Our next guest is Katharina Christl , Rector of the Palucca University of Dance in Dresden Germany.

Shaped by her early years as a dancer in East Germany, she now leads the Palucca University of Dance with vision and dedication. In this episode, she shares her journey; how she grew, created, and now guides the next generation of dancers.

She reflects on the power of community, the importance of mental well-being, and the responsibility of shaping an art form in a rapidly changing world.

A story of mentoring and creativity, showing how Katharina Christl bridges tradition and innovation to guide dance into the future.

In this episode, Joe Longomo discusses his journey in the dance world, particularly in hip-hop, and the importance of groove in dance culture. He shares insights on teaching, the competitive nature of dance, and the emotional challenges dancers face, including burnout and bullying. The conversation also touches on the balance between confidence and arrogance, the impact of social media on the dance scene, and the need for authenticity in performance.

Owen Belton shares his journey from studying computer science to becoming a composer for dance and theater. He discusses his diverse educational background in fine and performing arts, which included dance, film, theater, and visual arts, and how it shaped his career. Owen talks about his early career challenges, working in a print shop while pursuing music, and his eventual breakthrough composing for choreographer Crystal Pite. He reflects on the differences between composing for dance versus film and theater, emphasizing the upfront nature of music in dance. Owen also shares insights into his creative process, the role of technology in his work, and his collaborations with choreographers like Goyo Montero. He concludes with advice for aspiring composers and discusses his upcoming projects, including a collaboration in Buenos Aires with Goyo Montero and a future show with Crystal Pite’s company Kidd Pivot.