Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast

Impact Dance Adjudicators
  • 4.7 (259)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of a dance competition judge? What does it take to impress the people behind the table? Join your hosts Courtney Ortiz, professional dancer, educator and owner of Impact Dance Adjudicators, and Lesley Mealor, veteran performer and judge, on Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, as they dive into all things dance competition! Each week, listen as Courtney and Lesley discuss various hot topics with members of the IDA judges’ roster and other special guests in the dance world, from technique, to costumes, to the dreaded question - “Tights…or no tights?” Stay tuned for special spotlight episodes, round table chats and so much more! Weekly episodes launch every Thursday throughout the dance season! @impactdanceadjudicators

  1. 3D AGO

    A Day in the Life of a Competition Staff Member

    Guests - Haley Crocombe and Cat Malone Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 261 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we go backstage with the folks who keep competitions running to find out what a day in their lives look like on a busy event weekend! Our guests today serve as tally manager, backstage manager and emcee and the show can't go on without them. If you've ever wanted to work for a dance competition, this is the episode for you! Topics Include:  A brief run down of the weekend's duties from start to finish What load in and load out entail A look at the most rewarding parts of competition from behind the scenesAdvice for studio owners and teachers to help competitions run smoothly Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes: Monthly Q&A episodes released to members onlyPriority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 7. No sponsored ads!20% off all IDA MerchandiseExclusive bonus content released throughout the yearDiscounted IDA Online CritiqueGroup Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come! Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month! Follow your Hosts & Guests! Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizLesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.danceHaley Crocombe - @haleycrocombeCat Milone - @catmillermilone Check out our guest’s current projects!  Visit ActorsNET of Bucks County Summer Stars Program to sponsor full and partial scholarships for children ages 7-17. Donations are tax deductible and help local children in Bucks County, PA access theatre programming during the summer! This episode is sponsored by: Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's Critiques Send us a video of your dance and an IDA Judge will critique your routine! You can request a genre-specific specialty judge or add on 10 minutes of additional feedback. 24 hour rush delivery available! Submit your video now!  Join our FREE 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 IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com Support the show

    1h 13m

  2. MAR 26

    Throwback! - S4 EP 122 – The World of College Dance Teams - What You Need to Know

    Guests - Melissa McGhee and Carsen Rowe Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor Our next throwback episode of Making the Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast brings back a fan favorite, with more dance team talk! Our guests share what it's like to be on a college dance team, what recruitment looks like, and ways to prep for auditions! This episode originally aired on December 1, 2022. Topics Include:  The differences and similarities in the training that goes into preparing for dance teams and other kinds of dance  Recruitment strategies and how to audition for a dance team Breaking down the circuits and divisions of dance teams for all ages Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes: Monthly Q&A episodes released to members onlyPriority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 7. No sponsored ads!20% off all IDA MerchandiseExclusive bonus content released throughout the yearDiscounted IDA Online CritiqueGroup Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come! Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month! Follow your Hosts & Guests! Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizLesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.danceCarsen Rowe - @tribe99official, @carsen.rowe Melissa McGhee - @mmcghee65 This episode is sponsored by: The DanceOne Summit The premier event for dance teachers and studio owners to unite. share. inspire! This summer in New York City - August 13-16th, 2026. Register now for $100 off using promo code: DOS26IMPACT  Join our FREE 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 IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com Support the show

    1h 6m

  3. MAR 19

    What To Expect When Transitioning From Studio Dance to Dance Team

    Guests - Erin Alvarado and Kristin Daniel Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 259 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, LSU Tiger Girls choreographer Kristin Daniel and Texas Tech dance team coach and dance faculty member Erin Alvarado school us on the similarities and differences between dancing at a studio and being a part of a dance team.  Topics Include:  How studio training can inform your college dance team experience The realities of college dance team training  Tips for the audition process Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes: Monthly Q&A episodes released to members onlyPriority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 7. No sponsored ads!20% off all IDA MerchandiseExclusive bonus content released throughout the yearDiscounted IDA Online CritiqueGroup Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come! Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month! Follow your Hosts & Guests! Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizLesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.danceErin Alvarado - @erinmalvaradoKristin Daniel - @KristinDaniel Check out some of the routines we mentioned in the episode! Oops!...I Did It Again - Kristin Daniel choreo, LSU Jazz Finals 2026Are You That Somebody - Kristin Danciel choreo, LSU 2024 This episode is sponsored by: Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's Critiques Send us a video of your dance and an IDA Judge will critique your routine! You can request a genre-specific specialty judge or add on 10 minutes of additional feedback. 24-hour rush delivery available! Submit your video now!    IDA-affiliated competition Uproar Dance Competition! Visit their website for more info on their 2026 season Join our FREE 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 IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com Support the show

    1h 8m

  4. MAR 12

    IDA Competition Spotlight - Elevation on Tour

    Guests: Brie Peña & Kristina Cross Hosted by Courtney Ortiz IDA affiliated-competition Elevation on Tour leads with integrity and innovation, but most of all, a heart for being of service to dancers, teachers, and families. Owners Brie Peña and Kristina Cross sit down today with Courtney to share more about what makes Elevation on Tour's competitions and conventions so special! Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes: Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-onlyPriority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.Ad-free listening for all of Season 4 & 5. No sponsored ads!20% off all IDA MerchandiseExclusive bonus content released throughout the yearDiscounted IDA Online CritiqueGroup Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come! Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month! This episode is sponsored by: IDA Affiliated Competition - Elevation On Tour! View their upcoming 2026 Tour Dates on their website! Follow your Hosts & Guests! Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizLesley Mealor  - @miss.lesley.danceElevation on Tour - @elevationontour 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 us on social media at @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA-affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com Support the show

    1h 13m

  5. MAR 5

    Keeping the Artistry in Competitive Dance - Creating Choreography That Stands Out

    Guests - Brittany Sprung and Giovanni Allen Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 257 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we're discussing how to keep artistry at the forefront of competitive dance choreography in an arena where it can sometimes feel like tricks have overtaken the stage.  Topics Include:  The creative process and tips for choreographers of all ages and levels What aspects of artistry the judges are looking for on stage How to help your students develop their own creative and artistic voice Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes: Monthly Q&A episodes released to members onlyPriority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 7. No sponsored ads!20% off all IDA MerchandiseExclusive bonus content released throughout the yearDiscounted IDA Online CritiqueGroup Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come! Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month! Follow your Hosts & Guests! Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizLesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.danceBrittany Sprung - @bsprung514Giovanni Allen - @Giovannicallen, @Groundworksdanceco This episode is sponsored by: The DanceOne Summit The premier event for dance teachers and studio owners to unite. share. inspire! This summer in New York City - August 13-16th, 2026 Register now for $100 off using promo code: DOS26IMPACT  Check out IDA-affiliated event Uproar Dance Competition! Visit their website for more info on their 2026 season! Join our FREE 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 IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com Support the show

    1h 10m

  6. FEB 26

    Throwback! - S5 EP 176 – Mini Dancers Who Peak Too Early

    Guests - Kate Biernat and Krysten Danielle Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor Our next throwback episode of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast takes us back in time to 2024 for a conversation about the mini dancers who peak too early. Judges and educators Kate Biernat and Krysten Danielle share their experiences with the tiniest talented dancers in a chat that still holds relevance today, as dancers continue training at increasingly higher levels and younger ages. This episode originally aired on February 29, 2024. Topics Include: Typical weekly schedule for high-achieving minis What happens when minis have to dance with an older age group due to their abilitiesHow to avoid the burnout that comes with over-training at a young age Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes: Monthly Q&A episodes released to members onlyPriority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 7. No sponsored ads!20% off all IDA MerchandiseExclusive bonus content released throughout the yearDiscounted IDA Online CritiqueGroup Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come! Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month! Follow your Hosts & Guests! Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizLesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.danceKate Biernat - @kateemily5Krysten Danielle - @mskrystendance This episode is sponsored by: Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's Critiques Send us a video of your dance and an IDA Judge will critique your routine! You can request a genre-specific specialty judge or add on 10 minutes of additional feedback. 24 hour rush delivery available! Submit your video now!  Join our FREE 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 IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com Support the show

    1h 28m

  7. FEB 19

    The Transition From Junior to Teen - Pivotal Times in a Dancer's Training

    Guests - Carlos de Barros and Krystal Madan Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 255 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, IDA judges and dance educators Carlos de Barros and Krystal Madan join us for a discussion about the junior and teen divisions. Without the right support and guidance, the transition from junior to teen can be challenging. Today, we chat about the best ways to guide young dancers through this journey! Topics Include:  What separates the dancers in the junior division from the ones who evolve and grow from the ones who plateau Why consistency is key for this age group to progress How teachers and studio owners can support dancers in this age group both inside and outside the studio Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes: Monthly Q&A episodes released to members onlyPriority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 7. No sponsored ads!20% off all IDA MerchandiseExclusive bonus content released throughout the yearDiscounted IDA Online CritiqueGroup Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come! Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month! Follow your Hosts & Guests! Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizLesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.danceCarlos de Barros - @carlosdebarros513Krystal Madan - @choreo_by_k This episode is sponsored by: The DanceOne Summit The premier event for dance teachers and studio owners to unite. share. inspire! This summer in New York City - August 13-16th, 2026. Register now for $100 off using promo code: DOS26IMPACT Join our FREE 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 IDA-affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com Support the show

    1h 21m

  8. FEB 12

    Throwback! S4 EP 111 - Adding the Shock Value - A Discussion on Triggering and Sensitive Themes

    Guests - Amanda Nicole DiTullio and Daniel Longo Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor Our next throwback episode takes us back to Season 4 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, with one of our most popular episodes about triggering and sensitive topics on stage. Judges Amanda Nicole DiTullio and Daniel Longo share their insights from behind the table in this important conversation. This episode originally aired on September 15, 2022. *Trigger Warning - this conversation mentions suicide, self-harm, and trauma. Listen with care.* Topics Include:  Possible reasons why choreographers are putting more and more triggering statement pieces on stageOptions for subject matter for choreographers to consider other than triggering and traumatic events Ways that we as judges can express our opinion on the mic in a manner that will be received by a choreographer Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes: Monthly Q&A episodes released to members onlyPriority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 7. No sponsored ads!20% off all IDA MerchandiseExclusive bonus content released throughout the yearDiscounted IDA Online CritiqueGroup Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come! Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month! Follow your Hosts & Guests! Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizLesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.danceAmanda Nicole DiTullio - @amandanicole_dDaniel Longo - @dslongo1 This episode is sponsored by: Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's Critiques Send us a video of your dance and an IDA Judge will critique your routine! You can request a genre-specific specialty judge or add on 10 minutes of additional feedback. 24 hour rush delivery available! Submit your video now!  Join our FREE 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 IDA-affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com Support the show

    1h 17m
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4.7
out of 5
259 Ratings

About

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of a dance competition judge? What does it take to impress the people behind the table? Join your hosts Courtney Ortiz, professional dancer, educator and owner of Impact Dance Adjudicators, and Lesley Mealor, veteran performer and judge, on Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, as they dive into all things dance competition! Each week, listen as Courtney and Lesley discuss various hot topics with members of the IDA judges’ roster and other special guests in the dance world, from technique, to costumes, to the dreaded question - “Tights…or no tights?” Stay tuned for special spotlight episodes, round table chats and so much more! Weekly episodes launch every Thursday throughout the dance season! @impactdanceadjudicators

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