In today’s episode we sit down with world renowned dancer, Cierra Lauren. Cierra has had an extensive and amazing career as a dancer, but recently gained more notoriety for her courage to come forward with reports of abuse and assault against a prominent leader in the dance community. We experience some technical difficulties, but power through this candid, interesting and intimate conversation with Cierra. She openly shares some life changing milestones, talks about her first exposure to hip hop and building a studio from the ground up at the young age of 17. Cierra openly shares a near death experience while pursuing a major career opportunity and teaches us a lesson in the value of failing. She discusses the origins of her non-profit organization Speak Your Truth Worldwide and bravely shares her experience with the notorious AOV founder and owner. In addition to Speak Your Truth Worldwide, Cierra shares the details for her podcast “Unscripted”. We wrap the episode with a fun round of rapid fire, Cierra shares her opinion on what’s good in the dance community and we’re reminded of the strong unstoppable warrior that Cierra Lauren is. In this episode, we explore:
00:32 Introduction 02:52 A warrior mentality 05:26 Cierra’s first hip hop class 11:45 Building a studio from the ground up 14:22 No room for self doubt 16:55 Cierra’s advice to a younger self 19:05 Making a name for herself 21:38 A major opportunity in Cierra’s career *We begin to experience some technical difficulty with the video component* 24:00 A near death experience 30:15 When a door closes, another one opens *We switch locations and our video component resumes* 35:02 There are no bumps in the road, that is the road 37:22 Speak Your Truth World Wide 43:06 A fight for her life and her commitment to the dance community 56:20 We as a dance community can no longer accept this behavior 58:20 Moving toward a safer community 1:02:19 Rapid fire questions 1:09:34 What’s good in the dance community? 1:11:27 Closing remarks 1:14:22 Thank you for a wonderful Season 2! This episode’s guest(s): Follow Cierra Lauren on Instagram Follow Speak Your Truth Worldwide on Instagram Learn more about Speak Your Truth Worldwide Learn about how you can support Speak Your Truth Worldwide “Backin’ It Up”, Cierra Lauren “Can’t Say”, Cierra Lauren “The Morning”, Cierra Lauren “Work”, Cierra Lauren "Who Do You Love", Cierra Lauren “It Matters”, Cierra Lauren Special thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418 Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok Have a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at [email protected] Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter
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We sit down and chat with Justin J. Vaughn or better known in the dance community as “Papa J”. Justin gives us an in depth history of where dance all started for him and how his career flourished to becoming owner of the world renowned team, Super Galactic Beat Manipulators. J shares the inner workings of Super Galactic Beat Manipulators and we break down his thoughtful approach to directing an award winning team. We talk about how the dance community has evolved and J shares his insights on how to navigate through some of the current challenges we face today. We have a really fun round of rapid fire questions and J and Michelle share their woes of getting older. J talks to us about his late night furniture shopping spree and becoming a “plant dad”. We wrap the episode with J’s foodie favorites and J shares his opinion on what’s good in the dance community. He refuses the title community “icon”, but we assure you that after listening to this episode, you’ll agree with us that Papa J is indeed a legend, leader, and icon in the dance community. In this episode, we explore:
00:32 Introduction 03:32 Before there was dance, there was music 05:47 “Hypnotize” 07:22 Founding Morse All Male 10:30 Celebrating the 20 year anniversary of Morse All Male 14:57 The origination of Super Galactic Beat Manipulators 21:23 Bringing Kevin Brewer’s Vision to life 34:09 Passing the “SGBM” baton 40:51 Directing a dance team using a thoughtful approach 47:00 “Papa J”, more than a nickname 51:03 Navigating through challenges in the dance community 56:31 Rapid fire questions 1:02:32 What’s next for J? 1:09:52 J’s “quarantine hobbies” 1:26:33 What’s good in the dance community? 1:29:36 Closing remarks This episode’s guest(s): Follow Justin Vaughn on Instagram Special thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418 Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok Have a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at [email protected] Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter In this episode, we sit down for an honest and powerful discussion with dance luminary Selene Haro. Selene shares her serendipitous audition experience with Studio 429 and walks us through her extensive dance journey. Selene candidly shares the obstacles that life has thrown at her, but tells us her secret to overcoming those hardships. She reflects on her difficult transition away from Cookies and shares her new project, ETHOS, created with partner Isidro Rafael. She talks to us about balancing dance, business and a relationship and discusses the important role that affirmations play in her daily life. We delve deep into Selene’s philosophy on mastering a positive mindset, looking beyond preconceived notions, and allowing reinvention to be the primary force in facing life head on. We chat about how we’ve become professionals at negative self talk and how to consciously take on each day to overcome that. We wrap the episode with our fun rapid fire segment, discuss what’s next for Selene and she shares her thoughts on what’s good in the dance community. In this episode, we explore:
00:32 Introduction 04:00 A serendipitous audition 12:40 What’s a medley? 13:30 Fueling your passions 15:20 Dance as a luxury 18:42 A day in the life of rehearsal at Studio 429 20:21 Growing up with Cookies 23:00 Closing one chapter and beginning the next 29:26 Selene’s favorite Cookies’ set & a turning point in Selene’s life 38:30 Navigating through challenging times 43:45 ETHOS 54:50 Balancing dance, business, and a relationship 1:02:46 Looking beyond our preconceived notions 1:06:30 Selene’s daily routine of mastering a positive mindset 1:18:03 Rapid fire questions 1:22:06 Building Block 1:25:48 What’s next for Selene? 1:28:09 What’s good in the dance community? 1:29:43 Closing remarks This episode’s guest(s): Follow Selene Haro on Instagram Choreography by Selene Haro “Blind Man” Choreography by Selene Haro “Empty” Choreography by Selene Haro “Not You Too” Choreography by Sele Haro “Quick” Choreography by Selene Haro “Noite Após Noite “ Choreography by Selene Haro “Passionfruit Summers” Special thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418 Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok Have a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at [email protected] Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter In this episode, we sit down and chat with prominent leader and radio icon, Stephanie Sidela. Stephanie talks to us about her dance journey and having a foundation of technical training. Stephanie shares her insights on the dance community, gives advice to dancers and leaders struggling to find inspiration during the pandemic, tells us her favorite memories while both dancing on and directing 220 and gives us her thoughts on married life. Stephanie discusses the current state of the dance community and reminds us that we can heal if we change our perspective. We talk about what’s next for Stephanie and what feeds her soul. We take a deep dive into the “power” of now and seeing the opportunity in even the most challenging times. We switch gears and do a fun round of our rapid fire questions and try to pitch a marriage podcast with Stephanie and her husband as the hosts! Stephanie leaves us on a positive note and gives us encouragement to use social media for the good. In this episode, we explore:
00:29 Introduction 03:31 A foundation of technical training 06:51 Going from 0 to 100 10:27 A fork in the road 15:14 Stephanie’s advice for dance directors 21:13 Stephanie’s experience on 220 26:11 Favorite memories on 220 28:02 “220’s my girl” 33:14 Married life 40:45 Dance paving the way into radio 57:25 Healing as a dance community 1:02:42 What’s next for Stephanie Sidela 1:16:55 21 Day of Abundance Challenge 1:24:01 Rapid fire questions 1:26:03 A little extra marriage advice 1:31:11 Using social media for good 1:19:02 Closing remarks This episode’s guest(s): Follow Stephanie Sidela on Instagram Choreography by Stephanie Sidela, “My Piece” Stephanie Freestyle "Set a goal to make moves again" Stephanie Freestyle “Actually had the guts to freestyle” Stephanie Freestyle “Morning wiggles” Stephanie & James Sidela at The BOX Dance Studio Special thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418 Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok Have a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at [email protected] Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter We sit down with dancer and choreographer Josh Saradpon. Josh shares his dance journey and we reminisce on our days at The BOX Dance studio. Josh provides tips for aspiring young dancers on how to stay focused and tells us what he would do if he could talk to himself as “13-year old Josh”. We talk with Josh about his opinions on how the dance community has evolved and Josh talks us through how he deals with being discouraged. As with many of us, the current pandemic has helped us find new ways to be creative and Josh discusses his new found passion for cooking and caring for plants. We talk about the importance of self- care and Josh shares his own tips for how to indulge in activities to really nurture yourself. Josh shares his biggest lessons from leading others and talks about dancer fatigue. Josh feels the pressure from the rapid fire, he shares his top 5 coffee spots in San Diego and we wrap the episode with his insights on what’s good in the dance community. In this episode, we explore:
00:30 Introduction 03:02 Josh’s dance journey 13:07 Tips for young aspiring dancers 15:04 Talking to your past self 17:34 Rehearsals during a pandemic 24:13 Josh’s opinion the dance community’s evolution 30:24 Dealing with being discouraged 36:55 “Chef Josh” and “Plant Dad” 41:30 The importance of self-care and Josh’s self care tips 47:04 Transition from student to team director 50:54 Boasting with Pride & Joy 53:50 A lesson in leading others 1:00:55 Rapid fire questions 1:04:17 Josh’s top coffee spot recommendations 1:09:32 What’s good in the dance community? 1:19:02 Closing remarks This episode’s guest(s): -Follow Josh Saradpon on Instagram -You can find Josh teaching at Studio Fx -JAR Workshop at The BOX, Jan 2012 -Please Me, Choreography by Josh Saradpon -Josh Saradpon Freestyle -Josh performs with GwownUps Special thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418 Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok Have a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at [email protected] Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter In this episode, we sit down for an inspirational chat with trail blazing creative and Host of the “Of Like Minds” podcast, Kevin Belisaro. Dancing since the age of 7, Kevin walks us through his dance journey and shares his philosophy on teaching through a selfless approach. We talk about staying focused during a pandemic and he shares his theory on compound interest and incorporating it into his fitness regimen. Kevin shares his goals and the motivation behind setting and proclaiming them over Instagram. We dive into Kevin’s recent project “Of Like Minds” podcast and he shares advice on how to keep the “creative juices” flowing in a time of a pandemic. Kevin shares his affinity for Lululemon and Nike and even gives his top clothing recommendations. He then inspires us with his minimalist mentality and is the first guest to make it through all of the rapid fire questions (even if it was by force). We wrap the episode with Kevin’s favorite quarantine meal, his writing routine and he shares his insights on what’s good in the dance community. In this episode, we explore:
00:29 Introduction 02:35 The start of Kevin’s dance journey 04:28 A talent show star 07:07 A young Juju Sena (another talent show star in the making!) 09:25 A turning point in Kevin’s dance career 12:10 Living the “only child” life and supportive parents 15:20 Dancing on Formality, a lesson in humility and perseverance 19:09 Taking class with Kevin Belisario; a unique experience 26:06 A selfless approach on teaching 29:07 Pursuing a formal dance education 31:51 Maintaining focus during a pandemic 37:53 Kevin’s “compound interest” fitness regimen 45:36 Kevin’s philosophy on how dance intertwines with life lessons 48:22 Goal setting 51:49 Of Like Minds Podcast 1:03:55 Challenges & Successes of starting a podcast 1:09:12 Rapid fire questions 1:11:10 Lululemon vs. Nike (and Kevin’s top recommendations) 1:17:33 Living a Minimalist life 1:23:10 Kevin’s favorite quarantine meal 1:25:03 Kevin’s writing routine 1:31:04 What’s good in the dance community? 1:39:04 Closing remarks This episode’s guest(s): -Follow Kevin Belisario on Instagram -See Kevin’s 100 day Fitness Core Challenge -See Kevin’s Dance Footage and watch episodes from Kevin’s “Of Like Minds” podcast Special thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418 Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok Have a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at [email protected] Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter In this episode, we sit down dancer of 32 years and former San Diego Charger girl, Nikki Lewis. Nikki brings her positive light to the podcast. We talk about her experience as a dancer, auditioning to be a San Diego Charger girl and living out a lifelong dream. Nikki shares her experience performing at the Super Bowl halftime show in 1999 and talks to us about being a teacher of 12 years. As an advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement, Nikki educates and inspires us to make progress and shares her book recommendations. We wrap with our Rapid Fire and Nikki shares her take on what’s good in the dance community. In this episode, we explore:
00:28 Introduction 02:29 A dance journey of 32 years and counting 04:24 An awakening experience 05:47 Parents that share in your passion 07:12 Questioning a dream to become a Charger girl 08:01 A dream come true 09:00 The Charger girl experience 10:13 Mastering mental preparation 12:23 Battling self-doubt 13:01 The audition process 16:30 The journey has really just begun 16:44 Biggest takeaway as a Charger girl 17:22 Performing at the Super Bowl halftime show 19:58 Dancers as athletes 25:54 Being a middle school teacher and a Charger girl 30:19 Advocating for Black Lives Matter 34:08 Making progress as a community 38:20 Nikki’s book recommendations 40:56 Rapid fire questions 42:04 N’Sync vs. Backstreet Boys 44:02 What’s good in the dance community? 44:42 Closing remarks This episode’s guest(s): -Follow Nikki Lewis on Instagram Nikki’s Book Recommendations: How to be Black by Baratunde Thurston I'm Still Here by Austin Channing Brown Stamped from the Beginning from Ibram X. Kendi How to be Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi So You Want to talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo Special thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418 Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok Have a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at [email protected] Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter In this episode, we sit down (over Zoom Video Conference) to reminisce on our first season of the Co-Lab Podcast! We discuss highlights, share our opinions, and reflect on important insights from our inaugural season. Overwhelmed with gratitude, we say thank you (many times) to all of our Season 1 guests and give away a couple of spoilers for our 2nd season line up. In this episode, we explore:
00:29 Introduction 01:00 Overwhelmed with Gratitude 02:23 A year filled with challenges 03:40 Reflecting on Season 1, Black Lives Matter with Darian Patterson, Divine Maharaj, Chavia Blankenship, and Deion Williams 08:40 Reflecting on Season 1, We can do better with Janelle Adviento 10:35 Reflecting on Season 1, Live after the Studio with Michelle & Devin 13:20 Reflecting on Season 1, Love First, Family First with Dylan Banares, David Dioso, Ranny Fernandez, and Ryan Quilapio 16:40 Reflecting on Season 1, Finding your passion with Jordan Banares 17:42 Reflecting on Season 1, Building your Dance Legacy with Cye Bongalos 20:51 Reflecting on Season 1, A Recipe for Greatness with Isidro Rafael 22:57 Coming in Season 2: Selene Haro 23:39 Reflecting on Season 1, Dance reflects your life with Julian Sena 25:50 Coming in Season 2: Kevin Belisario 27:00 Reflecting on Season 1, How to be a Triple Threat with Chavia Blankenship 29:05 Reflecting on Season 1, How to balance Passion & Profession with Erik Molina 33:10 A big thank you to all of our Season 1 Guests and Listeners! 35:45 A look into Season 2 and closing remarks Special thanks to: -Jane Banares for creating our Co-Lab Podcast artwork Music by Sam Stan - Das Boo - https://thmatc.co/?l=997FC418 Music by SkeetOnTheBeat - Late Night - https://thmatc.co/?l=E76B5749 The conversation continues over on Instagram and TikTok Have a guest suggestion or just want to say hello? Drop us a line at [email protected] Sign up for exclusive updates and subscribe to our Newsletter |