And You Will Dance Podcast Ariana Sanchez

Burju Perez is a mommy of two, wife, former professional Latin Dancer and CEO and lead designer, of the world renowned quality, customizable professional dance shoe/dance heels brand Burju Shoes, based out of Massachusetts.  Burju was born in Istanbul Turkey prior to immigrating to the United States.  As an adult, she began her professional career by studying International Business at Boston University, prior to landing a job in banking.  Burju began Latin dancing in college, where she met her then dance partner, now husband, and launched herself into the world of Latin dancing for 15 years, which included instructing, competing and paid gigs around the world. 

An artist at heart, Burju combined her love of creativity and dance when altering modern Latin dance shoes for her teammates with more fun colors, jewels, feathers and with an emphasis on comfort.  Burju unknowingly unlocked a level of her passion and was building her business before she knew it; Burju Shoes was created in 2010.  

Burju has collaborated with widely respected and talented names in the dance industry such as Kiira Harper, Nicole Kirkland and Janelle Ginestra.  Burju heels have been worn by high profile music artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Normani, Christina Aguilera, Ariana Grande, Cardi B, Hadise, Meg the Stallion, for numerous concert tours and award shows such as MTV’s Video Music Awards.  Most importantly, Burju’s shoes are worn by dancers of all ethnic/gender/non-binary backgrounds all over the globe.  
Burju Shoes is a brand that celebrates diversity and aims at strengthening our communities by highlighting the individual's inner confidence through fashion.


In this episode, Burju and Ariana speak about the story of Burju Shoes and what it was that challenged Burju to stay true to her vision and mission as a brand and a person.


Burju Shoes Instagram: @burjushoes
Website:  https://burjushoes.com


Episode Highlights:
About Burju
A brand that doesn’t just profit - a brand that lifts and supportsBurju: An Artist’s spiritChild of immigrant parentsChallenging the structureHeels community, pole dance community (!!)Branding It + Pop Up ShopsHer crossroads and full time BurjuBURJU SHOES: The BeginningConstant observationShoe TalkArtist bucket list?Serving a needThe importance of appropriate gearBURJU’S DANCE“I have to maybe fail at this.”Full Transparency: Defining herself and her businessLearn and grow as a business owner and human beingBurju’s little nuggets of wisdomBURJU’S GIFT 

Paula Ayotte is a professional dancer, entertainer, former marine scientist, model, actress and inspirerer based out of Los Angeles.  Paula Ayotte started her professional dance journey in the 1980s when she was in her 20s, working gigs such as the Disneyland Christmas Parade, Sesame Street Live U.S. tour, the Las Vegas Show “Splash at the Riviera” was a backup dancer for a Latina Artist in Mexico City and roller skating as an Apple on the Newhart show.  She had a shift in careers in the 90s and turned to corporate consulting and only danced on the occasion for fun.  A career in Hawaii later, it wasn't long after a life event changed her perspective on the need to pursue her dream of dancing. 

Paula’s credits include Ariana Grande, I Can See Your Voice, Ellen, Kelly Clarkson and commercials for Beis Luggage, Piercing Pagoda, Sherwin Williams, and Etsy and modeling for many more.
In this episode, Ariana and Paula discuss Paula’s career, returning to college to pursue her dream job as a marine scientist, auditioning for her music videos and feeling her purpose is to inspire people on her journey to show that your dreams have no boundaries or age requirements.  Your time is now.


Follow Paula and her journey on her Instagram: @paulaayotte


EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:Starting to dance in the 80s then heading into corporate consultingReturning to school in her 30s to pursue her next chapter: marine scienceTrying to fill her cup with the occasional classes - searching for moreLosing a mentor and what that meant for herLanding a commercial with A list artist - the start of the dreamImposter syndrome - in a dance room full of 20 somethingsPursuing acting - understanding that she’s learning something new"Aging is not a bad thing, getting older is not a bad thing- "Reassurance from other creativesVulnerability, unafraid and unashamedAnalysis Paralysis gets you no where you want to go!Making a decision and using her gift to inspire - breaking barriers

Ariana discusses five ways to return to yourself and your creativity that helped her  after moving through a period of overwhelm, loss and imbalance.   
In this episode, Ariana’s starting point of conversation is the importance of recognizing when you need to take a step back and take care of yourself.

Emily Leibert is a writer, journalist, reporter, former NFL cheerleader, former public relations professional and dancer who is originally from Southern California and is now based out of New York City and is currently attending New York University in pursuit of her Master’s Degree in journalism.
Emily previously attended USC, where her peak interest into the world of entertainment began and she studied broadcast journalism in the Public Relations field.  After three years of experience as a professional cheerleader with the Los Angeles Rams while balancing her traditional college career, she was quick to realize that she was meant to pursue a career in writing and applied for the Master’s program at NYU during the pandemic in 2020.
With the experiences in the world known organizations like the Los Angeles Rams, Dreamworks Animation and working red carpets in Hollywood on the PR side, Emily has gained knowledge and first-hand experience to include in her writing.  
Emily is fueled by her passion for social change and is hopeful for a brighter future not only in the NFL cheer organization, but in social issues such as women’s rights, gender roles and women in the arts.  Emily also has experience grant writing for dance companies.  She's always hoping to tell stories of gender inequity with empathy, compassion, and trust.


If you have a story that deserves to be told, you can send news tips or interview ideas to by.emilyleibert@gmail.com or reach out to her on Twitter @by_emilyleibert.
You can connect with Emily on Instagram as well: @emilyleibert


Visit these sites to see some of Emily's work:
LINDSAY ROSENBURG IS CHANGING HOW PRO CHEERLEADERS ARE SEEN ONE PHOTOGRPAH AT A TIMEhttps://www.teenvogue.com/story/lindsay-rosenberg-pro-cheerleadersHOW THE NFL RISKS THE HEALTH OF CHEERLEADERS https://jezebel.com/how-the-nfl-risks-the-health-of-cheerleaders-its-harde-1846199936THE CL!CK - NEW YORK UNIVERSITY’S JOURNALISM ONLINE MASTERS PROGRAMhttps://theclick.news/emily-leibert/
Episode Highlights
Creativity rooted from DanceBroadcast Journalism at USC turn Public Relations - life as the multi-professionalWhat kept her from exclusively picking journalism?Roles as a publicistA defining moment that ultimately put into question - am I aligning with my purpose?NFL Cheerleader LifeThe 3 year moment - hanging up the pom pomsBalancing NFL rehearsal schedule + Daily life Mental and Physical exhaustionThe progression of the careerThe loose unofficial requirementsPushback for expressing concern for fundamental rights in sports industry in regards to womenThe Second Full time jobOptimism about the future of the industryFurloughed during the pandemic “Pandemic Guilt”Hopeful for the industryHighlight article in Teen Vogue - highlighting female photographer of NFL cheerleadersUnderstanding the ramifications for speaking upEmily’s “Dance” and her Gift

Sarah Baudner is a 32 year old woman with ambition based out of Vancouver Canada who has always had dance and fitness as a big part of her life and created her dance fitness brand, Rock Your Baudy.  In an effort to connect with her friends from the eastern coast during the early days of the worldwide pandemic, she created her virtual dance fitness brand, a combination of HIT cardio with modern dance moves with an upbeat playlist to get her participants sweating and moving.  Her classes are held weekly and soon, she hopes to expand to outdoor classes in Vancouver to connect and build a stronger sense of community with in-person classes. 

Rock Your Baudy is an energetic class blend meant to build confidence within one's body to feel inspired and motivated.  Sarah loves building personal relationships with all who participate in her classes.


Sarah’s feature is And You Will Dance’s first international guest! 


Episode Highlights:
Sarah combining her love for dance in fitness with creating Rock Your BaudyCreatives in the familyGetting placed into dance at a young ageA Common Love for Musical TheatreFirst to start her high school dance teamCombining Dance and FitnessCreating Rock Your BaudyDiscussing taking dance classes in Los AngelesHow is your self-confidence when dancing in classes with professionals?How loss changed herDifficulty in saying when she was not okaySarah’s GiftAriana and her “why?”Taking a Chance

To book a class with Rock Your Baudy:
https://www.rockyourbaudy.com
Follow Sarah on IG: @rockyourbaudy 

In this episode, Ariana recollects the feeling of self-doubt and the pressure of the creative process.  After receiving a message from a friend, her self-doubt in the creative process began to unfold and reveal the importance and the realness to the meaning "Create from Truth", as quoted by Kobe Bryant.  The episode serves as a reminder that all that you need is already within you.

Instagram: @andyouwilldance; @ari_sanchez