Studio Small Talk

This week, I sit down and catch up with Marika Matuszak to talk all about her journey through the dance world. From upstate New York and now touring with a top dance competition and convention, Marika's "I'll figure it out" attitude has brought her many opportunities. Plus how she came through a tough time in her dance life. @StudioSmallTalk @marikamatuszak

This week, we are joined by Steven Blandino to talk all about performing and choreographing and how he balances the two. Steven shares his journey of being persistent and consistent and how that helped him establish his name as a choreographer, plus we hear all about his first New York City audition. @StudioSmallTalk Steven: @sbalndino720

This week we are joined by the "ultimate dance enthusiast" Deanne Kearney. We talk all about her journey through Dance Academia and how that lead her to the urban dance world. We also talk about her time at Jacob's Pillow and hear about her time with the Badass Babes Toronto. Plus what is her go-to dance treat? Tune in to find out! @StudioSmallTalk @deekearneyy

This week we sit down with Cleo Sykes to hear about her journey from Florida to NYC and all the ups and downs in between. We discuss the importance of dance class, and classroom etiquette. Plus we spend some time fan-girling over the incomparable Mandy Moore and discuss how Cleo handled the title of "studio owners daughter." @StudioSmallTalk @sykess_7

This week we sit down with dancer, singer and actress Stephanie Visconti to hear all about her journey in the dance and musical theatre world. Over the past few years, Stephanie's life and career has taken her from Toronto to NYC and back again and we talk all about the ups and downs she has faced over this journey. Why does Stephanie love tap dancing? What advice does she have for up and coming dancers? Tune in to find out! @StudioSmallTalk @stephanievisconti

**REBROADCAST** This week, Sarah is joined by her dear friend Richie Lucibello. The two reminisce about their time at Pace University and discuss Richie's transition from student to teacher. What happens when Richie and his dance partner switch sides of the stage at the last minute? Find out on this week's instalment of Studio Small Talk! @StudioSmallTalk @ollebicul_eihcir  

This week, we are 1 on 1 with our host Sarah as she shares her lists of things she has learned and things she is learning in the dance world. From simple classroom reminders, to bigger picture frets, she covers it all! Tune in to see how these dance lessons resonate with you. @StudioSmallTalk @sbadham3

This week, Studio Small Talk brings you a round table discussion about Dance Reality Competition Television shows. Sarah is joined by her co-workers and friends, Alex and Erica and together the three discuss what they like about dance on TV, what they don't like, what they think of this season of World of Dance, and so much more. Plus find out who they think would make great judges for a dance competition reality tv show! Follow @StudioSmallTalk

This week we sit down with dancer and personal trainer Amber Tacy. As well as dancing, Amber is a trainer who specializes in weight training and nutrition for professional dancers. We talk all about her own journey and her struggles with nutrition and how she began the blog Dancers who Lift. @Studiosmalltalk @dancerswholift

This week we are joined by Kelly Stevens to share her journey through the dance world. Using her ballet training and love for the Rockettes, Kelly has embraced the showgirl life and it has taken her around the world. Plus what are her go to mid dance snacks? Tune in to find out! Studio Small Talk: @studiosmalltalk  Kelly Stevens: @kelly_t_stevens

This week, Sarah is joined by Knox Harter to talk all about the world of burlesque dance. Upon graduating from university, Knox landed by accident in the world of Burlesque dance, and has been working and thriving there ever since. She is also the co-artistic director and choreographer of High Society Cabaret, a dance company based out of Toronto. Knox shares her story of finding burlesque, its importance in the world and how her company came to be. @studiosmalltalk @kknoxharter @highsocietycabaret

This week Sarah is joined by dancer, choreographer, performer and Aussie, Jennifer Theissen. We hear all about Jen's move from down under to Canada, and how she continues to train and hustle while she works. Plus we hear about her upcoming podcast Tits and Teeth! Join us for another inspiring dancers journey through the dance world. @StudioSmallTalk @jenniferclareorgan 

This week, Sarah sits down with dancer and choreographer Kristen Pepper to talk all about Kristens journey in the diverse world of Toronto and about her upcoming show at the Toronto Fringe Festival, Hooked. Kristen's life in the dance world is one full of many cultures, styles, experiences and passion. From Samba showgirl, to contemporary choreography, the two discuss it all.  @StudioSmallTalk Kristen Pepper: @k.pepps #pepperdanceprojects

This week we are joined by the founder of Adagio Performance Training, Ali Keller. A trained dancer with a passion for fitness, Ali has combined her two loves and created a program meant to cross train any and all dancers, from younger studio kids all the way to professionals. We hear all about the background of Adagio PT as well as where Ali sees it growing into. Studio Small Talk: @StudioSmallTalk Adagio PT: @adagiopt, www.aperformancetraining.com

This week, we are joined by Alex Burgio to hear all about her journey through the dance world. As a dancer, choreographer, teacher, magic assistant, b-girl, and so much more, Alex has been immersed in the commercial dance and urban dance world for many years. We discuss her path into the world of magic and dive into how she found herself in a hip hop dance crew.  Studio Small Talk: @studiosmalltalk Alex Burgio: @axburgio, @omegacrew_2.0

In this bonus episode, we are joined by Corry Ethridge as he shares his thoughts on RIOULT Dance NY's most recent season Written For Dance, which premiered at the Joyce Theatre in New York City this spring. The season included 3 works by Pascal Rioult including the world premiere of Nostalghia with an original score by Polina Nazaykinskaya. We hear from Corry about his experience seeing the performance, hear a little bit of this beautiful original score, and Sarah talks about sitting down with Polina and Pascal. @StudioSmallTalk @cjethridge91 @rioultdanceny  

This week, Sarah is joined by dancer and real life super hero Madison Embrey. The two talk everything from dance competitions, auditions, stunt work, what is or isn't commercial dance and how to handle it all as a person. Tune in for real life stories from a working artist and true super hero! Studio Small Talk: @StudioSmallTalk Madison: @madisonembrey

This week, Sarah sits down with her friend and former dance partner Sam Spare to dive into what it means to work on a cruise ship. As he enters his 7th cruise contract, Sam talks everything from rehearsal process to life aboard the ship. We even hear a few funny performing stories! Check it Out! Studio Small Talk: @StudioSmallTalk  Sam Spare: @iamsammyspare Dance Theatre Life Discussions Performance Conversations

This week Sarah is joined by Tina Desrochers. The two talk about dance competitions, from both a choreographers viewpoint and an adjudicators viewpoint and we hear all about Tina's extensive training. This french Canadian gal shares her knowledge and wisdom about dance classes and the industry, and we hear about a time that following her heart was a difficult but right thing to do. Follow @StudioSmallTalk on Facebook and Instagram!

Lizz Picini is a New York City dancer, singer, actress and is on faculty at the prestigious Broadway Dance Centre. From her days as a bun head, all the way to performing around the country, she has many words of wisdom that will leave you inspired. She is a sought after educator, whose classes at BDC will help work on your story telling and audition technique. How did she go from a professional girl scout to a theatre powerhouse? Find out on this week's episode of Studio Small Talk (@studiosmalltalk.)