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Guests - Kristen Cochran and Dawn Parker

Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor

In Episode 272 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we honor the teachers who impacted us during our journey in the dance world. Today, Lesley's teachers Kristen Cochran and Dawn Parker join us to share their memories of teaching Lesley in the studio, and celebrate the successes she's had along the way!

Topics Include:

• How the transition from a more relaxed studio atmosphere to a stricter approach went with Dawn at the helm
• Kristen's memories of choreographing solos via email
• The effects both teachers had on Lesley throughout the years, not only in dance but in life

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• Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
• Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
• Kristen Cochran - @Viamholdingsltd
• Dawn Parker - @dancerdawn5

Check out our guest’s current projects!

Catch "Parade" at The Strand Theatre in Marietta, GA, directed by Dawn Parker, through September 20 - Tickets available here!

This episode is sponsored by:

YoungArts
Applications are open for the 2027 National YoungArts Competition, available for artists ages 15-18 or in grades 10-12. Deadline to apply is October 6th, 2026.

Learn more at www.YoungArts.org

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