Erik Cavanaugh (Dicks: The Musical, SavageXFenty, Apple Billboard) joins us on Words That Move Me this week!
Breaking Barriers in Dance: Erik Cavanaugh on Body Representation, Big City Dreams, and Creating Inclusive Spaces
In this inspiring episode, groundbreaking dancer Erik Cavanaugh shares his journey of reshaping the dance world and challenging body stereotypes. Drawing on his experiences across fashion, television, film, and advertising, Erik reveals:
His surreal moment seeing himself on billboards in major cities worldwide—from Times Square to Tokyo—and the emotional impact of representation in an industry that often excludes diverse body types
Practical wisdom for dancers considering relocating to major entertainment hubs like LA and New York, including why building a strong foundation before making the leap can prevent burnout
The frustrating reality of costume departments failing to accommodate plus-size performers, forcing dancers like Erik to bring their own wardrobe or make last-minute purchases out of pocket
As the creator of the movement "Dancers Come In All Sizes," Erik is committed to mentoring the next generation and creating spaces where all body types feel welcome in dance. Whether you're a performer facing body discrimination or someone passionate about creating more inclusive creative industries, this conversation offers both validation and actionable insights for breaking barriers and embracing your authentic artistic voice.
Watch the full episode here!
Show Notes:
Connect with Erik on IG
Watch Dicks the musical
Take Erik’s class in Nashville
Watch Holland
For more DANA
For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY
To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER
To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES
Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE
Stay connected with us on IG and
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47:30
236. Jasmine JB Badie: Short and Sweet and Seriously Smart
The Choreographer's Canvas: Jasmine JB Badie on Redefining Stage Direction
As both a performer and creator, JB knows the distinction between dance class choreography and effective stage direction. Whether you're a dancer looking to transition into choreography or a creative director developing your leadership style, this conversation offers loads of wisdom for crafting performances that serve the vision while preserving the humanity of everyone involved.
Drawing on her experiences with Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, and more, Jasmine breaks down:
Why her "humane choreographer" approach prioritizes kindness and efficiency over intimidation, creating better results without the trauma
The pivotal moment when mentor Gil texted that he and Janet Jackson wanted to attend her show, culminating in a full-circle career validation
The importance of purpose-driven choreography—why she refuses to create exhausting "class routines" when they don't serve the artist or audience
Her unique creative process focused on viewpoint and feeling rather than technical complexity
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
Connect with JB on Instagram
Watch the seaweed sisters at Vibe
Victoria Monet BET awards
Listen to the seaweed sisters episode
Listen to Mandy’s episode
Listen to Tony’s episode
Listen to Gary’s episode
Listen to Toni’s episode
Listen to Good Questions episode
For more DANA
For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY
To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER
To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES
Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE
Stay connected with us on IG and
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1:02:25
235. Body Wisdom & Food Freedom for Performers with Sherry Lin
Reimagine Your Relationship to Wellness by Understanding Food, Hunger, and Hormones with Sherry Lin
In this eye-opening episode, dancer and registered dietitian Sherry Lin shares her holistic, non-diet approach to nutrition and wellness. Drawing on her thirteen years of experience specializing in eating disorders, gut health, and performance nutrition, Sherry breaks down:
The three types of hunger we experience (physical, emotional, and mental) and how to identify each in your body
Why restrictive approaches to eating often backfire and how an “affirmative voice” can transform your relationship with food
The surprising truth about hormonal cycles and metabolism—including why we experience intense cravings during certain phases
As the founder of Rhythm and Nutrition and a professional dancer with an MFA from the University of Michigan, Sherry brings a unique perspective on body awareness and nutritional needs. Whether you’re struggling with disordered eating patterns or simply want to develop a healthier relationship with food, this conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone looking to nourish both body and soul.
Watch the episode here.
Show Notes:
Connect with Sherry on IG
Learn how to work with Sherry
Listen to my episode on Grit vs. Grace
For more DANA
For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY
To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER
To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES
Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE
Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok
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58:31
234.The Movement Multi-hyphenate: Samø Soto’s Journey from Breaking Battles to Breaking Falls
Beyond Boundaries: The Multifaceted Journey of Samø Soto
Join us for a revealing conversation with Samø Soto, a professional who has masterfully navigated the transition from B-boy to Stuntman while challenging industry perceptions about artistic identity.
In this episode, Samø shares the emotional complexities of expanding beyond dance—the guilt, the external perceptions, and the struggle to be seen as multidimensional in an industry that prefers singular labels. Despite his passion for choreography and battling still burning bright, he’s determined to prove his commitment to stunts while advocating for a world that embraces versatility.
What you’ll discover:
The internal conflict of pursuing multiple passions while fighting against binary job labels
How dance fundamentally prepared him for stunt work through adaptability and quick choreographic thinking
His journey from being the “weakest link” in crew battles to finding his unique contribution through dynamic movement
Why dancers have the “biggest cheat code” in entertainment with unprecedented access across production departments
This conversation reveals how dancers occupy a position in the entertainment hierarchy not practiced often—a “hallway lined with doors” offering opportunities to explore lighting, wardrobe, stunts, and beyond. Samø’s story is a powerful testament to creative evolution and finding strength in versatility.
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
Connect with Samø on Instagram
For more DANA
For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY
To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER
To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES
Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE
Stay connected with us on IG and TikTok
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57:38
233. Toni Basil: The Extraordinary Life and Art of the “Hey Mickey” Hitmaker
Behind the Curtain: The Extraordinary Life and Art of Toni Basil
Featuring legendary Choreographer, Dancer, Director, Producer, Recording Artist, Historian, and “Hey Mickey” hitmaker Toni Basil in a rare, intimate conversation! We explore her remarkable career spanning decades in entertainment, from backstage memories as Vaudeville royalty to collaborating with icons like Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Bette Midler, and Tina Turner.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
– How Toni’s behind-the-scenes childhood at the Chicago Theater shaped her love for performance
– The creative process behind Elvis’ in “Viva Las Vegas” assisting David Winters
– Her unexpected journey to becoming co-director for David Bowie after connecting through their shared mime vocabulary
– Insights on working with superstars who “care about their legacy” and the work ethic behind true stardom
This conversation reveals how following your artistic intuition—even when it leads to unexpected places—can create a lifetime of extraordinary creative collaborations. Toni’s fascinating stories illuminate how being fully present in each moment helped her navigate a groundbreaking career across film, television, and music.
Watch the full episode here.
Show Notes:
Follow Toni on:
IG: officialtonibasil
X:Toni_Basil
YouTube: ToniBasilsHouse
TikTok: officialtonibasil
Listen to Toni’s re-release of “Breakaway”
Watch Hey Mickey
Watch Toni in West Side Story
Watch Toni’s parents’ Vaudville Act
Watch Toni’s aunt and uncle in a silent film from 1919
Watch Toni’s judges’ demo from Street Beat 2024
Watch Street Beat
Watch Shopping A-Z
For more DANA
For coaching with me, join the WTMM COMMUNITY
To donate to WTMM through our Fiscal Sponsor, THE DANCE RESOURCE CENTER
To shop for GOODIES & SERVIES
Watch and Subscribe on YOUTUBE
Stay connected with us on
The dance podcast where movers and shakers like you get the information and inspiration you need to navigate your creative career with clarity and confidence. Master mover, Dana Wilson, taps into 20 years of industry experience, and talks to some of the best in the entertainment biz, who have been there and done that so that you don’t have to… do it alone.
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