No Starving Artists

Welcome back everyone to the No Starving Artists Podcast - This weeks episode is s roundtable discussion presented by Elevation on Tour & features Angie and Steve Sirico from Dance Teacher Web as well as some amazing guests.

We discussed:
- How dance teacher web was started
- How to adapt your business in the dance space
- Advice for young artists
- How dance team can fit into a competitive program
- Being flexible with teams and team coaches
- and more!

This is an incredible discussion about the future of the competitive dance environment and how we can hopefully adapt to continue providing amazing educational experiences.

Guest speakers:
Angie D'Valda
https://www.instagram.com/angeladvalda/

Steve Sirico
https://www.instagram.com/danceteacherweb/

Regan Jurick
https://www.instagram.com/regjack/

Lauren Colletti
https://www.instagram.com/lauren_colletti/

Maryelle Stephenson
https://www.instagram.com/maryellestephenson/

This episode is presented by Elevation on Tour
https://www.instagram.com/elevationontour/

No Starving Artists
www.nsadance.com
https://www.instagram.com/heyitspickett/

#dancepodcast #dancescience #competitiondance
Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Kea Tesseyman - the creator of The KEA METHOD and Owner & Artistic Director of KEA Dance Center in Camden, Maine. Entering her 25th year as a dance educator and her 17th year leading her studio, Kea is passionate about transforming the way dancers are trained, supported, and developed.

Beyond producing, directing, and choreographing her annual dance productions, Kea is on a mission to bring her original method to dancers, studios, and conventions nationwide.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/thekeamethod/

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Dinah Hampson - a true innovator and leader in the field of physiotherapy. At a relatively early stage in her career, Dinah founded Pivot Sport Medicine and Orthopedics and it has soared ever since. Dinah is a passionate teacher and mentor who welcomes physiotherapy students into her clinical world to develop their clinical skills and business acumen.

Their links:
https://pivotdancer.com/pivot_experts/dinah-hampson-2/

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Rosa D'Aleo - director and owner of Royal Dance Center on Long Island & a certified Psychologist. We discuss ownership, how to cultivate a positive studio culture and the importance of mental health inside of competitive dance.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/rosa18xoxo/

https://www.rdcbabylon.com/

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Josh Ellis from 8Counts. A brand new dance app that is aiming to provide accessibility to dance training while supplement studios and teachers.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/join8counts/
https://join8counts.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAaeql4kFjJp-xRNVZL8Oz_SoHjz70GwGfWVicXKbagrnohrY5poZxQu-7Ar2QQ_aem_HNvT4VF2iowOPmXkjVD3vQ#join

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Dr. Miguel Almario, DPT - we chat about his experience with dance and passion for physical therapy, the importance of cross training for dancers and more!

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/movewithmigs/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/the_arete_project/?hl=en

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Jeff Homer and Mandy Yip from Ensemble Performing Arts - we talk about the beginnings of Ensemble, how they entered the competitive dance space, what the response as been and more.

Their links:
https://www.ensembleschools.com/

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Brice "Professor Lock" Johnson - a professional dancer, movement educator, and speaker built on one belief: we dance how we live. Rooted in House Dance and the wider Hip Hop tradition, his teaching goes past steps...every session is grounded in the history, roots, and evolution of the style, because technique without context is just choreography. He's the creator of Have You Danced Today? and the G.R.O.O.V.E. Method, the framework behind his workshops, coaching, and speaking. Wherever he teaches, the goal is the same: leave people moving in their inner truth, out loud.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/professorlock/

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Brittni Johnson - a licensed clinical mental health therapist with many years of experience working with individuals of various age groups, including children, adolescents and adults. We talk about her experience with dance, her approach to teaching and more.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/being_brittni/?hl=en
https://www.empoweredmvt.com/about

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Theresa Stone - we chat about her journey with dance, her creative process and what she wants to see for dance moving forward.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/theresastone91/

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Angela Trapani - We chat about her role as a dance parent & school psychologist and how those worlds have interesected.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/amtrapani

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

This guided conversation brought together some influential voices in the competitive dance space to talk about: What happens when private equity, outside investment, and corporate acquisitions enter the world of competitive dance?

We discussed:
• Why investors are suddenly interested in dance
• Rising costs for studios and families
• The impact of consolidation on competitions, conventions, and studios
• Whether artists are losing influence in the industry
• New opportunities for studio owners looking toward retirement
• How we balance business growth with artistic integrity
• Who should have a seat at the table as dance continues to evolve

This wasn't a debate about who's right or wrong. It was a conversation about transparency, education, and making sure dancers, families, educators, and artists remain at the center of an industry that's changing rapidly.

Whether you're a studio owner, teacher, parent, dancer, or industry professional, this is a conversation worth listening to.

Guest speakers:
Menina Fortunato
https://www.instagram.com/meninafortunato/

Rhee Gold
https://www.instagram.com/rheegold/

Chasta Hamilton
https://www.instagram.com/chastahamilton/

Mandy Yip
https://www.instagram.com/mandyjyip/

Jeff Homer
https://www.ensembleschools.com/

Presented by No Starving Artists and hosted by Jason Pickett
www.nsadance.com
https://www.instagram.com/heyitspickett/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Chasta Hamilton - We chat about her journey, how private equity in dance crossed her radar and where we're at today with competitive dance.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/chastahamilton/
https://www.chastahamilton.com/

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Jamie Hodgins from ICDR - this is a part 2 with Jamie taking about ICDRs current position in competitive dance, how they want to help and clarifying some pushback.

Their links:
https://icdrdance.com/

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Jonathan Carone from Healthy Sports Parents. We talk about why parents push pressure on young athletes, where youth sports are heading and more!

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparents/

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Kristina Cross & Brie Pena from Elevation on Tour. We chat about the beginnings of their business, challenges they faced and where they see things going from here.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/elevationontour/
https://elevationontour.com/

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Kim McSwain - in this episode Jason talks with Kim about her approach to teaching dance, working with studios to reform their programs and the safety of dancers in todays technological age.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/kmagencydance/
https://www.kmagency.com/
https://icdrdance.com/

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Bree Hafen -
Jason Pickett sits down with Bree Hafen, founder of Tiger Friday, to break down her journey from professional dancer to building a successful dancewear brand. They dive into the realities of running a business, the purpose behind ambassador programs, and the balance between opportunity, marketing, and responsibility in today’s dance world. This episode offers an honest look at the intersection of dance, business, and the evolving culture around young dancers online.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/tigerfriday/
https://www.instagram.com/breehafen.choreo/

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Calan Bryant -
Jason Pickett sits down with dancer and creator Erik Cavanaugh to talk about his unconventional path into dance, building a platform through social media, and breaking through industry standards around body image and inclusion. They dive into the realities of training, teaching, and the growing impact of social media on dance culture—for better and worse. This episode is a real, honest look at what it takes to create space for yourself and others in today’s dance world.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/erikcavanaugh/

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/

Welcome back to the No Starving Artists podcast featuring Calan Bryant -
Jason Pickett sits down with choreographer and creative director Calan Bryant to unpack his unconventional journey from football to dance and how relentless work ethic and intentional growth shaped his career. They dive into the realities of training, industry gaps in hip-hop education, and the importance of understanding culture—not just copying movement. If you're serious about leveling up as a dancer, this episode is packed with perspective and real talk.

Their links:
https://www.instagram.com/calanbryant/

This podcast is directed at artists, specifically dancers, looking to take their dancing to the next level. Each episode I'll have a different artist with a different background but all with one thing in common - they've elevated their artistry in one way or another.
My hope is that this will inspire younger artists to keep pushing and also give you new ideas as to how you can turn your passion into a career.

Online coaching, free resources and more available online: www.nsadance.com Comment, Like and Share and don't forget to follow us on all social media!

https://www.instagram.com/artistswhoeat/