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PODCAST

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast

Impact Dance Adjudicators

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of a dance competition judge? What does it take to impress the people behind the table?Join your hosts Courtney Ortiz, professional dancer, educator and owner of Impact Dance Adjudicators, and Lesley Mealor, veteran performer and judge, on Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, as they dive into all things dance competition!Each week, listen as Courtney and Lesley discuss various hot topics with members of the IDA judges’ roster and other

arts performing arts

All Episodes

65:52

Throwback! - S4 EP 122 – The World of College Dance...

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2026/03/26

Guests - Melissa McGhee and Carsen Rowe Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor Our next throwback episode of Making the Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast brings back a fan favorite, with more dance team talk! Our guests share what it's like to be on a college dance team, what recruitment looks like, and ways to prep for auditions! This episode originally aired on December 1, 2022. Topics Include: The differences and similarities in the training that goes into preparing for...

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67:51

What To Expect When Transitioning From Studio Dance...

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2026/03/19

Guests - Erin Alvarado and Kristin Daniel Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 259 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, LSU Tiger Girls choreographer Kristin Daniel and Texas Tech dance team coach and dance faculty member Erin Alvarado school us on the similarities and differences between dancing at a studio and being a part of a dance team. Topics Include: How studio training can inform your college dance team experience The realities o...

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73:02

IDA Competition Spotlight - Elevation on Tour

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2026/03/12

Guests: Brie Peña & Kristina Cross Hosted by Courtney Ortiz IDA affiliated-competition Elevation on Tour leads with integrity and innovation, but most of all, a heart for being of service to dancers, teachers, and families. Owners Brie Peña and Kristina Cross sit down today with Courtney to share more about what makes Elevation on Tour's competitions and conventions so special! Help support our podcast. Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership inc...

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70:12

Keeping the Artistry in Competitive Dance - Creating...

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2026/03/05

Guests - Brittany Sprung and Giovanni Allen Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 257 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we're discussing how to keep artistry at the forefront of competitive dance choreography in an arena where it can sometimes feel like tricks have overtaken the stage. Topics Include: The creative process and tips for choreographers of all ages and levels What aspects of artistry the judges are looking for on stage&nbs...

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88:26

Throwback! - S5 EP 176 – Mini Dancers Who Peak Too Early

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2026/02/26

Guests - Kate Biernat and Krysten Danielle Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor Our next throwback episode of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast takes us back in time to 2024 for a conversation about the mini dancers who peak too early. Judges and educators Kate Biernat and Krysten Danielle share their experiences with the tiniest talented dancers in a chat that still holds relevance today, as dancers continue training at increasingly higher levels and younger ages. Thi...

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81:01

The Transition From Junior to Teen - Pivotal Times in...

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2026/02/19

Guests - Carlos de Barros and Krystal Madan Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 255 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, IDA judges and dance educators Carlos de Barros and Krystal Madan join us for a discussion about the junior and teen divisions. Without the right support and guidance, the transition from junior to teen can be challenging. Today, we chat about the best ways to guide young dancers through this journey! Topics Include: What separa...

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76:47

Throwback! S4 EP 111 - Adding the Shock Value - A...

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2026/02/12

Guests - Amanda Nicole DiTullio and Daniel Longo Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor Our next throwback episode takes us back to Season 4 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, with one of our most popular episodes about triggering and sensitive topics on stage. Judges Amanda Nicole DiTullio and Daniel Longo share their insights from behind the table in this important conversation. This episode originally aired on September 15, 2022. *Trigger Warning - this conversati...

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74:37

What Dance Competition Judges Want To See On Stage...

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2026/02/05

Guests - IDA Judges Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 253 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, IDA judges from across the country chime in to give listeners the inside scoop on what they want to see at competition this season - from choreography to costumes and everything in between! Topics Include: Transitions, transitions, transitions! Why musicality can make or break your score Teamwork on and off stage - judges see it all Help su...

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67:23

Spotlight Feature - International Competitive Dancer...

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2026/01/29

Guests: Jamie Hodgins and Rebecca Brettingham-Filice Hosted by: Courtney Ortiz & Lesley Mealor The International Competitive Dancer Registry, or ICDR, is a new organization that aims to protect, verify, and safeguard competitive dancers' personal information. Today on Making the Impact, we are joined by Executive Director of the ICDR, Jamie Hodgins, and studio owner and advisor Rebecca Brettingham-Filice to learn more about what the ICDR stands for and how dancers, studio owners, and p...

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68:59

Partnering and Lifts - Tips and Tricks from the Pros

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2026/01/22

Guests - Jonathan & Oksana Platero Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 251 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, professional dancers and educators Jonathan and Oksana Platero share their extensive experience with partnering and lifts. From stints on So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With The Stars, and Strictly Come Dancing, as well as years of teaching on the convention circuit, these two bring both performer and educator perspectives to the convers...

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69:22

Throwback! S4 EP 120 - Stage and Costume Malfunctions...

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2026/01/15

Guests - Halle Mastroberardino and Donna Michelle Vaughn Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor Our throwback episode of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast covers the many ways things can go wrong at a live dance performance, from costume malfunctions to dropped props and more! Joining us for this discussion are professional dancers and IDA judges Halle Mastroberardino and Donna Michelle Vaughn to give you some tips and tricks to salvage any mishaps that might happen on...

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72:22

A Day in the Life of a Dancer on Tour

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2026/01/08

Guests - Brion Marquis Watson and Cassidy Noblett Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 249 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, our "day in the life" series continues with a job most dancers dream of - being on tour! Broadway touring dancer Brion Marquis Watson and veteran of commercial touring, Cassidy Noblett, join us today to give us their perspectives on the tour life! Topics Include: The challenging parts of being on tour, both physical ...

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73:27

The 2025 A.C.E Awards Winners - Sponsored by DanceOne

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2026/01/01

Guests - Tommy Tibball, Madi Hicks, Jason Williams, and Courtney Barclay Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 248 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, the 2025 A.C.E. Awards winners join us for a look inside the prestigious competition, which took place in New York City in August. This event brings together choreographers and dancers from all over the country, and the competition was fierce. Enjoy this chat with the winners! Topics Include: How eac...

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69:13

Q&A with Courtney Live 2025 - Platinum Premium Exclusive

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2025/12/25

Guest: Vikas Arun Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz Platinum Premium Exclusive! To end out the 2025 year strong we are bringing back our popular Q&A with Courtney LIVE episodes! Our Q&A episodes now record monthly for Platinum Premium subscribers only. Dive in to a chat about all things competitive dance with Making the Impact host Courtney Ortiz and special guest IDA Judge Vikas Arun! This episode was recorded in December 2025. Topics include: Tap dancing on marley floor Performance ...

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56:40

Throwback! S5 EP 157 - Mastering Movement Quality in...

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2025/12/18

Guests - Chip Abbott and Summer Renner Disher Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor Today's throwback episode brings back an important topic - movement quality! Our spectacular guests, studio owner Summer Renner Disher and dance educator and choreographer Chip Abbott school us on the importance of movement quality for competitive dancers, and give tips on teaching techniques for all ages! This episode originally aired October 19, 2023. Topics Include: How to talk abo...

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59:38

Why Lyrical Dance Should Be a Priority in Your Weekly...

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2025/12/11

Guests - Jeremy Duvall and Lindsey Klein Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 245 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley discuss lyrical dance and its importance with two dance educators known for their love of lyrical. Jeremy Duvall and Lindsey Klein give insight into exactly why lyrical deserves regular training from tiny dancers to adult professionals. Topics Include: A brief history of a lyrical legend, Doug Caldwell, and his ...

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67:42

Throwback! S3 EP 84 - Parent Etiquette - From Studio...

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2025/12/04

Guests - Emily Branigan and Hillary Zbyszinski Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor This throwback episode takes us back to season 3 of Making the Impact, where dance educators and IDA Judges Emily Branigan and Hillary Zbyszinski shared insight about expectations for dance parents. As we head into competition season, enjoy this refresher course on parent etiquette! This episode originally aired on December 30, 2021. Topics Include: How to set the right example for your d...

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57:07

Fundraising For Competitive Dance

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2025/11/27

Guests - Christine Brocious and Megan Woods Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 243 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley are joined by podcast fans, dance moms, and fundraising queens Christine Brocious and Megan Woods to talk about the many ways fundraising can help offset the financial burden of competitive dance! Topics Include: Types of fundraising that exist How to determine what type of fundraising would be successful...

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67:04

IDA Competition Spotlight - Uproar Dance Competition

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2025/11/20

Guests: Ryland Early and Danielle Beeman Hosted by Courtney Ortiz Uproar Dance Competition might be newer to the scene, but they have years of experience in the competitive dance world and know a thing or two about what makes a great experience. From their Teacher Oasis and high level production value at the event, to their Uproar Training Scholarship awarded in each city, Uproar offers a unique experience you don't want to miss! Follow Uproar Dance Competition on social media @dance...

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67:07

A Day in the Life of a Broadway Performer

Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast ·

2025/11/13

Guests - Karli Dinardo and Tatiana Nuñez Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor In Episode 241 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we take an inside look at a day in the life of a Broadway dancer. Karli Dinardo and Tatiana Nuñez give us the scoop on everything from booking the gig to what it's like to be in a long-running show. Topics Include: The audition process for Broadway How to take care of yourself on two show days and 8 shows a week What othe...

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