The dance podcast where movers and shakers like you get the information and inspiration you need to navigate your creative career with clarity and confidence. ...
234.The Movement Multi-hyphenate: Samø Soto's Journey from Breaking Battles to Breaking Falls
Beyond Boundaries: The Multifaceted Journey of Samø Soto
Join us for a revealing conversation with Samø Soto, a professional who has masterfully navigated the transition from B-boy to Stuntman while challenging industry perceptions about artistic identity.
In this episode, Samø shares the emotional complexities of expanding beyond dance—the guilt, the external perceptions, and the struggle to be seen as multidimensional in an industry that prefers singular labels. Despite his passion for choreography and battling still burning bright, he's determined to prove his commitment to stunts while advocating for a world that embraces versatility.
What you'll discover:
The internal conflict of pursuing multiple passions while fighting against binary job labels
How dance fundamentally prepared him for stunt work through adaptability and quick choreographic thinking
His journey from being the "weakest link" in crew battles to finding his unique contribution through dynamic movement
Why dancers have the "biggest cheat code" in entertainment with unprecedented access across production departments
This conversation reveals how dancers occupy a position in the entertainment hierarchy not practiced often—a "hallway lined with doors" offering opportunities to explore lighting, wardrobe, stunts, and beyond. Samø's story is a powerful testament to creative evolution and finding strength in versatility.
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
Connect with Samø on Instagram
For more DANA
For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY
To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER
To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES
Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE
Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok
--------
57:38
233. Toni Basil: The Extraordinary Life and Art of the “Hey Mickey” Hitmaker
Behind the Curtain: The Extraordinary Life and Art of Toni Basil
Featuring legendary Choreographer, Dancer, Director, Producer, Recording Artist, Historian, and "Hey Mickey" hitmaker Toni Basil in a rare, intimate conversation! We explore her remarkable career spanning decades in entertainment, from backstage memories as Vaudeville royalty to collaborating with icons like Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Bette Midler, and Tina Turner.
Here's what you'll discover:
- How Toni's behind-the-scenes childhood at the Chicago Theater shaped her love for performance
- The creative process behind Elvis’ in "Viva Las Vegas" assisting David Winters
- Her unexpected journey to becoming co-director for David Bowie after connecting through their shared mime vocabulary
- Insights on working with superstars who "care about their legacy" and the work ethic behind true stardom
This conversation reveals how following your artistic intuition—even when it leads to unexpected places—can create a lifetime of extraordinary creative collaborations. Toni's fascinating stories illuminate how being fully present in each moment helped her navigate a groundbreaking career across film, television, and music.
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
Follow Toni on:
IG: officialtonibasil
X:Toni_Basil
YouTube: ToniBasilsHouse
TikTok: officialtonibasil
Listen to Toni’s re-release of “Breakaway”
Watch Hey Mickey
Watch Toni in West Side Story
Watch Toni’s parents' Vaudville Act
Watch Toni’s aunt and uncle in a silent film from 1919
Watch Toni’s judges' demo from Street Beat 2024
Watch Street Beat
Watch Shopping A-Z
For more DANA
For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY
To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER
To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES
Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE
--------
1:16:58
232. Transformative Change: The Delicate Balance of Grit and Grace
Self-improvement is not about perfection, it’s about finding the right balance between pushing yourself and accepting yourself. When pursuing transformative change, there are two seemingly opposite approaches - "Grit" (hard work and critical coaching) and "Grace" (gentle and nurturing self-care). This episode is all about this “Personal Growth Paradox” and the tools and techniques for identifying and effectively balancing self-criticism and self-compassion.
This episode will help you:
Reflect on your current self-talk patterns
Recognize that transformation requires BOTH grit and grace
Learn to discern when to apply each approach
Create a balanced internal dialogue that supports growth
Experiment with combining grit and grace in your personal development journey
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
For more DANA
For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY
To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER
To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES
Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE
Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok
--------
22:48
231. Persistence + Passion: Tony Testa's Artistic Journey
Conversations on Creativity: Tony Testa's Journey from Dancer to Creator
Featuring my lifelong friend and visionary choreographer Tony Testa in his FIRST-EVER podcast interview! We dive deep into creative intuition, mentorship, and processing life's challenges. This conversation reveals how following your instincts—even when they lead you away from what everyone else expects—can open doors to your authentic artistic voice.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
-How Tony discovered his calling as a choreographer while on the "Feedback" set with Ed Moore
-How the commercial dance space can leave artists wanting more
-Keys of mentor relationships: insights from working with legendary director Kenny Ortega and Greek grandmaster Dimitris Papaioannou
-The transformative power of persistence: scheduling time to process difficult emotions and the consistency needed for personal evolution
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
Listen to Gary’s episode
Listen to Smac’s episode
Listen to the Seaweed Sisters episode
Listen to Michelle’s episode
For more DANA
For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY
To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER
To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES
Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE
Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok
--------
1:06:23
230. Be Unflappable with Byron Tittle
The Art of Letting Go: Byron Tittle on Dance, Spontaneity & Finding Flow
Mastering the "first time feeling" - how commercial dance taught Byron to embrace every performance as the final version
The power of relaxation: discovering how letting go actually amplifies your technique & expands possibilities
Beyond the tap shoes: hearing rhythm in everyday life & staying present in every moment
From Broadway to the Grammys: invaluable lessons from crossing industry boundaries
PLUS! A New segment we call “Where’s the One?”
Featuring Princess Grace Award Winner & industry-bending performer Byron Tittle - bringing his wisdom from The St. James Theater to Grammy’s stage with Sabrina Carpenter! Watch as we explore why sometimes doing less leads to accessing more, and how dance lessons become life lessons.
Watch the full episode here!
Show Notes:
Listen to our In The Heights
Listen to Martha’s episode
Listen to Jillian’s episode
Listent to Michelle’s episode
Listen to Marty’s episode
Listen to Caroline’s episode
For more DANA
For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY
To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER
To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES
Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE
Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok
The dance podcast where movers and shakers like you get the information and inspiration you need to navigate your creative career with clarity and confidence. Master mover, Dana Wilson, taps into 20 years of industry experience, and talks to some of the best in the entertainment biz, who have been there and done that so that you don’t have to… do it alone.
Polska