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The Background Dancer

Jason Yap
Dance Masterclass
Ageism In Dance
Skool (app)
Mental Health
Performance Art
Choreographing Your Dance Career
Dance Hub Community
Psychotherapy
Dance Age
Winston Reynolds
Alexandra Beller
Dance Education
Curriculum Reform
Malaysia
Dancers
Transferable Skills
Contemporary Dance
Dance
Radio
Lauren Ashlee Messina

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 prepari... more

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Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Background Dancer

Latest Episodes

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 ... more

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 M... more

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 opport... more

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 t... more

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 i... more

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 ... more

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 ... more

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 mean... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Zuna Vesan Kozánková
Slovak choreographer and movement practitioner
Collaborator with Milan Kozánek; author of The Tao of Movement
Episode: The Tao of Movement | Zuna Vesan Kozánková
Jacob Caldwell
Storyteller and artistic activist; founder of All House Dance Collective
All House Dance Collective
Episode: Dance's Last Slalom | J-Cast
Joshua Sailo
Artist working across dance, music, photography and visual art; co-founder of 206 Dance Collective
206 Dance Collective
Episode: Dance's Last Slalom | J-Cast
Verena Stenke
Co-founder of VestAndPage, performance artist
VestAndPage
Episode: Performing towards Performance Arts | VestAndPage
Andrea Pagnes
Co-founder of VestAndPage, performance artist
VestAndPage
Episode: Performing towards Performance Arts | VestAndPage
Caitlin Sloan
Former professional dancer, entrepreneur and career mentor
Brainy Ballerina
Episode: Business with the Brainy Ballerina | Caitlin Sloan
Terry Hyde
Dance counsellor and psychotherapist, founder of Counselling for Dancers and STEPS
Counselling for Dancers; STEPS
Episode: Conversation with a Dance Counsellor | Terry Hyde
Lauren Ashlee Messina
Founder of Skool Dance and leader of the Dance Hub community
Skool Dance / Dance Hub Community
Episode: Communing Dance in Skool | Lauren Ashlee Messina
Sharmilla Ganesan
Writer, journalist, and arts and culture critic with extensive experience in Malaysia's arts scene
Bfm 89.9 (former), Creador Foundation (content manager)
Episode: Podcast Killed the Radio Star | Sharmilla Ganesan

Host

Jason Yap
Host of The Background Dancer

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 34 ratings
  • Seeing how Jason has been able to expand his podcast over time has been inspiring. From the dance interviews he started with, he's moved into topics like entrepreneurship and technology that I never associated with dance. It's fascinating to hear how Jason connects all these topics but he always makes it easy for the listener to see the connection. Highly recommended!

    Podchaser
    5
    Jonathan
    5 years ago
  • For anyone with an interest in dance, business or both, this is a must

    I just listened to three episodes of this podcast for the first time, back to back. An hour and a half just flew by and that’s really a great sign of a great podcast!

    I am not a dancer. I am not in the dance / arts industry. The closest I’ve got is dressing some dancers for events (I’m a bespoke tailor and also host of the Tailoring Talk podcast).

    But one thing I do know and love is business. As an entrepreneur, I got so much out of just three episodes and I cannot wait to hear more. The princ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bobby Revilla
    United Kingdom5 years ago
  • 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

    A different type of podcast. I loved Edel’s episode and every other episode brings a new perspective to self growth and mindset. I give it 5 star since 10 is not an option ♥️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RominaRow
    United States5 years ago
  • Amazing podcast for dancers/dance enthusiasts

    The Background Dancer is such a great and inspiring podcast revealing the challenges faced in the dance world. As these challenges in the performing arts are not normally openly discussed, it has been so useful for me as a early career dance artist to soak up these practical tips and advice from both Jason and his guest speakers.

    I strongly recommend this podcast to anybody! Whether you are a professional who can resonate with these, pre-professional who is looking into your next step, dance en... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Flexiballity
    United Kingdom5 years ago
  • I love your podcast so much Jason, it's amazing. It's very interesting and entertaining. I think it's very useful for dancers and everyone else who is working in art industry. And also for those who are in the background of course. It's also useful for me because I am a dancer. Thank you for making this podcast. I learned a lot from the podcast and found out a lot of information about art industry that I didn't know before. I like that you have awesome guests and you are discussing different int... more

    Podchaser
    5
    MartinaBenkova
    5 years ago
  • The Background Dancer integrates the different aspects of this extensive performing arts form in a way that is so inclusive, informative, and inspiring! I've loved listening to the journey so far and I'm really looking forward to the next seasons!

    Podchaser
    5
    Jo
    5 years ago
  • I like how professionally the podcasts are. It is nice to see that young generation understands that dancers need knowledge. It is the step forward to connect art not only to the artists, but to whole society. Jason is doing his job with incredible passion!!

    Podchaser
    5
    anickalabat
    5 years ago
  • Dance podcast by Asian dancer!!!!

    Yayyyy! So happy to know that my school senior is starting a podcast talking everything about dance!! Hopefully it reaches not only to people who make dance, learn dance or watch dance but also the people who didn’t know much about dance. 🤩🤩 A very informative podcast and fun to listen to on the way to my training 🤪🤪

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    叔歌
    Hong Kong5 years ago
  • Brilliant podcast, topics and host of course! I would highly recommend it to all who are passionate about art.

    Podchaser
    5
    Oleksandra Korotchuk
    5 years ago
  • I am very impressed by the way Jason curates the podcast. He posits dance in context to give audience a bigger picture of how performing arts relates with the real world. Despite this web of relationships is such a vast and complicated one, I am able to follow along under Jason's well organized topics and his clear articulation of thoughts. Highly recommended!

    Podchaser
    5
    Silver Yee
    5 years ago
  • 1.我最喜歡這個podcast最主要的原因是它以舞蹈為主題。而且所討論的方向都比較偏向於幕後,類似Dance Magazine、舞蹈的成立還有馬來西亞的舞蹈發現......一般民眾比較少機會去了解的部分。

    2.這個頻道的頭像/logo可能可以設計得活潑一些/可以吸引聽眾的目光。或是以一些有趣的主題、並且能讓聽眾的容易理解,產生共鳴。例如:大眾對舞蹈的刻板印象/大眾覺得舞蹈系都在幹嘛/以舞蹈為職業......等等

    3.我會想要把這個podcast推薦給馬來西亞學舞蹈的人......無論是否想要往專業的方向發展。因為我覺得馬來西亞的資訊傳達不夠迅速,很多舞蹈領域上的人事物都無法傳達及分佈到其他州,僅限與某個城市。

    所以我覺得這個podcast是可以讓你在舞蹈領域上增加很多知識的一個頻道

    Podchaser
    5
    Wenchinhang
    5 years ago
  • I’m absolutely loving it - it’s very insightful, raw and just honest. I love that you have guests on too to talk about their experiences and for them to provide some words of wisdom! I would definitely recommend to friends - particularly those who have graduated from dance/performing arts/drama amidst a pandemic! Keep up the great work🙌🏽💙✨

    Podchaser
    5
    dancersmindset
    5 years ago
  • The Background Dancer is what I have been searching for…

    What I enjoy most about The Background Dancer Podcast is that it is incredibly unique. I have yet to find any podcast that fully encompasses the world of performance art—and more exclusively, dance! Jason also has a bona fide talent for podcasting. His voice is clear, distinct, and intuitive. The Background Dancer brings the topic and discussion of dance into the foreground!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    By Jacob Caldwell
    United States5 years ago
  • What I enjoy most about The Background Dancer Podcast is that it is incredibly unique. I have yet to find any podcast that fully encompasses the world of performance art—and more exclusively, dance! Jason also has a bona fide talent for podcasting. His voice is clear, distinct, and intuitive. The Background Dancer brings the topic and discussion of dance into the foreground!

    Podchaser
    5
    Jacob Caldwell
    5 years ago
  • New, insightful, thought provoking

    It was an absolute honor to be on “The Background Dancer”. I love how unique the content is and how it goes beyond just a typical conversation about dance. I felt like I was able to discuss new topics I hadn’t even thought of before, instead of revisiting the questions I’m usually asked about my own dance life. Jason was incredibly easy to talk to and was so thoughtful and intentional in his words.

    ”The Background Dancer” puts dance into context of the reality of the world we live in, instead o... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Starbuddy
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Offers accessible, industry-insider insights into the realities of the dance world and its business side.
Provides fresh perspectives on self-growth and mindset through unique guest formats.
Presents rare cross-cultural viewpoints on dance ecosystems and leadership in the arts.
Highly actionable and inspiring for both dancers and non-dancers with a business mindset.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Top Performing Arts Podcasts

The Moth
The MothThe Moth
Spooked
SpookedKQED and Snap Studios
Snap Judgment
Snap JudgmentSnap Judgment and PRX
The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas
The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery DramasAdam Graham|Old Time Radio Detective Host
LeVar Burton Reads
LeVar Burton ReadsLeVar Burton and Stitcher
RISK!
RISK!RISK!

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Business with the Brainy Ballerina | Caitlin Sloan
Q: What makes a dancer, in Caitlin's view?
She believes that being a dancer is an intrinsic aspect; everyone has a rhythm and passion inside them, which can be drawn out by the right environment and guidance.
Business with the Brainy Ballerina | Caitlin Sloan
Q: If Caitlin were not Brainy Ballerina, what would she have pursued?
She would have liked to be a writer or librarian, reflecting her love of books and storytelling in addition to dance.
Business with the Brainy Ballerina | Caitlin Sloan
Q: What is Caitlin's dance-related guilty pleasure?
She humorously confessed to enjoying So You Think You Can Dance as a guilty pleasure, while acknowledging other shows like Dancing with the Stars as a source of inspiration for learning ballroom technique.
Business with the Brainy Ballerina | Caitlin Sloan
Q: Who was Caitlin's dance idol growing up?
She was inspired by Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner from ABT Now, whose performances she studied on VHS and later had the opportunity to work with early in her career.
Business with the Brainy Ballerina | Caitlin Sloan
Q: What is Caitlin's favorite dance company apart from the ones she worked for?
Caitlin expressed admiration for Pacific Northwest Ballet and cited specific performances that inspired her, highlighting her appreciation for leadership and artistry in that company.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Background Dancer

What is The Background Dancer about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A bi-weekly deep-dive into the business, education, and health of the dance and performing arts ecosystems. Episodes thread through entrepreneurship, pedagogy, management, and wellness, often featuring choreographers, educators, arts journalists, and dance professionals who illuminate practical paths for building sustainable careers in and around dance. Highlights include conversations about interdisciplinary practice, community-building, funding and leadership, mental health, and the shifting media and tech landscape impacting live performance. The show stands out for its global perspectives (Asia, Europe, US), candid career guidance, and a clear emphasis on helping artists navigate off-stage opportunities while staying creatively engaged.... more

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How many episodes of The Background Dancer are there?

The Background Dancer launched 5 years ago and published 91 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Background Dancer?

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What guests have appeared on The Background Dancer?

Recent guests on The Background Dancer include:

1. Zuna Vesan Kozánková
2. Jacob Caldwell
3. Joshua Sailo
4. Verena Stenke
5. Andrea Pagnes
6. Caitlin Sloan
7. Terry Hyde
8. Lauren Ashlee Messina

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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