Welcome to Episode 89 of the DanceSpeak podcast with the beautiful Jasmine Rafael. You may have seen Jasmine dancing with Ariana Grande on the recent VMA's or in her class videos from Millennium.
Of course, I had to geek out a little on Jasmine's teaching and ask her about how she prepares for her classes, etc, but, the heart of this episode lives in us having a REAL human-to-human conversation about the 'less glamorous' aspects that might be harder to discuss in an industry that praises perfection.
Jasmine shares about her focus on being a professional dancer in the midst of teaching success and her big move from Los Angeles to New York City, followed by a choice to move back to Los Angeles. This is a brave person right here who takes the reigns on her destiny!
We then explore topics that I hear a lot about in confidence, but I'm not sure they are discussed in the open. We talk about depression, addictive patterns, body image, relationships, and being 'in it.' AND, how we can still stay plugged into the world and seek help and not ignore our state of being, when we are going throw a low time.
Jasmine: I applaud you, I admire you, I respect you for sharing yourself so fully, in the belief that this conversation let's us all connect in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Instagram: instagram.com/jasminejrafael
Website: jasminerafael.com/biography
YouTube: youtube.com/killaJAMzz
IMDb: imdb.com/jasminerafael

Welcome to episode 88 of the DanceSpeak podcast with Mel Mah. As a dancer, credits include Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Britney Spears, and more. As Mel has been pursuing directing, in addition to her own projects, she recently assisted the director on the film: The Hate U Give. That's a big deal y'all.
This episode covers stories and insights from Mel's experiences as a professional dancer, her passion for mindfulness as a yoga teacher, her journey as a film director, her business life with You Got This Girl, and, life lessons as a human being.
From Mel's dance life, she shares what she did to stay working and empowered during the 'slow seasons' as well as her choice to drastically change her look, even if it meant booking less work. We then explore Mel's choice to transition out of dance and into the film world, even if it meant turning down a potential second tour experience with Janet Jackson. Mel shares some of her favorite takeaways from touring with Janet Jackson for over a year (again, before diving completely into film).
Then, we get into the FILM journey and how she knew when/that it was time to transition into a new role. Beneath all of her stories in dance and film, Mel's path as a yoga teacher intersects and plays an important role in her success and staying grounded.
I almost feel like I'm writing a novel with this blurb... but we cover sooo much (and in a relatively short time)... there's also Mel's life as a business owner with You Got This Girl (YGTG). Mel shares about this important company, overcoming a split with her business partner, and how she ultimately had and continues to have it all work.
And...we talk about LOVE. I had to ask about it, as Mel does it all and also opens up about the positive influence her hubby has had on her professional life, and I feel this is something we need to hear and can be inspired by!
If you're still reading, you are awesome. This interview is a gem that I am excited to share.

Mel Mah
Website: melmah.com
Twitter: twitter.com/melmah
Instagram: instagram.com/mellymah

You Got This, Girl!
YGTG Website: ygtgofficial.com
YGTG Twitter: twitter.com/ygtgofficial
YGTG Instagram: instagram.com/ygtgofficial