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The Background Dancer

Arts & Culture Podcasts

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!

Location:

Slovakia

Description:

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!

Language:

English


Episodes

Institutional Leadership and Culture | Pamela Tatge

3/17/2024
What does it mean to be a leader in the arts? Have you ever dreamt of heading an international platform which boasts both historical and current prestige? As far as dance goes dance, very few are like The Jacob's Pillow. Established on a treasured 220-acre national landmark, it is one of the oldest running dance festivals and home to the USA's most influential dance icons, including the man who started it all, Ted Shawn. In 2016, Pamela Tatge was announced as the new Director of The Pillow after serving as the Director of the Center for the Arts at Wesleyan University, overseeing robust programming and acclaimed artistic initiatives for dance, music, theatre and the visual arts, including the Breaking Ground Dance Series. Pamela was named one of “The Most Influential People in Dance Today” by Dance Magazine in 2017 and is the recipient of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters’ 2010 William Dawson Award for Programmatic Excellence and Sustained Achievement in Programming. Continuing a brand new season and month of Dance Management, this episode tells a story of leadership, helming the 2 in 1 director role and how to establish a working culture at a renowned cultural heritage center. Ready to discover the manager within you? Join us as we foreground dance in the background! Jacob's PillowPamela TatgePillow Lab ResidenciesThe FIREBe a leader, be presentWhen executives burnoutSoundtracks: Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:48:14

Co-directing an International Festival | Wieland & Poulinas

3/3/2024
What does it take to stage a dance festival? Have you ever wanted to initiate an international platform with long-term sustainability? Despite the overwhelming number of contemporary dance festivals around today, very few have peaked at the level of a Deltebre Dansa, ImPulsTanz or Jacob's Pillow. However, B12 has managed to achieve such status in an even shorter time, which makes their story doubly more remarkable. And the secret to all of this? A stellar management team of course! Johannes Wieland and Evangelos Poulinas are co-founders and the brains behind this project, with both having had successful performing and choreographic careers prior to transitioning into critical management roles. Johannes was once artistic director for the Staatsheater Kassel in Germany while Evangelos on the other hand, co-directed the One Small Step festival in Greece. Kickstarting a brand new season and month of Dance Management, this episode tells a story of the many challenges in establishing an international dance platform, building a competent team and the unique experiences of co-directing as project leaders. Ready to discover the manager within you? Join us as we foreground dance in the background! b12 Festivalb12 Springb12 FallJohannes WielandEvangelos PoulinasHow to organize and plan a dance event?Soundtracks: Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:53:44

Artunio Talks 4: Compromising Your Art for Exposure on Social? | Timotej Vrab

2/26/2023
Are you compromising your art for more exposure, followers and following on social media? What do artists really need? Simply, we need to be discovered by people who are interested in what we have to share. Just think about it. Instagram is not a search engine like Google or YouTube where you can easily type, for example – ‘dancers’ – choose style of dancing, and you get a list of 100 000 dancers around the world with which you can filter out and identify exactly what you want. In the end, you’re just left hoping your work is ‘’engaging” enough for a much larger audience than Instagram takes you for. Welcome to a brand new mini series covering our proposed launch of an up and coming digital space, suite of professional tools and dedicated ecosystem for the arts and culture - Artunio. Throughout the next four episodes, join me and Timotej Vrab as we look into the core issues of mainstream social media and how Artunio presents itself not only as an alternative, but a collective movement hoping to change the landscape once and for all. It's time to take back your creativity, artistic freedom and control of career choices by changing the way your art is produced, shared and valued! If you resonate, connect with me by Artunio importantworktry Soundtrack: Waterbeat - DJ Lengua | Scotch - KVZE Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:26:17

Artunio Talks 3: Is the Environment on Social Media Ridiculous? | Timotej Vrab

2/19/2023
Is the overall environment on social media just absurd? Is it appropriate to place art next to irrelevant content such as pets, pranks and political correctness? But that herein lies the problem we face when squaring up to mass content on platforms that treat us not as the content itself, but the product in which to profit off from. The reality is, we cannot expect social media to change. We need to assume accountability and build a new one that is designed for art and artists with conditions that are beneficial for the whole community. Listen, isn’t it always better to build your own house than to live under the restrictions of someone else's? Welcome to a brand new mini series covering our proposed launch of an up and coming digital space, suite of professional tools and dedicated ecosystem for the arts and culture - Artunio. Throughout the next four episodes, join me and Timotej Vrab as we look into the core issues of mainstream social media and how Artunio presents itself not only as an alternative, but a collective movement hoping to change the landscape once and for all. It's time to take back your creativity, artistic freedom and control of career choices by changing the way your art is produced, shared and valued! If you resonate, connect with me by Artunio importantworktry Soundtrack: Waterbeat - DJ Lengua | Harmitzvah - Coolzey Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:27:31

Artunio Talks 2: Does Social Media Downgrade Creativity? | Timotej Vrab

2/12/2023
Does social media actually downgrade your creativity? What are the obvious disadvantages of constantly churning out content for such platforms? A lot has changed from their humble beginnings and who knows how much more is changing as we speak. Even photographers who once upon a time came flocking over to Instagram, are now finding themselves leaving along with their dreams. Still think this doesn't concern you? Think again. Welcome to a brand new mini series covering our proposed launch of an up and coming digital space, suite of professional tools and dedicated ecosystem for the arts and culture - Artunio. Throughout the next four episodes, join me and Timotej Vrab as we look into the core issues of mainstream social media and how Artunio presents itself not only as an alternative, but a collective movement hoping to change the landscape once and for all. It's time to take back your creativity, artistic freedom and control of career choices by changing the way your art is produced, shared and valued! If you resonate, connect with me by Artunio importantworktry Soundtrack: Waterbeat - DJ Lengua | Weeknds - Dayfox Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:26:15

Artunio Talks 1: Is Social Media Suitable for Artists? | Timotej Vrab

2/5/2023
Is social media suitable for artists? What are some of the challenges posed by Facebook or Instagram for artists and creators looking to build sustainable careers? While it might have been a great avenue to promote and network with fellow peers initially, much of social media has regressed over the years. Nowadays, we are seeing an increased aversion towards its application especially upon the creative industries. But all of this isn't new, is it? And where are the solutions, if any at all? Welcome to a brand new mini series covering our proposed launch of an up and coming digital space, suite of professional tools and dedicated ecosystem for the arts and culture - Artunio. Throughout the next four episodes, join me and Timotej Vrab as we look into the core issues of mainstream social media and how Artunio presents itself not only as an alternative, but a collective movement hoping to change the landscape once and for all. It's time to take back your creativity, artistic freedom and control of professional choices by changing the way your art is produced and valued! If you resonate, connect with me by Artunio importantworktryLike what we do? Help us grow by The Background DancerYouTube Channelhere here Facebook Instagram Facebook groupSoundtrack: Waterbeat - DJ Lengua | Something Elated - Broke For Free Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:28:17

Special: Dance & Failures | Why Dance? by J-Cast

1/15/2023
Welcome to a whole new wave of specials, featuring a roundtable version of the show alongside two new co-hosts in Jacob Caldwell and Joshua Sailo. Throughout this 10 episode series, we present extracts from our Clubhouse sessions on the Why Dance? by J-Cast clubroom. In our final entry of this special series, we go back to basics. As conventional wisdom goes: Failure is the first step to success, the cliché prevails. The question is, is it that much of a cliché at all? Sometimes, one needs to take a step backward, to then make two steps forward. What were some of your most momentous failures in dance? Here, we discussed how massive failures in our dance journeys proved pivotal in shaping the artists we are today. Join us as we foreground dance in the background! Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:29:52

Special: Dance & Business | Why Dance? by J-Cast

1/1/2023
Welcome to a whole new wave of specials, featuring a roundtable version of the show alongside two new co-hosts in Jacob Caldwell and Joshua Sailo. Throughout this 10 episode series, we present extracts from our Clubhouse sessions on the Why Dance? by J-Cast clubroom. In Round 9, business is the bedrock of modern society - providing the tools for all supply and demand be it in the arts, or otherwise. As artists however, we are often our own businesses and the bedrock of the gig economy. Without freelancers and the ever vibrant gig economy, the arts would crumble. In this extract, we talk about ways to approach dance as a solo entrepreneur, a business person of your own career and a financially savvy decision-maker in an ever changing, unpredictable and often cut-throat industry. Join us as we foreground dance in the background! Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:21:11

Special: Dance & The Future | Why Dance? by J-Cast

12/18/2022
Welcome to a whole new wave of specials, featuring a roundtable version of the show alongside two new co-hosts in Jacob Caldwell and Joshua Sailo. Throughout this 10 episode series, we present extracts from our Clubhouse sessions on the Why Dance? by J-Cast clubroom. In Round 8, we were once called the Avant Garde of society as artists. That’s because it was our jobs to always be prescient in the perception of our futures, of innovations that could be brought forth, of bravely charting uncharted territory. Obviously, artists play a hugely different role today. But thankfully, we still maintain that most valuable trait - the desire to imagine and create a desirable future. Join us as we foreground dance in the background! Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:30:50

Special: Dance & Interdisciplinarity | Why Dance? by J-Cast

12/4/2022
Welcome to a whole new wave of specials, featuring a roundtable version of the show alongside two new co-hosts in Jacob Caldwell and Joshua Sailo. Throughout this 10 episode series, we present extracts from our Clubhouse sessions on the Why Dance? by J-Cast clubroom. In Round 7, we explore the mysteries of dance and its many crossovers with neighboring and distant disciplines, especially with regards to why one should even consider engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration in the first place. Should we cross genres because we can? Is interdisciplinarity the new contemporary? Tune into a discussion on our perspectives and experiences of the multi and inter of dance disciplinary crossovers. Join us as we foreground dance in the background! Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:30:56

Special: Dance & Community | Why Dance? by J-Cast

11/20/2022
Welcome to a whole new wave of specials, featuring a roundtable version of the show alongside two new co-hosts in Jacob Caldwell and Joshua Sailo. Throughout this 10 episode series, we present extracts from our Clubhouse sessions on the Why Dance? by J-Cast clubroom. In Round 6, dancing isn’t always about belonging to the art form, it also comes with a community and support system. How can we build more communities and strengthen existing ones in dance? For this session, we were joined by another contributing voice and the first clubhouse attendee to have called in, Thomas. Join us as we foreground dance in the background! Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:31:16

Special: Dance & Education | Why Dance? by J-Cast

11/6/2022
Welcome to a whole new wave of specials, featuring a roundtable version of the show alongside two new co-hosts in Jacob Caldwell and Joshua Sailo. Throughout this 10 episode series, we present extracts from our Clubhouse sessions on the Why Dance? by J-Cast clubroom. In Round 5, Dance and Education, perhaps the most fundamental element in a dancer’s journey from their first steps in the studio, all the way through their first steps into full fledged professional life. At the end of the day, the level of education one undergoes significantly affects their prospects of succeeding within this field, but how so? And what are some of the potential pitfalls one can and should avoid at all cost? Join us as we foreground dance in the background! Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:28:33

Special: Dance & Philosophy | Why Dance? by J-Cast

10/16/2022
Welcome to a whole new wave of specials, featuring a roundtable version of the show alongside two new co-hosts in Jacob Caldwell and Joshua Sailo. Throughout this 10 episode series, we present extracts from our Clubhouse sessions on the Why Dance? by J-Cast clubroom. In Round 4, how does dance and philosophy intertwine as an art form? Is dance a philosophy itself? Much of dance has evolved from a performative act into the universal thought process and stream of consciousness that has shaped the world around us. Behind every text spoken, is movement as a communicative language. Behind the aesthetics of dance is also humans' basic need to share and connect beyond the ring of philosophical fire that has made art what it is today. Join us as we foreground dance in the background! Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:27:20

Special: Dance & Technology | Why Dance? by J-Cast

10/2/2022
Welcome to a whole new wave of specials, featuring a roundtable version of the show alongside two new co-hosts in Jacob Caldwell and Joshua Sailo. Throughout this 10 episode series, we present extracts from our Clubhouse sessions on the Why Dance? by J-Cast clubroom. In Round 3, we dived into the complex and imminent world of dance technology, from the perspective of resistance, acceptance and prescience of different innovations within dance and the performing arts. From disabilities, to robotics, to software as a service, the world is our oyster when it comes to the marriage between dance and technology. How has technology influenced us in the most impactful ways? Join us as we foreground dance in the background! Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:26:08

Special: Dance & Leadership | Why Dance? by J-Cast

9/18/2022
Welcome to a whole new wave of specials, featuring a roundtable version of the show alongside two new co-hosts in Jacob Caldwell and Joshua Sailo. Throughout this 10 episode series, we present extracts from our Clubhouse sessions on the Why Dance? by J-Cast clubroom. Round 2 posited why dance is a great avenue to develop and apply leadership skills. It is complex, consists of a diverse population and is relatively low stakes. What else could one ask for as training wheels to one day become a leader in the performing arts or even within other sectors? Here, we elaborated on the experiences of our art collectives and what were some of the best lessons derived. Join us as we foreground dance in the background! Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:35:57

Special: Dance & Protest | Why Dance? by J-Cast

9/4/2022
Welcome to a whole new wave of specials, featuring a roundtable version of the show alongside two new co-hosts in Jacob Caldwell and Joshua Sailo. Throughout this 10 episode series, we present extracts from our Clubhouse sessions on the Why Dance? by J-Cast clubroom. In this debut entry, we discussed how different schemas, mindsets and social upbringings have influenced the way we approach dance, perceive the world and vice versa. Knowledge is vast and timeless, constantly everchanging and varies geographically, politically and temporally. Is this one way of knitting the world closer? And is that a powerful and often unconscious advantage that dancers hold? Join us as we foreground dance in the background! Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:31:17

Special: Dancers' Adversities | J-Cast

8/14/2022
What was the worst dance injury you've ever experienced? How did you eventually overcome it? As a dancer, injuries are almost a given. Some are little niggles, others are massive and potentially career-ending. Since everyone is bound to suffer at the fate of the injury bug at some point, shouldn't there be more support systems in place to prepare a dancer for such circumstances? In this very case, it's most definitely recovery over prevention as prevention is almost impossible. As part of another special entry leading up to the launch of Season 2 in 2023, EP.40 officially introduces the J-Cast, the three-men crew on the bi-weekly Clubhouse sessions. We are basically the roundtable version of the podcast, which makes this episode an apt choice for our special series. Furthermore, this was also recorded on the back of two members having suffered major injuries. How did they survive? Listen to find out! Joshua SailoAll House Dance CollectiveHarkness Center for Dance InjuriesSoundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:01:38:11

Special: The Thesis

7/31/2022
How does intercultural exchange influence dance? And are people as interdisciplinary as art is? Upon receiving a plea to help out a friend's graduate thesis, a study which investigates how the reality of intercultural exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration and working in Slovakia as a foreign artist all intertwine in the year 2022, we duly complied in providing the best possible account. After being based here in Central Europe for the past three years, there inevitably exists an impression or two about the local landscape. Continuing our special episode series as we build up for the launch of Season 2 in 2023, this episode explores how some of the most critical aspects of the global dance market have combined to develop Jason as an artist. Ready to fulfill your own Background Dancer journey? Join us as we foreground dance in the background! Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk | Waterbeat - DJ Lengua Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:22:15

Special: Cultural Wars of the Invasion | Oleksandra Korotchuk

6/5/2022
What would it take to finally gain cultural and political independence from Russia? How is the cultural landscape changing amidst this relentless conflict? After many false promises of a no invasion stance from President Putin, Russia crossed the border into Ukraine under the guise of a special military operation on February 24, 2022. Almost three months on, that so-called operation continues to wage on in the form of a full scale war. But even after incessant shelling, killing and unspeakable atrocities, Ukraine perseveres. Amongst those who chose to stay is Oleksandra Korotchuk, a Ukrainian artist and recent graduate of the Academy of Fine arts in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia. Her professional experience have included working as a film director, director of photography, photographer and video editor for the likes of Alliance Francaise and the Puppet Theatre in Banska Bystrica. What is it like to be an artist based there now? What is in store for Ukrainian artists heading into the future? What’s next in this evidently cultural war? Throughout this special episode, we explore the five biggest lessons learnt as a Ukrainian artist, told from the experiences of Oleksandra herself. Ready to dive deep into the cauldron of topical fire? Join us as we foreground dance and arts in the background! Oleksandra KorotchukInstagramOn Cultural OccupationHow Ukrainians are saving art during the warHistory between Ukraine and Russia Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:01:27:33

Finale: Becoming the Background | Season Round-up

3/1/2022
So, we have come full circle and successfully completed a full season of content and creation! While it has not been easy, it was through your truest support and consistency to the show that we have made it. 10 categories, 12 months' worth of content! What do you think about personal anecdotes, stats, tokens of gratitude and so on? As they all obviously provide a very different outlook, it's important to round up with as comprehensive a rundown as possible. Concluding the first season, this episode explores crucial aspects of the show in how it has grown, changed and consolidated itself as a one of a kind platform. Ready to fulfill your own Background Dancer journey? Join us as we foreground dance in the background and see you all very soon! Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly | Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk | Hidden - Darkstorm & Diabolik Support the showLike what we do? Help us grow by The Jacob's Pillow 2024The School Digital On Demand StreamsThe Background DancerYouTube Channelhere backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.comsurvey here Facebook Instagram Facebook group

Duration:00:40:36