Getting a talent agent is one of the most misunderstood steps in a young dancer's career, and most families are going in blind.
John Corella sits down with Lisa Lindholm, vice president of Go 2 Talent Agency, for an honest conversation about what it actually takes to get a dance agent, what agents are really looking for, and how parents can support their kids without getting in the way.
Lisa breaks down the difference between competition dance vs commercial dance, and why the tricks that win trophies are not always what books jobs. She talks about how to get a dance agent from the ground up, including what makes a strong submission and why you should always verify an agent through the SAG-AFTRA or ATA websites before signing anything.
The conversation also gets real about the mental health side of the business. Lisa shares how she supports clients through burnout and career breaks, and why open communication with your agent is not a weakness. She also calls out the green flags agents bring to the table, what parents should look for when evaluating representation, and why you should never pay to sign with anyone.
For dance parents researching agent submissions and dancers looking for dance audition tips for kids, this episode of Dance Dad with John Corella is the resource you did not know you needed.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Meet Lisa Lindholm of Go 2 Talent Agency
06:21 What Agents Look for When Signing Young Dancers
08:17 Why Kids Need to Stay Kids in the Entertainment Industry
11:04 Lisa's Dance Background and Path to Los Angeles
19:02 Competition Dance vs Commercial Dance Explained
22:24 How to Get a Dance Agent as a Submission
26:31 What Makes a Strong Reel and Headshot for Kids
32:32 How Much Should Parents Be Involved in Their Child's Career
36:03 How to Handle Rejection in the Dance Industry
37:15 Green Flags When Evaluating a Dance Agent
43:20 Mental Health and Communicating Openly With Your Agent
46:31 The State of Dance Training in Los Angeles
51:47 What the Dance Industry Really Thought About Dance Moms
55:18 Social Media Presence and Whether Agents Actually Care
Connect with Lisa Lindholm:
Visit the Go 2 Talent Agency website
Connect with John Corella:
Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram
Follow John on Instagram
Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon
Visit John Corella’s website
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm