The Movement Mic

Welcome back to The Movement Mic — where the rhythm meets the real talk. In this episode host Devrae “DJ” Jefferson sits down with Carlin Griswold, owner and artistic director of Park Hill Dance Academy in Denver, to pull back the curtain on something a lot of dancers dream about but few understand: owning a studio. Creating your own space, teaching your own students, building a community — and the business, leadership, and sacrifice behind all of it.Carlin shares her whole journey: growing up in Salida with hippie parents, training at the Arvada Center, leaving home for the Interlochen Arts Academy boarding school, and the hard realities of early professional life. She opens up about the toxic company culture that pushed her out of performing, why she refuses to run a studio built on fear, and how shetook over Park Hill in 2014 with 40 kids and zero business background — then taught herself the finance, taxes, and forecasting it takes to keep the doors open.The back half is a masterclass for aspiring studio owners: the difference between a business owner and a successful one, how to price and location-scout, what to have in the bank before you start, and why trusting your gut beats everything. It closes with a student-written Q&A that shows the person behind the business. If you’re a dancer thinking about building something of your own, this one’s for you. This is your mic, your movement.Connect with Park Hill Dance Academy & Carlin Griswold: [socials IG: @kargriz Tik Tok @karlyngriswold]#TheMovementMic #DancePodcast #DanceStudio #StudioOwner #BalletTeacher #DanceEntrepreneur #Denver #DanceCommunity#SmallBusiness #LifeAfterDance

Welcome back to The Movement Mic — where the rhythm meets the real talk. Host Devrae “DJ”Jefferson reconnects with his brother and fellow dancer Alban Costello, a friend he’s known since their UNCSA days.What follows is one of the most powerful stories we’ve had on the mic.Alban takes us from a small remote village in Ethiopia, where he grew up one of five children, to being given up foradoption at age six and raised by an American family in Indiana. From there: ballet, UNCSA, a professional contract —and a years-long battle with addiction that took him through multiple rehabs, homelessness in Denver, and a rockbottom he says had a basement. Today he’s over a year sober, teaching young dancers, and building a brand and anadult beginner ballet class that ties dance to recovery and community.DJ and Alban get into identity, discipline, the difference between shame and guilt, why community is everything inrecovery, and what it means to rebuild after losing years. It closes with a rapid-fire segment and Alban’s personalMount Rushmore of artists. If you’re rebuilding something — a career, a body, a life — this one’s for you. This is yourmic, your movement.Connect with Alban Costello: Instagram alban.costello · TikTok acostello123#TheMovementMic #DancePodcast #BalletDancer #RecoveryStory #Sobriety #AddictionRecovery #DancerLife #MentalHealth#AdoptionStory #DanceCommunity[00:00] Cold open[00:30] Welcome back — and a wild flight into Denver[01:45] Meet the guest — Alban Costello[05:30] Growing up in Ethiopia[10:00] Given up for adoption at six[13:45] From the orphanage to America[19:30] Falling in love with ballet[31:20] UNCSA and finding freedom[50:00] Turning pro — and the start of addiction[1:10:00] Rock bottom has a basement[1:12:18] Recovery, community, and AA[1:19:00] Over a year sober — the brand and the comeback[1:20:00] Shame vs. guilt[1:21:20] Starting an adult beginner ballet class[1:27:20] Rapid fire[1:35:00] Mount Rushmore of artists[1:38:26] Where to find Alban + closing

🔥 WELCOME TO THE MOVEMENT MIC 🔥In this episode, we sit down with one of the most innovative and smoothest movement artists in the world — Charles “Lil Buck” Riley 👟✨From the streets of Memphis to global stages, film, fashion, and beyond… Lil Buck has carved out a lane that is completely his own. In this conversation, we go deep — into his roots, the culture of jookin, his breakthrough moments, and what it really takes to build longevity in the dance world.This isn’t just an interview… it’s a masterclass in movement, mindset, and purpose. 🎙️💭💥 WHAT WE GET INTO:His upbringing and journey into danceThe culture and foundation of jookin 👟His iconic collaboration with Yo-Yo Ma 🦢Working with major artists & global brands 🌍Film, TV, and choreography 🎬What success really meansLongevity in a dancer’s career ⏳His Mount Rushmore of dancers 🗿🔥 Whether you’re a dancer, artist, or just someone chasing greatness — this episode is for you.📲 FOLLOW THE MOVEMENT MIC:Instagram: @themovementmicTikTok: @themovementmic🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ThaN8A89Clc9WJWya3308?si=9ckoiiJ-QrCeCG338aeAag&nd=1&dlsi=13bb58f1be8c4640Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-movement-mic/id1827852095🚨 DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE 🚨Hit that SUBSCRIBE button, like the video 👍, and drop a comment 💬 — it helps the channel grow and keeps these conversations going!🎤 The Movement Mic — where dance, culture, and real conversations meet.

Welcome to The Movement Mic — the podcast where dancers are heard, empowered, and inspired, and where therhythm meets the real talk. In this debut episode, host DJ the Kid and cohost Chloe Grant Abel sit down with sportpsychologist and grief specialist Dr. Natasha Trujillo to talk about one thing almost every dancer will face:transition.After pulling back from dancing full-time, DJ opens up about the guilt, fear, and grief that come with stepping away —even when it’s the right move. Dr. Natasha reframes transition as a pivot, normalizes the waves of grief, andunpacks why dancers so often confuse who they are with what they do. Chloe shares her own path from companylife to freelance and motherhood, and the group gets honest about identity, body image, routine, and the fear ofleaving before you’ve peaked.In the back half, Dr. Natasha explains why grief must be witnessed, why you can’t outrun it, and how “dosing” griefand rebuilding routine help you move forward — plus her course, Revising Your Game Plan, for athletes andperformers in transition. If you’re a dancer navigating change of any kind, this one’s for you. Remember: this is yourmic, your movement.[00:00] Cold Open[00:28] Welcome to The Movement Mic[02:00] Meet Dr. Natasha Trujillo[06:43] Does Transition Ever Stop? The Power of the Pivot[09:33] Confusing Who You Are With What You Do[12:27] The Emotional Rollercoaster[18:36] Grieving vs. Depression[20:06] “You Danced 20 Years, Out For Two”[28:46] Forced Transition, Ageism & Two Deaths[36:20] Motherhood, Identity & Coming Back[39:14] Body Image, Control & Transition[48:00] Why Grief Must Be Witnessed[50:41] The Cost of Avoiding Grief[54:37] Revising Your Game Plan[01:13:48] Rapid Fire: This or That[01:16:03] Final Takeaways & Seek HelpConnect with Dr. Natasha Trujillo: [https://npttherapy.com / @npttherapy About The Movement Mic: The go-to podcast where dancers are heard, empowered, and inspired. Subscribe on YouTube@themovementmic and follow on Instagram, TikTok, Spotify & Apple Podcasts. This is your mic, your movement.#TheMovementMic #DancerLife #DancePodcast #MentalHealthInDance #DanceTransition #SportPsychology#PerformancePsychology #GriefSupport #DancerMentalHealth #LifeAfterDance

This episode is FOR THE CULTURE.On this special edition of The Movement Mic, we sit down with legendary dancer, choreographer, and cultural force Christopher L. Huggins for a powerful, candid, and inspiring conversation that dives deep into the mind of a master artist. From his early beginnings in Boston to becoming a soloist with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and later one of the most respected choreographers working around the world, this episode captures dance in its full beauty and essence.In this chill, honest, and insightful interview, we explore:🩰 How dance first entered his life and shaped who he is🔥 His time dancing with Alvin Ailey and his personal relationship with Mr. Ailey💭 The hardships, sacrifices, and breakthroughs that defined his career🎭 His transition from dancer to choreographer🧠 The creative process behind iconic works like Enemy Behind the Gates, Pyrokinesis, Anointed, The List, and more🌍 What it’s really like choreographing internationally vs. working in the U.S.💰 The realities of money in choreography — including the biggest check he’s ever seen🚪 A real conversation about gatekeeping in the dance world🎉 Candid stories, wisdom, and gems for dancers and young choreographersWe close the episode with a reflective and powerful Mount Rushmore of Dance, where Christopher shares the artists who shaped his journey and continue to influence the culture today.This episode is a must-watch for dancers of all genres, choreographers, creatives, and anyone invested in the future of dance.📲 FOLLOW & CONNECT WITH THE MOVEMENT MICInstagram: @themovementmicTikTok: @themovementmic🎧 LISTEN ON AUDIO PLATFORMSSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0ThaN8A89Clc9WJWya3308?si=MSz3tCiyRCaugjSBgfqLIwApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-movement-mic/id1827852095🔔 SUBSCRIBE & SUPPORT THE CULTURESubscribe to The Movement Mic on YouTube for real conversations, legendary guests, and honest dialogue that keeps dance moving forward. Like, comment, and share this episode with someone who loves dance as much as you do.Dance is more than movement — it’s legacy, culture, and truth in motion. 🎶🖤

“The Movement Mic” is back with an episode that every dancer needs to hear. 🩰Hosted by Devrae “DJ” Jefferson, this conversation dives deep into the realities of mental health in the dance world — from the pressure of perfection to the pain behind body image struggles, anxiety, and communication challenges that so many artists face but rarely discuss.This episode features Chloe Grant-Abel as co-host and two incredible guests:✨ Martez McKinzy (@_idance) — professional dancer and cancer survivor whose story of resilience and passion will leave you inspired. After battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Martez shares how dance became his source of strength — even taking class after every chemo treatment. Now, 14 years cancer-free, his story embodies perseverance and pure love for the art.🧠 Natasha Trujillo (@npttherapy) — licensed mental health therapist and sports psychologist — brings her expertise to the table, unpacking topics like: • How the dance world normalizes body image struggles and disordered eating • The fine line between excellence and perfectionism • Understanding when performance anxiety becomes something deeper • How dancers can create healthier communication and community • The importance of developing an identity beyond the studioTogether, we explore what it truly means to be “beautifully damaged” — finding beauty in the breakdowns, lessons in the pauses, and purpose in the struggle. 💫If you’ve ever questioned your worth outside of your craft, struggled to separate your identity from your art, or needed a reminder that rest and reflection are part of the process — this one’s for you. ❤️👇 Listen and Subscribe:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ThaN8A...🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...⸻✨ Follow & Connect:Instagram: @themovementmicTikTok: @themovementmic💬 Like, comment, share, and subscribe to join the conversation — and don’t forget to check out the other episodes on the channel for more honest, empowering discussions that move beyond the mirror and into the mind behind the movement.

#DancePodcast #DatingDancers #DanceLife🔥💃 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🕺🔥 Dancers, love, and the studio—oh my! On this episode of The Movement Mic, Caeli Blake @onlycaelik and Lamar Rogers @lamarogers get real about dating as a dancer 🎙️✨ From crazy schedules, exhausting rehearsals, and long tours 🌍📱, to balancing passion, love, and professionalism 💌💪, they spill the truth about what it takes to make it work ❤️💃🕺We chat about the struggles of dancer relationships—finding time, managing energy, and keeping the studio drama-free 😅💥. Then the debate heats up: dating another dancer—blessing or disaster? 💑 Plus, the perks! Shared health goals, travel adventures ✈️🎭, and a partner who truly understands your art 💓🔥. And for fun, we finish with a Mount Rushmore of Dancers 🏔️👑—the legends and heroes that shaped us!✨ Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or just love dance, this episode is packed with laughs, real talk, and wisdom you won’t want to miss! Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @themovementmic 📸🎶. Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/0ThaN8A89Clc9WJWya3308?si=MSz3tCiyRCaugjSBgfqLIw 🎧 or Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-movement-mic/id1827852095 🍏.💬 Like, comment, and subscribe—and tell us: what’s YOUR biggest challenge in dating as a dancer? 🤔💃🕺#DancePodcast #DatingDancers #DanceLife #TheMovementMic #CaeliBlake #LamarRogers #DanceCommunity #RelationshipsInDance #BalletLife #DanceTalk #PodcastFun

🔥 Welcome back to The Movement Mic — where rhythm meets real talk! 🔥In this episode, “The Price of Passion: Financial Realities & Stability in a Dance Career,” we’re pulling back the curtain on something every dancer thinks about but rarely discusses: 💸 money.From your first paycheck to your first reality check, to side hustles, negotiating pay, and planning for the future — we’re talking about what it really takes to survive (and thrive) as a professional dancer. Ballet, modern, contemporary — no matter your lane, this conversation is for YOU. 🙌✨ In this episode we cover: • Can you actually make a living as a dancer? • The side hustles that keep dancers afloat 💼 • Negotiating your worth without fear • The hidden cost of being a dancer (gear, travel, therapy & more) 🩰 • Building long-term wealth as an artist 🏦This isn’t fluff — it’s the raw, real truth dancers need to hear.⚠️ Quick note: Apologies that the audio isn’t fully up to par on this one 🙏 — my editing team is working hard to make sure this doesn’t happen again in the future. Thanks for rocking with me as we keep leveling up!🎧 Listen on:Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-movement-mic/id1827852095Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/0ThaN8A89Clc9WJWya3308?si=MSz3tCiyRCaugjSBgfqLIw📲 Let’s connect:TikTok: @themovementmicInstagram: @themovementmic👊 If this episode spoke to you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. When dancers move together, we change the game.#DancePodcast #TheMovementMic #DancerLife #FinancialFreedom #Ballet #ModernDance #ArtistLife #Modern #Contemporary #YourMicYourMovement

🎙️ The Movement Mic – Ep. 1What Does It Take to Become a Professional Dancer? ft. Chloe-Grant AbelSo you want to be a professional dancer? In this episode, we’re diving into the real, unfiltered journey of becoming a professional dancer — and who better to join us than the incredible Chloe-Grant Abel. From the grind of technical training to the importance of mental health and how to actually book the job, we’re breaking it all down.💬 Topics we get into: • The Foundation: Training & Technical Mastery • Strength, Endurance, & Injury Prevention • Mental Health as a Dancer • Navigating the Audition Process • Versatility, Marketability & Career Longevity • Artistry, Professionalism, and PASSIONWhether you’re just starting out or already deep in the dance world, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and honesty.👇 FOLLOW US:📸 Instagram: @themovementmic🎵 TikTok: @themovementmic🩰 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment if this episode inspired you or made you feel seen. Let’s keep the movement moving 💥#TheMovementMic #DancePodcast #ProfessionalDancer #DJTheKidd #ChloeGrantAbel #DanceJourney #AuditionTips #DanceTraining #MentalHealthInDance #VersatileDancer #DanceLife #PassionForDance