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
Studio Spotlight - Dance Fusion Performing Arts Studio
Guests - James Du Chateau and Lizzy Steirer
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor
The winner of the Making the Impact Award fan favorite contest from 2025 was Dance Fusion Performing Arts Studio's routine "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" We are excited to welcome choreographer Lizzy Steirer and competition director James Du Chateau to the podcast to represent Dance Fusion in this studio spotlight episode!
Topics Include:
- Dance Fusion Performing Arts Studio's unique class offerings, including aerial silks!
- James and Lizzy's journeys that brought them to Dance Fusion
- The inspiration behind the award-winning routine
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- Exclusive bonus content released throughout the year
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Follow your Hosts & Guests!
- Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
- Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
- Dance Fusion Performing Arts - @studiodancefusion
This episode is sponsored by:
YoungArts
Applications are open for the 2026 National YoungArts Competition, available for artists ages 15-18 or in grades 10-12. Deadline to apply is October 8th, 2025 at 8pm. Learn more at www.YoungArts.org
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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
