The #HotTamaleTrain joins us for episode 80! Mary is known by most fans as the beloved ballroom expert judge/choreographer on FOX's So You Think You Can Dance. As always, we do our Jewcy diligence and get to know Mary beyond what you might know her as on television. She opens up about her childhood and upbringing, as well as her background within physical education and athletics, which eventually led her to ballroom. One momentous story Mary shares is about when she was first starting out in ballroom. Her teacher brought her to a very prestigious ballroom dance competition in the US to show her what is possible within the industry. Mary took one look at the dancers and vowed to herself right there and then that she would be a ballroom dance champion!
She goes into the experiences she had and what eventually led her to opening her own dance studio in San Diego, California. She reflects on the contrast of the dance industry and what has changed with kids/teens coming up in the world of dance. Mary also speaks about the impact the industry has seen due to COVID, including halting the most recent production of SYTYCD and the unknowns for when it will be green-lit to resume.
We also have an in-depth and thorough exchange about the future of dance, including what types of changes are happening to traditional dance culture when it comes to the emergence of advocacy for gender/sexuality, neutrality, diversity and inclusion.
This discussion truly had so many topics and insights that words can't fully summarize. You'll have to watch/listen to the full episode to learn more!
Mary's Links:
Studio Website
Instagram (@hottamaletrain)
Pardon My Mind Links:
YouTube
Instagram (@pardonmymindpod)
Facebook (@pardonmymindpod)
Website