The Transformative Dance Podcast - with Melanie Gard

On this episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast, we chat with Sally Prendergast, marketing guru and former dance studio owner with over 30 years in the dance industry.

This week on the Transformative Dance Podcast, I’m joined by the powerhouse behind Dance Informa and Victorian Dance Festival (VDF)—the incredible Deborah Searle! Deb’s journey is one of passion, innovation, and leadership in Australian dance. From starting Dance Informa to ensure dancers were always in the know, to leading VDF—Australia’s favourite dance festival—Deb has transformed the way o...

Discover how Mike Harrison-Lamond's strategic mindset and passion for the arts are helping studio owners thrive while keeping students safe and inspired.

Discover how Natalie Yates, Director of NY Dance, grew her values-based dance studio into a community hub with over 500 students.

What do pirouettes and Pulitzer-worthy prose have in common? Just ask Vivienne Pearson, the incredible freelance writer whose bylines light up publications like The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and Good Weekend.

Jen Dalton’s story is nothing short of remarkable. From humble beginnings teaching a few students in a garage to running a studio with over 1,000 students, Jen’s journey as a dance studio owner has been one of passion, perseverance, and purpose.

Today, we are thrilled to feature Rachael Shiels, a trailblazer in dance education and the director of Theatre De La Danse, an award-winning studio in Brighton, Melbourne.

In this episode, Jason shares insights into the resilience required for a career in dance, the shifting dynamics of our industry, and what it means to inspire the next generation of dancers.

Hear Melanie Gard interview dance studio owner and educator, Jason Teasdale, in Part 1 of a very interesting deep dive into the world of pre-professional dance and the issues often holding young dancers back in the dance industry. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this riveting conversation!

Tune in as we explore Holly Diggle's story, focusing on her passion for neurodivergent inclusivity, and her innovative Neurostars program, which caters to students with unique sensory needs.

Join us for a heartwarming conversation filled with insights on leadership, dance education, and the power of community.

Join us as Kaitlin Hague shares insights into talent development, early specialisation, and her vibrant career in dance.

In this episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast, host Melanie Gard sits down with her longtime friend and accomplished dance educator, Rachel Fuga.

With an impressive 10-year international career that includes performing at the Moulin Rouge and leading dance productions in Tokyo, Kym Degenhart's story is a testament to resilience and passion.

In this heartfelt conversation, Stacey Morgan shares her inspiring journey in dance, reflecting on the powerful lessons she learned from her teacher, Miss Francesca. Stacey discusses the balance between genuine praise and tough love, emphasising the importance of authentic feedback to help dancers feel truly seen and valued. As studio owners and educators, Stacey and Mel explore how to maintain...

In this insightful conversation with Jane Grech, dance educator, entrepreneur and industry trialblazer, we explore the personal journey of a passionate dancer who reflects on the responsibility of staying committed to her art.

In this episode, we chat with Kiandra Harmen, a dedicated studio owner and dance educator, whose early dance experiences and memories have deeply shaped her approach to building a nurturing and supportive environment for young dancers.

In this episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast, we dive into the incredible journey of Karen Malek, a trailblazer in the Australian dance community.