The Choreographer's Canvas: Jasmine JB Badie on Redefining Stage Direction

As both a performer and creator, JB knows the distinction between dance class choreography and effective stage direction. Whether you're a dancer looking to transition into choreography or a creative director developing your leadership style, this conversation offers loads of wisdom for crafting performances that serve the vision while preserving the humanity of everyone involved.

Drawing on her experiences with Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, and more, Jasmine breaks down:

• Why her "humane choreographer" approach prioritizes kindness and efficiency over intimidation, creating better results without the trauma

• The pivotal moment when mentor Gil texted that he and Janet Jackson wanted to attend her show, culminating in a full-circle career validation

• The importance of purpose-driven choreography—why she refuses to create exhausting "class routines" when they don't serve the artist or audience

• Her unique creative process focused on viewpoint and feeling rather than technical complexity

Watch the full episode here.

Show Notes:

Connect with JB on Instagram

Watch the seaweed sisters at Vibe

Victoria Monet BET awards

Listen to the seaweed sisters episode

Listen to Mandy’s episode

Listen to Tony’s episode

Listen to Gary’s episode

Listen to Toni’s episode

Listen to Good Questions episode

For more DANA

For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY

To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER

To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES

Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE

Stay connected with us on IG and

In this eye-opening episode, dancer and registered dietitian Sherry Lin shares her holistic, non-diet approach to nutrition and wellness. Drawing on her thirteen years of experience specializing in eating disorders, gut health, and performance nutrition, Sherry breaks down:

• The three types of hunger we experience (physical, emotional, and mental) and how to identify each in your body

• Why restrictive approaches to eating often backfire and how an “affirmative voice” can transform your relationship with food

• The surprising truth about hormonal cycles and metabolism—including why we experience intense cravings during certain phases

As the founder of Rhythm and Nutrition and a professional dancer with an MFA from the University of Michigan, Sherry brings a unique perspective on body awareness and nutritional needs. Whether you’re struggling with disordered eating patterns or simply want to develop a healthier relationship with food, this conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone looking to nourish both body and soul.

Watch the episode here.

Show Notes:

Connect with Sherry on IG

Learn how to work with Sherry

Listen to my episode on Grit vs. Grace

For more DANA

For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY

To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER

To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES

Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE

Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok

Beyond Boundaries: The Multifaceted Journey of Samø Soto

Join us for a revealing conversation with Samø Soto, a professional who has masterfully navigated the transition from B-boy to Stuntman while challenging industry perceptions about artistic identity.

In this episode, Samø shares the emotional complexities of expanding beyond dance—the guilt, the external perceptions, and the struggle to be seen as multidimensional in an industry that prefers singular labels. Despite his passion for choreography and battling still burning bright, he’s determined to prove his commitment to stunts while advocating for a world that embraces versatility.

What you’ll discover:

• The internal conflict of pursuing multiple passions while fighting against binary job labels

• How dance fundamentally prepared him for stunt work through adaptability and quick choreographic thinking

• His journey from being the “weakest link” in crew battles to finding his unique contribution through dynamic movement

• Why dancers have the “biggest cheat code” in entertainment with unprecedented access across production departments

This conversation reveals how dancers occupy a position in the entertainment hierarchy not practiced often—a “hallway lined with doors” offering opportunities to explore lighting, wardrobe, stunts, and beyond. Samø’s story is a powerful testament to creative evolution and finding strength in versatility.

Watch the full episode here.

Show Notes:

Connect with Samø on Instagram

For more DANA

For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY

To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER

To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES

Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE

Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok

Behind the Curtain: The Extraordinary Life and Art of Toni Basil

Featuring legendary Choreographer, Dancer, Director, Producer, Recording Artist, Historian, and “Hey Mickey” hitmaker Toni Basil in a rare, intimate conversation! We explore her remarkable career spanning decades in entertainment, from backstage memories as Vaudeville royalty to collaborating with icons like Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Bette Midler, and Tina Turner.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

– How Toni’s behind-the-scenes childhood at the Chicago Theater shaped her love for performance

– The creative process behind Elvis’ in “Viva Las Vegas” assisting David Winters

– Her unexpected journey to becoming co-director for David Bowie after connecting through their shared mime vocabulary

– Insights on working with superstars who “care about their legacy” and the work ethic behind true stardom

This conversation reveals how following your artistic intuition—even when it leads to unexpected places—can create a lifetime of extraordinary creative collaborations. Toni’s fascinating stories illuminate how being fully present in each moment helped her navigate a groundbreaking career across film, television, and music.

Watch the full episode here.

Show Notes:

Follow Toni on:

IG: officialtonibasil

X:Toni_Basil

YouTube: ToniBasilsHouse

TikTok: officialtonibasil

Listen to Toni’s re-release of “Breakaway”

Watch Hey Mickey

Watch Toni in West Side Story

Watch Toni’s parents’ Vaudville Act

Watch Toni’s aunt and uncle in a silent film from 1919

Watch Toni’s judges’ demo from Street Beat 2024

Watch Street Beat

Watch Shopping A-Z

For more DANA

For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY

To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER

To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES

Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE

Stay connected with us on

Self-improvement is not about perfection, it’s about finding the right balance between pushing yourself and accepting yourself. When pursuing transformative change, there are two seemingly opposite approaches – “Grit” (hard work and critical coaching) and “Grace” (gentle and nurturing self-care). This episode is all about this “Personal Growth Paradox” and the tools and techniques for identifying and effectively balancing self-criticism and self-compassion.

This episode will help you:

• Reflect on your current self-talk patterns

• Recognize that transformation requires BOTH grit and grace

• Learn to discern when to apply each approach

• Create a balanced internal dialogue that supports growth

• Experiment with combining grit and grace in your personal development journey

Watch the full episode here.

Show Notes:

For more DANA

For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY

To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER

To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES

Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE

Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok

Conversations on Creativity: Tony Testa’s Journey from Dancer to Creator

Featuring my lifelong friend and visionary choreographer Tony Testa in his FIRST-EVER podcast interview! We dive deep into creative intuition, mentorship, and processing life’s challenges. This conversation reveals how following your instincts—even when they lead you away from what everyone else expects—can open doors to your authentic artistic voice.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

-How Tony discovered his calling as a choreographer while on the “Feedback” set with Ed Moore

-How the commercial dance space can leave artists wanting more

-Keys of mentor relationships: insights from working with legendary director Kenny Ortega and Greek grandmaster Dimitris Papaioannou

-The transformative power of persistence: scheduling time to process difficult emotions and the consistency needed for personal evolution

Watch the full episode here.

Show Notes:

Listen to Gary’s episode

Listen to Smac’s episode

Listen to the Seaweed Sisters episode

Listen to Michelle’s episode

For more DANA

For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY

To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER

To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES

Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE

Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok

The Art of Letting Go: Byron Tittle on Dance, Spontaneity & Finding Flow

• Mastering the “first time feeling” – how commercial dance taught Byron to embrace every performance as the final version

• The power of relaxation: discovering how letting go actually amplifies your technique & expands possibilities

• Beyond the tap shoes: hearing rhythm in everyday life & staying present in every moment

• From Broadway to the Grammys: invaluable lessons from crossing industry boundaries

• PLUS! A New segment we call “Where’s the One?”

Featuring Princess Grace Award Winner & industry-bending performer Byron Tittle – bringing his wisdom from The St. James Theater to Grammy’s stage with Sabrina Carpenter! Watch as we explore why sometimes doing less leads to accessing more, and how dance lessons become life lessons.

Watch the full episode here!

Show Notes:

Listen to our In The Heights

Listen to Martha’s episode

Listen to Jillian’s episode

Listent to Michelle’s episode

Listen to Marty’s episode

Listen to Caroline’s episode

For more DANA

For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY

To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER

To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES

Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE

Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok

Facts vs. Fiction – A Deep Dive into YOUR Thoughts on the Industry’s Changing Landscape

• Critical Thinking in Crisis: The danger of making career decisions based on rumors instead of facts, plus actionable strategies for navigating change

• Power of Perspective: Redefining what it means to be “working” in entertainment – from on-set gigs to personal growth & skill development

• Breaking Down the Numbers: Why the “mass exodus” narrative might be more dramatic than the data suggests

Listen now for a myth-busting exploration of the entertainment landscape and learn how to separate your thoughts from facts from fiction!

Watch the full episode here.

Show Notes:

For more DANA

For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY

To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER

To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES

Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE

Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok