Figuring Out the Left Side is a podcast for dancers, educators, and choreographers, hosted by Olivia Lou—a retired professional dancer and experienced teacher. Through expert interviews and insightful discussions, this podcast provides a space for learning, growth, and community. Its mission is to inspire and support dance professionals at every stage, helping to shape not only skilled dancers, but thoughtful artists and humans.
Welcome back to Figuring Out the Left Side! SEASON TWO!!
We are starting season two with one of my most requested episodes... All things judging! And today's guest is one of the most sought-after judges in the dance competition industry. From performing in Hamilton for 4.5 years to delivering high quality judging behind the table, she is such a brilliant artist with one of the most positive souls I've met! Please welcome Meghan Faddis to the pod! We discuss all your burning questions you have for judges and of course shares her Hot Mess Express dance ick! Let's Listen, Learn, & Grow Together!
For more information or to reach out to host Olivia Lou please visit :
https://olivialoudance.com/
Please consider to share, comment, and follow show! Thank you!
22 Apr 2026
Backstage Pass: Professional Dance Team Coach
On today’s episode, Nadeen gives us an inside look at what it’s like to coach a professional dance team. As the new director of the Washington Spirit’s dance and entertainment team, Spirit Crew—she shares her journey and insights from the industry. With four seasons of experience dancing for the NBA’s Washington Wizards and performing live alongside major recording artists, Nadeen brings both expertise and inspiration. She offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on what it takes to make a professional dance team—and to successfully lead one. As always, let’s sit back, listen , learn, and grow together!
14 Mar 2026
Backstage Pass: AUDITIONS
Today's episode is all about the 5 aspects of auditions:
1. Prep
2. Research
3.The Look
4. The Process
5. Results
Olivia Lou takes you through each aspect with advice, knowledge, and tips to help prepare you for audition season! Let's Listen, Learn, and Grow Together!
You can follow Olivia Lou for all things dance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivialoudance?igsh=NDZsOG5vdzhoNXVo&utm_source=qr
You can book Olivia Lou for podcast interviews or dance masterclasses on her website https://olivialoudance.com/
9 Feb 2026
Backstage Pass: Dance Competitions - Harmful or Helpful?
In today's episode Olivia Lou discusses everything Dance Compeitions. Are they harmful or helpful? Are they worth attending? Many studios have just begun the official competing season and she shares many important things for your dancer to remember as they begin hitting the stage!
21 Jan 2026
Backstage Pass: Your Host Olivia Lou
Welcome to a little bit of a different episode today... with the new year and new listeners I thought I would take the time to give you an episode on my dance background and how it lead me to this podcast today!
7 Jan 2026
Backstage Pass: Life of a NYC Professional Dancer
Welcome Courtney Lopes to the podcast! She is a professional dancer in NYC with the Mark Morris Dance Group. On today's episode, she talks about what being a dancer in NYC looks like and just when you are about to give up, you may just book your dream job! She is truly so inspiring!! Let's sit back, Listen, Learn, & Grow together.
15 Oct 2025
Backstage Pass: A Dancer's Ultimate Balancing Act
Today I sat down with the hilarious & brilliant, Chris Saunders. We talked about the dancer's ultimate balancing act... being a performer, educator, student, AND human being with a social life. How do we do it all in 7 days a week.. I don't know. we are TIRED! but its oh so worth it... Let's Listen, Learn, & Grow Together!
1 Oct 2025
Backstage Pass: Owning a Dance Company
Today I sat down with Leah Mariner & discussed her role as an owner of a dance company. She gives us an inside look on how she got start and grew such a successful company in only 9 years! She is truly the definition of a BOSS! If you have this same interested and don't know where to start this is the episode for you! Let's Listen, Learn, & Grow together!
17 Sept 2025
Backstage Pass: Director of a Performing Arts High School Dance Program
Today I sat down with the brilliant Jamie Howes, the Director of the Colgan Performing Arts High School Dance Program. Jamie shares her knowledge on the benefits of attending an arts school, gives insight to the process of auditioning for her program, and gives tips for professionals looking to take this avenue in their dance career. As always, let's sit down, listen, learn, & grow together!
10 Sept 2025
Backstage Pass: Hip-Hop Aesthetics
Today I sat down with Neo Lynch, a seasoned commercial dancer with performance credits alongside Beyonce, Ciara, Gucci Mane, Bow Wow, and The Ying Yang Twins to name a few. From hip hop aesthetics, to its history and everything in between, we truly talk about it all and hold nothing back! Let's Listen, Learn, and Grow Together.
3 Sept 2025
Backstage Pass: NFL Cheerleader
Today I sat down with Jessie Casey, a 5x Command Force Cheerleader, 2x Team Captain, and the 2025 Commanders Pro Bowl Cheerleader! In this Episode, we dive into her inspiration for joining the team, insight into the organization, tips for auditioning, game day experience, and of course the Hot Mess Express Train comes through with her dance "ick"! We truly discuss it ALL - dive in and lets Listen, Learn, & Grow together!
21 Jul 2025
New dance podcast coming this Fall!
Figuring Out the Left Side is a podcast for dancers, educators, and choreographers, hosted by Olivia Lou—a retired professional dancer and experienced teacher. Through expert interviews and insightful discussions, the podcast provides a space for learning, growth, and community. Its mission is to inspire and support dance professionals at every stage, helping to shape not only skilled dancers, but thoughtful artists and humans.
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