“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey Joanne

“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey and special guest, Michelle Leagans. 

In this episode of Dance Talk with Joanne Carey, Joanne is joined by Michelle Leagans, an educator, choreographer, and author of her newly released book, "Hey Dancers, Let's Talk About it!"

Michelle shares her background in dance, starting at a young age and eventually dancing for the NBA and NFL. She discusses her experiences in the dance team industry in Texas and her passion for creating a positive and inclusive environment for dancers. Michelle also talks about her book, 'Hey Dancers, Let's Talk About It,' which aims to open up discussions about important topics in the dance industry. In this part of the conversation, Joanne and Michelle discuss the importance of effective communication in the dance world. They emphasize the need for dancers to choose their words wisely and have open lines of communication with their teachers and peers. They also discuss the quote from Michelle's book that highlights the importance of understanding the why behind dancing, rather than focusing solely on winning trophies. They go on to discuss several chapters from Michelle's book, including why dancers love to dance, the importance of supporting and cheering on teammates, and the significance of taking corrections and being open to feedback.

The conversation between Michelle Leagans and Joanne Carey focused on the importance of communication and positive energy in the dance community. They discussed the need for dancers, teachers, and parents to have open and honest conversations to improve team culture. Michelle emphasized the value of journaling as a tool for self-reflection and communication. They also touched on the impact of negative energy and the role of mental health in the dance community.



Michelle Leagans Todero began her dance journey at Oklahoma City University, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance. Following her academic pursuits, Michelle embarked on a remarkable performance career, gracing stages for esteemed organizations such as the NBA, NFL, Busch Gardens, and Six Flags. Her talent and dedication soon led her to the realm of choreography, where she found her true calling. Settling in Houston, Texas, Michelle immersed herself in drill team choreography, becoming a sought-after name in the industry. Over the years, she has crafted award-winning contest pieces for over 100 high school teams and continues to choreograph for the NFL Texans Cheerleaders. In recognition of her exceptional skills, Michelle was honored as the Texas Dance Educators Association All State Choreographer in 2018, solidifying her reputation as a leader in her field. Most notably, she lent her expertise to the world-famous Kilgore Rangerettes for their 2024 Revel performances. Driven by her passion for nurturing young talent, Michelle founded Power Intensives, a revolutionary dance program that fuses intensive training with a vibrant party atmosphere. With Power Intensives now spanning 20 locations annually and attracting over 1,500 dancers, Michelle's impact on the dance world continues to grow. She recently published her first book, Hey Dancers Let's Talk About It! Outside of her bustling career, Michelle finds joy and support in her loving family. She resides in Houston with her husband Jaymie and their two shelties.

Information on Michelle's Power Intensives visit https://powerintensives.com/

To purchase the book https://www.amazon.com/dp/1998454061?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_B2M2NJMGE6WXQKEMA1MW&language=en-US

 

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 “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey 

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne special guests, Michelle Loucadoux and Kristen Deiss- co-founders of Danscend

In this episode of  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey,  join host Joanne Carey as she chats with Special Guests, Michelle Loucadoux and Kristen Deiss  co-founders of Danscend, two women who are trail blazers when it comes to the care of dancers' mental health. Listen in as these three ladies discuss the importance of mental health within the dance world. Michelle & Kristin, each share their personal backgrounds in dance and education, how they met, and then came together to create their organization, Danscend that offers courses, workshop and support for the dance community.

You'll hear a discussion about the challenges faced by dancers; the negative self-talk, perfectionism, and body image issues. They also discuss the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on dancers' mental health and the importance of community support.

The conversation explores the importance of community, the struggles of advanced dancers, the impact of fear on the mind-body connection, tools for mental wellness, prioritizing self-care, and the power of validation and community. In Danscend, Deiss and Loucadoux have created a resource that they wish was available when they were beginning their dance careers, a resource that will benefit not only their students but also the dance industry as a whole.



Michelle Loucadoux and Kristen Deiss are the co-founders of Danscend, a mental health organization focused on the well-being of dancers. They started Danscend in response to the mental health struggles they observed in the dance community, particularly during the pandemic. Michelle has a background in ballet and musical theater, while Kristen started as a ballet dancer but shifted to teaching and higher education. They both have a passion for education and saw a need for mental health resources tailored to dancers. Danscend offers courses, resources, and workshops for dancers and dance teachers, with a focus on creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Dancers face challenges such as negative self-talk, perfectionism, and body image issues. The pandemic exacerbated feelings of isolation and stress. It is important for dancers to prioritize self-care and seek support from their community. Tools for dancers include reflection, journaling, and validating feelings.



Interested in the resources Danscend has to offer? Try it for 1 month free. Just enter the code freemonth24 at checkout.

⁠https://danscend.teachable.com/p/about-us⁠

Follow on Instagram @danscendoffical



Follow Joanne Carey on Instagram @westfieldschoolofdance



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“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne special guest, Teacher Terrel, creator and author of the Once Upon a Dance Book Series



In this episode of  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey,  join host Joanne Carey as she chats with Special Guest, Teacher Terrel.   

Listen in as we chat about how Terrel's love for dance and how dance contributes to the lives of others, making it her mission to spread its joy. The COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown was pivotal in inspiring Terrel to find new ways to keep dance alive and create- thus the Once Upon a Dance book series was born!

Terrel shares her love for dance and her motivation to be a positive force for dance through her work. She also talks about her process of creating the book series, which she created along with her ballerina daughter. Along with finding illustrators and handling the layout. All royalties from her books have been donated to nonprofit charity partners that support the arts.

Terrel's goals for the future are limitless so get in line to collaborate with her. The possibilities for this creator are endless!



Teacher Terrel arrived in Seattle after a Peace Corps stint teaching English and dance. Complementing decades of teaching dance, she worked in early childhood education and for non-profits supporting kids. Terrel was recognized by her local City Council for "embodying the spirit of partnership and commitment to children in our community" for her work with young dancers. She serves on Pacific Northwest Ballet's Board of Directors and on a National Dance Education Organization committee.



Once Upon a Dance offers movement, breath, joy, connection and imagination through stories. Their catalog (25 books across four series) offers positive role models, whimsical stories, and diverse characters. Alongside movement and dance, the books feature themes of empathy, friendship, the value of practice, self-acceptance, sibling relationships, anger management, and working toward goals.

Stories are lovingly crafted, and royalties are donated to charity partners. A few highlighted honors:

• 40+ Book Awards

• Family Choice Award

• Mom’s Choice Gold Award Recipient

• PenCraft Award: First Place

• Firebird Book Award: First Place

• Royal Dragonfly Book Award: First Place

• Pinnacle Book Achievement Award - Best Book Juvenile Fiction

• Outstanding Creator Awards: Best Children's Book, Top 10 Author of 2022

• Kirkus Reviews Starred Review

Follow on Instagram @once_uponadance



Visit  DanceStories.com to learn about the mother-daughter team, browse books, or discover learning resources.

https://onceuponadance.com/www.CreativeMovementStories.com



Follow Joanne Carey on Instagram @westfieldschoolofdance



And follow  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne special guest, Jordan-Elizabeth Long

In this episode of  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey,  join host Joanne Carey as she chats with Special Guest, Jordan-Elizabeth Long, Principal Soloist with Miami City Ballet.

Jordan is a returning guest to Dance Talk and brings with her lots of milestones, accomplishments and life changes since we last spoke. Tune in as we catch up and chat about  her continued journey in dance and the important role classical music played in her childhood which brought her to a career in dance. Jordan also emphasizes the importance of early exposure to the arts and the impact of supportive teachers and parents.

She also candidly discusses her experience with scoliosis. Jordan shares how she is managing scoliosis as a dancer and the importance of spinal health as well as her gratitude for her teacher who never let her give up. She also recounts her journey through the COVID-19 pandemic (when I first chatted with her) pursuing higher education while dancing, and the resilience of the performing arts industry.

Jordan reflects on her recent promotion to principal soloist and the recent emotional reunion with her former colleagues in Sweden. She offers words of advice for dancers going through difficult times and emphasizes the fulfillment that comes from pursuing a career in dance.



Jordan-Elizabeth Long was born in Blacksburg, Va. She began her ballet training with Carol Crawford Smith and continued with Terri Post at the Southwest Virginia Ballet. In high school, she trained in South Florida with Magaly Suarez.

Upon completion of high school, she was invited to join the Dutch National Ballet as a demi-soloist. In 2010 she joined the Royal Swedish Ballet, where she was promoted to soloist. During her time in Europe, her repertoire included leading roles in The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle, and The Sleeping Beauty.

Long has been awarded the Gold Medal at the World Ballet Competition USA, been a finalist at the Shanghai International Ballet Competition, and was awarded the Louis Gallodier Prize at the Royal Swedish Ballet. She has appeared in galas and festivals in the USA, Dominican Republic, Russia, Romania, and Hong Kong. In 2014, Long joined Miami City Ballet as a Soloist then promoted to Principal Soloist in 2023

Follow on Instagram

@jordan.elizabeth.long                                   

@miamicityballet



Follow Joanne Carey on Instagram @westfieldschoolofdance



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“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne special guest, Jodee Nimericher, Executive Director of the prestigious American Dance Festival, located at Duke University in North Carolina.



 In this episode of  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey,  join host Joanne Carey as she chats with Special Guest, Jodee Nimericher, Executive Director of the American Dance Festival. Listen as Jodee shares her personal dance journey, from starting dance classes at a young age to discovering her passion for arts administration.

The conversation explores the importance of dance in inspiring and connecting people, and the role of the American Dance Festival in promoting and supporting the dance community.

This episode highlights the impact of live performances and the need for community engagement in the arts, something ADF is proud to be a leader. Jodee highlights the impact that these powerful performances and programs have on the community as well as on all those working on the fesitval, herself included. Summertime is special in North Carolina!

Jodee also shares insights into the process for artists to be represented and encourages dancers to take the initiative to reach out.

Check out all the upcoming events and programs at the American Dance Festival.

You'll want to be a part of this vibrant art scene in North Carolina that this Executive Director continues to curate with passion and purpose!

Jodee Nimerichter is an arts administrator and film producer and currently serves as the executive director of the American dance Festival. She began working for American Dance Festival in 1991 as an intern and in 1997 worked on the production of the festival's documentary series Free to Dance which earned an Emmy nomination in Research. In 2003 she became the festival's associate director, managing dance festivals in South Korea and Russia and building dance exchange programs in South Africa, Poland, Argentina, and the Philippines.  Nimerichter was appointed as the director of the American Dance Festival in 2012 and became executive director in 2016.



Since 1934, the American Dance Festival has been a recognized leader in modern dance presenting dance performances, and offering educational opportunities and community programs, while maintaining an international reach.

The American Dance Festival (ADF) is thrilled to announce its 2024 season with a full summer performance schedule from June 13 to July 28 and additional performances in April, September, and October. With 49 performances by 24 acclaimed dance companies and choreographers from around the globe, featuring 11 world premieres, 12 ADF commissions, and 12 ADF debuts, ADF celebrates the diversity of modern dance and its community.

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, April 23rd, with prices ranging from $18 to $70 and can be purchased through ADF’s website or the Duke University Box Office. More detailed information about performances, venues, tickets, and performing companies, including photos, videos, and press reviews, are available at americandancefestival.org.

https://americandancefestival.org/

Follow on Instagram @amerdancefest



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“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey

"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne and special guest, Betti Franceschi. 

In this episode of  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey,  join host Joanne Carey as she chats with a very Special Guest, 90 year old Betti Franceschi.

She is an artist, painter, sculptor, and now new author.  Betti joins me on her very first podcast interview where we talk about her lifelong love of ballet, dance, and art.  A life-long stutterer, Betti talks about her constant search for grace in all things she does.  She candidly shares that stuttering is seen as a lack of grace, but let me assure you- this beautiful lady is FILLED with grace and exudes it!

Listen in as we laugh and share stories and learn about her new photography book that embodies the longevity of the elder dancer titled, Ageless Dancers.

You are going to want to get this book and if you're like me, you are going to want to listen to this inspirational and light-filled lady over-and-over again!



Betti Franceschi is an artist who has done a double major in school and in life: fine art and ballet. Born in 1934 and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, she studied ballet with Marguerite de Anguera at Indiana University, Bloomington, fine art with Roger Anliker at Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon), and art history with Rosalind Krauss at Hunter College. Her Still Point drawings—vertical-hatched, tightly realistic nude close-ups of dancers' centers—were published in London as a book (The Still Point, 1987) designed by Simon Rendall, which won six nominations to the National Trust Show in London and Frankfurt, and were exhibited at Sadlers Wells in London, the National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs, New York, and the Philharmonic Center in Naples, Florida, among other venues. Her explosive, almost abstract, zen-calligraphic Signature Drawings (1983–1986) of dancers in motion, have been exhibited in several venues, including the New York State Theater, home of the New York City Ballet. Her early work was mostly portraits, then turned to focus on movement, with figure drawings and paintings, and later sculptures of dancers. In 2016 her interest in gesture brought her to photography for her Ageless Dancers project, a series of elegant, joyous portraits of dancers in the latter years of life. Her work has been reviewed in the London Evening Standard, The New York Times, the Saratogian, the New York City Ballet Playbill, and Dance Magazine. Franceschi lives in New York City.

Follow on Instagram @brsfran19Learn More:https://www.bettifranceschi.com/

Purchase Betti's book:https://brilliant-editions.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/copy-of-refractions-2-ralph-gibson

Join Betti April 18th in NYC for her book launch

Jason McCoy Gallery41 East 57th StreetNew York, NY 10022

Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 5:00pm

https://brilliant-editions.com/



Follow Joanne Carey on Instagram @westfieldschoolofdance

And follow  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey

Dates:Tickets:"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."