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Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 65 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we hear from over 20 IDA judges about the most common corrections judges give at competition - just in time for nationals! Topics Include:Movement qualityTechniquePresentationPirouettes + so much more!Follow your Hosts and IDA!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lesley.mealorImpact Dance Adjudicators @impactdanceadjudicatorsThis episode is sponsored by:Dance Xchange AppDance Xchange is a resale app designed for Dancers by dancers! Buy and sell pre-owned dancewear, costumes, shoes, and gear! Download the app in the Apple app store now! Join our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community 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 IDA affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

In our final Spotlight Feature of Season 2, we sit down with the incredible Marinda Davis, an accomplished choreographer and dance educator on the convention circuit. You may know her work from World of Dance, Dancing With the Stars, or from her own company, MarInspired. Tune in to hear about Marinda's early days in dance, the struggles she faces as an immuno-compromised artist, and her drive and desire to create meaningful work for the stage and screen. Follow Marinda Davis on social media @marinspirations @marinspired@thestorytellersintensive Mark your calendars!  The Storytellers Intensive Volume 3 - Los Angeles (December 27-31st) Applications will open in August 2021Must Watch  Clips!Dancing With The Stars Season 25 - Week 10 - Finals - Pro Dance with Julianne HoughWorld of Dance - "Make Me Cry" - MarInspired"Smile" as Featured on Soul Pancake "My Last Days" Documentary featuring Marinda DavisWho 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:Level Up Dance Supplies - Dance Gear and Dance Bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678Werk Dancewear -  Activewear for dreams in motion.Enter code Werkdance20 at checkout to save 20% todayFollow Us!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lesley.mealorImpact Dance Adjudicators - @impactdanceadjudicatorsJoin our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community 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

Guests - Tracey Boon and Rachel PerlmanHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 62 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, how to develop a competitive mindset is the name of the game, and IDA judges and dance educators Tracey Boon and Rachel Perlman give some excellent advice for dancers of all levels!Topics Include: Ideas to encourage the development of a competitive mindset How to keep your competitive mindset from hindering your success Goal setting and re-focusing so that your biggest competitor is yourselfFollow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lesley.mealorTracey - @traboon1Rachel - @fuelmovesweat This episode is sponsored by:Dance Costumes By Urzúa - Custom Costumes!Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout!Werk Dancewear. Activewear for dreams in motion.Enter code Werkdance20 at checkout to save 20% todayJoin our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community  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! Werk Dancewear Activewear for dreams in motion! Use code: werkdance20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order!

Guests - Lexi Adair and Marlo BarberaHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 61 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, co-hosts Courtney and Lesley are joined by dance moms Lexi Adair and Marlo Barbera to get an inside perspective on the life of a competitive dance parent! Topics Include: How their dancers got involved in competitive dance The challenges and joys of being a dance mom Helpful advice for new dance moms to survive the competitive dance worldFollow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lesley.mealorChloe (Marlo's dancer) - @chloegrace.dancerParker (Lexi's dancer) - @adairyoutodanceThis 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: bravo5678Join our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community 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! Level Up Dance Supplies Dance gear and Dance bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678

In the April Edition of Q&A With Courtney Live, Courtney is joined by special guest IDA Judges Michael and Dione to answer viewers questions live on the air! Topics include:  How dancers can improve their artistry Why contemporary dances always seem to win The title division at competitionHow to power through block schedulingCLICK 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:Thrive Dance Experience - an education-first dance convention and mentorship program for dancers and dance educators. Register now for The Academy - A Virtual Mentorship Program!Dance Costumes by Urzua - Custom dance costumes and dancewear for every body!Use code IDA15 at checkout to receive 15% off your entire order! Follow Your Host and Guests!Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizMichael - @Michael.dance.mccarthyDione - @dione.hamzaImpact Dance Adjudicators - @impactdanceadjudicatorsJoin our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community  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.comDance Costumes by Urzúa Custom costumes! Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout! Thrive Dance Experience An education-first dance convention and mentorship program!

Guests - Britney Hall and Eliza OhmanHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 59 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, hosts Courtney and Lesley explore all of the ways being a versatile dancer can lead to a success in the dance world! Joined by guests Britney Hall and Eliza Ohman, this episode covers it all!Topics Include: What it takes to become a versatile dancer in a studio setting How being versatile has helped in our guests' careers Other kinds of versatility besides dancing that can help dancers thriveThe blog that inspired this episode was released in February of 2019, and is titled "5 Reasons Versatility Will Make You a Better Dancer”. Read now!Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Britney - @britneyhallEliza - @elizaohmanCheck out our guest’s current projects! Take class with Eliza! Weekly virtual class at Steps on Broadway, Tuesdays from 1-2:15PM ET! Sign up for class here! Take dance or fitness classes with Britney! Check out BritneyHall.Online!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:Dance Costumes By Urzúa - Custom Costumes!Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout! Werk Dancewear - Activewear for dreams in motion.Use code: Werkdance20 at checkout to save 20% todayJoin our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community 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.comWerk Dancewear Activewear for dreams in motion! Use code: werkdance20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order!Dance Costumes by Urzúa Custom costumes! Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout!

Guests - Christina Fuschetto, Jill TremontiHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 58 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, your hosts dive deep into the topic of teamwork in the studio, at competition, in the professional world and in life in general with IDA judges and teachers Christina Fuschetto and Jill Tremonti.Topics Include: What teamwork looks like in studio Repercussions of a lack of teamwork within a team of dancers How teamwork applies to all facets of lifeThe blog that inspired this episode was released in March 2018, and is titled “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!”  Read now! Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Christina - @dancing_warriorJill - @jillianmarieteThis episode is sponsored by:Level Up Dance Supplies - Dance gear and Dance bags!Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678Join our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community 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: bravo5678

Guests - Cheryll Custer Klein, Alicia SehnHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 57 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley speak with multi-talented judges and choreographers Cheryll Custer Klein and Alicia Sehn about the best ways for dancers to take their solo to the next level - literally and figuratively! Topics Include: Non-negotiables of having a solo Ways to instill a good work ethic in soloists in class as well as rehearsal What successful soloists are doing in class that give them an edge on stageFollow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Cheryll - @ccusterklein16Alicia - @aliciasehndanceCLICK 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: bravo5678Join our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community 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! Level Up Dance Supplies Dance gear and Dance bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678

Guests - Voltaire Wade-Greene & John Comix BarellaHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 56 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley are excited to finally cover one of the hottest topics in the competitive dance world - hip hop! Your hosts are joined by two leading hip hop dancers and educators in the industry, Voltaire Wade-Greene and John Comix Barella, to go deep into the rich history of hip hop culture, and discuss how the genre translates into the studio and competitive dance world.Topics Include: A brief history of hip hop's origins What fundamentals of hip hop are "musts" in the studio world The differences between true hip hop and movement that is hip hop influenced, and why it mattersThe blog that inspired this episode was released in April 2019, and titled “Bringing Hip Hop To the Competitive Stage”. Read now!Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Voltaire - @TisVoltaireJohn - @John_ComixCheck out our guests' current projects! The "Essentials" store at JohnComix.com is full of training material designed for dance teachers. E-books on hip hop class structure, technique, games, etc.. Videos breaking down key movements..and services such as custom choreography or curriculum creation. The Redef Movement is currently auditioning new dancers to join our company. Dance Recast is a new nonprofit aimed at providing programs to present and future generations of the BIPOC community.Check out some of the resources we spoke about in the episode! - The Freshest Kids: The History of The B-Boy- Hip Hop EvolutionThis episode is sponsored by:Level Up Dance Supplies - Dance gear and Dance bags!Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678Join our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community 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.comLevel Up Dance Supplies Dance gear and Dance bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678

Guests - Jordan Beyeler, James Washington ManningHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 55 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, hosts Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor discuss the value of mentorship for dancers, from both the side of the mentor and the mentee. The hosts are joined by IDA judges Jordan Beyeler and James Washington Manning.Topics Include: How to know you're ready for a mentor Tips to becoming a mentor What mentorship looks like specifically in the dance worldFollow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Jordan - @jbeyeler James -  @Jawashi1Check out some of the resources we spoke about in the episode!James Washington's Next Level Dance Mentorship ProgramOff the Lane Mentorship ProgramThis episode is sponsored by:Dance Costumes By Urzúa - custom costumes!Receive 15% off by using the code IDA15 at checkout! Thrive Dance Experience - The AcademyThe Academy is a new virtual mentorship and career development program for ages 15 to 18. Register now!Join our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community 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! Thrive Dance Experience An education-first dance convention and mentorship program!

Our next Spotlight Feature guest is Alex Wong, an incredibly prolific and versatile dancer with some unbelievable credits! You may know him from his many television appearances on "Smash", "Glee", and "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend", or from his time on "So You Think You Can Dance". Or, perhaps you caught him on Broadway in "Newsies", or as a principal dancer with the Miami City Ballet. Making the Impact sits down with Alex to hear about his performance career, and what he's been up to recently!Be sure to follow Alex on social media! Instagram: @alexdwongTikTok: @alexdwong and be sure to check out… his Phone, Keys, Gum commercialWho 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:Level Up Dance Supplies - Dance gear and Dance bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678Follow Us!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Impact Dance Adjudicators - @impactdanceadjudicatorsJoin our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community 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 websitewww.impactdanceadjudicators.comLevel Up Dance Supplies Dance gear and Dance bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678

Guests - Karla Curatolo, Troy HaywoodHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 53 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley are joined by IDA judge Troy Haywood, as well as Karla Curatolo, the owner of one of the top competitive dance studios in the country, Expressenz Dance Center, to get down to the bottom of the debate - tricks or technique?Topics Include: What do we mean when we say "technique"? How essential is it to have solid technique when learning tricks? Are tricks necessary for a winning competition routine?Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Karla - @expressenz  Troy - @troyeography 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: bravo5678 Join our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community 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

Guests - Tommy Scrivens and Christina YoderHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 52 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, musicality is the name of the game. Today, co-hosts Courtney and Lesley hear from IDA judges and dance educators Tommy Scrivens and Christina Yoder about the importance of musicality in all styles of dance, and give some great advice to dancers and teachers alike about how to develop musicality skills.Topics Include: How musicality can be incorporated into all styles of dance The necessity of basic music theory training for dancers Why a lack of musicality may lead to lower scores at competitionFollow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Tommy - @tommytoes7Christina - @christinataps2Check out our guest’s current projects! Dynamics in Motion Dance - Develop your curriculum and class syllabus for all age/level ranges in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, and modern. 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: bravo5678Join our new Facebook Group! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community 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! Level Up Dance Supplies Dance gear and Dance bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678

In the February Edition of Q&A With Courtney LIVE, Courtney and special guest IDA Judge Sam Quinn answer your questions on topics including: Special needs categories at competition Costume scoring Zoom audition vs video submissions for summer programs and intensivesContact improv & so much more!*This episode was previously recorded on Facebook Live - 2/1/2021*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: Apolla Performance Wear - Compression Dance Socks!Follow Us!Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizImpact Dance Adjudicators - @impactdanceadjudicatorsSam Quinn - @samquinnJoin our NEW Facebook Group! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community. 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 Apolla Performance Revolutionary compression dance socks for all styles!

Guests -  Colin Shea Denniston, Jesse MillerHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 50 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley are joined by veteran IDA judges Colin Shea Denniston and Jesse Miller for a deep dive into one of the most burning questions in the dance competition world - what really goes into the judging process for adjudicators?Topics Include: Whether personal preferences come into play when judging How judges stay consistent throughout a long weekend Levels, and how they affect scoring and judging approachesFollow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Colin Shea - @colindennistonJesse - @JessekmillerCLICK 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: bravo5678 Jake Nothing - Team Gear and Apparel!Join our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community 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.comJake Nothing Your one-stop shop for Team Jackets and Studio Apparel!Level Up Dance Supplies Dance gear and Dance bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678

Guests - Ashley Canterna Hardy and Joey OrtolaniHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 49 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley are joined by IDA judge Joey Ortolani and dance teacher Ashley Canterna Hardy for a discussion on the importance of presentation for the competitive stage.Topics Include: How proper presentation begins at the studio, from the top down Barriers to proper presentation and how to overcome them Strategies for costuming and presentation for a variety of body typesThe blog that inspired this episode was released in March 2017, written by Joey Ortolani,  titled “Perfecting Your Presentation”. Read now!Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Joey - @joeyortoAshley - @AshleyCH415CLICK 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: bravo5678JOIN OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP! We love connecting with our fans! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast CommunityLeave 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 -  Lauren Manning, Susie Riefenhauser, Ryan ParmaHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 48 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we discuss a variety of non-performance career options for dancers with three industry professionals - Lauren Manning of Dance Media, publishers of Dance Spirit and Dance Magazine; Susie Riefenhauser of OtherSpace Innovation, a dance marketing, and consulting firm; and Ryan Parma, a freelance director, and dance videographer. Topics Include: Each individual's path from dancer to dance industry professional Advice for dancers looking at future options other than performing How dance training helped in their current work Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Lauren - @stagesmithdanceSusie - @susie.riefenhauserRyan - @ryanparmaCheck out our guests' current projects! Stagesmith Dance TrainingOtherSpace Innovationwww.ryanparma.comCLICK 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: bravo5678Dance Device Lab -  High quality, dancer focused in-studio events nationwide!Join our new Facebook Group - Making The Impact -  A Dance Competition Podcast Community!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 Device Lab In-studio Intensives and Adjudication Showcase!Level Up Dance Supplies Dance gear and Dance bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678

Making the Impact welcomes Sophia Lucia as our next Spotlight Feature guest! You may know her as The Guinness Book of World Records title holder for the most consecutive pirouettes (55) , or maybe you've been following her dance journey since she was featured on Lifetime's Dance Moms! Courtney and Lesley sit down and chat with Sophia about her incredible performance career as a child, her experiences in ballet school as a teen, and her dreams and goals for the future.Stay connected and follow Sophia: @_sophialucia !Subscribe to her YouTube Channel!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:Purple Pixies Dancewear - Trendy and Affordable Leotards, Sports Bras, & Leggings!Use the code IMPACT at checkout to receive 15% off your order! Follow Us!Courtney - @courtney.ortizLesley - @lil_lez36Impact Dance Adjudicators - @impactdanceadjudicatorsJoin our brand new Podcast Facebook Group: Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community!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.comPurple Pixies Dancewear Use the code IMPACT at checkout to receive 15% off your order!

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.comLevel Up Dance Supplies Dance gear and Dance bags! Receive $10 off your next order with code: bravo5678

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!