77. Times and Rhymes with Tyce Diorio

Transcript: Intro: This is words that move me, the podcast where movers and shakers like you, get the information and inspiration. You need to navigate your creative career with clarity and confidence. I am your host master mover, Dana Wilson. And if you're someone that loves to learn, laugh and is looking to rewrite the starving artist story, then sit tight, but don't stop moving because you're in the right place.  Dana: Hello, good people and welcome to Words That Move Me. I'm Dana, I'm jazzed that you are here and I am so, so, so excited to share this conversation with one of my favorite people in the biz, Mr. Tyce Diorio who I have known and looked up to for years and years, because if you do not already know Tyce, you are about to find out his career is truly remarkable, um, and vast, so wide reaching. Um, and finally two summers ago, Tyce and I got to work together on In the Heights, which we'll get to chatting about in just a second. But first let's do wins! Let's do wins! Because In the Heights is my win. This week in the Heights, the film is in the world. Please go see it. If you are healthy, if you are comfortable, go see it in a theater because dang it this is the stuff the big screen was built for! I'm  Celebrating in a crazy way inside and outside being a part of the production. More specifically the choreo team that put more than 280 dancers on the big screen. Many of them for the very first time I'd like to add, I genuinely don't have words, which for those of you who listen a lot is, you know, is saying a lot. I don't have words, um, to explain my gratitude or my pride in being a part of this project, but I will try to find them soon because an In the Heights choreo team episode is coming through the pipeline. So buckle up. It's going to be so great. I'm very, very excited. I hope I have more adequate words to explain the way I feel about this project. And of course, we'll be talking a little bit about the process, but In the Heights is in the world. That's my win. Please go see it and share this, win with me. Um, if you've seen it, then heck that can be your win too. But if you haven’t seen it, I'm dying to hear what is going well in your world. It's your turn.  All right. Awesome. Congratulations. I'm so glad that you are winning. Now. Let's dig into this Tyce Diorio Ooh, where do I begin? Tyce is a force to be reckoned with on the dance floor and also in the business. But as you're about to find out that is balanced with tremendous kindness, a gentleness that is difficult to find in this industry and also an appreciation for the simple things like, you know, genuine human connection and friendship. So for those reasons, this episode is strong, but also super, super soft. And you will 100% on a stick around for the laugh attack at the end of the episode, because Tyce and I have a gift that we would like to share with you. And it's so much fun. You do not want to miss it. Your quality of life is about to go so far up. So get ready and enjoy this conversation with the one and only Tyce Diorio  Dana: Tyce Diorio! I am so excited about the conversation that is about to ensue. Thank you so much for being here.  Tyce: Thank you For having me. I'm a fan,   Dana: Um, mutual fandom. I love mutual fandom. Um, most of my listeners, people who know me probably know that I really love versatility and it is possible my friend, that you are the most versatile guest that I have ever had. Um, I think, you know, from being an educator to a movement coach, to a choreographer, to still being a dancer, um, even still dancing in films, shout out In the Heights, which we will definitely get there. Um, but you choreograph for TV, film stage and beyond. Uh, that's the very small nutshell. Now I'm going to ask you to do something. I ask all my guests to do some of them hate me for it, some of them it's awesome. But I'm going to ask you to introduce yourself and simply tell us anything you want us to know about you.   Tyce: Hi, I'm Tyce Diorio. I am a dancer, I'm a choreographer and I'm a really good friend.   Dana: And it's important that your listeners know that. And I will co-sign or back that up with this strong, friendly stamp of approval.   Tyce: I say that because it's really important to me, you know, through dance, you know, I have an amazing tribe of people here in Los Angeles. And so, yeah,   I think that's a really great place to start actually, because I only recently learned that you're born in Brooklyn. Um, and I have a lot of listeners in New York and I have a lot of friends in New York as we're speaking of this. And I know it's a goal for so many to become bi-coastal. Yeah. I'm so curious about how that happened for you and any words of wisdom or tips that you might give somebody who's who's eager to live that life.   Yeah, I mean, growing up in New York, as you know, New York is so fast paced and like, you know, New York and LA are like the leading capitals of dance. So being in New York city, uh, growing up that way, it w you know, it came from a local studio, danced in Manhattan, went to the high school performing arts, the famed high school, performing arts, you know, I was the lucky guy just to be there. And, and, and so, you know, and I have theater right in front of my face. So I, I just, I immersed myself in all of that, as one would do, being in New York city, taking advantage of all the, all of the privileges that came along with that coast. And so, you know, um, I, you know, obviously in New York city, you have to like sing, you have to dance, you have to act. And so it just, it was just no choice. And you have it all available to you. And so many amazing people who, who do that and who educate and who can be a mentor and who can inspire. So, yeah, I spent most of my life in New York City, and we learned a few things about, you know, dance, being a dancer. We learned there was no stability. You know,  You are the stability, you have to find your core, you have to find your leg because you are the center of a very, uh, spinning world. It's important that you know how to spot.   Absolutely. You know? And so, yeah, I, I mean, and then I came to LA and because I was so intrigued by Los Angeles. And   Was it just curiosity at first that that brought you out?   I was on a television show early on, and I had seen what Jackie Sleight was doing for a male dancers. And I, and I was intrigued because I had never, I mean, I was dancing like, you know, New York Dancers dance, we go into a class, we dance our it's an hour warmup. Do you know what I mean? And, and it's just very different. It was very different. And it was like a rivalry rivalry between New York City and LA at the time, and who's better and all that stuff. So I came to LA, I saw Jackie Sleight and I saw the way, you know, like Bill Bole was dancing and Bubba Carr and all that Aaron Cash and all those incredible people. So I came to LA and I just jumped in the water.  Oh my gosh. I love that Jackie Sleight is part of that origin story. She's part of mine as well. Um, I was a young convention dancling when I first met Jackie Sleight and I will never forget her, her teaching style, her way of engaging people with words, as well as with her movement. I am still riveted by her to this very day. She's got to come on the podcast. That woman has so much  Legendary. Coming for you, Jackie I'm coming. Um, thank you also for dishing out some more legendary names. I hope our listeners are taking notes and doing good Googleage after this. Um, well, I'm thrilled that you, you wound up here. I wonder if our paths would have crossed otherwise, but, uh, you and I met through, I think we met personally through a mutual, uh, that's a made up word, a mutual friend, Melanie Benz. And I think that speaks to like the interconnectivity, the importance of relationships in the industry, because it wasn't work that brought you and I together, but work has come since then. Um, and I love that about what we do, but I think it's unique. You know, I think in other industries, let's say the skill is truly the most important thing. And I don't know that that's true for our industry. I think that on par with that is personability, professionalism, um, um, uh, uh, contribution to the process. Um, so I, yeah, I don't know what I, I don't, I don't think there's a lesson there. I guess what I'm encouraging in people is that if you're a good person consider that, a credit on your resume, because it is helpful in the long run.   Absolutely. A hundred percent. I think, even though I came from New York, I came to LA and I instantly met some of the greats. Like I ended up crazy enough working with Michael Peters and like, you know, Paula Abdul, yada yada, yada Vince Patterson, all the greats. And it was, I just felt like my path and I think we all as artists or dancers and we get, we get coupled up with the right energy. It's like a matched energy. I feel so it's like what I was putting in and what I was desiring, all the, all the, the people that came into the pathway were direct matches for me. So I think I knew about process and I, I, I loved process because it is the most important, so I wasn't results driven. So that was really good. And I, I managed to maintain and stay that way. And through today, you know,   Uh, yes, I do know. Um, okay. I want to talk about this idea of matching number one. I want to talk about you matching with Paula Abdul on star search. Um, is that not how you got your break? Was she, how, how did that moment work? I was on star search, uh, you know, um, and then Paul Abdul, funny enough was one of the judges. And, um, I was, but I wasn't on as a soloist. I was on with like two girls. So, you know, that was the connection. And then I went back on star search as a soloist, and then I had won the whole thing. And then I came to LA and Julia McDonalds set up a private audition for me and Paula and I went into a room with her and she, she put on our music and she made me dance. Right. And improv right there.  How old were you at the time? Do you think it was,  I was 18 or 19. Yeah. Wow.   Does it feel oddly full circle to now be involved with a show? Like, so you think you can dance and giving that first break moment to so many dancinglings   That was, that was an interesting, uh, connection and believe it or not that connection. And I say it all the time. That was because of Marty Kudelka. It was Marty Kudelka actually recommended me. He was on Marty was on the first season, I believe. And, um, and I was in New York actually doing, I'd been in Los Angeles living, but I went home. They asked me to do Chicago for a few months. So I did Chicago for like six months. And so I was doing that and having a great time and got a call from Nigel Lithgoe and Jeff Thacker and said, Marty, Kudelka recommended you to choreograph, um, a Fosse piece. And so I flew out to LA on Marty's recommendation, and I never forgot that because, you know, truth be told, not everybody is, is, um, uh, giving enough to recommend people in our industry. And that's just kind of the truth of it all, but I don't, I don't, I just come from, oh, Hey, you have to call so-and-so. You have to, this is that I come from that. So it's, you know, so it's not uncommon to me, but, uh, Marty Kudelka really showed that, you know, um, because our connection with Janet Jackson and then, and how he ended up working with her, you know, um, after I had done some work with her on tour and, and videos and stuff, so,   Thats Right. I'm so glad that you mentioned him and are singing his praises because it reminds me, I think his name is possibly the most mentioned on the podcast. Um, and he is the person that extended a similar kindness to me. Um, and, and many, many, many kindnesses actually throughout my career, I safely can say, I wouldn't have this career without that person at all, not even close. Um, Marty is, you know, people call this a dog eat dog world. And although Marty is my dog, there is, there is nothing dog eat about that person that Marty gives credit where it is due. He's the first to, uh, to share space and make space for other people and their talent. Um, I'm so completely grateful for that. And I actually wonder, do you remember what season that was that you,   So you think I went on the first season. My first show was the finale of the first season. So I went and did a Fosse piece, and then they brought me back season two, and they were like, can you do contemporary? And I was like, yeah, can you do jazz? I was like, yeah, Broadway. I was like, yeah. And then I, I did, like, I did an African Piece and, you know, and when you talk about versatility, I just throw it back to my, the way I trained at my dance studio, my local, the local dance studio. I went to, we were doing all of that at 10 years old. I mean, I had an African dance teacher named Luanis Luanis from Africa and we were dancing. So all these things, all the tapes are still in my mind. So it never leaves you what you were exposed to from your dance studio. And I think that's so important, you know, cause we all come from dance studios and you know, they give us that.   Well, not all of us, but most of certainly most of the people listening to this podcast, do I think they're like me, you know, you talk about finding your people. And I think, yeah, like attracts, like, and I, I grew up a studio kid as well. No African in my dance studio, unfortunately for me. Um, I'm, I'm very jealous of that because the more I learn about what I do, the more I learn the roots and all of it stems from African people. Um, and I am mesmerized by that and I'm always eager to be growing and learning and also sharing and making space for people to get excited about that. Be introduced by that. Um, I think it's a gift to be exposed to many styles that early on, especially African, um, I do want to ask though, because this comes up a lot with friends of mine and it was a part of the story that I told myself early on is that it was not a good thing to be a generalist that LA especially loves a specialist. We're not looking for somebody that's decent at all styles. We're looking for the best Krumper and the best Popper and the world's greatest B-boy like those were what the castings were looking for at the time that I moved out here anyways, which is way, way back in 2005. Um, but did you ever struggle with being categorized a generalist or not as a specialist or were you really just that good at everything?   You mean me as a dancer? You mean me as a dancer? Right. I came to LA and I feel like, um, I was a certain kind of dancer and I w and I think in all of the projects that I, most of the projects I did, I was probably, I was always singled out for a feature or this, or I could, you know, I, I feel like I brought more to the table than just dance. Cause I felt like coming from New York, you were always telling a story and you were always acting and you were always like there was purpose. So it was, you know, it was celebrated, I think, you know, by a lot of different choreographers, you know? So I felt lucky. I felt lucky   You're echoing a few sentiments from a previous episode with Miguel's Zarate where we were talking about the value of not fitting in. And yes, it's great to be a specialist, but let's remember how special it is to be you who's exactly from where you're from and exactly exposed to all the things you were exactly exposed to. And that, that made exactly you and holy smokes. I'm so thrilled that I know you and get to dance with you. Um, so let's talk about that. Okay. Oh, wait back up, back about book before we go forward, we go back just one second on the subject of Marty Kudelka one of the graces that he extended to me was asking, uh, if I would like to collaborate co-choreograph a piece for, so you think you can dance with him is the only time I ever choreographed for the show, we got to work with Jose and Comfort who I, adore and we had an absolute ball. And I remember meeting you on the show. So you must have been there in season seven.  Yeah. I, yeah, I've done a lot of seasons.   I actually know that you've done a lot of seasons because I know that you've done 13 seasons.   Okay. Yeah. Yeah. I, I, yeah, I've done a lot.   Um, I suppose I could ask for outstanding moments. Do you want to talk at all about your Emmy win or is it,   That was absolutely wonderful and sort of crazy, but just to wrap it up in a, um, brief little story of that, I've   Always for a second, I thought you were going to say wrap it up in a tortilla. Cause that was the shape you were making tiny little burrito out of it. This is what it would be into   I’m into it and I'm totally up to it. Um, no, I, I think maybe, uh, I don't know, dancers might be inspired or anybody could be inspired by, um, I always saw myself. I always have these movies in my mind. I think I always saw movies or like this mini movie in my mind. Like I always knew I was, was going to dance with Janet Jackson or I knew I had, but I knew that I was walking up some stairs. I knew I, I saw this movie in my mind. I was walking upstairs and I, I had this gold award in my hand and I was speaking about all the people that I, you know, that helped in that process and, and that, and, and yeah, I didn't know it was going to happen at, So you think you can Dance, but, but it ended up happening and it was a beautiful, magical moment.  And, um, yeah, and the fact that I was able to create a library, I, you know, I, wasn't a choreographer when I got on the show, I, I actually landed that, you know, television show and I just so happened to be dancing the Fosse work. So they felt like I could do this Fosse piece. And I did that. And then I just, I kind of just stayed in each moment and I didn't really get ahead of myself. And I was just kind of like, yeah, I can do that. Cause I knew I just needed to work on my craft and at least find a little tiny voice of as a choreographer. So I did that like a lot. So I took every episode they gave me and I just worked on it. And so eventually it paid off and I started to find a little voice in there. And um, yeah, and I, I met so many people like, you know, Chris Scott, who we'll get to who some of the loves of my life at, at, uh, so you think, and we all, you know, Sonya Taya, Stacy Tookey all these beautiful people, all of them, you know. And, and what a great way to make your muscles as big and strong by helping others to become big and strong. I I've heard, you know, a lot of experiences from the show, from the contestants point of view. And of course it's a ringer, of course it's a challenge. That's the point, it's a competition show and it is also a reality show. So circling back to, it's not always, no, if at all, about your talent, um, which I remember being so frustrated about that show in the beginning when I was, when I was younger, when I was like contestant age, I hated that about the show. And I was like, that's not real life. If this is, if this is a dance show, the best man or woman or person should win. Um, and then I noticed that this was about America's favorite dancer and those aren't always the same person,   Right? Yeah. You know, and from the choreography standpoint, you know, the choreographers are in this, uh, um, little pit, like, you know, we're, you know, we all want to do well. We all want to, to rise to the occasion. So it's, there's the dancers. And then there's the choreographers because yes, it is a reality show. It's television, you know, it was about the pieces that they performed, you know, and the connections between all of us, like I had been there from season one, you know, and all the new choreographers and the great people that I ended up meeting, like Nappy Tabs and Chris, you know, they'd come in and they'd be like, oh my God, I like, or what are they going to say about my number? And I was like, and I remember telling them that because I had been there a bit and went through that same thing. And so I felt it important to say, Hey, listen, you know, they can say what they want about your number, but the truth is is that you leave here with that, that's your work and next week, no one's ever going to remember what they said. So it's like, you just stay, stay, stay with you. You know? So, because I have learned that I've learned that, um, early on there, cause it's, it's a daunting experience because   For sure. And I think that actually spreads beyond that show into, into everything. I think the, the work is what people remember. Um, I'm thinking about myself, like YouTubing specific numbers from that show, I would scrub right through all the chatter at the beginning and I would not stick around for the chatter at the end. Um, I thought that I was alone in that, but I don't think I am. I think you're spot on. Um, so maybe let's stick on that theme for a second on the subject of competition. Um, we talked about the choreography worlds being kind of a dog eat dog world. And we are a community. We are an industry that's working desperately to organize and find ourselves a home, find ourselves some, some semblance of collective bargaining somehow. Um, and it's challenging to do when, when there isn't a sense of unity. Um, I know it's possible because the dance community did it. And I came up through the dance community, which was also dog eat dog, tremendously competitive. And I think there are more dancers than choreographers. So if the dance world could do it, I think the choreography worlds can do it. Um, but I would love to hear your thoughts on competitive nature within our industry. Is it useful? How do you manage it?  That's an amazing question. I'm glad you asked. And, um, I guess after, after, after 2020, um, but even before that, I think for me, I think I was starting to formulate. I've never, you know, I grew up, you know, in the competitive world for a little bit, you know, I, I maybe did competition dance world for like four years, you know, and I grew up competitive and you know, I'm competitive with myself, but I do remember being like seeing some great dancers, like male dancers when I got to LA and never, I never felt the better you were and the more talented you were, I was like, we're going to be friends because I, I need what you have. So I re I never remember being like sharky about any of that ever. The better you are, the more talented, the more we were going to be friends. And I have so many friends that are so, you know, talented and have all those great qualities. So, um, I feel about competition in the industry. I feel even after last year, I, I think, you know, we all have a whole different perspective on life in the world. And so many things that I just decided like, yeah, I know, no, no.  Yeah, no, I'm not going to do that. Oh,   I mean, I mean, I'm an adult, but like, I don't, you know, I just think like, to be competitive and, you know, it's just, that's just not important. It's just so it's so not important. It's so 10 years ago,  it's not in fashion,  It's not even important. Oh God. Like even more so now it's just, yeah. And especially the industry being as hard as it is, you want to add another layer of a layer of competitive newness on it. I just think it's, doesn't serve it. Doesn't serve me. That's for sure. You know, and having to like, yeah, just all the things you have to do in this industry, like, you know, putting the pressure on yourself or, you know, feeling like I have to achieve this by this. I I'm like no, none of, none of that, none of that is important at all. You know? Cause again, it's really about process. It's about connection. I think it's about, um, you know, just get, getting, losing yourself in your art and, and, and not being so results driven because that's, that only can equate to one thing and, you know, and just, and think, think about all the artists you love and that you admire and respect. I think it's really important too, that you know, that the, the, the artist meets the person to, you know, like where the artist meets the person. Cause it's like in our industry, as long as we're talking about industry and the, the reality of it is, is, um, you see things on a TV screen or, um, you know, on, on your phone and it looks as if it's a certain way, but that is not the reality. The reality is, is it's not everything is, as it seems is what I'm saying. So when you, what's great, is that when you meet an artist, whether it be an actor, a singer dancer, choreographer director, yada, yada, yada, that the person actually meets, uh, the artists they're as great as a human, as their artistry, you know? And I'm just keeping it real. I I'm just trying to keep it real just because we're having a conversation. So we're going to talk for real about, yes,   Let's go! There are a lot of smoke and mirrors and that, and actually, and nobody's trying to hide that it's an industry that's based on making things look like something else, the actors are doing it, the set designers doing it, the lighting team is doing it. There's no mystery. Like we are in the business of making something that isn't what it is. Right. So really useful to be what you are to know who you are, so that you can do that with, with clarity and go home and get a good night's sleep at the end of the day. However, it was that you spent your day before that point. Um, okay. So now let's get into talking about how we got to spend some of our days during the summer of 2019. Um, you, you talked about finding a friend in Christopher Scott, and you talked about, you know, the pressure of being on. So You Think You Can Dance the pressure of having a great number. And I think that Chris is somebody who balances being a friend and being a professional who has a seriously high bar of expectations. Um, during the process, it was like no end to achieving the dream. Yeah. It was very rare that he felt like we've got it even up to the days before the shoot or during the freaking shoot. It's still like trying to make it that much better. And one of the, one of the ways I remember you coming into play of this film is we were casting this number. That's very special number in the film called Paciencia y Fe and we, uh, he, he wanted real looking humans, different ages, different sizes, different shapes, but like real looking people that have magic and charisma. And he said, Tyce has to do this. Tyce would be so perfect. Um, and this was, you know, not a, not an easy or natural step for you. I'm sure you were in the middle of other projects and life and work and things. So how was it that, how was it that the project came to you? How did you feel about doing it and what are your thoughts about the process?   Well, um, wildly, you know, I'm wildly a fan of Chris Scott because it's, it's so rare. Um, Chris is, is rare in this industry. And so when you find those golden nuggets, you hang on to them and we really connected at So you Think as people, as people and we just really respected each other's craft and artistry, so that was good. And we just became friends and then, um, cut to, um, you know, I, I had been choreographing at the time. Uh, well I worked with Taylor Swift for about nine years, you know, on yes,   That's right. That's an overlap. Okay. Yes.   And I, um, and we had Chris come in on the 1989 album and do like two or three numbers. Um, and so we connected even more there. And so, uh, it's always been a, uh, uh, like a love fest, like just, you know, and so I was in New York and I got a call and he was like, Hey, um, I think I saw, he might've seen from my Instagram that I was in New York or whatever. And I was like, yeah. And he had mentioned, he's like, I really want you to do In the Heights. And I was like, oh, okay. I was like, I was like, definitely. Absolutely. And the dates ended up working out. And so of course always, always always know, you know, like when, when there's an opportunity to dance and it's people you love and admire and respect all day every day. And I've always done that, you know, as like somebody who's got a project and they asked me, you know, you're more selective now that you're, you know, you know,   Now that the cartilage in your knees is wearing out.   I mean, listen, thank God. My knees are good, but you know, it's like, but I just, I just, um, I love to dance. So, and I love to be with good people that dance and create, so,   Oh, we had so much fun and you're going to be so proud Mayor LaGuardia.   I'm sure. I'm sure it was amazing time. It was amazing. You were so brilliant and perfect as always. And it just like damp that in for sure. It's like a process and process of that was so beautiful and so great. It was run so well, everything was just, it was just such a great experience, you know? And I, I definitely will remember that and, you know, and I got to meet Ebony Williams. And so I was so like enamored by her. I was like, wow. And then I watched her dance and then I was like, wait a minute. I was like, hold on everybody.  Yes, everyone. Hold on.  Did everybody just see that? I was like, we're not just gonna like keep talking after she just did that. What a amazing dancer. Incredible there is. I'm convinced nothing that she cannot do. Wow. Now and I saw her in, um, um, jagged little pill.   Yeah. Okay. So you're a unique person. Well, you're unique in many ways, but you're unique in one specific way, which is that you have been a Broadway dancer who has also been in Broadway film adaptations. I am so curious because I don't have, um, I've workshopped, I’ve skeleton crewed, a few shows for Broadway or off-Broadway to become Broadway shows, but I am so curious to hear your thoughts on what the biggest difference is in terms of being a dancer in each of those spaces, because you take In the Heights, for example, with a few tiny script changes, it's the same show that was on Broadway as it is on film, but what's the difference for the dancer. I would love to hear you thoughts. To be honest with you when I was in New York working on that film, particularly it did, it felt, um, like a product exactly like a Broadway show. What made it feel that way? Well, because there was so much because you're, you are dealing with a theatrical piece that has a, you know, it's a script with song and movement and all the things, all the elements. And for me, I was, I was, and as being in New York and with all those beautiful New York Dancers, um, I just felt like, Hmm. I mean, with the difference of there's no, there's no live orchestra and you know, it,   Or a live audience.   So, um, for me, I mean that particular experience was unique to its own because it felt, it, it felt like we were working on a Broadway show for sure. Yeah, definitely. Because it was just so, um, you know, well thought out and just had so much purpose and   And so much plot. There are so many stories to tell. Um, yeah. And everyone did it. Every ensemble dancer was dancing the story of a main character. Um, and in many cases it also is their story in, in our case, how lucky did we get to have such giving dancers talent in general, who brought themselves their struggle, their success to this process? I mean, I get chills thinking about it. And when I tell you you're going to lose your mind. That 191st street tunnel, uh, you taking that step into that line, in that hat, in that fit, shout out, Mitchell Travers come on, killed the wardrobe. It's one of. Paciencia is one of my, uh, one of my favorite parts of the film. It really feels like the heart to me. I hope that you love it.   Um, sh I'm sure. I'm sure. I mean, it was like when you see the trailer it's, um, in the casting and you hear the music, it's like all the, all the elements have to come together seamlessly. So that it's one thought. And that I felt like, I felt like when I saw the trailer, it's like, you know, you just know, like, you know, when I'd walked down the streets in New York and I'd go see shows all the time you go in, you hear the overture, whatever you're listening to, you, you know, you're in the presence of greatness right away. It doesn't take long, you know, especially in theater, because there's so much, there's so much of the puzzle that goes into making that one overall piece and picture and thought. And so I think in the I'm I know that with In the highest, and I will say I was highly impressed, highly impressed with John Chu and his, and the way he walked by and addressed and spoke to dancers and people and the way, and I was like, it starts at the top   Trickle down.   And he, like, he came over, we were on the train and he was like Tyce. And I was like, what, how do you know my name? And so like, just, and this is where, this is where I go back to saying where the artist meets the person. That's what I'm talking about. That's what I'm talking about because not everybody, not everybody is that human, you know? Yeah, it's true. But John Chu was, I don't have enough words.   I, uh, I love the way he leads and damn I love the way he makes movies. Um, okay. So I, while we're kind of, while we're on the subject of character and working on, on movement, that's human, right? That, that part of the film is a very human moment with a backdrop of beautifully crafted contemporary, and honestly, a gorgeous collision of styles of movement. But the moment itself is a human moment. The backdrop of dances is it is inhuman in a very beautiful way, but I, I, a part of my work that I really, really love is working as a movement coach, much less to do with 5, 6, 7, 8. 1e and a 2e and a. And, um, but I love story. I love characters and I love non-dancers. I know that you also movement coach, and I would love to hear a little bit about your approach to being a movement coach. Um, you've worked with Cameron Diaz, Megan Mullally looking at my notes, Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Christina freaking Applegate, who I simply adore Queen Latifa, Toby McGuire. I mean, come on. Um, so yeah. Are you, are you open to talking a little bit about your approach to that kind of work.   I absolutely love, love, love working with actors and, and just, um, you know, I mean, working with Toby McGuire, let's just say, you know, he's an such an actor's actor, so, you know, but, but the great thing about actors, as you know, it's like, I love approaching it from that perspective. Do you know what I mean? So it just, I always say when I'm teaching, it's like we have to lose the dance in order to get to the dance, you have to lose it. You have to be willing to lose it. And it's very hard for a dancer, especially a dancer to lose the dance because we train to dance. But when you're talking about a story and you're talking about why are we all here? What is the point for us to all be here? And when we're looking at this movement, why are we looking at it? Because it can't be because you do it well, you have to come at it with, what's your, what's the reason for moving? What made you want to take that first step? What is it about the music? What is it about the story? What is it about you, your intention? What are all the things that make you, we want to see you? Yes. So, so I try to approach it that way. And you know, I'm working with Katie Holmes, who's a dear friend. And I mean, I remember working with her very closely and, um, she wanted a dance. She wanted to dance more dance, and then we had done a couple of TV shows and, and then, um, I actually had this great idea put her on So You Think You Can Dance with a bunch of guys and Nigel gave us some funding to do this. Um, and I recreated Judy Garland's Get Happy. And so, and I got to direct it. And so it was absolutely beautiful. So,   Oh my gosh Tyce! We're going to link to all of the performances that you're talking about in the show notes to this episode. I haven't seen that. I cannot wait to see that. I cannot wait to find it and share it with the world. It   It was a wonderful moment. And, and, and working with someone, I love Katie Holmes. I love Toby Maguire. And, you know, and even Taylor Swift, who is a, um, a recording artist, a writer, uh she's, you know, and working with her in movement. It's like, it's so interesting because she's not, she's not a natural dancer. And, you know, she would tell you that, but, but what what's, so, and I've worked with her for so many years and I'm fascinated at, and I wouldn't change a thing because she is such a storyteller, such a storyteller. So when she moves at, when she approaches something, she's always like, well, why am I doing that?  It's and she really is such a great artist. I mean, such a good writer. And so it was really, I loved, loved every second of every album and tour I've ever, you know, and we've always done great work together. And so I, I, um, I love it. And Megan Mullally is, is completely different. And Megan is like, you know, she's like, okay. And I love people who are interested in how the dance gets made. She called me, I wanna, I want to know how you're gonna approach this. Let's talk about it. She's like, because the way I dance is not the way everybody else dances. And I was like, amazing, great. We're on a, we, we've got a, we've got a base that we can work with. So it's sort of, she's like, and, and, you know, each person comes with their own set of ideas that adds to the it's a real collaboration. And, you know, I mean, it's, and it's, I think it's all, it's also as well. It's all in the communication too. It's all in how you communicate, how people are going to move and why, and, you know, because it's a very haunting experience for some people to move, right?   Oh, they've got ideas about what choreographers are and what dances. And I don't know who is responsible for this, but somewhere along the line, dance and choreographers became terrifying for many actors. I don't know who was, who was responsible for that, but it's, that's the thing that happened for sure. I see one of my, one of my many roles in being a movement coach is like deconstructing what those beliefs about what is dance and what is a choreographer kind of breaking those down to be far more human. Yeah.   When someone walks into the room, whether they dance or don't dance, or, um, I usually, I usually take how they walk, how they talk, how they are in life. And then you go with that grain. And when you're approaching movement with someone, because you don't want it to be scary, you don't want it to feel like they're, they're having to like, like climb up at it and like not achieve it. And you want to empower people, you know? So you highlight how they walk, how they talk, how they behave, how they are in it, just in life and how they speak. You know, I, I always find that it's helpful that you find out who they are and how that works together with the movement, you know? And, and so that's always helped me tremendously.   Thank you for sharing that. I think we overlap in our, in a lot of ways there. Um, one of the things I love most is explaining, you know, you talk about the importance of communication, and I love the creative challenge of explaining dance in non dance language. Um, it's a creative, it's a way for me to actively be creating when I might not be creating phrases per se, but, uh, creating new pathways in the brain and new ways of understanding a thing. I might be explaining a step in a way that I have never thought of it before, because this person doesn't know the way that I've thought of it before all of the ways that a pas de bourres used to make sense to me, I'm now getting to question in order to help it make sense to somebody who's never heard about it. It's some of my favorite words. I love it.   And I'm sure you do it so well. I mean, yeah. I mean, I, I got to see you work up close in, In the Heights, which was amazing, you know? And so you're like a force and I got to dance right opposite you.   Oh, I, yeah. I didn't mention that is one of the only two numbers in the movie that I got to perform in and how much fun. Yeah. We have, uh, we have a moment you and I walking dead on towards camera. It is a very fleeting moment. It happens extremely quickly, but there we are. That's our, it's our, um, secret, secret duet where we have a lot of people around us. Um, okay. Well, I, I know that your time is valuable. I do want to do one more thing at a time valuable. That was a weird thing to say. I know your time is valuable, but I could talk to you for five hours. Um, I've noticed that five-hour podcasts only do well If you're Seth Rogan, I always say Seth, by the way, Joe Rogan, that will tell you what kind of podcaster I am. I'm the type of podcast or that doesn't know Joe Rogans name.   It's all perfect. There's nothing you can say, Dana.   That will not be perfect. Okay. Well, I'm so glad you said that because do you know how I want to close out right now? I'm grinning so hard. I'm about to cry.   No, no, I know. I know what you're going to do. What you're going to do. Okay. Go do it. It's like.  I saw Will Loftis last night and I told him that I was going to be with you today. Immediately. He was like, it's like the,  I just had a heart attack. Okay. Give me, give me a word. I'll start with your word. Um, cup.  It's like the cup without the water. It's like a mother without her daughter.   You so good. Its like a candle.  No, you have, have to start, right?  I have to start with the last part. I got you.   Start with a word that I finished with. Oh. And then make the, um, it's like, I don't know. It's like a cup without the straw. It's like a courtroom without the law.   It's like the law without the judge. Its like the steeple without the justice. You have to rhyme! Yes. I know. But you have to rhyme. The last one has to rhyme the second one. Oh man. Okay. So for everyone that is confused right now, this little rhyming game is the game that on the night we were shooting Paciencia y Fe shoot, which turned into a morning shoot because they were lighting the 190 first street, uh, tunnel. They were lighting it for probably six hours. So we were all in a holding area and Will freaking Loftis starts playing this rhyme game. And he is so very good at he's extremely good at this game. Um, and Tyce, you were newer to the game and I cry, I cried off my makeup, laughing at how willing you were to be playing this game that you were not any good at. And that spoke to me. And I think that that is a life lesson that we could all glean from. You can have so much fun and you can be the life of the party and still be new to something.   So hideous said that, and I'm like, why? Everybody's a rapper And like, oh my God,   Do you want to try one? Do you want to try one more?   Yeah. Okay. Always. I should practice for the rest of my life.  Here's how it goes. The first word. And the second word are related. They're related, but they don't rhyme. And then the third word is not related at all to the second word. It doesn't rhyme with it either, but it is related to the fourth word and the second and the fourth word must rhyme. Second and fourth must rhyme. Your first word is my fourth word. Whatever my fourth word was, we'll go super slow.   Yeah. Or how slow, like turtle slow.   I won't even keep a rhythm by the way. The rhythm is the fun part. The rhythm picks up. And then, and then your Will Loftis and you're actually a rapper. Oh, he's so good. He's got to come on the podcast. We'll do a full episode of, of just this game. Okay. Uh, blah, blah, blah. Okay. We'll go. Thematic. It's like the podcast without the host. It's like the breakfast without the toast. Yes, yes, yes. Okay. Now toast to you.  It's like the toast without the jam. It's like the it's like the, um, wait. It's like the, oh God. Yeah. You know? Oh, skillet without the spam.  Yes. You're frying the spam. I get it. So right. You did   Okay. Okay.   Okay. I'm kind of on your tip now. Okay. Yeah. So you had spam spam to me. It's like the spam without the salt. It's like the milkshake without the malt. Malt is a tough one. Malt is tough. I would have definitely, probably won that round malt malt.   It's like the malt. It's five o'clock apparently it's fine. Yay. It's five.   We made it to five. It's like a malt. It's like the   Malt without the,   You can use, you could, you might use ball like a multiple, like a melted milk,   Milk ball. Like the mall without the ball. It's like, uh, it's like the, the school without the hall. Okay. Now I got you. Dana,  You Got me. It's like the hall without the lockers. It's like the electric shock without the shockers. I don't know that didn't make sense. Does that makes sense at all? I would have lost that round. It's like the electric shock without the shockers, whatever. Tyce It's five o'clock it's time for us to park today, but not forever. I'm so excited to see you again. Soon. Let's go see In the Heights together. I would love to be like elbowing you in the ribs for, for an hour and a half. That's what I want. Um, so thank you again for being here. I just had a ball. I smiled the entire time. My cheeks hurt.  That was amazing and terrifying all at the same time.  Are you sweating? I always sweat. Sweating.  Sweating. So fun though. So fun.   Fun. Okay. Here's what we're going to do. We're going to set a schedule for us to meet and play that game. And then just without telling Will we'll be like, Hey, Will, do you want to have lunch? And then we'll meet we'll for lunch and we will crush him.   Okay. So now I've got a little, little seed of good things to come because you taught me now slowly. You also were playing and all were excellent. Oh,   That's true. You jumped into the deep with us. Yeah. Oh God phenomenal. All right. My friend have an amazing rest of your day. Thank you again for doing this. Bye. I hope you enjoyed that conversation with Tyce. And I really hope you take this rhyming game and become a master of it because it is genuinely so much fun hours, hours just flying by and makeup melting off from tears. So much fun. Don't piss off hair and makeup. You don't want to be that guy. Try to preserve your makeup as best as you can. Um, all right. Y'all, that's it for me. I'm going to get out into the world. I am going to encourage every single person whose path I cross to go see In the Heights in a theater. So Latin people receive only 4.5% of speaking roles in films like dialogue in movies, only 4.5% of it is spoken by a Latin person. Yet Latin make up 40% of the audiences that is so wildly out of balance. And as frustrating is that is to me right now in this moment, I've got this kind of like super, super sad satisfaction, knowing that studios listen to dollars. And so if people show up at the box office and the box office doesn't lie, studios will see that people want these stories. People want to see these people in leading roles and people will pay for representation. I think that is the ticket. If you can, if you're healthy, if you feel safe, go see In the Heights in a theater and bring as many people as you possibly can. That's me asking you straight up because the box office is where you, the audience member get to ask for what you want and you ask for it with your ticket admission. That's how you do it.  So please go out there, go see In the Heights. And of course go keep it exceptionally funky. And you know what else though? Keep it saucy because holy hell the sauce, the heat that comes from that film. Oh, yep. You're not ready. Or maybe you've already seen it. You are ready and you just want to keep filling the cup. Please go, go and go again. All right. That's it. That's it for me really. But I want to keep talking about it. I'm going to reserve for Choreo team episode coming so-so so soon. Thank you guys for listening. I hope you're great.  Thank you guys for listening. I'll talk to you soon.  Me again. Wondering if you ever noticed that one more time. Almost never means one more time. Well, here on the podcast, one more thing actually means two more things. Number one thing. If you're digging the pod, if these words are moving you, please don't forget to download, subscribe and leave a rating or review because your words move me too. Number two things, I make more than weekly podcasts. So please visit thedanawilson.com for links to free workshops. And so, so much more. All right, That's it now for real talk to you soon. Bye.