting, Versace, Alicia Keys, and more), discuss the roots and rise of Memphis Jookin, what 'gettin Buck' means, and the key to getting taken seriously across different professional fields. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ On-line Fitness Courses - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/collections You can connect with Lil Buck on Instagram and through his website. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 191 host Galit Friedlander and King Charles (Founder of Creation Global and Footwork Frenzy, and MADONNA), discuss the roots of Chicago's street/club dances, which zodiac sign Madonna doesn't work with, and what it's like auditioning and touring the world as an underground dancer. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ On-line Fitness Courses - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/collections You can connect with King Charles on Instagram. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 190 host Galit Friedlander and Anthony Denaro AKA YNOT (Rocksteady Crew, M.F.A, faculty at Texas Tech), discuss how hip-hop/breaking have taken him around the world and into academia, what dance and architecture have in common, and how to get the most out of your day as a creative. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ On-line Fitness Courses - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/collections You can connect with YNOT on Instagram and their website. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 189 host Galit Friedlander and The Icon Javier the Dragon Ninja (Madonna, Magic Mike 2, Juste Debout, America's Next Top Model), discuss the evolution of the Vogue ball scene, how not to be vague when you vogue, and when to take a pause for mental health. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ On-line Fitness Courses - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/collections You can connect with Javier on Instagram. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 188 host Galit Friedlander and Sean Erick (Justin Timberlake, Cee-Lo, Lady Gaga, Coldplay), discuss how to ask for what you need on the job while still building your career, falling THROUGH the stage while on tour, and the power of collaborating with your peers. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ On-line Fitness Courses - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/collections You can connect with Sean on Instagram. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 187 host Galit Friedlander and Menina Fortunato (Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Maluma, Alias, Dance Moms), discuss getting your foot in the door, roommate woes, and the world of unofficial managers. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ On-line Fitness Courses - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/collections You can connect with Menina on Instagram and via her website. Listen to DanceSpeak on our website https://www.gogalit.com/dancespeak, Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dancespeak/id1111916220, Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3Fi0IbPSno5c0T6YA5POUW, and Google Podcasts. This episode is supported by ES Photography. Follow and connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/es.photography.la/.
In episode 186 host Galit Friedlander and Greg 'Bad Newz' Aldana (Hip Hop International 2018 Winner for 2x2, 818 Winner 4x, Banana Republic, Founder of the Newz Stand), discuss how to stay connected with dance as you mature, stuffing Adidas, and why it can be better to like what you do for work more than love it. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ On-line Fitness Courses - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/collections You can connect with Bad Newz on Instagram https://instagram.com/__newzz__/ and the Newz Stand on Instagram https://instagram.com/thenewzstand/ and their website https://thenewzstand.com/. Listen to DanceSpeak on our website https://www.gogalit.com/dancespeak, Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dancespeak/id1111916220, Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3Fi0IbPSno5c0T6YA5POUW, and Google Podcasts. This episode is supported by ES Photography. Follow and connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/es.photography.la/.
In episode 185 host Galit Friedlander and Sorah Yang (GRV, TEDx, Billie Eilish) discuss how to honor your current workload while creating new opportunities, the collegiate dance scene, and techniques for time management. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ On-line Fitness Courses - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/collections You can connect with Sorah on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sorahyang/ and her website https://www.sorahyang.com/. Listen to DanceSpeak on our website https://www.gogalit.com/dancespeak Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dancespeak/id1111916220, Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3Fi0IbPSno5c0T6YA5POUW, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 184 host Galit Friedlander and Fresh Redding (Super Bowl LVI, Kendrick Lamar, Will.I.Am, NIKE) discuss how much dancers are really getting paid for major gigs, dancing as a famous hamster character, and navigating the tricky terrain of romantic interest on the job. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ On-line Fitness Courses - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/collections You can connect with Fresh on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/freshredding. Listen to DanceSpeak on our website https://www.gogalit.com/dancespeak Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dancespeak/id1111916220, Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3Fi0IbPSno5c0T6YA5POUW, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 183 host Galit Friedlander and Erin Marino (MSA Agent and Director of Education, Creator of LA Establishment), discuss what dancers need to know to thrive with their agents, why puppies change lives, and how to move your career forward. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ On-line Fitness Courses - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/collections You can connect with Erin on Instagram https://instagram.com/erinmarino and learn more about LA Establishment on Instagram https://instagram.com/laestablishment and the LAE website https://www.laestablishment.com/ Listen to DanceSpeak on our website https://www.gogalit.com/dancespeak Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dancespeak/id1111916220, Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3Fi0IbPSno5c0T6YA5POUW, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 182 host Galit Friedlander and Esther Goldstein (LCSW w/a specialization in grief and trauma), in light of the recent loss of Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, have a conversation around how we can process the loss of someone to suicide, ways to deal with unanswered questions, and self-care, particularly during the tough times. We are sending love to tWitch's family and all those impacted by his loss. We want to honor his incredible legacy and urge people to also look at his beautiful contributions to dance and the world at large. Resources: Crisis Helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline Low-Cost Therapy: https://openpathcollective.org Esther's Practice: https://integrativepsych.co/ Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ Fit From Home - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home. You can connect with Esther on Instagram and her website. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 181 host Galit Friedlander and Amy Morgan (Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Millennium Dance Complex Faculty), discuss why dancers tend to feel like they are not enough, chunky heels, and breaking the cycle of perfectionism. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ Fitness Fundamentals - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fitness-fundamentals-1 Fit From Home - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home You can connect with Amy on Instagram. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 180 (re-release of Episode 103) host Galit Friedlander and Moncell Durden (In Tangle Roots, USC Kaufman School of Dance, Yale), discuss how to navigate dance in an intelligent way, dance forms commonly not discussed in the studio/street scene, and how Moncell was able to piece together a breathtaking education. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ Fit From Home - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home You can connect with Moncell on Instagram his website and the Patreon for Intangible Roots. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 179 host Galit Friedlander and Brice 'Professor Lock' Johnson (SYTYCD 8, Madonna, the Hood Lockers, TED Talks presenter), discuss finding your groove, the addictions we don't talk about, and the key to growing your social media audience while staying true to yourself. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ Fit From Home - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home You can connect with Brice on Instagram. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 178 host Galit Friedlander, Brady Amaya, (FamJam, This is Us, WNBA SparKids) and Jennifer Webb-Amaya, peel back the curtain to discuss and share the choice and journey of coming to Los Angeles to pursue dance/acting as a minor. They discuss getting ready for the big jobs, maintaining long-distance relationships, and things that kids wish choreographers knew. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ Fit From Home - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home You can connect with Brady on Instagram and Jennifer on Instagram. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
In Episode 177, host Galit Friedlander and Aerick Luckie (Old School Skinny, DWTS, Jhene Aiko), discuss insights on growing up in LA's dance industry, celebrity stories, and how to know who you are supposed to know in the world of networking. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ Fit From Home - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home You can connect with Luckie on Instagram and learning about Old School Skinny on their website and Instagram. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
In episode 176 host Galit Friedlander and Claude Racine-Valinsky (Demi Lovato, Pussycat Dolls, DWTS) discuss the life cycle of a major dance career, sexy motherhood, and the key to making the most out of a single day. Follow Galit: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ Fit From Home - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home You can connect with Claude on Instagram and learn more about Claude's offerings here. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.