Season 3 Episodes

Growing up in Malaysia within a traditional Chinese household, I realized that I knew very little about my own cultural roots. This wasn’t due to any lack of guidance, but rather a subtle drift — a neglect of curiosity on my part. So when the opportunity arose to revisit and relearn, I stepped forward without hesitation. That journey led me to Zuna Vesan Kozánková , a reservoir of knowledge who constantly bridged worlds — between East and West, science and spirituality, movement and medicine. In...

As we know, dance demands immense physical, emotional, and mental commitment, of which pressures of perfection, rejection, and competition can weigh heavily on dancers. Hence, addressing these challenges requires not just mental health professionals but individuals who deeply understand the unique intersection of psychology and the arts. Enter Terry Hyde — a retired professional dancer turned psychotherapist who has dedicated his career to supporting performers with their mental health. Drawing ...

For far too long, the word “community” has been tossed around as a trendy buzzword, often diluted by vague interpretations and overuse, particularly in the world of dance. Add “online” to the mix, and we’re left navigating an even murkier sea of meaning. What does community really mean in the context of dance, and how can it be effectively cultivated in the digital age? At the helm of Skool Dance is none other than Lauren Ashlee Messina , a trailblazing choreographer and passionate advocate for ...

Growing up in Malaysia, where arts and culture often faced censorship issues due to political sensitivities, I had limited exposure to unfiltered cultural reporting. That changed significantly when I discovered BFM , a business station that took the bold initiative to report, analyze, and bring Malaysia’s arts and culture scene to the masses. So in 2022 (yes, that long ago), I spoke with one of the most distinct and inspiring voices behind this transformation: Sharmilla Ganesan . Sharmilla, with...

It takes a true dreamer to become a dancer, but grit and a bit of luck are often necessary to navigate this challenging world and bring that dream to life. Many dancers know the feeling—when everything seems to be falling into place, the universe can throw unexpected hurdles your way. That’s been my own experience, and it’s part of why Putting My Heels Down struck such a deep chord with me. Kara Tatelbaum is a multifaceted dancer, choreographer, teacher, coach, writer, and caregiver who brings h...

With the boom in dance universities and academies worldwide over the past two decades, aspiring dancers today may feel spoiled for choice. Yet, identifying true gems among these institutions is crucial for those seeking professional training backed by top educators to shape their futures. Hence why, I explored these crucial choices with Angela Pickard , a dynamic curriculum builder and innovative thinker who became the UK's first Professor of Dance Education in 2021. Angela is the Director of th...

Alexandra Beller is a choreographer, director, teacher, and writer who has worn many hats throughout her career, and was widely known as a member of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company between 1995-2001. Since then, she has become a mentor and coach, guiding creators and performers on their professional journeys. She is also the Artistic Director of Alexandra Beller/Dances , an arts organization that has evolved from a performance and education company into a hub that supports artistic gr...

After dedicating the past three years to exploring the world of dance through two full seasons focused on its most innovative pioneers and trailblazers, it’s time to shift gears toward a select few who embody multidisciplinary artistry at its finest. To kick off this third and final season, we delve into the journey of a remarkable artist known for his seamless transition between performer, educator, and creator — Swedish-born Winston Reynolds . Winston began his training at Circomedia in the UK...