With the boom in dance universities and academies worldwide over the past two decades, aspiring dancers today may feel spoiled for choice. Yet, identifying true gems among these institutions is crucial for those seeking professional training backed by top educators to shape their futures.

Hence why, I explored these crucial choices with Angela Pickard, a dynamic curriculum builder and innovative thinker who became the UK's first Professor of Dance Education in 2021. Angela is the Director of the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health within the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care, the Route Lead for the MA Arts, Health and Performance, and the Director of the Hub for Practice-Based Research in the Arts at the School of Creative Arts and Industries. With a background as a dancer, choreographer, practitioner, and academic, Angela brings a wealth of experience in arts research, particularly dance and movement practices, along with a dedication to exploring the relationship between the arts and physical, psychological, social, and artistic outcomes.

In this episode, Angela and I delve into the art of policy-making and education reform, sharing the lessons that have shaped her mission to enhance the dance and performing arts learning environment. Welcome to Episode 3 of Season 3, Contexting Education Policy and Reform.

• Angela Pickard
• Critical Dance Pedagogy Network
• Canterbury Christ Church University

Soundtracks:

1. Birds - Tyler Twombly
2. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
3. Fjords - Treasurseason

Support the show

Like our offers?

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here
• Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.com
• Answer a survey
• Sign up here to receive future updates
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

Alexandra Beller is a choreographer, director, teacher, and writer who has worn many hats throughout her career, and was widely known as a member of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company between 1995-2001. Since then, she has become a mentor and coach, guiding creators and performers on their professional journeys.

She is also the Artistic Director of Alexandra Beller/Dances, an arts organization that has evolved from a performance and education company into a hub that supports artistic growth and well-being through workshops, showings, and creative gatherings. Her choreography has been featured on renowned platforms across the U.S., as well as internationally in South Korea, Hong Kong, Norway, Cyprus, and Poland, with venues including the Institute for Contemporary Art in Boston, The Yard in Martha's Vineyard, Jacob’s Pillow, and more.

In this episode, we take a closer look at Alexandra’s kaleidoscopic journey, exploring how she seamlessly navigates her various roles while maintaining a career of the highest standards as all of Choreographer, Educator and Entrepreneur. Welcome to Episode 2 of Season 3, Anatomy of Choice.

• Alexandra Beller
• Alexandra Beller/Dances

Soundtracks:

1. Birds - Tyler Twombly
2. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
3. Makaih Beats - FakeLove

Support the show

Like our offers?

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here
• Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.com
• Answer a survey
• Sign up here to receive future updates
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

After dedicating the past three years to exploring the world of dance through two full seasons focused on its most innovative pioneers and trailblazers, it’s time to shift gears toward a select few who embody multidisciplinary artistry at its finest. To kick off this third and final season, we delve into the journey of a remarkable artist known for his seamless transition between performer, educator, and creator — Swedish-born Winston Reynolds.

Winston began his training at Circomedia in the UK, where he studied acrobatics and physical theatre (FDA, 2010-2012). He later earned his bachelor’s degree from ACAPA (Academy of Circus and Performance Art, Netherlands, 2012-2016), specializing in acrobatic dance — a unique hybrid drawing from gymnastics, capoeira, breakdancing, and martial arts. During his studies, he engaged in extensive research around acrobatic contact partnering under the guidance of Alexander Vantournhout, who played a pivotal role in refining Winston's movement practice.

As we embark on a brand new season of exploring influential voices from both today and tomorrow, we invite you to join us in uncovering the key lessons that have shaped Winston Reynolds' professional journey and his innate ability to traverse diverse fields with grace and precision. Welcome to Episode 1 of Season 3, A Depth Within.

• Winston Reynolds
• Ferus Animi // Terra Nova
• YouTube Catalogue

Soundtracks:

1. Bee Mine - Action Davis
2. Birds - Tyler Twombly
3. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk

Support the show

Like our offers?

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here
• Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.com
• Answer a survey
• Sign up here to receive future updates
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

Bonuses don't end with just the one, as we have yet another fascinating character to introduce to the Background family. What does ageing actually mean in dance? To tackle an issue haven't discussed on this platform, we spoke to a fellow Asian born - Sharon Brach.

Sharon is a highly versatile dancer, instructor, and choreographer on the back of a distinguished career that spans Asia, the US, and Europe. After rigorous training in Manila, she graced prominent stages and appeared on television before moving to the United States, where she refined her artistry at STEPS on Broadway and the Broadway Dance Center. She joined the faculty of the Shirley Martin Dance Company in Los Angeles, taught multiple genres, and coached competitive teams at renowned studios including Bodies in Motion NY, ACT 1 School of Dance, and Dance Arts. Brach is the founder of the Kulmbach Dance Center in Bavaria, Germany, where she also works as a teacher and choreographer. As an author, Brach has self-published several children's books, many of which are bilingual editions to help with English as a Second Language (ESL).

Not often do we come across Asians making it in Europe and who also offer such depth to their career outlooks. If you're ever feeling a little too old to dance, think again! Welcome to Bonus Episode 2 of Season 3, Growing Older, Dancing Deeper.

• Sharon Brach
• Kulmbach Dance Center
• Unicorn Books

Soundtracks:

• Background Music Soft Calm - lNPLUSMUSIC
• Birds - Tyler Twombly
• Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk

Support the show

Like our offers?

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here
• Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.com
• Answer a survey
• Sign up here to receive future updates
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

Before diving into yet another fascinating season of dance changemakers, we first have some bonus episodes to wet your appetite! Season 3 is primarily about multi-faceted artists who wear many hats and are brilliant at them all. When the opportunity to host an inaugural LIVE book review presented itself, I duly accepted the challenge to tell choreographer, educator and author, Janaea Rose Lyn.

Janaea's focus is on creating and facilitating work that reflects timeless human experience through timely personal stories. Her book, Choreographing Your Dance Career (CYDC), is a handbook and resource for dancers and educators in any style or career stage. As an advocate, she is committed to strengthening dance communities by fostering dialogue, providing choreographic and career feedback, connecting artists, and encouraging the creative exchange of ideas and opportunities.

If The Background Dancer is the Yellow Pages of dance, CYDC is essentially your daily workbook to level up! Welcome to Bonus Episode 1 of Season 3, Choreographing Your Dance Career .

• Janaea Rose Lyn
• Choreographing Your Dance Career
• Duncan Archive

Soundtracks:

1. KVZE - Buddies4danite
2. Birds - Tyler Twombly
3. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk

Support the show

Like our offers?

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here
• Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.com
• Answer a survey
• Sign up here to receive future updates
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

We have come full circle yet again and successfully completed another full season of the most niche dance content you can find! Part 2 of the season round-up provides a quick run-through episodes 11 -20 under the thematic categories of Technology, Education, Business, Interdisciplinarity & Politics. How have the stories of these amazing personalities shaped your perception and approach in dance? Will your journey intersect with one of theirs?

Concluding the second season, this episode recaps the marvelous works achieved by some of our best pioneers and trailblazers in the performing arts. Ready to fulfill your own Background Dancer journey? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

Support the show

Like our offers?

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here
• Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.com
• Answer a survey
• Sign up here to receive future updates
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

We have come full circle yet again and successfully completed another full season of the most niche dance content you can find! Part 1 of the season round-up provides a quick run-through episodes 1 -10 under the thematic categories of Management, Media, Science, Fashion & Choreography. How have the stories of these amazing personalities shaped your perception and approach in dance? Will your journey intersect with one of theirs?

Concluding the second season, this episode recaps the marvelous works achieved by some of our best pioneers and trailblazers in the performing arts. Ready to fulfill your own Background Dancer journey? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

Support the show

Like our offers?

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here
• Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.com
• Answer a survey
• Sign up here to receive future updates
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

Established as an independent, non-profit organization, WDA-AP originated as the Asia Pacific Dance Alliance in Hong Kong in 1988. It later became part of the global body, World Dance Alliance (WDA), founded in 1990 by Carl Wolz. In 1993, the name of the Asia-Pacific Center was changed to WDA Asia-Pacific to reflect its relationship to the global body. Tasked with serving as a primary voice for dance and dancers throughout the Asia-Pacific region, the WDA-AP encourages the exchange of ideas and the awareness of dance in all its forms.

Led formerly by president, Urmimala Sarkar Munsi (now Anna Chan), who is an associate Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies at the School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. She is a PhD holder in Social Anthropology, specializing in Dance Studies and the socio-cultural context of tribal and folk dance. Beside her principle area of work on body, dance and Society, her research interest is in gender and performance, documentation of living traditions, and performance as politics.

Continuing a brand new season and month of Dance Politics, this episode discussed the expanding global performing arts landscape, how to fortify international relations and what the future holds for representation in dance. Ready to discover the diplomat within you? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

• Urmimala Sarkar Munsi
• WDA Asia-Pacific
• Asia Pacific Channels
• MyDance Alliance
• Youtube & Book publications

Soundtracks:

1. Birds - Tyler Twombly
2. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
3. Coverless book - MYAUDIOVISION
4. Ever flowing - ItsWatR

Support the show

Like our offers?

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here
• Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.com
• Answer a survey
• Sign up here to receive future updates
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community