The Background Dancer

Hosted by Jason Yap

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Background Dancer sheds light on critical aspects underpinning the dance and performing arts industry through topics ranging from management, entrepreneurship, education, technology, fashion, choreography, politics, interdisciplinarity, media and wellness. Host Jason Yap details fascinating and useful information to help deepen your knowledge of all things offstage, while exploring and preparing together for a post-performance career. Listen in for a bi-weekly conversation with dance lovers from across Asia, Europe and the US, sharing experiences and practices that are both intimate and insightful. Jason is a dance artist, multidisciplinary producer and psychology graduate himself. Despite not pursuing it vocationally, he has still adopted many of psychology's approaches throughout his professional life - the concept of multiplicity and the performing arts as a 'whole that is bigger than the sum of its parts' ecosystem. Ready to talk all things dance? Join us as we begin to foreground Dance in the Background!

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60 recent

May 1, 2026Episode 1518 min

Finale: My Final Cast

After three full seasons and more than a hundred entries, it's finally time to lay down my microphone and headphones. In this episode, I will be reflecting upon this almost five year journey from the perspectives of WHAT, WHY, HOW, WHEN and WHERE of this platform. What began as merely a channel to voice my thoughts about the world of performing arts has gradually grown into a full-fledged educational reservoir of all things dance. Tune in one last time to learn about my key takeaways and what's in store for the future. Most of all, THANK YOU so much to all of you who have been with me from the beginning. Remember to always foreground dance in the background and enjoy My Final Cast!Soundtracks:Birds - Tyler Twombly Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle MilkSupport the showLike our offers? S2 Summer SALE!Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube reviewSign up for Dance MasterclassChoreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose LynTry Nord VPNLike what we do? Help us grow byVisiting The Background DancerYouTube ChannelRate and review here Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comAnswer a survey Sign up here to receive future updates Leave a thought on Facebook and InstagramJoin the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

April 29, 2026Episode 1421 min

Finale: Season 3 Review

We have come full circle yet again and successfully completed another season of the most niche dance content you can find! Part 3 of the season round-up provides a quick run-through episodes 1 - 10. This season was all about the proverbial 'Wearing Many Hats' approach symbolic of most artists around the world. How have the stories of these amazing personalities shaped your perception and approach in dance? Will your journey intersect with one of theirs? Concluding the third and FINAL season, this episode recaps the marvelous works achieved by some of our best mutli-faceted artists in the performing arts. Ready to fulfill your own Background Dancer journey? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!Soundtracks:Birds - Tyler Twombly Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle MilkSupport the showLike our offers? S2 Summer SALE!Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube reviewSign up for Dance MasterclassChoreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose LynTry Nord VPNLike what we do? Help us grow byVisiting The Background DancerYouTube ChannelRate and review here Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comAnswer a survey Sign up here to receive future updates Leave a thought on Facebook and InstagramJoin the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

April 24, 2026Episode 131 hr 20 min

The Tao of Movement | Zuna Vesan Kozánková

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 2024, Zuna published The Tao of Movement, a remarkable book for anyone working with the body — from dancers and performers to therapists, athletes, and movement practitioners. Developed through projects such as Dance and Medicine and Dancing Qigong, it reflects a lifelong inquiry into how movement can be both expressive and healing. At the heart of her practice lies a simple yet profound idea: that movement is not just mechanical, but intelligent. In this final full-length episode of The Background Dancer, I sit down with Zuna to explore these ideas — to reflect on dance, spirituality, and the ever-narrowing gap between Eastern and Western movement philosophies.Zuna Vesan KozánkováThe Tao of MovementDance and Medicine Dancing QigongSoundtracks:Birds - Tyler Twombly Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle MilkSoft Background Music - FreeMusicForVideo Support the showLike our offers? S2 Summer SALE!Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube reviewSign up for Dance MasterclassChoreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose LynTry Nord VPNLike what we do? Help us grow byVisiting The Background DancerYouTube ChannelRate and review here Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comAnswer a survey Sign up here to receive future updates Leave a thought on Facebook and InstagramJoin the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

November 24, 2025Episode 101 hr 39 min

Dance's Last Slalom | J-Cast

What concerns weigh heaviest on your mind as a dancer or dancemaker? How do these challenges manifest across different regions of the world? To explore these pressing questions, I’ve gathered two of my favorite fellow podcasters for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation in this final guest feature of the J-cast. Jacob Caldwell is a storyteller and artistic activist based in North Hollywood, CA. With roots in Corralitos and Oakhurst and formative experiences in Santa Cruz and Los Angeles, Jacob uses acting and dance as his primary mediums of expression. As the founder of All House Dance Collective, he is driven by a vision to create a future where arts and education thrive and where everyone has a seat at the table.Joshua Sailo is a traveler between worlds and mediums, channeling his life experiences into artistic expressions through dance, music, photography, and visual art. A 2021 Artist-in-Residence at D.R.I.F.T. in Dharamshala, he is currently exploring the concept of “folk” as both a performance practice and a function of community togetherness. As a co-founding member of the 206 Dance Collective, Joshua continues to engage with the global dance community through teaching, performing, and podcasting.In this final entry of The Background Dancer, I sit down with Jacob and Joshua to examine critical issues within dance across Asia, Europe, and the US. What challenges are deeply personal yet universal? Can we identify real-time solutions by adopting a transcontinental perspective in strategic planning and problem-solving? Welcome to Episode 10 of S3, Dance’s Last Slalom. Jacob CaldwellJoshua SailoWhy Dance by the J-CastSoundtracks:Birds - Tyler Twombly Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk Support the showLike our offers? S2 Summer SALE!Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube reviewSign up for Dance MasterclassChoreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose LynTry Nord VPNLike what we do? Help us grow byVisiting The Background DancerYouTube ChannelRate and review here Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comAnswer a survey Sign up here to receive future updates Leave a thought on Facebook and InstagramJoin the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

November 17, 2025Episode 91 hr 12 min

Performing towards Performance Arts | VestAndPage

What is the difference between contemporary dance and performance art?This fusion finds profound representation in the work of VestAndPage, the renowned artist duo comprising Verena Stenke (Germany) and Andrea Pagnes (Italy). Since their founding in 2006, VestAndPage has redefined contemporary performance art through their exploration of social, political, and environmental themes. Their work delves into fragility, memory activation, and transformation, heavily influenced by their backgrounds in philosophy and theater. In 2020, they released their Manifesto on Performance-Based Filmmaking: Poetics of Relations as a video article in the Journal of Embodied Research, solidifying their thought leadership in performance art and filmmaking. Their art transcends traditional boundaries, incorporating formats such as “collective performance operas” and “temporary artistic communities” that inspire collaboration and connection. Since 2021, Verena and Andrea have extended their influence as founders and co-directors of the Venice International Performance Art Week. In this episode, we explored how to navigate across artistic disciplines and roles and discussed the importance of viewing the world through an alternative lens. Their insights remind us that art is not just about the performance — it’s about the deeper, evolving conversation it sparks. Welcome to Episode 9 of Season 3, Performing towards Performance Arts.VestAndPageVenice International Performance Art WeekSoundtracks:Birds - Tyler Twombly Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle MilkHarmitzvah - Coolzey Support the showLike our offers? S2 Summer SALE!Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube reviewSign up for Dance MasterclassChoreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose LynTry Nord VPNLike what we do? Help us grow byVisiting The Background DancerYouTube ChannelRate and review here Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comAnswer a survey Sign up here to receive future updates Leave a thought on Facebook and InstagramJoin the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

November 10, 2025Episode 81 hr 2 min

Business with the Brainy Ballerina | Caitlin Sloan

While counseling often addresses past experiences and emotional healing, coaching takes a forward-focused approach, empowering individuals to set goals, maximize potential, and achieve personal and professional success.At the heart of this episode is Caitlin Sloan, a former professional dancer who has seamlessly transitioned into an entrepreneur and educator, shaping the future of dance education and career development. Caitlin is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI. With a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri, she brings both academic and professional expertise to her role. Caitlin enjoyed a nine-year professional dance career with companies such as Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). In 2019, Caitlin founded The Brainy Ballerina®, a virtual platform designed to guide and support aspiring ballet dancers. Through this initiative, Caitlin has worked with dancers across the United States, helping them develop the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in professional dance careers. In this episode, I speak with Caitlin about her journey from professional dancer to entrepreneur, her innovative approach to dance education, and how she’s redefining career mentoring in the dance world. Welcome to Episode 8 of Season 3, Business with the Brainy Ballerina.Caitlin SloanThe Brainy BallerinaSoundtracks:Birds - Tyler Twombly Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle MilkAbstract Fashion Pop - QubeSounds Support the showLike our offers? S2 Summer SALE!Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube reviewSign up for Dance MasterclassChoreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose LynTry Nord VPNLike what we do? Help us grow byVisiting The Background DancerYouTube ChannelRate and review here Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comAnswer a survey Sign up here to receive future updates Leave a thought on Facebook and InstagramJoin the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

November 3, 2025Episode 71 hr 9 min

Conversation with a Dance Counsellor | Terry Hyde

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 from his own experiences in the dance world, Terry combined his two passions, dance and psychotherapy, to create Counselling for Dancers in 2017, an initiative aimed at helping dancers address emotional and mental health concerns. Having lived the life of a professional dancer with the ENB, Terry possesses an intimate understanding of the unique pressures and needs of performers.In this episode, we delve into Terry’s transformative journey and his mission to destigmatize mental health in the dance community. Join me as I explore his insights, lessons, and pioneering efforts to provide performers with the support they need to thrive. Welcome to Episode 7, Season 3, Conversation with a Dance Counselor.Terry Hyde STEPPSOne Dance UKCounselling E-booksSoundtracks:Birds - Tyler Twombly Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle MilkRobotic dreams - DSTechnician Support the showLike our offers? S2 Summer SALE!Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube reviewSign up for Dance MasterclassChoreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose LynTry Nord VPNLike what we do? Help us grow byVisiting The Background DancerYouTube ChannelRate and review here Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comAnswer a survey Sign up here to receive future updates Leave a thought on Facebook and InstagramJoin the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

October 27, 2025Episode 656 min

Communing Dance in Skool | Lauren Ashlee Messina

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 dance and connection. Lauren is a Big Easy Award-winning choreographer with a storied career spanning multiple dimensions of dance—performance, choreography, mentorship, and community-building. As the founder of Skool Dance, Lauren has reimagined what it means to create an online dance community. Her mission is to foster meaningful movement experiences that inspire empathy, transformation, and collaboration across disciplines. In this episode, we unpack Lauren’s journey of building Skool Dance, the lessons she’s learned in fostering a vibrant online dance community, and her vision for the future. Along the way, we explore the essence of community itself and how dance can serve as a bridge between people in a rapidly evolving digital world. Welcome to Episode 6 of Season 3, Communing Dance in Skool.Lauren Ashlee MessinaSkool DanceSoundtracks:Birds - Tyler Twombly Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle MilkBeyond the time - Main 7425 Support the showLike our offers? S2 Summer SALE!Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube reviewSign up for Dance MasterclassChoreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose LynTry Nord VPNLike what we do? Help us grow byVisiting The Background DancerYouTube ChannelRate and review here Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comAnswer a survey Sign up here to receive future updates Leave a thought on Facebook and InstagramJoin the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

October 20, 2025Episode 51 hr 23 min

Podcast Killed the Radio Star | Sharmilla Ganesan

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 a BA in Media Studies from Murdoch University and an MA in Communication, Film Studies from RMIT University, is a writer, journalist, moderator, emcee as well as arts & culture critic with over 15 years of experience covering Malaysian culture. At BFM 89.9, she’s been the voice behind numerous shows that explore arts, literature and film. Highlights include anchoring the Evening Edition, the station's drivetime current affairs show which covers a huge variety of topics including politics, economy and human rights. Now, she plays an essential role as Content Manager at the Creador Foundation, where she helps pioneer innovative solutions for social impact in South and Southeast Asia - most notably, the Cipta Seni Incubator, which provides Malaysia-based performance artists with creative development resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.In this episode, we discuss the key nuances between radio broadcasting and podcasting, the role of media in preserving culture, and Sharmilla’s personal approach to sustaining her multi-faceted career with exceptional quality and consistency. While many things have changed in these last three years, one thing remains - radio will always have a place in the arts. Welcome to Episode 5 of Season 3, Podcast Killed the Radio Star.Sharmilla GanesanCipta Seni Incubator ASEF Guest Podcast Soundtracks:Birds - Tyler Twombly Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle MilkRocket - QTM Support the showLike our offers? S2 Summer SALE!Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube reviewSign up for Dance MasterclassChoreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose LynTry Nord VPNLike what we do? Help us grow byVisiting The Background DancerYouTube ChannelRate and review here Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comAnswer a survey Sign up here to receive future updates Leave a thought on Facebook and InstagramJoin the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community

October 13, 2025Episode 41 hr 9 min

Putting My Heels Down | Kara Tatelbaum

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 her whole self into everything she does. She has built a remarkable career performing and teaching in NYC and abroad, earning her BFA in Dance from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and an MFA in Choreography from SUNY Purchase. Early encouragement from her teachers led Kara to choreograph at a young age, eventually founding her own company, *independentdancemaker | Kara Tatelbaum, in 2000. Her work has been showcased at numerous venues, including DanceNow/NYC, the Gibney Center, Joyce SoHo, and internationally at the Shanghai Expo.In this episode, I dive into my first-ever book review as we explore the incredible journey of New York’s own Kara Tatelbaum, who beautifully intertwines her personal story with universal experiences in a captivating read for dancers of all ages and backgrounds. Welcome to Episode 4 of Season 3, Putting My Heels Down.Kara TatelbaumPutting My Heels DownBook ReviewSoundtracks:Birds - Tyler Twombly Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk6:00 - DarkSunn Support the showLike our offers? S2 Summer SALE!Check out our new Dance Masterclass YouTube reviewSign up for Dance MasterclassChoreographing Your Dance Career by Janaea Rose LynTry Nord VPNLike what we do? Help us grow byVisiting The Background DancerYouTube ChannelRate and review here Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comAnswer a survey Sign up here to receive future updates Leave a thought on Facebook and InstagramJoin the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community