Dance Your Life: Recent Episodes
Joanna Vargas
Do people think you’re crazy because you want to be a dancer and drop the 9-5? We get it! Listen in as we teach you how to take your love for dance and turn it into a career. Welcome to the Dance Your Life podcast by Maxt Out Dance Competition with your host Joanna Vargas. Every week Joanna will bring you intimate interviews with the most successful and open dancers, choreographers and directors in the dance industry. The Dance Your Life podcast will help you and your dance career. Whether you want to dance professionally on tour, choreograph for camera or create your own dance crew, we have the information for you. Joanna has been involved in the dance world her whole life. She owned and sold a successful dance studio and has created one of the biggest dance competitions for the last 20 years. This podcast will give you tips and advice to work towards your dream job in the entertainment and dance industry. Every episode has information and answers to your questions about your dance career. If you’re looking for the answers, we got you! Are you excited? We are. Let’s do this!
Salome and Joanna go all in and talk about their top Dance Your Life guest interviews and their takeaways from their experiences with 100+ dancers. Join us in this conversation as it’s their last episode for this podcast.
They will be putting a pause on this wonderful adventure. It’s not a “goodbye”, it’s a “see you again soon!”
In this episode you will learn about:
- How can you be willing to continuously grow throughout life.
- What are some of the things you can unlearn to create more.
- How can a conversation be an energetic invitation?
- What are some ways you can create gifts in a tough situation.
- How being open minded can help you become less stressful.
There is so much consciousness from this episode. Every guest that they interviewed was special in their own way.
MaxtOutDance REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!We listened...and we are bringing YOU the 20th Anniversary MAXT OUT DANCE COMPETITION this fall. We are creating a safe and well thought out dance event for you this November. We will have more details on our venue soon.
Don't have a team now since the pandemic? . . . all good! We have our CHOR(eographers) division and you can show your project to other dancers.
Go to MAXTOUTDANCE and register your team!
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser and Castbox.
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
Tori gives you several tips to get out of your head when you are stuck thinking that you can’t push through tough changes in dance and in life.
In this episode you will learn about:
- What you can do to become a more well rounded dancer.
- How you can implement other forms of art into dance to create something new and unique.
- What are some tips that can help you get through a challenging dance style you are new at learning.
- The importance of accepting challenges in life to help you grow as a person.
- How changing your mindset and shifting can allow you to explore so much more for yourself.
Tori has gotten into fitness and has realized that it has helped her become a stronger and healthier dancer.
Favorite Quote:
“It doesn’t matter what role you play in the performance on Saturday night, everybody has to wake up on Monday to do technique together...”
About Tori:
Tori is a long time fitness enthusiast with a background in dance and performing. She is yoga teacher certified and a trainer for AKT - a dynamic workout based around dance cardio, HIIT, and strength training.
As a Southern California local, Tori loves to take advantage of going on hikes or running on the beach, especially when she's accompanied by her dog, Toby. Tori is passionate about making movement accessible to everyone!
Follow Tori:
- The AKT Fullerton on IG
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser and Castbox.
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
Elm tells you his story on how Boogiezone got started and how it’s created opportunities in the dance community for dancers.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How you can start creating your own dance opportunities.
- What are the steps to starting your own business?
- How to continue adapting with the dance community that keeps evolving.
- How to keep learning to be a better leader.
- The importance of showing appreciation
Favorite Quote: “What you focus on expands”
Elm has been part of the dance community for years and he has seen so much change but loves that dancers are becoming well known.
About Elm:
Born and raised in Seattle Washington, Elm Pizarro is an accomplished artist in every sense of the word. After graduating from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Elm moved to Southern California primarily to advance his architecture career. After many years of working with some of Orange County’s top design firms specializing in Entertainment, Production and Custom Homes Design - Elm decided to switch gears soon after designing a feature home for Extreme Makeover Home Edition for the Lewis Family in El Segundo - still considered to be the crowning achievement of his entire architectural design career.
Utilizing his “eye” for graphic design, a knack for web development and his tremendous passion for dance led him to create world renowned: Boogiezone.com – YOUR online dance community connection! Established in 2003, Boogiezone has served as a platform for thousands of dancers and choreographers around the globe and has opened so many doors and opportunities and bridged many dreams to reality. The Boogiezone Network is massive, with direct relationships that include the most sought after teachers, choreographers and directors, top dance studios, convention companies, talent agencies, event production companies, and more. In May 0f 2020, Elm launched the Boogiezone Dance Community App available for download on Android and Apple.
As a result of building up his network and brand, Elm is now the proud owner of Boogiezone Utopia – Laboratory for the Creative Arts in Torrance, CA opened in January 2012. In an effort to elevate the community to the next level, this March 2021 - Elm will be publicly announcing to the public his next great vision for Boogiezone and the dance community at large! Stay tuned!
Elm is the Founder and several well know dance companies like Breed, Offspring and Entity, which as physical extensions of Boogiezone help to spread the philosophy of "Community.” It is not uncommon for members who come through the Boogiezone ranks to fine tune their craft or focus their career path through Elm’s mentorship. Many of Boogiezone’s dancers progress on to dance professionally as backup dancers in music videos and tours and/or choreograph for artists like Rihanna, Beyonce, Usher, and Lady Gaga and have been featured on television for shows like SYTYCD, ABDC, ELLEN and movies like Step Up 2.
Above all, Elm’s life mission is to inspire others through dance, utilizing Boogiezone as a vehicle for expanding his reach and Boogiezone Utopia as his creative outlet. Through whatever platform of creativity that he chooses, he promises to help bridge dancers to their dreams by sharing his love with as many around the globe, especially to those who do not have dance readily accessible. He enjoys meeting people from all over the world and hopes to continue serving as a positive role model for the dance community and industry at large.
Follow Elm
- Boogiezone Utopia
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser and Castbox.
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
Danny talks about not regretting the past and how he was able to recreate himself. This episode is such a gift and it will help you get through a moment of self doubt.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How can you create more by the way you respond to judgements.
- What are the different ways to reconnect with yourself and explore more about yourself.
- Why it’s important to see failure as a good thing.
- Why nervousness isn’t bad, it means you care.
- How you can forgive with a good energetic invitation.
Show Notes:
Favorite Quote: “I have the courage to just be me. I’m freestyling the life of adventure and living in the life I want to.”
Danny has created Happiness is Now, a program to help kids understand their feelings and how to create your own happiness in life.
About Danny:
Danny Vuong- Batimana, aka Cousin Danny exudes positive energy, love, and kindness to all. Danny is a Youth Speaker & Happiness Creator and founder of Happiness is NOW Experience (HINx), a for-purpose organization, specializing in dance-inspired presentations across California and North America.
Follow Danny:
- Happiness is Now Experience
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser and Castbox.
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
This conversation with Shockwave is deep and very important to listen about the expectations that we have as humans in which we have the power to improve in society.
In this episode you will learn about:
- Where your street dance movements come from.
- The importance of you knowing where styles originated.
- How you can improve society expectations by being yourself and not following the leader.
- How some trends become toxic instead of creating unity.
- How artists can create more money by working together to create a better financial industry.
Favorite Quote: “The great thinker talks about ideas, the average thinker talks about events, the small thinker talks about people .”
Shockwave has experience learning from freestyle popping legends and he is able to teach where those movements come from.
About Shockwave:
Shockwave is a Los Angeles born dancer who expresses through physical and spiritual energy with respect to tradition. He strives to instill belief in one’s self and unlock creativity while preserving the culture of art forms.
Through foundation, perspective and vision, he looks to inspire others to feel what can’t be expressed through words and be more than what society dictates, for the new generation, and to those who dance for a lifetime.
Follow Shockwave:
- Shockwave - Soul Levels (by Beatslaya)
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
Audrey talks about her car accident and how she got back to continue dancing and took an opportunity to teach in China where she ended up staying for 5 years.
In this episode you will learn about:
- What it takes to motivate yourself to dance what you love.
- How to create your own opportunities in life.
- Teaching in other countries and dance being a universal language.
- Making it work for yourself throughout the pandemic as a creative.
- Being a mom and continuing your passion for dance.
Favorite Quote: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Audrey became a mommy of 2 but that hasn’t stopped her from dancing. She is still very much involved.
About Audrey:
Audrey Benson Nuamah has been dancing since the age of five. She spent nearly a decade in LA where she appeared in Justin Timberlake’s “What goes around comes around” video, and Mims “Like This” video. She also opened for Snoop Dogg in Las Vegas and danced for Van Ness Wu in Seattle and New York. She’s danced for Team Millenia, Essence, and Breed OCLA. She was also Assistant Director for Breed and Rehearsal Director for Boogiezone Offspring. She has participated twice in HHI with a group of girls “Encore” that she put together. Audrey’s taught numerous workshops around the world in Germany, Slovenia, Serbia, Canada, China, Hawaii and the States. Her most recent work has been in China where she lived for 5 years. She performed there with Charli XCX who opened for Usher, danced for car shows such as “Nissan” and “Citron” and choreographed and assisted the manager for Shanghai’s most exclusive Linx Royal Members Club which was voted the #1 club in the world by Forbes Magazine. There she created shows with dancers and artists who are from many different countries including Spain, Russia, Ukraine, US, Taiwan, New Zealand, and Togo. She also helped events, which included performances by Apple.De.Ap. and other various guest DJ’s and Artists. After marrying and returning to her hometown in Arizona, she began teaching at Desert Star Dance, but due to Covid, is now focused on dancing at home while raising her two children. She is excited to continue staying inspired by doing what she loves. One of her favorite quotes is, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Follow Audrey:
- SATTA Customs Designs
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating on iTunes and leave us a comment about what you’d like us to talk about
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
Kevin talks about his experiences working with Madonna, Michael Jackson and Prince, to name a few.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How dance can be developed in different ways the more experiences you allow yourself to go through.
- Choosing your strengths to take you through the journey you want.
- Allowing every single audition as a growth experience.
- Working with different artists and being a team player.
- Mental preparations before an audition to create a fun experience rather than it being stressful.
Favorite Quote: “Everything is an opportunity if YOU make it an opportunity.”
Kevin is a very humble artist. He has worked with so many other big artists and in movies. He loves to share his stories from when he first started dancing to what he is working on now.
About Kevin:
Kevin Stea has been one of the most well known and recognized dancers in the industry over the past 25 years. He has been successful in areas as diverse as choreography, modeling, directing, acting and hosting. Kevin has worked with the world’s top musical artists, directors, photographers and designers.
Follow Kevin:
- Kevin Stea: Choreographer & Dancer for the Stars
- KevinStea.com / Rihanna Vogue
- That Rogue Romeo - City of Glass (Official Music Video)
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
Dom talks about the ability that everyone has to create the best version of yourself as a performer and person.
In this episode you will learn about:
- What it’s like to really create a safe space for yourself as a dancer.
- How to maintain your unique artistry.
- If you’ve never freestyled, how you can start to let go.
- Adapting to other cultures when traveling.
- Reinventing and expanding your creativity.
Favorite Quote: “If you’re on time you’re late. If you’re early, you’re on time.”
Dom has a lively, and caring personality. She has always been the person in which people feel comfortable talking about their inner thoughts.
About Dominique:
Dominique is a Los Angeles native and creative who is heavily rooted in both the dance community and industry. She’s a dancer, choreographer and instructor. Dominique also acts and she photographs/films and produces.
Her art fuses the culture of storytelling while advocating the inner depths of what creative expression is and the wonders it can do. She's trained in Choreography, Contemporary, Hiphop, House, New Style Hustle, Locking, Improv, Afro Diaspora, Jazz Funk and Modern. On her down time she talks about life and takes care of her plantitas. Her life's m.o. is to be what she wishes she had when she was younger and to just do the thang!
Follow Dominique:
- Dominique Pompa Dance Gallery
- Youtube
- Dominique Pompa at Movement Lifestyle
- Dominique Pompa - Night Drive
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
Liezel made some sacrifices in dance to get her Bachelors and Masters to later on create more opportunities for herself and other dancers in the dance community.
In this episode you will learn about:
- What you can do by sacrificing something you love so much.
- Having a plan to create the most out of your passion and career.
- Finding the right training for yourself because not everyone trains the same.
- Creating an outlet through dance to help dancers in the dance community.
- The different stories that lead to the same passions you might have.
Favorite Quote: “Our journey is greater than the destination”
Liezel has a podcast called ART. ESSENTIAL OR NOT? She created this podcast to listen to all sorts of stories from different artists.
About Liezel:
Liezel Marie is a Choreographer, Director and Dancer based in Los Angeles represented by Go2Talent Agency. Having a Bachelors in Kinesiology and Masters in Education, she currently teaches Hip Hop, Hip Hop History, Dance Appreciation and Modern Dance at Cal State Northridge and Glendale Community College.
A lot of her work has been featured in Universal Studios Hollywood, Disney 23 Convention, Staples Center, WNBA Los Angeles Sparks, NBA Los Angeles Clippers, Harlem Globetrotters, Carnival Cruise Lines, World of Dance, and Nike. She has also been a part of amazing dance companies and crews such as Project LaVaude, The Recipe Company, Zulu Dance Foundation, and Antics.
Follow Liezel:
- Liezel Marie Choreographer & Dancer Reel 2020
- Art is Essential.
- HEATDAY LAND choreography by: Liezel Marie & Jonathan Lorico
- LETS GET LOUD — Choreography by Eddie Valenzuela & Liezel Marie
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
Did you know that you are capable of creating your own happiness in life? As artists we are very passionate about our work and we at times build stories in our mind that we are not capable of happiness when we get rejected or we are not appreciated then we choose to give up and wonder when your big break will come. Romiah and Salome invite you to create happiness to get what you want out of life in this episode.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How to move forward as a creative in this pandemic.
- What are the steps to enjoy your life.
- Who to consider to surround yourself with.
- Taking action on other money making opportunities that are not related to dance.
- How to create the life you want as a creative.
Favorite Quote: “What you do daily determines what you become permanently”
Romiah loves teaching. She focused on being a student for a few years to become the excellent dance instructor that she is now.
About Romiah:
Romiah is a creative who loves all things art. She’s a professional dancer, professional makeup artist and health/wellness entrepreneur living in the beautiful city of Los Angeles. Romiah has worked in several dance projects in Los Angeles and has choreographed for her own projects that have been presented around Hollywood.
Follow Romiah:
- “Ain’t No Way” by Chris Brown || Legacy Studios || Beg/Int Hip Hop Class
- “2AM” by Adrian Marcel ft. Sage the Gemini | Choreography by Romiah Puertollano
- “Little Bit” by Chris Brown || Debbie Reynolds Legacy Studios || Beg/Int Hip Hop Class
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
Remember Breed, TM, Miguel Zarate, all the other dance teams and choreographers in the early 2000’s? Jordan and Salome have some good throwback conversations about how dance used to be 15+ years ago. You’ll also get behind the scenes of Disneyland’s Mickey and the Magical Map show. Who doesn’t love a good Disney inside look?!
In this episode you will learn about:
- A different type of inspiration to start dancing.
- The process of Disney auditions and getting ready to debut a show.
- Learning to take on other talents for a gig that would last for years.
- The shift that dance has taken and how dancers are creating a different community.
- How dance competitions looked 15+ years ago.
Favorite Quote: “I'm gonna do today what others won’t, so I can do tomorrow what others can’t.”
Jordan loves teaching and he has seen a difference throughout the years from the dance community.
About Jordan:
Jordan started dancing at the Honolulu Dance Studio in 2002 studying Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Breakdancing. Became a member with the New Hope Christian Fellowship Dance team and performed with artists such as Plus One, Jodi McBrayer, The Katinas, and Nicole C. Mullen. After high school, moving to California to further his dance career with The Young Americans College/Outreach Tour group. Touring all over the United States and abroad in Europe teaching Singing, Dancing, and Acting thru the Young Americans Music Outreach Program.
Soon after college he started performing for the Disney Company in the shows elecTRONica and Mickey and The Magical Map. He has also performed with several dance crews in Southern California such as, Natural St8, Reality Check, Mix'd Elements, Colabor8, in competitions such as WOD, HHI, Maxt Out, and Vibe.
Follow Jordan:
- Jordan Julian on YouTube
- Ride - Somo | Jordan Julian Choreography
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
Johanna tells us about her experience coaching JLo for the movie Hustlers and Super Bowl. She coached JLo for the famous pole dancing scenes in Hustlers and she also choreographed the Super Bowl pole dancing section. Joanna and Johanna met years ago. When Joanna hosted her first dance showcase, Johanna performed at her show. And now they have come together after 20+ years to talk about everything they have been working on since then.
In this episode you will learn about:
- The steps that Johanna took to become the spectacular dancer she is.
- How things come full circle in life.
- How you can be happier by taking away the word “perfection” from your self development.
- The behind the scenes experiences working with JLo and traveling to multiple locations non stop.
- Embracing every experience and people you meet throughout your dance journey.
Favorite Quote: “Perfection is a unicorn, it’s not real”
Johanna gives you the behind the scenes of teaching a pop artist and how much traveling she had to do to be present at all times with her client.
About Johanna:
Johanna Sapakie’s passion for dance and love for choreography have always played an
important role in her life. Her diligent work ethic and dedication to the craft have gotten her far in the ever-expanding world of entertainment. While coming from a strong ballet background, Johanna is an athletic aerialist and dancer schooled in a variety of forms including contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, tap, modern, partnering, point work and aerial & pole acrobatics. She was trained from a very young age and has worked with such master teachers as Joe Tremaine, Debbie Allen, Liz Imperio, Marguerite Derricks, Wade Robson and Savion Glover. More recently, on the performance side of her career, Johanna has been involved in many projects on stage and on camera including the newest Cirque Du Soleil shows in Las Vegas Michael Jackson ONE with Jamie King and Viva ELVIS with Vincent Paterson, Super Bowl LIV with Jennifer Lopez, Dancing With the Stars, the Arabesque Festival at the Kennedy Center, "One Love..." with Franco Dragone, Songs of Soul and Inspiration with, among others, Debbie Allen, Queen Latifah and Chaka Khan, MEIFF with Otis Salid, The Mexican Billboard Awards with Liz Imperio, Miss USA, The MTV Movie Awards, New Year’s Eve Live at Mandalay Bay, the first animated ringtone for "Boom di Boom di", the lead female pole acrobat in That Rogue Romeo’s music video "Domino", Jazz Dance World Congress, The Professional Dancers’ Society Benefit with Dick Van Dyke, Steps In Time for Disney’s California Adventure, Mental Head Circus with Terry Beeman, the Hysterica Dance Company with Bubba Carr, NY’s Performance Outlet with Dee Caspary, Gucci, Redken, Volvo and Tarbell Realty industrials, a featured female aerialist in Argentum Silvereye, photography for the Dance Resource Center and much more. Johanna has been a member of Liz Imperio’s Instincts Live Media Dance Company which has toured throughout the U.S. and Europe and Mark Meismer‘s Evolution Dance Company. As an artistic director and choreographer, Ms. Sapakie has worked on the re-release of Michael Jackson’s “Blood on the Dance Floor” music video, So You Think You Can Dance, Splendor for Franco Dragone, the major motion picture Hustlers and the music video “Medicine” for Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus: Live in Concert, A Choreographers’ Showcase for Cirque Du Soleil, The Gioi Tinh Yeu with ASIA Music Group, Michael Jackson: A Tribute to the King of Pop and Michael Jackson at B.B. King’s Club, Jean Ann Ryan cruise lines, Viva Los Dodgers at Dodgers Stadium with the cast of tv’s Q’viva, the Upper Manhattan Lounge, Jazz Dance L.A., promotional showcases for EMI recording artists, choreography for professional dance companies, studios and schools around the world and much more. Also, Johanna has been an associate choreographer for Madonna: The Confessions Tour and Madonna: The Reinvention Tour, the Michael Jackson ONE birthday celebration for Cirque
Du Soleil, Q'Viva: The Chosen with Jamie King for Fox and Univision, Latin on Ice for NBC, Your Mama Don't Dance for Lifetime Television, Filippa Giordano: The Prima Donna Tour, Premio Lo Nuestro, the Latin Grammy Awards, the feature film Dus, industrials, burlesque shows, animated ringtones, showcases and performances for recording artists Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Sheryl Crow, Olga Tañon, Aventura, Jenni Rivera, Los Tigres Del Norte and routines for the Los Angeles Clippers, to name a few. Along with performing and choreographing, Johanna takes much pride in her teaching. While always trying to expand her horizons, she teaches all forms of dance including contemporary, jazz, lyrical, ballet, hip-hop and tap. She has taught at studios all around the world for children and adults of all levels and abilities. Johanna also enjoyed teaching as part of the LADF family for many years and has guest taught at many other conventions. She has shared her knowledge and love for dance often at Edge Performing Arts Center and The Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles and The Rock Center for Dance in Las Vegas, as well as many other places.
Johanna is also an accomplished aerial acrobat and performs on many different apparatus including tissú, lyra, spans, hammock, acro pole, and cube. Additionally, Ms. Sapakie performs a one-of-a-kind aerial dance act on an apparatus specially conceptualized and designed by Johanna herself called a double helix. She has performed and taught her aerial skills all over North and South America and the Middle East. She also was an integral member of the creation team of female acrobats for a unique spin pole act in Viva ELVIS and a one of a kind solo curved acro pole act in Michael Jackson ONE, both by Cirque Du Soleil.
Follow Johanna:
- Pole Reel 5 2018
- Helix 2017 Pro Show
- Forget Her
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
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- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
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Ally talks about how she mixed hip hop and cultural dance to create a unique dance company. This conversation inspires you to go outside of the box to make up your own rules and create another stream of income. Ally has discovered that she is ready to expand energetically outside of L.A and the U.S.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How Ally’s dad, who was a dancer, motivated her to start dancing as a kid.
- Leaving dance for sports and falling in love with dance all over again.
- Being inspired by folk and cultural dance and recreating a different style by mixing hip hop with traditional dances.
- Pausing for a bit and feeling comfortable with taking time off.
- Discovering that there is more outside of your space, energetically.
Favorite Quote: “Who I am authentically is alright.”
Ally talks about how she was able to recreate her dance style by mixing cultural and traditional folk dances with hip hop and building her dance company.
About Ally:
Ally Vega is a 2nd generation Filipina American choreographer, movement educator, and performer based in Los Angeles, CA. She’s worked with various Asian American talent such as Guy Tang, Bohan Phoenix, Nitemrkt, and Gingee and has been featured on Buzzfeed and NBC Asian America to showcase narratives around the immigrant experience.
She’s also choreographed for the musical comedy, Supportive White Parents, that debuted at Second City Hollywood. Nowadays, she spends her time directing her dance company Ancestral Vision Movement, a company that fuses traditional Filipino dances with hip hop and other contemporary forms of movement.
Follow Ally:
- Ally Vega
- Ancestral Vision Movement
- Ally Vega
- Ancestral Vision Movement
- Ancestral Vision Movement website
- "Native Signal"/"Be Free" | Ally Vega Choreography | Universal CityWalk
- "Gong Spirits" | Ally Vega Choreography | Club Jete October 2018
- Hey Big Spender (pSyk remix) | Ally Vega Choreography
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST ON iTUNES, SPOTIFY AND STITCHER!
You like what you hear? Leave a 5 star rating and write a review. We want to know how much you love listening to our guests.
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews Allyssa Sniff. Allyssa brings out the lessons that were taught while she was a performer at Six Flags and what her experience was running back and forth from one audition to another in different cities. Listen in as you will hear a different perspective from a dancer that moved to L.A not too long ago to pursue her dreams.
In this episode you will learn about:
- Bringing out your tools and sharpening your tools that need more work.
- Having a consistent dance job at a theme park that gives you lessons and teaches you more about performance.
- Giving energy instead of all your tricks at an audition.
- Booking a show and having to constantly learn different tracks for understudies.
- Having a great dance job then COVID hits and how you continue to train and start your own business.
Favorite Quote: “You can become what you want to be by remaining what you are.”
Allyssa talks about upgrading yourself to your next level and continuing to challenge yourself to keep improving and growing.
About Allyssa:
Allyssa Sniff is a dancer, choreographer, and artist living between LA and Las Vegas. Her passion for creating in all forms fuels her on-the-go lifestyle and keeps her ready for whatever adventure tomorrow brings. Dance/choreography credits: Disney, High School Musical, Geico, ESPN, Tyga, Busta Rhymes, Iggy Azalea, Keke Palmer, Chrisette Michele. Graphic/Artwork for Cherry Boom Boom, Toni Braxton, Soul Train Music Awards.
Follow Allyssa:
- Allyssa on IG
- Customs By Sniff on IG
- "Nobody" - Ne-yo | HEELS CHOREOGRAPHY | Allyssa Sniff Sept 2018 Choreographers Carnival
- Allyssa Sniff April 2018 | Choreographer's Carnival (Live Dance Performance)
- Allyssa Sniff Choreography - The Wolf | Choreographer's Carnival
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
Essence talks about being rejected from a dance company and how she moved forward to being a dancer that gets noticed because of her performance and as a great dance teacher.
In this episode you will learn about:
- Taking advantage of all the dance classes and workshops to gain more training and get to where you want to be as a dancer.
- Going all the way to pursue teaching in dance by always practicing and learning from others.
- How being a dance teacher that has the passion for helping is important to truly make a difference with students.
- Teaching young dancers causes a huge influence for the future of dance.
- Tips to make dance videos for your projects.
Favorite Quote: “The end will justify the pain it took to get us there.”
Essence is a great performer who has worked her butt off to get to where she’s at. She talks about topics all dancers can relate to.
About Essence:
Essence Florie Jasperse is a professional teacher, dancer, and choreographer from Thousand Oaks, California. Essence graduated from California Lutheran University (CLU) in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine. With a strong passion for teaching dance, Essence decided to pursue a career in education. In 2015, she obtained her teaching credential in Physical Education from CLU, followed by a Master's degree in Education, with an emphasis on Teacher Leadership.
Essence has extensive training in multiple styles of dance including ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and heels, and has been teaching dance for 14 years. Additionally, she has trained and choreographed for many promising dancers and upcoming recording artists in the Los Angeles area, including Evan Craft, Djoir Jordan, and Juliet Piper.
Essence has performed and choreographed for a number of artists around the world including the Ciclovida Tour with Evan Craft in South America and the Name On It Tour with Djoir Jordan in the Middle East. Currently, she is dancing for The Hubbard Collective by Irishia Hubbard and The Vixens by David Slaney. Finally, Essence is passionate about helping dancers meet their goals and fulfill their greatest potential both in dance and in life off the dance floor.
Follow Essence:
- Essence on IG
- Essence Florie Barton | Professional Mountain Bike Racer
- Buttons by Pussycat Dolls ft. Snoop Dog | Essence Florie Choreography
-
HappilyEverJasperse Wedding Flash Mob | Essence Florie Choreography
Resources:
- The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Join my monthly online academy: LIVE FULLY ACADEMY
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- TEXT: BUSINESS to (323) 524-9857 to get on my VIP lift for my next upcoming business coaching group!
Sarai lives in Tijuana, Mexico and talks about her upbringing as a dancer living in Mexico and training in San Diego. Listen in as they talk about the different latin cultures and the latin entertainment industry.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How you are capable of accomplishing anything by looking for different ways to get what you want.
- Why ballet is important as the foundation for your dance training.
- Why dance teams in Mexico are so hungry to learn and train hard.
- Finding different ways to work around the pandemic and it’s changes to continue to dance.
- Why the Latin entertainment industry is making the most money.
Favorite Quote: Sarai likes any quote that is about being in the present.
Sarai is such a sweetheart. She talks about her experience from training in her sister’s dance studio to creating her own dance company.
About Sarai:
Sarai is the director and co-founder of 664 In The Groove, She is an Alumni of Culture Shock San Diego 2016, who trained with while living in Mexico and San Diego. Sarai is also a member of MOTUS under the direction of Diana Matos. She was invited to dance in “Tempo Dance & Visual Arts'' with “De Vuelta” presented by SIBU International Dance Festival in Sibu, Malaysia.
Follow Sarai:
- Sarai on IG
- Linktree
- Busta Rhymes "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" | Coreografía x Sarai Pérez
- Khalid, Disclosure Ft. DaVido & Tems " Know Your Worth " | Coreografía x Sarai Pérez
- Natalia Lafourcade "Tu Si Sabes Quereme" | Coreografía x Sarai Pérez
Register to compete at Maxt Out Virtual Dance Competition by clicking the link to our website! www.MaxtOutDance.com
TEXT: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to join our free Watch Party for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition and get all the info for the online live competition and show!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews Meghan Magoun. They have a lot in common with their dance journeys. Listen in and learn how taking care of yourself has to be taken seriously. Take actions about your health and pay attention to your body.
In this episode you will learn about:
- Taking different avenues for dance to build your dance career.
- Remembering your why and taking control of your environment.
- Allowing yourself to be disciplined to become a better version of yourself.
- Creating and making what you love into a business.
- Looking at challenges differently and using them to make your stronger.
Favorite Quote: “If you can fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, just keep moving forward”
Meghan gives you inspiration about creating your own jobs and happiness.
About Meghan:
Meghan Magoun is a classically trained dancer/choreographer, with a deep love for all styles. She has danced for various artists in music videos, live performances, and multiple charity events. For the last couple years, she has been the production assistant for the world renowned show, Carnival Choreographer’s Ball. In recent history, she dove into her passion for baking by starting her own baking show, and has now turned it into her own business, Meghan’s Menu LLC. She likes to use her platform to motivate people through hard times, and inspire people to create their own path, even if it doesn’t fit societal norms.
Follow Meghan:
- Meghan on IG
- Meghan Magoun pointe reel
- Meghan’s Menu Episode 5 : Cookies and Cream Cake
- Meghan Magoun Carnival November 2019
Register to compete at the 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Virtual Dance Competition
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews Chad Geiger. Their conversation is so sweet and refreshing. Chad is such a kind hearted person. You will feel the positive energy through your earbuds as you listen to Chad and Joanna talk about manifesting a positive environment and bringing in good vibes.
In this episode you will learn about:
- Allowing space for your own growth
- How can you show up for you to give more
- Going overboard in opportunities that are given you to have a better chance to book a gig
- Finding your balance and slowing down
- Looking for another sense of accomplishment and purpose in dance
Quote: “You are where you’re so suppose to be”
Chad gives inspiration to move forward and see the light at the end of the tunnel.
About Chad:
Chad Geiger comes from Dallas, Texas, where he began his dance career at the age of 18, after spending years before as a gymnast. He moved to California after years of training, and a need to take his dance to the next level. Since his arrival, Chad has performed with Dua Lipa, James Corden, Meek Mill, Miguel, the Property Brothers, and Zooey and Emily Deschanel, to name a few. He has appeared in numerous movies, commercials, and television shows, and has spent time traveling with multiple dance companies and teams. Chad is excited to begin exploring new opportunities in the nearby future.
Follow Chad:
- Chad on IG
- Chad Geiger 2020 Dance Reel
- Chad Geiger Technique Reel
- Chad Geiger contemporary improv
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews Chris Naoki Lee. They talk about working in the entertainment industry from going to school for acting and dance to booking commercials and T.V shows.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How dance is connected to everything you do out of dance.
- Separate you know if you’re a professional by how you react to mistakes on stage.
- Tips on how you can quiet your mind before a performance.
- Taking every experience into a learning moment.
- Education, kindness and respect can help you move forward.
Quote: “Don't let anybody else make you feel inferior without your consent”
Chris is able to start new things during this pandemic and gives you a perspective on how there is a sense of community in the entertainment industry.
About Chris:
Chris Naoki Lee was born and raised in Los Angeles, and has been working in TV and film for over 20 years. After receiving his BFA in Theatre at New York University, Chris returned to the west coast, and has appeared on shows such as AMC's 'The Terror', FOX's 'Deputy' and 'Lethal Weapon,' Amazon's 'Jean-Claude Van Johnson' and 'Too Old to Die Young.' When Chris isn't on set acting, he is often working on his productions, writing and directing features. Though Chris has hung up his “dancing jersey” a couple years ago, he still finds time to freestyle on occasion while supporting the vibrant dance community.
Follow Chris:
- Chris on Instagram
- Chris on Facebook
- KUNG FU BATTLE! What's My Name (Morning After FAIL)
- Love Is: Part I - A Story of Love | Spoken Word Poem and Dance |
- Black Lives Matter Spoken Word Poem - What Is Privilege?
Register to compete at Maxt Out Virtual Dance Competition by clicking the link to our website!
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
Have you shifted your daily routine since the pandemic started?
This show was inspired by the 5 things that our host, Joanna Vargas does daily in order to create a great day! Listen in to this show as Joanna gives you her 5 biggest tips on how to start your day off with a bang.
5 WAYS TO SAVE YOUR DAY:
- Evening routine
- Morning routine
- Drink water in the morning when you wake up
- Move your body in the morning
- Your environment always wins!
About Joanna:
Joanna Vargas creates her life. A powerhouse entrepreneur right out of high school, Joanna never worked corporate and chose the path less traveled. At 20 years old she formed her corporation, took all of her savings and produced a dance showcase in Hollywood called The King of Pop. With Joanna’s quick (some might say crazy) work ideas, this venture quickly turned into a dance competition called Maxt Out now going on its 20th year.
Using keen street smarts and with no professional business training, she created Jayvee Dance studio by the time she was 24 and built that business to 700 students. A true serial entrepreneur, Joanna sold that dance studio and prepared to design her next download (from The Universe).
Joanna recognized a gap in conversations about mindset and physical form when it came to fitness and responded with the solution, The Fit Factor Studio; a wildly successful brick and mortar fitness studio catering to women, their mindset and living fully. In the process, Joanna’s own work-life philosophy, built on the principles of asking better questions and getting really curious about life, inspired her to make the choice to close the physical doors and go completely virtual with The Live Fully Academy. Now serving women all over the world with her Three F’s; Form, Fundamentals and Fun, a new thought leader for Gen X and Millennial women.
Known for her open book candor and positive vibe, Joanna proposed to her city that she start a 5K run, it was then the Pumpkin Run 1K/5K/10K Halloween event was born. Her superpower is getting butts in seats, and this run brings 1,500 runners every year with no paid advertisements (a little fun fact for our fellow entrepreneurs). By the time she was 32 she was running four businesses and choosing for her. With learning how to choose herself, she now facilitates other female business owners to do the same.
This summer Joanna launched two new podcasts - The Get Up Girl and Dance Your Life. The Get Up Girl is a rally cry for all the women who are different and were taught to choose for others, who are now ready to Get Up and choose for themselves. Dance Your Life is a podcast of dance conversations, for dancers, by dancers and developed to educate dancers all over the world with stories and wisdom.
Awarded Woman of the Year Congressional Honor by Congressman Adam Schiff and Woman of the Year Congressional Honor by Judy Chu, Joanna is a well respected female business owner and creator. Named Business of the Year by her city along with many other business awards, Joanna has earned her way to the frontlines of business during times when choosing yourself and the roads less traveled were not celebrated. With the entirety of her career devoted to inspiring her sisters to wake up and live fully, 2020 is poised to be Joanna’s biggest year yet. The Get Up Girl is her latest creation to surpass her upper limits and expand energetically to avenues she hasn’t discovered yet, and YOU are invited for the ride as she redefines what getting back up really looks and feels like.
Text: ANNIVERSARY to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews Jesse Fields. They talk about the difference between masculinity and femininity and what the differences might be to you when it comes to dance styles. Jesse speaks about speaking your truth about your past dance experiences relating to trauma.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How the meaning of masculine and feminine is constantly changing.
- What you can apply with different dance styles to other styles of dance.
- Creating your own style for your dance brand.
- Finding your own alter ego.
- Speaking your truth and coming forward about experiences in the dance community.
Show Notes: Jesse brings out a bit of his experience from dancing with an unhealthy environment and the realizations it brought when he left a dance company.
Quote: “Power is no gender.”
Follow Jesse:
- Jesse Fields | Choreographer's Carnival Feb 2018 (Live Dance Performance)
- Jesse Fields | "SHREKED" Choreographer's Carnival (Live Dance Performance)
- JESSE FIELDS | DANCE REEL 2016
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews Reanna Holt. These ladies talk about the discovery of your intuition. You will love this episode as they get real about nurturing your inner connection.
In this episode you will learn about:
- Looking for different ventures as an artist.
- Doing what you really want and making it happen.
- What you can accomplish by giving yourself a chance to discover your true self.
- The importance of self care.
- Listening to our intuition and growing into something more beautiful.
- How Journaling can help you through this pandemic.
Quote: “Everywhere you go, there you are.”
Reanna gives you an insight about her journaling business and her meditation classes. She has created a safe place for everyone to share their thoughts, blending journaling with dance.
Question Highlights:
- What inspired you to start dancing? Tell us your journey.
- What’s your favorite part about being a choreographer?
- Tell us about your business with journaling. What motivated you to start it?
- Tell us about a time that you felt that you wanted to give up and how did you overcome it?
- What expectations do you have for the dance world in the next 5 years?
About Reanna:
Reanna Shay Holt is a Los Angeles based dancer, choreographer and creative artist from Salt Lake City Utah. Reanna has worked as a professional commercial dancer in TV and film for over 8 years. She is a teacher and choreographer and enjoys bringing visions and ideas to life.
Creator of Reawaken™; a weekly journal prompt session, community newsletter and hand crafted journals. She is passionate about bringing community together to help guide others through life. She is the producer of 3 multimedia charity events for Alzheimer’s Association, Color of Change and American Cancer Society raising over $10,000 collectively.
Her love for creativity and passion for multiple art forms continues to build and she loves sharing it with the world.
Follow Reanna:
Reannashae on IG
Reanna Shay Holt - Dance Reel 2020
SUPERPOSITION – Visual by Reanna Shay Holt
Bruises – Lewis Capaldi | Reanna Shay Holt
Reannashay.com
Register to compete at Maxt Out Virtual Dance Competition
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews Katie Batres. Joanna and Katie get REAL about how to create your own business as an artist. They bring up the good stuff about the topics surrounding finances that people in general don’t like to face. The good, the bad and the ugly… but is it really ugly? Or is that the story we’ve been given all of our lives.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How you can come up with different ways to make money.
- The different stories you were given as a kid about being a struggling artist.
- What you can do to minimize self doubt about your choices.
- How to sell yourself to get what you want.
- What to do to change your mindset to create happiness in life.
- How you can become your own boss as an artist.
Quote: “Whatever you resist will persist.”
Katie helps you think outside the box to create a better future while still loving your job.
Question Highlights:
- Tell us about your dance journey. How did you get started?
- How did you get started into modeling?
- Tell us about your IG show, #CatchinVibes.
- How can everyone level up their selling skills?
- Give us a rundown about working in finances. Give us more information on that and how you help people.
About Katie:
Katie started off as a dancer, she got the opportunity to perform in many places including around the world! She has choreographed for up and coming artists (mostly for people in other countries). Then got into modeling and had the chance to work with countless companies Including big ones like SHEIN and FASHION NOVA as well as for many artists music videos. Katie now also became a booking manager so she can cast for roles she may not fit. She owns her own fitness program and began hosting an IG TV show called “#CatchinVibes” this year. She now does finances to help people in a supportive way to create the best future for themselves.
Follow Katie:
Katie on IG
Katie Franko - Katierose
Katie Da Bae
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
What have you learned from the pandemic?
When the pandemic hit in March (here in Los Angeles) the Maxt Out team and I sat down and brainstormed on how we can bring the dance community closer together.
We came up with the idea of hosting IG Live interviews and starting a podcast. What a gift? The silver lining in the pandemic was the creation of our chats with all of you!
I learned so much from our chats and I wanted to share with all of you in this episode what I learned from you during the pandemic.
Sincerely,
-Joanna Vargas
Creator & Host
Dance Your Life Podcast
The 5 learns from our interviews during the pandemic:
- I was wrong.
- Our future generation is conscious and more aware than I ever was.
- Dancers sense 10X more and let’s celebrate that!
- Dancers are so hungry!
- We were exhausted.
About Joanna:
Joanna Vargas creates her life. A powerhouse entrepreneur right out of high school, Joanna never worked corporate and chose the path less traveled. At 20 years old she formed her corporation, took all of her savings and produced a dance showcase in Hollywood called The King of Pop. With Joanna’s quick (some might say crazy) work ideas, this venture quickly turned into a dance competition called Maxt Out now going on its 20th year.
Using keen street smarts and with no professional business training, she created Jayvee Dance studio by the time she was 24 and built that business to 700 students. A true serial entrepreneur, Joanna sold that dance studio and prepared to design her next download (from The Universe).
Joanna recognized a gap in conversations about mindset and physical form when it came to fitness and responded with the solution, The Fit Factor Studio; a wildly successful brick and mortar fitness studio catering to women, their mindset and living fully. In the process, Joanna’s own work-life philosophy, built on the principles of asking better questions and getting really curious about life, inspired her to make the choice to close the physical doors and go completely virtual with The Live Fully Academy. Now serving women all over the world with her Three F’s; Form, Fundamentals and Fun, a new thought leader for Gen X and Millennial women.
Known for her open book candor and positive vibe, Joanna proposed to her city that she start a 5K run, it was then the Pumpkin Run 1K/5K/10K Halloween event was born. Her superpower is getting butts in seats, and this run brings 1,500 runners every year with no paid advertisements (a little fun fact for our fellow entrepreneurs). By the time she was 32 she was running four businesses and choosing for her. With learning how to choose herself, she now facilitates other female business owners to do the same.
This summer Joanna launched two new podcasts - The Get Up Girl and Dance Your Life. The Get Up Girl is a rally cry for all the women who are different and were taught to choose for others, who are now ready to Get Up and choose for themselves. Dance Your Life is a podcast of dance conversations, for dancers, by dancers and developed to educate dancers all over the world with stories and wisdom.
Awarded Woman of the Year Congressional Honor by Congressman Adam Schiff and Woman of the Year Congressional Honor by Judy Chu, Joanna is a well respected female business owner and creator. Named Business of the Year by her city along with many other business awards, Joanna has earned her way to the frontlines of business during times when choosing yourself and the roads less traveled were not celebrated. With the entirety of her career devoted to inspiring her sisters to wake up and live fully, 2020 is poised to be Joanna’s biggest year yet. The Get Up Girl is her latest creation to surpass her upper limits and expand energetically to avenues she hasn’t discovered yet, and YOU are invited for the ride as she redefines what getting back up really looks and feels like.
Text: 20th Anniversary to (323) 524-9857 to view our WATCH PARTY for our 20th Anniversary Maxt Out Dance Competition online!
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
Are you interested in standing out on Instagram?
In this solo episode, Joanna shares her IG tricks on ways and ideas on what to post on Instagram when you feel stuck on what to post for that day.
Instagram is the NEW RESUME. Your Instagram account is also seen as your website. Think of Instagram as a free tool to use to brand and promote yourself as a dancer, choreographer and/or teacher.
Here are a few things to think about when branding yourself on Instagram:
- Ask yourself, what are you selling/serving in ONE WORD?
- That one word will guide you in knowing and branding who you are as a dancer.
- Pick 5 themes that will guide you in posting during the week and rotate every 5 days.
- Use post-its, a whiteboard or clipboard to put up where you can see it to remind you of your 5 themes for when you’re posting daily to IG.
About Joanna:
Joanna Vargas creates her life. A powerhouse entrepreneur right out of high school, Joanna never worked corporate and chose the path less traveled. At 20 years old she formed her corporation, took all of her savings and produced a dance showcase in Hollywood called The King of Pop. With Joanna’s quick (some might say crazy) work ideas, this venture quickly turned into a dance competition called Maxt Out now going on its 20th year.
Using keen street smarts and with no professional business training, she created Jayvee Dance studio by the time she was 24 and built that business to 700 students. A true serial entrepreneur, Joanna sold that dance studio and prepared to design her next download (from The Universe).
Joanna recognized a gap in conversations about mindset and physical form when it came to fitness and responded with the solution, The Fit Factor Studio; a wildly successful brick and mortar fitness studio catering to women, their mindset and living fully. In the process, Joanna’s own work-life philosophy, built on the principles of asking better questions and getting really curious about life, inspired her to make the choice to close the physical doors and go completely virtual with The Live Fully Academy. Now serving women all over the world with her Three F’s; Form, Fundamentals and Fun, a new thought leader for Gen X and Millennial women.
Known for her open book candor and positive vibe, Joanna proposed to her city that she start a 5K run, it was then the Pumpkin Run 1K/5K/10K Halloween event was born. Her superpower is getting butts in seats, and this run brings 1,500 runners every year with no paid advertisements (a little fun fact for our fellow entrepreneurs). By the time she was 32 she was running four businesses and choosing for her. With learning how to choose herself, she now facilitates other female business owners to do the same.
This summer Joanna launched two new podcasts - The Get Up Girl and Dance Your Life. The Get Up Girl is a rally cry for all the women who are different and were taught to choose for others, who are now ready to Get Up and choose for themselves. Dance Your Life is a podcast of dance conversations, for dancers, by dancers and developed to educate dancers all over the world with stories and wisdom.
Awarded Woman of the Year Congressional Honor by Congressman Adam Schiff and Woman of the Year Congressional Honor by Judy Chu, Joanna is a well respected female business owner and creator. Named Business of the Year by her city along with many other business awards, Joanna has earned her way to the frontlines of business during times when choosing yourself and the roads less traveled were not celebrated. With the entirety of her career devoted to inspiring her sisters to wake up and live fully, 2020 is poised to be Joanna’s biggest year yet. The Get Up Girl is her latest creation to surpass her upper limits and expand energetically to avenues she hasn’t discovered yet, and YOU are invited for the ride as she redefines what getting back up really looks and feels like.
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews David Slaney. They bring up some serious topics about being your true self in the dance world and going through self doubt to then finding out what you really want to accomplish as a dancer.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How you can experience so much more by branching out to different communities in dance.
- What you can do to minimize self doubt about your choices.
- The importance of knowing your audience when it comes to different dance gigs.
- How to commit to your niche and be consistent.
- Figuring out the reasons why you are choosing to tell your story on social media and what you are accomplishing by doing it.
Show Notes:
Quote: “Be inspired to inspire others.”
David goes deep talking about his experiences on how he became involved with dance and he talks about how social media has changed dance in its entirety.
Question Highlights:
- What inspired you to start dancing?
- Tell us about the journey of your all female dance company, Vixens.
- What projects are you working on?
- What are your thoughts on what’s been going on in the dance community lately, regarding current events?
- What do you see happening with the dance community after this pandemic.
About David:
David Slaney II is a highly sought after choreographer based in Southern California who specializes in heels, hip hop, and jazz funk. He currently teaches at Millennium Dance Complex Orange County and Snowglobe Perspective, where he was Co-Director of their Junior Hip Hop Team, Zero Below. He is the Founder & Director of The Vixens, an all female heels company that empowers women through dance. His professional credits include working with a variety of celebrities from R & B singer, Mary J. Blige, to actress, Jennifer Love Hewitt. His community credits include Steezy Studio, Online Dance Tutorials, World of Dance, Mischief Makers, Barkada Modern, Boogiezone and Disneyland.
Follow David:
- David on IG
- The Vixens on IG
- David on Facebook
- Sour Candy - Lady Gaga & BLACKPINK | David Slaney Choreography | STEEZY.CO
- Vixens | Front Row | Bridge Dance Competition 2019
- World Of Dance U-Jam Choreo | David Slaney | “Bad Gyrl” by Yummy Bingham AKA Shnacky Chan
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
Text: HOME to (323) 524-9857 for our free monthly dance class with Ricky Cole on Thursday, October 15th at 4pm PST!
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews Nikolas Bermea. Niko talks about his dance journey starting as a school mascot and eventually discovering that he has passion for dance. He talks about his 3 month residency in Costa Rica as an instructor.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How you can discover what you are good at by trying new things.
- What kind of sacrifices you might make to pursue your dance goals.
- The importance of committing 100% to teaching dance.
- The difference in drive between U.S dancers and international dancers.
- How you can create more by staying positive and having self motivation.
Quote: “Never back down.”
Niko gives his perspectives on the dancer’s drive from teaching in Costa Rica vs teaching in the U.S. He loves teaching more than anything and gets inspired by his student’s growth.
Question Highlights:
- What is your favorite part about being a dance instructor?
- Tell us about your most memorable performance.
- What projects are you working on?
- What have you learned throughout this pandemic?
- What has been keeping you motivated to continue dancing?
About Niko:
NikolasBermea (Niko) is a hip-hop and contemporary fusion dancer/choreographer from Austin, TX. In July of 2015, his family relocated to Austin, and Niko was immediately immersed into dance. First beginning his training in hip-hop, and later branching out into more classical styles such as jazz, ballet, and contemporary. Early in his dance career, Niko was one of the select dancers to assist Streetz Dance Convention on their 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 tours. Niko moved to Los Angeles in 2019 to pursue a professional career in dance, where he will continue to work under LA’s top artists and choreographers. He continues to host hip-hop and contemporary fusion master classes, intensives, and residencies throughout and the United States and internationally. Niko has had the opportunity to teach on conventions such as Intrigue Dance Intensive, The Lab Dance Convention, and Carolina Dance Masters. He is a former member on world renowned hip hop company, V Mo, under the direction of Danyel Moulton. In addition, Niko is an apprentice on the LA-based company, MusEffect, under the direction of Jessica Starr.
Follow Niko:
- Niko on IG
- Niko on Facebook
- NIKOLAS BERMEA | SENIOR DANCER OF THE YEAR | 2018 NATIONALS
- Raw Shit by DaBaby ft. Migos - Niko Bermea Choreography
- TATS ON MY FACE
- Niko Bermea Choreography | Mo Bamba - Sheck Wes
- The Potion by Ludacris - Niko Bermea Choreography
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews Anna Sarao about what it takes to put on a dance competition for thousands of dancers. These ladies spit it all out, the good and the bad.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How you can feel uncertain about one dance path and yet end up finding a dance path that suits you.
- What kind of sacrifices you can make to pursue your dance goals.
- The importance of committing 100% to a dance business.
- What older dancers want to teach the dance community now.
- What kind of changes the dance community might have after the pandemic.
Show Notes:
Quote: “You are the walking answer to your life.”
Anna talks about how she went from being one of the OG dancers on Culture Shock San Diego, CA to becoming the Artistic Director and going into building Body Rock dance competition.
Question Highlights:
- What inspired you to start dancing?
- You created Body Rock. Tell is how did you come upon that and what’s your favorite part about being a dance competition director?
- Tell us about your most memorable Body Rock competition year.
- We know that it’s been hard for creatives during this pandemic. What have you been doing to stay motivated and have you discovered anything new?
- You have your masters in family therapy and you're a mental health coach. Where did you go to school and what inspired you to focus on that?
About Anna:
Anna started her career in dance in 1996 as a dancer for Culture Shock San Diego. The only formal training was staging and choreography at Mesa Community College with Angie Bunch. She promoted her to Artistic Director for CSSD in 2000. That same year, her teammate and best friend passed away from cancer. This gave Anna the drive to pursue dance seriously. She had an agent briefly but failed to become a professional industry dancer. Eventually she became known for her thematic dance medleys with CSSD. Later, she produced and became the CEO of the event Bustagroove aka Body Rock Dance Competition. Anna also produced Body Rock Junior, several talent shows, a dance play, and a dating game! She no longer performs due to age/physical injuries but remains active behind the scenes. Before COVID, she judged events regularly and remained a mentor for over 25 years. She recently completed her Masters in Family Therapy. Anna also loves talking with people and hosted her own Youtube Channel and Podcast called Boba Talk. Since COVID, she has been offering talks on presenting issues in our dance community. Anna has also been hosting learning and healing circles as a Creative / Mental Health Coach.
Follow Anna:
- Anna on IG
- Body Rock on IG
- Anna on Facebook
- Body Rock on YouTube
- Anna Sarao's Boba Talk
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews Knicole Haggins. Listen in as Joanna and K talk about previous dance experiences. K gives you different stories that happened behind the scenes from tours with different “A List” pop artists.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How your journey can change from one day to another.
- What kind of sacrifices you might make to pursue your dance goals.
- The importance of committing 100% to all your dance gigs regardless of how big or small.
- How being social with your dance mates on tour can make a great impact on stage.
- What kind of changes we can make towards a more educated dance community regarding current events.
Quote: “My ship is coming in even if I have to tug it myself.”
K gives you an inside look on what happens off the big stage as a dancer for concerts. She also talks about her band and how different it is performing with her band vs as a dancer.
Question Highlights:
- What inspired you to start dancing?
- What was one memorable dance experience on tour?
- Tell us about your band. What projects are you working on?
- What can you do to keep your dance job consistently?
- With BLM going on, what are your perspectives on how dancers can educate themselves?
About “K”Nicole:
"K"nicole is a Cali native Angeleno. She is a veteran and ambassador of both community and entertainment industry, a versatile performer, who has worked on many platforms such as world tours, award shows, TV & film, theater, commercials, music videos, and much more. She has worked with musical legends including Chris Brown, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Prince, and Usher just to name a few and recent shows such as The VMAs, Penny Dreadful, The Masked Singer, The Latin Grammys, GLEE, and several others! Knicole studied dance at many studios and attended Fullerton college. Her home team in the community is Team Millennia, and she has also been an artistic director for Boogiezone Breed.
Having spent years on many screens and stages, her purpose in life is to help people feel and connect to the positive nostalgia and theatrics of the entertainment industry. Knicole has traveled the world performing, choreographing, and teaching, and also works as a talent consultant, helping to advise careers and develop artists. Her specialties as a teacher include expanding movement range, helping students to find authentic feeling and performance, understanding musicality, and conditioning the body to execute with strength. She is also a singer songwriter as well, performing throughout California with her band, she is also known as Alice King. Relentlessly pursuing big dreams, Knicole aka Alice has known that her mission is to spread more love and happiness through the art of music & dance; thru movement & sound. May you live yours!
Follow “K”Nicole:
- “K”Nicole on IG
- alicekingmusic IG
- "K"Nicole on Facebook
- Knicole Haggins Dance Reel
- The Velveteens
- Knicole Haggins "Breakfast Can Wait" Team Millennia Summer Intensive
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Operation Underground Railroad – OURRescue.org
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews Thalia Ramos, director of Cubcakes, a junior dance company. In this episode, Joanna and Thalia really get into spiritual and emotional mental tools. Learn how much power you have to create a sweet future!
In this episode you will learn about:
- What you can do with emotional and mental tools.
- How your emotions and feelings might not be truly yours.
- How you can immerse and inbody if you feel defeated.
- What you can do to humanize dance as an education.
- How we are capable of healing ourselves spiritually and mentally.
Quote: “The way you do anything is the way you do everything.”
Thalia shines a light on how much power you have and to embrace your feelings, good or bad. She expresses how it is important to ask questions to yourself to get answers and everything will come to place.
Question Highlights:
- How did you get to where you are now?
- What is your favorite part about being a director?
- What kind of wisdom do you give your dancers about life in general regarding the gifts of this pandemic?
- What new passions or hobbies have you created during the pandemic?
- What do you see in the future for dance?
About Thalia:
Thalia has been honored for her work as a professional dancer, choreographer, and creative director. Based in LA, CA Thalia is focused on creating her own lane in the dance community. Her work to bring conscious learning into the dance educational system is best represented in her youth crew CUBCAKES. Their credits are best known for their TV appearances especially on NBC World of Dance season 2. Since paving her own professional career her work can be characterized as a blend of powerful versatility and artistic range. She has made space and taken on work that allows her to support
others, teach mindfulness, spark conversation, create collaboratively, and pursue endless explorations in movement. She is endlessly grateful to continually witness how this work transforms dancers, audiences, community, and herself.
Follow Thalia:
- Thalia on IG
- Thalia on Facebook
- World of Dance - Cubcakes
- CUBCAKES | Junior Team Division | World of Dance Las Vegas 2018 | #WODVEGAS18
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews Goose Polanco. They talk about how we are all learning together through this pandemic. Goose runs through his dance journey from growing up in Boston to living in Hawaii, Australia, Los Angeles and Arizona.
In this episode you will learn about:
- What it takes for you to absolutely pursue your dance goals.
- How dance can take you places… literally.
- Why it’s important to manifest where you came from.
- How embracing the best you, can help you with confidence.
- How far you can go when you surround yourself with positivity.
Quote: “Keep positive cus positive things will happen.”
Goose talks about how one specific dance experience changed his life forever. Listen in and find yourself relating to his story how he fell in love with dance as a teen and decided to make it his career. He talks about how dance has helped him explore other places around the world.
Question Highlights:
- What inspired you to start dancing? Tell us your journey.
- What is your favorite part about being an instructor?
- What do you do to help yourself get through the tough times?
- You fought on your own to make dance a career. What would you tell dancers that grew up without the support of their family?
- What are 3 of your ultimate goals?
About Goose:
Gustavo “Goose” Polanco, born and raised in Boston, MA & taken his craft into newer heights after years of training and dance experience. “Goose” is now focused on being a Afro Latino artist, mentor & educator with a passion for connecting diverse communities through dance. His dance programs aim for all his students to gain strength, knowledge & confidence from their growth process, so they can believe & trust that they are enough, they matter & they are capable of achieving their dreams as they navigate an industry where their importance is questioned everyday!
Follow Goose:
- Goose on IG
- Goose on Facebook
- Goose Polanco Oct 2019 | Choreographer's Carnival
- Goose
- A1 Collective || Prelude SoCal 2020 || #PreludeSoCal2020
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews JC, and they talk about why the dance industry suffers financially and why there still isn’t a rate value. In this episode you will learn why artists struggle the most and how you can change it.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How passing on knowledge as an instructor is more rewarding.
- Why you have a creationship not a relationship with dance.
- Why male dancers don’t have as much support as female dancers.
- How the dance industry is struggling with the rate value.
- Tips on how you can turn the negatives in life into positive.
Quote: The truth is never pure and rarely simple by Oscar Wilde
JC gives you informative tips on how to create a better financial goal as a dancer and what are other options you can do to make money as a creative during the pandemic. He also talks about what important qualities instructors gain teaching their students.
Question Highlights:
- What’s your favorite part about being a dance director?
- What do you do to help yourself get through tough times in life? How did you overcome them?
- What inspired you to start dancing as a freestyler first then moving into choreography?
- What are some tips for dancers to be more aware of their rate value?
- What are 3 of your ultimate goals?
About JC:
Jesicris Diputado Bato (most commonly known as JC) was born in Fountain Valley and later moved to Mission Viejo where he began dancing as a Freestyler competing in solo dance competitions. The freestyling foundation became the basis of his dance philosophy that then carried into his choreography career at the age of twelve. Performing became his new passion as he began to choreograph. In high-school he became a well known dancer and began a team called Urban Legends to further express his passion. As a president and coach for the team he brought the culture of Hip Hop to Tesoro High school performing alongside the award-winning cheer and color guard teams. In college he co-founded the Hip Hop dance crew Boomkaz and is currently a director of Infuse Dance Crew. He plans to inspire all he can with what he has learned transitioning from freestyle to choreography, and how it has contributed to his success as a dancer, and preserve his philosophy of "dancing for the heart and not for the fame. "
Follow JC:
- JC on IG
- JC on Facebook
- The Gentlemen | Lights Down low | Filmed By Claydohboon Films
- Hip Hop with Jesicris- Money
- Hip Hop with Jesicris- Rake it Up
JOIN OUR FREE DANCE SUMMIT ON: Saturday, September 26th 10am PST - 2pm PST
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews Bella Garcia, a dancer and new upcoming choreographer. In this episode, Bella and Joanna talk about how your social media branding is important and why putting the time and effort on your content can create more opportunities for dancers.
In this episode you will learn about:
- What you can get out of going to a performing arts school.
- The importance of why you should know the reason you started dancing.
- The differences between your experiences dancing with adults vs teens.
- Why you should focus on your branding on social media.
- Inspirations for you to continue to dance if you do not have your family’s support.
Quote: For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”- Jeremiah 29:11
Bella gives you her perspectives as a young dancer who graduated from a performing arts school. She talks about how you can create your own opportunities without a dance agent using our social media platforms.
Question Highlights:
- Tell us what our journey is a young dancer and choreographer?
- What is your favorite part about being a dancer?
- What do you do to help yourself get through the tough times?
- What differences do you see dancing with adults vs teens ?
- What are 3 of your ultimate goals?
About Bella:
Bella is a young dancer and choreographer who is making her way up in the dance industry without an agent. She recently choreographed a piece in the IAF Choreographers Showcase, performed multiple times for half time show at the Los Angeles Clippers Game, participated in a reality tv show, been a part of multiple skeleton crews for KPOP Crews, have done multiple modeling jobs, dances in concept videos, trains with The Lab, Chapkis Dance, Lume Dance Program, and C8 Dynasty.
Follow Bella:
- Bella on IG
- Bella on Facebook
- Latest project on IG
JOIN OUR FREE DANCE SUMMIT ON: Saturday, September 26th 10am PST - 2pm PST
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews members Susanne Puerschel, a retired ballet dancer from Berlin, Germany. In this episode, Susanne gives you information on what the major requirements were to become a successful ballet dancer in a strict ballet school in Europe. Listen to the stories that happened as the wall of Berlin was knocked down and how it affected dance in Germany.
In this episode you will learn about:
- What you can accomplish by speaking up and asking for help.
- What works to leave a place of passion and make it your own.
- The differences between dance generations.
- How important it is to continue to train in ballet as a dance foundation.
- How to continuously grow as a person by asking questions for your self- development.
Show Notes:
Susanne takes you inside the ballet world and gives knowledge on how to help yourself to grow not only as a dancer but as a person too. Susanne is a dance and performance coach that will inspire you to live life with great passion.
Question Highlights:
- What was your experience as a ballet dancer living in Berlin, Germany?
- What kind of strict requirements did the ballet school have?
- Tell us about Pointe de Rise. How is it helping dancers?
- What are some good tips for self development?
- How do you see the dance world now versus when you started dancing?
About Susanne:
Susanne is an experienced Principal Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the consumer services industry. Skilled in Team Motivation, Conflict Prevention, Operations Management, Wellness Coaching, and Conflict Resolution. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Arts - BA focused in Ballet from Staatliche Ballett Schule Berlin.
She had the privilege to grow up behind the Iron Curtain in Berlin, East Germany. She danced 8 years at the very best Ballet school in Germany was fully paid for. At the age of 18 she was emerged into the best company in Germany, the State Opera House in Berlin, where her childhood dream became true. Susanne had the honor to work with legends like Rudolph Nureyev, Maurice Bejart, Roland Petite, Roberto Bolle and Vladimir Malakhov.
Follow Susanne:
- Instagram (Link to https://www.instagram.com/susanneguides/?hl=en )
- Linkedin link to: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-puerschel-800364175/?originalSubdomain=ca)
- LinkTr.ee link to: (https://linktr.ee/susannepuerschel)
JOIN MY 30 DAY MEDITATION CHALLENGE ON INSTAGRAM. FOLLOW ME HERE - Joanna Vargas on Instagram - AND JOIN ME EVERYDAY FOR 30 DAYS AT 7AM PST (2PM UTC) FOR 4 MINUTES!
Resources:
- The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
- Join my monthly online academy:LIVE FULLY ACADEMY
Are you sick of 2020?
In this episode Joanna shares her 3 step process how to make the best out of a not fun situation. Let’s end our year on a high note. Listen in to learn more about how to pause, how to ask a better question and how to act and make a choice.
Text me SUMMIT to (323) 524-9857 to be the first 200 dancers to get on our VIP list to be the FIRST ones to hear when we announce our 15 dancers to be chosen to perform at our Dance Your Live Free Virtual Summit!
JOIN OUR FREE DANCE SUMMIT ON: Saturday, September 26th 10am PST - 2pm PST
In this episode you will learn about:
- How to make the last 3 months of 2020 the best yet!
- Step 1: Pause
- Step 2: Ask a better question
- Step 3: Make a choice
- What dancers hope for your dance community in the future.
About Joanna:
Joanna Vargas creates her life. A powerhouse entrepreneur right out of high school, Joanna never worked corporate and chose the path less traveled. At 20 years old she formed her corporation, took all of her savings and produced a dance showcase in Hollywood called The King of Pop. With Joanna’s quick (some might say crazy) work ideas, this venture quickly turned into a dance competition called Maxt Out now going on its 20th year.
Using keen street smarts and with no professional business training, she created Jayvee Dance studio by the time she was 24 and built that business to 700 students. A true serial entrepreneur, Joanna sold that dance studio and prepared to design her next download (from The Universe).
Joanna recognized a gap in conversations about mindset and physical form when it came to fitness and responded with the solution, The Fit Factor Studio; a wildly successful brick and mortar fitness studio catering to women, their mindset and living fully. In the process, Joanna’s own work-life philosophy, built on the principles of asking better questions and getting really curious about life, inspired her to make the choice to close the physical doors and go completely virtual with The Live Fully Academy. Now serving women all over the world with her Three F’s; Form, Fundamentals and Fun, a new thought leader for Gen X and Millennial women.
Known for her open book candor and positive vibe, Joanna proposed to her city that she start a 5K run, it was then the Pumpkin Run 1K/5K/10K Halloween event was born. Her superpower is getting butts in seats, and this run brings 1,500 runners every year with no paid advertisements (a little fun fact for our fellow entrepreneurs). By the time she was 32 she was running four businesses and choosing for her. With learning how to choose herself, she now facilitates other female business owners to do the same.
This summer Joanna launched two new podcasts - The Get Up Girl and Dance Your Life. The Get Up Girl is a rally cry for all the women who are different and were taught to choose for others, who are now ready to Get Up and choose for themselves. Dance Your Life is a podcast of dance conversations, for dancers, by dancers and developed to educate dancers all over the world with stories and wisdom.
Awarded Woman of the Year Congressional Honor by Congressman Adam Schiff and Woman of the Year Congressional Honor by Judy Chu, Joanna is a well respected female business owner and creator. Named Business of the Year by her city along with many other business awards, Joanna has earned her way to the front lines of business during times when choosing yourself and the roads less traveled were not celebrated. With the entirety of her career devoted to inspiring her sisters to wake up and live fully, 2020 is poised to be Joanna’s biggest year yet. The Get Up Girl is her latest creation to surpass her upper limits and expand energetically to avenues she hasn’t discovered yet, and YOU are invited for the ride as she redefines what getting back up really looks and feels like.
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews members from Servility to see how they as a dance team are pushing forward in quarantine. Servility brings a refreshing perspective on how they as a team run and present themselves, so get ready because a wave of kindness is coming your way.
In this episode you will learn about:
- What you can expect from the dance crew audition process.
- How to be within your true nature.
- How the dance community has evolved.
- What dancers miss most about rehearsal during this pandemic.
- What dancers hope for your dance community in the future.
Servility members contribute from beginning to end so much information about their team, their goals, and overall wishes for the dance community. Servility prides themselves in having kind dancers who they can create deep connections with, so that they can be the best representation to dancers everywhere.
Question Highlights:
- How dancers are coping with the pandemic?
- What’s the foundation of the dance crew?
- What is Servility's biggest take away from this pandemic?
- What do you think about dance styles intertwining?
- Have you discovered new things in dance while being away from Servility?
About Servility:
Founded in 2016, Servility is a dance team at University of the Pacific. The team will work to train dancers in a variation of modern hip-hop styles, as well as connect individuals to the dance community. Our core values center around: humility, passion, ambition, and growth. While all of our dancers may come from different levels of experience, we still strive to learn from each other despite our differing dance backgrounds.
This team will focus on the aspect of significance: reminding our dancers why they had begun dancing in the first place. Integrating both the importance of having fun and wanting to better ourselves, Servility will serve as a positive environment for hungry dancers.
As a team, they focus on helping each other grow, as both individuals and as one, in their collective passion for dance.
Follow Servility:
- Servility on IG
- Wild Things - @alessiacara | Choreography by Desiree Orque - presented by Servility
- Montage Dance Competition 2017 - Adult Division - Servility
- Servility || Breakthrough 2017 || [Creative Rift Official 4K]
JOIN OUR FREE DANCE SUMMIT ON: Saturday, September 26th 10am PST - 2pm PST
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews Dameion “Lucky” Smith. He is well known for his great personality and lively energy as an MC and host for several events in the entertainment industry and in sports. Lucky talks about the importance of making positive changes in your life and how you can start evolving at any time in your life. It’s never too late to be your true self. He also talks about how you can improve your presence on stage.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How you can continue moving forward regardless of where you’re at in life.
- The different perspectives that can help you give your audience what they want.
- Why the way you speak and project is important while entertaining hundreds of people.
- The difference between feeling nervous or anxious before going on stage.
- Tips that you can use to teach kids to dance and help them improve.
Show Notes:
Lucky is a very inspiring speaker. His personality and energy is contagious even when he is hosting an event for thousands of people in the dance and sports events. Lucky is also a dancer and choreographer. He has worked with several artists in the entertainment industry.
Question Highlights:
- What have you learned during this pandemic?
- As a dancer and an MC, what is your process before going on stage?
- What kind of enjoyment do you receive by hosting all the events you’ve done?
- What are the differences you see between the dance generations?
- What would you like to see more of in the dance community during this pandemic?
About Lucky:
Dameion Lucky Smith has been blazing stages with high energy since he was in high school. Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, he made his first debut performing in 2010.
Dancing since a young age, Lucky caught his momentum paying homage to his influences such as Micheal Jackson, Usher and groups such as The Temptations on smaller stages until he picked up a mic in 2010. As he developed his career as a live host and emcee, Lucky used his bookings as a host to showcase his talents as a dancer as well. Adding impromptu dance freestyles on stage was one skill he has been known for!
In this current stage of his career, he considers this the “patience period” in which he mentions that this down time is used to focus on his craft as a Live Entertainer. From singing, to dancing, to acting, he can do it all; Lucky completes his package as a triple threat which only motive on stage is to “Win the Day and make the crowd smile”. He continues to keep God centered as his motivation and understands that he is on this Marathon...Hungry. For. Success.
Follow Lucky:
- Lucky on IG
- Luck on Facebook
- Lucky on CalState L.A Website
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews members from C8 Dynasty to see how they have pushed through quarantine while tackling current issues as one.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How the name Collabor8 originated.
- The teams that fall under C8 Dynasty.
- What their members look forward to in the future for the dance world.
- How creative minds can be helped during this time.
- How C8 Dynasty is responding to current world issues.
C8 Dynasty members express how being stripped from their dance community was the hurtful part of this quarantine, but as a team they finished the season with positivity, motivation, and staying consistent.
Members in this episode also talk about how they have survived as creative minds, tackled current world issues, and how C8 Dynasty plans to move forward.
Question Highlights:
- How long has C8 Dynasty been around?
- What has C8 Dynasty done to be motivated in quarantine?
- How is Collabor8 different from other dance companies?
- What can be done to help creative minds?
- What was C8 Dynasty's response to current world issues?
- How has Gen Z prepared to be the voice of the future?
About C8 Dynasty:
C8 Dynasty first started as Collabor8 Dance Company in 2005, but developed into much more throughout the years. C8 Dynasty is a diverse company that has focused on providing the best entertainment to the public for the last 15 years.
Just as our first name implies, we are open to new ideas where as one we will work together and move together. Throughout the years Collabor8 created its sister teams: Innov8, Illumin8, Acceler8, and Activ8.
Follow C8 Dynasty:
- Collabor8 Dance Co | FRONTROW | Team Division | World of Dance Orange County 2019 | #WODOC19
- Acceler8 [FRONT ROW] || Prelude SoCal 2020 || #PreludeSoCal2020
- Collabor8 Dance Compnay | FRONTROW | Team Division | World of Dance New York 2018 | #WODNY18
- Innov8 | FRONTROW | Urban Street Jam 2016 #urbanstreetjam
- Salome Valdez Jun 2018 | Choreographer's Carnival (Live Dance Performance)
- Illumin8 Dance Co. | Club Jete Nov. 2016 | "Moxie"
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews the young members from Cubcakes and talks about their perspective and what they learned from the pandemic. Listen in as every dancer has a great tip and point of view for life and dance.
In this episode you will learn about:
- The different tips and perspectives that young dancers learned through the pandemic.
- How Cubcakes was created and what was the motivation and purpose behind the idea.
- The experiences of the dancer being in school from home as they made dance a priority.
- The creative ways to keep training in the dance from home by building dance equipment.
- What are some of the values that make a great dancer.
The Cubcake dancers have some much input when it comes to making dance a priority. These dancers are very articulate and full of tips and information. They all have a great perspective on life. Their conversation gives you hope and inspiration!
Question Highlights:
- What have you learned during this pandemic?
- How are you keeping yourself motivated to keep training at home?
- What makes a good leader/ director?
- What are the differences you see between the dance generations?
- What would you like to see more of in the dance community during this pandemic?
About Cubcakes:
The Cubcakes Crew are made up by some of the youngest and most endearing dancers. Going on their 5th year together, they have competed and appeared on television like World of Dance. They have learned through these experiences and more that age has no limits. They’re group is dedicated to creating what they want to see within themselves and the world around them using dance. Their fearlessness doing what they love is what makes Cubcakes so powerful inside and out.
Follow Cubcakes:
- Cubcakes Crew Website
- Cubcakes Dance Crew on Facebook
- Cubcakes Dance on IG
- Cubcakes Dance Crew on Twitter
- Cubcakes Dance Crew on YouTube
- Cubcakes Dance Crew Qualifiers Full Performance
- "VOICES" - CUBCAKES MIXED FEELINGS IMPROV SESSION 1 - FEATURING CUBS AVA AND Q
- Cubcakes Dance Crew | World of Dance | BET Experience 2019
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
Arnel Calvario shares his knowledge of leadership in the dance community in this episode. Learn why the dance community needs more leaders and educators. Arnel explains the importance of excellent leadership and what it takes to become a good mentor.
In this episode you will learn about:
- What led Arnel to create Kaba Modern.
- How going to school, majoring and getting a doctorate at USC inspired him to create more in the dance community.
- The leadership summits in which dance leaders around the world have been a part of.
- What it takes to master your leadership skills to help your dancers grow.
- The differences in the dance community from the early 2000’s vs now.
Show Notes:
Arnel Carvario has been a part of the dance community and industry for a long time. He created Kaba Modern, which is still well known in the dance world. Arnel has been managing well known dance crews and created a business out of it. Other than managing dance crews, his main focus has become to empower dance leaders to recreate by having leadership workshops online. Arnel’s lane of education is teaching roots before branches.
Question Highlights:
- You’re a doctor of occupational therapy, tell us more about it? What motivated you to focus on that?
- What’s your favorite part about being a leadership coach?
- What do you do to help you get through tough times in life? How did you overcome them?
- What do you hope for the dance world involving social justice regarding the current events? Any changes? What changes?
- What are some podcasts or books that you recommend?
About Arnel:
Believing in using his talents & resources to promote community outreach,
“respect for all people,” artistic expression, and education, Dr. Arnel Calvario has
dedicated himself to the CA dance scene since his college days. In 1992, he founded
UC Irvine’s own Kaba Modern.
In 1998, he joined Culture Shock® Los Angeles. In 2002, Arnel also founded KM Legacy as part of celebrating Kaba Modern’s 10 year anniversary. He managed Kaba Modern, Fanny Pak, the Beat Freaks, & Kinjaz and provided consultation services to Quest Crew and Poreotics during their runs on MTV’s hit show America’s Best Dance Crew. Arnel also helped manage Kinjaz during their 2017 run on NBC’s World of Dance. He currently serves as an advisor for Kaba Modern, as the Board President of Culture Shock International Foundation, and as an active member of the Kinjaz. Arnel has also been featured as a guest writer for the L.A. Times as a critic for America’s Best Dance Crew Season 5, served as co-coordinator for the annual Hip Hop International World Battles for the past 10 years, is the US elite judge for the annual Hip Hop International World Championships, and is a contributing author for the book, EMPIRE of FUNK which was released January 2014.
Arnel launched his “Dance Therapy Program for Children with Special Needs” in April 2014 in collaboration with Culture Shock LA & the DEA. This is a grant-funded, after-school program that serves 1 st , 2 nd , & 3 rd graders enrolled in special day class programs in the Long Beach Unified school district. His hope is to continue to combine occupational therapy techniques with dance art to serve more children with special needs in collaboration with Culture Shock LA and one day extend this program into a summer dance therapy camp. Arnel is also one of the leaders working to expand outreach program development for Kinjaz through their clothing line Kin Aesthetik and also their newly opened space, Kinjaz Komplex. Within the past year, he has been a guest lecturer at UC Irvine, USC, Grossmont College, Cal State Fullerton, and UCLA. He also continues to teach his ROOTS B4 BRANCHES dance workshop and LEADERSHIP TOOLS for the DANCE LEADER workshops, judge dance competitions, and participate in program development internationally today. He does all this while continuing to work full-time as a Doctor of Occupational Therapy for Long Beach Unified School District Related Services.
Book Recommendations:
- Can't Stop Won't Stop by JEFF CHANG
- Becoming by MICHELLE OBAMA
- America is in the Heart - CARLOS BULOSAN
- The Dangerous Art of Blending In - ANGELO SURMELIS
- In Her Purpose - 40 Principles of Asian Women Redefining Success in their Own Terms - ROSE BUADO & JENNIFER REDONDO-MARQUEZ
- Book of Awakenings by MARK NEPO
Follow Arnel:
- Instagram ( link to: www.instagram.com/arnelcalvario )
- https://youtu.be/43QCBwZRftk
- https://youtu.be/sjgJBlN3pHI?list=PL767E0D35A1D92BA0
- https://youtu.be/vm3eGZqihsE?list=PL3E02926EC33D6F42
In this episode Joanna Vargas interviews members from Tequila Movement Dance Crew to learn how they’re dancing through the quarantine in Mexicali, Mexico. This episode gives you insight into life in a different country and a view of how dance is truly a gift in their community.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How quarantine guidelines are in Mexico.
- How members of Tequila Movement have continued their training during quarantine.
- What the last performance meant to Tequila Movement.
- How dance in Mexico is based more on lifting and encouraging one another, rather than competing against one another.
- The influence Latin culture has on the dance community.
Tequila Movement members share that they too are experiencing the same loss dancers from the United States, and all over the world are having, but reveal how they learned to manage. They express that quarantine has created limitations but has also opened new opportunities for the dance community, if they choose to take them.
Members in this episode communicate the joy of being in Tequila Movement and even more the pride of being a Latin dancer. They touch on how dance in Mexico is not viewed as a career choice, but Tequila Movement alongside many other Latin dance companies have overcome all odds. In this episode you’ll learn that dancers are experiencing the same hardships, but the one thing moving them forward is the love for dance.
Question Highlights:
- How is quarantine in Mexico?
- How is it rehearsing online?
- Where did the inspiration from the last set performed at Maxt Out ‘19 “Some Nights” come from?
- What is the difference between dance in Mexico and dance in the United States?
- What do you see dance becoming in Mexico?
- What is the parental view on dance in Mexico?
About Tequila Movement:
Tequila Movement is a Mexican based urban dance competition team founded by Pete & Chris Zavala in December 2009, currently directed by José Vera & Chris Zavala. As a team we believe in the power we have as artists to inspire, be inspired, and change societies.
Follow Tequila Movement:
- Tequila Movement on IG
- Tequila Movement | Maxt Out 2019 [Front Row]
- Tequila Movement | Maxt Out 2019
- Tequila Movement | 1st Place Team Division | World of Dance Arizona 2019
- Tequila Movement | 3rd Place Team Division | Winners Circle | World of Dance Arizona 2018
Follow Tequila Movement Varsity:
- Tequila Movement Varsity | FRONTROW | Jr Team Division | World of Dance Arizona 2019
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
Joanna shares her dance journey from a business perspective. This episode will sure give you a lot of input about starting a business involving dance.
In this episode you will learn about:
- The strengths and weaknesses a business owner can have and how to work around it.
- How important it is to have good work ethics by working as a backup dancer for an artist.
- How to achieve greatness while having struggles.
- How Joanna met Mookie and made him the host of Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Great recommendations to start your own business while evolving dance
Show Notes:
Joanna grew up in Alhambra, CA. She was a shy but creative child. As a 7 year old she created her first dance with formations using her friends and siblings. Joanna began dancing in ballet and moved into Hula where she learned fluid movements and discipline.
Joanna shares her unique experiences as the creator of Maxt Out Dance Competition. In this episode you will find out what her process was while building a dance competition in which thousands of dancers have been a part of in the past 20 years. You don’t want to miss a second of this informative episode.
Question Highlights:
- What do you do to help you get through tough times in life? How did you overcome them?
- You started Maxt Out Dance Competition in 2001. What motivated you to create it? Give us the rundown on how you started it. Give us the whole story.
- What does Maxt Out Dance Competition offer that no one else does?
- What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in the dance world in the past 20 years?
- What are you top 3 new goals?
About Joanna:
Joanna Vargas is a dynamic entrepreneur full of drive and enthusiasm. Joanna has been studying dance since the age of 5 and has been in the entertainment, dance/fitness and production business since high school.
Joanna has been an entrepreneur since graduating high school. In 1999 she created Jayvee Empire, Inc. and created her first professional dance production honoring Michael Jackson called The King of Pop. In 2001 she created Maxt Out Hip Hop Dance Competition and that competition is still running smoothly to this day. Maxt Out Dance Competition hosts 3,000 dancers and fans every year and Joanna’s new Dance Your Life podcast hosts famous choreographers and dancers in the dance community.
In 2004, Joanna opened Jayvee Dance Center and grew that business to 700 students. Since then she has sold that business and created The Fit Factor Studio in 2012. This led to a love for fitness and took her event experience and in 2014 created The Alhambra Pumpkin Run 1K/5K/10K and annually brings more than 5,000 people to the event.
Joanna’s latest creation is: The Get Up Girl Podcast . Every week Joanna pours her wisdom into you through her stories, tools, and fun radical candor. Joanna believes that when you ask better questions, up-level your habits and get real, you’ll live a happier life.
Joanna uses her wide range of experience in leadership, business building and the fundamentals of fitness and movement to create kick ass and life changing events, as well as classes and coaching for clients all over the world. She helps leverage your natural abilities while building your physical and mental strength. Joanna pushes her students, team and colleagues to their absolute personal best, and lovingly provides the training that helps you tap into your personal power.
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
In this episode the tables have turned, Joanna Vargas, creator of “Dance Your Life” is interviewed by Salome Valdez. You will get a business perspective of dance as Joanna talks about her experience with opening her dance studio, Jayvee Dance Studio in Alhambra, CA.
In this episode you will learn about:
- The qualities that make a great dance instructor
- What led Joanna to start her business as a dance studio owner
- How to get through the tough times of starting a new brick and mortar business
- How Joanna went from 1 student to 1,200 students during the times when social media wasn’t really around.
- The tools that are suggested to open your own dance studio
Joanna grew up in Alhambra, CA. She was a shy but creative child. As a 7 year old she created her first dance with formations using her friends and siblings. Joanna began dancing in ballet and moved into Hula where she learned fluid movements and discipline.
Joanna shares her story about opening her dance studio. You will enjoy listening to her experiences throughout this episode. If your dream is to open your own dance studio, this is the episode for you.
Question Highlights:
- When did you know you wanted to be a dance teacher? What do you love the most about teaching?
- How did you come about to start Jayvee in Alhambra, California? I hear there's an interesting story with the opening of Jayvee Dance Center. Tell us about that.
- In 2004, business was different than it is today. How was owning a brick and mortar business different than today?
- What advice would you give anyone wanting to start and own their own dance studio?
- What do you foresee in the future for dancers as far as dance classes and the dance industry, especially after the pandemic?
About Joanna:
Joanna Vargas is a dynamic entrepreneur full of drive and enthusiasm. Joanna has been studying dance since the age of 5 and has been in the entertainment, dance/fitness and production business since high school.
Joanna has been an entrepreneur since graduating high school. In 1999 she created Jayvee Empire, Inc. and created her first professional dance production honoring Michael Jackson called The King of Pop. In 2001 she created Maxt Out Hip Hop Dance Competition and that competition is still running smoothly to this day. Maxt Out Dance Competition hosts 3,000 dancers and fans every year and Joanna’s new Dance Your Life podcast hosts famous choreographers and dancers in the dance community.
In 2004, Joanna opened Jayvee Dance Center and grew that business to 700 students. Since then she has sold that business and created The Fit Factor Studio in 2012. This led to a love for fitness and took her event experience and in 2014 created The Alhambra Pumpkin Run 1K/5K/10K and annually brings more than 5,000 people to the event.
Joanna’s latest creation is: The Get Up Girl Podcast . Every week Joanna pours her wisdom into you through her stories, tools, and fun radical candor. Joanna believes that when you ask better questions, up-level your habits and get real, you’ll live a happier life.
Joanna uses her wide range of experience in leadership, business building and the fundamentals of fitness and movement to create kick ass and life changing events, as well as classes and coaching for clients all over the world. She helps leverage your natural abilities while building your physical and mental strength. Joanna pushes her students, team and colleagues to their absolute personal best, and lovingly provides the training that helps you tap into your personal power.
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
In this episode 664 in the Groove Dance Crew shares how they are training, having fun, and staying informed during the pandemic in Mexico. Get ready for some laughs because you’ll experience a genuine friendship that lives within this team.
In this episode you will learn about:
- The journey to create 664 in the Groove Dance Crew.
- 664 in the Grooves experience at Maxt Out.
- The style that 664 in the Groove focuses on their choreography.
- How the BLM Movement reached Mexico.
- The biggest lesson 664 in the Groove has learned in this time.
Show Notes:
664 in the Groove chat about how they’re staying connected as a team in quarantine, the development of dance culture throughout the years, talk about JLO's & Shakira’s superbowl halftime show, and how it helped bring latin culture to light.
Members share their personal dance backgrounds and speak out on how they feel their training is truly a mixture of the United States and Mexico. They have the best of both worlds since they’re located right at the border and state that is how they’ve been able to create their mark in the dance community.
Question Highlights:
- How long has 664 in the Groove been together?
- What is the biggest difference in choreography from Mexico than in the United States?
- How is 664 in the Groove staying connected in quarantine?
- What is the biggest thing 664 in the Groove has learned during this time?
- Do you feel the world has implemented more latin culture in their choreography since latin artists have become more popular recently in the United States?
About 664 in the Groove:
664 in the Groove is a dance crew representing Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. They are an award winning international dance crew that competed at Maxt Out Dance Competition in November of 2019. 664 in the Groove is recognized by their fun and colorful sets. They give a great show everywhere they go!
Follow 664 in the Groove:
- Instagram @664inthegroove
- MegaCrew | 664 In The Groove | Feel The Bounce 2020
- 664 In The Groove | Maxt Out 2019
- 664 In The Groove | Maxt Out 2017
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
In this episode, Danyel Moulton shares how she went from training professionally as gymnast to falling in love with dance and creating an award winning dance crew.
Danyel’s energy is so infectious and she is so wise. Please note that Joanna’s microphone is not as strong. Our apologies. Hang in there and thanks for listening.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How she was traveling long distances frequently to train in gymnastics from Las Vegas to Orange County.
- How she went from auditioning for a dance program with no dance experience and surprisingly making it into the program to realizing that she wants to dance as a career.
- What she did to accomplish one of her dream jobs by consistently telling herself that she was going to reach her goals.
- Tips on how to keep your dance crew on check for them to build inner fire before every dance competition.
- Always continuing to look for the right match for yourself in regards to the dance crew you want to join and train with.
Danyel Moulton is a dancer and choreographer as well as the founder and director of a competitive hip hop team called VMO. She loves to teach and share energy with her students, team members and audience alike.
Tune into this episode and find out how she went from training professionally as gymnast to falling in love with dance and creating an award winning dance crew.
Question Highlights:
- How did you get into dance and how old were you?
- What do you do to help you get through tough times in life? How did you overcome them?
- Tell us about V MO. How did it get started?
- What is your favorite part about being an instructor or director?
- What are 3 of your ultimate goals?
- What motivation tips would you give yourself as a child?
About Danyel:
Danyel Moulton has been dancing for a few years, and has been a member of the hip hop teams Young Skull Club and ACA Hip Hop. Danyel started off as a professional gymnast. She would travel a long distance to Orange County to get the finest training.
In 2017, Danyel founded her own adult hip hop team called VMO. VMO recently took first place at Maxt Out and Bridge SoCal. Danyel loves to teach, and can’t wait to share energy with the people who take her classes.
Follow Danyel:
- Danyel on Instagram
- Danyel on Twitter
- Danyel on LinkedIn
- Danyel on YouTube
- 3 Dancers Choreograph To The Same Song - Feat. Danyel Moulton, Jonathan Sison, and Andie Zazueta
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
In this episode, Ricky shares how the dance world is today compared to when he first started dancing.
Get all the juicy details about how he kept a stable job while pursuing dance and turning it into a full time career.
In this episode you will learn about:
- The importance of having a backup job to pursue dance as a career.
- Landing a gig to be the main host for World of Dance Tour by filling in at the last minute as a host for one of the competitions.
- Travelling long distances to get the finest dance training and committing to it.
- The experience as an America’s Got Talent competitor and being asked to help as a masseuse.
- The beginning of a dance career in high school that started as a fun hobby turned into a life career.
Ricky Cole is the founder of Soul Fresh Clothing, a dancewear company that has skyrocketed ever since he started hosting for the World of Dance Tour. He has become one of the most well-known personalities in the U.S.
Ricky talks about his views on how the dance world used to be back then when he first started dancing versus the dance world now. In this episode you will get all the juicy details about having a back job while pursuing dance as a career and then finally dancing full time.
Question Highlights:
- Tell us about your experience with World of Dance. How did you become their main host?
- What is the most memorable dance experience you have?
- How do you feel about the dance world now vs the dance world 30 years ago?
- What do you hope for the dance world in the next 10 years? Any changes? What changes?
- What advice do you have for dancers looking to get into dance as a career?
About Ricky:
Ricky Cole is a professional dancer and choreographer and currently CEO of Soul Fresh Clothing & physical extension Soul Fresh Fam, a clothing company and Professional Dance/Mentorship. Ricky has traveled the world hosting, judging, teaching workshops and master classes sharing his passion and love for dances.
Some of his credits include Coca-Cola, Nike, Reebok, BET (The family business), Bet experience, World Of Dance (Tour Host), (ABDC7) Mos Wanted Crew, Dancing With the Stars (LXD) -(America’s Got Talent) AGT Sick Step, Mary J Blige -NAS -Busta Rhymes -Mims-Snoop Dogg and the list goes on.
Follow Ricky:
- Instagram @the.rickycole
- Ricky Cole & Soul Fresh Family | World of Dance Orange County 2019 | #WODOC19
- Ricky Cole | Soul Fresh Fam | Ocho - Fuck It Up
- Ricky Cole + Soul Fresh Fam | World of Dance Arizona 2016 | #WODAZ16
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- Learn more: Dance Your Life
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- Instagram @maxtoutdance
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Kavita shares her story about how her business background helps guide her projects to success over and over again. You will get the inside scoop on her dance career and her journey to becoming a successful businesswoman in dance.
In this episode you will learn about:
- Constantly switching dance agencies to sign with an agent that best fits
- What dance directors usually look for at auditions
- Different ways to make a career with dance and creating your own jobs
- How having connections is so important without burning bridges
- How graduating with a degree in 3 years with 2 different majors was helpful
Kavita is one of LA’s leading choreographers, Rao, is a multi-genre creator who uses a diverse palette of styles and mediums to create versatile and one of a kind dance experiences. What makes Rao unique is her approach to sharing the knowledge she has gained through her professional dance career, PR career, and also from owning and running her own dance entertainment business for the past 11 years.
Each year, Rao continues to push the boundaries in live entertainment while developing new skills behind the camera. Her business background helps guide her projects to success over and over again. You will get the inside scoop on her dance career and her journey to becoming a successful businesswoman in dance.
Question Highlights:
- How did you get into dance and how old were you?
- Who were your dance role models and why?
- What are your dance strengths and weaknesses?
- Tell us a little more about Karmagraphy and why you decided to create it?
- How do you feel about the dance world now vs the dance world 20 years ago?
- What do you hope for the dance world in the next 10 years? Any changes? What changes?
- What advice do you have for dancers looking to get into dance as a career?
About Kavita:
Kavita Rao is the director, owner, and artistic director of Karmagraphy, a full-service entertainment company, founded in 2009.
Kavita is signed with MSA, one of L.A.’s top agencies and has been featured in numerous live shows, music videos, films, commercials and television shows as a dancer. She recently worked as a choreographer with Kristen Bell and Kelsey Grammer for an upcoming Netflix movie and on a new NBC pilot airing this fall.
Follow Kavita:
- Instagram @kavitadance
- Instagram @karmagraphy
- Karmagraphy Entertainment
- Karmagraphy Entertainment Reel
- Karmagraphy Entertainment | On Camera Reel
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
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- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
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In this episode you will learn how Amanda thrived in becoming an inspiration for all types of dancers around the world. You will be inspired by this young artist and how she is BREAKING THE DANCE STEREOTYPE.
In this episode you will learn about:
- What it’s like to have her mom as her dance manager (Momager)
- Building relationships in the dance community and how the way you treat people goes along way.
- How to get to work with the artists of your dreams.
- Moving from Colorado to start a dance life in “harsh” L.A and striving as a teen dancer.
- Continually being rejected because of not having the body type that was expected from a professional dancer.
Show Notes:
Amanda has her own movement #breakingthestereotype that promotes body positivity and the knowing that any "body" can be a dancer. Amanda's passion is dance, but her goal is to inspire others to follow their dreams.
In this episode you will learn how Amanda thrived in becoming an inspiration for all types of dancers around the world. You will be inspired by this young artist.
Question Highlights:
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Tell us about your brand #breakingthestereotype?
- What do you hope for the dance world in the next 10 years? Any changes? What changes?
- What expectations do you have for yourself in the next 5 years?
- What is a tip you have to give to the dancers that want to be exposed?
About Amanda:
Amanda LaCount is a well known hip hop dancer, actress, choreographer, singer, model and influencer. She has been dancing since she was 2 years old. In 2015 she moved from Colorado to Los Angeles to follow her dream of becoming a professional dancer and actress.
Some of Amanda’s most notable performances include dancing with Meghan Trainor on RDMA, dancing on The Ellen Show with Keala Settle from "The Greatest Showman", dancing with Disney's "Descendants 2" Cast on DWTS, dancing on 2 Episodes of The Voice, dancing in Katy Perry's "Swish Swish" music video feat. Nicki Minaj, performing at Coachella with Lizzo, performing in Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Show at NYFW, and performing as Alana (one of Ariel's sisters) in ABC's "The Little Mermaid Live".Most recently Amanda danced in Lady Gaga's "Stupid Love" music video.
Follow Amanda:
- Website www.amandalacount.com
- Amanda LaCount on Instagram
- Twitter @amandalacount6
- Snapchat @amandapanda2684
- Amanda LaCount Dance
- Amanda LaCount
- Amanda LaCount Facebook Fan Page
- Amanda LaCount on iMDB
- Jordan Matter
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
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- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
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In this episode you will learn about:
- Being born into dance and growing up as a dance studio child.
- Having downfalls and not giving up in life while becoming one of the top choreographers.
- Embarrassing audition stories and overcoming them.
- How Instagram is a visual resume for dancers.
- The kind of professional dancers choreographers want to hire.
Show Notes:
Michele Soulchild is a humble, talented choreographer who started dancing as a dance studio dancer and her love for the hip hop dance style has taken her far to work with several pop artists around the world.
This episode will help you see that everyone goes through ups and downs but it’s how you respond to it that matters.
Question Highlights:
- What is one of your all time favorite era of music?
- What’s your all time favorite dance career memory? Good or bad.
- What do you do to help you get through tough times in life? How did you overcome them?
- What’s in the works right now? Are you working on any major projects?
- How do you feel about the dance world now vs the dance world 20 years ago?
- What is a tip you have to give to the dancers that want to be exposed?
About Michele Soulchild:
Michele Soulchild has been working professionally in the entertainment industry as a dancer / teacher & choreographer for 15+ years. Some of her credits include City Girls, Quavo, Busta Rhymes, Future, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Tyga, Dawn Richards, Veronica Vega, Iggy Azalea, Busta Rhymes, Tory Lanez, Rihanna, Keke Palmer, Will Smith, Russ, Anderson .Paak, Serayah, Zendaya, Toni Braxton, Tisha Campbell, Ginuwine, Snoop Dogg, Jodeci, & more.
Michele has danced in feature films like “Honey 2” and John Legends “Breaking Through” and has also worked on major television shows for networks such as Netflix, Disney Channel, NBC, ABC, Showtime, Nickelodeon & more. Michele Soulchild is a well rounded, experienced and versatile professional in the entertainment industry and feels thankful and lucky that her passion is her profession.
Follow Michele:
- Instagram @michelesoulchild
- 2019 Soul Train Awards | Luke James, Ro James & BJ The Chicago Kid “Go Girl”
- Anderson. Paak “Luh You”
- Nicki Minaj F/ Lil Wayne “Good Form” (Co-Choreographer)
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
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- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
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- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
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Helene shares her story about working closely with Michael Jackson when Captain EO burst its way in to Disneyland and how she found her calling as a choreographer.
In this episode you will learn about:
- How being determined about your dance career can take you far.
- The differences between the dance industry now vs a few years ago.
- An unforgettable experience working with Michael Jackson on Captain EO.
- The importance of work ethics and what you can accomplish by not waiting for dance jobs to come to you.
- What Helene hopes for the future of dance.
Show Notes:
Helene Phillips is a choreographer, instructor and dancer who has seen the dance world change. She has been working as a dancer her whole life. There is no stopping for Helene.
In this episode you will learn so much about how it was to be a dancer back when Captain EO was first made with Michael Jackson and how she found her calling as a choreographer.
Question Highlights:
- What was your experience like working with MJ on Captain EO.?
- What is the most memorable dance experience you have?
- How do you feel about the dance world now vs the dance world 30 years ago?
- What do you hope for the dance world in the next 10 years? Any changes? What changes?
- What advice do you have for dancers looking to get into dance as a career?
About Helene:
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Helene started to move to music at the age of 2. At age 6, she started formal training, and by age 18, she was awarded a dance scholarship to the world renowned Roland Dupree Dance Academy. At age 21, Helene was called in to audition for the TV series, Solid Gold. By then hundreds of dancers had already auditioned. The day after her audition, Helene was selected to be one of the original Solid Gold Dancers.
Soon after, she was written up as one of the top dancers of her time! In a progressively challenging career, she has worked with legendary performers and directors for the past 20 years, among which were Madonna (Who’s That Girl Tour), John Travolta (Stayin’ Alive), James Brown and Dan Aykroyd (Dr. Detroit), Michael Douglas (A Chorus Line – the film), John Candy (Going Berserk), Rosie O’ Donnell and Penny Marshall (all Christmas holiday spots for K-Mart), Christina Applegate and Jay Mohr (Mafia), Charlie Sheen and Anna Faris (A Spelling Bee), Peter Gabriel and Sting (live benefit concerts), Denis Leary and Elizabeth Hurley (Dawg), and the list goes on and on.
Follow Helene:
Website: HelenePhillips.com
Facebook: Helene Phillips
Instagram: Helene_Phillips
YouTube: Helene Phillips
Twitter: @helene_phillips
DANCE DISH - A web series where dancers tell the “inside scoop” about their gigs.
Facebook: Dance Dish
Instagram: Dance Dish
YouTube: Dance Dish
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
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- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
Cat shares her story on how she started focusing a lot on mental health within dancers. She is a unique artist in so many ways. You will find so much inspiration in this episode!
In this episode you will learn about:
- What dance teachers should consider learning to become the best dance teacher they can be for their dance students.
- The difference between dancing in New York vs dancing in L.A.
- Why prioritizing mental health is very important for dancers.
- How constant training even when you’ve “made it” is important.
- Cat’s creation of a safe space for dancers without judgement, and a celebration of self called Catastrophe.
Show Notes:
Cat Cogliandro danced on So You Think You Can Dance, America's Got Talent, The 2014 Gypsy Awards, and The Pulse on Tour. Cat was also named one of Dance Spirit Magazine "13 of the Dance World's Hottest Young Choreographers" in the November 2014 issue.
Cat has worked at several dance studios. She has presented her craft at several events. Cat tells you her story on how she started focusing a lot on mental health within dance. She is a unique artist in so many ways. You will find so much inspiration in this episode!
Question Highlights:
- How did you get into dance and how old were you?
- Who were your dance role models and why?
- What are your dance strengths and weaknesses?
- I see that you’re in the process of starting your own company, Catastrophe, tell us about that.
- How do you feel about the dance world now vs the dance world 20 years ago?
- Who is killin’ it in the dance industry right now? Choreographer? Dancer? Instructor?
- What do you hope for the dance world in the next 10 years? Any changes? What changes?
- What advice do you have for dancers looking to get into dance as a career?
About Cat:
Cat Cogliandro is a dancer and choreographer who got her BFA in dance from SUNY Purchase and moved to the city after she graduated. She got a job working at the BDC store and worked her way up where she presently teaches at BDC and Peridance. Cat was living in LA for the last 4 or 5 years and was teaching at Movement Lifestyle, Millennium, IMMAspace and Edge Dance Studio. She is not currently signed due to taking some time to be on her own to search for what she truly values and wanted to accomplish in her career but is now beginning to manifest and work towards finding an agent again.
Cat’s mission and purpose in this life is to help people and she truly believes Dance is the greatest connection to do so. She believes in the power of self-love and breaking the stigmas of mental illness.. She is very passionate about mental health, the younger generation (ie: age appropriate dance, positive training, etc), and being open and honest about things in dance such as abuse, misconduct, etc. Cat isn’t afraid to say what she believes in and is working her hardest to be a good person instead of just a good dancer.
Cat’s also been known for her mouth but as she shed layers of her ego, She is trying to discover how to communicate with kindness and lead by example rather than preach. Trying to evolve from the inside out and hoping to inspire others to do the same, her classes are very heavily based on self-love. She gets deep.
Follow Cat:
- www.catcogliandro.com
- Instagram @cat_cogliandro
- Instagram @catastrophe_dance
- Cat Cogliandro on YouTube
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
Marie shares her story on how she lived through a short time frame with her Visa in the U.S as a street performer to booking her first paid dance gig. This episode will truly give you chills of excitement.
In this episode you will learn about:
- Having a short time frame to book a dance job with an almost expired Visa in L.A.
- How being a street performer in Chicago taught her to be a great dancer.
- Why she almost gave up on her dance career living in L.A to booking her first dance paid gig.
- Overcoming tough times while moving to multiple locations to find her true calling in dance.
- Why building relationships in the dance world without burning your bridges can create more happiness.
Show Notes:
Marie Poppins works professionally in the entertainment industry as a dancer, teacher & choreographer. Marie is an expert in the popping dance style.
Marie shares her story on how she lived through a short time frame with her Visa in the U.S as a street performer to booking her first paid dance gig. This episode will truly give you chills of excitement.
Question Highlights:
- How did you get into dance and how old were you?
- What’s your all time favorite dance career memory? Good or bad.
- What do you do to help you get through tough times in life? How did you overcome them?
- What’s in the works right now? Are you working on any major projects?
- How do you feel about the dance world now vs the dance world 20 years ago?
- What is a tip you have to give to the dancers that want to be exposed?
About Marie Poppins:
Marie Bonnevay, stage name Marie Poppins is a French Professional Dancer, currently living in Los Angeles. She started dancing in France and followed her training in Chicago with Stick and Move Dance crew, and then with Culture Shock Los Angeles.
She learned different styles of dance and decided to focus on Popping. She is now steadily making a name for herself in the Hip-Hop circuit, winning battle after battle, including: BBOY SUMMIT 2010- LA, HIP HOP INTERNATIONAL 2009- Las Vegas, FINALIST FREESTYLE SESSION 2010 – LA, HIPOPSESSION 2010 – FRANCE, FINALIST SDK - UK, BATTLE VISION 2010- FRANCE, and JUST 4 LADIES – France.
Marie Poppins has worked with artists such as Justin Bieber, Busta Rhymes, Dj Tiesto, Rita Ora, KRS One, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Common, Ludacris, Ray J, and Cascada. She judged Hip-Hop International Mexico, Brazil, UK, Ireland, Madrid, and Russia.
She was recently casted for the new dance movie STREETDANCE 3D choreographed by Rich and Tone Talauega. You can see Marie Poppins on TV in the last Superbowl Budweiser Commercial “Eternal Optimism” and in the I ROBOT vaccuum Commercial choreographed by Shotyme. Marie Poppins’ workshop is about sharing her knowledge in Popping, Tutting, and Animation that she learned and developed in Los Angeles.
Follow Marie Poppins:
- Website Miss Marie Poppins
- Instagram @mariepoppinsdancer
- MARIE POPPINS - SUBURBAN CRADLES - FT. MATT STEFANINA AND MIA MUGS - TMILLY STUDIO
- MARIE POPPINS - HALSEY GASOLINE - WORLD OF DANCE
- MARIE POPPINS - BEYONCE - PRAY YOU CATCH ME - WORLD OF DANCE
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
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- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
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- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
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- TikTok @joannavargasofficial
The Dance Your Life podcast will help you and your dance career. Whether you want to dance professionally on tour, choreograph for camera or create your own dance crew, we have the information for you.
In this episode you will learn about:
- Why we started this podcast
- How many times we will publish a show
- What to expect in this podcast
- Who we will be interviewing
- How to help us give back with our Dance Grant for dancers
- Subscribe, share and review on your favorite app where you listen
Follow us:
- Learn more: Dance Your Life
- Learn more: Maxt Out Dance Competition
- Instagram @maxtoutdance
- Maxt Out on Facebook
- TikTok @maxtoutdance
- Sign-up for our FREE Maxt Out at Home Dance Classes!
Follow Joanna:
- Learn more The Get Up Girl
- Joanna Vargas on Instagram
- Joanna Vargas on Facebook
- TikTok @joannavargasofficial