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Guests - Joshua Blake Carter and Becca GrdenHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 46 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, the topic of conversation is improvisation - from improv in class to the professional world and everywhere in between! Joining us this week are guests Joshua Blake Carter from Giordano Dance Chicago and IDA Judge Becca Grden.Topics Include: What improv is and isn't How to introduce improv at a young age in the studio  Professional applications of improv Tips to overcome your fear of improvThe blog that inspired this episode was released in January 2019, and titled “Finding Your Confidence Through Improv". Read now!Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Joshua - @jbcchoreographyBecca - @ChoreobybeccaCheck out our guest’s current projects! Joshua premiered his first short film for Giordano Dance Chicago in November 2020, adapting choreographer Autumn Eckman's 2012 work "JOLT" for the screen. Stream anytime for free!This episode is sponsored by:Level Up Dance Supplies - Dance gear and Dance bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! CLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode! You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Guests -  Amber Nadelkov and Clarice OrdazHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 45 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we go back in time to remember the "good old days" of competition as Courtney and Lesley sit down with IDA judge Amber Nadelkov and comp kid turned professional dancer and teacher Clarice Ordaz. Topics Include: The days before levels, age groups, and platinums How competition prepared our guests for their professional lives The quintessential convo about how small the dance world isThe blog that inspired this episode was released in April 2017, and is titled “Three Things Dance Competitions Gave Me That Weren't Trophies”. Read now!Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Amber - @Dancinambs678Clarice - @d8clariceThis episode is sponsored by:Level Up Dance Supplies - Dance Gear and Dance Bags!Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678Jake Nothing - Team Gear and Apparel!Check out their website for unique, customized team gear!CLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode! You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the airLeave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.comLevel Up Dance Supplies Dance gear and Dance bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678Jake Nothing Your one-stop shop for Team Jackets and Studio Apparel!

On this special episode of Making the Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley are joined by IDA affiliated competitions Diva Dance Competition, Star Talent Productions, Gems Dance Competition, and HD Dance Competition to discuss expectations for the 2021 competition season. Topics include: Need-to-know info for studio owners to pass to students and parents Safety and sanitary measures being taken at each event Judging expectations Block scheduling and awards protocolFollow Us!Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizLesley Mealor - @lil_lez36Impact Dance Adjudicators - @impactdanceadjudicatorsFollow Our Guests and IDA Affiliated Competitions!Diva Dance Competition - @divacompsStar Talent Productions - @StarTalentDanceGems Dance Competition  - @dance4gemsHIgh Demand Dance Competition - @hddancecompThis episode is sponsored by:Check out our service - IDA Online Judges' Critiques!Send us a video of your dance, and one of our IDA Judges will critique your routine within 72 hours. You can also add on additional feedback to take your performance to the next level. To learn more and submit your video now, head to our website!Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! For a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

In the December Edition of Q&A With Courtney LIVE!, Courtney and special guest Emily Branigan answer your questions on topics including: "Creepy" themed dances for minis How to get into judging Hair diversity on the competition stage The open categoryCLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode. You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!This episode is sponsored by:Dance Costumes By Urzúa - Custom Costumes!Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout!Jake Nothing - Unique, Customized Team Gear and Apparel!Follow Us!Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizImpact Dance Adjudicators - @impactdanceadjudicatorsEmily Branigan - @embraniganLeave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! For a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website www.impactdanceadjudicators.comDance Costumes by Urzúa Custom costumes! Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout! Jake Nothing Your one-stop shop for Team Jackets and Studio Apparel!

Guests - Robb Gibbs and Leslie Scott ZanovitchHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 42  of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley hear from special guest Leslie Scott Zanovitch, founder of Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (YPAD,) along with IDA judge and teacher Robb Gibbs on the subject of age appropriateness in the dance world. Topics Include:How the idea of age appropriateness encompasses more than just music, movement, and song choiceThe real reason inappropriate dances may win at competitionIdeas for how to implement changes at competition to ensure a safe and appropriate experience for everyoneTo learn more about Youth Protection Advocates in Dance, please visit their website:  www.ypadnow.comThe blog that inspired this episode was released in March 2018, and is titled “Keeping the Competition Stage Age Appropriate”.  Read now!Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Robb - @robb.gibbsLeslie - @lesliescottsaysCLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode! You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!This episode is sponsored by:Dance Costumes By Urzúa - Custom Costumes!Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout!Level Up Dance Supplies - Dance Gear and Dance Bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.comDance Costumes by Urzúa Custom costumes! Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout! Level Up Dance Supplies Dance gear and Dance bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678

Guests - Michelle Tolson and Max VasapoliHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 41 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley are joined by IDA judges and teachers Michelle Tolson and Max Vasapoli for an important conversation on the role of race in the dance world.Topics Include: Why representation matters Strategies for implementing inclusive practices in the studio Personal stories from our guests on what it was like growing up as dancers of colorFollow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Michelle - @michelletolsonMax - @mx_vspCheck out some of the products and organizations we spoke about in the episode! International Association of Blacks in DanceBlack Dancewear CompaniesCLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode! You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!This episode is sponsored by:Dance Costumes By Urzúa - Custom Costumes!Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout!Apolla Performance Wear - Compression Socks for Dancers!Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.comDance Costumes by Urzúa Custom costumes! Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout! Apolla Performance Revolutionary compression dance socks for all styles!

Guests - Mary Roberts and Terrill MitchellHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 40 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley talk with jazz dance experts Mary Roberts and Terrill Mitchell to uncover some truths about jazz in the 21st century! Topics Include: Steps and movement qualities that are MUSTS in your jazz training Why the history of the movement and the style are still important today The real reasons jazz dance seems to be disappearing  from competitionThe blog that inspired this episode was released in March 2017, and titled “Getting Jazzy With It!”. Read now!Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Mary - @msmaryrobertsTerrill - @tmitchell227This episode is sponsored by:Level Up Dance Supplies - Dance gear and Dance bags!Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678Dance Costumes By Urzúa - Custom Costumes and DancewearReceive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout!Check out some of the resources we spoke about in the episode! Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz DanceWhitey's Lindy  Hoppers in "Hellzapoppin'""Prologue" from "West Side Story" - directed/choreographed by Jerome RobbinsGiordano MovesIntroduction to Bob FosseCLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode! You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website atwww.impactdanceadjudicators.comDance Costumes by Urzúa Custom costumes! Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout! Level Up Dance Supplies Dance gear and Dance bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678

On this Spotlight Feature, Courtney and Lesley are joined by Maud Arnold of Syncopated Ladies to chat about her dance journey, the inspiring work she does through The Chloe and Maud Foundation, how having a degree in Film from Columbia University influences her life and work, and so much more!Follow Maud  Arnold @maudiepooh Check out some of her latest projects:www.maudarnold.comwww.chloeandmaud.comThe Chloe and Maud FoundationThe DC Tap FestivalThe Syncopated LadiesWho would you like to see featured on our upcoming Spotlight Interviews? Share your recommendations by shooting us an email at podcast@impactdanceadjudicators.com.This episode is sponsored by:Dance Costumes By Urzúa - custom costumes!Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout!For all of your dancewear needs - check out Purple Pixies! Use the code IMPACT at checkout to receive 15% off your order! Follow Us!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Impact Dance Adjudicators - @impactdanceadjudicatorsLeave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! For a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website www.impactdanceadjudicators.comDance Costumes by Urzúa Custom costumes! Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout! Purple Pixies Dancewear Use the code IMPACT at checkout to receive 15% off your order!

Guests - Brandon Cournay and Ryann TaylorHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 38 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley hear from IDA judge Brandon Cournay and studio owner Ryann Taylor about their thoughts on guest choreography for competitive dancers. Topics Include: Benefits and downfalls of using guest choreographers How to tell when your dancers are ready (or not) for guest choreography Whether or not studios get "bonus points" for using guest choreographersFollow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Brandon - @dancedevicelabRyann -  @inspired2danz, @powerdancecompanyCheck out our guest’s current projects! Dance Device Lab Virtual Wellness ProgramDance Device Lab ChatsPower Dance Company CLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode! You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!This episode is sponsored by:Jake Nothing - Team Gear and Apparel!Check out www.jakenothing.com for unique, customized team apparel!Dance Device Lab -  High quality, student-focused, in-studio events nationwide!Visit www.dancedevicelab.com for more info!Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Guests - Hillary Zbyszinski and Marissa AndersonHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 37 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, IDA judges and teachers Hillary and Marissa dive deep with co-hosts Courtney and Lesley on the topic of block scheduling  and what to expect during the upcoming 2021 competition season.Topics Include: Pros and cons of the block scheduling set up How judging may be approached differently  Predictions for what the 2021 season may look likeFollow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Hillary - @hzbyszinskiMarissa - @marissastaniecdanceCLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode! You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!This episode is sponsored by:Dance Costumes By Urzúa - custom costumes!Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout!Level Up Dance Supplies - Dance gear and Dance bags!Receive $10 off your next order with code: BRAVO5678Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.comDance Costumes by Urzúa Custom costumes! Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout! Level Up Dance Supplies Dance gear and Dance bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678

Guests - Alexandra Frohlinger and Traci SwartzHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 36 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley are joined by IDA judges and industry professionals Alex Frohlinger and Traci Swartz to give advice for the best ways to create a stunning self-tape or virtual submission for competition or auditions!Topics Include: Best angles, backgrounds, and spaces for self-taping Suggestions for filming on a budget Tips and tricks to create a memorable video for competition submissionsFollow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Alex - @alexfrohlingerTraci - @traci_swartzCheck out some of the products and people we spoke about in the episode! Ring Light with 5 ft Tripod StandPhone Camera Lens Attachment KitPhone Stabilizer Steady Cam About The Work Actors Studio ASG Casting & Classesplease note - we may receive a small commission from clicking our affiliate links.CLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode! You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!This episode is sponsored by:Level Up Dance Supplies - Dance Gear and Dance Bags!Receive $10 off your next order with code: BRAVO5678For all of your dancewear needs - check out Purple Pixies! Use the code IMPACT at checkout to receive 15% off your order! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.comLevel Up Dance Supplies Dance gear and Dance bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678Purple Pixies Dancewear Use the code IMPACT at checkout to receive 15% off your order!

Guests - Jeanette Abell and Paul ThiemannHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 35 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, co-hosts Courtney and Lesley are joined by IDA judges and teachers Jeanette Abell and Paul Thiemann to dive deep into the important topic of gender in the dance studio, as well as at competition and in the professional world. Topics Include: When to begin a gender-neutral approach with dance students Best practices for inclusivity in movement and choreography The challenges and rewards of abandoning tradition for a more welcoming art formFollow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Jeanette - @jeanettablePaul - @paulsharesalotCheck out our guest’s current projects! Paul's Crystal Art - @gpg_creationsCLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode! You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.comThis episode is sponsored by:Dance Costumes by Urzúa Custom costumes! Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout! Jake Nothing Your one-stop shop for Team Jackets and Studio Apparel!

In the October Edition of Q&A With Courtney LIVE, Courtney and special guest IDA Judge Christina Belinksy answer your questions on topics including:Advice for tappers at competitionTips for young dancers wanting to pursue professional careersTime limits for solosScoring discrepancies between judges*Episode was recorded on Facebook Live on October 1st, 2020*CLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode. You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!Check out some of the organizations and people we spoke about in the episode! Michelle Dorrance - www.dorrancedance.comPlaybill - www.playbill.com/jobsAnswers4Dancers - www.answers4dancers.comThis episode is sponsored by:Artists in Motion ApparelUpcycled, hand-screen printed studio to streetwear created by IDA Judge Christina Belinsky. Follow @artistsinmotionapparelNational YoungArts FoundationApplications are open for the 2021 National Arts Competition, available for artists ages 15-18 or in grades 10-12. Learn more at www.YoungArts.org and follow @youngartsFollow Us!Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizImpact Dance Adjudicators - @impactdanceadjudicatorsChristina Belinksy - @christinabelinskyLeave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! For a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website www.impactdanceadjudicators.comArtists in Motion Apparel Upcycled Hand-Screen Printed Studio to Streetwear! Follow on instagram: @artistsinmotionapparelNational YoungArts Foundation Identifying the most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary and performing arts.

Guests - Chloe Roberts and Josh SallersonHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 33 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, co-hosts Courtney and Lesley explore the challenging world of categorizing dances for competition with IDA judges and teachers Chloe and Josh!Topics Include:Specific expectations for all genres of danceAdvice for teachers and choreographers struggling to properly place dances in categoriesWhat to do about styles that don't fit perfectly into one categoryThe blog that inspired this episode was released in March 2017 by guest writer Christina Belinksy, and is titled “Correctly Categorizing Your Dances”. Read now!Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Chloe - @ChloerobertsdanceJosh - @sallywerksCLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode! You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!This episode is sponsored by:Level Up Dance Supplies - Dance gear and dance bags!Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678Visit their website: www.levelupdancesupplies.com Dance Costumes By Urzúa - custom costumes!Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout!Visit their website: www.dancecostumesbyurzua.comLeave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.comDance Costumes by Urzúa Custom costumes! Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout!

Guests - Samantha Jay and Miranda SpadaHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 32 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, hosts Courtney and Lesley chat about how to create unique choreography concepts with IDA judges and teachers Samantha Jay and Miranda Spada.Topics Include: The creative process for developing choreography Pushing boundaries in choreography Judges' perspectives on overdone ideas Tips for coming up with unique ideasTwo blogs inspired this episode - "Getting Un-Stuck - Advice For Choreographers", released in November 2017 - Read Now! and "Choreography at Competition", released in February 2017 - Read Now!Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Samantha - @SamanthaJay224Miranda - @mirandarosespadaCheck out our guests' current projects! Tonawanda Dance Arts' Mentorship program - Follow @lead_tonawandadanceartsMind Body Sole TapCLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode! You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!This episode is sponsored by:Dance Costumes By Urzúa - custom costumes!Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout!Visit their website: www.dancecostumesbyurzua.comNational YoungArts FoundationApplications are open for the 2021 National Arts Competition, available for artists ages 15-18 or in grades 10-12. Deadline to apply is October 16th, 2020. Learn more at www.YoungArts.orgLeave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Guests - Ashley Marinelli and Kimberly SoelHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 31 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley are joined by IDA judges and teachers Ashley Marinelli and Kimberly Soel to dive deep into the art of taking class - in the studio, at home, and at conventions.Topics Include: Expectations for students in-studio, on Zoom, and at conventions Helpful ideas for making the most of your virtual class experience Teacher tips for keeping students engaged in class Convention class etiquetteFollow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Ashley - @alm433Kimberly - @kimba2484Check out our guests' current projects! Check out Fall of the House Play. Follow @fallofthehouseplayVirtual Dance Center. Follow @virtualdancecenterCheck out some of the products we spoke about in the episode!Bunheads Gel Knee Pads-SmallCLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode! You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!This episode is sponsored by:Dance Costumes By Urzúa - custom costumes!Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout!Visit their website: www.dancecostumesbyurzua.comLeave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox!Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Guests - JT Church and Leslie ChurchHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 30 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, it's time for our first Spotlight Feature! Courtney and Lesley are joined by 14 year old professional dancer and student, JT Church and mom Leslie Church to hear all about JT's dance journey, from an eager 5 year old who just wanted to move, to winner of Dancing With the Stars Junior! Topics Include:How JT started dancing at 5 years oldAdvice for young competitive dancers wanting to pursue a career in danceThe story of JT's experiences on SYTYCD Season 13 and DWTS JuniorDance mom advice from LeslieBe sure to follow JT on Social Media @jt_church.Who would you like to see featured on our upcoming Spotlight Interviews? Share your recommendations by shooting us an email at podcast@impactdanceadjudicators.com.This episode is sponsored by:For all of your dancewear needs - check out Purple Pixies! Use the code IMPACT at checkout to receive 15% off your order! Follow your Hosts!Courtney @courtney.ortizLesley @lil_lez36@impactdanceadjudicatorsLeave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! For a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website: www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Guests - Jen Garaffa and Jessica OlinikHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 29 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley chat with returning IDA judges and teachers Jen and Jessica about everyone's favorite subject - music at competition! Topics Include:Appropriate music selectionJudge's music pet peevesHow music influences movementBest practices when searching for and editing musicThe blog that inspired this episode was released in October 2018, and it’s called ”Music at Competition - The Do's and Don'ts". Read now!Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney @courtney.ortizLesley @lil_lez36Jen @jengaraffaJessica @jwodanceCheck out our guest’s current projects! Orlando Tap Dance CollectiveCLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode! You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Guests - Becky Chiasson and Erika HoganHosted By - Courtney OrtizIn Episode 28 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney sits down with studio owners Becky Chiasson (Spotlight Dance Academy, Westford, MA), and Erika Hogan (New Attitude Performing Arts Center in NC and SC) to discuss the ways COVID-19 has changed the dance studio industry, and how they are navigating a new normal for their businesses.Topics Include:Safety protocols and the differences in the regionsVirtual dance class and virtual performanceThoughts on the 2021 competition seasonCLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A with Courtney episode! You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!Follow your Host & Guests!- Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz- Spotlight Dance Academy - @sda_westford- Erika Hogan - @ejazz6Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorWelcome to Season 2 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast! In this episode, hosts Courtney and Lesley catch up on what's been happening since the end of season 1, and look at what's coming up in season 2!Topics Include:The success of season 1 of Making the ImpactRecap of IDA's Virtual CompetitionsPodcast cover art contestNew release dates for season 2Spotlight Episodes and LIVE Q&A's for season 2CLICK HERE to send in your questions to be answered on a future Q&A episode with Courtney, owner of IDA. You can request to stay anonymous or have Courtney give you a shout out live on the air!Follow your Hosts!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website www.impactdanceadjudicators.com