Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast

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Guests - Connor Britt-Tripp and Kamali Hill

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 278 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we're joined by two IDA judges and dance educators to talk about those scary skills we see on stage at dance competition: the ones that make us want to jump out of our seats or crawl out of our skin!

Topics Include:

• The technical elements that can be missing from skills that make them scary to a judge
• The importance of creating options in your choreography for competitions to eliminate scary execution on stage
• What can go wrong in lifts and partnering, and how to fix those problems before you get to competition

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
• Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 8. No sponsored ads!
• 20% off all IDA Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Connor Britt-Tripp - @connorschoreo1
• Kamali Hill - @KamaliHill

Check out our guest’s current projects!

The Creative Space
Open Call for Choreography
IG/FB/YT | @TheCreativeSpaceLLC

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 - Streetz Dance Convention
Check out their 2027 Season Tour Dates!
http://www.streetzdance.com/

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

New for Season 8! Making the Impact is now available on video! Find us wherever you watch video podcasts and on Youtube!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

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Guests: Josh Ellis and Neo Lynch

Hosted by Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor

Today on Making the Impact, we’re bringing back our Spotlight episodes to feature businesses and individuals that deserve a moment in the spotlight! The 8Counts app is designed for dancers, parents and dance teachers to bridge the gap between classes in the studio and practice at home. Co-founder Josh Ellis joins us today alongside dance educator and researcher Neo Lynch to discuss the ways the 8Counts app can enhance the experience of practicing at home for dancers!

Follow 8Counts and Neo Lynch on social media @join8counts and @NeoLynch and be sure to check out their upcoming projects.

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
• Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
• 20% off all IDA Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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 $3/month!

This episode is sponsored by:

8Counts - the trusted digital home for dance improvement.
8Counts builds on great in-person teaching, giving dancers more support and families more visibility between classes.

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

• Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Josh Ellis - @join8counts
• Neo Lynch - @NeoLynch

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us!Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

New for Season 8! Making the Impact is now available on video! Find us wherever you watch video podcasts and on https://www.youtube.com/@impactdanceadjudicators!

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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

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Guests - Amber Tacy and Dr. Robert Tsai

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 276 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are focusing on the importance of strength and conditioning for dancers. Our guests, Amber Tacy of Dancers Who Lift and Dr. Robert Tsai of DancePrehab Physical Therapy and Performance, bring us expert advice on how to navigate the wide variety of options for dancers looking to get stronger.

Topics Include:

• Why the viral videos featuring exercise bands and ankle weights may not be the best tools for your dancer
• How to find safe and effective strength training options
• Myths surrounding weight training for dancers

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
• Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 8. No sponsored ads!
• 20% off all IDA Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Amber Tacy - @dancerswholift
• Dr. Robert Tsai - @dr.robtsai.physio

Check out our guest’s current projects!

DancePrehab is hosting a course for physical therapists that want to curate healing environments that make strength and conditioning make sense to the adolescent artist athlete - http://www.danceprehab.com/course

DancePrehab education support options: http://www.danceprehab.com/workshops

Dancers Who Lift is currently accepting new 1:1 artists (18+) into our coaching program - Dancers Who Lift Coaching

This episode is sponsored by:

Check out IDA Affiliated Competition Gems Dance Competition!
View their tour dates and register now at http://www.dancegems.com/

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

New for Season 8! Making the Impact is now available on video! Find us wherever you watch video podcasts and on Youtube!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com/http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

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Guest - DJ Smart

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

Today's throwback episode brings us back to Season 6, with guest DJ Smart, where we talked about what it takes to stand out at auditions. Good audition advice never gets old, so this conversation is worth a re-listen as dancers head into convention season as well as college auditions. This episode originally aired November 28, 2024.

Topics Include:

• Why first impressions really do count
• Things NOT to do at auditions
• How to get out of your head and do your best in any scenario

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
• Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 8. No sponsored ads!
• 20% off all IDA Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• DJ Smart - @djsmartjr

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

New for Season 8! Making the Impact is now available on video! Find us wherever you watch video podcasts and on Youtube!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Lauren Gaul and Ashley Thorndike

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 274 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we're diving into the topic of dance in college, with two experts in the field. Lauren Gaul is the co-founder of the commercial dance program at Pace University in New York City, and Ashley Thorndike is the owner of Dance and College Counseling, a service dedicated to helping high school dancers navigate the college application and audition process.

Topics Include:

• The top tips for researching and selecting your dream school
• The types of audition processes that exist
• The best advice for preparing dancers in high school for success in college dance

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
• Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 8. No sponsored ads!
• 20% off all IDA Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Lauren Gaul - @lgfunk2
• Ashley Thorndike - @danceandcollegecounseling

Check out our guest’s current projects!

Visit http://www.danceandcollegecounseling.com/ for more information on Ashley's college counseling services

Find out more about Pace University's BFA in Commercial Dance here!

This episode is sponsored by:

YoungArts
Applications are open for the 2027 National YoungArts Competition, available for artists ages 15-18 or in grades 10-12. Deadline to apply is October 6th, 2026 at 8pm. Learn more at http://www.youngarts.org/

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

New for Season 8! Making the Impact is now available on video! Find us wherever you watch video podcasts and on Youtube!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Clarice Ordaz and Amber Nadelkov

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

We are bringing back our Throwback episodes in Season 8 of Making the Impact, and today we're heading to 2021 to discuss what the competitive dance scene was like in the decades before! Enjoy this look back into the past with guests Clarice Ordaz and Amber Nadelkov. This episode originally aired on January 7, 2021.

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 is

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
• Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 8. No sponsored ads!
• 20% off all IDA Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Clarice Ordaz - @d8clarice
• Amber Nadelkov - @Dancinambs678

This episode is sponsored by:

YoungArts
Applications are open for the 2027 National YoungArts Competition, available for artists ages 15-18 or in grades 10-12. Deadline to apply is October 6, 2026 at 8pm. Learn more at http://www.youngarts.org/

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

New for Season 8! Making the Impact is now available on video! Find us wherever you watch video podcasts and on Youtube!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Kristen Cochran and Dawn Parker

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 272 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we honor the teachers who impacted us during our journey in the dance world. Today, Lesley's teachers Kristen Cochran and Dawn Parker join us to share their memories of teaching Lesley in the studio, and celebrate the successes she's had along the way!

Topics Include:

• How the transition from a more relaxed studio atmosphere to a stricter approach went with Dawn at the helm
• Kristen's memories of choreographing solos via email
• The effects both teachers had on Lesley throughout the years, not only in dance but in life

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
• Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 8. No sponsored ads!
• 20% off all IDA Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Kristen Cochran - @Viamholdingsltd
• Dawn Parker - @dancerdawn5

Check out our guest’s current projects!

Catch "Parade" at The Strand Theatre in Marietta, GA, directed by Dawn Parker, through September 20 - Tickets available here!

This episode is sponsored by:

YoungArtsApplications are open for the 2027 National YoungArts Competition, available for artists ages 15-18 or in grades 10-12. Deadline to apply is October 6th, 2026.

Learn more at http://www.youngarts.org/

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!

Check out our IDA Affiliated Competition: Axis Dance Competition! Visit their website to view their upcoming tour dates!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

New for Season 8! Making the Impact is now available on video! Find us wherever you watch video podcasts and on Youtube!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 271 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley are live from Vegas, where they hosted a Q&A at Dance Teacher Web! Thanks to all of the wonderful participants for attending!

Topics Include:

• The never-ending levels discussion
• Lyrical vs contemporary - how to place routines in the correct category
• How to hold true to your values as a studio when there is so much outside influence

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
• Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 8. No sponsored ads!
• 20% off all IDA Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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!

• Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance

This episode is sponsored by:

YoungArts

Applications are open for the 2027 National YoungArts Competition, available for artists ages 15-18 or in grades 10-12. Deadline to apply is October 6th, 2026. Learn more at http://www.youngarts.org/

Dance Teacher Web Conference and Expo
This summer July 27-30, 2027 in Las Vegas, NV!
140+ master classes, seminars, events, & more for continuing education and networking in the dance community!

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

New for Season 8! Making the Impact is now available on video! Find us wherever you watch video podcasts and on Youtube!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Guests: Stacey Dimberio and Brooke MacIver

Hosted by Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor

The winner of the Making the Impact Award fan favorite contest from 2026 is Stacey's Studio of Dance Education's routine "Somebody To Love"! We are excited to welcome choreographer Brooke MacIver and owner Stacey Dimberio to the podcast to tell us all about Stacey's Studio of Dance Education in this studio spotlight episode!

Follow Stacey's Studio of Dance Education @Staceysstudioofdance and be sure to check out their upcoming projects.

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
• Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
• Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4-8. No sponsored ads!
• 20% off all IDA Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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:

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 - Elevation On Tour!
View their upcoming Tour Dates on their website!

Follow your Hosts & Guests!

• Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Stacey's Studio of Dance Education - @Staceysstudioofdance

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us!Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

New for Season 8! Making the Impact is now available on video! Find us wherever you watch video podcasts and on Youtube!

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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

Welcome to Season 8 of Making the Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast! Courtney and Lesley have some fun news to share about this season, as well as a recap of the summer!

Topics Include:

• New for season 8 - we're on video! 🎥
• Cover art contest winners
• Exciting opportunities at Dance Teacher Web and Dance One Summit over the summer

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
• Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 8. No sponsored ads!
• 20% off all IDA Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance

Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community

New for Season 8! Making the Impact is now available on video! Find us wherever you watch video podcasts and on Youtube!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Join our Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

IDA Judges - Brittany Nicholas, Kyle Rostan, Sally Cofield, Marie Choate

Hosted By - Holly Shipley

Produced By: Making the Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast

We are excited to have partnered with IDA affiliated Competition The Artistry Tour to host a live-podcast at their 2026 Nationals event this summer in Michigan. The owner of The Artistry Tour Holly Shipley moderated this chat featuring 4 IDA Judges: Brittany Nicholas, Marie Choate, Kyle Rostan and Sally Cofield. Thank you to The Artistry Tour for sponsoring this episode and we hope you enjoy!

Topics Include:

• What stands out on stage as a judge
• Career paths in the arts
• Why networking is so important
• How artistry plays a role at competition
• What truly matters to have a career in dance

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
• Priority 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 Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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!

• The Artistry Tour - @theartistrytour
• Brittany Nicholas - @brittnnicholas
• Kyle Rostan - @kylerostan
• Marie Choate - @marie_choate
• Sally Cofield - @saldancer

To learn more about The Artistry Tour and to register for an event in their 2027 Season, visit their website:https://theartistrytour.com/

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 Newsletterfor 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 athttp://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com/

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Robb Gibbs, Brittni Johnson, and Anonymous Submissions

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

To close out Season 7 of Making the Impact, we are getting real about the often unspoken truths in the dance competition judging space. Veteran IDA judges Robb Gibbs and Brittni Johnson, as well as anonymous submissions from judges around the country, share what it can really be like during those long weekends behind the table. Spoiler alert - sometimes it's not pretty.

This is part 2 of this episode. Part 1 which released back on May 28th, 2026. Click here to listen to part 1.

Topics Include:

• Discussing the reasons we love judging - and the reasons that it becomes harder and harder each season
• Travel nightmares and lodging snafus - all to save a dollar
• The realities of trying to stay true to your values while adhering to company policies

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority 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 Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Robb Gibbs - @robb.gibbs
• Brittni Johnson - @being_brittni, @alignment.in.dance

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 Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com/

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

That's a wrap on Season 7 of Making the Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast! Thank you to all our loyal listeners who have been here since the beginning for all your support, and to our new fans who have joined us this year! We can't wait to share season 8 with you - but for now, happy summer!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Season 8 is scheduled to release on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026.

Topics Include:

• Favorite episodes of Season 7
• Info on summer bonus episodes
• What's new for Season 8

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority 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 Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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!

• Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Impact Dance Adjudicators - @impactdanceadjudicators

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 Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com/

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Robb Gibbs, Brittni Johnson, and Anonymous Submissions

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

To close out Season 7 of Making the Impact, we are getting real about the often unspoken truths in the dance competition judging space. Veteran IDA judges Robb Gibbs and Brittni Johnson, as well as anonymous submissions from judges around the country, share what it can really be like during those long weekends behind the table. Spoiler alert - sometimes it's not pretty.

This is the first episode of a two episode series, so stay tuned for part 2 releasing as a summer bonus episode in June!

Topics Include:

• Discussing the reasons we love judging - and the reasons that it becomes harder and harder each season
• Travel nightmares and lodging snafus - all to save a dollar
• The realities of trying to stay true to your values while adhering to company policies

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority 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 Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Robb Gibbs - @robb.gibbs
• Brittni Johnson - @being_brittni, @alignment.in.dance

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 Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Summer Aiello & Shannon Thomas

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

Our final throwback episode is one for the dance moms out there! Being a dance parent requires learning a lot of new information, from theatre etiquette to competition structures. But one thing that’s not covered in any studio handbook is how not to be a stage mom. Join studio owner Shannon Thomas and veteran dance mom Summer Aiello for this informative chat! This episode originally aired on March 24, 2022.

Topics Include:

• Understanding boundaries between your dancer and your studio owner
• Learning what is acceptable dance parent behavior
• How to stay involved without pushing limits

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority 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 Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Summer @Summerbellies
• Shannon @legacydance386

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 Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Lynne McNelis and Jennifer Lobaito

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 267 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, two former dancers join us to chat about what it's like to raise competitive dancers in this new era in the industry. From memories of "the good old days" to current challenges and joys, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

Topics Include:

• The search for the right dance studio
• Differences between the old generation and the new generation of dancers
• Setting your dancer up for what success looks like for them using your knowledge of dance

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority 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 Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Lynne McNelis - @lynnemcnelis
• Jennifer Lobaito - @Dancefixwithjenn

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 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!

Check out IDA affiliated competition True Dance Challenge! http://www.truedancechallenge.com

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 Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Carrie Euker, Holly Gannett

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

Today's throwback episode takes us back to Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast's very first season! This episode features IDA judges Carrie Euker and Holly Gannett discussing ways to keep ballet fun, relevant and beloved in the dance competition world. This episode originally aired on March 30, 2020.

Topics Include:

• Ideas for keeping ballet class interesting
• What judges look for in a ballet competition routine
• How ballet can benefit other styles of dance

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority 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 Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Carrie Euker - @CMEuker
• Holly Gannett - @Hollcoll77

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 Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Kathryn Morgan and Tommie Lin Kesten

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 265 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, guests Kathryn Morgan and Tommie Lin Kesten join us for an eye-opening chat about pointe! From pointe-readiness to shoe preparation, we dive into the challenges and joys of dancing en pointe!

Topics Include:

• The real amount of training that should occur prior to going en pointe
• Tips for finding the right pointe shoe for you
• Is pre-pointe class necessary?

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority 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 Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Kathryn Morgan - @Kathryn_Morgan
• Tommie Lin Kesten - @tommielin

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 Competition Star Talent Productions!
View their 2027 season tour dates and register now at http://www.startalentproductions.com/

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 Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Guests: Jennifer Armstrong, Devin Pendleton and James Murphy

Hosted by: Courtney Ortiz

Today's IDA Competition Spotlight episode features Star Talent Productions, based in North Carolina and celebrating their 20th season this year! Owner Jennifer Armstrong and emcees Devin Pendleton and James Murphy join Courtney to chat about their journeys in the competition space, and what makes Star Talent Productions stand out from the crowd!

Follow Jennifer Armstrong, Devin Pendleton and James Murphy on social media - @StarTalentDance, @startalentdevin, @startalentjames and be sure to check out their upcoming projects.

Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members-only
• Priority 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 Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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:

Check out IDA Affiliated Competition Star Talent Productions!
View their 2027 season tour dates and register now at http://www.startalentproductions.com/

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!

Follow your Host & Guests!

• Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
• Jennifer Armstrong - @StarTalentDance
• Devin Pendleton - @startalentdevin
• James Murphy - @startalentjames

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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Guests - Ty Williams, Tonysha McIntosh, Haley Everett

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 263 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we are joined by studio owners Ty Williams and Tonysha McIntosh, and dance educator Haley Everett to talk about the many ways competitive dance can be more inclusive and diverse. Dancers from all walks of life deserve to feel welcomed and included at dance competitions, and our guests are doing great work in the field to contribute to that positive atmosphere.

Topics Include:

• What Haley's All Needs dance classes are all about, and advice for others who are interested in adding inclusive programming
• The types of diversity that people often overlook in competitive spaces (diversity of style of dance, age, and race on judging panels, diversity of competition leadership) and why it's important for everyone to be represented
• What work still needs to be done to make competition spaces more inclusive

Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:

• Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
• Priority 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 Merchandise
• Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
• Discounted IDA Online Critique
• Group 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.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Ty Williams - @Ty.Williams.5, @tntdanceacademy_
• Tonysha McIntosh - @nyshfaith, @tntdanceacademy_
• Haley Everett - @haley_everett19, @studio19dancecompany

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 Newsletterfor 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 http://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com

Support the show