Dance Uncorked Podcast: Recent Episodes
Lindsey Jean
Meet podcast host Lindsey Jean - a dance artist and wine enthusiast who loves to discuss all things dance over a good glass of vino. Dance Uncorked is a platform to discuss important topics that live within dance as an art form and career - unpacking the good, and the bad. Each episode will be accompanied by a special bottle of wine, and most often, a stellar guest dance artist to deepen the conversation. Basic wine knowledge and tips will be shared along the way, exposing the artistry behind wine making, tasting, and pairing. Thank you for tuning in - Cheers!
Episode 2 is full of some very rich content thanks to my guests and past students, Jenna and Serena; sisters that were present for most of my teaching career at Spotlight Dance Center in Orlando, Florida. Living in 3 different states made it challenging for us to decide on a single wine to share. So, we each agreed to find a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir to enjoy and I pulled out the Wooden Shoe Vineyards 2016 Pinot Noir from my wine rack. After spending extra time talking about Pinot Noirs from the Willamette Valley region, we dove into dance superpowers that have resonated with Jenna and Serena on and off the stage. A few superpowers that are mentioned:
- Patience and constructive criticism
- Confidence to fail
- The skill of being connection to your body and the special experience of moving with others
- Self-trust that stems from the confidence superpower
- Discipline in meeting expectations that translate to respect for others and yourself
The exceptional content in this episode is the product of Jenna and Serena’s deep thinking and willingness to specifically define their dance superpowers according to their truths. This episode travels into the next layer of common dance superpowers and exposes how to articulate them in a more meaningful way. Jenna is a flight attendant instructor and Serena works in food and nutrition policy in addition to recently becoming a yoga instructor. I’m so proud of them, and I think this episode will show you why these two women are a force together and individually.
Wooden Shoe Vineyards: https://woodenshoevineyards.com/Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm: https://www.woodenshoe.com/Hourglass Brewing: https://hourglassbrewing.com/about/Beer Babes Family: https://www.beerbabesfamily.com/Follow Jenna's Beer Adventures: / orlbeerbabe
The start of Season 3 couldn't have been better, thanks to my former student and episode 1 guest, Donae Fourth! I met Donae when she was teenager while on faculty at Spotlight Dance Center in Orlando, Florida. She is as lovely now as she was back then with incredible intellect, elegance, and charm. Throughout the conversation, Donae reflects on a variety of dance super powers that have helped her find success through career changes, moving cross-country, and completing her graduate studies:
- The art of discipline
- Learning and adapting quickly
- Being open and receptive to feedback
- Understanding the importance of community
These dance superpowers have shown up for her over the last decade, and currently in a Project Management career. I'm so proud of her accomplishments, but more importantly, I'm proud of how she leveraged her dance superpowers to navigate through major changes in her life. Donae's collected confidence shines through the episode, and I can't wait for audiences to hear what she has to say.
Thank you Donae, for setting the tone of an exciting season ahead. Cheers!
Featured Wine:
McBride Sisters Collection - 2021 Chardonnay
Central Coast California
Season 3 started off strong with a beautiful 2021 Chardonnay from the McBride Sisters Collection! Curated by the women that also own and operate the brands Black Girl Magic Wine and She CAN Wines, this Chardonnay is as unique as the story behind the McBride Sisters entry into the wine industry, and into each other's lives. Their mantra, "go where you don't belong, because someday you will" empowers women and specifically, women of color, to rise as leaders in a male-dominated industry. The McBride Sisters are trailblazers, creating a legacy right before our eyes - and they're just getting started. Donae picked out this wine, and we enjoyed the crisp, citrus-forward flavors of the 2021 Chardonnay. A hint of oak is the icing on the cake. Read more about the McBride Sisters Collection and the 2021 Chardonnay on their website.
It is a new year, and I'm looking forward to an exciting Season 3! I will be returning to the conversation on dance superpowers in the workplace. But this time, I will be hearing from past students that I've had the honor of teaching as they grew from children into young adults at Spotlight Dance Center in Orlando, Florida. This is a really special season for me; allowing me to reconnect with students with whom I've only been following on social media as a means to stay up to date on their success. It's also special because these important conversations are fueling future endeavors and goals of mine to create a resource for young dance students taking their first professional leap. It is my hope that this work can reframe the way a young dancer approaches entering into non-dance industries with confidence and avoid feelings of failure because dance is not the focal point. I'm so proud of my students for the paths they've navigated, the success they've found in their current work, and for continuing to be some of the best human beings I've had the pleasure of interacting with as an educator. For those that have supported this podcast since Season 1, thank you. Dance Uncorked is a simple and sincere love project that holds space in my arsenal of artistic creations as another way to connect with audiences near and far. If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and I thank you too for being here.Grab a glass of wine, and enjoy!- Lindsey Jean
In the final episode of a short season 2, I am joined by fellow Company Movimiento core members, Mariah Melson and Jana Mezsaros to discuss some important dance superpowers that have brought success in their current careers. Mariah is the owner of a local resale clothing business, The Clothes Horse (my favorite shopping destination, hands down) and Jana works for the City of Eugene in the Cultural Services division. Together, we uncover the following superpowers (and more!):
- Resourcefulness - A dancer's act of creating is quite literally, making something out of nothing. This skill is highly transferable in the workplace, and just might make you the most invaluable employee.
- Confidence in creating; having faith in your own vision - Dance performance and choreographing builds confidence on a deeper level; we are willing to be courageously vulnerable with our audiences through our art. This kind of deeply rooted confidence is the mark of a great leader - something every company needs.
Throughout the episode, we can't help but discover more dance superpowers that have served us in our careers, and we engage in the discussion with glasses of Zilch's Non-Alcoholic Bubbly Brut as the beverage of choice. Just like the ease and joy I experienced with Mariah and Jana in this episode, we sipped on "bubbles without the troubles" and savored every last drop!
Watch on YouTube.
Resources discussed in the episode:
The Clothes Horse
City of Eugene Cultural Services
Company Movimiento
DanceAbility International
Kyra Bannister - friend and fellow local dance artist joins me in episode 5 to discuss her top three dance superpowers that have served her in the workplace. Originally from Florida, but spent most of her early years in San Fransisco, Kyra’s dance background spans from musical theatre to Limón and Horton modern dance techniques. She identifies the following dance superpowers that have served her in her current career as a clinical assistant for sports medicine and physical rehabilitation:
- Resiliency - The ability to keep going, and showing up.
- Empathy - Understanding life through the eyes of others.
- Multitasking/Multi-functional Learning -
Learning dance in and of itself, exposes individuals to multiple learning styles. Thus, molding dancers into iconic multitaskers.
Kyra brings an intellectual approach to concepts that have surfaced in previous episodes, offering listeners a different lens to consider these superpowers. I always appreciate the way Kyra dives head first, straight into the deep end - both in her friendships and the way she experiences dance. Please enjoy this episode as much as I did!
Watch on YouTube.
Follow Kyra: Company Movimiento
In Episode 4, I’m joined by Cynthia Gutierrez-Garner, Artistic Director of Company Movimiento. She also happens to be a close friend and dance mentor who continuously provides opportunity for fellow artists, observers and dance enthusiasts alike. In this episode, Cynthia dives deep into her dance history and how that led her to starting her own modern and jazz dance company in Eugene, Oregon five years ago. Company Movimiento was born out of Cynthia’s desire to represent LatinX voices and increase presence in her local dance community. She talks about her upcoming concert, “Rooted” scheduled to run at Oregon Contemporary Theatre April 28-29, 2023 in addition to two dance superpowers that have served her in jobs outside of dance:
- Building Community
- Improvising
Accompanied by a beautiful glass of Antiquum Farm’s 2019 Juel, Cynthia and I do what we do best - talk dance, sip wine, and dream about changing paradigms deeply embedded in dance one step at a time. Cynthia sums up this episode perfectly: “When you’re passionate about something, sharing that is easy.”
Check out Company Movimiento and purchase tickets for their upcoming concert, “Rooted.”
April 28-29, 2023, 7:30pm
Oregon Contemporary Theatre
Watch on YouTube.
Company Movimiento’s Instagram.
Company Movimiento’s Facebook.
In Episode 3, I'm joined by local dance artist, company director, and choreographer, Nate Boozer. Nate has been in the Eugene/Springfield dance scene for almost 2 decades dancing throughout the community and directing Work! Dance Company for a solid 15-year run. Throughout his dance career, Nate has worked in many industries outside of dance, including his present endeavors working full time as the Director of Training for StarCycle Ride Corporate, and remains in the community as Studio Manager and Instructor at StarCycle Eugene. Playfully naming his current career as his “Las Vegas Residency,” Nate identifies 3 “dance superpowers” that he carries in the workplace outside of dance:
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Working with people productively
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Confidence and the “Inner Performer”
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Artistic Expression
While we unpack these superpowers, we enjoy a glass of Hayworth Estate Wines Double E (Mini) Sparkling Brut. Join us in episode 3 as we cheers to the many gifts dance has afforded Nate to find success in a now, corporate career!
Watch on YouTube.
Follow Nate Boozer on Instagram and Facebook.
Follow Work Dance Company on Instagram and Facebook.
Follow StarCycle Eugene to stay up to date with Nate’s ride class schedule!
In Episode 2, I'm joined by my friend and past colleague, Bryant Henderson Shea. Bryant and I met in Grad School, and we graduated from the University of Oregon with MFAs in 2017. Bryant is a great dancer and choreographer in addition to a fantastic dance educator both in the private sector and higher education. Throughout his dance career, Bryant has worked in many industries outside of dance, including his present endeavors working full time in the corporate world while residing in Alabama. When I asked about the "dance superpowers" he's discovered in the workplace outside of dance, he replied with a list of the following top three:
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Collaboration
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Empathic Leadership
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Negotiation Skills
We spend a good deal of time unpacking each of these superpowers, and we do so over big and bold glasses of red blends. During this episode, we each enjoy our own red blends: Estero Wine's 2020 Red Blend, and Edgefield Vineyard's 2018 Black Rabbit Red. Join us in episode 2 as we cheers to Bryant's list of dance superpowers that have brought him success in the workplace outside of dance!
Follow Bryant on Facebook and Instagram.
Welcome back to Dance Uncorked Podcast Season 2! After a long break from recording, I’m back with a fantastic season of episodes. Season 2 is all about exploring how past dance training, experiences, and professional careers impact your current career(s) that may or may not be dance related. I’m excited to kick off a great second season with the first episode!
In this episode, I share 3 “dance superpowers” I have acquired through my dance past that brings me success in my current career in Safety and Risk Services and the University of Oregon.
- Adaptability and being able to pivot quickly if needed.
- If you can produce a show, you can execute a project… and you can do it well.
- Our desire to authentically connect with others makes us invaluable team members.
Accompanied by a beautiful glass of J.Scott Cellars 2019 Petite Sirah, I encourage dancers working in careers outside of dance to consider how your own “dance superpowers” can serve you and bring you success.
Watch on YouTube.
Featured Wine: J. Scott Cellars 2019 Petite Sirah
In this episode, I am joined by Jess Hoffman and Jimee Alzahrani, co-founders of Oregon-based dance company, Roselynn Dance. We spent time together dancing our way through the dance program at the University of Oregon and reunite during this episode to talk about their dance company and upcoming dance concert, The Process Project. Accompanied by Silvan Ridge’s 2017 Pinot Noir, we discuss and explore the broad definition of dance, dance expression, and how we like our art. It is obvious why Jess and Jimee work so well together and that despite living in two different physical locations, they are successful in creating meaningful work. They dive into details about their upcoming concert; an evening of work that offers the audience an interesting lens to experience the creative process that often goes unnoticed during an average night out to watch a performance. I’ve always loved dancing and creating with Jimee and Jess; artists that are truly open, warm, and grounded in who they are.
Their debut concert, The Process Project is November 13, 2021 at 6:00pm in Portland, Oregon. A small audience will have the opportunity to watch the concert in person, and there is a virtual option for viewers to livestream the concert from any location. To purchase tickets (either in person, or virtual) please click here.
To follow Roselynn Dance:
Website
I am joined by one of my oldest and best friends, Brittney Coates, in an episode that covers the controversial, yet important nuances of the relationships between the body (image) and dance. Growing up dancing together in highly competitive studios, we encountered tensions between body image expectations and pressures to look a certain way on stage and even, in the classroom. Brittney expands on the individual challenges she faced as a young woman and the feedback she received from dance mentors on her developing body during that time. She explains how that feedback negatively effected her then and how it informed the relationship she had with her body as a young adult. Together over a glass of Portlandia 2019 Pinot Noir, we uncover how Brittney was able to take that negative feedback from her past, and turn it into a more positive way to teach students who currently attend her yoga classes at Funky Mudra Yoga Studio in Deerfield Beach, FL.
I feel that this episode will reach many artists as body image in dance is a major focus, especially in highly competitive environments. I hope that this episode speaks to all listeners, but especially to dance educators who have the privilege and immense responsibility of contributing to the growth of a young human. Sometimes the smallest comments and most insignificant perceived moments can deeply interrupt the healthy ways to build relationships with our bodies over time. I am grateful to Brittney for sharing her personal experiences on this platform, and I hope that listeners see her as I do: a true Wonder Woman.
To follow Brittney & Funky Mudra:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkymudrayoga/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funkymudrayogastudio
Website: https://www.funkymudrayoga.com/
Episode 4 features a dear friend, fellow dance educator and brilliant dance artist, Allison Eversoll. Over a glass of Cooper & Thief’s Red Wine Blend, we recall a phone conversation that spiraled into a podcast-worthy episode.
In the dance industry - specifically, higher education dance - employment can often be a difficult journey as the job pool is small, selective, and lengthy in process. These descriptors can also apply to the commercial dance industry or any other field that involves dance/art in general. When presented with a potential job opportunity to teach in higher education across the country, Allison was forced to confront a big (and unfamiliar) decision…choosing herself and her current goals….or her career. This episode breaks down the process specific to her decision making, and unveils larger questions such as:
Why do dance artists feel guilty about not choosing or accepting to work in the dance industry, simply because they don’t want to? Not only will this rich conversation reach dancers, but will be understood by anyone who has had to finally sit down and be honest with themselves about what they really want. Even if that means reorganizing where your “career” sits on your life-long priority list.
Follow Allison:
Instagram: @allisoneversoll
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonechasteen
Website: https://allisoneversoll.com/
All.Is.One.Fitness: https://allisoneversoll.com/challenges and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/all.is.one.fitness
In this episode, I am joined by an old friend and dance artist, Stephanie Williams, who is lighting up Orlando, FL with her efforts to use dance and the arts in general, to serve the community. As CEO and Director of The Center for the Arts, Stephanie has created accessible programming that fuses the arts with mental health and wellness in order to help young people find confidence and expressive freedom. Her Diamond in the Rough program inspires youth to become the best version of themselves and educates young people how to exist and serve with excellence. We toast to her Royal Diamonds Dance Team with Chandon Brut Bubbles - both the traditional sparkling wine and the Rosé!
Stephanie is an amazing mentor to so many, and I am honored to know her. Her words and work remind us that the best kind of art gives back; and that cyclical, community based art-making contributes to a brighter future.
Cheers!
To follow and support:
Instagram: @mscapeverde @thecenterfta @royaldiamondsdanceteam
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.nunes.50
https://www.facebook.com/TheCenter5678
www.thecenterfta.com
Dance artist and educator, David Gabriel joins DU Podcast for a 2-part episode special. In part 1, David reviews his dance history, and how he journeyed into teaching Afro-Latin dance. Most notably, he uncovers how he managed to “break the genre” of Afro-Latin dance into private sector dance studio training in Orlando, FL as a regular multi-leveled class for students. He has found success amidst challenges and obstacles, and is breaking down barriers in dance studio culture. We toast to dance with Union Wine Company’s canned Underwood Pinot Noir and accept that our conversations cannot be limited by time. This 1-hour part 1 episode is filled with laughs, special shout outs, wise words, history lessons of Latin music, dance, and culture….and exposes how a “parent gang” can support you and your art form. David is the director of Dialects Dance Theatre, an instructor at Skyra Studios in Orlando, FL…and one of my dearest friends.
Cheers!
“If you are the first to do it, everything that you do - every step, every class that you teach is an audition…for years. Every single class has to be notable. Something has to happen that moves people. Every single time.” - David Gabriel
To follow David Gabriel and Dialects Dance Theatre:
Instagram: @theatreofdance
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theatreofdance
www.modernlatin.com
Dance artist and educator, David Gabriel joins us for a 2-part episode special. In part 2, we dive deep into a heavier conversation that is rooted in a single question that I ask: “It’s an interesting time for dance instructors, especially dance instructors of color. With the magnification of the BLM Movement this past year, what have you experienced in the last 6 months?”
This 30 minute part 2 episode is a meaningful conversation exposing how African or African American art forms are valued in the United States and how David chooses to navigate through that. His life experiences have empowered him to “have the mentality of knowing” when it comes to his stance on the pertinence of his chosen art form, Afro-Latin dance. This episode is filled with powerful words from David that inspires each listener to be their authentic self when creating art.
David’s perspective is unique and worth digesting.
Cheers!
To support David Gabriel and Dialects Dance Theatre:
Instagram: @theatreofdance
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theatreofdance
www.modernlatin.com
Meet dance artist, Sophia Burke, who joins me over a glass of Bogle Vineyards Merlot! Together, we discuss what it’s like right now living in New York City as a Radio City Rockette….without performing this season in the historic Christmas Spectacular Show at Radio City Music Hall. We chat about other entertainment venues and companies that have gone “dark” because of challenges presented by COVID-19. Can working dancers economically survive the pandemic? What does the future hold for dancers and other entertainers as we move into 2021?
Just a clip to introduce myself, the podcast, and my mission.
Thank you for tuning in.
I look forward to our journey together.