Meet Cody Berkeley, a renowned dance teacher and choreographer in the ballet and competition studio world. Originally from Dallas, Cody excelled on the competition circuit while growing up, and in his senior year was awarded a full scholarship to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia courtesy of the NYCDA College Scholarship Foundation. Since graduating with a BFA in Dance Performance, Cody has danced for Clairobscur Dance Company in LA, Dark Circles Contemporary Dance USA in Dallas, and toured with Step One Dance Company. Since focusing on teaching/choreographing, Cody has taught at Ellison Ballet School and currently leads Greenwich Ballet Academy’s contemporary program. He has received awards from Youth America Grand Prix and the University Ballet Competition for his choreography and coaching. Follow Cody @codyberkeleydance.

Meet Ashton Roxander, principal dancer with the Philadelphia Ballet. Originally from California, Ashton comes from a dance family—both his parents were dancers, and his brother currently dances with American Ballet Theater. Hear about Ashton’s journey, from being taught by his parents, to training with Boston Ballet before joining Philadelphia Ballet. Follow Ashton @ashtonroxander. 

Meet Jason Yang-Westland—dancer and musical theatre performer living in London. Originally from New Zealand, Jason has danced with Melbourne City Ballet, Royal Caribbean Productions, and Paris Disneyland, as well as in the West End productions of The King and I and Your Line April. He was a dancer in the Wonka film and has also appeared in major productions worldwide of Mary Poppins, The Phantom of the Opera, Memphis, West Side Story, and Grease. Having grown up in the competitive dance scene, Jason is now also an adjudicator, teacher, and choreographer.  Follow @jyangwestland. 

Meet Tymin Keown—dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Tymin is from Victoria, BC, and started dancing at the relatively late age of 16, first in musical theatre before focusing on dance. Hear about how Tymin was able to catch up, thanks to his intense drive, passion, and family support. Follow Tymin @tyminkeown and Royal Winnipeg Ballet @rwballet.

Meet Taylor Roper—owner of House of Dance, a top competitive studio in Ontario, Canada. Taylor is a former dancer with Tokyo Disney Sea and Royal Caribbean, and in his youth, he was an elite competitive dancer. In our conversation, Taylor unpacks his experience growing up a boy dancer in the suburbs, his professional dance career, and what his life looks like now as a studio owner, including the challenges and wins. Follow Taylor on IG @taylor_roper and his studio @houseofdanceca.

Meet E. Clayton Cornelious—otherwise known as E. Clay! He’s been in 10 Broadway shows including A Chorus Line, The Music Man, The Lion King, Ain’t Too Proud, and Beautiful: The Carol King Musical. He was also in the televised Jersey Boys Live with Nick Jonas; in Rat Pack in London’s West End; and in national tours of Kinky Boots, Hairspray, and more; on TV in The Marvelous Mrs. Mazel; and he’s a 2-time Tony Award-nominated producer! Hear about his career journey doing some of the most iconic Broadway shows. Follow him on IG @eclaycorn and visit his website www.eclaycorn.com.

Meet Jeremy Villas, a former child Broadway performer and contemporary ballet dancer. Jeremy was on Broadway in Kinky Boots when he was 11 and trained for most of his life at the Alvin Ailey School of Dance. He graduated from the Professional Performing Arts High School in New York and recently graduated from the dance program at The Juilliard School. In our podcast, Jeremy reflects on his time on Broadway, growing up as a dancer, and his exciting post-graduation plans. Hint—it involves dancing professionally! Hear Jeremy’s story and follow him on IG @jeremytvillas.