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
Summer Bonus Episode! - Live from The Artistry Tour Nationals 2026
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IDA Judges - Brittany Nicholas, Kyle Rostan, Sally Cofield, Marie Choate
Hosted By - Holly Shipley
Produced By: Making the Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast
We are excited to have partnered with IDA affiliated Competition The Artistry Tour to host a live-podcast at their 2026 Nationals event this summer in Michigan. The owner of The Artistry Tour Holly Shipley moderated this chat featuring 4 IDA Judges: Brittany Nicholas, Marie Choate, Kyle Rostan and Sally Cofield. Thank you to The Artistry Tour for sponsoring this episode and we hope you enjoy!
Topics Include:
- What stands out on stage as a judge
- Career paths in the arts
- Why networking is so important
- How artistry plays a role at competition
- What truly matters to have a career in 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 Season 4 & 5. 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!
Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!
Follow your Hosts & Guests!
- The Artistry Tour - @theartistrytour
- Brittany Nicholas - @brittnnicholas
- Kyle Rostan - @kylerostan
- Marie Choate - @marie_choate
- Sally Cofield - @saldancer
To learn more about The Artistry Tour and to register for an event in their 2027 Season, visit their website: www.theartistrytour.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
