Best Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation Podcasts (2025)

1
Integration of the Eating Disorder with the Healthy Self Using the "D's" 7:28

18d ago7:28

7:28

As we close our 3rd season and the 75th Episode, we want to thank you for being a listener of our program and hope you find the information helpful. This episode explores the "D's" of the Eating Disorder and integrating them into the Healthy self. Full Recovery is possible and I hope this is helpful to you in your journey. Thank you for listening t…

1
Derryl Yeager, Founder and Artistic Director of Odyssey Dance Theatre Shares his Journey through Dance in Stage, Film and TV 54:08

1M ago54:08

54:08

DERRYL YEAGER Founder and Artistic Director of Odyssey Dance Theatre As a professional dancer for over two decades, Derryl Yeager has had experience in every style and medium. He received his BFA and MFA degrees at the University of Utah while becoming a principal dancer with Ballet West. He then went on to perform in the Broadway Shows A Chorus Li…

1
A Conversation with Anne Bogart 37:16

2M ago37:16

37:16

Enjoy this special stand alone episode with Anne Bogart. This is a recorded in-person conversation held in London with the Young Vic and SDCF in January 2025 that is now in podcast form. Anne discusses working in the theatre as a director including delving into her directing practices both as artist and teacher as well as her work through co-foundi…

1
In Honor of Mental health Awareness: Owner of Iris Healing and Ambassador for those with Mental Health Disorders discusses her work in Trauma and Mental Health using Brain Spotting, Neuro feedback, TMS ... 53:07

2M ago53:07

53:07

Dr. Elena Kapustina found her true calling and completed her PsyD in Clinical Psychology after earning her MBA and spending years working as the CFO for major corporations. She founded Iris Healing® to holistically work with dual diagnosis patients in order to create a more sustainable recovery. From managing 1,000 employees to creating a top of th…

1
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Week : Juli Shamash from the Drug Awareness Foundation talks about the loss of her son to fentanyl and the work she is doing to help educate others. 39:11

2M ago39:11

39:11

Juli Shamash is a former elementary school teacher turned stay-at-home mom. After tragically losing her 19-year-old son Tyler from fentanyl poisoning in 2018, she and another grieving mom started Moms Against Drugs, a nonprofit to help other grieving parents. Juli is currently focusing on her family’s new non profit, Drug Awareness Foundation. She …

1
A Meaningful Talk with Dr. Julie Schreiner, Adolescent Psychiatric Specialist in Eating Disorders 34:07

3M ago34:07

34:07

As a nurse practitioner, Dr. Schreiner has primarily practiced in pediatric/adolescent health and has specialized in the mental health care of children and adolescents. Dr. Schreiner continues her passion for education via her teaching and mentoring for nurse practitioner students from around the country and currently guest lectures at UCLA’s Schoo…

1
The Art of Collaboration: dots and Anne Kauffman 57:00

3M ago57:00

57:00

We are excited to bring you this new episode in our podcast series, The Art of Collaboration with Anne Kauffman and dots. This series focuses on directors and choreographers in conversation with some of their collaborators. This series explores the ins and outs of these processes, both finer details as well as overarching ideas about what goes into…

1
A conversation with Nancy Dobbs Owen....Her dance career and the trajectory of the dance industry 52:58

3M ago52:58

52:58

Nancy Dobbs Owen has performed throughout the United States, with both ballet and modern companies and then as a ballerina and a Meg cover in the National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Regional theater includes productions at American Musical Theatre of San Jose, The Magic Theater, 42nd St. Moon, and Berkeley Opera. LA the…

1
Rachel Fine, RD.... Joins TuTu Thin for a Conversation about her Work with Dancers and how to Nourish Their Bodies for Peak Performance 45:12

4M ago45:12

45:12

Rachel Fine is a board-certified Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with advanced certifications in Eating Disorders (CEDS-C), Sports Nutrition (CSSD), and Intuitive Eating. Rachel founded To The Pointe Nutrition in 2013, and built The Healthy Dancer® curriculum with the mission to provide credible nutrition education to all dancers, including dance…

1
Following the Dance Steps of Raul Machorro from Dancer to Choreographer and Beyond 41:42

4M ago41:42

41:42

Raul Machorro shares his story from a young child with no dance experience to The High School of Performing Arts in Houston to The Houston Ballet and on to Los Angeles as a dancer. His story is compelling and one that shows to never Raul loves sharing his passion for fitness and dance with everyone he meets! He's a master teacher for Equinox and ha…

1
In Search of Compassion and Spirituality…… Dr Terry Eagan and Beata Lundeen, CSD 51:17

5M ago51:17

51:17

Terry V. Eagan, M.D. is a prominent Beverly Hills psychiatrist, founder and CEO of Eagan Medical Group, LLC., a thriving mental health practice treating over 2000 patients annually. His private patients have included leaders in industry, politics, and performers from television, music and film, many of whom have been at the extremes of celebrity. D…

1
Lauren Gaul Shares her Transition from Radio City Rockette to Associate Professor of The Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University 48:47

5M ago48:47

48:47

Lauren Gaul has a multifaceted professional career performing as a Radio City Rockette for over 10 years appearing in the national touring company and on the great stage at Radio City Music Hall. She was also a Rockette swing for three years and worked under the direction of; Linda Haberman, Julie Branam, Dennis Callahan, Becky Downing, and Eileen …

1
Maggie Felmann talks about her work as an Animal Activist Rescuing Animals in the LA Fires and her work as a Recovery Coach..... When you Recover, Anything is Possible 37:25

5M ago37:25

37:25

When you recover, you can do almost anything… ✨ Join us as we welcome Maggie Felmann to the TuTu Thin Podcast! Maggie, an Eating Disorder Coach and passionate animal advocate, shares her incredible journey—from battling an unforgiving eating disorder to rescuing animals during the LA fires and helping others heal. Growing up as a young artist in We…

1
We are Enough as Dancers...... A Candid Talk with Dr. Ines Pinto and Choreographer Isira Makuloluwe 52:05

6M ago52:05

52:05

Professor Inês Pinto, MD, Ph.D., is a renowned Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist from Portugal and one of only three specialists in her field in the country to hold a Ph.D. She graduated from Porto Medical School in 2008 at the age of 23, having entered the program at just 17. Alongside her medical career, Inês has a background in classical ballet,…

1
Traditions for the Holidays 10:59

7M ago10:59

10:59

In this episode I explore holiday traditions that I have enjoyed. Traditions are important in eating disorder recovery because they replace the rituals. What are your favorite holiday traditions? We will resume podcasts on January 10th. Happy Holidays to everyone and Thank you for listening. Thank you for listening to The TuTu thin Podcast Please c…

1
Talking with Dr. Susan Mayes and Dr. Beth Shelton regarding the The Australian Ballet and their Body Image and Disordered Eating Guidelines 52:44

7M ago52:44

52:44

An in depth conversation about the guidelines recently created by the Australian Ballet regarding body image, disordered eating, and eating disorders. Dr beth Shelton and Dr Susan Mayes were instrumental in the development of the guidelines. I am excited to have you hear their process of educating different departments within The Australian Ballet.…

1
Art of Collaboration with Shana Carroll, Jesse Robb, and Jessica Stone - Podcast Replay 1:25:52

8M ago1:25:52

1:25:52

Check out this podcast replay of the SDCF Panel: Art of Collaboration with Shana Carroll, Jesse Robb, and Jessica Stone that we hosted at the Museum of Broadway. They discuss the ins and outs of their creative processes as they collaborated on Water for Elephants, both the finer details as well as overarching ideas about what goes into a productive…

1
SDCF Panel: The Journey from Dancer to Choreographer - Podcast Replay 1:23:42

8M ago1:23:42

1:23:42

Check out this podcast replay of our SDCF Panel: The Journey from Dancer to Choreographer with Mayte Natalio, Adesola Osakalumi, and Ellenore Scott. This conversation focuses on career transitions or expansions, specifically for dancers who have shifted or added choreography to their artistic practice. We hosted this panel at Sunlight Studios in Fe…

1
SDCF Panel: Demystifying Pre-Production - Podcast Replay 1:31:01

8M ago1:31:01

1:31:01

Check out this podcast replay of the SDCF Virtual Panel: Demystifying Pre-Production with Knud Adams, Maija García, and Delicia Turner Sonnenberg. This conversation focuses on the pre-production process, giving insights and a better understanding of all the things that happen between when a director signs a contract and first rehearsal. The panelis…

1
Steven Melendez, Artistic Director of New York Theatre Ballet and the subject of the movie "Lift" shares his Journey from Homeless Shelter to Dancer 40:37

8M ago40:37

40:37

Steven Melendez was born in New York City in 1986 and began his ballet training as part of the LIFT Scholarship Program at Ballet School New York at the age of seven while living in a New York City homeless shelter. Later, he studied at the School of American Ballet and attended summer programs with the San Francisco Ballet Academy, Houston Ballet …

1
SDCF One on One Conversation with Michael Arden - Podcast Replay 1:23:55

8M ago1:23:55

1:23:55

Check out this podcast replay of our one on one conversation with 2023 Tony Award Winner Michael Arden hosted by SDCF and the Museum of Broadway. Interviewed by SDC Executive Director Laura Penn, this conversation focuses on Michael's expansive career to date including a deeper dive into his work as an artist and practice as a director. We held thi…

1
A Candid Talk with Yasi Ansari, Registered Dietitian and Specialist in Sports Dietetics 40:15

8M ago40:15

40:15

Yasi Ansari is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics based in Los Angeles, CA. She is the owner of Yasi Ansari Nutrition, LLC a consulting practice specializing in nutrition for athletic performance and nutrition therapy for eating disorders/disordered eating. She helps competitive athletes and performing …

1
Meet Brett and Jenny from The Ballet Help Desk 51:56

9M ago51:56

51:56

It was so great to have Jenny and Brett on as guests from The Ballet Help Desk. They are two moms who spent years trying to figure out how to support their dancing kids. From the competition circuit to ballet training to their professional careers, we stumbled along trying to support our kids in the best way we knew how. After several years on this…

1
Meet Elizabeth Eckhoff, former professional dancer and owner of The Dance Company in Fairfield, Ohio 49:57

9M ago49:57

49:57

Elizabeth Eckhoff received her early dance training as a student of Nellie Lou Downie in Fairfield, Ohio. She went on to study at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Miami University in Oxford, in New York City, and on the national convention circuit before establishing a career as a performer and choreographer. She served as Dance Captain and As…

1
From Dancer with Cirque de Soleil to Eating Disorder Coach with Marcia Moreno Littman 41:33

9M ago41:33

41:33

Marcia Moreno Littman started dancing at the age of four and was instantly in love! Excelling in tap, hip hop, ballet, and contemporary, she became a professional dancer at age 15 and won the title of Miss Dance International for the United States in 2000. Marcia has danced in many shows including “The Fashionistas”, Cirque Du Soleil’s “Zumanity”, …

1
Advice for Dancers, Parents and Dance Teachers for a New Dance Season 13:43

10M ago13:43

13:43

Educate yourself on language and areas of concern as we begin a new season of dance. Thank you for listening to The TuTu thin Podcast Please contact us through www.dawntheodore.com www.tututhin.com IG @tutu_thin Facebook @tututhin Twitter @tututhin Thank you to Matt Miller @ Smacky Media GroupBy Dawn Smith-Theodore, MA, MFT, CEDS

1
A Candid talk with Chloe Angyal about her book "Turning Pointe.....How a New Generation of Dancers is Saving Ballet from Itself' 42:06

10M ago42:06

42:06

Chloe Angyal is the author of Turning Pointe: How a New Generation of Dancers Is Saving Ballet From Itself, which was the result of years of reporting on gender and power in American ballet. Her writing about ballet has appeared in Jezebel, HuffPost, and the Washington Post, and has been quoted in the New York Times. She is also the author of two r…

1
The Olympics.... How to be a Healthy Dancer and Athlete in Mind, Body and Spirit 10:49

11M ago10:49

10:49

As the Olympics comes to an end and we begin to look toward 2028 in Los Angeles, my town…… I want to express my gratitude to all the athletes who have worked so hard to achieve their dreams. It takes years of dedication and hard work to be able to make it to the Olympics and athletes and dancers cannot do it alone. It takes support from coaches, lo…

1
From Ballet to Baseball .... an in depth Interview with Ballerina Roni Mahler I 43:35

11M ago43:35

43:35

Roni Mahler is a former ballerina who was trained by the renowned Madame Maria Yurieva Swoboda. Ms. Mahler performed principal roles with American Ballet Theatre and the National Ballet of Washington (D.C.), after beginning her career in her teens with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. For over three decades, Roni was the Artistic Associate of Denni…

1
Social Media, Conformity and the impacts on Dancers and Eating Disorders 19:49

12M ago19:49

19:49

Social Media and conformity to sociocultural norms and messages about diet culture and body image can have a negative impact on dancer's psychological perspective on risk factors such as body image dissatisfaction, perfectionism, critical thoughts and cognitive distortions. Thank you for listening to The TuTu thin Podcast Please contact us through …

1
Declaration of Independence from your Eating Disorder 9:20

1y ago9:20

9:20

As we approach our 248th birthday for the United States, I like to look at the Declaration of Independence and why we separated from Great Britain. They wanted to separate from Great Britain for the right of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. For those struggling with an eating disorder, think about your declaration of independence from yo…

1
Interview with Keira Leverton, choreographer of Choreo Records Tap Company 40:35

1y ago40:35

40:35

Keira Anne Leverton Director of Tap Program, Director, Contemporary Youth Tap Ensemble CompanyKeira Anne Leverton received her early tap training from her tap teacher Terry Wolter, and her grandfather, Buster Cooper. Later she sought the training of Acia Gray in Austin, Barbara Phillips in San Antonio, and Jay Fagan in Chicago. Much of her exposure…

1
The "F"s of Perfectionism 12:24

1y ago12:24

12:24

Being "perfect" means getting straight "A's." I challenge you to get the "f's" in your life. Listen to how the "f"s can enhance your life and help you find balance. As a dancer, we are always striving for perfectionism and balance. Don't be afraid to let the "f's" in your life. Thank you for listening to The TuTu thin Podcast Please contact us thro…

1
May Is Mental Health Month 6:39

1y ago6:39

6:39

Mental health is just as important as our physical health. If you are anyone you know if struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. There are many resources available for mental health. Text 988 for the Suicide hotline. You are not alone! Thank you for listening to The TuTu thin Podcast Please contact us through www.dawntheodore.com …

1
A Candid Talk with Delaney Wilder, Pro Bowl NFL Cheerleader and Dancer 35:46

1y ago35:46

35:46

I am so excited to have Delaney Wilder on the podcast. Delaney is a 7x NFL Cheerleader and currently the Head Captain of the Cincinnati Ben-Gal Cheerleaders. She has represented the Ben-Gals on 2 oversea military tours, was elected 2022 Pro Bowl Cheerleader by her teammates and has cheered on the world's biggest stage - the Super Bowl. Delaney is a…

1
Mia Mormino talks about Her Journey to Follow her Dream 47:02

1y ago47:02

47:02

Mia Mormino is more than just a pop star in the making. Look a little closer, past the Los Angeles native's massive pop anthems, tens of millions of streams and views, sold-out live shows, and you'll find what every artist hopes for but few ever achieve: authenticity. What cuts through most in Mia's impossibly catchy and heartfelt music is a singul…

1
A Candid talk with registered Dietitian and NFL Cheerleader, Ashley Martinez, owner of Nutrition for Cheerleaders 38:57

1+ y ago38:57

38:57

Ashley Anna Martinez, MFN, RDN, LD is a Chef, Dietitian, and 3 x Professional Cheerleader for the Cincinnati Bengals. Her food philosophy is simple, "All foods fit". She has helped many dancers and professional cheerleaders reach their highest performance potential by providing her expertise in culinary and nutrition. Ashley has been dancing since …

1
Choreographers in Conversation: Camden Gonzales & Sonya Tayeh 44:46

1+ y ago44:46

44:46

We are excited to bring you another episode in our podcast series Choreographers in Conversation. This series allows choreographers to interview other choreographers whose work excites them as a way to learn more about their craft and preserve the stories of these exciting artists in our industry. In this episode Choreographer Camden Gonzales inter…

1
An Inspirational Story From Obesity to Marathon Runner with Roger Wright...... An Inspiring Tale of Resilience and Determination 52:32

1+ y ago52:32

52:32

Roger Wright was morbidly obese his entire life, eventually reaching 325 lbs by his late 40s. Having failed at 100s of diets, food plans, nutritionists, etc and was one signed form away from having gastric bypass surgery, he came up with a completely unpredictable and "impossible" plan that shocked his wife, his friends and even himself. Roger's fa…

1
Eating Disorder Awareness Week Talk with Jamie Singletary 35:14

1+ y ago35:14

35:14

Jamie Singleteary, is a Licensed Professional Counselor who loves to inspire and empower individuals on their journey to healthy purposeful living. She is a graduate of Ball State University with a B.A. in Telecommunications and Clark Atlanta University with a M.A. in Clinical Counseling Psychology. Jamie began her professional career in mental hea…

1
The Art of Collaboration: Alex Timbers, Peter Hylenski, and Derek McLane 52:55

1+ y ago52:55

52:55

We are excited to bring you this new episode in our podcast series, The Art of Collaboration. This series focuses on directors and choreographers in conversation with some of their collaborators on a specific production. This series explores the ins and outs of these processes, both the finer details as well as overarching ideas about what goes int…

1
A Talk with the former American Ballet Theatre Dancer.... Lisa Lockwood 40:09

1+ y ago40:09

40:09

Lisa Lockwood danced with American Ballet Theatre for ten years, subsequently with Feld Ballet, and was an original cast member of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. A short list of the choreographers she worked with personally include Anthony Tudor, George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Natalia Makarova, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Glen Tetley, Eliot Feld and Sir Kenneth M…

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