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
The 2025 A.C.E Awards Winners - Sponsored by DanceOne
Guests - Tommy Tibball, Madi Hicks, Jason Williams, and Courtney Barclay
Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley Mealor
In Episode 248 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, the 2025 A.C.E. Awards winners join us for a look inside the prestigious competition, which took place in New York City in August. This event brings together choreographers and dancers from all over the country, and the competition was fierce. Enjoy this chat with the winners!
Topics Include:
- How each choreographer developed their vision for their piece
- What the casting and rehearsal process was like
- Advice for up-and-coming choreographers
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Follow your Hosts & Guests!
- Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortiz
- Lesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.dance
- Tommy Tibball - @Tommytibbs
- Madi Hicks - @madihicks
- Jason Williams - @thejasonwilliamsexperience
- Courtney Barclay - @courtneyraebarclay
This episode is sponsored by:
The DanceOne Summit
The premier event for dance teachers and studio owners to unite. share. inspire! This summer in New York City - August 13-16th, 2026.
Register now for $100 off using promo code: 100Summit2026
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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
