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
Live from Dance Teacher Web Conference 2025 in Las Vegas!
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor
In Episode 232 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley hosted a live Q&A in July 2025 at the Dance Teacher Web in Las Vegas!
Topics Include:
- Competition choreography do's and don'ts
- Inappropriateness at competition
- How to retain students when the grass might look greener at another studio
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
- Dance Teacher Web - @danceteacherweb
Thank you to Dance Teacher Web for hosting us at your teacher conference this summer! We loved connecting with so many fans! Visit their website to learn more and mark your calendar to attend their event next year in Las Vegas, NV - August 6-9, 2026. Use code: IMPACT50 for $50 off! www.danceteachersummerexpo.com
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. 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 atwww.impactdanceadjudicators.com
