What makes a costume truly work for acro dancers? In this episode, host Loren Dermody talks with Lorianne Hagan and Claudia Reed, two seasoned professionals with deep roots in both dance and costuming, about the evolving world of acro and contemporary dancewear.

They share their personal journeys, discuss how industry trends and teacher feedback are shaping costume design, and offer practical advice for choosing costumes that support both movement and storytelling. Whether you're a studio owner or a teacher, you'll find fresh perspectives on helping your dancers feel comfortable, confident, and creative on stage.

Tune in for an honest, expert look at the challenges and opportunities in dance costuming today with tips you can use for your next show or recital!

Lorianne Hagan

Lorianne Hagan is a respected dance educator, choreographer, and industry professional with decades of experience in dance, acrobatics, and acrobatic gymnastics. She holds a BFA in Dance from Webster University and trained in New York City at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway.

Her career has included performing and directing for Circo Magnifico, teaching at Webster University for 14 years, and as a Studio Director for MJ Performing Arts Academy in St. Louis.

Lorianne's students have gone on to Broadway, national tours, and regional theaters like The Muny and Stages St. Louis. She has been recognized in Dance Teacher Magazine, named Region 4 USA Gymnastics Coach of the Year, and nominated for the William T. Kemper Award.

A former board member of Dance Masters of America, she now serves as Senior Sales Manager at Weissman, where she combines her deep industry knowledge with a passion for supporting performance creators.

Claudia Reed

Claudia Reed is a senior marketing and business leader with 35 years of experience in fashion retail, branding, and customer strategy—all centered around growing purpose-driven businesses and nurturing creative communities. For nearly 20 years, she has brought that expertise to the dance industry through her work at Weissman, a leading global costume and dancewear company.

Throughout her tenure, Claudia has played a key role in evolving the Weissman brand and building out functions across the company—from marketing, ecommerce, and creative—all with a focus on ensuring customers take center stage.

In her current role as Senior Vice President of Sales, she is especially passionate about listening to studio owners, amplifying their voices, and helping dance businesses grow through customer-focused strategies that blend creativity with data-driven insights.

Find out more: www.weissmans.com

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How can dance teachers and studio owners truly support their most flexible students? In this essential episode host Loren Dermody welcomes back Dr. Linda Bluestein, renowned physician, former dancer, and expert in hypermobility, for her sixth appearance during Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month.

Dr. Bluestein reveals why early recognition of connective tissue disorders is critical in dance, sharing practical signs teachers can spot, from difficulty building muscle to recurring injuries and even digestive issues. She explains why standard screening tools like the Beighton score often fall short for dancers, and offers actionable advice on what really works in the studio.

Learn how to recognize the subtle signs of hypermobility, prevent common injuries, and empower your dancers to thrive. Whether you're a studio owner or passionate teacher, this episode will give you the knowledge to make a real difference in your dancers' lives.

Don't miss this insightful conversation with Dr. Linda Bluestein, exclusively on The Acrobatic Arts Podcast!

Important Links

Bending Boundaries: The Role of Joint Hypermobility in Dance

About Dr. Linda Bluestein

In addition to her private medical practice, Hypermobility MD, Dr. Bluestein is the founder and co-host of the podcast, Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD, and former co-host of “Hypermobility Happy Hour.”

Dr. Bluestein is the Director of Education for the nonprofit, EDS Wellness, Inc. and founder and executive director of Bendy Bodies, an organization dedicated to empowering hypermobile performing artists.

She has published a number of original research papers; presents work at national and international conferences, and is a contributing author for the book, Disjointed - Navigating the Diagnosis and Management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders.

Dr. Bluestein is a member of the Board of Directors for the Bridge Dance Project, the Allergy and Immunology Working Group for the International Consortium on EDS and HSD, the Advisory Board for Doctors for Dancers, and the Resources Committee for the Dance Healthy Alliance of Canada.

More information about Dr. Bluestein can be found on her website, www.hypermobilitymd.com.

Links:

Hypermobility MD

Hypermodbility MD Podcast

Bendy Bodies

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In this episode, Acrobatic Arts Master Teacher Jemma Harris breaks down the deceptively tricky, yet totally adorable, Teddy Bear Headstand. Discover expert tips and progressions to help your students master this foundational acro skill. Build a solid base for future success for your students, with these skill-specific drills!

About Jemma

Jemma began her dance journey at the age of 3 with Beats Per Minute Performing Arts on the Sunshine Coast training in all genres of dance. Jemma completed examinations in the RAD and Comdance syllabi gaining Distinction for Advanced 2 RAD, and Honours Plus for Modern Jazz Shield, Theatrical Shield and Gold Cross Tap.

At the completion of her training Jemma was awarded scholarships to a range of prestigious pre-professional programs including; Broadway Dance Centre and Brent Street. However was offered a contract with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines only two weeks after turning 18.

Jemma spent 3 years travelling the world and performing in production shows and musicals on board, including a feature role in “Saturday Night Fever” the musical and a soloist and showgirl in a diverse range of theatre shows.

Now, as a highly qualified teacher Jemma is passionate about progressing students safely with a rounded and broad skillset in the performing arts, starting at the very beginning with the tiniest humans. Jemma is passionate about early childhood development and laying the foundations from the very beginning and loves sharing her passion in this area as a course conductor for AcroDance Pre School and Ready Set Acro.

Jemma's qualifications span from Comdance Jazz, Tap and Theatrical through to Acrobatic Arts M1, M2 and M3, Alixa Flexibility, PBT as well as Aerial Arts. She loves sharing her knowledge with other like minded teachers through course conducting Acrobatic Arts M1, M2 and Aerial Arts and is honoured to be apart of a world renowned program!

If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel on YouTube. Subscribe Now!

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Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com