JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance Podcast

Send us Fan MailAnother season comes to a close and we want to say thank you to all of our guests for sharing their time and expertise with us.  We had so many great conversations with our guests and hope you enjoyed them as much as we did.We will be taking a hiatus for a bit as summer is underway, but are so excited to share season 12 with you.  Please stay tuned and watch our social media channels to see when Season 12 drops.Thank you Jam Fam for listening and supporting us!  Have a happy and safe summer.Joe and MIchelleThank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWith a talent like Miranda Schry, how could we not have a great conversation?  Welcome back Jam Fam to another fantastic episode of JAM, Joe and Michelle's Dance Podcast!  This week we talk about mentorship, competitions, and sprinkle in some fun.  We hope you enjoy our chat with the wonderful, Miranda Schry!Miranda Schry is a versatile dance artist and educator based in Los Angeles. A graduate of Point Park University, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Sports, Arts, and Entertainment Management. Miranda began dancing at the age of three and discovered her passion for choreography at sixteen.Her performance and teaching experience spans both coasts. She has toured nationally as an assistant with Artists Simply Human (ASH) and Revel Dance Convention, where she developed lasting mentorships with some of the industry’s leading voices. Miranda was also selected for the “I Am Force” program led by Chehon Wespi-Tschopp in Los Angeles, and Talia Favia’s “Chapters” intensive in New York City. Additionally, she has trained extensively under Cameron Lee and Rudy Garcia through their mentorship programs, and performed in Cameron Lee’s acclaimed annual show, “Potion”. Her recent credits include performances in music videos for Baby Yors, Mother Victory, and XOMG Pop, as well as appearances at World of Dance, in Ed Sheeran’s “Love More” Dolby commercial, and in the Barbie movie. She was also featured in a digital ad campaign for 8Greens. In addition to her performance work, she serves as the Assistant Director for the Step It Up Intensive in Los Angeles. Currently, Miranda is a member of the contemporary dance company “HMG the Company”, performing concert works across Los Angeles. Committed to nurturing the next generation of dancers, she continues to choreograph and teach across the East Coast, driven by her passion for inspiring others through movement and mentorship.Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailHey Jam Fam, welcome back to another fun episode with guest Christie Sirota- Jordon!  Christie is an experienced industry professional and has worked in all facets of the the dance world.  A true lover of the arts, Christie has wants to give back to the dance community, and it doing so with her fitness and dance programs.  We hope you enjoy our chat with Christie Sirota-JordonChristie Sirota-Jordon is a seasoned choreographer, educator, and creative director with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She began teaching and choreographing at the age of 15, developing a unique and versatile style shaped by training with top choreographers across the country—from the East Coast to the heart of L.A.’s commercial dance scene.A Pittsburgh native, Christie has traveled nationally with renowned conventions and organizations such as Commercial Dance Intensive (CDI), Dance Masters of America, Dance Caravan, Professional Dance Teachers Association, N-House Productions, and VIP Dance Competition. She continues to teach master classes and set choreography for studios and dance teams across the U.S.Her performance and choreography credits span high-profile projects including Las Vegas Fashion Week, Latin music legend Juan Luis Guerra, Disney’s boyband NLT, dance-pop group Taxi Doll, and the popular fitness program Hip Hop Abs. Christie is also a regional trainer for The BodyBar(re) Fitness Franchise and teaches “conditioning and cross-training for dancers.” Christie’s career has transitioned into other facets of the entertainment industry including creating & directing events. She currently serves as a National Director for VIP Dance Competition, co-producing and overseeing events nationwide. In 2018, she founded 412 The Intensive in Pittsburgh, a program designed to empower young dancers through high-level training, artistic exploration, and career preparation. The program has since expanded to Chicago with the launch of 312 The Intensive, alongside a growing suite of mentorship programs.These mentorship initiatives offer dancers deeper, more personal support—focusing not just on technical growth, but also on confidence, clarity, mental wellness, and mapping out next steps in their dance journeys.Now, with two decades in the industry, Christie is partnering and preparing to launch her latest program geared toward college-aged dancers looking to break into the entertainment world. Her mission is to redefine what it means to be a freelance artist—shifting the narrative from "starving artist" to confident, thriving artist.For more information on The Intensive, go to: www.theintensivedance.com Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailJoe and Michelle discuss their thoughts on the Tony Awards, what and who they liked, and of course Hamilton (which brings us back to Lin Manuel Miranda). A fun conversation as usual, let us know your thoughts on the this years Tony Awards!Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWe couldn't get enough of Courtney, so we had to have her back ASAP!  Thank you Courtney for your generosity in time and sharing with our Jam Fam!Courtney believes to stay inspired about teaching, choreographing and mentoring,  you need to remain curious about learning and challenging your current knowledge. Courtney’s first drive was dancing herself, training within various disciplines under different educators. Later in her education she trained at a select pre professional company where the elements of business, branding and industry relations were taught and explored. As she transitioned into her professional career in Los Angeles, CA her drive shifted into education and early childhood development. She was given many opportunities to build and manage kids dance programs within studios, create and direct a competition team, develop curriculums to support preschool to early elementary learning as well as an assistant program within dance studios to educate up and coming teachers on the craft of being an educator. She continues her work in early childhood development and education. She is also currently moving into her 9th season with Dupree Dance Competition and Convention where she has had the opportunity of having various titles over the years as Lead Assistant, Collective Program Coordinator and currently the Assistant Event Director and the newest addition of teaching within their young education program and being the director of that program. Courtney’s driving force with any discipline of work is to support and lift the people, the knowledge and culture within it, to build the individual and group to thrive.Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWelcome back Jam Fam!  We are excited to share our conversation with the fantastic Courtney Briggs!  Courtney is a wealth of knowledge and a ball of energy and this conversation covered so many things!  An educator, competition and convention teacher and director, she does it all.  We know you will love our chat with Courtney Briggs!Courtney believes to stay inspired about teaching, choreographing and mentoring,  you need to remain curious about learning and challenging your current knowledge. Courtney’s first drive was dancing herself, training within various disciplines under different educators. Later in her education she trained at a select pre professional company where the elements of business, branding and industry relations were taught and explored. As she transitioned into her professional career in Los Angeles, CA her drive shifted into education and early childhood development. She was given many opportunities to build and manage kids dance programs within studios, create and direct a competition team, develop curriculums to support preschool to early elementary learning as well as an assistant program within dance studios to educate up and coming teachers on the craft of being an educator. She continues her work in early childhood development and education. She is also currently moving into her 9th season with Dupree Dance Competition and Convention where she has had the opportunity of having various titles over the years as Lead Assistant, Collective Program Coordinator and currently the Assistant Event Director and the newest addition of teaching within their young education program and being the director of that program. Courtney’s driving force with any discipline of work is to support and lift the people, the knowledge and culture within it, to build the individual and group to thrive.Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWelcome back Jam Fam!  Happy to share with all of you our episode with Dana Generette!  Dana's background is diverse and we had a wonderful conversation around dance in studios, dance teams and touched on her career as a pro cheerleader!  She is an inspiration to her students and she inspired us with her insight.  We hope you enjoy our episode with Dana Generette!Dana Generette is a graduate of Winthrop University with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She is a native of Sumter, SC where she trained for 16 years in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, and hip hop. Dana has won numerous dance scholarships and received high honors while performing all throughout the southeast region. While attending Winthrop, she was chosen to perform in several Winthrop Dance Theatre pieces and had the opportunity to attendand perform at the American College Dance Association Regional Conference. She also served as captain of the Winthrop University dance team. While finishing her degree, Dana was selected to perform professionally as a Carolina Panthers Cheerleader.Dana’s current role is Artistic Director, choreographer, instructor, and adjudicator. She travels and teaches at different studios in the southeast. She has completed Dance Teacher Certification from UNLV and certification in Progressing Ballet Technique. Dana hopes that sharing her love for dance and knowledge of the arts will help inspire her students to become artist who never settle.She believes that mindset training is just as important as dance training, and having a strong sense of focus and discipline will allow her students to accomplish their dreams. Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWelcome back Jam Fam!  What a fantastic season we have had so far, and today's episode adds to that!  Today we talk ballet with the fabulous Heather Jean Wilson.  Her Baa Baa Ballet  and preschool curriculum are used around the country and we had a wonderful time chatting ballet, pre-school, and all things dance.  We hope you enjoy our episode with Heather Jean Wilson!Heather Jean Wilson is a committed professor, teaching artist, performing artist,writer, founder, photographer, choreographer, and mother. She has trained, danced, or collaborated with former members of Joffrey, Ballet Russe De Monte Carlo, NYCB, ABT, Mongolian Opera, and Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet. Heather has taught, guested, and lectured diverse student populations, including preschool through dance professionals, university students, adults, and senior citizens. She has trained vibrant dancers who perform in all mediums of dance, from classical ballet companies, to Broadway, sports, and beyond.Ms Wilson has founded schools and companies, created small works and full length ballets, built curricula, and instituted countless outreach services and events. She is known for inventing innovative teaching methods, and is the Founder of Baa Baa Ballet, Preschool Dance Curriculum and Grunt if You Understand, method of Ballet Instruction.Heather is a mother of four children, 2 of whom are dancers! She is a competitive archer holding state and sectional titles. She enjoys family, motorcycling, camping, skiing, and time on the water.Heather Wilson possesses infectious energy and enthusiasm, and loves to inspire everyone in the room to love Ballet more than they did before her class. Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWelcome back Jam Fam!  Another great episode today withe the wonderful Michelle Maskas!  Michelle is a wealth of knowledge and has numerous certifications to had to her resume.  We talk all things dance, as usual, with some fun stories thrown in.  We hope you enjoy our episode with Michelle Maskas.Michelle believes in supporting our local communities to help the younger generations thrive! She began her dance journey at the age of 8, where she studied all styles of dance. During her dance training, she attended competitions and workshops, taking classes from some of the biggest names in the industry. Upon high school graduation, Mrs.Maskas continued her education at PennState obtaining a business management degree and graduated with the highest GPA in her class. She also continued her dance training by attending Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators of America’s Teachers Training Programs. Both organizations are known for requiring teachers to test their dance knowledge before becoming a member. She is a proud member of Dance Educators of America, Dance Masters of America, Dance Masters of Pennsylvania & Pennsylvania Dance Education Organization. She trains recreational and competitive dancers to enjoy the art of dance. Her certifications include: Acrobatic Arts, ALICE training, and National Federation of High School Concussion certification. She trains recreational and competitive level dancers to enjoy the art of dance and all it has to offer. Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWelcome back Jam Fam!  We know you are going to love our chat with Andrea Kron.  Andrea is a wealth of knowledge, having been in the dance world as a performer, educator and choreographer.  Her credits speak for themselves, and you can see why we had her on the show.  Andrea received her Certificate of Dance from The Ailey School NYC where she was part of the Student Performance Ensemble and toured the New York metropolitan area. She has studied with the late Kevin Rotardier, the late David Howard, Milton Myers, Ann Reinking, the late Tony Stevens, Dorit Koppel, and Savion Glover.Performance credits include Radio City Music Hall, Helen Hayes Theatre, Hercules on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre, the role of Arabian in The Nutcracker as a guest artist as well as dancing as a Rockette in Cremaster 3, an independent film at the Guggenheim Museum,  directed by Matthew Barney.  She has also premiered numerous dance works at the Two River Theater, Silk City Arts Festival and SUNY New Paltz.As a choreographer, Andrea has created over fifty repertory works for students and professional companies ranging in style from classical to Modern to Musical Theatre, including full length versions of ballets to full scale musicals.  Some of her favorite shows and performances include A Funny Thing...Forum, Chicago, and Guys and Dolls. Other regional productions include Grease,  Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, Godspell and Footloose.Andrea guest teaches ballet, Horton modern, theatre dance, audition technique, injury prevention and Pilates.  She has designed injury prevention programs that fuse dance, science and anatomy so that students have a better understanding of how their bodies work.  Teaching credits include Broadway Dance Center, Marymount Manhattan College, SUNY New Paltz, and Montclair State University. She coaches students and professionals in NYC for auditions and college bound performers.Today's episode is brought to you by the Commercial Dance Experience at Seton Hill University.  For more information or to apply, go to:  setonhill_dancedept and follow the link in bio on Instagram!Thank you for listening Jam Fam!  Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: [email protected]