Dance Dad With John Corella

EP 11: Best Acting Teacher in Los Angeles, Howard Fine

“I teach people to be themselves,” says legendary acting coach Howard Fine, founder of Howard Fine Acting Studio and author of the newly revised “Fine on Acting: A Vision of the Craft.” Howard joins the Dance Dad podcast to discuss how acting puts us in touch with who we really are and, when we approach it with pure intentions and do the necessary work, can set us free. 
 
On today’s episode, he’ll discuss what it takes to be a great teacher and why many fail and give the rest a bad reputation. He’ll discuss the two techniques that divide the acting community, and how to be a supportive parent versus a stage mom.
 
Howard recalls his appearance on Dance Moms and what his session with Chloe Lucasiak taught him about the importance of authenticity. In an industry that is changing to become more inclusive and diverse, being oneself is more important than ever. He also shares the stunning story of his family’s escape from Poland during the Holocaust, their time spent living in Shanghai and his early days as an artistic, intellectual kid in a family of athletes. He’ll share why athletes–including dancers– often make the best actors.
 
Join today’s discussion to learn what it was like helping Austin Butler, Golden Globe winner,  prepare to play Elvis, the tradition Diana Ross started that Howard’s students still practice today, and how our inspirations and aspirations change over time.
 
Quotes
“One more crazy, eccentric, neurotic, acting coach—that’s not the profession. It really makes the profession seem silly, and it’s not. Teaching, first of all, is a calling, and the teaching of the craft of acting is a privilege to me.” (7:19 | Howard Fine)
“If someone cannot get past their own ego to help someone else—and you get this with actors who sometimes failed at that career, and then are not teaching because they’re called to teach, they’re teaching because they’re trying to make money to survive—they want to get up and demonstrate for the actor rather than encourage the actors instincts, and sometimes are jealous of the actor, jealous of the artist, and that comes out in the critiques.” (12:04 | Howard Fine)
“We as human beings are the sum total of our experiences, and so we all have experiences in our lives to draw from. And that’s powerful. It’s the one reason—since we’ve been talking about age—in athletics, an athlete is old by 30. However, in what we do, you have the potential to get better and better with time. Akin to a fine wine, we get to improve with age because real experience deepens us, life deepens us.” (16:41 | Howard Fine) 
“That’s one of the hardest things about acting is there’s no separation. You’re not turning in the book report and somebody’s commenting on that, they’re looking at you and they’re looking at everything that is you. That’s why actors have to develop themselves on so many levels—intellectually, physically, all forms of dance, yoga, martial arts, the Alexander technique.” (20:50 | Howard Fine) 
“Athletes tend to do very well with me—and I consider dancers athletes—because athletes will stick to something when it’s hard. Athletes will practice, they have work ethic. If you’re a lazy dancer, you can’t get very far. You have to have a work ethic. And so, all of those things are absolutely pertinent to acting.” (40:18 | Howard Fine)
“I ask students to see me as a colleague who is there to help them improve their work, not as a guru they’re trying to impress.”  (50:26 | Howard Fine)
 
Links
Connect with Howard Fine:
howardfine.com
www.instagram.com/howardfinestudio
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 10: Jesus and Reverend Dawn from Dance Moms

Today’s episode of Dance Dad is taking us to church! Reverend Dawn Lynn Check, a Dance Moms “Pre-OG OG,” joins host John Corella to talk about Jesus, the Bible, and the importance of reading between the lines. 
 
Many people misinterpret Jesus as “kumbaya,” explains Dawn (as she prefers to be called), forgetting that he was a human with a variety of emotions, including anger in the face of injustice. Others practice “proof texting” taking snippets of the Word and interpreting it to suit our own ends. 
 
Updates and changes made to different versions of the Bible can also alter the Word’s message, to disastrous ends. The two discuss the inclusion of the word “homosexual,” in the text—a change which was made only in 1946—and the implications of that change to generations of people. They also discuss the importance of standing up for what’s right even when we’re scared or facing persecution. 
 
Dawn shares what she loves most about Jesus, what led her to ministry, and early memories of reading Bible stories with her grandmother. Stay until the end for a surprise special guest and to join Dawn in loving prayer. 
 
Quotes
“Sometimes we picture Jesus as this kumbaya character—kind, gentle Jesus. The reality is Jesus had a lot of emotions. But we have softened Jesus to the point that he doesn’t have power, and power doesn’t mean beating people up, or stomping on them or lording it over them—pun intended, maybe.” (5:45 | Dawn Lynn Check)
“I think the word of God should be as accessible as it can be, however, to your point, you should always struggle with the Word. If you’re not struggling, you’re not doing it right.” (11:21 | Dawn Lynn Check)
“As a disciple of Christ, throwing the tables, it’s my job as a disciple to talk to people and say, ‘Those tables need to be overturned.’ And by sitting here talking about it with you, I’m kind of saying, ‘This isn’t right.’ [Donald Trump] is profiting off of those bibles for his criminal and political campaign. That’s not right.” (14:56 | Dawn Lynn Check)
“I have never felt such love, such completeness as listening to the word of God on my grandmother’s lap.” (16:29 | Dawn Lynn Check)
“We are so uncomfortable with sexuality and sex, and there is so much sex in the Bible. You know, we’re banning books. Have we banned the Bible?” (30:40 | Dawn Lynn Check)
“I don’t think people realize that I was the funny one. If you talk to any of them, I was the one that made them laugh.” (35:10 | Dawn Lynn Check)
“I love that Jesus allows himself to be weak, and allows us to participate in our own redemption.” (38:02 | Dawn Lynn Check)
“How do we stand up for what’s right, what’s good when we feel scared God isn’t going to protect us and we’re going to be put up on that cross? Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, ‘Do it, even if you’re shaking.’” (38:27 | Dawn Lynn Check)
 
Links
 
Connect with Reagan Check: 
www.instagram.com/Regancheck
 
1946 the Movie:
https://www.1946themovie.com/
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 09: Nobody's Angel with Sarah Christine Smith

“It’s about making the audience feel something. What joy are we bringing to the world?” Sarah Christine Smith brought joy to a generation with her dancing, singing and acting. Part of the New Millennium pop craze, she was there for Britney Spears’ rise to fame, performing as a backup dancer on Britney’s early tour and in the iconic video for…Baby One More Time. Sarah later scored her own hits as a member of the girl group sensation Nobody’s Angel, and while guest starring with the group on the beloved television series Boy Meets World, she fell in love with acting. As today’s guest on this episode of Dance Dad, she and host John Corella discuss it all—her deep passion for teaching, raising her family in small-town Canada, and what she would tell her younger self if she could do it all over again.
 
At the heart of both dancing and acting is storytelling, which requires a great deal of curiosity. Sarah discusses the introspection and emotional unpacking required to get inside character, as well as the joy she takes in helping each of her dance students find and build upon the unique roles they each have to play. She reveals the best advice she ever got from her own dance teacher, the jealousy she experienced from other dancers, and why pop stardom wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.
 
Learning about oneself is a lifelong journey, and to help others cultivate their own self-knowledge Sarah has created MyDanceJournal to help dancers—and everyone else—create their reality by turning thoughts into action. Join the conversation to hear her discuss her latest projects, the power of intuition, and the importance of a strong community.
 
Quotes
“I think with dance, we’re emulating the choreographer, we’re being molded into something, whereas, I think—not always, that’s such a generalization—but I think with acting, you’re a single person who needs to grab onto a role in your own unique way.” (14:33 | Sarah Christine Smith) 
“When it feels good, it feels good. You get into that flow and you kind of get that performance high and almost ask yourself when it’s done, ‘What the hell just happened?’ because you were so in the moment. And that’s when I fell in love with acting.” (18:43 | Sarah Christine Smith) 
“I still question who I am and what I’m all about and what my values are. And I hope that I’m always questioning that; I hope I never am content with who I am.” (22:02 | Sarah Christine Smith)
“When you’re on set, be curious. When you’re in the studio, be curious. I think if I had to go back in time, I would tell myself to be more curious when I was younger.” (32:18 | Sarah Christine Smith) 
“I took a hiatus when I had my kids and when I started auditioning again, I thought, ‘Oh my God, I feel like I have PTSD.’ All of a sudden, these doubts about myself started creeping in after years, they hadn’t shown up. A sense of depression when I didn’t get a job started setting in that I hadn’t experienced in years.” (37:40 | Sarah Christine Smith)
“I love it! I love building confidence in young dancers, knowing what their strengths are and building off of that. Giving them a role, giving them a purpose.” (57:39 | Sarah Christine Smith)
“Take the pressure off of ourselves and say, ‘Why are we doing this? What joy are we bringing to the world? What joy are we bringing to our audience?’” (1:21:23 | Sarah Christine Smith)
 
Links
Connect with Sarah Christine Smith:https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0809882/
https://www.instagram.com/sarah_christine_smith/?hl=en
https://mydance.ca/
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 08: Dance Competition/Performance Tips - Part Two

“There are still ways to have these children feel safe and in control while under pressure, as long as you teach them to go inward,” says Lisa Mitzel, mental health coach and author of “Focused and Inspired: Keeping Our Athletes Safe in a Win-at-All-Costs World.” Lisa returns to Dance Dad for Part Two of her discussion with host John Corella. She explains how parents and coaches can best support their children, starting from the car ride on the way to the competition through to the end of the awards ceremony, so that ultimately, they can learn how to support themselves. Kids are never too young to learn their own minds and to speak them, Lisa says, and providing kids with options—including the option to back out—is key to helping them build their own strategy of self-care and self-reliance. 
 
Coaches and parents need to be mindful of the values they are instilling in their dancers and gymnasts about winning, about their role as competitor, and be mindful about projecting onto, and seeking validation from, young performers. Lisa addresses the best way to handle bullying from rivals, teammates and even adults, the importance of nominating a “culture coach,” and how to handle the often dirty politics of winning and losing. 
 
As kindly as we treat ourselves so must we treat our rivals, acknowledging our shared humanity even as we seek to best them. Lisa and John recall American gymnasts Kerri Strug and Simone Biles, who each made very different decisions ahead of their performances at their respective Olympic Games, and what we can learn from both stories muting outside voices and listening to our own. 
 
Quotes
“What is the strategy here? Is it just to obey and do what everybody tells her to do, or is it to say ‘Hold on, let me think about this?’” (5:47 | Lisa Mitzel) 
“Believe in these kids, in your kid, that they’re going to make a good choice.” (8:45 | John Corella)
“They also might be feeling, a lot of times, judged that if their kid doesn’t do well, if they’re not presenting themselves in the best light, that all of a sudden people see their flaws, their mistakes, their faults, then they’re going to be judged. That’s the parent needing to work on themselves.” (19:01 | Lisa Mitzel)
“Anything that you do, you want to be CEO of your own brain, you want to be captain of your own ship, you want to be the leader of yourself. And do you believe an 8-year-old girl can do that? I believe she can definitely learn. I think that’s what we tend to do, we dismiss the 6, 7, 8 and 9-year-olds, we say, ‘Oh, they’re young. They’re so little, they don’t understand.’ Kids are very intelligent.” (28:06 | Lisa Mitzel) 
“How are we raising and developing our kids? Is it that you are only valuable in this world if you get first place? Is that your value in this world?” (32:24 | Lisa Mitzel)
“As coaches and teachers we want to be thanked, we want someone to appreciate our effort, we want someone to appreciate that we’re putting out time and energy. So, the question is, why are we relying on a child to make us feel good?” (35:56 | Lisa Mitzel)
 
Links
Connect with Lisa Mitzel:
https://www.lisamitzel.com/focused-books/
https://www.instagram.com/mitzel_coach/
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 07: Dance Competition/Performance Tips with Lisa Mitzel, Mental Health Coach - Part One

“Emotions mean that you’re human. It’s very normal,” says Lisa Mitzel, mental health coach and author of “Focused and Inspired: Keeping Our Athletes Safe in a Win-at-All-Costs World.” 
 
As a six-time NCAA Gymnastics champion, Lisa knows that competitive dancers and athletes have all sorts of emotions ahead of competition, yet, only some of them are acknowledged or encouraged by their coaches and parents. Lisa describes techniques to foster awareness and mindfulness in young performers, beginning long before the competition even starts. As host John Corella says, good and bad emotions aren’t mutually exclusive. 
 
As tempting as it is for coaches and parents to make all the decisions for the dancer, and to want to avoid watching them fail, the only way to raise self-confident children who will lead themselves is to give them options and choices, no matter how small. John tells a story of a young dancer who nearly had a breakdown before a going on the stage, the game-changing question he asked her, and what her decision rendered in both the short term and the long term. 
 
Though things are slowly changing, dancers have historically not been encouraged to use their voices. As competitions become increasingly out of control, the pressure on performers to be perfectionistic only increases, as does the shame which surrounds failure. Dancers and gymnasts are made to feel as performers and competitors first, and humans second. 
 
On this episode of Dance Dads, the first of a two-part discussion with Lisa, she shares some of the powerful visualization, recalling and dance competition tricks to practice ahead of competition. Hear her opinion on practicing the day before a competition and the surprising way to approach competitors. 
 
Quotes
“We live through our children, don’t we? Through our dancers, through our gymnasts.” (5:38 | Lisa Mitzel)
“Sometimes there are so many rules, that kids feel like they have no decisions. That’s a helpless feeling. That’s a feeling that the authority has all the power.” (8:35 | Lisa Mitzel)  
“What is common, or let’s say more common, is a parent or a dance teacher or a coach, gives [the child] the choice but when [the child] choose[s], ’No, I don’t want to,’ [the parent or coach says] ‘Why? You can do it. You can do it,’ and inadvertently they dismiss how the child is feeling. And it happens regularly. Daily.”  (19:05 | Lisa Mitzel)
“Can we keep the nerves as well as the part that says ‘You can do it’ at the same time? They’re not on separate islands. You can have the fear and the ‘You can do it.’ And also, maybe that fear needs more attention than the ‘You can do it’ in that moment. And you show the kid that they’re more important than their dancing, than their gymnastics, than their sport.” (19:54 | John Corella) 
“We’re trying to teach them how to succeed and it’s uncomfortable to watch them fail; it’s uncomfortable to let them make a decision that maybe isn’t going to work out in their benefit at that moment. But that’s the short term.” (23:32 | Lisa Mitzel)
Links
Connect with Lisa Mitzel:
https://www.lisamitzel.com/focused-books/
https://www.instagram.com/mitzel_coach/
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 06: Why the Podcast with John Corella

“It just kind of happened,” says John Corella about creating the Dance Dad podcast, “Like anything I’ve created that I love, I thought, ‘This will be fun’.” Today, John turns the tables and lets guest host Eva from On the Spot Interviews ask the questions about his plans for the show and his mission–or, as he poses it to all of his guests–his ‘why.’ He talks about creating a safe space of healing for the LGBTQ community where they can share their stories from inside of the dance world, a place for meaningful conversations where everyone can be authentic–maybe even a little bit messy.
 
As he always does, John arrived here by following his spirit, his faith in God and his love of Jesus, all of which help him to navigate what can be a challenging landscape, one where everyone can make their voices heard–including some nasty people in the comments section. He grappled with self-doubt while in the early stages of getting the podcast off the ground, but a very synchronistic sign from the universe let him know he was right to take the leap.
 
John has the unique ability to draw out authentic moments from guests that even superfans of Dance Moms and the dance world would be surprised by. John reveals the superstar whom he performed with on a famous talent show - and whom he’d love to have on the show to talk to! Which celebrity friendship of John did Eva discover that made her fall off her chair, and who is John’s number one dream celebrity guest (hint: it’s not a dancer).
 
John is not a dancer either, as he explains on this episode, one of many misconceptions about the dance world that he aims to dispel on future episodes of Dance Dad. After all, this podcast belongs to the listeners–and those who dare to be bold. 
 
Quotes
“I really want this podcast to be authentic–some people say messy—but authentic. That happens in our lives, even though we act like ‘Oh, yeah, I look like this and I walk into school’ or ‘I look like this, and I go into work,’ we all have little hiccups and messes before we step onto the mic.” (4:26 | John)
“I follow my spirit, my holy spirit, and it just kind of happened. It’s similar to ‘Dance Moms’ or anything similar that I’ve created that I love. I can’t even give you a step-by-step. I just thought of it and then thought, ‘Oh, that’ll be fun.” (7:49 | John) 
“That’s another thing, with just starting with this, in the past month of it being public, I wasn’t used to how mean people can be. I forgot about that. I got a lot of nice things, but then I wasn’t used to people being mean and saying hurtful things. But again, that’s been healing for me. I’ve taken it as an opportunity to focus on my ‘why’.” (17:26 | John) 
“We all have a little bit of Dance Mom/Dance Dad in us, an ego at times. So, it’s not like I’m expecting people to walk on water here, it’s not that at all. It was just kind of funny, my ego came up, big time, when they told me how well I was doing.” (20:44 | John)
“What got me there was just being present, focusing on having these great conversations with people I love. It reminds me of ‘The Kingdom of Heaven.’ Don’t worry about tomorrow, focus on the Kingdom of Heaven and everything else will be added unto you.’ And if it’s not, it’s OK, you’re already in Heaven, meaning feeling good.” (21:33 | John) 
Links
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 05: Share the Light Sparkle Brighter with Frank Gatson

“I just met the second coming of Michael Jackson,” says Frank Gatson, famed choreographer and Dance Dad to the stars, of meeting Beyonce for the first time in 1997 when she was just 15 years old. And Frank would know—his first major job was working with MJ on the 30-day shoot for Jackson’s iconic “Smooth Criminal” video. Since then, he’s worked with acts such as En Vogue, Usher, Toni Braxton, Brandy, Tyrese, Rihanna, not to mention a young John Corella. For his work, he remains the most nominated choreographer in the history of MTV.
 
He began his career dancing in the long-running “Up With People” tour, staying with local families in each country in which they performed. Navigating language and cultural barriers helped him to hone his people skills as well as a keen intuition which has allowed him to share—and elevate—his artists’ visions on an almost psychic level. 
 
With each performance, Frank insists, dancers are making history. After all, dancing and music can bring people together like nothing else. This requires that he be unabashedly honest with his artists, even when no one else will be. That honesty has gotten him in trouble, but superstars with the same drive and ambition know he just wants to get it right. And when it’s right, he says, it’s magical.
 
With the same honesty, he critiques the current state of dance, what this generation is lacking and what needs to change. He reflects on his memories of a segregated American South, racism and homophobia in the dance industry. 
 
With a long and illustrious career, which shows no sign of slowing down any time soon, Frank’s passion for and fascination with dance remains as fierce as ever. He has big plans—hear the musical he wants to resurrect, what American dancers can learn from K-Pop groups, and the five current pop stars he would like to form into a supergroup. When we share our light, he says, we sparkle brighter. 
 
Quotes
“Some people might think my gift is to dance or to do what I’ve done all my life, but I think my gift is to see.” (5:52 | Frank Gatson)
“I think musicians, dancers and singers can change the world. It’s the one thing that all people love.” (10:10 | Frank Gatson) 
“You can feel racism, you can feel it when you walk into a room. Especially with my keen people skills. Sometimes, I’ll go to a hotel and the elevator door will open. If I see a woman grab her purse, I don’t get on the elevator. I don’t want to give her that.” (22:20 | Frank Gatson) 
“It was like the little girl came out. Just imagine, I met Beyonce in ‘97. She was 15 years old, and when she shot up from the air in the Soldier’s Field stadium, and said, ‘Is that Frank?!’ I could immediately hear her like a little girl, and I looked up, and I started cheesing like a little clown. I was just so impressed that she saw me in the midst of all those people down there.” (26:21 | Frank Gatson)
“Beyonce has told me, ‘Frank, your passion is going to get you in trouble.’ And it does. A lot of people don’t hire me because they think I’m trouble. I’m not trouble, I know I’m not trouble. I just want the greatest. I want history to be made. They just don’t get me. Everybody who’s worked with me gets me. If they’ve heard about me, they don’t get me.” (27:26 | Frank Gatson) 
“I have a saying: ‘Share the light; sparkle brighter.” (41:55 | Frank Gatson)
“Life is too special to let someone else predict what you need to say. You need to be gracious, you need to be nice, but be honest about this thing called ‘show business.’ That’s why there’s so much mediocrity? What has blown your mind lately about show business? Think about it like that. It’s because people are not really in it like they should be in it. They’re sugar coating it.” (48:48 | Frank Gatson)
“The reason that I was asked to work with Destiny’s Child was because they saw my work with En Vogue. And Beyonce, I equipped her with all four En Vogue girls. The classiness of Terry Ellis, the pageantry of Cindy Herron, the soulfulness and spicy part of Dawn Robinson, the soulful, soulful, driven Maxine Jones. Beyonce’s all four of those girls in one.” (52:35 | Frank Gatson) 
“I was in an agent’s office and I saw Paula Abdul’s number on the desk and I memorized it. I went home and called Paula and said, ‘I’m coming to your audition today, my name is Frank Gatson.’ She was pretty mad, but she hired me.” (1:10:53 | Frank Gatson) 
Links
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 04: Renaissance with Darius Hickman

“You’ve been training your whole life for this moment, don’t doubt yourself now that the moment is here,” Darius Hickman told himself while he was dancing in front of 95,000 people as part of Beyonce’s spectacular ‘Renaissance’ tour. Being in the moment, staying present, has not only allowed Darius to keep his cool under pressure, but it has also allowed him to be his most authentic self, one that is a balance of masculine and feminine. Drawing freely from both of these elements has made him a better dancer, particularly on the Renaissance tour which–a rarity–encouraged him to dance and present in both modes. He feels it also has made him a better person, one whom other young men who may be afraid to embrace their feminine side, can look up to. 
 
For Darius, dance provided a focus, an escape from a tough upbringing and a chance to ground himself in discipline. Inspired after seeing a live hip hop performance, Darius soon gained entry into performing arts high school, despite a lack of early training. There, in an eclectic environment that celebrated diversity and individualism, he found the support he needed to be himself. Later he studied dance at a university on a full scholarship, which he sacrificed to audition for the live competition show “So You Think You Can Dance?” where he first caught the attention of audiences. 
 
At 25, Darius is wise–as well as confident and poised–beyond his years. He knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that dance is what he meant to do, yet is still driven by wanting to know everything about it and to continually evolve. He recognizes that the dance world remains a work in progress, too, and that while progress has been made toward encouraging male dancers to perform in a more feminine style, there is still a lot of work to be done. 
 
Being yourself is the hardest thing a person can do, he admits, but we’re all multifaceted people, and should be able to freely express all parts of ourselves. When we all find what makes us great, we can work together to create something magical. 
 
Quotes
“I’ve gotten to a point in my life where I know who I am, it’s as simple as that. I know I have these super masculine qualities and super feminine qualities and I know that I like them both, I have power in them both, and people appreciate them both.” (22:51 | Darius)
“When you are present you can’t get hurt. You know that you’re standing in your power and this is your truth and this is the space that you belong in, nobody can hurt you. You realize, this is what I am supposed to be doing.” (30:59 | John and Darius)
“Being on ‘Renaissance,’ I was able to, again, get into the ‘Crazy in Love,’ and then go into ‘Savage,’ or ‘My Power,’  with the boys, and then go back into ‘Move’ with the girls. I was really able to step into both of those feelings.” (35:11 | Darius)
 
Links
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 03: The Dip with Jay Jackson aka Laganja Estranja

Dive into the dazzling world of Jay Jackson, also known as Laganja Estranja, where the art of dance meets the boldness of drag, creating a spectacle of talent and transformation. In this episode, host John Corella and the renowned drag queen and choreographer explore a myriad of topics, from dance and television to the vital intersection of LGBTQ issues within the dance world.
 
Laganja opens up about her extensive dance background, sharing insights from her early ballet classes to her evolution into an international performer. She discusses her affinity for contemporary dance and how her dance competition background has uniquely shaped her choreography, blending various styles and expressions.
 
The conversation also delves into the significant role of dance in the drag community and its ongoing evolution. Laganja pays homage to influential figures in her career, such as her drag mother, Alyssa Edwards,  and Candis Cayne, and discusses her recent choreography projects, including collaborations with Lady Camden and Trixie and Katya.
 
A central theme of the episode is the importance of representation and inclusion in the dance industry, especially for the transgender community. Laganja speaks passionately about the need for transgender individuals to be in leadership positions, advocating for their community. She candidly shares her experiences and challenges as a transgender performer, shedding light on the industry's landscape.
 
This episode provides an insightful look into Laganja Estranja's multifaceted career as a dancer, choreographer, and drag queen, highlighting the transformative power of dance in the LGBTQ+ community and the significance of embracing one's true identity in the arts.
 
Quotes
“I think definitely now that newer generations are becoming drag queens, there's definitely a crossover. You know, I used to really be the only like dancing queen in L.A. that had background dancers that were choreographed. You know, which was so crazy to me, because now you see that in L.A. all the time. But I think over the years, drag has become more dance centric and more focused on the tricks that you can do on stage, as opposed to just the look or the lip sync of it all.” (26:04 | Jay Jackson) 
“Respect in general is something that my parents instilled in me at a very young age. Both my parents were high school counselors for 30 plus years and so they raised me to be very in touch with my emotions and in touch with other’s emotions.” (29:41 | Jay Jackson) 
“I want to respect those that have helped me become successful. So even though I never really took voguing classes before Drag Race or was in the ballroom community, I wouldn't have had such an outlandish appeal on the TV show if it hadn't been for all those that came before me. That's why when I went back for All-Star 6, I wanted to pay ode or paid homage to Tandy Amon-Dupree, who was known for flying out from the ceiling into a split. And so again, anytime people bring up that entrance, I always try to say her name because What I truly believe is even though those people may have never placed their hands on me, their art, their lineage, what they left has inspired me to be the artist I am today.” (30:23 | Jay Jackson) 
I worked with Meryl Streep once. And I could visibly see her nervous. I used to think, Oh, if you're the people that are the best in their art, they never get nervous. So I would feel kind of shame over my nerves. And so I always tell the kids that when they feel nervous, that it's because you care. Even the greats. (35:51 | John)
“So much of, you know, who I am, my character, everything, it comes from her [Alyssa Edwards]. I mean, she's my drag mother.” (41:57 | Jay Jackson)
Links
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
 
Laganja on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laganjaestranja
Laganja on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaganjaEstranja
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP 02: When You Have Your Why the How Becomes More Clear with Lennon and Gina Torres

Have you ever wondered about the personal journeys of those in the dance world, especially when it involves embracing one's true identity? How does the dance community support its members through these transformative experiences? This episode of "Dance Dad," hosted by John Corella, known for his role as a co-creator and executive producer of Dance Moms, delves into these questions. John brings his unique perspective and deep understanding of the dance competition world, offering a platform for honest and safe conversations about the challenges and triumphs within this vibrant community. 
 
“When you have your ‘Why’ the ‘How’ becomes more clear,” says Lennon Torres, John’s guest on the show.  Lennon is a transgender woman, and she is joined on the show with her mother, Gina who appeared on Dance Moms. The discussion delves into Lennon's journey as a transgender individual and Gina's experiences as a supportive parent. It also explores the broader context of inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community in the dance competition world. The episode highlights Lennon's personal growth, emphasizing her journey of staying true to herself and the importance of having a supportive family. 
 
Gina's reflections provide a parental perspective, focusing on the challenges and learning experiences of raising a child in the competitive dance environment. This conversation is not just about dance; it's about life, identity, and the universal themes of acceptance and support. It resonates with anyone who has faced the challenge of self-expression and the importance of creating inclusive communities. 
 
Whether you're a part of the dance world or simply interested in heartfelt stories of personal growth and acceptance, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for everyone. It creates a welcoming space for listeners to explore and understand diverse experiences within the dance community.
Quotes
I always say that Lennon is, was always me and Zachary will always be a part of me. I don't view it as a thing like some people do. And I think that is like a misconception among gender nonconforming, genderqueer individuals is that there's this transition. And I always say that, you know, we're all growing and developing. And so it's not that I was once this person and I'm now this person, I just grew up into who I was supposed to be. So I would say that.  (4:38 | Lennon) 
I watch Michelle Obama videos, and then I'm like, ready to take on the world. Um, but the real answer is. You don't always feel empowered. You feel weak at times. You feel sad that someone has been able to take your power away. And it's just about constantly reminding yourself of why you're doing what you're doing. And it's very easy to empower yourself to do it. When you have a why, the how becomes more clear. And that's been something that's really been true for me. (14:25 | Lennon) 
It's not about you. It's about your kid. So take the pressure off yourself and just say, this is where we're at. I'm going to support you and I love you. And it's not that hard. It makes me crazy. It's not that hard. (1:05:46 | Gina)
 
Links
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
 
Lennon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lennon_torres_/
Heat Initiative:  https://protectchildrennotabuse.org/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm