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
Raising the New Generation - Former Dancers Who Are Now Competitive Dance Parents
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Guests - Lynne McNelis and Jennifer Lobaito
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor
In Episode 267 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, two former dancers join us to chat about what it's like to raise competitive dancers in this new era in the industry. From memories of "the good old days" to current challenges and joys, this is an episode you don't want to miss!
Topics Include:
- The search for the right dance studio
- Differences between the old generation and the new generation of dancers
- Setting your dancer up for what success looks like for them using your knowledge of dance
Help support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:
- Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only
- Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.
- Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 7. No sponsored ads!
- 20% off all IDA Merchandise
- Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
- Discounted IDA Online Critique
- Group Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!
Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!
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Follow your Hosts & Guests!
- Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
- Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
- Lynne McNelis - @lynnemcnelis
- Jennifer Lobaito - @Dancefixwithjenn
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
Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's Critiques
Send us a video of your dance and an IDA Judge will critique your routine! You can request a genre-specific specialty judge or add on 10 minutes of additional feedback. 24 hour rush delivery available!
Submit your video now!
Check out IDA affiliated competition True Dance Challenge! www.truedancechallenge.com
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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
