Welcome to Episode 126 of DanceSpeak with Leslie Scott, the founder of Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (YPAD). Leslie Scott has held long-term teaching positions at the famed Millennium Dance Complex and Edge PAC in Los Angeles while also having years as a professional dancer under her belt. What we focus on in this episode is Leslie's pivot into advocating for the youth and addressing sexual abuse in the dance world while she was still in the industry. What had her go into a direction where she met immediate disapproval? Leslie speaks on her clarity and how she moved forward in the face of backlash.
We then go into a conversation around the controversial Netflix featured film: 'Cuties.'  In case this does not ring any bells, Cuties is a film that has received tons of flack for its provocative posters and dance scenes which have underage dancers front and center. While holding space for the gambit on thoughts on this, Leslie helps us unpack the conversation around this film existing in the first place and how we can approach what it might bring up for many.
Last but not least we get into the recent outings of many teachers and community leaders around sexual abuse. Leslie helps us explore the impact of having much of this unfold in realtime on social media and ways for survivors and community members to best handle allegations when they come up.
*Inhale and exhale* There is a community to support survivors.

YPAD
Website: ypadnow.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ypadnow
Facebook: facebook.com/YPADNOW
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Leslie Scott
Instagram: instagram.com/lesliescottsays
Facebook: facebook.com/Leslie-Scott

Welcome to episode 125 of DanceSpeak with Ezama L'oi (P-Valley on STARZ, Usher, Ne-Yo). Ezama's story takes us through her introduction to dance, becoming a professional dancer, and how she got into pole. Ezama's multifaceted career journey shows us how much is possible when you stay true to yourself and follow your visions.
Ezama speaks to us as the resident poleography trainer and stunt double for the show P-Valley on Starz. She shares about how she became a part of the show, what it's like on set, working with Jamaica and Katori Hall, and insights as to what makes the show click so well.
We quickly learn that there is nothing typical about Ezama or her journey. She grew up in a handful of places across the U.S., is a fan of pole dancing in sweatpants and grandpa socks, runs her own businesses, and embraces her tomboy side in the most unapologetic way. Ezama opens up about racism in Mississippi, her life-changing trips to Africa, and so so much more.
Listen, enjoy, share, learn, subscribe!

Instagram: instagram.com/ezamathemovementartist
Facebook: facebook.com/TheAmazingLoi

Welcome to episode 124 with actress, singer, dancer, sketch comedian, writer, director, Cinnabon-lova: NaTonia Monét. Stage credits include Westside Story, The Wiz, Tina on BROADDDDWAY. TV includes Ray Donovan and Z: The Beginning of Everything (eowww).
NaTonia opens up about her journey as she discovered her dream of Broadway, made the big move from the South to New York City, and how she moved through her fears to make her career happen.
We learn about what it's like to go through the winding process of getting on a Broadway show and then an insider perspective on the experience of getting your dream job as Covid shut everything down. This episode leaves you with hope as NaTonia shares about keeping creative during the lockdown and coping in a very beautiful way.
Listen, subscribe, and share!

Website: natoniamonet.com
Twitter: twitter.com/natoniamonet
Instagram: instagram.com/natoniamonet
YouTube: youtube.com/natoniamonet
Facebook: facebook.com/NaToniaMonet

Okay, my title is long here. Episode 123 with India McGee inspires a long title because her voice, her intelligence, her variety in topics shared is a celebration for the ears.
Yes, I was hyped to hear about India's experience dancing and acting on Netflix's The Get Down and BET's American Soul. Yes, I was hyped to learn about her experience teaching at a top university (Emory). But what really gets me is India's empowered outlook and confidence in what can seem taboo to talk about. We talk facial hair on women, why binaries can be harmful, even the benefit of letting go of a dream (listen, we LOVE dreams, but this episode will give you another side).
India shares with us ways to prepare for roles that take place in a different time, how comedy and improv improved her career, and... babies (yes, babies come up here too). 
Listen, enjoy, subscribe, and share!

Website: indiarmcgee.com
Twitter: twitter.com/innajongee
Instagram: instagram.com/indigomac
YouTube: youtube.com/IndigoM.
Vimeo: vimeo.com/indigomac