Dance Careers: Unfiltered

Justine Menter

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Dance Careers: Unfiltered is a conversational dance podcast that focuses on what it really takes to make it in the dance industry. LA-based Choreographer and Dance Educator turned Career Coach, host Justine Menter keeps it real with actionable advice, inspiration and a touch of sass. On DCU you can expect honest conversations with industry peers and most importantly: real-life tips to keep dancers motivated along their unique career paths.

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Top 10 Dance Careers: Unfiltered Episodes

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Ways to Hack your Instagram Game -- with Amy Leisner @a18media

Dance Careers: Unfiltered

10/24/23 • 35 min

If you’ve ever asked yourself “What do I post??” or “How Often do I post??”, then this is the episode for you. Today’s guest, Amy Leisner, after working for Discount Dance, started her own company, A18 Media, a social media agency for dance studios and professionals.
We chat allll the things:

Repurposing
Bio basics
Story highlights
Pinned posts
hashtags
and everything in between

I love this chat because it is SO pertinent for dancers right now who are wondering the who, what when and how for posting on social media. we also chat about some of the roadblocks to posting, and why you should use each post as an experiment.
Dance studio content prompts: http://www.a18media.com/cp
Instagram: https://instagram.com/a18media
Website: https://a18media.com
Amy Leisner is the founder of A18 Media - an online marketing agency for the dance industry. She grew up dancing at studios in her small town in Wisconsin and went on to earn her degree in dance from Columbia College Chicago
She then became a traveling preschool dance teacher in Southern California. It was during this role that she discovered the power of great marketing to fill up her classes, and so she went back to school and earned her degree in Advertising.
After spending time working for marketing agencies throughout Southern California for clients both in and out of the dance industry, she built a successful freelance copywriting business, which has evolved into a full-service marketing agency for the dance world. Amy loves helping dance business owners feel confident and excited about their marketing by demystifying it and co-creating simple strategies that lead to big results!

Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
Connect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt

10/24/23 • 35 min

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The Art of Taking Class in LA -- with Miller Daurey @backtogreat

Dance Careers: Unfiltered

09/26/23 • 35 min

Tackling the nuances of filming in class, today I'm joined by Miller daurey, ex-pro dancer who quit at 19, returned to dance 25 years later and is now documenting the whole thing online. Miller has been garnering a lot of attention online for his candid videos about the dance industry in LA. So we talked a lot about:

what it was like for him to return to dance both physically and emotionally
the biggest changes he's noticed in the industry
the ever-evolving state of class culture here in LA

Youtube Docu-series: https://www.youtube.com/@BackToGreat
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backtogreat/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@backtogreat

09/26/23 • 35 min

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Paralyzed by Perfectionism? How to re-frame and re-claim your mindset

Dance Careers: Unfiltered

10/03/23 • 14 min

You ever go to post something on social media and then start scrutinizing every minute detail.. and then eventually just give up and not post it at all? Yup. This is something we ALL can relate to as artists. And it's even more at the forefront nowadays with social media's "compare and despair".
In this episode I break down 3 key things you can remember to change your mindset, focus on what matters most and thrive in your career in the arts.
DM me 'perfectionism' to make a plan to beat this and we can thrive - together.

10/03/23 • 14 min

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Career Spotlight: Universal Studios Performers Kate Coleman & Jolene Fisher

Dance Careers: Unfiltered

10/17/23 • 39 min

Literally everything you need to know about being a Universal performer!
This is the debut of a brand new episode type for the podcast: Career Spotlights. Kate Coleman and Jolene Fisher are former students of mine who have both been performing at Universal Studios in Hollywood for many years. I figured the name of this podcasts is "dance careers", so I may as well start talking about different kinds.
We chat:

how they got their jobs (different roles, same park)
what a "day in the life" is like (how many shows, rehearsal process, etc)
makeup + hair secrets for daily performances (some in the water!)
all the benefits of performing at Universal (flexibility, community & live theatre, oh my!)

Kate Coleman works as an associate choreographer and rehearsal director for Mixed eMotion Theatrix. She's had the incredible opportunity to perform in various parts of the world, from New Zealand and France to Argentina and Morocco. Her diverse experiences include dancing with the LA Contemporary Dance Company and her work in exciting film and television productions such as Mysterious Benedict Society, Rutherford Falls, and VEEP. Kate's creative touch extends to choreographing for theatre productions like In Circles, Daughter of the Wicked and the Serpent, earning recognition from the LA Critics Circle. Her choreographic talents have even made their way into series like T-Rex Ranch and the Netflix animated series CoCoMelon Lane. You can also catch her dancing at the TriWiz Spirit Rally in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Originally from Ontario, Canada, Jolene Fisher is an AMDA College and Conservatory Dance Theatre Alumni, and a Lambton College Office Administrative Executive Diploma Alumni. Some of her credits include: Lead Role of Helen at WaterWorld Universal Studios Hollywood and Japan, Dancer in “The Men In My Life” starring Rochelle Aytes, Dancer in “Kings & Queens” Music Video by Mina Tobias, Choreographer for “Another One” by Mina Tobias feat. Gabi DeMartini and Kai Lucas, Background Actor and Assistant Choreographer in “Scrambled” starring and directed by Leah McKendrick, Dancer at Fast and Furious Pit Crew Universal Studios Hollywood, Lead Role of Martha May and Dancer at Grinchmas Universal Studios Hollywood, Dancer for NBL London Lightning Dance Team, Dancer for Harout Balyan Live at the Dolby Theatre, Dancer for Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, Lead Dancer/Director/Singer/Songwriter in “Outcast” by Jolene Fisher, Lead/Director/Singer/Songwriter in “Mess” by Jolene Fisher, and Lead/Director/Singer/Songwriter in “Running” by Jolene Fisher. @jolenefisherinc

10/17/23 • 39 min

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Balancing Artistry with Business as a Choreographer in someone else’s studio -- with Rachael Markarian

Dance Careers: Unfiltered

11/07/23 • 35 min

Rachael is a past guest on the podcast and is such a badass. Any kind of job you can think of as a dancer, she has done it - world tours, super bowl halftime shows, feature films, TV shows, the grammy’s, and most recently, was an actress in Top Gun: Maverick. We chat about everything from the writers and actors strikes, to recognizing the ebbs and flows of being a working artist, the nuances of working as a guest choreographer in someone else's studio, and saying no to jobs with grace.
Website - https://www.rachaelmarkarian.net/
Online Workbook - https://www.rachaelmarkarian.net/store
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachaelmarkarian/

Rachael Markarian is a successful, multi-hyphenate artist with over 20yrs of experience working in the Entertainment Industry as a Pro-Dancer, Actress, Choreographer and Master Teacher. Her dance career began in Los Angeles and took her around the world, touring and dancing for artists like Rihanna, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Pink, Cher, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Panic at the Disco and several others. Additionally she’s performed in numerous Music Videos, Awards Shows (The Grammy’s, American Music Awards, Billboard Awards, MTV Movie & Music Awards), Print Campaigns, Commercials (Target, Farmer’s Insurance, MAC Cosmetics, Microsoft, Absolut Vodka, Chevy, Toyota, H&M) and Super Bowl Halftime Shows (Beyonce/Destiny’s Child and
Katy Perry/Lenny Kravitz/Missy Elliot).
Rachael’s Film credits include TOP GUN: MAVERICK, BANDIT, ON A WING AND A PRAYER, RUSH HOUR 3, NO STRINGS ATTACHED, BEHIND THE CANDELABRA, MASCOTS, THE STALKING FIELDS and SOUTHLAND TALES to name a few.
Her television credits include roles on TALES OF THE WALKING DEAD, ALL AMERICAN, SWEET MAGNOLIAS, FIRST WIVES CLUB, QUEENS, THE FIRST LADY, THE MS. PAT SHOW, JOHNSON, LEGION, THE MORNING SHOW, GILMORE GIRLS, GLEE, TRUE BLOOD, DOLLFACE, CSI, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, AMERICAN PRINCESS, PARKS & RECREATION and more.
Rachael has choreographed Film, TV and Commercial projects including I WANT YOU BACK (Amazon Prime), TARGET, TACO BELL, CABI CLOTHING, FARMER’S INSURANCE, WELLA HAIR, and several others. She’s also a Faculty Member on NRG DANCE PROJECT Convention and for CLI STUDIOS, as well as a Guest Choreographer, Master Teacher & Mentor at several studios throughout the US and Canada. Additionally, she created THE DANCER’S EDGE, an in-studio Intensive bringing LA, NYC & ATL Master Teachers & Choreographers into studios across the country providing them with Classes, Choreography & Industry Seminars to help
support their journey into the professional world.
Rachael used her skills and success as a dancer and parlayed them into her acting career. Proving that dancers can have success in multiple fields, and that a hybrid artist is one that brings versatility and unique qualities to the table. She enjoys pursuing her passion and working in the industry, while also consulting and mentoring young artists.

11/07/23 • 35 min

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Why putting yourself FIRST is paramount to your career -- with Charity Baroni

Dance Careers: Unfiltered

10/10/23 • 29 min

Self-care isn't selfish. It's paramount. Charity Baroni joins me on the pod to discuss her prolific career as a dancer in LA (2 Taylor tours?!, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, etc), and why recognizing we are all human drove her career further along than anything else. We also dive in to the realities of being a tour dancer, what it was like watching the ERA'S tour as her former dancer, and the mental well-being of professional dancers.
IG @Charitybaroni
Charitybaroni.com
Charity Baroni was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She moved to Los Angeles in 2008 and hustled hard, built relationships and thrived in the entertainment industry as a professional background dancer for almost a decade! She performed and toured with artists such as Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift all over the world, and also performed with artists such as Beyoncé and Maluma in music videos, live performances with Flo Rida, danced on the Grammys with Katy Perry and more. She performed on multiple live shows and awards shows: Billboard music awards, MTV movie awards, X Factor, CMT awards, Radio Disney Awards, Cowboys Thanksgiving half time show, SYTYCD Australia, and Buzzfeed to name a few.
She learned and experienced a tremendous amount during her time based in LA and journeyed back home to Nashville to share her professional experiences in her choreography, teaching and mentoring other dancers, as well as performance coaching artists. Her choreography credits include working with Lainey Wilson, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, Sara Evans, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lukas Nelson, Zayn and more. She has also worked with and taught the USA women’s gymnastics national and Olympic team as their dance teacher at national team camps and has choreographed several of the gymnast’s floor routines.
She recently pursued mental health and education and received her BA in Counseling and is a licensed and certified counselor. Through all of her experiences, she has learned how to hold onto truth, boldness, light and fun and reminds people to focus on the importance of mental and emotional health. She does this especially when sharing her passion of dance and life in the entertainment industry with others!

10/10/23 • 29 min

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Submitting for Rep and not hearing back? Listen to this. -- with MTA's Jim Keith

Dance Careers: Unfiltered

09/12/23 • 50 min

5.0

If you caught last season’s premiere, then you know that Jim Keith (Owner, President, Sr. Agent at Movement Talent Agency in LA and NY) is as candid as it gets. With decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Jim, once again, lays it all on line to discuss:

submitting for representation
the current state of the industry (strikes, covid, A.I. oh my!)
the differences between the dance scenes: NY vs. LA

Jim on IG
Movement Agency Website // MTA on IG

09/12/23 • 50 min

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SAG/AFTRA Explained + former dance agent dishes ALL — with Janee Lynch

Dance Careers: Unfiltered

04/25/23 • 32 min

I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation I had with my former agent, Janee Lynch, who is now a senior business executive for SAG/AFTRA in LA. Because of her vast experience in the entertainment industry, I had to pick her brain on her time as an agent as well as the pivot to working for the union and being a full time advocate for dancers’ rights. I spent a really formative time of my career with Janee as my rep and it’s very special to me that she was able to take the time to drop her knowledge and insight with us. It’s SUCH an important episode in so many ways, and you’ll learn:

how to get your agent to GET YOU
when to join the union, including eligibility and advantages
How the union takes care of its members

@janeecheree
A Southern California native, Janée Cherée Lynch began working in entertainment at the age of two (2) years old as a model, actress, dancer and singer. Over the years, her resume included several national print and commercial campaigns, television shows, music videos and educational programs. She attended California State University Long Beach, obtaining degrees in Communications and Dance in 2007, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Shortly after graduation, Janée began working on the business side of entertainment, getting her foot in the door at Clear Talent Group, starting out as an assistant and quickly becoming a Dance Agent, representing some of today’s top Creative Directors, Choreographers and Dancers. In 2011, Janée branched out on her own, becoming the Director of The S Agency, a boutique talent agency, focusing on representation of Dancers, Singers and Actors. In 2016, Janée merged The S Agency, with Eighteentwentysix, a tour production company, as Director of their agency
division. During her time as an agent, Janée also judged on the dance and cheer circuit, and was a frequent guest speaker at numerous conventions and intensives, providing today’s talent with the perspective of being both a performer and an agent, and educating on the ins and outs of entertainment contracts. With a passion for performer rights, in 2017, Janée joined Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) as a Senior Business Representative in Music. Janée’s focus is contract education and enforcement for Singers and Dancers for TV, Film, New Media and Music Video contracts. Janée is also a staff liaison for Singers and Dancers, working on numerous events and educational forums for SAG-AFTRA members, as well as a contributor to the negotiation teams, working on Singer and Dancer contract provisions.

04/25/23 • 32 min

In-Between Gigs? 10 Productive Ways to Spend your Downtime

Dance Careers: Unfiltered

05/02/23 • 16 min

Auditions have been slower here in LA. For a multitude of reasons. It has me reflecting and brainstorming productive and affordable ways to keep making progress without being in the audition/gig hustle. I came up with a TOP 10 LIST.
I dropped it below, and all the juicy details (and actionable tips) are inside the episode:

Update your marketing materials
Self-Care
Curate a list of Connections/networking opportunities
Enjoy the downtime
Vision/Mood Board Creation and/or party
Auditions Audit
Meal plan + prep
Plan time away from social media
Journal
Meet with a mentor

Let me know which one(s) you try :)

05/02/23 • 16 min

How to Get Untangled as a Creative Multi-Hyphenate -- with Galit Friedlander

Dance Careers: Unfiltered

05/23/23 • 34 min

Do you wear a lot of hats? Have a lot of different interests? Crave creativity in many mediums? This is the episode for you. Galit Friedlander (Prince, Pharrell, WNBA, Doctors for Dancers) Dancespeak Podcast Host, Choreographer and Educator, joins me to chat about all the nuances of living a life of artistry and the diving deep I love so much.

aligning your values with your gigs
how “not feeling seen” affects us
taking action in our self development to improve our artistry

One year after graduating from the ‘FAME’ school (LaGuardia) as a theatre major, Galit moved to Los Angeles to pursue a degree from the University of Southern California. Shortly after graduating college, Galit found that her drive gained her the opportunity to work as an ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER FOR PRINCE in the Los Angeles leg of his Welcome 2 America Tour. She has WORKED ON PROJECTS FOR PHARRELL AND MC LYTE. She has toured China and the U.S. with groundbreaking artists, choreographed for short film, WORKS FOR THE WNBA’S LA SPARKS as a head choreographer, and has been the SparKids head choreographer since 2017.
Within her 18+ years of experience teaching dancers, Galit has discovered that one of HER GREATEST JOYS AND LIFE PURPOSE IS TO KEEP EXPANDING DANCERS’ KNOWLEDGE THROUGH her work as a choreographer and teacher. She is also the host and creator of the DanceSpeak podcast since 2016 which shares unfiltered and authentic interviews from dancers all around the globe.
www.gogalit.com
https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/collections
Instagram: @gogalit
@dancespeakpodcast

05/23/23 • 34 min