
#16: Get The Education You Want When They Say No!
12/27/23 • 34 min
Welcome to another exciting episode of "Dance Colleges & Careers", where we dive into the fascinating world of performing arts. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Megan Tatum, a talented performer and choreographer based in Richmond, Virginia, as our special guest.
Megan's journey in the world of dance began at the prestigious Chesterfield School of Ballet and the School of Richmond Ballet, where she trained under the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus. However, after graduating from a performing arts magnet high school with a major in modern dance choreography and performance, Megan found herself at a crossroads, wondering if dance would still be a part of her future.
Her path took an unexpected turn when she moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, to pursue studies at the College of William and Mary. Initially considering dance as a hobby left behind, Megan discovered her passion for musical theatre and decided to craft a unique major in the Integration of Dance, Music, and Theatre Performance. Alongside, she pursued a double major in Kinesiology and Health Sciences with a concentration in Health Sciences Pre-Physical Therapy.
Megan's journey unfolds with unexpected opportunities during her junior year, leading her to become the dance swing at Busch Gardens and kickstarting her professional performing career. Her talents have graced renowned companies such as Olney Theatre Center, Virginia Repertory Theatre, Barter Theatre, Midtown Arts Center, Virginia Musical Theatre, Riverside Dinner Theatre, and Alluvion Stage Company.
Beyond the stage, Megan has also made a mark in the realm of physical therapy, collaborating with major Broadway and ballet companies, including the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Imagine going backstage on iconic shows like Matilda and Wicked – Megan has experienced it all.
Join us as Megan shares her inspiring journey, from contemplating the end of her dance career to becoming a versatile performer, choreographer, and a behind-the-scenes player in the world of physical therapy for Broadway and ballet. Get ready for an episode filled with passion, resilience, and the magic that happens when one follows their heart in the world of performing arts. Tune in now!
Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!
Welcome to another exciting episode of "Dance Colleges & Careers", where we dive into the fascinating world of performing arts. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Megan Tatum, a talented performer and choreographer based in Richmond, Virginia, as our special guest.
Megan's journey in the world of dance began at the prestigious Chesterfield School of Ballet and the School of Richmond Ballet, where she trained under the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus. However, after graduating from a performing arts magnet high school with a major in modern dance choreography and performance, Megan found herself at a crossroads, wondering if dance would still be a part of her future.
Her path took an unexpected turn when she moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, to pursue studies at the College of William and Mary. Initially considering dance as a hobby left behind, Megan discovered her passion for musical theatre and decided to craft a unique major in the Integration of Dance, Music, and Theatre Performance. Alongside, she pursued a double major in Kinesiology and Health Sciences with a concentration in Health Sciences Pre-Physical Therapy.
Megan's journey unfolds with unexpected opportunities during her junior year, leading her to become the dance swing at Busch Gardens and kickstarting her professional performing career. Her talents have graced renowned companies such as Olney Theatre Center, Virginia Repertory Theatre, Barter Theatre, Midtown Arts Center, Virginia Musical Theatre, Riverside Dinner Theatre, and Alluvion Stage Company.
Beyond the stage, Megan has also made a mark in the realm of physical therapy, collaborating with major Broadway and ballet companies, including the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Imagine going backstage on iconic shows like Matilda and Wicked – Megan has experienced it all.
Join us as Megan shares her inspiring journey, from contemplating the end of her dance career to becoming a versatile performer, choreographer, and a behind-the-scenes player in the world of physical therapy for Broadway and ballet. Get ready for an episode filled with passion, resilience, and the magic that happens when one follows their heart in the world of performing arts. Tune in now!
Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!
Previous Episode

#15: Tap Dance with Diana Brooks
Diana was a tap company member of Rhythm ISS, M.A.D.D. Rhythms, and Bam in Chicago for many years after graduating from college. Performed in Regional Theatre in shows such as Singin' in The Rain and Babes in Toyland, she decided she wanted to switch focus to teaching. She taught at Oklahoma City University for 8 years (as Brittany's professor) and then moved to NYC where Diana worked at Pace University, Broadway Dance Center and hosted her own affordable pop up classes throughout NYC. Diana traveled and taught with Industry Xperience.
This episode, Diana and Brittany discuss different tap communities, where you can thrive in tap dancing, and what colleges support tap dancers.
Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!
Next Episode

#17: Theater Arts Preparatory School - Las Vegas Dance Trade School
Explore the world of professional dance education with guest Don Mirault on this episode of "Dance Colleges and Careers," hosted by Brittany Noltimier. In this enlightening conversation, we delve into the Theater Arts Preparatory School (TAPS) in Las Vegas, a game-changing program designed to equip aspiring dancers with the tools they need to launch their careers.
With a remarkable 45-year career spanning singing, dancing, acting, teaching, choreography, production, direction, and authorship, Don Mirault is a true industry veteran. He shares his insights into the creation of TAPS, a revolutionary six-month trade school that fills a much-needed gap in the dance education landscape. Tune in to discover how TAPS is geared towards fast-tracking dancers into the professional world, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional college programs.
In this episode, we explore the comprehensive curriculum at TAPS, covering everything from various dance styles to private and ensemble voice training, commercial and theatrical acting, marketing, business skills, cirque arts, research, and dance history. Plus, hear about the impressive roster of 70 industry professionals who mentor and guide students through this intensive program. Don't miss this in-depth look at TAPS and the future it's paving for aspiring dance professionals.
Visit the TAPS website here
Check out this awesome video on Facebook featuring the Theater Arts Preparatory School Alumni
Follow Taps on Facebook
Follow Taps on Instagram
Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!
Dance Colleges & Careers with Brittany Noltimier - #16: Get The Education You Want When They Say No!
Transcript
Megan Tatum (Miller) Podcast
BRITTANY: [00:00:00]
[00:00:00] Introduction and Background
BRITTANY: Hi, everyone. Welcome to Dance Colleges and Careers. Today, we have Megan Tatum coming to you from Richmond, Virginia. And Megan and I actually go way, way back. We went to a summer dance intensive together in 2009. We went to NCSA, or, nope, that year it changed to UNCSA.
MEGAN: It did,
BRITTANY:
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