What concerns weigh heaviest on your mind as a dancer or dancemaker? How do these challenges manifest across different regions of the world? To explore these pressing questions, I’ve gathered two of my favorite fellow podcasters for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation in this final guest feature of the J-cast.

Jacob Caldwell is a storyteller and artistic activist based in North Hollywood, CA. With roots in Corralitos and Oakhurst and formative experiences in Santa Cruz and Los Angeles, Jacob uses acting and dance as his primary mediums of expression. As the founder of All House Dance Collective, he is driven by a vision to create a future where arts and education thrive and where everyone has a seat at the table.

Joshua Sailo is a traveler between worlds and mediums, channeling his life experiences into artistic expressions through dance, music, photography, and visual art. A 2021 Artist-in-Residence at D.R.I.F.T. in Dharamshala, he is currently exploring the concept of “folk” as both a performance practice and a function of community togetherness. As a co-founding member of the 206 Dance Collective, Joshua continues to engage with the global dance community through teaching, performing, and podcasting.

In this final entry of The Background Dancer, I sit down with Jacob and Joshua to examine critical issues within dance across Asia, Europe, and the US. What challenges are deeply personal yet universal? Can we identify real-time solutions by adopting a transcontinental perspective in strategic planning and problem-solving? Welcome to Episode 10 of S3, Dance’s Last Slalom.

• Jacob Caldwell
• Joshua Sailo
• Why Dance by the J-Cast

Soundtracks:

1. Birds - Tyler Twombly
2. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk

Support the show

Like our offers?

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here
• Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.com
• Answer a survey
• Sign up here to receive future updates
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

What is the difference between contemporary dance and performance art?

This fusion finds profound representation in the work of VestAndPage, the renowned artist duo comprising Verena Stenke (Germany) and Andrea Pagnes (Italy). Since their founding in 2006, VestAndPage has redefined contemporary performance art through their exploration of social, political, and environmental themes. Their work delves into fragility, memory activation, and transformation, heavily influenced by their backgrounds in philosophy and theater. In 2020, they released their Manifesto on Performance-Based Filmmaking: Poetics of Relations as a video article in the Journal of Embodied Research, solidifying their thought leadership in performance art and filmmaking. Their art transcends traditional boundaries, incorporating formats such as “collective performance operas” and “temporary artistic communities” that inspire collaboration and connection. Since 2021, Verena and Andrea have extended their influence as founders and co-directors of the Venice International Performance Art Week.

In this episode, we explored how to navigate across artistic disciplines and roles and discussed the importance of viewing the world through an alternative lens. Their insights remind us that art is not just about the performance — it’s about the deeper, evolving conversation it sparks. Welcome to Episode 9 of Season 3, Performing towards Performance Arts.

• VestAndPage
• Venice International Performance Art Week

Soundtracks:

1. Birds - Tyler Twombly
2. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
3. Harmitzvah - Coolzey

Support the show

Like our offers?

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here
• Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.com
• Answer a survey
• Sign up here to receive future updates
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

While counseling often addresses past experiences and emotional healing, coaching takes a forward-focused approach, empowering individuals to set goals, maximize potential, and achieve personal and professional success.

At the heart of this episode is Caitlin Sloan, a former professional dancer who has seamlessly transitioned into an entrepreneur and educator, shaping the future of dance education and career development. Caitlin is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI. With a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri, she brings both academic and professional expertise to her role. Caitlin enjoyed a nine-year professional dance career with companies such as Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). In 2019, Caitlin founded The Brainy Ballerina®, a virtual platform designed to guide and support aspiring ballet dancers. Through this initiative, Caitlin has worked with dancers across the United States, helping them develop the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in professional dance careers.

In this episode, I speak with Caitlin about her journey from professional dancer to entrepreneur, her innovative approach to dance education, and how she’s redefining career mentoring in the dance world. Welcome to Episode 8 of Season 3, Business with the Brainy Ballerina.

• Caitlin Sloan
• The Brainy Ballerina

Soundtracks:

1. Birds - Tyler Twombly
2. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
3. Abstract Fashion Pop - QubeSounds

Support the show

Like our offers?

• S2 Summer SALE!
• Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube review
• Sign up for Dance Masterclass
• Choreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose Lyn
• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
• YouTube Channel
• Rate and review here
• Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.com
• Answer a survey
• Sign up here to receive future updates
• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community