Episode Summary:

Angelica Stiskin, a distinguished artistic director and choreographer, offers a deep dive into her multifaceted dance career and her educational initiatives at the Joffrey Ballet School. From her early beginnings in New Jersey to becoming a global force in dance, Angelica shares the trajectory of her career, including her mentorship under Billy Larson and her innovative work in choreographing for prestigious events like New York Fashion Week.

As the artistic director of the Joffrey Ballet School, Angelica has played a pivotal role in broadening the curriculum to include both concert and commercial dance, emphasizing the importance of a diverse education in the arts.

Angelica discusses the challenges and rewards of her career, particularly in adapting to unexpected opportunities and the evolving landscape of dance genres. She stresses the importance of perseverance, believing in oneself, and the pursuit of passion, which she believes are key to thriving in the competitive dance industry.

The podcast also touches on the balance between professional and personal life, a theme that resonates deeply with Angelica as she navigates her roles as an educator, choreographer, and director. Her insights into setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care are valuable for anyone looking to sustain a long-term career in dance.

Show Notes:

• (0:03) Dance industry insights with an artistic director.

• (2:57) Early years of dancer Angelica Siskin, including training, mentors, and education.

• (6:36) Artistic director role at Joffrey Ballet School.

• (13:35) Balancing concert and commercial dance education.

• (19:47) Diversifying dance training and career paths.

• (22:31) The importance of believing in oneself and pursuing one's passions.

• (26:54) Work-life balance and prioritizing personal life.

• (31:11) Balancing personal and professional life.

• (36:17) Higher education, master's degrees, and relevancy in dance industry.

• (41:01) Revolutionizing the education system for dancers.

• (51:29) The importance of reputation and relationships in the dance industry.

Biography:

Angelica Stiskin is internationally recognized for her versatility as a choreographer, director, performer, and dance educator. She is honored to lead the next generation of artists as the Artistic Director of Joffrey Ballet School’s Jazz & Contemporary Trainee Program and Flagship Jazz & Contemporary summer intensive, SPECTRUM.

She began her trajectory at Joffrey Ballet School as choreographer and educator in 2008, appointed Artistic Director in 2017, and has directed the worldwide Audition Tour since 2021.

She is seen touring the country on faculty for Heat Convention & Competition’s National Tour, as well continuing her work as choreographer, director, and creative consultant designing high-level concepts for fashion, editorial, and live entertainment. Most recently, Bloomberg Philanthropies commissioned Angelica to choreograph by request of notable creative, Beth Crandall, for the grand opening of PAC/NYC, Perelman Performing Arts Center (next to the Freedom Tower).

This major press event of the “ribbon connecting” ceremony highlighted the students and alumni of the Joffrey Ballet School. Angelica choreographed and consulted (using Joffrey Ballet School Trainees), the opening spectacle for the runway show of Brazilian brand, PatBO (featured on Beyoncé), at New York Fashion Week in February 2024.

She continues to experiment with screen dance collaborating with NYC-based filmmakers to design dance for film and provide movement direction for the worlds of dance along with a vast array of artistic mediums. She is now pursuing her Master’s in Education Leadership at Harvard University, a part-time program specifically designed for professionals in education carrying full-time careers.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/angelicastiskin

https://www.facebook.com/AngelicaStiskin

Episode Summary:

Tiana Gandelman shares a riveting journey through her dance career, from humble beginnings to notable successes alongside iconic pop stars. The episode dives into Tiana's experiences and insights on navigating the evolving landscape of the dance industry.

Tiana's career took off when she moved to Los Angeles after being selected for Britney Spears, "I'm a Slave 4 U" music video and VMAs, which solidified her decision to pursue dance professionally. Her anecdotes about working closely with celebrities like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera provide a candid look at the highs and lows of working with top-tier artists. She reflects on the challenges of big auditions and the cutthroat nature of the industry, where even the best dancers can face rejection.

Transitioning from dancing to producing, Tiana discusses the skills and experiences that facilitated her move into choreography and eventually into producing shows such as America's Got Talent and the Grammys. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication and versatility, attributing her success in these roles to her extensive background in performance and her ability to adapt to the fast-paced environment of television production.

Tiana and Menina share practical advice for dancers looking to stand out in auditions, highlighting the importance of professional headshots, an effective social media presence, and the ability to market oneself creatively.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Dance career beginnings, risks, and successes with iconic pop stars.

• (6:11) Working with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in the early 2000s.

• (10:52) Career transition from dancer to producer.

• (16:53) Producing and choreography experience on America's Got Talent.

• (18:18) Producing TV shows and the Grammys, challenges and excitement of bringing music and dance together.

• (23:27) Creative director and producer roles in a performance, including duties and responsibilities.

• (28:05) Roles and responsibilities in TV production

• (30:41) Dance and entertainment industry career paths and experiences.

• (35:32) Finding success as a backup dancer, with tips on social media presence and standing out.

• (40:32) Challenges faced by dancers, mental preparation and staying relevant after tours.

• (46:50) Dance auditions, opportunities, and tips.

• (53:40) Dance techniques and college aspirations.

• (57:18) Finding audition opportunities for young dancers.

• (1:03:58) Dance industry evolution, influencer vs. industry career path.

• (1:09:37) Age for touring and performing in the entertainment industry.

Biography:

Tiana started her career as a backup dancer for renowned pop stars like Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, accompanying them on world tours like "Stripped," "Back To Basics," and "Circus." She was also featured in music videos for hits such as “I'm A Slave 4 U,” “Dirrty,” “Ain't No Other Man,” and “Can't Hold Us Down.”

After supporting various pop icons for ten years, she shifted gears to choreographing shows like “Dance Your A** Off” and “High School Musical: Get In The Picture,” where her creativity blossomed. This paved the way for her to venture into a career in creative direction for stage performances on primetime television.

Tiana has been a Producer for “The Grammy Awards,” “Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop,” “Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic,” “America’s Got Talent,” “The X Factor” (Global), “The Voice,” Josh Groban, Fifth Harmony, Meghan Trainor, JoJo, Fantasia, Becky G Coachella, “The Masked Dancer,” and multiple seasons of the hit show “The Masked Singer.”

Throughout her career, Tiana has honed her craft across various mediums, from film and television, to digital media and immersive experiences. Her versatile skill set and boundless imagination have earned her recognition for delivering compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/tianatoday/

https://www.facebook.com/TianaToday

Webpage

https://tianatoday.com/

Episode Summary:

Renée Marino provides an engaging and insightful discussion about her journey in the entertainment industry, touching on themes of communication, perseverance, and entrepreneurship. Renee began dancing at the age of 3 and continued to nurture her passion for the arts through college, eventually landing her first professional role as a lead singer and dancer in a casino show. Despite facing thousands of rejections, Renee's unwavering commitment to her craft led her to significant roles, including her Broadway debut in "West Side Story" and a pivotal role in Clint Eastwood's film adaptation of "Jersey Boys."

Further exploring her multifaceted career, Renée talks about her transition from stage performances to becoming a best-selling author and communication expert. She underscores the significance of authentic interaction in building relationships and advancing in any professional field.

Renée's approach to auditions and industry connections highlights the necessity of authenticity and emotional intelligence, advocating for a supportive rather than competitive mindset among peers. She shares practical tips on networking, the strategic use of social media, and the importance of personal branding in establishing a successful career in dance and beyond.

This podcast not only charts Renée Marino's impressive journey through dance, film, and Broadway but also offers valuable lessons on resilience, personal branding, and the art of communication, providing listeners with a comprehensive toolkit for personal and professional growth in the competitive world of entertainment.

Show Notes:

• (0:03) Dance industry insights and communication skills.

• (2:07) Pursuing a career in the entertainment industry despite rejection and focusing on controllable factors.

• (7:26) Perseverance and determination in the entertainment industry.

• (13:05) Auditioning for a movie role after performing on Broadway.

• (16:30) Embracing inner confidence and quieting negative self-talk.

• (22:40) Acting career, auditioning, and connecting with others in the industry.

• (28:01) Communication, writing, and entrepreneurship.

• (30:43) Connecting with others through authentic communication and self-awareness.

• (36:22) Connecting with others through storytelling, active listening, and speaking up.

• (42:40) Dance training, self-care, and career development.

• (46:40) Maintaining individuality in a competitive industry through self-awareness and authenticity.

• (52:00) Embracing imperfections, staying true to oneself, and pursuing passions.

• (56:29) The importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving success in the entertainment industry.

Biography:

Renée Marino grew up as a singer, dancer, actress who became a Broadway Star and is now an International Keynote Speaker, Connection Expert, and Best-selling Author who can be seen as Frankie Valli’s wife, Mary Delgado, in the movie "Jersey Boys," directed by Clint Eastwood.

She helps business owners and entrepreneurs communicate confidently and effectively through simple and easy tools in person and online. Her best-selling book, Becoming a Master Communicator, endorsed by Dean Graziosi, Russell Brunson, Bryan Adams, Chazz Palminteri, Jenna Kutcher, Dhomonique Murphy, and many more, is a powerful guide for those struggling to have clear and honest communication in a world driven by digital technology.

She has graced the Broadway stage in “West Side Story”, “Pretty Woman the Musical”, “Jersey Boys”, “Chaplin” and “Wonderland”, and has been featured in People.com's "Ones to Watch," Variety, and The Huffington Post. Renée was the co-host of Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi's "World Summit" and the opening speaker for the ASPIRE Tour alongside Mark Cuban, David Goggins, Marcus Lemonis, and Codie Sanchez.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/iamreneemarino

https://www.facebook.com/IamReneeMarino

Webpage

https://www.reneemarino.com/