The Background Dancer

What concerns weigh heaviest on your mind as a dancer or dancemaker? How do these challenges manifest across different regions of the world? To explore these pressing questions, I’ve gathered two of my favorite fellow podcasters for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation in this final guest feature of the J-cast. 
Jacob Caldwell is a storyteller and artistic activist based in North Hollywood, CA. With roots in Corralitos and Oakhurst and formative experiences in Santa Cruz and Los Angeles, Jacob uses acting and dance as his primary mediums of expression. As the founder of All House Dance Collective, he is driven by a vision to create a future where arts and education thrive and where everyone has a seat at the table.
Joshua Sailo is a traveler between worlds and mediums, channeling his life experiences into artistic expressions through dance, music, photography, and visual art. A 2021 Artist-in-Residence at D.R.I.F.T. in Dharamshala, he is currently exploring the concept of “folk” as both a performance practice and a function of community togetherness. As a co-founding member of the 206 Dance Collective, Joshua continues to engage with the global dance community through teaching, performing, and podcasting.
In this final entry of The Background Dancer, I sit down with Jacob and Joshua to examine critical issues within dance across Asia, Europe, and the US. What challenges are deeply personal yet universal? Can we identify real-time solutions by adopting a transcontinental perspective in strategic planning and problem-solving?  Welcome to Episode 10 of S3, Dance’s Last Slalom. 
Jacob Caldwell
Joshua Sailo
Why Dance by the J-Cast
Soundtracks:
Birds - Tyler Twombly 
Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
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What is the difference between contemporary dance and performance art?
This fusion finds profound representation in the work of VestAndPage, the renowned artist duo comprising Verena Stenke (Germany) and Andrea Pagnes (Italy). Since their founding in 2006, VestAndPage has redefined contemporary performance art through their exploration of social, political, and environmental themes. Their work delves into fragility, memory activation, and transformation, heavily influenced by their backgrounds in philosophy and theater. In 2020, they released their Manifesto on Performance-Based Filmmaking: Poetics of Relations as a video article in the Journal of Embodied Research, solidifying their thought leadership in performance art and filmmaking. Their art transcends traditional boundaries, incorporating formats such as “collective performance operas” and “temporary artistic communities” that inspire collaboration and connection. Since 2021, Verena and Andrea have extended their influence as founders and co-directors of the Venice International Performance Art Week. 
In this episode, we explored how to navigate across artistic disciplines and roles and discussed the importance of viewing the world through an alternative lens. Their insights remind us that art is not just about the performance — it’s about the deeper, evolving conversation it sparks. Welcome to Episode 9 of Season 3, Performing towards Performance Arts.
VestAndPage
Venice International Performance Art Week
Soundtracks:
Birds - Tyler Twombly 
Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
Harmitzvah - Coolzey
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While counseling often addresses past experiences and emotional healing, coaching takes a forward-focused approach, empowering individuals to set goals, maximize potential, and achieve personal and professional success.
At the heart of this episode is Caitlin Sloan, a former professional dancer who has seamlessly transitioned into an entrepreneur and educator, shaping the future of dance education and career development. Caitlin is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI. With a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri, she brings both academic and professional expertise to her role. Caitlin enjoyed a nine-year professional dance career with companies such as Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). In 2019, Caitlin founded The Brainy Ballerina®, a virtual platform designed to guide and support aspiring ballet dancers. Through this initiative, Caitlin has worked with dancers across the United States, helping them develop the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in professional dance careers. 
In this episode, I speak with Caitlin about her journey from professional dancer to entrepreneur, her innovative approach to dance education, and how she’s redefining career mentoring in the dance world. Welcome to Episode 8 of Season 3, Business with the Brainy Ballerina.
Caitlin Sloan
The Brainy Ballerina
Soundtracks:
Birds - Tyler Twombly 
Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
Abstract Fashion Pop - QubeSounds
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As we know, dance demands immense physical, emotional, and mental commitment, of which pressures of perfection, rejection, and competition can weigh heavily on dancers. Hence, addressing these challenges requires not just mental health professionals but individuals who deeply understand the unique intersection of psychology and the arts.
Enter Terry Hyde — a retired professional dancer turned psychotherapist who has dedicated his career to supporting performers with their mental health. Drawing from his own experiences in the dance world, Terry combined his two passions, dance and psychotherapy, to create Counselling for Dancers in 2017, an initiative aimed at helping dancers address emotional and mental health concerns. Having lived the life of a professional dancer with the ENB, Terry possesses an intimate understanding of the unique pressures and needs of performers.
In this episode, we delve into Terry’s transformative journey and his mission to destigmatize mental health in the dance community. Join me as I explore his insights, lessons, and pioneering efforts to provide performers with the support they need to thrive. Welcome to Episode 7, Season 3, Conversation with a Dance Counselor.
Terry Hyde 
STEPPS
One Dance UK
Counselling E-books
Soundtracks:
Birds - Tyler Twombly 
Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
Robotic dreams - DSTechnician
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For far too long, the word “community” has been tossed around as a trendy buzzword, often diluted by vague interpretations and overuse, particularly in the world of dance. Add “online” to the mix, and we’re left navigating an even murkier sea of meaning. What does community really mean in the context of dance, and how can it be effectively cultivated in the digital age?
At the helm of Skool Dance is none other than Lauren Ashlee Messina, a trailblazing choreographer and passionate advocate for dance and connection. Lauren is a Big Easy Award-winning choreographer with a storied career spanning multiple dimensions of dance—performance, choreography, mentorship, and community-building. As the founder of Skool Dance, Lauren has reimagined what it means to create an online dance community. Her mission is to foster meaningful movement experiences that inspire empathy, transformation, and collaboration across disciplines. 
In this episode, we unpack Lauren’s journey of building Skool Dance, the lessons she’s learned in fostering a vibrant online dance community, and her vision for the future. Along the way, we explore the essence of community itself and how dance can serve as a bridge between people in a rapidly evolving digital world. Welcome to Episode 6 of Season 3, Communing Dance in Skool.
Lauren Ashlee Messina
Skool Dance
Soundtracks:
Birds - Tyler Twombly 
Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
Beyond the time - Main 7425
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