JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance Podcast

Joe Nickel and Michelle Tolson

An upbeat show looking to have fun and meaningful conversations with influencers of the dance/entertainment industry with a slight focus on how dance has helped these artists achieve life goals, impact, and purpose. Our guests bring their personal stories of their professional achievements as well as their knowledge and humor to our show. read less
ArtsArts

Episodes

JAM Spotlight Series with Isenberg Entertainment Founders, Hannah and Alex Isenberg
2d ago
JAM Spotlight Series with Isenberg Entertainment Founders, Hannah and Alex Isenberg
Kicking off season 9 with a bang, we are excited to bring you this episode featuring creatives Hannah and Alex Isenberg!  We highlight their three day intensive, Bridge The Gap, and discuss the industry and how to navigate the ins and outs of this ever changing landscape.  We hope you enjoy our conversation with Hannah and Alex.Meeting as professional dancers in Los Angeles, Alex and Hannah joined forces to bring immersive classes, workshops and choreography to pre-professional and professional students across North America. With their 40+ years of combined experiences covering all avenues of the industry, Alex + Hannah's classes are designed to focus on the fundamentals of the discipline, as well as developing important performance techniques that apply both in and out of the classroom. They are both award-winning competitive dance choreographers, convention faculty members, adjudicators and in-studio recreational and competitive coaches. Alex and Hannah are currently choreographing for the 2024 Women of Inspiration Awards in Toronto this April. Outside of the dance world, Alex and Hannah make up the alt-pop music duo the Savage Patch Kidds, both working as writers and creative directors for their own work. They have been featured in Mundane Magazine, Canadian Musician Magazine and performed with the John Lennon Tour Bus, winning Love Song of the Year in 2021. They are excited to continue spreading the joy of genuine performance art across the nation this year and look forward to the opportunities that come their way!For more information on the Bridge The Gap Program, check out their website:https://www.isenbergent.com/Thank you for listening Jam Fam! Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com
JAM and the return of Alicia Pociask
Apr 22 2024
JAM and the return of Alicia Pociask
And she's back!  We were so happy to have Alicia back on the show, talking about Bold Dance Project,  the dance world, dance competitions  and all things dance.  Alicia brings up some great things in this episode and we know you will enjoy every moment!Alicia Pociask is a Brooklyn based choreographer, director and educator. She attended Point Park University, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance and Minor in Theater Arts. Alicia’s worked at theme parks and theaters around the country, performed in industrials for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and was a video tracked dancer for Pepsi. She spent her last performance years as a dancer with Holland America Cruise Line.Alicia spent 8 years as a resident show supervisor, choreographer, and director for the Emmy Award winning production company, RWS Entertainment Group where she choreographed five mainstage production shows for Holland America Cruise Line, was an associate choreographer for STEP ONE Dance Company, and directed and choreographed three mainstage shows for Azamara Club Cruises. Alicia had the honor of assisting Al Blackstone (SYTYCD) for the workshop of Crazy in Love, an original short musical written by Kooman and Dimond. Most recently Alicia choreographed six shows for Carowinds in Charlotte, NC and travels around the country as an audition instructor for Creative Studios by Norwegian Cruise Line.Alicia is extremely passionate and invested in the education of young performers. She travels around the world as a guest teacher, choreographer and judge and is the Owner of NYC based company bold dance project.instagram: @aliciarose33website: aliciapociask.comThank you for listening Jam Fam! Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com
JAM with Miranda Spada
Apr 15 2024
JAM with Miranda Spada
Welcome back Jam Fam!  We are so excited to share our episode featuring Miranda Spada with you,  Another great conversation about dance, a dance teachers life and what mentoring means to her and our young dancers.  Miranda shares some of her experiences in the dance world and we can't wait for you to listen today!Miranda Spada received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance from the University at Buffalo under the direction of Tom Ralabate. There she was a member of the prestigious Zodiaque Dance Company where she was able to work with numerous choreographers. She was honored with being named Director of Dancers Workshop for two years. After graduation, Miranda stayed in the Buffalo area where teaching opportunities opened and she found her passion. She is currently the Competition Director at Tonawanda Dance Arts and also directs and runs her own Mentorship Program called L.E.A.D. This program facilitates the growth of individuals who are looking to enhance their training and work towards pursuing a possible career in dance. She enjoys giving her students opportunities in and out of New York that enhance their dance journeys. She is involved with the More Than Just Great Dancing Organization under Misty Lown and is also certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and Modules 1 and 2 of Alixa Flexibility. Miranda also does guest teaching and choreography. Training under Larraine Susa, she continues to go back to her roots in PA to provide dance education. As Pennsylvania's Outstanding Young Woman for 2008, she was provided many opportunities to share her love of dance. Miranda is an adjudicator with many organizations within the Industry including IMPACT Dance Adjudicators, Eleve Dance Competition where she also helps run the Ambassador Program, Beyond The Stars, Breakout, AMP, and Guidance Dance Experience. She loves being able to pass on her education and passion to the next generation. Our episode today is proudly sponsored by Thrive Dance Experience!  For more information, go to: https://thrivedanceexperience.com/Thank you for listening Jam Fam! Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com
JAM with Angela Cole
Apr 1 2024
JAM with Angela Cole
Angela has amassed a following on her Instagram page @fulltimedanceteacher.  That is how we found her!  We have used her quotes and nuggets of advice and finally said, we need her on the show!We had a fantastic talk with Angela about teaching, mentoring, and all things dance of course.Angela is a dance artist, choreographer, teacher and content creator based in Providence, RI. After training at the Dancing Arts Center in Holliston, MA, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Roger Williams University, where she was the recipient of the Kelli Wicke Davis Outstanding Achievement in Dance Award. Upon graduating, Angela was a 2017 Young Artist in Residence at Bearnstow, Maine, and then went on to perform as a freelance artist while teaching dance and fitness classes. Angela has danced for Natalie Johnson Dance in Cambridge, MA, and co-founded ProviDANCE Project, a contemporary dance collaborative with her artistic partner, Ellen Oliver. Angela is currently a company member at Providence Ballet Theatre, and also teaches dance throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. When not dancing and teaching, Angela is busy creating online resources for dance teachers through her Instagram page, @fulltimedanceteacher. This episode is proudly sponsored by the  LEAP Program.  For more information, go to:https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/academics/liberal-arts/leapThank you for listening Jam Fam! Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com
JAM Spotlight Series with Aidan Nettles of the University of Alabama
Mar 25 2024
JAM Spotlight Series with Aidan Nettles of the University of Alabama
JAM Fam, we are so excited to share with you this wonderful program in Alabama with our new friend, Aidan Nettles.  Finding the right college, university or conservatory program can be a challenge, are we are happy to be shining the spotlight on some wonderful programs around the country.The University of Alabama offers a Bachelor of Arts Degree program in dance and a Master of Fine Arts degree program in dance. Students in our program have the opportunity to train in a wide range of virtuosic techniques including ballet, modern/contemporary, and jazz. Our students are encouraged to explore and develop skills as choreographers and scholars in addition to their movement-based practices. Additionally, we offer courses in dance history, anatomy/kinesiology for dance, choreography, lighting and sound, dance and the camera, pedagogy, and special topics. Dancers are able to audition for our pre-professional dance company, Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre, which produces 2 concerts each academic year. The Emerging Choreographers' Showcase also provides additional opportunities for students to present choreography or perform in our student showcase. Check out this video featuring two of our current students in the BA dance program to learn more about UA Dance: https://youtu.be/jMr0U29r63gFor more information on the Dance Program at The University of Alabama, please visit Dance.ua.edu. This episode is proudly sponsored by Thrive Dance Experience.  For more information go to: https://thrivedanceexperience.com/Thank you for listening Jam Fam! Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com
JAM with Lee Daniel
Mar 18 2024
JAM with Lee Daniel
Welcome back Jam Fam!  This week we have an wonderful conversation with Lee Daniel, a multi hyphenate with an incredible background.  We talk all things dance, plus a little more!  We hope you enjoy this weeks episode.Lee Daniel is a Creative Director, Choreographer and Educator located in Los Angeles. He has 15+ years of professional experience in TV, film, tours and international instruction with some of the most accomplished names in music. Lee's credits include:Ariana Grande, Jason Derulo, Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood, Usher, Selena Gomez, Queen Latifah, "Queen of K-pop" BoA, Asian Superstar Amei, Jordin Sparks, and Japanese pop icon Jin Akanishi to name just a few. Most recently he was a featured movement artist on the hit Netflix Show, Soundtrack. No stranger to stage or screen, Lee is often sought for his creative aesthetic and unique movement vocabulary. TV credits include:Ellen, Good Morning America, Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, David Letterman, American Idol and The Voice amongst others.   While being Co-Choreographer for KidZBop, Lee has helped the brand build arena-filling numbers across three successful tours and a stream of music videos that have been visually and virally successful!Most recently, he was an assistant choreographer on Season 2 of the eclectic fan-favorite, The Masked Singer!An elite graduate of the Monsters of Hip Hop brand, Lee transformed his training into opportunities that established him as one of the most sought-out, consistent and technically astute educators in Los Angeles. He is a featured instructor at TMIllyTV, one of the top institutes for working dance professionals globally. In addition to choreographing and teaching across the world, he is a select faculty member for the Monsters of HipHop A-List Convention. This convention is attended by thousands of international professionals monthly, each seeking the highest level of training for prospective careers in dance. Powerful grooves and feel-good fluidity are a few ways to describe Lee’s style. He challenges movers to translate dynamic rhythms into seamless performance. He constantly references his HipHop, Jazz-Funk, House, and Commercial dance background -- offering diversity and a myriad of foundations.As an Educator:Lee aims for you to leave the classroom with a new perspective and a strong connection to your own unique artistic value!As a Creative Director:Lee offers a 360-degree creative outlook on any project. Whether relaying creative messages for brands using dance; filling an arena with high energy for artists; or troubleshooting technical issues to get the best looking visual, Lee is a force that embodies artistic integrity, collaboration and an ability to get the job done while making it all fun! This weeks episode is proudly sponsored by the LEAP program.  For more information visit:https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/academics/liberal-arts/leapThank you for listening Jam Fam! Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com
JAM with Dance Ink
Feb 19 2024
JAM with Dance Ink
A wonderful and insightful conversation with the owners of Dance Ink!  Lindsey and Stephanie created a non profit called Ink Cares,  and are doing wonderful work in the community.   Studio owners, we think you are going to love this episode!MISSION:At Ink Cares, our mission is to foster a community where movement and art transcend barriers and inspire boundless possibilities. We believe in the transformative power of the performing arts, not merely as art forms, but as forces capable of unlocking creativity, confidence, empathy and resilience.Our foundation is rooted in the profound belief that the arts possess an unparalleled capacity to enrich lives, foster thriving communities, enhance academic absorption, and promote the vitality of neighborhoods. Our commitment extends beyond the building walls, reaching to touch the hearts and lives of others where the tapestry of our shared humanity is woven with the vibrant colors of artistic expression.At Ink Cares, we believe in the ink that writes the stories of beauty, resilience, equality, and unity.VISION:Through the four pillars of Ink Cares, we strive to leave a positive mark on the lives of those of which we are fortunate enough to cross paths.Through Dance Ink and Ink University, we teach our students to have an openness to critical thinking and an exchange of ideas, to respect diversity through thought and being, and to have a commitment to excellence through professionalism, athleticism, hard work and self-discipline.  We teach mindfulness and wellbeing, as well as use multimedia and technology, to ensure our students have a chance of great success in this ever-changing world.  Through our professional company (Ink Productions), community outreach, and our associates, we practice all of what we preach to produce world class performances, develop the skills and footprints of our associates, and be increasingly involved in providing solutions and impact for the needs of our surrounding communities.Jam Fam, we hope you enjoy this wonderful episode with Dance Ink!This episode is proudly sponsored by The Leap Program.  For more information go to:https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/academics/liberal-arts/leapThank you for listening Jam Fam! Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com
JAM with Holly Gannett
Jan 15 2024
JAM with Holly Gannett
Another fantastic episode with a lovely guest!  Holly Gannett has been working in the dance industry for years as a performer, educator and choreographer.  Her mother owned a dance studio in Maine, which she grew up dancing at and then later became a teacher at the studio.  We discuss being a studio "baby", teaching with your parent, working in the industry and so much more.  We hope you enjoy this weeks episode with Holly Gannett!Holly Gannett is a 1999 graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo with a B.F.A. in Dance. She is Vice President of the Maine Dance Teachers Club.  She is the former Dance Director at Maine Arts Academy of 5 years, where she created the dance curriculum for the school, Maine’s first performing arts high school. Holly travels as a convention teacher and competition judge and continually holds master classes across the country. She has judged & taught for a variety of Competitions & Conventions over the past 16 years including Impact Dance Adjudicators, Dancers Inc., Headliners, and Elite Performance Challenge/Excel in Motion.  She has been teaching for over thirty years at Kennebec Dance Centre in Augusta where she grew up as a “studio baby”. Holly has been a guest instructor/adjunct faculty at several Maine Colleges including Colby, Thomas, & University of Maine at Augusta in addition to other dance schools in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, Indiana, and Wisconsin. In addition to dance education, she works in her community district schools as an ed tech in Physical Education & library.  She is the former Fitness Program Supervisor of 12 years at the Eastside Wellness Center in Augusta for MaineGeneral Medical Center as a personal trainer and instructor of Zumba, Cardio Kickboxing, and Pilates. Holly began her dance training at Kennebec Dance Centre in Maine and with Andrei Bossov of the Kirov Ballet. Mr. Tom Ralabate was able to recruit Holly to UB (State University of New York at Buffalo) where she majored in dance. Holly was offered a job performing with Busch Gardens while attending college, which she declined in order to finish her schooling. Holly was employed at the Central Wisconsin School of Ballet where she was hired to expand and develop the professional ballet school's jazz, tap, and musical theatre programs. While under contract in Wisconsin, she was also offered a job performing for Sesame Street Live on their European tour as well as a scholarship to work study with Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago.  Holly’s Musical Theatre performance and choreography credits include the roles of: Dance Captain for the US premier of Fame Forever, Carmen Diaz in Fame, Ariel Moore in Footloose, Mersister inThe Little Mermaid, Marge inSuds, June (Squish) in Chicago,Adelaide in Guys & Dolls, as well as dancing ensemble roles in Cabaret, Oklahoma,Little Shop of Horrors, West Side Story, Man of La Mancha, Working, and Mrs. Greer inAnnie. Holly danced in a music video that was seen on MTV & VH-1 by artist Thomas John Veilleux called “A New Generation”.  While in WI, Holly choreographed forThe Carnival of the Animals  which was narrated by actor Tony Randall.Thank you for listening Jam Fam! Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com
Mind, Body and Soul with Angie Hubbard
Jan 1 2024
Mind, Body and Soul with Angie Hubbard
A lovely conversation to kick off the New Year with our friend, Angie Hubbard!  We get into the mechanics of dance physically and how we can better train our young dancers and ourselves!   Thank you Angie, for sharing your knowledge and passion with our listeners.  ANGELIA HUBBARD-OWNER/INSTRUCTOR: NASM-CPT, NCPTAngie has had a lifelong love of movement. Ranging from a career as a professional dancer and educator, to teaching Pilates, Yoga, Barre and Personal Training.  She has been teaching children and adults for over 20 years throughout Pittsburgh, South Florida, and Bermuda. She is a former company member of the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda, Bermuda Dance Company and has also performed works by Nathan Trice, Keira Martin and Gia T Productions. Her dance study has included the Martha Graham School, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Koresh Dance, Doug Verone, ABT and the incredible Arthur Mitchel of the Dance Theater of Harlem to name a few.  In 2018, she became a fully Certified NCPT through the Pilates Method Alliance, and has been an instructor of all aspects of the method since 2001. In 2020 Angie  also became a  YUR back certified instructor through PHI Pilates. A program dedicated to those with back issues. She trains Pilates clients ranging from kids to seniors as well as Pre/Post Natal woman,  special populations and those with injuries and during recovery. Through her studio, she offers programing on Pilates Mat, Apparatus, CoreAlign and Garuda Technique on the Reformer.  In 2003 she began her journey to become a Yoga instructor. Currently she has completed her training in Levels 1,2,3, Pre/Post Natal, Kids, Seniors and Anatomy and Alignment. Most recently, Mrs. Hubbard also holds  certifications as an instructor in Tracey Mallet’s BootyBarre, BootyBarre Sculpt Programs as well as Alixa Flexibility Level 1 and 2. She is a certified teacher in Progressing Ballet Technique, Progressing Contemporary Technique as well as Sugarfoot Therapy which is a program designed to prevent injuries in dancers. Mrs. Hubbard is also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. At 41, she has gone back to college to study for her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from PennWest University in Pennsylvania. She is continually improving her knowledge so she can offer the most up to date and beneficial programs to her students. With her studio Three Little Lotus, LLC, Mrs. Hubbard offers private, semi-private and small group classes.  Her studio specializes in Pilates, Yoga, Dance coaching in all styles of dance (ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary and hip hop), Strength/Conditioning and Flexibility training, Barre, Personal Training and Injury Prevention and Recovery. You can find her busy teaching, being a student herself, and best of all a full-time mom to her three girls. Thank you for listening Jam Fam! Make sure you follow us across social media and don't forget to like and subscribe anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!Facebook: JAM Joe and Michelle's Dance PodcastInstagram: jam_dance_podcastTwitter: @jamdancepodcastEmail: jamdancepodcast@gmail.com