Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast
Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of a dance competition judge? What does it take to impress the people behind the table?
Join your hosts Courtney Ortiz, professional dancer, educator and owner of Impact Dance Adjudicators, and Lesley Mealor, veteran performer and judge, on Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, as they dive into all things dance competition!
Each week, listen as Courtney and Lesley discuss various hot topics with members of the IDA judges’ roster and other special guests in the dance world, from technique, to costumes, to the dreaded question - “Tights…or no tights?” Stay tuned for special spotlight episodes, round table chats and so much more! Weekly episodes launch every Thursday throughout the dance season! @impactdanceadjudicators
Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast
The Transition From Junior to Teen - Pivotal Times in a Dancer's Training
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Guests - Carlos de Barros and Krystal Madan
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor
In Episode 255 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, IDA judges and dance educators Carlos de Barros and Krystal Madan join us for a discussion about the junior and teen divisions. Without the right support and guidance, the transition from junior to teen can be challenging. Today, we chat about the best ways to guide young dancers through this journey!
Topics Include:
- What separates the dancers in the junior division from the ones who evolve and grow from the ones who plateau
- Why consistency is key for this age group to progress
- How teachers and studio owners can support dancers in this age group both inside and outside the studio
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- Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
- Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
- Carlos de Barros - @carlosdebarros513
- Krystal Madan - @choreo_by_k
This episode is sponsored by:
The DanceOne Summit
The premier event for dance teachers and studio owners to unite. share. inspire! This summer in New York City - August 13-16th, 2026.
Register now for $100 off using promo code: DOS26IMPACT
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Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA-affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com
