Melissa shares six Pro-tips for choosing a dance studio that will save you the time and frustration of feeling like you’re missing out on the best option for you and your dancer. Grab the free download and learn more about planning for a career in dance: emceemovement.com.

If your dancer is serious about dance and in a pre-professional dance program, you're probably learning that being the best dancer isn't always enough. This episode covers timelines for pre-professional dance training and milestones for dancers planning for a professional career in dance. For more tools on planning for a career in dance: https://hpdtn.com/thingsdancersneed Timeline for Pre-Professional Dance Training Download

Melissa shares from her ebook, “Parenting for Dancers: learn how dance training works and how to help your dancer be successful.” This is a must-have guide for parents of dancers whether your child is about to start dance training or has been dancing for years. If you feel like you have no idea how to support your dancer or manage their dance training, this is a great place to start. Get the ebook: https://hpdtn.com/thingsdancersneed/p/parenting-for-dancers-how-dance-training-works-and-how-you-can-help-your-dancer-be-successful Learn more: emceemovement.com.

About today’s guests: Nashville Ballet’s Artistic Director and CEO, Nick Mullikin oversees all administrative staff, artistic productions, and School of Nashville Ballet programs, serving over 40,000 Middle Tennesseans and 1800 students. He has commissioned over 20 new works for the organization, choreographed several works for Nashville Ballet and NB2, and is highly sought after for teaching and judging international dance competitions. Prior to joining Nashville Ballet, Mullikin has worked with Houston Ballet, Ballet West, and The Washington Ballet. Travis Bradley: Currently, Rehearsal Director for NB2, He has danced for Ballet Memphis, Houston Ballet, Richmond Ballet, and Julia Adam Dance. Travis has created numerous classical and contemporary ballets throughout the years, and has also co-directed and co-choreographed over 20 musicals. His new work will be part of the Nashville Dance Festival program. Mackenzie Kenyon: A member of NB2, she was previously a trainee at the Joffrey Academy of Dance and was able to choreograph as a part of the Joffrey Academy “Young Moves” program. Kenyon moved to Nashville in 2021 to join NB2 as a trainee and was promoted to NB2 Dancer in November 2022. Mackenzie has also choreographed for School of Nashville Ballet during the Academy Winter Workshop. Nashville Dance Festival takes place Friday, July 21st at Belmont University’s state-of-the-art Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m. and showcases classical and contemporary pieces performed by renowned guest artists from Dance Theatre of Harlem - including former NB2 dancer Alexandra Hutchinson, Collage Dance Collective, Nashville Ballet company dancers, NB2, Nashville Ballet’s official second company, and Nashville Ballet’s Summer Intensive students. Learn more: NashvilleBallet.com. You can learn more about dance education and career planning for dancers at emceemovement.com.

Nicole Ahima, affectionately known as Nicole la Bailarina, is a popular Salsa dance instructor in Nashville, helping organize the entire local Salsa Scene. Many in the area know her for her great instruction in the art of Salsa, for her women’s dance team, Music City Mambo, for her song-spinning and social planning skills. In this episode, Nicole talks about making shifts inside and outside of her main movement practice to deepen and inform her work. Her journey in dance began in childhood but it wasn't until college that she took ownership of her dance practice. Nicole encourages artist entrepreneurs to be willing to learn, to honor relationships, and to fully commit to one's purpose. Learn more about Nicole: https://www.nicolelabailarina.com/ Learn more about dance education and planning for a career in dance: www.emceemovement.com.

Jackie Zarcone is originally from Nashville, Tennessee and grew up dancing at Franklin School of Performing under the direction of Kaylee Cahoon. She expanded her training in college, graduating from the University of Alabama with a BA in Dance and a minor in Biology. She completed an intensive workshop in the Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT) Junior, Senior & Advanced programs conducted and produced by Marie Walton-Mahon. Jackie is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She now resides in Birmingham, Alabama where she is teaching at The Pointe Dance Arts while a trainee with The Pilates Center of Boulder in their Intermediate Plus 600 hour course. She shares about making the most of transitions, opportunities, and mentorship. Learn more at www.emceemovement.com. Thanks for listening and sharing!

Amy Weber is the founder of THE pow{h}er METHOD and releve one foundation - a non-profit dedicated to helping ensure every woman has access to a safe place to begin and/or continue the journey of becoming healthy in a setting that believes in renewing the mind, body and spirit through movement, encouragement and prayer.  THE pow{h}er METHOD online memberships help to fund the purpose of releve one foundation, which allows everyone to play a part in the healing journey of many women in need. Classically trained in dance, choreography, and barre fitness, Amy has taught classes, trained and certified hundreds of instructors worldwide. She shares about creating spaces for movement where people feel loved and safe, making decisions driven by values, and the practice of being present with yourself and as a teacher. Amy is an encourager, a teacher, and a witness to healing and empowerment through mind/body/spirit movement. She is here to remind you that with God, ALL things are possible!  emcee{your}movement focuses on shaping meaningful experiences in dance through education and awareness of what working in dance can look like from traditional studio teaching to dance ministry. Learn more or check out the Dancer Career Planner: emceemovement.com.

Megan Ciccoline White has been a movement educator for over 20 years. She specializes in teaching Classical Pilates, Restorative practices, and dance education. She lives in Columbia TN, with her husband and three kids, where she owns and teaches at Movement Lab. In her story, you'll hear about learning to listen to one's inner voice, observing and reflecting on every experience, and courageously creating opportunity. Learn more about Megan's work: https://movementlabtn.com/ Visit www.emceemovement.com for more episodes and dance education resources.

Founder and Executive Director of MOVE Inclusive Dance, Lauren Morris, shares about starting her organization with the mission to empower individuals of all ability levels to learn life skills through dance using the power of movement and music to transform students’ lives while providing a nurturing, inviting community for all. She has successfully grown her organization from a small summer camp with 13 students to a substantial year-round program serving individuals across the US. She has garnered support from iFundWomen and The Red Backpack Global Giving Fund in support of Female Entrepreneurship, as well as being anorganization featured by New York media foundation BuzzFeed. Learn more about her work: https://www.moveinclusivedance.com/who-we-are  Learn more about dance education and career development: www.emceemovement.com

Christi's decades of experience in arts management began from her own career as a performing artist in musical theatre across the country. She played all the parts from within; performing, choreographing directing, and producing before moving directly into management. A Nashville native, Christi has witnessed the growth of the industry from performing with Nashville Children's Theatre to rising through roles at Tennessee Performing Arts Center and Westport Country Playhouse. She now consults through her own company, Airlie Strategies, with a focus on small arts and non-profit organizations needing to build sustainable infrastructure.  Learn more about dance education and career development: www.emceemovement.com